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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes - 09/03/14MINUTES REGULAR MEETING DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. Chairman Kiefer called a Regular meeting of the Planning Commission to order on September 3, 2014, at 6:40 pm, at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the Flag Salute, the secretary called roll. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Matias Flores, District 4 Jim Rodriguez, District 5 Hector Lujan, District 1, Vice Chairman Robert Kiefer, District 2, Chairman COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Louis Morales, District 3 OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development Yvette Abich- Garcia, City Attorney David Blumenthal, Senior Planner Jessica Flores, Associate Planner Kevin Nguyen, Assistant Planner Mary Cavanagh, Secretary PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS: None PRESENTATIONS: None REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Aldo E. Schindler reported that the City Council upheld the Planning Commission decision to deny the request by the Wet Bar to operate with live entertainment. The Council also adopted the self - certification of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Congestion Management Program (CMP). PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PLN- 14- 00020: (Sign) Continued from June 18 2014: Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for PLN -14- 00020, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Commissioner Flores recused himself from this item as he was not present at the June 18, 2014, meeting and exited the Council Chambers. Associate Planner Jessica Flores gave a brief summary of the concerns expressed by the Commissioners at the June 18, 2014 meeting, regarding the design of the Planned Sign Program for an existing multi- tenant commercial building located at 11400 -11438 Old River School Road. Ms. Flores gave a PowerPoint presentation showing the original designs and the revisions that were made by the applicant to address the Commissioners' concerns, such as: the quality of the proposed signs; the quantity of tenants proposed on a freestanding sign, including an excess of 45 sq. ft. to the sign; and the setback requirements for the monument sign. The redesign offered fewer tenant panels, a reduction of sign area on the freestanding sign from 125 sq. ft. to 96 sq. ft., and a 7 ft. setback from the property line for the monument sign, which meets the minimum required. The redesign also included new materials such as a stucco -type covering in lieu of standard paint, new colors and river rock at the base of the monument sign. Ms. Flores stated that staff is of Planning Commission Minutes September 3, 2014 the opinion that the redesign did not meet the Planning Commission's desire for a higher standard of a sign design; as such staff is recommended denial of the request for approval of the planned sign program for the following reasons: • It does not comply with all applicable provisions of the Zoning Code. • The proposed freestanding sign was not in proper proportion to the site. • The proposed materials, colors, and size for the freestanding sign and monument sign are not compatible with the architectural design of the structures on the subject property. Chairman Kiefer asked Ms. Flores what she believed to be the major problem is, to which she responded by saying that the proposed colors are burgundy and ivory, and the existing color are a burnt almond brick and almond /off- white. She continued by saying that the applicant is proposing the River Rock, which does not match the existing brick. Ms. Flores stated that she spoke to the applicant before the hearing, and he explained that there was a misunderstanding between him and his sign contractor, and that he was open to the suggestions made by the Commission, but he kept some of the original design because of the cost. Applicant /Owner Duane Alstrom, Tucson, AZ, stated that the burgundy color was not in his plan. He was going with the burnt almond color in a textured paint that gave the look of stucco. He gave his reasons for choosing the materials for each of the signs and commented that his designs were an improvement in comparing them to other signs in the area. His designs were based not only by the suggestions made by the Commissioner's, but also the cost factor to him and his tenants, as well as his own ideas of what would be appealing while meeting the advertising needs for the shopping center and his tenants. Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing. The Commissioners discussed further options in improving the design of the sign program within a timely manner to meet the Permit Streamlining Act deadlines. This included: Integrate "Old River Plaza" into the overall design of the sign. The freestanding and monument sign should match materials, colors, and design of the structures located on the subject site. Include a cap on the stone /brick veneer component of the monument sign. Chairman Kiefer reopened the public hearing and called on the Mr. Alstrom and his designer to come forward to discuss further options. Mr. Alstrom then agreed to redesign the sign program in a final attempt to meet the suggestions of the Commissioners; however, he would not be present for the next hearing on September 17, 2014. Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler advised Mr. Alstrom and the Commissioners, that the applicant can email his revision. Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing The Commissioners commended Mr. Alstrom on the many improvements he's made to the property, and thanked staff and the applicant for their hard work and were hopeful that the next design would meet everyone's needs and present a quality sign program to represent the property and the City well. It was moved by Commissioner Rodriguez, seconded by Vice Chairman Lujan, and passed by a 3 -1 -1 vote, with Commissioner Morales absent and Commissioner Flores abstaining, to continue the public hearing for; Planned Sign Program (PLN -14- 00020) to the next Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission on September 17, 2014. -2- Planning Commission Minutes Commissioner Flores re- entered the Council Chambers. September 3, 2014 2. PLN- 14- 00148: (Sign): Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for PLN -14- 00148, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Senior Planner David Blumenthal gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request for approval of the number, color, size, and location of signs on a multi- tenant building, located at 12315 -12321 Woodruff Ave. Mr. Blumenthal reviewed the subject site, which is located in the M -1 (Light Manufacturing) zone. The main building is a 4,000 sq. ft. structure, with four (4) tenant spaces, facing Woodruff Ave. The proposal is to allow four (4) aluminum frame can signs (25 sq. ft. each). The signs will be non - illuminated and painted black. Mr. Blumenthal stated that although we are steering away from can signs, it is appropriate for this location as it is a simple box style structure with no architecture in the manufacturing zone. As such, staff is recommending approval of the application for a Planned Sign Program. The Commissioners reviewed the colors and fonts of the proposed signs with Mr. Blumenthal. Applicant Berndt Wannenwetsch [sic], LA Signs, 11902 Woodruff Ave, Downey, stated that he had nothing to add. Commissioner Rodriguez asked Mr. Wannenwetsch if he was open to limiting the fonts used, to which he replied that he would not restrict the fonts as the signs will match the business cards of each tenant in order to identify them from the street. Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing. It was moved by Vice Chairman Lujan, seconded by Commissioner Flores, and passed by a 4 -0 -1 vote, with Commissioner Morales absent, to adopt resolution 14 -2980 thereby approving the request for a Planned Sign Program (PLN -14- 00148). 3. PLN -14- 00153: (Sign): Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for PLN -14- 000153, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication Assistant Planner Kevin Nguyen gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request to establish a planned sign program on a multi- tenant building, located at 9050 Telegraph Road. Mr. Nguyen reviewed the surrounding area and stated that the property is developed with a two -story, 7,400 sq. ft. office building. The applicant is proposing to use the existing raised stucco borders, which were designed and built directly above each tenant space, to house the new wall signs. The building fagade was recently remodeled, and therefore, has no wall signs, except for temporary banners. Mr. Nguyen reviewed the size, shape, color and materials used for the tenant signs. In addition, the applicant proposes to have the name of the building displayed on the second floor with the same colors as that tenant signs. Although it is allowed in the Sign Code, the applicant is not requesting a monument sign or freestanding sign. As such, staff believes that the findings can be made to support this request; therefore, staff is recommending approval of the request for a Planned Sign Program. The Commissioners discussed the Sign Code with staff as it pertained to this request, as well as the size, color and shapes of the letters on the signs. Applicant David Albaum, 5866 Fairview PI, Agoura Hills, stated that he read and agreed to the conditions of approval and had no comments Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing. The Commissioners called this a perfect example of a beautifully designed sign, building and property and commended the applicant and staff. -3- Planning Commission Minutes September 3, 2014 It was moved by Commissioner Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Flores, and passed by a 4 -0 -1 vote, with Commissioner Morales absent, to adopt Resolution No. 14 -2891, thereby approving the request for a Planned Sign Program (PLN -14- 00153). 4. PLN- 14- 00156:_(Special Event Permit): Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for PLN -14- 00156, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication Due to a conflict of interest, Commissioner Rodriguez recused himself from this item and left the Chambers. Assistant Planner Kevin Nguyen gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request by Our Lady of Perpetual Help School to operate their annual carnival for three consecutive days (October 17, 18, and 19, 2014) in the school parking lot on property located at 10441 Downey Ave, zoned R -3 (Multi - Family Residential). Carnival activities will include mechanical rides, jumpers, a beer garden, kiddie rides, food sales, live entertainment (speakers will be directed away from residential properties), and games, which will be placed 150' away from the residential area west of La Reina. The school provides 90 parking spaces on the school grounds as well as street parking on both La Reina and Downey Ave. The hours of operation will be as follows: • Friday, October 17, 2014, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. • Saturday, October 18, 2014, between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. • Sunday, October 19, 2014, between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Mr. Nguyen stated that the school will provide two security guards on -site, and trash pickup will occur every two hours. He concluded his report by recommending approval of the request for a Special Event Permit (PLN -14- 00156) subject to the conditions of approval. Applicant Steve Csombors, 12412 Woodridge, Whittier, CA stated he read and approved the conditions of approval and commented that things have been going smoothly and that their people do a good job picking up the trash during the event. Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing. The Commissioners stated that this is a great event that seems to run seamlessly and they are happy to see that the streets are kept clean during the event. It was moved by Vice Chairman Lujan, seconded by Commissioner Flores, and passed by a 3 -1 -1 vote, with Commissioner Rodriguez abstaining and Commissioner Morales absent, to adopt Resolution No. 14 -2892, thereby approving the request for a Special Event Permit (PLN -14- 00156). Commissioner Lujan re- entered the Council Chambers. NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 5. Approval of the Minutes from August 20, 2014 6. PLN -14- 00169: (Vacation): A summary vacation abandoning the alley easement overlaying the property at 10909 Lakewood Blvd, zoned C -P (Professional Office). Chairman Kiefer pulled Item number six of the Consent Calendar and continued it to the next Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission on September 17, 2014. -4- Planning Commission Minutes September 3, 2014 City Attorney Garcia explained that she is not able to be present for Item six, due to a conflict of interest and has arranged for legal representation for the next meeting during her absence. It was moved by Commissioner Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Flores and passed by a 4 -0 -1 vote, with Commissioner Morales absent, to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar. OTHER BUSINESS: Director Schindler advised the Commission of the upcoming Grand Openings in September for the Chick -Fil -A restaurant, and Dunkin Donuts. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, Chairman Kiefer adjourned the meeting at 8:15 pm, to Wednesday, September 17, 2014, at 6:30 pm at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of September, 2014. Robert Kiefer, Chairman City Planning Commission I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on the 17th day of September, 2014, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Kiefer, Lujan, Flores and Rodriguez ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Morales NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None Mary CavaFnagh, Secretary City Planning Commission -5-