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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 11-18-15PC MINUTES REGULAR MEETING DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2015 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. Chairman Lujan called the November 18, 2015, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6:36 p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the flag salute, Secretary Cavanagh called roll. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Patrick Owens, District 2 Louis Morales, District 3 Matias Flores, District 4, Vice Chairman Jim Rodriguez, District 5 Hector Lujan, District 1, Chairman None. OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development Yvette Abich Garcia, City Attorney William E. Davis, City Planner Edwin Norris, Deputy Director of Public Works David Blumenthal, Senior Planner Jessica Flores, Associate Planner Mary Cavanagh, Secretary PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE /MEETING REPORTS: Commissioner Morales reminded everyone that the Rotary Club is holding their annual golf tournament at the Rio Hondo Country Club on Friday. PRESENTATIONS: None. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: None. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler reported that that the City Council approved the installation of synthetic turf standards to be added to the City's Zoning Code as an additional alternative for drought tolerant landscaping. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PLN -15 -00213 (Planned Signed Program) and PLN -15 -00109 (Tentative Parcel Map): Chairman Lujan opened the public hearing for PLN -15 -0213 and PLN -15- 00109, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Senior Planner David Blumenthal gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request to approve the color, size and location for all signs for the "Downey Crossroads" project and a request to approve Planning Commission Minutes November 18, 2015 Tentative Parcel Map No. 73581 to allow the consolidation of three existing parcels into a single lot, on property located at 9515 Lakewood Blvd., and zoned C -2 (General Commercial). Senior Planner Blumenthal briefly reviewed the Planning Commission's approval of the development project on the subject site called the "Downey Crossroads" during the public hearing held in May 2015. Mr. Blumenthal discussed the multitenant building elevations and uses, along with the architectural designs of the buildings that were incorporated into the design of the signage as per the Planned Sign Program. The Planned Sign Program is to create a consistent appearance to all signs and ensure that they are aesthetically compatible with the building's architecture, and the Tentative Parcel Map ensures that the site will maintain single ownership. Commissioner Rodriguez asked when they will review the addresses and directional signs, to which Senior Planner Blumenthal explained that there will be address ranges on the freestanding signs; however the building addresses themselves are controlled by the City's Fire Code. Chairman Lujan called for disclosures: Vice - Chairman Flores disclosed that he had a brief discussion with Commissioner Rodriguez regarding signage and the addresses on the signs and buildings. Applicant, Mathew Rodman, Furst Enterprises, 8955 National Blvd., Los Angeles, stated that he worked tirelessly with Senior Planner Blumenthal on this project; specifically on the sign programs for both this location and the adjacent property. He described both sign programs as excellent designs that incorporate the architectural elements from the buildings onto the signs so that everything is coordinated. He explained that with Fire Department's approval, it is his intent to put the addresses on the transient windows above the front doors mounted inside, to make it look a little sharper and very high quality. The size would be according to the Fire Code. Commissioner Rodriguez asked if there would be any lighting on the numbers, to which Mr. Rodman clarified that they are lit up from inside the store. Mr. Rodman said that illumination from the signs faces the streets not the residential areas. The lighting is photocell controlled internally so that there is consistent lighting throughout the signage; everything comes on when the sun goes down. It's uniform, it's LED, it's high efficiency lighting, and it looks beautiful! There being no correspondence or public speakers regarding this application, Chairman Lujan called for staff's recommendation. Staff's recommendation is to adopt resolutions and to approve the request for a Planned Sign Program and Tentative Parcel Map No. 73581, subject to the conditions of approval. Chairman Lujan closed the public hearing. The Commissioners commented on this being a beautiful, well- designed sign program, and a well thought out project. The Commissioners expressed their appreciation to the Applicant and staff for an excellent job and said they are anxious to see the intersection come to life once the project reaches completion. -2- Planning Commission Minutes November 18, 2015 It was moved by Commissioner Rodriguez, seconded by Vice Chairman Flores, and passed by a 5 -0 vote, to adopt Resolutions 15 -2950 and 15 -2951, thereby approving the request for a Planned Sign Program and Tentative Parcel Map No. 73581 (PLN -15 -00213 and PLN -15- 00109). 2. PLN -15 -00214 (Planned Signed Programl: Chairman Lujan opened the public hearing for PLN -15 -0214, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Senior Planner David Blumenthal gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request for a Planned Sign Program to approve the color, size, and location of all signs on property located at 9516 Lakewood Boulevard, on property zoned C -2 (General Commercial) and P -B (Parking Buffer). Mr. Blumenthal reviewed the Planning Commission's approval of the new development project called the "The Commons at Gallatin Road ", in May, 2015. Mr. Blumenthal stated that this project demolished all the existing buildings on site and approved the construction of two new buildings to be located on the site. The first building is for a single tenant and the second is a three tenant building. The development also includes a drive -thru for one of the tenants and outdoor dining. Mr. Blumenthal described the design for this project as a mix of traditional and contemporary design elements that were incorporated into the Planned Sign Program by using as stone veneer, aluminum cabinets and metal cladding to ensure that they are aesthetically compatible with the buildings architecture. Mr. Blumenthal reviewed the location and sizes for the all signs, including tenant wall signs, freestanding, monument and directional signs. Commissioner Rodriguez asked about a stop sign that was to be posted upon exiting the drive -thru, to which Senior Planner Blumenthal stated that the condition for the stop sign was added during the approval of the Site Plan Review and is incorporated with the construction documents. It's on the project approval so it's being incorporated into the build out. Chairman Lujan called for disclosures; there being none, he called the applicant forward to give testimony. Applicant, Mathew Rodman, Furst Enterprises, 8955 National Blvd., Los Angeles. Mr. Rodman thanked staff and the Planning Commission for allowing the projects to be heard simultaneously. He stated that he worked harder on this project to make sure that the architectural design of the monument sign was perfect in terms of the stonework, and everything worked together, including the metal work, to make sure that everything tied in together with the shopping center. The directional signs match as well. Commissioner Rodriguez asked if the monument sign gives direction for north bound travel, to which Mr. Rodman agreed and will have Planning take a look at where it can be placed. There being no correspondence or public speakers regarding this application, Chairman Lujan called for staff's recommendation. Staff's recommendation is for the Planning Commission to adopt a resolution to approve the planned sign program, subject to conditions of approval. The Commissioners thanked the applicant for doing an excellent job in creating a beautifully designed sign program that is different from the Crossroads project at the opposite corner and expressed appreciation for adding the directional signs as requested. -3- Planning Commission Minutes November 18, 2015 It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Commissioner Owens, and passed by a 5- 0 vote, to adopt Resolution 15 -2952, thereby approving the request for a Planned Sign Program (PLN -15- 00214). 3. PLN -15 -00159 (Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit): Chairman Lujan opened the public hearing for PLN -15 -0159, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Aldo Cond 14 & MF_d_isussed seating and patio floor plan with JR? The meeting was stopped for technical difficulties at 7:10 p.m. and resumed immediately. Associate Planner Jessica Flores gave a PowerPoint presentation of the request to convert an existing office building which includes a 192 sq. ft. mezzanine, into a restaurant (Cielo Restaurant & Lounge), with an Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Type 47 (On -Sale General, Eating Place) license. The proposed conversion includes the addition of a new roof -top bar /lounge area, outdoor dining areas (both front and rear), live entertainment, with off -site parking and valet parking. The subject site is located at 11040 Downey Avenue and zoned DDSP (Downtown Downey Core District). The surrounding properties are developed in a commercial nature to the north, west, east and south, with the exception of one residential use to the southeast (the Downey View). The reuse of the office building will preserve the existing architecture as much as possible with minimal external improvements. Ms. Flores reviewed the exterior improvements, including colors and materials in great detail, such as; the proposed roof -top screening, bar /service open trellis patios that match the existing first floor front patio cover architecturally and the roof -top lounge area that includes clear glass - panels for safety and to allow patron visibility onto Downey Avenue. Ms. Flores reviewed the proposed floor plans for the first floor and second floor and patio area including visual facade improvements that include two new stairways to the roof -top lounge proposed at the east elevation of the building that match the existing building's colors. The proposal includes live entertainment, which includes a DJ, dancing and bands, on both the ground floor and the roof -top lounge. The roof -top level has a 10'x10' dance floor and live entertainment area designated closer to Downey Avenue to separate them the nearby residential use. In addition, for this reason, staff has also added conditions to address potential noise issues. Ms. Flores discussed the concerns presented during the Development Review Committee (DRC) and stated that the Building and Safety Department indicated a concern with egress and ADA requirements, which have been preliminary addressed and will be finalized through the plan check process; additionally, conditions of approval requiring the proposed use to adhere to current Building Code requirements, has been included to mitigate this concern. Commissioner Rodriguez asked why the proposal does not include an elevator for ADA access to the second floor. Director Schindler explained that ADA access is required for the primary use. In this case, the primary use is the restaurant which is located on the first floor. Because the second floor is the secondary use, it is not required to have ADA access. Ms. Flores continued reviewing the concerns presented by the DRC. The Police Department indicated concerns with security and noise, to which the applicant responded with a preliminary security plan; furthermore, conditions of approval have been included to mitigate noise concerns while also requiring the applicant to submit a final security plan to the Police Department. The Public Works Department discussed the various aspects of the off -site parking and valet parking, as well as circulation, to which the applicant responded with a circulation plan. In addition Public Works has included several conditions of approval to diminish any impacts the proposed project will have on the surrounding neighborhood. -4- Planning Commission Minutes November 18, 2015 Vice Chairman Flores disclosed that he discussed the seating and patio floor plans with Commissioner Rodriguez. Vice Chairman Flores asked Ms. Flores to clarify the seating and the building alignment for the (front) outdoor patio facing Downey Avenue; does it align exactly with adjacent restaurant? Associate Planner Flores explained that they could be off by a few inches in order to meet ADA requirements. Chairman Lujan called for disclosers: Commissioner Rodriguez disclosed that he had the above mentioned conversation with Vice Chairman Flores, and he met with the principal owner of the project, Mario Trejio on Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and reviewed very detailed renderings of the project. He also met with Ralph Verdugo (Applicant) from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the subject site and discussed the details of the design, live entertainment, sand blasting, etc. He stated that he also made a call to the City Manager of Whittier regarding a conditional use permit for the applicant regarding a similar use at that time. Commissioner Morales disclosed that he spoke to Mr. Verdugo on Tuesday and Mr. Trejio at a different function. Vice Chairman Flores disclosed that he received photos and also visited the site yesterday and peeked in the back of the site. Chairman Lujan disclosed that he received photos from Mr. Verdugo and received a call from Ricardo Perez in support of the project. Commissioners Morales and Owens stated that they also received calls from Ricardo Perez in support of the project. The Commissioners discussed the following items at length with Ms. Flores and staff: • The floor plans for the ground floor and roof -top, including proposed uses for both areas. • The existing and proposed landscaping and options to keep and maintain the existing trees. • The exterior materials proposed for the building and roof -top patio, including windows, doors, restrooms, meeting rooms, mechanical screening walls, outdoor dining areas and stairwells and railings. • Parking: number of spaces required, off street parking, tandem parking, valet parking and how it affected during rush hour and the number of attendants used, and proposed shared parking agreement with the Methodist church. • Live entertainment: designated on the first floor and roof top including dance floors, location of speaker, hours of operation, noise levels and possible affects to adjacent uses. • Primary function is restaurant on the first floor; secondary function on second floor is a lounge. Applicants Ralph Verdugo and Mark Trejio thanked staff for their help with this project, with special thanks to the efforts of Associate Planner Flores. Commissioner Rodriguez asked if the upstairs area will be a bar only or will food be served upstairs, to which Mr. Verdugo explained the food will be served on the first floor only, the roof -top -5- Planning Commission Minutes will be a lounge. November 18, 2015 Commissioner Morales asked what the concept is for the restaurant, to which Mr. Verdugo stated that it is a high end restaurant with delicious food. Commissioner Morales asked why the applicant is not using the neighboring church parking for valet parking, to which Mr. Verdugo explained that he had inquired but the First Baptist Church declined. Aaron Chavez, representing PCA Parking of America [sic] explained the procedures for valet parking and stated that they will have approximately five attendants. The turnaround time to get a vehicle is three to five minutes, depending on traffic. Vice Chairman asked if there will be adequate lighting on the street corner during closing, to which Mr. Verdugo explained that he walked the site with Commissioner Rodriguez and showed him the plan for LED lighting to light up the corner to illuminate the Valet. Aaron Chavez stated that the podium for the valet will match the design of the restaurant. Commissioner Rodriguez asked if there will be a charge for the valet and if it can be used for the downtown area, to which Mr. Chavez replied by saying yes. Commissioner Rodriguez expressed his concern with the sound levele going over the 65 decibels and asked what type of controls the applicant proposes to prevent noise issues. Mr. Verdugo explained that the roof -top lounge will have a lot of speakers that will be facing away from the residential use, there will be no base bottom and the music will be at a lower level to allow patrons to hold a conversation. Commissioner Rodriguez asked why he is requesting live entertainment seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Mr. Verdugo explained that he wants to have the option to avoid the need to request special event permits every time he has a special event with live entertainment, using examples of the annual Greek Festival and the International Food Festival. Commissioner Rodriguez commented on the design of the front patio railing and asked if pets would be allowed, to which Director Schindler stated that the we would default to the Health Department . Commissioner Rodriguez asked Mr. Verdugo if he would consider keeping the existing trees for one year and try to bring them back to life as a condition to the landscape requirements, rather than replacing them with new trees, to which Mr. Verdugo agreed. Chairman Lujan called for a ten minute break at 8:05 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:15 p.m. Staff explained aspects of valet parking in further detail and stated that there is no need to add further conditions, to which Commissioner Rodriguez agreed. Chairman Lujan called for correspondence; there being none, he invited those in the audience who wished to speak in favor of the application to come forward. Planning Commission Minutes November 18, 2015 Mario Guerra, 7702 Yankey Street, Downey, spoke in favor of the project. He stated that the Downtown Specific Plan was written for this type of project and called it and award winning plan. John Zander, 10608 Downey Avenue, spoke in favor of the project. He has been a Downey resident since 1966 and is very excited to have a very nice restaurant in conjunction with the theatre. Hector Beltran, 8444 Lexington Road, Downey, spoke in favor of the project. He stated that it's just what Downey needs to be flagship. Don Lamkin, 7056 Pellet Street., Downey, spoke in favor of the project. He stated that the renderings were beautiful. He had concerns, but Mr. Verdugo addressed every concern. He is hoping that this restaurant will fill the void for a good restaurant that was left when the Marmax and Sambi restaurants closed their doors, and feels that the City has not had a multitude of places in downtown as it does today and believes this restaurant will be the crown jewel of the downtown and will set an example for future development. He expressed his support of the project and the applicants. Chairman Lujan invited comments from those in the audience who wished to speak in opposition of the application; there being none, he closed the public hearing and called for staffs recommendation. Associate Planner Flores gave staffs recommendation to adopt resolutions of approval for a Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit PLN -15- 00159, subject to conditions of approval. Director Schindler read into the record to strike "recorded" from Condition No. 13.. Revision to Condition No. 37: Within 12 months of the approval of this application PLN -15- 00159, the Applicant shall restore the existing trees along the 2" Street frontage to healthy conditions; otherwise, said trees shall be removed and replaced with trees of the same species of a minimum size of 48 inch box. The Commissioners thanked staff for an excellent presentation and effort and the audience for their presence and participation. The Commissioners called it a great project and a proposed use that will make Downey more of a destination. They also liked valet for downtown opportunities and the encouragement of pedestrian activity. It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Vice Chairman Flores, and passed by a 5 -0 vote, to adopt Resolution 15 -2953, thereby approving the request for a Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit (PLN -15- 00159) with modifications to Condition No (s) 13 and 37 as stated. NON - AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 4. Approval of the Minutes from October 21, 2015 5. Approval of the Minutes from November 4, 2015 7- Planning Commission Minutes November 18, 2015 6. PLN -15 -00220 (ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT INITIATION) — A request to initiate an amendment to the Zoning Code regarding marijuana regulations It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Vice Chairman Flores, and passed by a 5 -0 vote, to approve the Consent Calendar. OTHER BUSINESS: None. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director Schindler stated that the Taco Bell building located on Firestone building was being relocated this evening to their main office in Irvine, CA. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to discuss, Chairman Lujan adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m., to Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of April, 2016. Ji Rodriguez, Vice 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 20th day of April, 2016, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Rodriguez, Lujan and Owens ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Flores and Morales ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None Mary Cav nagh, Secretary City Planning Commission