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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 03-02-16 PC MINUTES REGULAR MEETING DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 02, 2016 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. Chairman Flores called the March 2, 2016, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6:34 p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the flag salute, Secretary Cavanagh called roll. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Hector Lujan, District 1 Patrick Owens, District 2 Louis Morales, District 3 Matias Flores, District 4, Chairman Jim Rodríguez, District 5, Vice Chairman COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None. OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development Yvette Abich Garcia, City Attorney William Davis, City Planner David Blumenthal, Principal Planner Mary Cavanagh, Secretary PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: Commissioner Rodríguez asked for a status update on the left turn signal for Downey Avenue and Imperial Highway, and about a commercial building located at 12121 Paramount Boulevard that had been abandoned due to fire damage. Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler replied that he will follow up with the Public Works Department regarding the traffic signal. He explained that the original property owners of 12121 Paramount Blvd. were under insured for fire damage and the property has changed ownership. Staff has been working hand in hand with current owners who are now in plan check. Construction is set to begin late June 2016. Chairman Flores stated that he has received complaints of cars being broken into from the neighboring community since construction began for the new developments at Lakewood Boulevard. and Gallatin Road. Director Schindler replied that he will contact the Chief of Police for data. Commissioner Lujan stated that the City hosted the AYSO this past weekend and commented that 124 teens visited the new Promenade and local restaurant and were very impressed with Downey. Commissioner Lujan stated that he also visited Sussman Middle School and received complaints regarding tree roots coming up and tearing up sidewalks on Lakewood Blvd., and asked for staff to look into this matter. Commissioner Owens stated that he also serves on the Public Works Committee and responded to the issues presented. Commissioner Owens, in his capacity of Public Works Commission, explained that the wrong trees were planted near the school and will be removed, and new trees will be planted. The left turn signals at the intersection of Downey Avenue and Imperial Highway heading east or westbound are part of a competitive bid that will include nine intersections on Imperial Hwy. in Downey. Commissioner Morales invited everyone to the 30th anniversary G.O.O.D. luncheon on Wednesday March 9th, and later that evening for kid’s ages 5 to 14 years of age, the kick off for Razorbacks for 2016, will take place at the country club as well. Planning Commission Minutes March 02, 2016 - 2 - PRESENTATIONS: None CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: None REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler reported that at their last meeting, the City Council opened comments for the beginning of our CDBG Block Grant and Home Federal programs to solicit comments from the public on what programs they would like to see. Staff is hosting a series of community meetings, (they’ve hosted two already) and that information is presented through social media. The second item was a recommendation by the Planning Commission for the Zone Code Amendment in the M (Manufacturing) zones; City Council supported Planning Commission’s recommendation. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PLN-15-00233 (TTM No 73941, Site Plan Review and Variance): Chairman Flores opened the public hearing for PLN-15-00233, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Principal Planner David Blumenthal gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request by Habitat for Humanity, to subdivide a 0.43 acre (18,584 sq. ft.) site to construct six, affordable, residential units, on property located at 9303 Elm Vista Drive and zoned R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential). The applicant has applied for three entitlements: (1) a tentative tract map application to allow the subdivision of the site to accommodate six (6) condominiums as an affordable housing development; (2) a site plan review application to review the proposed development, and (3) a variance application to reduce the garage back-up space from the required 30 feet to 25 feet and to also waive the minimum 200 square feet of common open space required per dwelling unit in the R-3 zoning. Mr. Blumenthal reviewed the subject site as it currently exists, improved with three, one-story residential dwelling units built in the mid-1950s. The subject site is surrounded by multi- family residential uses, except for the adjacent property that abuts a portion of rear, which is currently improved with the Downey Public Works Water Yard. Principal Planner Blumenthal explained that Habitat for Humanity operates with volunteer construction and volunteer hours by the owners, who consist of very low-to-moderate-income families. Mr. Blumenthal reviewed the site plan and design of the homes, consisting of six townhome-style condominium units resembling Ranch Style architecture. The dwelling units will be two stories high with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an attached two-car garage, ranging in size from 1,258 sq. ft. to 1,302 sq. ft. The floor plan also includes a family room, and a private “rear yard” that ranges from 290 sq. ft. to 695 sq. ft., and a 93 sq. ft. covered patio. The site will be accessed via a single driveway and the primary parking for each unit is within an enclosed two-car garage, with three guest spaces and two trash enclosures to accommodate waste from the site. The request for the variance is to deviate from the required 30 foot back-up area from the garage, to the proposed 25 feet distance. Mr. Blumenthal reviewed the surrounding properties on Elm Vista Drive with variances that were for the number of units, open space requirements, fence height and variable height requirements. During the meeting of the Development Review Committee, the Fire Department expressed concerns regarding Fire Department access, trash container locations, not meeting front and rear yard setbacks, and insufficient guest parking spaces. In order to address these concerns, the applicant reduced the number of units from seven to six. This reduction gave the applicant additional space on the lot to address all of the concerns. The Commissioners reviewed the following with staff: Setbacks, open space, common space, guest parking, Fire Department access and Fire Code regulations regarding fire sprinklers. Chairman Flores called for disclosures. Planning Commission Minutes March 02, 2016 - 3 - Vice Chairman Rodriguez stated that he walked and drove around the site and the neighborhood to see if there were any properties in the area with the same 25 feet setback as proposed for this project and reported his findings. He said that he also met with Fire Chief Gillaspie to discuss the fire turnaround and explained the procedures used in the event of a fire for smaller developments such as this one. He said that the main concerns for the turnaround are for emergency vehicle access, and fire sprinklers are a critical aspect of the project. Applicant, Robert Dwelle, Habitat for Humanity, Bellflower, CA, stated that this is the third and largest project for Habitat in Downey. The other two were just single-family homes. He explained the home building process requires the owners to put in 500 hours labor into the construction of the home. The volunteers are very heavily managed and their work is according to the skill level and a great deal of skill is needed when using stucco, which is the reason that most houses have siding. The volunteers can help with painting and framing, and the highly skilled volunteers work together with the contractors to take care of electrical and plumbing etc. This keeps the cost down. Most important is that families are vested in building the house and the public as well. After the public hearing approval of the project, the selection process will take place. The applicants must meet income requirements, have good credit to qualify for a mortgage, and put in their sweat equity hours. Habitat also considers the applicant’s current living situation; those in the greatest need will be considered. The Commissioners discussed the amount of time it will take the homeowners to pay off the mortgages, the project being reduced from seven homes down to six, the garages, and guest parking, with Mr. Dwelle. Chairman Flores asked if staff received any correspondence, to which Principal Planner Blumenthal replied by saying, no. Chairman Flores invited members of the audience who wished to speak in favor or against the application to come forward. There being no comments, Chairman Flores called for staff’s recommendation. Principal Planner Blumenthal gave staff’s recommendation to approve the request for a site plan review, a variance and tentative tract map, subject to the conditions of approval contained in this report. Chairman Flores closed the public hearing Vice Chairman Rodriguez thanked staff for a great presentation and said that he is glad to see Habitat here in Downey. He thanked the applicant for working with staff to reduce the number of units to make for a better environment. He discussed the two variances and said that the 25 foot backup works and the loss of common area has been addressed. He made a request for a façade improvement to the exterior design over garage, and proposed a change to condition #17: add a line to prevent abuse the of the 72 hour guest parking. He said the lighting plan was terrific and would like to have lights added to the trash and turnaround areas between Units 4 and 5. Commissioner Lujan said that he had the opportunity to participate in Habit projects in other cities as a volunteer and was very pleased to have contractors there to guide them. He is happy that six families will have homes and added that this is a great project and a definite improvement to the site. Planning Commission Minutes March 02, 2016 - 4 - Commissioner Morales stated that he worked with Habitat in the past and they did great work; since that time they have evolved and do a tremendous job in building houses for those who normally couldn’t afford a home. He addressed the request for variances and said that the 25 foot back up from the garage is common; and he believes that private space is better than open space because it allows the homeowners to use the space at their leisure. Overall he found it to be a good project, had no problem with the plans, or with Vice Chairman Rodriguez’ request for design upgrades. Commissioner Owens stated that he worked on four Habitat projects as a skilled trade electrician and believes that it is still the only photovoltaic facility in the San Pedro area, and was proud to provide the manpower. He called it a great project and wished there were more throughout the city. He personally witnessed the sweat equity of the owners and went back to see those properties and found that they have been kept up with pride and no degradation. He commented on Habitat for Humanity being a great organization worldwide, and this being a great project. He said that he agreed with Vice Chairman Rodriguez’ design upgrades and was pleased with the conditions of approval that prevent the garages from being used for storage rather than parking. He thanked staff for their efforts and Mr. Dwelle for bringing the project to Downey. Chairman Flores said that he loved the project, the concept behind the project, the creativity and the way staff and the applicant work ed together. He doesn’t like to impose aesthetics; however, he would like to see the improvements suggested by Vice Chairman Rodriguez and leaves it up to the applicant. He agreed with the suggested changes to Condition No. 17; however, he did not agree with revising Condition No. 18. The Commissioners discussed the revisions to the conditions with staff and concluded that the revisions should be made to the conditions of approval as follows: Condition No. 18 b: Require all guest parking spaces to be duly marked and not assigned or utilized by residents. 8. Lights shall be added to the sides of units 4 and 5 to illuminate the fire turnaround and trash area. All exterior lights shall be un-switched and photo-sensor controlled. Lights shall be on from dusk until dawn. Porch lights for the individual units shall be excluded from this condition. It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Commissioner Lujan, and passed by a 5-0 vote; to adopt Resolution 16-2960, thereby approving the request for Tentative Tract Map No. 73941, Site Plan Review and Variance (PLN-15-00233) with modified conditions as stated. Chairman Flores called for a five minute recess at 7:45 p.m. He called the meeting to order at 7:51 p.m. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: Andrea Hartwick, 11911 Woodruff Ave, Downey spoke about problems she and her family are having as a result of a new business that abuts their place of business. She presented the Planning Commissioners with pictures to better understand her grievances with her commercial neighbor. Peter Hartwick, advised the Commissioners of the challenges and he and his family face are due to the new commercial business that abuts their business. Planning Commission Minutes March 02, 2016 - 5 - Emily, private citizen of Huntington Beach, expressed her concern for the challenges that the Hartwicks have been facing. Robert Maniaci, distributed pictures to the Planning Commissioner and spoke on behalf of his commercial tenants, the Hartwicks and the problems they have been having at their place of business as a result of their new commercial neighbor. He presented Secretary Cavanagh with copies of the conditional use permit approving the use for the neighboring business and asked that it be put on the Agenda, to which City Attorney Yvette Garcia advised Mr. Maniaci that it can only be put on the Agenda if there is a modification to the conditional use permit. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 2. Minutes from February 3, 2016 It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Chairman Flores, and passed by a 5-0 vote, to approve the Consent Calendar. OTHER BUSINESS: None. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director Schindler reported that the Mayor has requested an economic development study of the Imperial Highway Corridor. Staff sent out a Request for Proposal (RFP) to outside consultants on February 22, 2016 that is due back on March 31, 2016. The report should be completed by end of summer and the Planning Commission will receive notice at that time. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to discuss, Chairman Flores adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m., to Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of July, 2016. Originally signed by Matias Flores Matias Flores, 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 6th day of July, 2016, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Flores, Rodriguez, Lujan and Owens ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Morales ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None Originally signed by Mary Cavanagh Mary Cavanagh, Secretary City Planning Commission