HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 09-07-16PC MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
6:30 P.M.
Chairman Flores called the September 7, 2016, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at
6:31 p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the flag salute, Secretary
Cavanagh called roll.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Patrick Owens, District 2
Louis Morales, District 3
Matias Flores, District 4, Chairman
Jim Rodriguez, District 5, Vice Chairman
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Hector Lujan, District 1
OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development
Yvette Abich Garcia, City Attorney
William E. Davis, City Planner
David Blumenthal, Principal Planner
Monica Esparza, Associate Planner
Kevin Nguyen, Assistant Planner
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND
CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: Commissioner Morales announced the opening of the Downey
High school Razorback football season.
PRESENTATIONS: None,
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: None.
REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL: Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler reported the City
Council approved an agreement with Civic Solutions to conduct a Biomedical Overlay Zone study and
reviewed the presentation on yard sales. The City Council provided staff with suggestions and directions
toward amending the city ordinance regarding yard sales.
Due to technical difficulties, Chairman Flores called for a short break at 6:35 p.m., the meeting was
reconvened at 6:37 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. PLN -16-00177 (Special Event Permit): Chairman Flores opened the public hearing for PLN -16-00177
and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Associate Planner Monica Esparza presented the request by Southern California Resource Service
(SCRS) for Independent Living, to hold the First Annual Disability Pride Parade and Festival on Sunday,
October 9, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The center of operations for the event is the property
located at 7850 Quill Drive and zoned R-1 5,000 (Single -Family Residential). Ms. Esparza reviewed the
subject site and its surroundings, the parade route, street closures, parking, and the Food and Vendor Fair.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 7, 2016
The Commissioners discussed the following with staff: the food truck/seating area, conditions of approval,
street closures and the notification to the affected residents.
Disclosures: Chairman Flores drove by the parade route but did not exit his vehicle. Commissioner
Morales stated that the date of the parade was mentioned at the monthly G.O.O.D. meeting, but there was
no discussion on the event. .
Applicant, Rudy Contreras, Executive Director of SCRS (7830 Quill Drive, Downey) addressed the
Commission. Mr. Contreras reviewed the registration process and clarified, the food service provided by
In -N -Out is an incentive for people to register. The first 300 to register receive the free meal vouchers.
The parade is for the disabled and all who support them. Participants are coming from San Diego,
Sacramento and other cities. The parade is intended to stay in Downey, as long as it is able to
accommodate a possible increase in capacity.
The Commissioners discussed the parade path, signage, barricades and location of crossing guards.
Correspondence: Staff attached the written correspondence received in support of the parade; there were
none against.
Speaking in favor:
Armando Herman expressed his support of the disabled and the parade.
Sean Ashton, 12302 Orizaba Ave., spoke in favor of the parade and expressed his support.
Ignacio Gonzales, 10512 Myrtle St., spoke in favor of the parade and expressed his support as a Downey
resident and employee of SCRS, and discussed the support of members within the community -City Council
and L.A. County of the event, as shown in the written correspondence.
Maria Johnson, 10500 Pico Vista Rd., spoke in favor of the event and commented on it being positive for
the City.
Hector Ochoa, Program Manager of Accessibility and Systematic Change for SCRS/County Commissioner
for Hilda Soliz for L.A. County Commission on Disabilities, discussed the organization and the lack of
visibility of the organization and hoped to raise awareness of the disabled.
The Commissioners affirmed their support of the event and commended the courage of the applicant in
reaching out to the residents and wished them continued success.
It was moved by Commissioner Lujan, seconded by Commissioner Morales, and passed by a 4-0 vote, to
adopt Resolution 16-2991, thereby approving the request for a Conditional Use Permit (PLN -16-00177).
2. PLN -16-00142 (Variance): Chairman Flores opened the public hearing for PLN -16-00142 and Ms.
Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Associate Planner Monica Esparza presented the request for a two -car, 400 -square foot garage to
encroach onto one-half (1/2) of the rear yard, which is required to be open. The subject property is 30 -feet
wide. It is located at 8243 Priscilla Street and zoned R-2 (Two -Family Residential).
The Commissioners reviewed the PowerPoint photos of the property, the alley width, gate to exit to the
alley way, site plan, setbacks, and parking requirements with staff.
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 7, 2016
Disclosures: Chairman Flores stated he visited said site one hour prior to todays' meeting to get a view
from the inside, but no one was home. Vice Chairman Rodriguez said he visited the site today, took
photos, and looked over the rear fence to get a vantage point.
Applicant, Jose Ibarra, (8243 Priscilla Street) agreed to the conditions of approval and stated his intent to
construct a garage due to a lack of parking in the area.
The Commissioners discussed the aesthetics of the site and purpose of the addition shown on the site
plan. They proposed widening the rear gate and modifying the conditions of approval.
Correspondence: None.
Speaking in favor:
An unidentified speaker spoke in favor of the application.
Staff recommended the Planning Commission adopt Resolution 16-2992, to approve the request for a
variance, subject to the conditions of approval.
Chairman Flores closed the public hearing.
The Commissioners discussed the lot size and need for parking, the Municipal Code as it pertains to
garages, and adding the following condition of approval:
Prior to Building Permit final, the Applicant shall repaint or replace the existing fence along the
rear property line.
Chairman Flores re -opened the public hearing.
Mr. Ibarra agreed to the condition to repaint or replace the fence.
Chairman Flores closed the public hearing.
It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Vice Chairman Rodriguez, and passed by a 4-0
vote, to adopt Resolution 16-2992 thereby approving the request for a Variance (PLN -16-00142) with
modified condition as stated.
3. PLN -16-00195 Conditional Use Permit): Chairman Flores opened the public hearing for PLN -16-
00195, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Principal Planner David Blumenthal presented the request to operate a personal fitness/training facility, and
hair salon (The Winning Image), on property located at 12912 Paramount Boulevard and zoned C-2
(General Commercial).
Applicant, Maria Johnson, gave a brief background of her business operations and ties to the community
through the current and previous locations over the last 30 years. She said she has outgrown the current
location and is pleased to be able to keep her business in Downey.
The Commissioners reviewed the various aspects of the business, as it pertains to the hair salon,
fitness/training facility and possible noise disturbance to surrounding neighbors.
Correspondence: Principal Planner Blumenthal reported that staff received one phone inquiry regarding the
relocation of the current business at the subject site; there were no correspondence regarding the
application.
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Planning Commission Minutes September 7, 2016
Speaking in favor:
An unidentified speaker spoke in favor of the application.
Sherry Graff spoke in favor of the applicant and the business.
Sylvia Gomez (7647 Second St., Downey) spoke in favor of the applicant and the business.
Marcella (Hacienda Heights, CA) spoke in favor of the applicant and the business.
Staff recommended the Planning Commission adopt Resolution 16-2993 to approve the request for a
conditional use permit, subject to the conditions of approval.
The Commissioners commented on the strong support expressed by the members of the audience. They
wished the applicant continued success and spoke in support of the application.
It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Vice Chairman Rodriguez, and passed by a 4-0 vote
to adopt Resolution 16-2993, thereby approving the Conditional Use Permit (PLN 16-00195).
4. PLN -16-00206 (Revision `A' to Conditional Use Permit PLN -14-00294): Chairman Flores opened
the public hearing for PLN -16-00206 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
City Planner Davis presented the request to amend Condition No. 7 of Resolution No. 16-2965 to allow
building permits to be issued before the City Council accepts Final Map No. 73738. Mr. Davis explained
the construction of the fast food restaurant at 9551 Firestone Blvd., and 11104 Pangborn Ave. have not
begun because a condition of approval for Tentative Parcel Map No. 73738 requires Planning Commission
and City Council approval of the Final Map prior to the issuance of building permits. In an effort to avoid
delaying the start of construction for months, the applicant is proposing to change the wording of Condition
No. 7 of the conditions of approval for Tentative Parcel Map No. 73738 as follows:
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4L4#4iP"eaP4----are4&&u,-d. Prior to the final approval of any building permits or before granting
occupancy of the restaurant building associated with PLN -14-00214, Final Parcel Map No. 73738
shall be approved by the City and recorded with the County of Los Angeles.
The Commissioners discussed the applicant's construction timeline.
Disclosures: None.
Applicant, Sedric Fong, representing Jack-in-the-Box Restaurant, explained the miscommunication that
caused the delay in construction and expressed the urgency to complete said construction to get the
employees back to work.
Speaking in favor:
An unidentified speaker spoke in favor of the application.
Staff recommended the Planning Commission adopt Resolution 16-2994, to approve the request for
Revision 'A' to PLN14-00214 (PLN -16-00206), subject to the conditions of approval.
Chairman Flores closed the public hearing.
The Commissioners spoke in support of the application.
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 7, 2016
It was moved by Vice Chairman Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Owens, and passed by a 4-0 vote,
to adopt Amended Resolution 16-2965, thereby approving (PLN -16-00206).
Chairman Flores called for a break at 8:37 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:43 p.m.
5. PLN -16-00149 (Variance): Chairman Flores opened the public hearing for PLN -16-00149 and Ms.
Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Assistant Planner Kevin Nguyen presented the request by Warehouse Shoe Sale (WSS) to deviate from
the Sign Code to install two additional supplemental signs on their building located at 8530 Firestone Blvd.
Downey Municipal Code Section 9618.04(a)(D) allows up to four supplemental signs for a business that
has building frontage of more than 150'. The subject business was previously approved with a primary wall
sign and three supplemental wall signs.
The Commissioners reviewed the current signage, illumination of signs, number of tenant spaces, options
for approving, and the potential impact of setting precedence for signage throughout the city.
Disclosures: Vice Chairman Rodriguez visited the site today and took pictures.
Applicant Sarah Withers, WSS, Director of Development (879 W. 190th St., Gardena, CA 90248) presented
the Commissioners with photos/sample boards to review and expressed her appreciation of their
suggestion of illuminating the signs, which have enhanced the site. She conveyed the hardship the lack of
signage will cause to the business due to the challenges they face: lack of visibility of the site and the
requirement of signage as per the business' partnership with various shoe companies.
Correspondence: None.
The Commissioners discussed the findings and options to modify current signage to allow the applicant to
maintain the required signs that would afford them to continue current business partnerships.
An unidentified speaker spoke in favor of the application.
Gus Navarro, San Pedro Sign, spoke in favor of the application and the importance of signage in order to
allow the business to continue operating.
Staff recommended the Commission adopt a resolution to deny the request for a variance.
The Commissioners discussed the findings with staff at length and options to create a new sign program to
allow the applicant to display the signs as required.
Chairman Flores reopened the public hearing.
The Commissioners discussed options to continue the public hearing to a date uncertain to allow staff the
necessary time to work with the applicant to create a new sign program.
Ms. Withers agreed that a new sign program may resolve their issues. She agreed to work with staff and
to continue the public hearing to a date uncertain.
Chairman Flores closed the public hearing.
It was moved by Chairman Flores, seconded by Vice Chairman Rodriguez, and passed by a 4-0 vote, to
continue PLN -16-00149 to a date uncertain.
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Planning Commission Minutes
September 7, 2016
NON -AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: The unidentified speaker commented on the upcoming election, 1St
Annual Disability Pride Parade and ADA concerns.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS:
6. PLN -16-00215 (Final Parcel Map) — A request for approval of Final Parcel Map No. 73581 to combine
three lots into a single parcel.
7. 2015 General Plan Annual Progress Report (PLN -16-00211)
8. Approval of the Minutes from March 16, 2016
It was moved by Chairman Flores and seconded by Vice Chairman Rodriguez, and passed by a 4-0 vote,
to approve the Consent Calendar.
OTHER BUSINESS: Vice Chairman Rodriguez requested an update on the proposed turn signal at
Downey Ave. and Imperial Hwy. Director Schindler advised the Commission that according to the Public
Works Department, the left turn signal is slated to occur before the close of 2017.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director Schindler stated there will be a stakeholders meeting for the
downtown parking study on September 15, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church on Downey
Ave. He gave an update on the three-way stop at the Promenade entrance at Lakewood Blvd. and Apollo
Way. The developers completed an analysis and determined the stop sign was a necessary solution.
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Flores adjourned the meeting at 10:18 p.m., to Wednesday, September 21,
2016, at 6:30 p.m. at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of December, 2016.
City Planning Commission
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the Planning
Commission held on the 7th day of December, 2016, by the following vote:
AYES:
COMMISSIONERS:
Flores, Rodriguez, Morales, Lujan and Owens
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
ABSTAIN:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
NOES:
COMMISSIONERS:
None -�
Mary Ca4anagh, Secretary
City Planning Commission