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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3. Draft PC Minutes - 11-02-16 DRAFT MINUTES REGULAR MEETING DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. Chairman Flores called the November 2, 2016, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6:35 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 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 observed asphalt was used in place of concrete for some curb work that was done at various intersections. Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler replied, he will follow up with the Public Works Department. Vice Chairman Rodriguez commented on the construction of the new Jack in the Box on Firestone Boulevard and reported traffic congestion heading east on Firestone Boulevard, crossing Old River School Road, due to what he considers to be a lack of a third lane. Director Schindler replied, staff will look into it. PRESENTATIONS: None. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: None. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Schindler reported the City Council approved the zone change for Pangborn Avenue, Newville Avenue and Firestone Boulevard, an area that is also the subject site for a new townhome development. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Chairman Flores opened the public hearing for Item No. PLN-16-00231, recused himself from hearing this item, due to his family members’ involvement in this event, and exited the Council Chambers. 1. PLN-16-00231 (Special Event Permit): Vice Chairman Rodriguez called for proof of publication, which secretary Cavanagh confirmed. Associate Planner Monica Esparza presented the request by the Downey Chamber of Commerce for a Special Event Permit to host the 65th Annual Christmas Parade, a 5K run and a food festival on Sunday, December 4, 2016. The event(s) begin at 7:00 a.m. with the set-up and registrations for the 5K run, the Planning Commission Minutes November 2, 2016 - 2 - Parade Step-off beginning at 1:00 p.m. with the opening of the food festival, ending at 6:00 p.m. with the parade clean-up. Associate Planner Esparza reviewed street closures, parking for patrons of the events and parking for residents who are affected by the street closures. The Commissioners discussed the procedures for the residents located in the parade/5k route relating to access to their homes, transportation options and parking, and street closures along Brookshire. Disclosures: None. Vice Chairman Rodriguez opened the public hearing. Applicant Michael Calvert, Executive Director of the Downey Chamber of Commerce, explained the 5k run is a new addition to the parade/event. Due to the newly added event (5K run) this year, there will be a “soft closure” on Brookshire to limit the traffic because of bands parking their buses. There are some who will leave items behind after they march off from staging, for this reason, the traffic is limited to allow a couple of cars at a time. Residents will be allowed access in and out. Public Comments: An unidentified speaker spoke in favor of the parade and expressed concerns regarding ADA compliance, police presence and security. Mr. Calvert advised the Commissioners of a contract with the Police Department who will provide security for all three events. They have approximately 40 volunteers, mostly from civic organizations to assist with the street closures and are also seeking private security to cover all areas. Staff’s recommendation is to adopt a resolution to approve the request for a special event permit. Vice Chairman Rodriguez closed the public hearing. The Commissioners spoke in favor of the event and commended the Chamber of Commerce in their creativity to combine the additional events with the annual Christmas Parade. It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Commissioner Lujan, and passed by a 4-1 vote with Chairman Flores abstaining, to approve the request for a Special Event Permit (PLN-16-00231). Chairman Flores re-entered the Council Chambers. 2. PLN-16-00242 (Revision ‘B’ to Planned Sign Program No. 08-100): Chairman Flores opened the public hearing for PLN-16-00242 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Assistant Planner Kevin Nguyen presented the request to approve the size, location and appearance of signs within a multi-tenant commercial center, on property located at 8500-8530 Firestone Boulevard and zoned C-2 (General Commercial). Mr. Nguyen reviewed the previous application approvals for the subject site, including a recent request by the applicant for a Variance, which was withdrawn. The applicant has returned with a request to revise the existing Planned Sign Program with new wall signs. Disclosures: None. Applicant Sarah Magana Withers, Director of Development for WSS, Shoe Style Selection, 13025 Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Ms. Withers thanked staff for their efforts and suggestions that will enhance not only this site but future sites. Correspondence: None. Planning Commission Minutes November 2, 2016 - 3 - Speaking in favor: An unidentified speaker spoke in favor of the application. Staff offered its recommendation to adopt a resolution to approve PLN-16-00242. Chairman Flores closed the public hearing. The Commissioners spoke in favor of the application and gave thanks to the staff and the applicant for their efforts in working together to make the sign program work. It was moved by Vice Chairman Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Owens and passed by a 5-0 vote, to adopt Resolution 16-3006, thereby approving (PLN-16-00242) Revision ‘B’ to Planned Sign Program No. 08-100. 3. PLN-16-00244 (Zone Text Amendment): Chairman Flores opened the public hearing for PLN-16- 00244 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Principal Planner David Blumenthal presented the request to amend Section 9420.22 of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code (DMC) regarding yard sales in the City of Downey. Mr. Blumenthal explained, the City Council discussed concerns regarding the number of yard sales occurring in the City and directed staff to research the topic, survey other cities, and return with suggestions and options. Staff surveyed ten cities and returned to the City Council with the following options: 1. Reduce yard sale hours of operation from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; 2. Reduce the allowable days per week, from Monday through Sunday, to Friday, Saturday and Sunday; 3. Limit yard sales to no more than two consecutive days, thus eliminating the allowance for yard sales to occur for three days consecutive days on extended national holidays; 4. Increase fee from $10 to $20; 5. Restrict the daily amount of permits to 105; 6. Add one Part-Time Code Enforcement Officer. The City Council gave staff direction to initiate the necessary actions to adopt all six options. However, the first four of these options require amendments to the Zoning Code, which requires the Planning Commission’s review. Staff recommends the Planning Commission make a recommendation to the City Council to approve the Zone Text Amendment. The Commissioners reviewed the following with staff: • penalties for those who exceed the allowed number of yard sales, or operate without a permit; • the decision to limit the number of yard sales; • option to increase fees and provide signs online; • the decision to restrict of two-day permits during a three-day holiday; • estate sales vs. yard sales. Disclosures: None Public Comments: An unidentified speaker spoke in favor of the Zone Text Amendment. Chairman Flores closed the public hearing. The Commissioners discussed their concerns regarding the option for a three-day yard sale permit that occurs during a holiday and agreed that it should be an option for the residents. The Commissioners agreed to the following modification: Planning Commission Minutes November 2, 2016 - 4 - (c) Sale Frequency. (1) Garage, yard, or moving sales may be conducted a maximum of two (2) times per calendar year per residence and shall only be conducted on Friday, Saturday or Sunday; however, they may not be conducted for more than two (2) consecutive days or three (3) days on extended national holidays. Inclement weather may extend the period of time equal to the days lost. It was moved by Vice Chairman Rodriguez, seconded by Chairman Flores and passed by a 5-0 vote, recommending the City Council approve the Zone Text Amendment (PLN-16-00244), with the modification to DMC Section 9420.22 (c)(1). PUBLIC COMMENTS: An unidentified speaker discussed campaign finance issues. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 4. Minutes from July 6, 2016 It was moved by Chairman Flores, seconded by Commissioner Morales and passed by a 5-0 vote to approve the Consent Calendar. OTHER BUSINESS: None. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director of Community Development Schindler advised the Commissioners that the Development Permit Audit was recently completed and the finding of this audit will be presented to the Planning Commission in December or January. There is also an Economic Development Study/Strategy of Imperial Highway, which will be presented to the Planning Commission in January. Commissioner Morales commented on his attendance at the workshop presented by Jack Wong on the Imperial Highway Strategic Plan. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to discuss, Chairman Flores adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m., to Wednesday, November 16th, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 15th day of March, 2017. Jim Rodriguez, 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 15th day of March, 2017, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Mary Cavanagh, Secretary City Planning Commission