HomeMy WebLinkAbout5. Draft PC Minutes 10-3-18DRAFT MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2018
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
6:30 P.M.
Chair Owens called the October 3, 2018, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at
6:30 p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the flag salute, Chair
Owens welcomed Special Counsel for the City Alisha Patterson. Secretary Cavanagh called roll.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Matias Flores, District 4
Miguel Duarte, District 1
Nolveris Frometa, District 5
Steven Dominguez, District 3, Vice Chair
Patrick Owens, District 2, Chair
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None.
OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development
Alisha Patterson, Special Counsel for the City
David Blumenthal, City Planner
Guillermo Arreola, Principal Planner
Monica Esparza, Senior Planner
Alfonso Hernandez, Associate Planner
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: Vice Chair Dominguez requested an educational
session of topics in advance of Planning Commission Meetings. Director of Community Development
Schindler stated that the cell tower topic is timely, and a subject matter expert can be brought in for a
meeting before the end of the calendar year to discuss updates in terms of where the FCC is on cell
tower laws, what direction the State might be moving in and how it impacts localities.
PRESENTATIONS: None.
REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL: None.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: None.
1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: PLN-18-00150 (Special Event Permit): Chair Owens opened the public
hearing for PLN-18-00150 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Senior Planner Monica Esparza presented the request for a Special Event Permit for Our Lady of
Perpetual Help (OLPH) Catholic School’s annual fall carnival, located at 10441 Downey Avenue and
zoned R-3 (Multi-Family Residential). The event will take place on the following days and hours of
operation:
• Friday, October 2, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Saturday October 13, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Sunday October 14, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
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Minutes October 3, 2018
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The application is the same as in previous years; it will be held on the school grounds with parking
located to the north and south of the school, and the OLPH and Saint Marks’ Church parking lots. The
festivities include rides, sales of food and alcohol, and live entertainment, and cleanup of the event will
take place on the following Monday. This application was reviewed by the Development Review
Committee, recommending the same conditions as last year, that include two (2) Downey Police
Offices for each day of the event, security guards, cleanup of trash from perimeter and the surrounding
neighborhood, and have crossing guards to direct foot traffic.
The Commissioners asked how many events are held annually and if there was any police
involvement. Staff advised the Commission the applicant is present to address their questions.
Disclosures: None.
Applicant Edward Wormald stated he has been the Chairperson for this event over the last three to
four years. They have made improvements based on the Commissioners’ recommendations and last
year’s event went very well without incidents. This is the one event the school holds each year that
requires a permit; although, they do have smaller events throughout the year that do not require a
permit.
Correspondence: None.
Public Comment: None.
Staff recommended approval of the request for a Special Event Permit (PLN-18-00150).
Chair Owens closed the public hearing.
The Commissioners spoke in favor of the event.
It was moved by Commissioner Flores, seconded by Vice Chair Dominguez, and passed by a 5-0
vote, to adopt Resolution 18-3068, to approve the request for Special Event Permit (PLN-18-00150).
2. PLN-18-00126 (Special Event Permit): Chair Owens opened the public hearing for PLN-18-00126
and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Associate Planner Alfonso Hernandez presented the request for a Special Event Permit for Desert
Reign Assembly of God Church, to conduct their 9th annual “Harvest Festival” at 11610 Lakewood
Boulevard. The application is identical to previous years’ applications. The event will be held on
Wednesday, October 31, 2018, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be Inflatable rides, train ride,
game booths, live entertainment and food sales, with an estimated attendance of 500 people. The
application was reviewed by the Development Review Committee with no expressed concerns.
Disclosures: None
The Applicant was not in attendance.
Staff recommended approval of the request for a Special Event Permit (PLN-18-00126).
Commissioner Flores and Vice Chair Dominquez stated the applicant should be present for the
hearing. City Planner Blumenthal advised the Commission that there is time to continue this item to
the next public hearing if they so choose.
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Minutes October 3, 2018
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It was moved by Vice Chair Dominguez, seconded by Commissioner Flores, and passed by a 5-0
vote, to continue PLN-18-00126 (Special Event Permit) to the October 17, 2018 meeting.
3. PLN-18-00128 (Conditional Use Permit): Chair Owens opened the public hearing for PLN-18-
00128 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Commissioner Frometa recused himself
from this hearing due to conflict of interest.
Principal Planner Guillermo Arreola presented the request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow the
operation of a Martial Art Studio (Academy Worldwide LLC), on property located at 11012 Downey
Avenue and zoned DDSP (Downtown Downey Specific Plan). The tenant space is 1,300 square feet,
of which 510 square feet will be dedicated to the training area; the site includes a sitting area,
employee area and a unisex bathroom. There will be (5) five classes per day, made up of 20 students
per class. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and
Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Development Review Committee reviewed the
application and expressed no concerns, recommending standard conditions of approval.
The Commissioners discussed the following with the applicants and staff: 1) the hours of operations
and the classes offered; 2) limitations on weekend hours and 3) parking.
Disclosures: Commissioner Flores disclosed he visited the facility and spoke to someone there.
Applicants: Eduardo Lamente and Mark Shelton stated their reasons for opening the business is to
create a community driven project based on instructing children and adults the art of Brazilian Jiu
Jitsu, which is a form of martial arts that does not include striking.
The Commissioners questioned the proposed weekend hours of operation and suggested the
applicant(s) extend the hours to closing at 6:00 p.m. Director of Community Development Schindler
explained that if they are considering modifying the hours in the future, it would be beneficial for them
to do so at this time to avoid another public hearing with the associated fees.
The Commissioners inquired as to: 1) the instructors’ certifications; 2) the focus of the business for
children; 3) are the children taught aggressive types of mixed martial arts; and 4) adding to the parking
issues in the downtown area.
The applicants explained, the instructors are required to be certified every year by the International Jiu
Jitsu Organization; going forward they will implement a live scan to keep the children safe. Classes
are offered to both children and adults and currently maintain a 50/50 ratio. They explained Jiu Jitsu is
not an aggressive martial art; it does not involve striking, and will help teach the kids discipline. They
did not find parking to be an issue as most gyms they have visited had less.
Correspondence: None.
Public Comments: None
Staff recommended approval of the request for Conditional Use Permit (PLN-18-00128).
Chair Owens closed the public hearing.
Vice Chair Dominguez expressed concern with martial arts in general; he is happy they’re going to be
a family focused center and will not offer mixed martial arts training. Commissioner Flores spoke of his
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experience studying Jiu Jitsu and is confident that the applicants are not looking to open a mixed
martial arts facility; he is in favor of modifying the weekend hours of operation and opined parking
should not be an issue based on the size of the classes. Commissioner Duarte commented that the
project brings diversity to the downtown area. Chair Owens said it makes sense and supports the
project for downtown.
Chair Owens reopened the public hearing to allow the applicant to respond to the Commissioners
concerns and suggestions.
Mr. Shelton stated that they have no plans to do any type of training of amateur fighters. They want to
keep the facility open and welcoming to families, and requested approval to modify the weekend hours
of operation from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to closing at 6:00 p.m.
Chair Owens closed the public hearing and called for a (5) minute recess at 7:27 p.m. to allow the
applicant the opportunity to discuss the proposed modification to their application with staff. The
meeting was reconvened at 7:35 p.m.
City Planner Blumenthal modified the following conditions of approval as discussed with the
applicants:
6) The hours of operation shall be limited to the following:
• Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 6:00 p.m.
13) There shall be no training of amateur or professional fight teams or for sanctioned events.
14) There shall be no training of multiple martial art disciplines within the same class.
It was moved by Vice Chair Dominguez, seconded by Chair Owens and passed by a 4-0-1 vote, with
Commissioner Frometa abstaining, to adopt Resolution 18-3069, thereby approving the request for
Conditional Use Permit (PLN-18-00128).
Commissioner Frometa re-entered the Council Chambers.
4. PLN-17-00160 (Site Plan Review, Conditional Use Permit and Tentative Parcel Map No.
81331): Chair Owens opened the public hearing for PLN-17-00160 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed
proof of publication.
Principal Planner Guillermo Arreola presented the request for a Site Plan Review, Conditional Use
Permit and Tentative Parcel Map, to allow the remodel of an existing gas station, with a repair shop
and convenience store currently operating with an existing ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) Type 20
(Off-Sale Beer & Wine Package Store) license, on property located at 11856 Old River School Road,
and zoned C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial). The proposal includes demolishing the existing repair
facility, canopies, and façade improvements to the convenience store. The remodel will be improved
with one (1) canopy, three (3) islands and five (5) gas pumps. The convenience store was constructed
in 1948, prior to the requirement of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP); remodeling the site triggers the
requirement of a CUP, which will bring the store into conformance. The site will include nine (9)
parking spaces, with landscape improvements. The applicant proposes to continue operating 24
hours a day, seven days a week, with alcohol sales taking place between 6:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. The
site currently exits on (2) parcels, as such, the applicant is requesting a Tentative Parcel Map to
combine the (2) two parcels into one.
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The Commissioners discussed: 1) Zoning Code Standards; 2) reason why the store is not being
demolished; 3) the number of pumps; 4) flow of vehicles on the lot; 5) noise to residence; and 6) fuel
tank locations.
Disclosures: None.
Applicant Fred Cohen, CJC Design Inc., thanked Principal Planner Arreola for his work on the project
and stated the project meets all the standard requirements.
Chair Owens asked about the condition of the tanks. Mr. Cohen said the tanks are in good condition
and will stay as is, but the piping will be upgraded.
Correspondence: None.
Public Comments: None.
Staff gave recommendation to adopt a resolution to approve the request for a Site Plan Review, a
Conditional Use Permit and a Tentative Parcel Map No. 81331 (PLN-17-00160).
The Commissioners spoke in favor of the project.
It was moved by Commissioner Flores, seconded by Commissioner Frometa and passed by 5-0 vote,
to adopt Resolution 18-3070, thereby approving the request for Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan
Review and a Tentative Parcel Map No. 81331 (PLN-17-00160).
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS:
5. Approval of the Minutes from December 20, 2017
It was moved by Commissioner Dominguez, seconded by Commissioner Duarte, and passed by a 4-0-
1 vote, with Commissioner Frometa abstaining.
OTHER BUSINESS: None.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director Schindler informed the Commission of an extra community
meeting for the Residential Development Standards Study on October 25, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. at the
Columbia Memorial Space Center. Director Schindler also informed the Commission that there will be
a project reveal of Measure S Projects at the next City Council Meeting on October 9, 2018. Vice Chair
Dominguez requested a consideration of placing banners to let people know about the meetings or
some other type of advertisement for people that are not comfortable using technology. Director
Schindler informed the Commissioners that the placing of banners would require City Council
approval.
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ADJOURNMENT: Chair Owens adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m., to Wednesday, October 17,
2018, at 6:30 p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of February, 2019.
___________________________
Steven Dominguez, Chair
City Planning Commission
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the
Planning Commission held on this 6th day of February, 2019., by the following vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
________________________
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
City Planning Commission