HomeMy WebLinkAbout3. Draft PC Minutes 06-19-19DRAFT MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2019
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
6:30 P.M.
Chair Dominguez called the June 19, 2019, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at
6:32 p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the Pledge of
Allegiance, Secretary Cavanagh called roll.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Steven Dominguez, District 3, Chair
Dimitrios Spathopoulos, District 4
Nolveris Frometa, District 5
Miguel Duarte, District 1, Vice Chair
Patrick Owens, District 2
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development
Yvette Abich Garcia, City Attorney
Crystal Landavazo, City Planner
Guillermo Arreola, Principal Planner
Alfonso Hernandez, Senior Planner
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS;
AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: None.
PRESENTATIONS: None.
REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL: None.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. PLN-19-00049 (Minor Conditional Use Permit): Chair Dominguez opened the public hearing for
PLN-19-00049 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler informed the Commission, due to the receipt of
new information, that the hearing for PLN-19-00049 will be continued to a date uncertain in order to
allow staff time to review the information with the applicant.
It was moved by Chair Dominguez, seconded by Vice Chair Duarte, and was passed by a 5-0 vote, to
continue PLN-19-00049 to a date uncertain.
2. PLN-18-00102 (Site Plan Review and Zone Change): Chair Dominguez opened the public
hearing for PLN-18-00102 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
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City Planner Crystal Landavazo presented the request for a Site Plan Review to construct a twelve
unit multifamily development, and a Zone Change to remove antiquated zoning on property located at
7224 Florence Avenue, zoned R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential) & P-B (Parking Buffer). A Zone
Change is required to remove the antiquated P-B (Parking Buffer) zone from the rear 46 feet of the
property and convert the entire lot to R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential). The proposal includes
demolition of the six existing dwelling units and construction of (6) six buildings for a total of 12 rental
units that are 1701 square feet each. The new buildings will be three-stories tall; each building will
have (2) two garages, and balconies. The floor plans consist of entry level garage and storage on the
first floor, living spaces on the second floor and bedrooms on the third floor. This application was
presented to the Development Review Committee (DRC) at which time the Fire Department required a
fire hydrant on site and an area for a truck to turn around at the rear of the property. All other
departments recommended standard conditions of approval.
Disclosures: None.
Applicants: Pavan Maddi, owner and developer, and architect Ramon Galvez Arango stated they
worked hand in hand with Staff to give the site a craftsman look.
Commissioner Frometa asked if the site was gated. Mr. Arango stated the site is not gated.
Correspondence: None.
Public Comments: Armando Herman spoke in favor of the project.
Lyla Marcus stated her property is adjacent to the subject site and asked if the area at the rear will be
a park area for the residents.
City Planner Landavazo stated the plans showed proposed landscaping, guest parking, barbeque
area, tables, possible playground equipment and a 6 foot wall along the east, south and west property
lines.
Cheryl VanWesler asked about the six parking spaces for guest parking and the egress onto Florence
Avenue. City Planner Landavazo reviewed the City Code requirements and clarified that the property
exits onto a frontage road and not directly onto Florence Avenue.
Staff recommended approval of the request for a Site Plan Review and Zone Change (PLN-18-00102).
Chair Dominguez closed the hearing.
The Commissioners spoke in favor of the project and discussed options for charging stations at the
subject site. City Planner Landavazo advised the Commission that having the conduits included in the
garages as a condition is a feasible request.
Chair Dominguez reopened the public hearing.
Mr. Arango informed the Commission of potential vandalism if the charging stations are installed
outside of the garage; however they are willing to include conduit for charging stations inside the
garages.
Public Comments: Armando Herman spoke in favor of the project.
Chair Dominguez closed the hearing.
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The Commissioners requested a condition be added to require future conduit provisions.
City Planner Landavazo provided the following language for the added condition of approval.
Condition No. 27: Appropriate conduit shall be provided within garages and throughout the
development to accommodate installation of future EV charging stations and photo-voltaic panels.
It was moved by Commissioner Owens, seconded by Chair Dominguez to approve the added
Condition of Approval No. 27, and was passed by a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Frometa and
Spathopoulos voting against.
It was moved by Commissioner Owens and seconded by Chair Dominguez to approve the request for
Site Plan Review and Zone Change (PLN-18-00102) with the amended condition as stated by the City
Planner.
It was moved by Commissioner Owens and seconded by Chair Dominguez to approve the request for
Site Plan Review and Zone Change (PLN-18-00102) with the amended condition as stated by the City
Planner.
3. PLN-18-00191 (Site Plan Review, Conditional Use Permit and Zone Change): Chair Dominguez
opened the public hearing for PLN-18-00191 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication.
City Planner Landavazo presented the request to construct a new convenience store at 13034
Downey Avenue and operate with an Alcohol Beverage Control Type 20 license (Off-Sale Beer &
Wine) to sell beer and wine which is standard for 7-11 Convenience Stores. The subject site is located
within the C-2 (General Commercial) and P-B (Parking Buffer) Zones. The proposal includes removal
of the antiquated P-B (Parking Buffer) Zone and rezone the entire property to C-1 (Neighborhood
Commercial). The parcel is located at the corner of Gardendale Street and Downey Avenue. The
existing building will be demolished, and a new building will be constructed at the site. The store will
operate 24 hours, 7-days a week, however, the sale of alcohol will meet code requirement limiting the
alcohol sales to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily. This application was presented to the
Development Committee, at which time the Police Department added conditions that require an alarm
system and surveillance.
Disclosures: None.
Applicant Representative: Greg Thick was available to answer any questions.
The Commissioner discussed the following with City Planner Landavazo and Mr. Thick:
The site plan and location of the structure, elevations and access to the site; fencing; landscaping;
abatement measures; location of the trash receptacles; potential loitering; visibility and lighting;
proximity of the adjacent apartment complex and security for the site.
Correspondence: Staff received one email in opposition of the project stating their preference to have
a fast food restaurant or coffee shop instead of another 7-Eleven.
Public Comment: Armando Herman spoke in favor of the project.
Staff recommended approval of the request for a Site Plan Review, Conditional Use Permit and Zone
Change (PLN-18-00191).
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City Planner Landavazo reviewed the changes requested by the Commissioners and presented the
following modifications to the Conditions of Approval:
Condition No. 36: The trash enclosure must include a solid cover in compliance with public works
standards.
Condition No. 37: A wrought iron gate must be provided in an appropriate location to secure the area
east of the building and a fixed gate must be provided to secure the area north of the building.
Condition No. 38: The north and east sides of the building must be provided with three light fixtures on
each side so that they provide no less than 11 foot candles in the area.
Condition No. 39: If numerous complaints are received, the Planning Commission reserves the right to
bring this item back for consideration to review the need for additional security measures.
Condition No. 40: Decorative doors shall be provided on the trash enclosure, subject to approval of the
City Planner.
It was moved by Commissioner Frometa, seconded by Commissioner Spathopoulos, and passed by a
5-0 vote; to adopt Resolution No. 19-3096, thereby approving the request for a Site Plan Review and
Conditional Use Permit (PLN-18-00191) with amended conditions as stated.
It was moved by Commissioner Owens, seconded by Commissioners Spathopoulos, and passed with
a 5-0 vote, to adopt Resolution No. 19-3097, recommending City Council approval for a Zone Change
(PLN-18-00191).
NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: Armando Herman commented on first amendment rights.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS:
4. Approval of the Minutes from August 15, 2018
5. Approval of the Minutes from December 5, 2018
6. PLN-19-00098 (Final Parcel Map) 8818 Imperial Hwy
Public Comment: Armando Herman made comments about the work load that was mentioned in the
December 15, 2018, meeting. He also spoke about items related to the August 15, 2018, Minutes.
It was moved by Commissioner Owens, seconded by Vice Chair Duarte, and passed by a 5-0 vote,
with Commissioner Owens and Commissioner Frometa abstaining from item number 4 and
Commissioner Spathopoulos abstaining from item number 5.
OTHER BUSINESS: Commissioner Owens asked about the status of the complaint regarding the
Tempo Cantina from the residents. City Planner Landavazo stated they are looking into the complaint
and will sit down with the owners to go over requirements of the conditions of approval. Staff will also
check their gross receipts to make sure they do not have more alcohol sales than food sales. Staff will
also maintain contact with the residents to make sure the owner stays in compliance.
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STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Dominguez adjourned the meeting at 8:44 p.m., to Wednesday, July 3, 2019,
at 6:30 p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey, CA 90241.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of October, 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 16th day of October 2019, by the following vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
City Planning Commission