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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4. Draft Minutes 02-03-21 DRAFT MINUTES DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2021 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. Chair Duarte called the February 3, 2021, 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: Miguel Duarte, District 1, Chair Patrick Owens, District 2 Arturo Montoya, District 3 Dimitrios Spathopoulos, District 4 Horacio Ortiz, Jr., District 5 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 Madalyn Welch, Assistant Planner Mary Cavanagh, Secretary PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: Chair Duarte introduced new Planning Commissioners Horacio Ortiz Jr. and Arturo Montoya and asked each of the Commissioners to provide a brief introduction. Commissioner Montoya stated he was born and raised in Downey and changed career paths from working for Walt Disney, to seeking a new career in law, graduating this May from the University of La Verne School of law. Commissioner Ortiz stated he and his family reside in Downey. He obtained a Political Science Degree from UC San Diego and moved to Downey to start a business within the City. The Commission welcomed the new Commissioners and bid a heartfelt farewell to former Commissioners Frometa and Dominguez who were not able to attend this meeting. PRESENTATIONS: None REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: None PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PLN-20-00102 (Variance): Chair Duarte opened the public hearing for PLN-20-00102 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Assistant Planner Madalyn Welch presented the request for a Variance (PLN-20-00102), to allow for a rear yard setback of 10 feet rather than the required 20 foot minimum, in order to construct a 491 square foot rear addition, on property located at 11720 Norlain Avenue, zoned R-1 5,000 (Single-Family Residential). She discussed the special circumstances required to approve a Variance whereas the property itself experiences unique physical circumstances not found among standard lots within the City, and result in undue hardship on the owner due to special circumstances or conditions applicable to a property. In 2005 the applicant/owner received approval for a rear yard setback to construct an addition. The addition was not constructed so the approval became null and void. The Zoning Code was later updated in 2008 and Draft Planning Commission February 3, 2021 Minutes - 2 - the rear yard modifications were removed. The applicant is ready to construct the addition and seeks a Variance to allow the addition. Staff conducted an assessment of the subject property and surrounding area and found that the subject property has irregular lot dimensions for the corresponding R-1 zoning district. The Commissioners asked applicant Mario Terrazas why he is constructing the addition at this time, and if he would be increasing the height of the block wall. Mr. Terrazas stated, he will not be increasing the wall height, and the addition is needed to provide space for elderly parents. The Commissioners spoke in favor of the project. It was moved by Commissioner Owens, second by Commissioner Spathopoulos and passed by a vote of 5-0, to adopt Resolution 21-3130, thereby approving the request for a Variance (PLN-20-00102). 2. PLN-19-00192 (Conditional Use Permit): Chair Duarte opened the public hearing for PLN-19-00192 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler advised the Commission of the Applicants’ request to continue the public hearing for a Conditional Use Permit (PLN-19-00192), to the February 17, 2021 Planning Commission Meeting. It was moved by Commissioner Owens, seconded by Commissioner Ortiz and passed by a vote of 5-0, to continue the public hearing to the February 17, 2021 meeting. Public Comments: None. Chair Duarte closed the public hearing. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 3. Resolution of Appreciation for Steven Dominguez 4. Resolution of Appreciation for Nolveris Frometa 5. Approval of the Minutes from July 1, 2020 6. Approval of the Minutes from July 15, 2020 Items 3 and 4 were continued to a date uncertain to present the Resolutions of Appreciation in person. It was moved by Commissioner Owens, seconded by Commissioner Spathopoulos, and passed by a vote of 3-0-2, with Commissioners Montoya and Ortiz abstaining, to approve items 5 and 6 of the Consent Calendar. OTHER BUSINESS: Election of Officers Commissioner Spathopoulos nominated Miguel Duarte to continue as Chair and Patrick Owens as Vice Chair. It was moved by Commissioner Spathopoulos and second by Commissioner Montoya to re-elect Miguel Duarte as Chair and Patrick Owens as Vice Chair. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director Schindler provided the Commission with following updates: Draft Planning Commission February 3, 2021 Minutes - 3 - 1) The Housing Element: he informed the Commission that the City commenced work on updating the 8 year housing plan known as the Housing Element and will hold workshops and seek community input to plan for approximately 6,500 units. 2) Emergency Rental Assistance: he informed the Commission that the City currently has both Residential and Business Grant Programs to assist those who have been significantly affected by the COVID Pandemic. Provided information on success thus far and continued efforts to provide assistance. 3) The Rives Mansion: he informed the Commission that the property owner is moving ahead with the approved plans, including with the construction of the café, and working with an Architectural Historian to ensure the areas that are improved are done based on the historic character of that property. Director Schindler invited everyone to follow us on all Social Media platforms for updates on each of the items discussed. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Duarte adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m., to Wednesday, February 17, 2020, at 6:30p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of June, 2021. Miguel Duarte, 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 June, 2021, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Mary Cavanagh, Secretary City Planning Commission