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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 04-07-21MINUTES DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2021 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. Chair Duarte called the April 7, 2021, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 6:33 p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the flag salute, Secretary Cavanagh called roll. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Miguel Duarte, District 1, Chair Patrick Owens, District 2, Vice Chair Arturo Montoya, District 3 Horacio Ortiz, Jr., District 5 Dimitrios Spathopoulos, District 4 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 Irving Anaya, Associate Planner Mary Cavanagh, Secretary PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: None. PRESENTATIONS: None. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Aldo Schindler reported the City Council received and approved the second reading of the ordinance for a Zone Change and redevelopment of the industrial site located at 12021 Woodruff Avenue that was previously approved by the Planning Commission; and received a presentation by Director Schindler providing an update on the Rancho Los Amigos South Campus Sport's Complex. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PLN -18-00106 (Zone Text Amendment): Chair Duarte opened the public hearing for PLN -18-00106 and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. City Planner Crystal Landavazo reminded the Commission that the proposed Residential Development Standards and Design Guidelines for R-1 Neighborhoods were originally introduced to the Planning Commission during the March 17, 2021 meeting. She clarified the item would be presented again to allow members of the public who did not have the opportunity to view the first presentation, to understand what was being presented for formal action. City Planner Landavazo introduced Housing Development Consultant John Kaliski of John Kaliski Architects (JKA), who provided an in depth overview of the proposed Residential Development Standards and Design Guidelines proposed for the City of Downey R-1 Neighborhoods. Mr. Kaliski presented an overview of the proposed Residential Development Standards and Design Guidelines recommended for the City of Downey R-1 Neighborhoods. He briefly discussed the current development standards that allow for large parcels to be split into multiple smaller parcels, and the construction of homes that are found to be excessively in contrast with the surrounding neighborhood. As a Planning Commission April 7, 2021 Minutes result, a Mansionization Study was prepared, in response to complaints of the residents regarding the scale, mass and design of new developments. The study resulted in comments collected from residents during three community meetings. Comments focused on the need to reform and ensure that new homes and additions are designed in keeping with the scale and character of the existing neighborhoods. Mr. Kaliski discussed the current zoning parameters that currently allow for larger single family homes and additions, and recommended the following changes to promote the quality and design, to enhance the neighborhood. The proposed changes to the Residential Standards include: • Reducing the FAR (floor area ratio) to .45 and lot coverage to 45% • Modifying the first -story 5 -foot sideyard setback to 10% of the lot width with a maximum of 14 feet • Second -story modulation along front and sideyards • Porch design standards to limit the height of porches not to exceed the first floor roof line • Minimum 5 -foot garage setback and limited garage width to 45% of the lot or 36 feet, whichever is less • Subdivisions — introduce neighborhood compatibility and private road design standards • Update off-street parking requirements to be consistent with proposed 0.45 FAR • Introduce additional landscape standards • Require 360° Architecture for new construction, alterations, additions and accessory structures Introduce and utilizing design guidelines help with the design review with the applicant Mr. Kaliski presented the proposed Design Guidelines addressing the Residential Design Goals and Principles, Characteristic Residential Architectural Styles, Development Standards, Design Guideline Checklist, Definitions, References and Resources. Public Comments: None. The Commissioners discussed potential impacts as a result of reducing the FAR with Staff and Mr. Kaliski. The FAR reduction was found to be consistent with surrounding communities and the proposed change to the FAR definition allows for additional flexibility, such as removing the garages from that definition, allowing flexibility in how they are able to use habitable space. The Commissioners spoke in favor of the proposed Residential Standards and Design Guidelines and discussed options to approve color choices. There was discussion amongst the Commission regarding paint color. Staff recommended adding a guideline to require color choices be consistent with the chosen architectural style instead of selecting a specific number of colors. City Planner Landavazo proposed adding the following language to the Design Guidelines Character and Style Section 6 G.2. G.2. Proposed colors must be consistent with chosen architectural style. Reference material must be provided to show color is consistent with chosen style. It was moved by Vice Chair Owens, second by Commissioner Ortiz, and passed by a vote of 4-0-1, with Commissioner Spathopoulos absent, to adopt Resolution No. 21-3138, thereby recommending the City Council approve the request for Zone Text Amendment (PLN -18-00106) with modified language as stated by the City Planner. NON -AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 2. Approval of the Minutes from March 17 2021 It was moved by Vice Chair Owens, second by Commissioner Ortiz, and passed by a vote of 4-0-1, with Commissioner Spathopoulos absent, to approve the Consent Calendar. -2- Planning Commission April 7, 2021 Minutes OTHER BUSINESS: None STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director of Community Development Schindler reported that the City has funds available for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and asked the Commission to share the information with local residents. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Duarte adjourned the meeting at 7:26 p.m., to Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at 6:30p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of May, 2021. Miguel rte, hair City Planning Commission I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on this 19th day of May, 2021, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Ortiz, Montoya, Owens and Duarte NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None Mary Ca{anagh, SecretarQ City Planning Commission -3-