Loading...
03/07/1996GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING MARCH 7, 1996 The regular meeting of the Grand Terrace Planning Commission was called to order at the Grand Terrace Civic Center, 22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, California on March 7, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson, Jimmy W. Sims. PRESENT: Jimmy W. Sims, Chairperson Matthew Addington, Commissioner LeeAnn Garcia, Commissioner Moire Huss, Commissioner Ray Munson, Commissioner Fran Van Gelder, Commissioner Doug Wilson, Vice Chairperson Patrizia Materassi, Community Development Director Larry Mainez, Associate Planner Hally Cappiello, Associate Planner OPat Peterson, Community Development Department Secretary John W. Donlevy Jr., Assistant City Manager Virgil Barham, Building & Safety/Public Works Director Tonya Nelson, Community Services Officer 7:45 P.M. CONVENED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION * Information to Planning Commission • Director Materassi advised the Planning Commission that the regularly scheduled meeting in July falls on the July 4th holiday. She suggested and the Planning Commission reached consensus that the date of the meeting should be advanced to Tuesday, July 2, 1996. • Director Materassi said a new building to house a large pool supply company is being proposed for Mr. Coffin's property on Commerce Way between the skating rink and Johnstone Supply. • Application has been made by Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church on Oriole to expand their recently -approved project to approve construction of additional classrooms. • John's Lawnmower Shop has applied for a CUP for their current location at Barton Rd./LaCrosse. • A Specific Plan Application has been filed for the top of Blue Mountain to accommodate two new antennas and accompanying equipment structures. • The ARCO service station at Barton Rd./I-215 freeway has filed a S&A application to expand the station and also a CUP to sell alcoholic beverages. • Director Materassi asked which Commission members would like to have business cards. Chairperson Sims and Commissioners Addington, Garcia and Huss answered in the affirmative. Commissioners Van Gelder and Munson already have business cards. • Director advised the Planning Commission there will be a follow-up Economic Development Workshop on March 26, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. Steve Gibson will again participate, as well as yet another unconfirmed expert in the field. All Commission members were invited to attend. Commissioner Garcia will be the moderator. Information from Planning Commission • Commissioner Munson asked the expiration date of his term. Planning Secretary said the terms of Commissioners Munson, Garcia and Wilson expire on June 30, 1996. Director Materassi said all those whose terms expire are welcome to file an application to continue serving as a Planning Commissioner. • Commissioner Van Gelder said she is impressed with the presentation of Steve Gibson at the February 1, meeting, although she did not agree with everything he said. She found his discussion of the possibility of instituting diagonal parking on Barton Road of particular interest. 7:00 P.M. ADJOURNED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION 7:00 P.M. CONVENED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING * Call to Order * Pledge of Allegiance by Commissioner Ray Munson * Roll Call * Public address to Commission shall be limited to three minutes unless extended by the Chairperson. Should you desire to make a longer presentation, please make written request to be agendized to the Community Development Director. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None. 2 ITEM#1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 1, 1996 Community Development Director explained there was a correction made in the formatting of the motion on page 18, which was placed before them on the desk tonight. MOTION PCM-96-08 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 1, 1996 Motion by Commissioner Van Gelder to approve Planning Commission meeting minutes of February 1, 1996, as corrected on page 18. Motion seconded by Commissioner Huss. MOTION VOTE PCM-96-08 Motion carried. 5-0-0-2. Chairperson Sims and Commissioner Munson abstained. ITEM #2 CODE ENFORCEMENT PRESENTATION - PART 2 APPLICANT: Community Development Department LOCATION: City-wide An overview of code enforcement process was made by Associate Planner, Hally Cappiello. She presented the sign code enforcement procedure update. She also explained the Commercial Vehicle Parking Policy will begin to be enforced on April 26, 1996. The 72 hour Parking Policy is currently enforced through the combined efforts of the Citizen Patrol and Sheriff's Office. Tonya Nelson, Community Services Officer explained the role of Citizen Patrol and the Sheriff's Department in enforcement of the 72 hour parking ordinance and commercial parking in residential districts. Assistant City Manager, John Donlevy, explained the administrative review process and time line residents will follow to contest parking citations. He also addressed questions from Planning Commission Members about parking citation revenue. Virgil Barham, Building and Safety/Public Works Director explained the process his department follows when they become involved in the code enforcement process. MOTION PCM-96-09 CODE ENFORCEMENT PROCESS Motion by Chairperson Sims to accept and file the report. Motion seconded by Commissioner Garcia. MOTION VOTE PCM-96-09 Motion carried. 7-0-0-0. ITEM #3 PROPOSED MONUMENT SIGN AT TERRACE TOWN CENTER ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRAND TERRACE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) SIGN SUBSIDY PROGRAM. APPLICANT: Community Development Department LOCATION: 22545 Barton Road, Grand Terrace Staff report was presented by Associate Planner, Larry Mainez. He explained there is a program by the City Redevelopment Agency to subsidize funding to support reconstruction of some of the non -conforming signs in some Grand Terrace shopping centers. The Terrace Town Center sign which is the subject of this proposal is on Barton Road between Grand Terrace Real Estate and Domino's Pizza. The proposed sign conforms to the strict requirements as to square footage and letter size. The code allows a directory -type sign and a monument style sign. In this case due to the number of potential tenants these two types of signs were combined to create one sign. In doing so, the proposed sign exceeds the 8' limitation of the code. Staff recommended the Planning Commission support staff's monument design concept and approve the additional height variation. Chairperson Sims asked if the sample for display purposes has the chosen letter style and letter density. Community Development Director said the display is not necessarily in final form. Ideally all letters would be the same size and thickness. Chairperson Sims asked about the proposed colors of the sign. Associate Planner Mainez explained the background must be opaque and the light would shine through only the letters. He suggested the letters would be white and the background a salmon color. The street numbers at the top of the sign would light up at night. Chairperson Sims said he likes the idea of the rounded top on the sign. He asked about the finish of the sign. Associate Planner said the can is a metal structure with sprayed stucco finish. The sign is double faced, perpendicular to the street and approximate 1-2' thick. It is proposed to be placed between the two driveways. n Commissioner Addington said he does not like the proposed sign for the following reasons: 1. The name of the center is not on the sign. 2. The letters at the bottom of the sign are too small. He suggested 4" letters. Director Materassi said the purpose of the directory portion of the sign at the bottom is really for pedestrian traffic. She said according to a recent survey considering the 45 MPH speed of Barton Road, a sign should be visible for 300' . At that speed they found motorists had time to read only three lines of 6" letters, brake and turn into the center. The Barton Road Specific Plan allows monument signage for a maximum of 4 tenants with 150' frontage. The balance are entitled to only a directory sign. In order to list more than 4 tenants on the proposed monument sign of the center, the center would need to go through the Specific Plan amendment process. Chairperson Sims reiterated the importance of having the name of the center at the top of the sign, possibly arching under the street number. Commissioner Van Gelder asked if the existing sign would be removed if the proposed sign is approved and installed. The Associate Planner said the Barton Road Specific Plan allows two monument signs. Commissioner Van Gelder suggested removal of the existing sign and replacement with the new sign in the current location. She also questioned whether each business must be listed. Director Materassi said the configuration of the center (narrow, deep lot) makes it difficult to read the individual business signs on the building so it is the landlord's preference to have the name of each business on the sign in some fashion. Commissioner Van Gelder suggested following through with the current color scheme of the building on the sign. Associate Planner Mainez said the design concept is the current emphasis, and the color secondary at this point. Commissioner Garcia asked about updating the sign as tenants rotate in and out of the center. The policy is covered in the Sign Program for the center, according to Larry Mainez. New tenants pay a $10 fee to the City and the Community Development Department reviews and approves the sign plan for the new tenant. In this particular case it is proposed that the tenants pay 50% of the cost and the City will subsidize 50%. Commissioner Garcia asked if there is a provision in the Barton Road Specific Plan to have a "common thread" for identity of each center. Director Materassi said each must follow the guidelines of the Specific Plan for materials, colors and styles. If the landlord elects to remodel the center he will be subject to Specific Plan directions and guidelines. Commissioner Garcia asked if the City code enforcement will continue to be lenient regarding the various temporary signs in the Terrace Town Center until the proposed monument sign is installed. Director Materassi said the tenants are difficult to deal with because of the number of tenants involved. She said the tenants expected the sign some time ago so it is not likely that the tenants will remove the illegal signs until the new monument sign becomes a reality, unless we take them to court. Commissioner Garcia said she likes the idea of having the center name on the sign for identity purposes. She also suggested list two or three major tenants on the top monument portion of the 5 sign. Commissioner Van Gelder said the entrance and exit signs to the center are very confusing and suggested painted arrows on the cement or the words "entrance" and "exit" painted on the concrete. Chairperson Sims asked about the base of the sign. Is there a landscape plan for planting and sprinklers? Associate Planner Mainez said the sign will sit on a concrete pad and there will be landscaping around the sign. Commissioner Huss asked how the directory portion of the sign is built to facilitate change of business names. Associate Planner Mainez said these signs are cut vinyl and done on a computer. When a tenant leave the vinyl is peeled off the plastic sign and a new name applied. She also asked if the Planning Commission has the authority to approve a sign on the condition the existing sign is removed. Director Materassi said the code allows two signs for this center. It can be negotiated, however. The money is available to repaint the existing sign to coordinate with the new sign. Commissioner Huss suggested removal of the bottom blank lines on the sign as it gives the impression the center is not fully occupied. Chairperson Sims suggested creation of two panels for business names in the directory portion of the sign if occupancy dictates. He also suggested rounding the corners. Commissioner Huss suggested listing the tenants in a column on the street side of the sign for easy readability. Commissioner Munson asked what size sign the applicant is entitled to have at this location. The Associate Planner replied the maximum size for the top monument portion is 36 square feet. The bottom can be 24 square feet maximum. The legal height is 8' . Commissioner Munson said he is opposed to a sign over 8' high. Commissioner Van Gelder agreed with Commission Munson. She said some of the directory sign space could be eliminated because many of the tenants occupy more than 1 unit. Further, she suggested there be a generic identity term used (i.e. Hair Salon) vs. the specific name of the salon (Bushwackers). Vice -Chairperson Wilson said that although the proposed sign is functional he is opposed to it because plastic -faced signs do nothing to promote the friendly, warm, village -type atmosphere of the City. He agreed with Commissioner Munson the sign should conform with the height limits with which every other center must conform. He suggested a sign which is "up lit" would be more in keeping with the atmosphere desired. Most of the businesses in this center are open during daylight hours and he is opposed to a "theatre marquee" on the main thoroughfare of the City. Chairperson Sims said he is very concerned about the size of the proposed sign as well as the color scheme. He asked for some alternatives. Director Materassi said the sign company will submit detailed plans on a concept given to them by the City. Further, she said this project would not set precedent, as Town & Country Center has a 13' sign. She said in past cases there 0 have been several signs approved with a height greater than 8', each with very specific circumstances. MOTION PCM-96-10 Motion by Commission Munson to deny staff's recommendation to approve the proposed sign at Terrace Town Center. Second by Commissioner Addington. Chairperson Sims asked for a colored rendering and also a sketch to show the proposed new sign in relation to the existing sign. Commissioner Garcia asked if the tenants and property owner may be invited to the next meeting where the proposed sign is discussed. Chairperson Sims explained it is at the discretion of the Planning Commission to set the criterion for the sign. MOTION VOTE PCM-96-10 Motion carried. 7-0-0-0. The Community Development Department was directed to bring back alternatives to the proposed sign for Terrace Town Center. ITEM #4 PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING CODE AND BARTON ROAD COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR SPECIFIC PLAN TO ALLOW ESTABLISHMENT OF BUSINESS AND TRADE SCHOOLS WITH CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON THEIR SIZE AND INTENSITY. APPLICANT: Community Development Department LOCATION: The area encompassed by the Barton Road Commercial Corridor Specific Plan. Staff report was presented by Associate Planner, Larry Mainez. He explained there have recently been two inquiries to potentially establish a driving school and a dental school in the city. At present there are no provisions for such uses in either the Zoning Code or the Barton Road Specific Plan. Staff requested the Planning Commission for direction to staff to review those uses in more detail. Staff suggested contacting other cities, evaluating existing schools and analyzing possible impacts to determine if an amendment is feasible. Further, staff requested the Planning Commission direct staff to prepare an amendment to the C2 District in the General Commercial, Village Commercial and Office Professional land use categories of the 7 Barton Road Specific Plan to establishment of private business and trade schools, with restrictions limiting size and intensity. Chairperson Sims asked for the definition of "intensity". The Associate Planner explained this would pertain to the type of school (i.e. driving school vs. dental school); the impact of traffic in and out of the site. Chairperson Sims asked about the proposed site for these changes. Associate Planner explained the area would encompass the Barton Road Specific Plan as well as the C2 and CM Districts. Commissioner Van Gelder asked if the driving schools teach truck driving as well as car driving. The Associate Planner said there are several kinds of driving schools. Truck driving schools are one specific type of school. Other types would include violators and new teenage drivers. Commissioner Addington asked staff if the intent is to bring commercial aspects of business into previously -designated retail zones. Director Materassi replied the intent is to allow a use in demand to establish a business on Barton Road if there is no negative impact. Director Materassi explained there are different, more stringent fire regulations pertaining to schools with minors vs. adults, so there are many aspects to be analyzed when considering a driving school for the area. Chairperson Sims asked Director to bring back to the Planning Commission pros and cons on the various types of potential schools used for the analysis. MOTION PCM-96-11 Motion by Chairperson Sims to direct staff to look into and prepare a zoning amendment to the C2 District, and the General Commercial, Village Commercial and Office Professional land use categories of the Barton Road Specific Plan to allow establishment of private business and trade schools with appropriate restrictions on their size and intensity. Seconded by Commissioner Garcia. Commissioner Munson said he did not see a particular benefit to the City in bringing in trade schools. He asked staff to prepare a listing of the various trade schools being considered when the proposed amendment a brought back to the Planning Commission. MOTION VOTE PCM-96-11 Motion carried. 7-0-0-0. 9:30 P.M. ADJOURNED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING NEXT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD ON APRIL 4, 1996. Respectfully submitted, f7 ) " Patrizia Materassi Community Development Director 04-01-96:pp Approved by, Jimmy W. S' Chairperson, Planning Commission C:\OFFICE\WPWMWPDOCS\PLANNING\MINUTES\3-07-96.min 9