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09/19/1996O GRAND TERRACE PLANNING COMMISSION NHNUTES OF REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 19, 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 September 19, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson, Jimmy W. Sims. 6:20 P.M. CONVENED PUBLIC WORKSHOP SESSION PRESENT: Jimmy W. Sims, Chairman Fran Van Gelder, Vice -Chairperson Matthew Addington, Commissioner Gerry Ellis, Commissioner Moire Huss, Commissioner Mary Trainor, Commissioner Doug Wilson, Commissioner Patrizia Materassi, Community Development Director Larry Mainez, Associate Planner Hally Cappiello, Associate Planner Pat Peterson, Community Development Department Secretary 6:20 - 6:55 p.m. Information to Commissioners Billboard status report - Director said the City Council approved the resolution as proposed by staff. She asked if Commissioners would like to assist staff in writing cover letters to various local agencies and the City of Colton Planning Commission. Update on temporary sign code enforcement - Associate Planner, Hally Cappiello, said each of the code enforcement cases previously listed on the inventory dated August 13, 1996 have been cleared with the City's pro -active approach. Bike Lane Grant Project signs - Director explained the project is progressing well. There will be an open house in October to show the work done thus far. Director announced the 3rd Regional Planning Commissioner's Meeting will be hosted on October 9, 1996, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., by the City of Corona. She encouraged all Commissioners to RSVP to the Community Development Department by September 27. Four Commissioners expressed interest in attending. Commissioner Van Gelder suggested car pooling to the meeting. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 19, 1996 OInformation from Commissioners Page 2 Commissioner Huss distributed a 1-page flyer about the citizen's group against the billboards. Chairman Sims said he will be unable to attend the General Plan Task Force Meeting on September 20, due to a scheduling problem resulting from the change in meeting time. He will also not be in attendance at the October 3, 1996, Planning Commission Meeting due to a scheduled vacation. 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 Ellis C * Roll Call * Public address to Commission shall be limited to three minutes unless extended by the Chairman. Should you desire to make a longer presentation, please make written request to be agendized to the Community Development Director. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None ITEM#1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES - AUGUST 15, 1996 MOTION PCM-96-50 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 1VIINUTES - AUGUST 15, 1996 Motion by Vice -Chairperson Van Gelder to approve Planning Commission Meeting minutes of August 15, 1996. Seconded by Commissioner Trainor. MOTION VOTE PCM-96-50 Motion carried. 7-0-0-0. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 19, 1996 Page 3 ITEM #2 DETERMINATION OF FINDINGS FOR SIGNS (SECTION IH.F.h OF THE BARTON ROAD SPECIFIC PLAN) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 22488 BARTON ROAD, GRAND TERRACE Staff report presented by Hally Cappiello, Associate Planner. During routine pro -active sign code enforcement it was determined that the Blue Mountain Coffee House had the following sign code violations: 1. unpermitted A -frame sign in the public right of way; 2. unpermitted flag projecting into the public right of way; 3. unpermitted and non -conforming chalkboard sign above the north entrance; 4. two unpermitted banners displayed from the east side of the building; and 5. too many temporary signs per the Municipal Code. Prior to this meeting, a meeting was held with the business owner, Catherine Leogrande to discuss the issues and a plan to bring the business in compliance with the sign code. She said the Site and Architectural Review Board can approve signs which do not meet the strict standards of the Barton Road Specific Plan if it is found to be compatible with the surrounding development and is in harmony with the general aesthetics of the area. The Planning Commission has the authority to give temporary relief from certain regulation of the sign ordinance. Photos of the sign code violations were passed around to the Planning Commissioners. The Associate Planner said the research done on the signs in question indicated the signs are aesthetically pleasing and enhance the desired village atmosphere setting. The La Mancha Center where Blue Mountain Coffee House is located has its own sign program. The signs in question do not meet each requirement of the center's sign program. The business owner has stated she feels the current signage is important for her business and it would cause her financial hardship if she were forced to stop using the temporary signs. Staff recommended approval as proposed for a period of three years. The Director said the signs in question are high quality signs and it would be good to see more such quality signs in the City. The City Council approved this section of the code allowing the Planning Commission to approve such creative solutions on a temporary basis. Commissioner Wilson asked if there is any vehicle by which a variance or other procedure can be granted to allow more than one temporary sign to be rotated. Director said any variance must have hardship findings. However, it cannot be a self-imposed hardship by the business owner. Lack of visibility could be a possible such hardship, however this particular business has frontage on one of our busiest street, it would be difficult to make findings. Applicant was invited to speak to the Planning Commissioners. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 4 September 19, 1996 CJ 7:27 P.M. OPENED FOR PUBLIC HEARING CATHERINE LEOGRANDE 12500 NIGHTINGALE GRAND TERRACE, CA 92313 Applicant said she is aware and understands she is in violation of the sign code ordinances mentioned by staff. She presented a written proposal regarding A -frames and flag/banners to the Planning Commission. She said has gotten a quote for conversion of the banner on the East side of the building to a painted sign, however it was very expensive. She said the A -frame sign was intended to communicate with auto traffic along Mt. Vernon, and hopes the A -frame can be designated as a permanent sign. She said it is her desire to comply with the sign code ordinance. 7:47 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED MOTION PCM-96-51 Motion by Commissioner Ellis to amend the recommendations to limit temporary signage to a period of one year. Motion died for lack of second. MOTION PCM-96-52 Motion by Vice -chairperson Van Gelder to amend the time frame to a maximum of two years instead of three years. Seconded by Chairman Sims, for discussion. Chairman Sims asked for clarification of the proposal by staff. If applicant elects to use only the A -frame sign instead of rotating all of the temporary signs, she must use only use the A - frame. Staff concurred. MOTION VOTE PCM-96-52 Motion carried. 6-1-0-0. Commissioner Wilson voted "no". Chairman Sims asked if Ms. Leogrande has the right of appeal in this decision. Director said she does not have any right of appeal because this is a tentative solution for code enforcement action, which came from staff. She may file application for a variance, and is welcome to discuss any new proposals with staff. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 5 September 19, 1996 MOTION PCM-96-53 Motion by Commissioner Huss to approve, as amended, determination of findings on signs located at 22488 Barton Road, Suite 106. Seconded by Chairman Sims. MOTION VOTE PCM-96-53 Motion carried. 7-0-0-0. Commissioner Huss reminded Applicant that any future planned signs need to be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department staff before installation. Chairperson Sims agreed there may be little sympathy from the Commission in the future if this procedure is not followed. ITEM #3 CUP-88-09-A1/E-96-09 AN AMENDMENT TO PREVIOUSLY -APPROVED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW EXPANSION OF ALUMINUM RECYCLING TO INCLUDE OTHER RECYCLABLES SUCH AS PAPER, PLASTIC, GLASS AND FERROUS METALS GOLDEN ALUMINUM COMPANY 21506 MAIN STREET, GRAND TERRACE Staff report was presented by Larry Mainez, Associate Planner. Staff evaluated the project per CEQA requirements and found a mitigated declaration was required. The parcel in question is zoned M-2. Surrounding properties are zoned M-2 and IP (industrial park in Colton). This project is consistent with the general plan. In 1988 the Planning Commission approved the original CUP for recycling of aluminum. They are now proposing to include other recyclables. No "buy-back" facility is planned and no expansion of the site is proposed. Hours of operation are proposed to be Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The current water provider is the City of Riverside, with an unofficial hookup via the BFI site. Riverside Highland Water Company is not interested in providing water to this location due to the cost involved in establishment of service. The City of Colton has agreed to provide water to this property. The applicant has agreed to work with the City of Colton to provide the needed infrastructure to support the fire hydrant required by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Planning. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 6 September 19, 1996 The property is deficient by five parking stalls, however, staff believes parking to be adequate for current use and expansion. When applicant eventually makes improvements to the property they will be required to meet parking codes. Bicycle racks are also required per the Transportation Mitigation Ordinance. All conditions of approval of the original CUP in 1988 have been met, and applicant is in agreement with all proposed amended conditions of approval now. Staff recommended the Planning Commission adopt the proposed amended resolution and associated negative declaration to approve CUP-88-09-Al and E-96-09 subject to conditions of approval as proposed. Commissioner Addington suggested implementation of a designated truck route program. Director stated staff would take the recommendation to City Council. She further suggested the Planning Commission may want to see if there is consensus on this suggestion. Commissioner Wilson asked how it was determined that this project has a negative declaration regarding traffic. Director said Golden Aluminum is already in production as proposed in this application. Management of Golden Aluminum has advised staff there will be very little, if any, additional traffic impact from the current traffic level and that there are currently 15 to 20 truck round trips in and out of the facility with no plans for further expansion at this time. Commissioner Wilson asked what was the original impact of truck traffic versus the proposed impact of truck traffic. Director responded that due to the small scale of the operations an actual count was not done however, the City Traffic Engineer reviewed the project and had no comments. 8.27 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED ADAM ORNELAS 16 Highland Highgrove, CA Has lived in this house for 35 years across the street from the BFI site. He said his biggest concern was the potential for a noise problem with this project as the residents in this area have experienced with past business tenants in this area. He also stated concerns about blowing papers with the Santa Ana winds, and dust and dirt generated by the transport trucks. He said he objects to the current noise generated by trucks. JEFF TRAFICAN 21506 Main Grand Terrace, CA The Golden Aluminum manager said they seldom have a fully loaded semi truck/tractor with 80,000 pounds. Most trips to their facility are with smaller vehicles carrying mixed PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 19, 1996 Page 7 recyclables. He said he could work on modification of a paper containment area to address concerns of citizens regarding blowing paper. Chairman Sims asked if Golden Aluminum currently has a neighborhood outreach program to monitor and address concerns of neighbors. Mr. Trafican said this site is not monitored. He said he would implement a neighborhood outreach program if ordered as a condition of approval. Commissioner Ellis asked what percentage of capacity of manpower the Golden Aluminum operation is currently producing. Applicant responded his estimate would be 70%. Many other questions were asked of Mr. Trafican regarding truck volume, route, ownership and overall operations. Director stated that apparently Golden Aluminum is already operating at proposed capacity for awhile, maybe one year, and no further intensification is proposed. Director stated that resident lives outside of the 300' radius area required to be noticed and that he was purposely called regarding the hearing by the Community Development Department. Director also stated that resident's statement is likely to refer to long time past activities; since during the last four years she received no complaints from residents in this industrial area. No complaints regarding big rig truck noise, nor paper or dust. MOTION PCM-96-54 Motion by Chairman Sims to add a condition #24 "Application shall institute a neighborhood monitoring program to enhance communications between surrounding residents and Golden Aluminum Recycling. This program to be developed in coordination with staff and shall include an action plan for resolution of all complaints. Reporting to the Community Development Department to be done on a monthly basis. Director requested reporting to be rather every six months or quarterly instead. Quarterly reports were accepted. Seconded by Commissioner Ellis. MOTION VOTE PCM-96-54 Motion carried. 6-1-0-0. Commissioner Addington voted "no". MOTION PCM-96-55 Motion by Commissioner Huss to add condition #25, to restrict truck traffic to operation only during the designated business hours and to prohibit trucks from parking on nearby streets. Seconded by Chairman Sims. MOTION PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 19, 1996 VOTE PCM-96-55 Motion carried. 6-1-0-0. Commissioner Wilson voted "no". MOTION PCM-96-56 Page 8 Motion by Commissioner Huss to add condition #26, requiring applicant to reduce paper handling during windy times. Motion died for lack of a second. MOTION PCM-96-57 Motion by Commissioner Ellis to add condition #26, requiring applicant to develop a containment plan and implement such plan to mitigate paper loss into the community. Seconded by Commission Huss. MOTION VOTE PCM-96-57 Motion carried. 6-1-0-0. Commissioner Wilson voted "no". 9:30 P.M. ADJOURNED SITE AND ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD/PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Respectfully submitted, Patrizia Materassi Community Development Director by, n, Planning Commission 10-31-96:pp