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PC Min - 07/22/2014CITY OF CAMPBELL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 7:30 P.M. The Planning Commission meeting of July 22, 2014, was called to order at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 70 North First Street, Campbell, California by Chair Resnikoff and the following proceedings were had, to wit: JULY 22, 2014 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS TUESDAY ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Chair: Vice Chair: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Paul Resnikoff Pam Finch Cynthia L. Dodd Yvonne Kendall Philip C. Reynolds, Jr. Michael L. Rich Donald C. Young Commissioners Absent Staff Present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES None Community Development Director: Planning Manager: Associate Planner: City Attorney: Consulting Planner: Public Works Director: Traffic Engineer: Recording Secretary: Paul Kermoyan Aki Honda Snelling Daniel Fama William Seligmann Kirk Heinrichs Todd Capurso Matthew Jue Corinne Shinn Motion: Upon motion by Commissioner Reynolds, seconded by Commissioner Kendall, the Planning Commission minutes of the meeting of June 24, 2014, were approved with a correction to the votes on two motions. (6-0-0-1; Commissioners Finch and Young abstained) Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for July 22, 2014 Page 2 COMMUNICATIONS None AGENDA MODIFICATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS None ORAL REQUESTS None *** PUBLIC HEARINGS Chair Resnikoff read Agenda Item No. 1 into the record as follows: 1. PLN2014-26 Public Hearing to consider the application of John Durbin for Durbin, J. a Modification (PLN2014-26) to a previously approved Master Sign Plan (PLN2014-26) with a Sign Exception, for the Safeway fueling station at 950 W. Hamilton Avenue in a P-D (Planned Development) Zoning District. Staff is recommending that this project be deemed Categorically Exempt under CEQA. Planning Commission action final unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk within 10 calendar days. Project Planner: Daniel Fama, Associate Planner Mr. Daniel Fama, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner Finch provided the Site and Architectural Review Committee meeting as follows: • SARC reviewed this item on June 24, 2014 and was supportive. Chair Resnikoff opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1. Chair Resnikoff closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Finch, seconded by Commissioner Kendall, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 4159 approving a Modification (PLN2014-26) to a previously approved Master Sign Plan (PLN2014-26) with a Sign Exception, for the Safeway fueling station at 950 W. Hamilton Avenue, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Dodd, Finch, Kendall, Resnikoff, Reynolds, Rich and Young NOES: None Campbell Planining Commission Minutes for July 22, 2014 Page 3 ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Chair Resnikoff advised that this action is final unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk within 10 calendar days. *** Chair Resnikoff read Agenda Item No. 2 into the record as follows: 2. PLN2014-162 Public Hearing to consider aCity-initiated Text Amendment Staff (PLN2014-162) to the Land Use and Transportation Element of the General Plan to comply with the Complete Streets Act of 2008. A Negative Declaration has been prepared for this project. Tentative City Council Meeting Date: August 19, 2014. Planner: Kirk Heinrichs, Consulting Planner Mr. Kirk Heinrichs, Consulting Planner, presented the staff report. Commissioner Dodd asked about the language partially stricken on LUT 2.1 F on page 47. She addecl that she has been working with Safe Routes to School Program but it only works with walking and biking and not buses. Consultant Kirk Heinrichs explained that the text was re-structured and language regarding Safe Routes to School Program is addressed elsewhere. He added that if necessary that language could be put back in. Commissioner (Dodd pointed out that a lot of students use buses or Light Rail to get to her school. She asked if it might be possible to include having rental bicycles available at public transportation locations. Consultant Kirk Heinrichs said that the ability to include more specific things like that is covered. Commissioner Reynolds asked Mr. Heinrichs if the objective of this is to move our City to reduce its greenhouse gases. Consultant Kirk Heinrichs said that is correct. That is the motive at the State level. It is geared to moving people closer to services. The general objective of the policy is to get people out of cars and using alternate modes of transportation such as bicycles or mass transit. Commissioner Reynolds: • Said that he has a concern with the concept of using wider sidewalks and bulb outs. He questions the purpose of narrowing the width of a street. It does slow down traffic. Is that the objective? Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for July 22, 2014 Page 4 • Pointed out that in the Downtown, between the hours of 4 and 7 p.m. there is a line of traffic idling along Campbell Avenue. • Said that a second concern he has is that local jurisdictions (cities, municipalities and/or counties) seem to be losing control to the State. It seems like people from outside are ruling our city by dangling incentives in front of us. Consultant Kirk: Heinrichs: • Said that the theory used in preparing the East Campbell Avenue and Winchester Boulevard Master Plans was to make it more comfortable for pedestrians. This is achieved through wider sidewalks and more narrow streets to slow down traffic. • Pointed out: that much of the traffic passing through the Downtown is commute traffic. As inecessary, they can use alternate routes for their commute instead of passing through the Downtown. • Added that people tend to like to go slow driving in a Downtown because they like to look at the sights. • Said that major issues locally include traffic congestion and unaffordable housing. In order to encourage the use of mass transit and the construction of affordable housing stock, the State and Federal Governments are providing incentives for cities. • Concluded that this is a prudent way to plan for our City. Chair Resnikoff sought clarification from Mr. Heinrichs that the State legislation requires cities to follow this Act now. The City will be required to reach such compliance at some point. Consultant Kirk Heinrichs said that this Text Amendment is a part of the City's effort to reach compliance with the Complete Streets Act. Commissioner Finch said these changes will formalize and incorporate information to comply with the Complete Streets Act. Consultant Kirk Heinrichs agreed and added that it is actually formalizing past practices. Commissioner Dodd clarified that in meeting the State deadline for conformance with the Complete Streets Act, the City will have grant options not available until compliance is reached. The General Plan itself will be updated later. Consultant Kirk Heinrichs agreed with Commissioner Dodd and added that the timing for the General Plan Update has not yet been discussed and he would defer that issue to Director Paul Kermoyan. Chair Resnikoff opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2. Chair Resnikoff closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2. Commissioner Reynolds said it appears the City's hands are tied. Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for July 22, 2014 Page 5 Commissioner Kendall said that since there is grant money available now that may not be available later, now is the right time to reach compliance with the Complete Streets Act so that Carpbell is eligible for these potential funding sources. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Finch, seconded by Commissioner Reynolds, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 4159 recommending that the City Council approve a Text Amendment (PLN2014-162) to the Land Use and Transportation Element of the General Plan to comply with the Complete Streets Act of 2008, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Dodd, Finch, Kendall, Resnikoff, Reynolds, Rich and Young NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None *** Chair Resnikoff' read Agenda Item No. 3 into the record as follows: 3. PLN2014-189 Public Hearing to consider aCity-initiated Text Amendment Staff (PLN2014-189) to Chapter 21.30 (Signs) in order to modify provisions related to Freeway Oriented Signs and the definition section of the Chapter. Staff is recommending that the project be deemed Categorically Exempt under CEQA. Tentative City Council Meeting Date: August 19, 2014. Planner: Paul Kermoyan, Community Development Director Mr. Paul Kermoyan, Community Development Director, presented the staff report. Commissioner Kendall asked how this addresses buildings such as Pruneyard Towers and the Dell Avenue area. Director Paul Kermoyan said that there are no properties along Dell that are adjacent to the freeway. They may be visible but they are not adjacent. He added that office uses that front along freeways are not included unless they are contiguous and within 100 feet from a freeway to street interchange/off-ramp. Commissioner Kendall asked if this references just freestanding signs or does it include building signs. Director Paul Kermoyan replied both. Commissioner Rich asked about the proposed reduction in maximum size to 125 square feet. Director Paul Kermoyan said that if there is one sign, it can be up to a maximum of 125 square feet. If there are two signs the maximum sign area is 200 square feet. Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for July 22, 2014 Page 6 Commissioner Finch sought clarification on the term monument. Director Paul Kermoyan said that it is another term for freestanding sign Commissioner Reynolds asked staff how it reached the proposed limit of 125 square feet. Director Paul kermoyan said that the sign for the Courtyard Marriott was used as the example. We learn from examples. It is a large sign on a building far from the highway yet it is still visible. Commissioner Reynolds asked if future applicants would be able to request a Modification and justify an increase in sign area. Director Paul Kermoyan replied yes. Commissioner Dodd asked if illumination has been addressed. Director Paul Kermoyan said that illumination is not addressed here but rather is included within the general Sign Ordinance. He added that there is never a precedent. These standards simply reflect a maximum. It could be seen as too big in some cases. In other cases, a case could be made for an Exception to allow additional sign area. Commissioner Kendall asked if this has any impact on the "Peace on Earth" sign displayed atop the Pruneyard Tower each year for the holidays. Director Paul Kermoyan said no. Chair Resnikoff asked about the reasoning behind the proposed maximum signage allowance to 200 square feet. Director Paul Kermoyan: • Said that the General Plan calls for an aesthetically pleasing community. A highway carp become visually cluttered with excessive signage. • Added that staff felt that up to 200 square feet of sign area is an appropriate standard on a building as seen from the freeway. • Said that placement and proximity of two signs to one another can be handled through the design review process on a case-by-case basis depending on the type of architecture a building has. Commissioner Finch clarified her understanding that a single sign can be a maximum of 125 square feet. If there are two signs on a property, the total sign area allowed is 200 square feet. Chair Resnikoff opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3 Scott Trobbe, South Bay Development: Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for July 22, 2014 Page 7 • Thanked staff for shepherding this Text Amendment through and including professional offices located along the freeway. • Stated his support for the changes proposed. • Added that he realizes that issues of design and illumination would have to be brought forth. • Added that no two tenants would want to have their signs located right next to each other on a k~uilding. We are all on the same page about that. • Concluded that this is a good change that will be good for the community. Chair Resnikoff closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3 Commissioner Kendall: • Said that this amendment sounds pretty good and processes are in place to consider exceptions if necessary. • Added she understands that the maximum allowable size for a freestanding sign is 45 square feet. • Said that sfie is comfortable allowing signs along the freeway to be situated at the top edge of the building wall. City Attorney WVilliam Seligmann said that there is also a provision for a maximum height of freestanding signs at 14 feet. Commissioner Kendall asked about the height placement limitation of 45 feet. If a five- story building had a wall sign that was lower than the top, it would look odd. Director Paul Kermoyan said that the signage can be designed to fit within the building architecture to meet the 45 foot height maximum. If a business wants to ask for placement at the top parapet, they can ask the Council. While the Planning Commission reviews such requests, the City Council is the approving body. City Attorney William Seligmann clarified (upon further review of the Code) that awall- mounted freeway-oriented sign can be up as high as the building but still subject to design review. The 14-foot height limit doesn't apply to freeway-oriented signs per the Code. Commissioner Reynolds: • Said that this is a very good idea. • Added that this is a more R&D region and that buildings in Campbell will need an identity. These businesses bring jobs into the community and place a major investment in the community that is an important part of the tax base. They need the ability to identify their business. • Concluded that he would be supportive. Commissioner Rich: • Said that he is also supportive. • Agreed that companies need an identity. • Reminded that the exception process is available. Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for July 22, 2014 Page 8 • Added that as a general guideline, he is in favor of this amendment. Commissioner Finch agreed with Commissioner Rich's comments. She added that there is the ability to see what looks good and what does not. Director Paul Kermoyan: • Said that the design of the building would resolve any height issues and that SARC would review designs. • Clarified that a freestanding sign size is determined so that it is the minimum height and size necessary to achieve visibility with the maximum of 45 feet. This is intended to avoid tall towers. • Reminded that flexibility is built into the Ordinance. If it is too specific, it takes away any flexibility of considering requests on a case-by-case basis. Commissioner Dodd said that she likes the ability for SARC to review these applications. Chair Resnikoff said that he has no problems with this proposed text amendment and is happy that there is an exception process in place. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Reynolds, seconded by Commissioner Dodd, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 4160 recommending that the City Council approve a Text Amendment (PLN2014-189) to Chapter 21.30 (Signs) in order to modify provisions related to Freeway Oriented Signs and the definition section of the Chapter, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Dodd, Finch, Kendall, Resnikoff, Reynolds, Rich and Young NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Chair Resnikofi~ advised that this item would be considered by the City Council at its meeting on August 19, 2014. *** MISCELLANEOUS Chair Resnikoff read Agenda Item No. 3 into the record as follows: 4. Mayor's Meeting Update. Chair Resnikoff advised that the most recent Mayor's meeting was cancelled so he has nothing new to report. *** Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for July 22, 2014 Page 9 REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Director Paul Kermoyan had nothing to add to the written staff report. Commissioner Kendall asked for an update on the recent meetings with Downtown businesses. Director Paul Kermoyan: • Advised that a meeting was held as an opportunity to reach out to business and property owners of Downtown locations with alcohol service and sales. • Added that this meeting is intended to serve as a "reset". Copies of the specific Conditional Use Permit with their approved conditions of approval were distributed. • Stated that this session gave the City the opportunity to learn what we're doing well and what can be improved and the City to advise the businesses what is not going well • Said that at this meeting, business owners signed up for one-on-one meetings with staff. So far 12 of these interviews have been held. Those meetings have been positive anti staff will continue with that step with the other businesses not yet scheduled. • Concluded that this process has been very valuable. Commissioner Finch thanked staff and said this outreach will make the Commission's job easier going forward. Commissioner Reynolds asked if the conversation at the first group session provided an open exchange of information and feedback. Director Paul Kermoyan said that it was an open discussion with some honesty. There has been no finger-pointing yet. Staff explained some of its observations and clarified conditions of approval. Some businesses have layers of Use Permits issued through the years. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m. immediately to a study session and subsequently tot next Regular Planning Commission Meeting of August 12, 2014. SUBMITTED B'Y: orinn hinn, Recording Secretary ~' APPROVED Bl': r ---~ Paul R~niko~f, Chair ATTEST: ~ ~(~ ~~ ~- Paul lean, Secretary