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PC Min 12/11/2001CITY OF CAMPBELL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 7:30 P.M. TUESDAY DECEMBER 11, 2001 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS The Planning Commission meeting of December 11, 2001, was called to order at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 70 North First Street, Campbell, California by Chair Francois, and the following proceedings were had, to wit: ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Chair: Vice Chair: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Tom Francois Joseph D. Hemandez George Doorley Bob Alderete Elizabeth Gibbons Felicia Leonard Commissioners Absent: Commissioner: Brad Jones Staff Present: Community Development Director: Senior Planner Associate Planner: Planner II: Planner I: City Attorney: Reporting Secretary: Sharon Fierro Geoff I. Bradley Tim J. Haley Darcy Smith Stephanie Willsey William Seligmann Corinne A. Shinn APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: On motion of Commissioner Doorley, seconded by Commissioner Gibbons, the Planning Commission minutes of November 13, 2001, were approved. (6-0-1; Commissioner Jones was absent) COMMUNICATIONS. There were no Communication Items. Planning Commission Mint,,~s of December 11, 2001 Page 2 AGENDA MODIFICATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS There were no agenda modifications or postponements ORAL REQUESTS There were no oral requests. PUBLIC HEARING Chair Francois read Agenda Item No. 1 into the record. PLN2001~122 PLN2001-126 McPherson, K. Public Hearing to consider the application of Ms. Karen McPherson, on behalf of Metro PCS, Inc., for a Site and Architectural Approval (PLN2001-122) and Conditional Use Permit (PLN2001-126) to allow a stealth antenna installation at the Kirkwood Plaza Shopping Center on property located at 1630 W. Campbell Avenue in a C-1-S (Neighborhood Commercial) Zoning District. This project is Categorically Exempt. Planning Commission decision final in 10 days, unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk. Ms. Darcy Smith, Planner II, presented the staff report as follows: · Advised that Ms. Karen McPherson, on behalf of Metro PCS, is seeking Site and Architectural and Conditional Use Permit Approval for the installation of six panel antennas and screening at the Kirkwood Plaza Shopping Center. · Informed that there are other providers on site, including a Spring light pole installation within the parking lot on the east of the site. · Stated that this installation will be flush with the fagade and will not project outward. Instead a portion of the stucco will be removed and the antennas inserted into the wall spaces on the east, south and west building facades and a matching screening material will be placed in front to completely obscure the installation from public view. · Advised that Metro PCS is a new cartier recently authorized by the FCC and it must be in operation by early 2002. · Advised that staff finds this proposal to be a preferred location per the Telecommunications Ordinance. Staff further finds it architectural compatible and consistent with the General Plan and Zoning for the project site. SARC also considered this proposal on November 27th and was supportive as proposed. Therefore, staff is recommending approval. Vice Chair Hernandez presented the Site and Architectural Review Committee report as follows: · SARC reviewed this project on November 27th and was supportive, finding the installation to be aesthetically pleasing. Chair Francois opened the Public Heating for Agenda Item No. 1. Ms. Karen McPherson, Representative for Metro PCS, 3950 Dublin Boulevard, Dublin: · Complimented Darcy Smith for her thorough report. · Stated that she is available for any technical questions on the installation. · Assured that they will match the building perfectly. Planning Commission Mint~,,:s of December 11, 2001 Page 3 Chair Francois closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Gibbons, seconded by Commissioner Alderete, the Planning Commission Adopted Resolution No. 3400 approving a Site and Architectural Review Permit (PLN2001-122) and Conditional Use Permit (PLN2001-126) to allow a stealth antenna installation at the Kirkwood Plaza Shopping Center on property located at 1630 W. Campbell Avenue, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Alderete, Doorley, Francois, Gibbons, Hernandez and Leonard NOES: None ABSENT: Jones ABSTAIN: None Chair Francois advised that this item is final in 10 days, unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk. Chair Francois read Agenda Item No. 2 into the record. 2. PLN2001-115 Morelan, J.. Public Hearing to consider the application of Mr. Jim Morelan, on behalf of First United Methodist Church of Campbell, for a Conditional Use Permit (PLN2001-115) to allow the construction of a new three-story Administration/Music/Youth Building at an existing church site on property located at 1675 S. Winchester Boulevard in a P-F (Public Facilities) Zoning District. This project is Categorically Exempt. Planning Commission decision final in 10 days, unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk. Commissioner Leonard recused herself from this item as she attends this church and left the dais to sit in the audience. Ms. Stephanie Willsey, Planner I, presented the staff report as follows: · Advised that this application is for a Conditional Use Permit to allow the construction of a new three-story building to house administrative/music/youth activities. An existing administration building will be demolished following construction of this building. · Informed that the First United Methodist Church of Campbell has been on this site for 46 years. · Said that this new building will be mostly hidden from view from Winchester Boulevard by the existing sanctuary. The new building is proposed at 44 feet. The site will have 30 percent landscaping and provide 141 parking spaces, exceeding the requirement of 123. Of those spaces, 89 are standard, 45 are compact and 7 are handicapped parking spaces. · Recommended approval of this proposal. Chair Francois opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1. Planning Commission Minu~,:s of December 11, 2001 Page 4 Mr. Jim Morelan, Project Architect: Advised that the Church's pastor and two members of the congregation are available in the audience this evening. · Declared that Stephanie Willsey did an excellent and complete staff report. · Made himself available for questions and stated that he has larger color samples available for the Commission. Vice Chair Hemandez presented the Site and Architectural Review Committee report as follows: · SARC reviewed this project on November 27th and was supportive as proposed. Stated that SARC found that an outstanding job was done in being sensitive to the surrounding uses. Chair Francois closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1. Commissioner Gibbons cautioned that there may be some modifications required in the final building plans to meet Code requirements. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Doorley, seconded by Commissioner Hernandez, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 3401 approving a Site and Architectural Review Permit (PLN2001-115) to allow a new three-story administrative/music/youth building at First United Methodist Church on property located at 1675 S. Winchester Boulevard, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Alderete, Doorley, Francois, Gibbons and Hernandez NOES: None ABSENT: Jones ABSTAIN: Leonard Chair Francois advised that this approval is effective in 10 days unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk. Commissioner Leonard rejoined the Commission at the dais at 7:46 p.m. Chair Francois read Agenda Item No. 3 into the record. 3. PLN2001-112 Ford, A. Hearing to consider the application of Mr. Alan Ford, on behalf of Walgreen's, for a Sign Application (PLN2001-112) for a sign exception request for Walgreen's on property located at 1570 W. Campbell Avenue in a C-1-S (Neighborhood Commercial) Zoning District. This project is Categorically Exempt. Planning Commission decision final in 10 days, unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk. Mr. Tim J. Haley, Associate Planner, presented the staff report as follows: Planning Commission Minu~s of December 11, 2001 Page 5 · Advised that the applicant is seeking a Sign Exception to allow three additional wall signs. · Informed that staff has already approved one 41 square foot wall sign on Campbell Avenue, reading Walgreen's and a freestanding sign with a 9 square foot panel reading Walgreen's. · Stated that this new signage will identify minor departments within Walgreen's, Pharmacy and One-Hour Photo. The third additional sign would read Walgreen's along the San Tomas Aquino Road frontage. · Said that the basis for staff support is the location on the site and the obstructions in visibility from the street, including the Shell Station and the Dental Building. Additionally, the size of the building could proportionately accommodate the requested signage. Vice Chair Hemandez presented the Site and Architectural Review Committee report as follows: · SARC reviewed this project on November 27th and was supportive of the request. Chair Francois opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3. Mr. Alan Ford, Sign Representative, 1290 Waterfall Way, Concord: · Stated that he was happy with the staff presentation and SARC recommendation. · Made himself available for questions. Commissioner Alderete asked Mr. Ford to substantiate the need for this signage. Mr. Alan Ford said that he agreed with the staff report that mentions the fact that this building is hidden behind the Shell Station and is tucked back into the comer of this center. Added that he feels strongly that the additional signs will be beneficial to the establishment of this Walgreen's location. Chair Francois closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3. Commissioner Leonard: · Stated that Sign G does not appear to be depicted on the site plan. · Expressed concerns with the number of smaller signs sought. · Said that the Commission should maintain the Sign Ordinance regulations and this applicant is seeking too many signs. Commissioner Alderete said that he agreed this is too many signs and that he does not see a reason for that many. The Walgreen's signs adequately identify the site without the need for specific use signs such as One-Hour Photo and Pharmacy. Commissioner Doorley said that he looks at overall compatibility. This signage is a part of overall branding and seems minor and supportable. Commissioner Gibbons said that she supports the comments of Commissioners Leonard and Alderete. She does not support Sign D (One-Hour Photo) and can support one but not both Signs C (Pharmacy) or G (Logo). Planning Commission Minu~cs of December 11, 2001 Page 6 Senior Planner Geoff I. Bradley pointed out that the mortar and pestle (logo) sign is actually exempt as it is located inside the building. Associate Planner Tim J. Haley added that this logo sign is on the wall inside the building behind the glass windows. Commissioner Gibbons said that she does not support the One-Hour Photo or Pharmacy signs. Chair Francois asked why. Commissioner Gibbons replied that the request is for too much signage. Said that while the San Tomas Aquino Road side sign is reasonable the others are not needed. Chair Francois pointed out that this signs are compatible with other Walgreen's locations. Commissioner Doorley said that it seems to be standard signage for Walgreen's and seems to work. Added that he does not find the signage to represent massing or a congested appearance. Commissioner Hernandez asked Commissioner Leonard with signs she could not support. Commissioner Leonard replied Signs C and D. Added that she could support Sign B. Commissioner Alderete stated his agreement with Commissioner Leonard. Pointed out that Walgreen's is a nationally branded chain that can't be missed. Added that it is difficult for him to buy the argument that all this signage is necessary. Vice Chair Hernandez asked about the One-Hour Photo sign. Commissioner Alderete replied that people know that Walgreen's has photo development services. Chair Francois: Stated that he agrees with Commissioner Doorley's support of this sign request. Added that as a former business owner he well understands the importance of signs. · Said that the dental office and Shell station do provide obstructions to the visibility of this Walgreen's location. Vice Chair Hernandez: · Said that upon first review at SARC, he too had thought this request included a lot of signs. · Added that upon review, the request seems to be in keeping with this center and makes sense and flow for this applicant. Therefore he is leaning toward supporting. Commissioner Gibbon pointed out that Avery's has but one sign despite the fact that they too have miscellaneous departments. Said that she prefers less signage than more. Planning Commission Mint,,,~s of December 11, 2001 Page 7 Vice Chair Hemandez said that some discretion is needed. be duplicative with the logo visible through the window. different service. Agreed that the Pharmacy sign may However, the One-Hour Photo is a Commissioner Gibbons pointed out that stores such as this typically have their windows plastered with paper sales signs. Vice Chair Hemandez asked staff is this signage is covered under the Sign Ordinance. Director Sharon Fierro advised that businesses may cover up to 50 percent of their windows. That signage is exempt. Vice Chair Hemandez asked Commissioner Gibbons if she supports minimizing the permanent signage due to window signs. Associate Planner Tim J. Haley advised that the applicant has scaled down the script size from the allowed 50 square feet to 40 square feet in order to be able to identify the minor departments. Commissioner Doorley: · Disagreed that Walgreen's is a nationally known chain as mentioned earlier. · Pointed out that he has lived in about 22 places and most did not have Walgreen's stores. Commissioner Alderete: · Pointed out that Walgreen's could advertise its photo development services through its use of window signs using up to 50 percent of the window space. · Described the use of extensive window signage as used by the bank at the comer of Union and E. Campbell Avenue, which actually distracts from that bank's permanent signage. Commissioner Gibbons: · Reminded the Commission of the desire by both Johnny Rockets and Hollywood Video to have their typical corporate signage at the Pmneyard. The Commission stuck to its guns with both requests and the businesses are doing well. · Added that it is important not to be bamboozled. · Stated that the applicant has not made a case to support this signage. Commissioner Alderete: · Offered that this location has been determined as a viable location to support a Walgreen's. · Declared that this Walgreen's will do well, make money and provide a valuable service to the community. · Asked that the Commission not compromise its Sign Ordinance. Commissioner Doorley said that he actually does not see this as three separate signs but rather as a "Walgreen's Pharmacy and One-Hour Photo." Commissioner Leonard said that if the square footage fell within the allowed 50 square feet, she might be able to support that train of thought. However, this request equals 75 square feet. Planning Commission Mint,,,:s of December 11, 2001 Page 8 Added that most people are aware that Walgreen's has a pharmacy and photo development services. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Gibbons, seconded by Commissioner Leonard, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 3402 approving a Sign Exception (PLN2001-112) allowing one additional wall sign (Sign B) for Walgreen's on property located at 1570 W. Campbell Avenue, with amendments to the Findings as provided by the City Attorney, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Alderete, Doorley, Francois, Gibbons, Hernandez and Leonard NOES: None ABSENT: Jones ABSTAIN: None Chair Francois advised that this decision is final in 10 days, unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk. Chair Francois read Agenda Item No. 4 into the record. 4. PLN2001-138 Stoddard, Bob Hearing to consider the application of Mr. Bob Stoddard, on behalf of Stoddard's Brewhouse & Eatery, for a Sign Application (PLN2001- 138) for a sign exception request for Stoddard's Brewhouse & Eatery on property located at 200 E. Campbell Avenue in the C-3-S (Central Business District) Zoning District. This project is Categorically Exempt. Planning Commission decision final in 10 days, unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk. Mr. Geoff I. Bradley, Senior Planner, presented the staff report as follows: · Advised that the Stoddard's building has been under construction at Campbell and Second since May 2000 and will open later this month. · Said that Stoddard's is seeking a Sign Exception. The building will be occupied by two separately owned businesses, Stoddard's and the Banquet Hall. This exception is needed to permit a Sign C (round logo sign) facing onto Campbell Avenue. The two signs along Campbell will total about 40 square feet in sign area with 20 square feet for the logo sign and 18 square feet for the Stoddard's sign. · Informed that SARC reviewed this proposal at its meeting tonight. · Stated that staff could not make the finding that this location is unusually hard to find. Rather staff can make the finding that the building has a substantial frontage that can substantiate this request. The frontage totals 150 feet. · Recommended approval of a resolution granting this Sign Exception. Vice Chair Hernandez: · Advised that SARC reviewed this application at this evening's meeting. Planning Commission Minu,,~s of December 11, 2001 Page 9 Stated that the applicant could not attend this evening's SARC meeting. While it appears to be a reasonable request, SARC members were concerned about its ability to adequately assess this logo sign with the limited plans provided. The materials used could mitigate these concems. Prior to approval, SARC would like to see a mock up of the logo sign installed on the building. Chair Francois opened the Public Heating for Agenda Item No. 4. Mr. Bob Stoddard, Applicant: · Made himself available for questions. · Agreed with SARC members that it is hard to evaluate what this logo sign will look like in the black and white drawings. · Assured that this logo will have an elegant design and will not be unattractive. · Added that the mesh material behind the lettering would be transparent. The alternative would be a white plastic sign with attached letters, an option he does not like. Senior Planner Geoff I. Bradley suggested that the Commission approve the exception to allow the placement of the text Stoddard's sign with the requirement that that logo sign details be brought back before the Commission for final approval. Commissioner Gibbons stated that she could support that approach. Chair Francois asked Mr. Stoddard if he was agreeable to this proposal. Mr. Bob Stoddard replied yes and offered to prepare a mock up sign. Senior Planner Geoff I. Bradley suggested a single letter at the full proposed size mounted on the mesh material. Commissioner Alderete stated that it appears this will be a nice looking sign. Vice Chair Hernandez declared that this building will be a crown jewel in the Downtown and he wants to see the signs done right. Mr. Bob Stoddard asked for a time frame for return to the Commission. Senior Planner Geoff I. Bradley replied January 8, 2002. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Hernandez, seconded by Commissioner Gibbons, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2403 approving a Sign Exception (PLN2001-138) allowing one additional wall sign to be placed above the cave for Stoddard's Brewhouse & Eatery on property located at 200 E. Campbell Avenue, with a continuance for the second (logo) sign to be reconsidered by the Commission at its meeting on January 8, 2002, for final approval, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Alderete, Doorley, Francois, Gibbons, Hernandez and Leonard Planning Commission Minu~cs of December 11, 2001 Page 10 NOES: None ABSENT: Jones ABSTAIN: None Commissioner Doorley asked if this approval tonight includes the Villa Ragusa sign. Senior Planner Geoff I. Bradley replied no. He added that there are two owners and the final name for the Banquet Hall is still to be determined. Additionally, this sign would not require further Planning Commission approval as long as it is within the allowable size limitations. Chair Francois advised that this decision is final in 10 days, unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk. Chair Francois read Agenda Item No. 5 into the record. Resolution Commending Dennis Lowe Adoption of a resolution honoring former Planning Commissioner Dennis Lowe for eight years of service on the Planning Commission (1993 through 2001). Director Sharon Fierro presented the staff report as follows: · Advised that staff is requesting a voice vote for the adoption of a draft resolution honoring former Planning Commissioner Dennis Lowe for his eight years of service on the Commission. · Staff will arrange an appropriate forum for the presentation to Commissioner Lowe. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Leonard, seconded by Commissioner Gibbons, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 3393 commending Commissioner Dennis Lowe for eight years of service on the Planning Commission, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Alderete, Doorley, Francois, Gibbons, Hernandez and Leonard NOES: None ABSENT: Jones ABSTAIN: None Chair Francois read Agenda Item No. 6 into the record. 6. Cancellation of December 25, 2001, Planning Commission Meeting Chair Francois announced the cancellation of the next Planning Commission meeting, which would have fallen on Christmas Day. Planning Commission Mint. cs of December 11, 2001 Page 11 REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR The written report of Ms. Sharon Fierro, Community Development Director, was accepted as presented with the following additions: · Announced that Council took second reading on the Ordinances repealing the old General Plan Elements and Zoning Map. These changes become effective on December 20th. Council also took first reading on the amendments to the Ordinance for Home Depot's, which amends the original conditions of approval. · Advised that the New Housing Element will become effective early in January, 2002. · Extended her compliments and thanks to the Planning Commission for their hard work and dedication to the updates to the General Plan and Housing Element. · Advised that Council met on Monday, December l0th, and Jeanette Watson was elected Mayor, with Dan Furtado elected Vice Mayor. · Informed that the Police Department processed a Massage Permit for Light Bodies, which was approved by Council on December 10th. · Advised that the Commission Agenda on January 8t~ will include three items, four with the return of the Stoddard's sign request. · Pointed out that tonight's meeting is the last for the year 2001. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. to the next Regular Public Heating on January 8, 2002 (the meeting of December 25, 2001, has been cancelled), in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 70 North First Street, Campbell, Cafi{omia. SUBMITTED BY: Co~nne- A~. 'Shinn, ~cretary ~ Tc~ Franco~'~, dhair ATTEST: ,~ Sharon Fierro, Secretary