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PC Min 12/12/2000CITY OF CAMPBELL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 7:30 P.M. TUESDAY DECEMBER 12, 2000 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS The Planning Commission meeting of December 12, 2000, was called to order at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 70 North First Street, Campbell, California by Chairperson Gibbons, and the following proceedings were had, to wit: ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Chair: Vice Chair: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Elizabeth Gibbons Mel Lindstrom George Doorley Tom Francois Joseph D. Hemandez Brad Jones Dennis Lowe Commissioners Absent: None Staff Present: Community Development Director: Senior Planner: Associate Planner: City Attorney: Reporting Secretary: Sharon Fierro Geoff I. Bradley Tim J. Haley William Seligrnann Corinne A. Shinn APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion: On motion of Commissioner Francois, seconded by Commissioner Lindstrom, the Planning Commission minutes of November 28, 2000, were approved. (6-0-1; Commissioner Lowe abstained as he was not present at this meeting) COMMUNICATIONS. 1. Letter re Agenda Item No. 2 (368 E. Campbell Avenue). Planning Commission MinuLes of December 12, 2000 Page 2 AGENDA MODIFICATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS There were no modifications or postponements. ORAL REQUESTS There were no oral requests. PUBLIC HEARING Chairperson Gibbons read Agenda Item No. 1 into the record. 1. PLN2000-165 Nelson, J. Public Hearing to consider the application of Mr. Jon Nelson for a Site and Architectural Approval (PLN2000-165) to allow the construction of a new single-family residence on property located at 1079 W. Parr Avenue in an R-l-10 (Single Family Residential) 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: · Stated that the applicant is seeking a Site and Architectural Approval to allow the construction of a 4,900 square foot, two-story single-family residence plus garage on property located at 1079 W. Parr Avenue. A single-family structure currently on the property will be demolished. · Advised that the Zoning for the property is R-l-10 and the General Plan Land Use Designation is Low Density Residential (Less than 3.5 units per gross acre). The project complies with the requirements of the San Tomas Area Neighborhood Plan as well as the Zoning requirements. · The project incorporates unique design features, which include a Porte couchere and a parking courtyard. The structure will include both a one and two-car garage. The design offers attractive frontage toward the street. The two-story portion is centered toward the middle of the structure, which leaves much of the structure with a single-story appearance. There is minimum garage appearance from the frontage and the inclusion of a porch feature. Staff recommends approval. Commissioner Doorley inquired about required street improvements. Mr. Tim J. Haley advised that the applicant is required to install the improvements along W. Parr Avenue per the most recently revised San Tomas Area Neighborhood Plan. Per the Public Works Department, it is practical to require these improvements at this time rather than deferring them. Commissioner Doorley asked if the improvements would be installed just in front of this project or if the City will improve the whole street at the same time. Mr. Tim J. Haley replied that the improvements would be installed in front of this property at this time. Planning Commission Mint, les of December 12, 2000 Page 3 Chairperson Gibbons advised Commissioner Doorley that the property owner is responsible for the cost of the installation of the improvements and not the City. Commissioner Doorley stated that he was well aware of the monetary responsibility but rather wanted to inquire about the uniform appearance of the street if only one house had street improvements. Recommended consideration of deferring the improvements until a later date. Mr. Tim J. Haley clarified that when the Public Works Department find that installing the improvements is not practical, they defer those improvements to a later date. In this case, they find it practical to install these improvements at this time. Chairperson Gibbons asked if there is presently an existing drainage problem in the area. Mr. Tim J. Haley replied no. He added that one reason improvements might be deferred is if their installation would create problems. That is not the case in this circumstance. Commissioner Lindstrom presented the Site and Architectural Review Committee report as follows: · Advised that the project is developed at just 37 percent FAR when 45 percent is allowed. · Stated that SARC is in support of the project and particularly liked the design of the garages. Chairperson Gibbons opened the Public Heating for Agenda Item No. 1. Chairperson Gibbons closed the Public Heating for Agenda Item No. 1. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Lindstrom, seconded by Commissioner Lowe, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 3319 granting a Site and Architectural Approval (PLN2000-165) to allow the construction of a new two-story single-family residence on property located at 1079 W. Parr Avenue, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Doorley, Francois, Gibbons, Hernandez, Jones, Lindstrom, Lo~ve NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Gibbons advised that this action is final in 10 days, unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk. Chairperson Gibbons read Agenda Item No. 2 into the record. 2. PLN2000-170 Public Heating to consider the application of Mr. JeffWyatt for an Wyatt,& Extension (PLN2000-170) to a previously-approved Site and Planning Commission Minutes of December 12, 2000 Page 4 Architectural Approval to allow the construction of a new commercial building on property located at 368 E. Campbell Avenue in the C-3-S (Central Business District) Zoning District. A Negative Declaration was previously prepared for this project. 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: · Stated that the Site and Architectural Approval was originally granted on November 24, 1998. A one-year extension was approved on December 14, 1999. The applicant is before the Commission this evening seeking a second extension. Added that Pockets is no longer affiliated with the project and the building will be constructed as a traditional office over retail space. The owners will secure tenants for the site. · Advised that building plans are in, fees have been paid and a demolition permit is being processed. · Staff is seeking to avoid the need for a third approval, should this project not be constructed for another year, and is recommending a six-month extension for commencement of construction or until May 24, 2001. The existing building is slated for demolition this month. Per the applicant, the building will be completed by August 1, 2001. Commissioner Lindstrom asked for the reasoning behind staff's recommendation to offer only a six-month extension. Mr. Geoff I. Bradley replied that the applicant has already had two years to begin the project. If this project is not going to be built, it is better to know sooner rather than later. Ms. Sharon Fierro added that it is rare to grant several extensions. This is an important property in Downtown Campbell, which has been in disrepair for a long time. Commissioner Francois questioned whether the applicant is comfortable with the six-month limitation. Mr. Geoff I. Bradley advised that the applicant himself offered six months as a compromise. Chairperson Gibbons opened the Public Heating for Agenda Item No. 2. Mr. Tom Cain, Representative for Applicant: · Stated that he was available for any questions. Commissioner Lindstrom asked Mr. Cain if the applicant is comfortable with the six-month extension. Mr. Tom Cain replied yes and reminded the Commission that the existing building will be demolished on December 14th. Planning Commission Minutes of December 12, 2000 Page 5 Commissioner Doorley asked staff if they had any concems about the change in uses from the original proposal for Pockets. Mr. Geoff I. Bradley advised that the building was envisioned as a retail over office use when originally reviewed and was designed and approved as a building that would allow flexible uses of the site over the years. Chairperson Gibbons closed the Public Heating for Agenda Item No. 2. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Lowe, seconded by Commissioner Hcrnandez, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 3320 approving a six-month Extension (PLN2000-170) to a previously-approved Site and Architectural Approval to allow the construction of a new two- story commercial building on property located at the 368 E. Campbell Avenue, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Doorley, Francois, Gibbons, Hernandez, Jones, Lindstrom, towe NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Gibbons advised that this action is final in 10 days, unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk. Chairperson Gibbons read Agenda Item No. 3 into the record. 3. PLN2000-133 Bennett, T. Hearing to consider the application of Mr. Tim Bennett, on behalf of Legacy Partners, for approval of a Sign Program (PLN2000- 133) for Vasona Technology Park on property located at 200-250 E. Hacienda and 1315-1357 Dell Avenue in a CM/B-80 (Controlled Manufacturing) 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: · Advised that the applicant is seeking approval of a Sign Program for the Vasona Technology Park. · Reminded that the Commission recently approved the conversion of this park from manufacturing uses to research and development. That approval incorporated the new landscaping for the site and modification of the parking area. There was a requirement for approval of a Sign Program, which this application will satisfy. · The proposed Sign Program incorporates 17 signs that include smaller signs and freestanding signs at the entrances to identify the addresses and vinyl window signs. The Planning Commission Minutes of December 12, 2000 Page 6 Sign Program is conservative for the 20-acre site that includes a number of buildings and driveways. The Sign Program provides direction and identification for the site. Staff is recommending approval. Commissioner Doorley asked if this Sign Program is in excess of what is normally allowed. Mr. Tim J. Haley advised that under the Sign Ordinance, one wall sign per business and one freestanding sign per building are allowed. The signs for this site are smaller in nature but more numerous. Commissioner Doorley asked if, by approving this request, precedent is being set. Also questioned whether specific standards for R&D parks need to be established. Mr. Tim J. Haley said staff is not looking to establish specific standards for R&D/Industrial zones. Ms. Sharon Fierro added that the Sign Ordinance allows exceptions. A property of this size is a rare case. The Ordinance requires that the proposed signs be attractive and match the building architecturally. Added that the Zoning Ordinance will be updated following adoption of the updated General Plan. Signs can be considered at that time for specific zoning districts if so desired. Commissioner Lindstrom presented the Site and Architectural Review Committee report as follows: · Said that SARC reviewed this Sign Program proposal on November 27, 2000. · Advised that the proposed signs are necessary in order to identify the buildings and are architecturally compatible with the building. This Sign Program represents a conservative series of signs. · Added that SARC found the proposal to be a good one and that there is no reason not to support it. Said that most of the signs are visible only from within the park complex. Chairperson Gibbons opened the Public Heating for Agenda Item No. 3. Chairperson Gibbons closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Lowe, seconded by Commissioner Francois, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 3321 approving a Sign Program (PLN2000-133) for the Vasona Technology Park on property located at 200-250 W. Hacienda Avenue and 1315-1357 Dell Avenue, by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Doorley, Francois, Gibbons, Hernandez, Jones, Lindstrom, Lowe None None None Planning Commission Minutes of December 12, 2000 Page 7 Chairperson Gibbons advised that this approval is final in 10 days, unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk. Chairperson Gibbons read Agenda Item No. 4 into the record. 4. Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2001 Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Lowe, seconded by Commissioner Francois, the Commission nominated Commissioner Lindstrom to serve as Planning Commission Chair for 2001, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Doorley, Francois, Gibbons, Hernandez, Jones, Lindstrom, Lowe NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Gibbons turned the gavel over to newly-elected Chair Lindstrom. Chairperson Lindstrom asked for a nomination for Vice Chair for 2001. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Gibbons, seconded by Commissioner Hernandez, the Commission nominated Commissioner Francois to serve as Planning Commission Vice Chair for 2001, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Doorley, Francois, Gibbons, Hernandez, Jones, Lindstrom, Lowe NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Lindstrom read Agenda Item No. 5 into the record. 5. Cancellation of December 26, 2000, Planning Commission meeting. Chairperson Lindstrom announced the cancellation of the December 26, 2000, meeting. He added comments of appreciation for the service rendered by outgoing Chairperson Gibbons during the past year. He advised that she will be formally recognized at the January 9, 2001, meeting and be allowed to make her comments at that time. REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR The written report of Ms. Sharon Fierro, Community Development Director, was accepted as presented with the following additions: Planning Commission Minu,cs of December 12, 2000 Page 8 · Advised that at the December 11, 2000, Council meeting the City election results were validated. Councilmember Dougherty completed his second and final term and Councilmember Burr rejoined the Council. Matthew Dean was appointed Mayor and Jeanette Watson was appointed Vice Mayor for 2001. · Advised that a Special SARC meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2000,at 4:30 p.m. · Informed the Commission to hold the dates of March 21-23, 2001, open for the Annual League of California Cities Planners Institute in Monterey. Commissioner Francois advised that he had heard an appeal of the Kirkwood Plaza project is pending. Ms. Sharon Fierro advised that once the Kirkorians notified Walgreens Corporate Office of the requirements of the approval, they threatened to withdraw from the site so the Kirkorians have appealed the design change imposed by the Commission. She added that there are also two letters of appeal on the playground equipment approval for the Seventh Day Adventist School. Council will hear both appeals on January 2, 2001. Commissioner Francois inquired about the condition of the property on W. Campbell Avenue on which a former Straw Hat Pizza building is located. Ms. Sharon Fierro advised that she has been working with the property owner to correct maintenance problems on this property. The building has recently been painted and weeds removed. However, the building still looks abandoned and blighted. The owner has indicated that the property may be sold. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. to the Planning Commission meeting of January 9, 2001, in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 70 North First Street, Campbell, Califomia. Corinne A. Shinn, Recording Secretary APPROVED BY: ATTEST: _,. EIl'zabe~h ~3ib-bons, Chair Sharon Fierro, Secretary