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PC Min 07/14/1998CITY OF CAMPBELL PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 7:30 P.M. TUESDAY JULY 14, 1998 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS The Planning Commission meeting of July 14, 1998, was called to order at 7:38 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 70 North First Street, Campbell, California by Acting Chair Jones, and the following proceedings were had, to wit: ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Vice Chair: Commissioner: Commissioner: Commissioner: Brad Jones Elizabeth Gibbons Mel Lindstrom Jane Meyer-Kennedy Commissioners Absent: Chair: Commissioner: Commissioner: Dennis Lowe Tom Francois Susan A. Keams Staff Present: Community Development Director: Senior Planner: Associate Planner: Planner I: Acting City Attorney: Redevelopment Staff: Reporting Secretary: Steve Piasecki Sharon Fierro Tim J. Haley Aki Irani Joe Raineri Geoff Bradley Corinne A. Shinn APPROVAL OF MINUTES As there was not a quorum of members eligible to vote upon the minutes of the Meeting of June 23, 1998, Planning Commission meeting, the Commission postponed the vote on those minutes to the next Planning Commission meeting of July 28, 1998. COMMUNICATIONS. There were no communication items. Planning Commission Minutes of July 14, 1998 Page 2 AGENDA MODIFICATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS There were no agenda modifications or postponements. ORAL REQUESTS There were no oral requests. PUBLIC HEARING Acting Chair Jones read Agenda Item No. 1 into the record. 1. M 98-02 Robinson, G. Continued Public Hearing to consider the application of Mr. Gary Robinson, on behalf of Carrows Restaurant, for a Modification (M 98-02) to a previous Site and Architectural Approval to allow changes to the exterior appearance of an existing restaurant building on property located at 150 E. Hamilton Avenue in a C-1-S (Neighborhood Commercial) Zoning District. This project is Categorically Exempt. Planning Commission decision final, unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk within 10 days. Community Development Director Steve Piasecki advised that the applicant has asked for another continuance. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Gibbons, the Planning Commission continued consideration of M 98-02 (Modifications to the Carrows Restaurant located at 150 E. Hamilton Avenue) to the Planning Commission meeting of July 28, 1998. (4-0-3) Acting Chair Jones read Agenda Item No. 2 into the record. 2. S 98-07 de Vries, G. Public Hearing to consider the application of Mr. Greg deVries for a Site and Architectural Approval (S 98-07) to allow an expansion of an existing commercial building located at 267 E. Campbell Avenue in a C-3-S (Central Business District) Zoning District. A Negative Declaration has been prepared for this project. Mr. Tim J. Haley, Associate Planner, presented the staff report as follows: · Advised that this application is for a Site and Architectural Approval to allow the redevelopment of an existing commercial building located on the northwest comer of E. Campbell Avenue at N. First Street. · The ground floor will consist of new retail space and the second floor will be occupied by office uses. Planning Commission Minutes of July 14, 1998 Page 3 · Eight parking spaces are located at the rear of this parcel, with five parcels sharing a common parking lot. · The applicant had planned to restructure the parking lot to gain seven additional parking spaces but the other property owners oppose this proposal. Therefore, the applicant will leave the parking lot as it is currently configured. · The proposed use requires 21 parking spaces which leaves a 13 space deficit. · Staff recommends that the applicant participate in an on-street parking program. · The on-street parking program should create approximately 100-125 new spaces along the loop streets. · The participation would equal a maximum of $5,000 per parking space to help finance and improve the loop street parking. This parking plan will need to be approved by Council. · It is anticipated that this parking will be installed before the end of the year. · Staff recommends refinement of the building design and materials and that Council grant a Negative Declaration and that the Commission adopt a resolution recommending Council approval of this project. Commissioner Gibbons presented the Site and Architectural Review Committee report as follows: · Advised that the applicant was responsive to SARC's concerns at their meeting two weeks prior and made the changes SARC recommended. · SARC is supportive of the project. Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy sought clarification that the parking was expected by the end of this current year. Mr. Tim J. Haley answered that that was the anticipation. Acting Chair Jones asked whether the Commission's decision was final or the Council would make the final approval. Community Development Director Steve Piasecki advised that approval of the parking adjustment tied to this project required Council approval. Commissioner Gibbons questioned Condition No. 13 as it applies to driveway improvements and the relocation of the streetlight. Mr. Tim J. Haley advised that the applicant has control of the two driveways in question. He added that the driveways will not be relocated if the lot is not reconfigured. Commissioner Gibbons advised the applicant that it does not appear that an elevator is planned between the first and second floors. Wamed that the Building Department is not obliged to Planning Commission Minutes of July 14, 1998 Page 4 enforce the ADA Act (American's With Disabilities) but that the applicant is forced to comply with its requirements. Acting Chair Jones opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2. Mr. GeoffBradley, Redevelopment Agency Coordinator: · Advised that the loop street parking plan is part of the adopted Downtown Development Plan. The intent is to increase parking, slow down traffic and increase pedestrian access. · Stated that on July 7th, Council conducted a Study Session where alternative parking layouts were discussed including diagonal parking and parallel parking on either both or one side of the loop streets. · The Council continued this discussion to July 21st. · It is anticipated that between 100 and 125 new spaces on loop streets can be achieved with this plan. Commissioner Gibbons asked if the costs were contained within the current Redevelopment Agency budget. Mr. Geoff Bradley advised that the funds were in the current budget for the loop street parking plan. Commissioner Lindstrom asked what the differences in the proposed number of possible spaces meant. Mr. Geoff Bradley answered that parallel parking would create 125 spaces while diagonal parking would create 100. Mr. Steve Piasecki advised that the conditions of approval requires the applicant to participate in a permanent solution for parking in the downtown. One solution may be another parking garage. Mr. Greg deVries, 33 N. First Street: · Advised that he operates a computer consulting firm. · The reasons for the expansion of this building is twofold. One purpose is to improve and beautify the area. The second purpose is to increase the amount of office space for his staff. · The downstairs space will be used for a carefully selected retail use, one that requires limited parking. · The upstairs space will be used for expansion of his own offices, currently located at 33 N. First Street. Acting Chair Jones closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2. Commissioner Gibbons pointed out the letter from an adjoining property owner in opposition to this project. Planning Commission Minutes of July 14, 1998 Page 5 Acting Chair Jones reopened the Public Heating for Agenda Item No. 2 Ms. Laurie Doss, owner, LZ Premiums, a business which shares the parking area with the project site: · Advised that she does not disagree with the proposed project but that her concern is the parking. · Stated that she does not want to lose any available parking. Acting Chair Jones again closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2 Acting Chair Jones advised that he shares the concern about available parking in the downtown, particularly the adjacent residential areas, and stated that a formalized parking plan is needed as a result of the several large projects recently approved. Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy stated that she agreed that parking is an important consideration and that a parking plan would be helpful. Commissioner Lindstrom reminded that this project goes to Council because of parking considerations. Suggested that the Commission consider whether it likes the building and allow the Council to address parking issues. It would be important to let Council know of the Commission's concerns regarding parking. Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy advised that she does not mean to hold the project up. Acting Chair Jones asked whether the Commission can impose a condition of approval on the Council. Mr. Steve Piasecki advised that the conditions are for the applicant prior to occupancy. Acting Chair Jones suggested that it would not be fair to allow the applicant to build his building but not to let him occupy for a reason beyond his control, such as the delay of loop street parking implementation. Mr. Steve Piasecki stated that the street parking would be necessary for a couple of years until a permanent parking solution is achieved such as an additional parking structure in the downtown. Advised that it is good to finally see some redevelopment occurring in the downtown. Commissioner Gibbons advised that the conditions will cause the applicant an expense of up to $65,000 to help with the costs of on-street parking on the loop street. It is not fair to withhold occupancy once fees are paid and the building constructed. She suggested that a condition be added that the streetlight be relocated if the driveways are modified and that the modifications to the street and sidewalk match the City's standard for the downtown. Mr. Steve Piasecki reminded that the loop street parking program is already adopted. Planning Commission Minutes of July 14, 1998 Page 6 Commissioner Gibbons encouraged the applicant to ask Council what is its commitment to the parking program. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Gibbons, seconded by Commissioner Meyer- Kennedy, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 3169 recommending that Council grant a Negative Declaration, a Site and Architectural Approval (S 98-08) to allow an expansion of an existing commercial building on property located 267 E. Campbell Avenue with the Condition of Approval that Council approve a Parking Adjustment, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Gibbons, Jones, Lindstrom, Meyer-Kennedy NOES: None ABSENT: Francois, Kearns, Lowe ABSTAIN: None Acting Chair Jones read Agenda Item No. 3 into the record. 3. M 98-09 Bahlman, R. Public Hearing to consider the application of Mr. Ron Bahlman for a Modification (M 98-09) to the side yard setback requirements to allow a second story addition to a residence on property located at 1171 Fewtrell Avenue in an R-l-6 (Single Family Residential) Zoning District. This project is Categorically Exempt. Planning Commission decision final, unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk within 10 days. Ms. Aki Irani, Planner I, presented the staff report as follows: · Advised that the applicant is seeking approval for a reduced sideyard setback (five feet rather than the required 9) to allow a second story addition on an existing residence, on property located east of S. Bascom Avenue, on the north side of Fewtrell. · The project site is surrounded by residential uses. · The applicant has received the written consent from his neighbors for the reduced setback. · Staff is supportive and recommends approval. Commissioner Gibbons presented the Site and Architectural Review Committee report as follows: · SARC considered this application on June 23~a, without a quorum, but was supportive. Acting Chair Jones opened the Public Heating for Agenda Item No. 3. Acting Chair Jones closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3. Planning Commission Minutes of July 14, 1998 Page 7 Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Gibbons, seconded by Commissioner Meyer- Kennedy, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 3170 Approving a Modification (M 98-09) to the side yard setback requirements to allow a second story addition to a residence on property located at 1171 Fewtrell Avenue, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Gibbons, Jones, Lindstrom, Meyer-Kennedy NOES: None ABSENT: Francois, Kearns, Lowe ABSTAIN: None Acting Chair Jones read Agenda Item No. 4 into the record. SA 98-14 Ashton, F. Hearing to consider the application of Mr. Frank Ashton, on behalf of Whole Foods, for approval of a Sign Application (SA 98-14) to allow an additional wall sign for an existing grocery store (Whole Foods) on property located at 1690 S. Bascom Avenue in a C-2-S (General Commercial) Zoning District. This project is Categorically Exempt. Planning Commission decision final, unless appealed in writing to the City Clerk within 10 days. Aki Irani, Planner I, presented the staff report as follows: · Advised that the applicant is seeking approval for a second wall sign and the minor expansion of an existing wall sign. · The project site is on the southeast comer of S. Bascom Avenue and E. Hamilton Avenue. · This application would modify the existing sign program for the shopping center. · This business recently expanded its space and seeks to install a logo sign above the southern entrance of the market. · Staff finds the proposed signage consistent and compatible with the sign program. · Staff recommends approval. · Advised that the applicant is unable to be present and asked that if any issues arise that prevent approval this evening, that the Commission continue this item to the next meeting. Commissioner Gibbons presented the Site and Architectural Review Committee report as follows: · SARC considered this application on June 23ra, without a quorum, but was supportive. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy, seconded by Commissioner Gibbons, the Planning Commission approved a Sign Application (SA 98-14) to allow an additional wall sign and expansion of an existing wall sign for an existing grocery store (Whole Foods) on property located at 1690 S. Bascom Avenue, (4-0-3) Planning Commission Minutes of July 14, 1998 Page 8 Acting Chair Jones read Agenda Item No. 5 into the record. 5. Commission Appointment of a Representative to the General Plan Task Force. Acting Chair Jones recommended that since three members of the Commission were absent from this evening's meeting, the selection of a member to serve on the General Plan Task Force but continued to the next meeting when more members would be present. Mr. Steve Piasecki advised that this delay would not slow the process down as other appointments are still pending. Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy advised that she believed that Chairman Lowe was interested in serving on this Task Force. If he is not, she stated that she was willing to serve. REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR The written report of Mr. Steve Piasecki, Community Development Director, was accepted as presented with the following highlights: · The Council took first reading of the Tree Ordinance (the Tree Committee's version). There will be an 18-month trial period. There will be no charge for single family residential and the replacement ratio is one for one. · Advised that the development report that he has prepared will now be prepared quarterly to help keep Council apprised of upcoming developments in the City. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m. to the Planning Commission meeting of July 28, 1998, in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 70 North First Street, Campbell, California. APPROVED BY: ATTEST: Corinne A. Shinn, Recording Secretary Steve Piasecki, Secretary