PC Min - 03/22/2011CITY OF CAMPBELL PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
7:30 P. M.
The Planning Commission meeting of March 22, 2011, was called to order at 7:30
p.m., in the Council Chambers, 70 North First Street, Campbell, California by Chair
Roseberry and the following proceedings were had, to wit:
MARCH 22, 2011
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
TUESDAY
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present
Chair:
Vice Chair:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Bob Roseberry
Theresa Alster
Brian Brennan
Paul Resnikoff
Philip C. Reynolds, Jr.
Commissioners Absent
Staff Present:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Community Development
Director:
Planning Manager:
Associate Planner:
City Attorney:
Recording Secretary:
Mark Ebner
Elizabeth Gibbons
Kirk Heinrichs
Paul Kermoyan
Steve Prosser
William Seligmann
Corinne Shinn
Motion: Upon motion by Commissioner Brennan, seconded by
Commissioner Reynolds, the Planning Commission minutes of
the meeting of March 8, 2011, were approved. (5-0-2;
Commissioners Ebner and Gibbons were absent)
COMMUNICATIONS
There were no communications items.
Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for March 22, 2011 Page 2
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS
There were no agenda modifications or postponements.
ORAL REQUESTS
There were no oral requests.
***
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Chair Roseberry read Agenda Item No. 1 into the record as follows:
1. PLN2011-45 Public Hearing to consider the application of Merrill Gardens at
Merrill Campbell, LLC for a Modification (PLN2011-45) of a previously-
Gardens at approved Planned Development Permit that includes reducing
Campbell, LLC Building A from three stories to one; reconfiguration and
reduction in the size of the underground parking; modification of
the rental apartments from 127 (99 senior/28 non-age restricted)
to 126 senior living units; and an increase in retail space from
16,950 s.f. to 17,936 s.f. on property located at 2041-2127
Winchester Boulevard. A Mitigated Negative Declaration was
previously adopted for this project. Tentative City Council
Meeting Date: April 19, 2011. Project Planner: Steve Prosser,
Associate Planner
Mr. Steve Prosser, Associate Planner, presented the staff report as follows:
• Advised that the applicant is seeking approval of a Modification to a previously-
approved Planned Development Permit fora mixed-use development. The
modified project consists of 126 senior living units (including 21 dementia units) and
just below 18,000 square feet of commercial space.
• Said that the project site is zoned P-D (Planned Development) and consists of 3.7
acres over six parcels currently developed with approximately 31,000 square feet in
single-story commercial buildings and two residential units. Surrounding uses are
commercial to the north, south and east and residential to the west.
• Explained that the project changes were initiated by the applicant who submitted an
application for this project Modification on January 27, 2011. The changes include
a reduction from the original 127 units (99 senior/28 non-age restricted) to 126
senior living units. Additionally, Building A is being reduced from athree-story to a
single-story; the reduction in the number of parking spaces; removal of the utility
undergrounding requirement from the conditions of approval; and the correction of
a calculation error in the affordable housing units.
• Reported that the other entitlements granted with the original project approval
included a General Plan Amendment; a Use Permit to create the dementia unit; a
Master Sign Program and a Tree Removal Permit.
Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for March 22, 2011 Page 3
• Said that the 126 senior rental units would be in Buildings B, C and D with the 21-
bed dementia unit on the 2nd floor of Building D. The first floors of Building A and B
would consist of retail space.
• Advised that the underground parking beneath Buildings A and B would be
modified. The rest of the buildings would be unchanged.
• Stated that the original project provided 175 parking spaces with 83
residential/guest spaces, 11 to serve the dementia units and 81 for the retail space.
The modified parking totals 142 spaces with 42 serving the senior living units, 11
for the dementia units and 89 for the retail space. Thirty seven (37) spaces are
located behind Building A and 98 are underground beneath Buildings B, C and D.
Additionally, there is a secure bicycle area.
• Explained that since the original approval of this project, the Winchester Boulevard
Master Plan was adopted that encourages buildings being set back a minimum of
five feet from the frontage property line along Winchester Boulevard. A condition of
approval has been drafted increasing the front setback along Winchester to meet
this minimum of five feet.
• Reported that SARC reviewed this project at its meeting on March 8, 2011, and the
applicant revised their plans according to the recommendations of SARC.
• Said that the 2007 Initial Study determined that there were no significant impacts
with mitigation measures. Since this Modification represents a reduction in project
size, any potential project impacts are also reduced. Therefore, no additional
CEQA review was required.
• Recommended that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution recommending
that the City Council approve this Modification to a Planned Development Permit
subject to the conditions of approval.
• Reported that the applicant's representative is available this evening.
Commissioner Alster presented the Site and Architectural Review Committee report as
follows:
• Reported that SARC reviewed this project at its meeting on March 8, 2011.
• Stated that SARC was supportive of the increase in front setback along Winchester
to a five foot minimum.
• Added that SARC requested that the columns of Building A be accentuated.
• Advised that the applicant has incorporated SARC's requested changes into their
revised plans and staff has added corresponding conditions of approval.
Chair Roseberry opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1.
Chair Roseberry closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1.
Commissioner Brennan asked staff to clarify the underground versus surface parking
provided with the proposed changes to the project.
Planner Steve Prosser:
• Said that the original parking included provision of parking for the non-age
restricted units that have a higher ratio of required parking.
Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for March 22, 2011 Page 4
• Added that the parking spaces to serve the dementia units remain unchanged at 11
spaces.
• Stated that there has been an addition of eight spaces to serve the increased
commercial retail square footage.
• Explained that the underground parking was redesigned and reduced by 32
spaces. The surface parking is unchanged.
Commissioner Alster:
• Said that SARC's recommendation to soften the architecture between the two
buildings was well implemented.
• Added that the parking fits the needs of the modified project. It is a smaller project.
• Concluded that this project looks good.
Commissioner Resnikoff:
• Pointed out that he wasn't yet on the Commission when this project was originally
reviewed and approved.
• Said that the two SARC recommendations were spot on.
• Said that the reduced height of Building A helps transition to Building B.
Chair Roseberry:
• Said he was on the Commission for the original review.
• Added that a lot of work was done in processing the project.
• Stated that he feels this was a nice project at the time and he is glad to see that
they are proceeding with it.
• Said that these changes improve the project.
Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Reynolds, seconded by
Commissioner Resnikoff, the Planning Commission adopted
Resolution No. 4015 approving a Modification (PLN2011-45) of a
previously-approved Planned Development Permit that includes
reducing Building A from three stories to one; reconfiguration
and reduction in the size of the underground parking;
modification of the rental apartments from 127 (99 senior/28 non-
age restricted) to 126 senior living units; and an increase in retail
space from 16,950 s.f. to 17,936 s.f. on property located at 2041-
2127 Winchester Boulevard, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alster, Brennan, Resnikoff, Reynolds and Roseberry
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ebner and Gibbons
ABSTAIN: None
Chair Roseberry advised that this project would be considered by the City Council at
its meeting of April 19, 2011.
***
Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for March 22, 2011 Page 5
Commissioner Reynolds advised that he would have to recuse himself from Item 2 due
to a professional conflict. He left the dais and chambers.
Chair Roseberry read Agenda Item No. 2 into the record as follows:
2. PLN2010-248 Continued Public Hearing to consider the application of AT&T
AT&T for a Conditional Use Permit (PLN2010-248) to allow the
continued operation and modification of an existing wireless
telecommunications facility on property located at 700 W.
Hamilton Avenue in a C-2 (General Commercial) 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: Steve Prosser, Associate
Planner
Mr. Steve Prosser, Associate Planner, presented the staff report as follows:
• Said that the original submittal was for three facade mounted antennas for an
existing AT&T wireless installation at 700 W. Hamilton Avenue. SARC originally
reviewed the request at it's meeting on December 14, 2010, and suggested the
applicant consider aroof-mounted installation over the facade mounted antennas.
• Added that the project was brought to the Commission on January 11, 2011, and
after discussion, it was continued to the meeting of February 8, 2011. Just before
the February 8th meeting, at the applicant's request, the project was continued to a
date uncertain.
• Said that at this time the applicant is seeking approval of a Conditional Use Permit
to allow the continued operation of an existing cell site by replacing their three
existing antennas with new technology antennas.
• Reported that the original Conditional Use Permit expired in 2009.
• Explained that the C-2 (General Commercial) Zoning District requires a Conditional
Use Permit for telecommunications installations.
• Said that this property contains athree-story building and is on the south side of
Hamilton Avenue. It is surrounded by commercial uses to the north, east and west
and residential uses to the south. The AT&T antennas are located on the northeast
and southwest corners of the building. There are three other telecommunications
carriers on site.
• Said that the proposal is to replace the three existing facade-mounted AT&T
antennas with new facade-mounted antennas camouflaged to match the building.
• Reported that staff found the proposal did not meet Ordinance requirements.
• Said that a revised proposal was reviewed by SARC on February 22, 2011, at
which time SARC asked that the new antennas be better integrated into the site.
• Advised that the applicant is saying that there is no way to improve integration into
the building's architecture.
• Reported that an RF report was provided that indicates that this installation
complies with Federal standards.
Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for March 22, 2011 Page 6
• Recommended approval of a Conditional Use Permit and advised that the
applicant's representative is available.
Chair Roseberry said he thought the applicant had proposed to remove these
antennas.
Planner Steve Prosser:
• Said that staff had proposed installation on the roof approximately three to four feet
back from the parapet.
• Added that the applicant had determined that the suggested placement an the roof
would not meet their coverage needs.
Chair Roseberry asked how many times this proposal went to SARC.
Planner Steve Prosser replied advised that this item went to SARC on December 14,
2010, and February 22, 2011. Additionally, public hearings before the Commission
were continued twice.
Chair Roseberry reiterated his understanding that originally they were going to pull
them off.
Planner Steve Prosser said that was in response to a SARC recommendation.
Chair Roseberry said he thought it was the applicant's idea.
Planner Steve Prosser said that originally the applicants wanted to add new antennas
in addition to their existing antennas, to modify the existing and add additional. It was
SARC that recommended roof-mounted antennas.
Commissioner Alster presented the Site and Architectural Review Committee report as
follows:
• Reported that SARC reviewed AT&T's proposal on December 14, 2010.
• Stated that SARC recommended significant modifications to the plans to
incorporate roof-mounted antennas.
• Added that the public hearing on January 11, 2011, was continued to February 8,
2011, to allow the applicant time for further analysis and continued again on
February 22, 2011, to a date uncertain.
• Said that SARC saw a revised application on February 22, 2011, that included both
existing and proposed antennas that were better integrated. However, SARC still
supported the relocation of antennas to the roof using a redesign of the existing
parapet. SARC felt that if this is not feasible, perhaps another location would be
better suited.
• Said that the plans were not modified as a result of SARC comments.
Chair Roseberry opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2.
Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for March 22, 2011 Page 7
Ms. Valerie Tallerico, Applicant's Representative:
• Said she wanted to clarify something.
• Reported that she visited the site with their RF Engineer.
• Clarified that relocating the antennas to the roof was not feasible simply because of
coverage issues but also due to spacing issues with the other carriers on site.
Placing their antennas on the roof would create interference with the other carriers
already there. Therefore, installing the AT&T antennas on the roof is not possible
with the height limitations.
• Suggested that additional screening is possible on the facade and passed a photo
that demonstrated a revised screening option. She added that at this time no new
antennas are proposed but simply the replacement of the existing antennas with
upgraded ones.
Chair Roseberry asked if some of the dummy antennas would be removed.
Ms. Valerie Tallerico said that there are no dummy antennas for AT&T on the building.
Chair Roseberry said that perhaps they are for another carrier.
Planner Steve Prosser agreed and explained that there are dummy antennas on the
southeast corner to mimic the other corners that have antennas.
Planning Manager Paul Kermoyan:
• Reminded that at the last SARC meeting one suggestion was to cap the fa~ade-
mounted antennas.
• Added that another option proposed at SARC was to remove a part of the parapet,
set in the antennas and cover them with RF-friendly material.
• Stated that the intent of the Telecommunications Ordinance is to create balanced
design and to take stuff out that detracts from a building's architecture and replace
it.
• Said that staying on the facade is the cheapest way to update this installation. It
would be more costly to relocate it to the roof.
Chair Roseberry:
• Said that using a cap to screen the antennas on the facade is not a bad detail and
would represent an improvement to what's existing.
• Said that updating the final design to improve the appearance with a cap is one
option or sending the project back for more review is another.
• Suggested approving this request conceptually and leaving final details to the
discretion of the Director.
Planner Steve Prosser pointed out that there is a condition of approval (Condition 1-A)
in place that takes that approach.
Director Kirk Heinrichs said that he would appreciate direction from the Commission.
Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for March 22, 2011 Page 8
Commissioner Alster:
• Said that the key is integrating the antennas into the building.
• Added that the applicant has to go the extra mile here.
• Supported Planning Manager Paul Kermoyan's idea of integrating the antennas
into the building.
Chair Roseberry agreed but added that he is not sure it can fit within that band. He
added that the proposed cap might work to adequately screen these antennas.
Commissioner Resnikoff said he agrees.
Planning Manager Paul Kermoyan said that perhaps the direction from the
Commission could be to integrate the antennas into the parapet, if feasible. If not,
capping would suffice.
Chair Roseberry closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2.
Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Brennan, seconded by
Commissioner Resnikoff, the Planning Commission adopted
Resolution No. 4016 approving a Conditional Use Permit
(PLN2010-248) to allow the continued operation and modification
of an existing wireless telecommunications facility on property
located at 700 W. Hamilton Avenue, with the instruction to
integrate the antennas into the parapet if possible or capping
them would be acceptable, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alster, Brennan, Resnikoff and Roseberry
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ebner and Gibbons
ABSTAIN: Reynolds
Chair Roseberry advised that this action is final unless appealed in writing to the City
Clerk within 10 calendar days.
Commissioner Reynolds returned to the chambers and dais at the conclusion of the
Public Hearing Item No. 2.
***
Chair Roseberry read Agenda Item No. 3 into the record as follows:
Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for March 22, 2011 Page 9
3. PLN2011-41 Public Hearing to consider the application of Physical Culture
Physical Strength and Conditioning for a Conditional Use Permit
Culture (PLN2011-41) to allow a new health and fitness use and late
Strength and night activities (operating at 5 a.m.) within an existing 4,347
Conditioning square foot tenant space within an existing 33,756 square foot
commercial/industrial building on property located at 1610 Dell
Avenue, Unit A, in a C-M (Controlled Manufacturing) 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: Steve Prosser, Associate
Planner
Mr. Steve Prosser, Associate Planner, presented the staff report as follows:
• Advised that the applicant is seeking a Conditional Use Permit to establish a fitness
center with operational hours before 6 a.m.
• Said that the site is an existing tenant space (Suite A) within amulti-tenant 33,756
square foot building on the east side of Dell Avenue.
• Said that this is a C-M (Controlled Manufacturing) Zoning District. A Conditional
Use Permit is required for a fitness facility within this zoning.
• Described the use as providing multi-fitness and strength training. The facility
offers 50 minute classes with 12 to 13 students per class and one to two trainers.
• Explained that Use Permits for fitness facilities in the C-M zone are granted for five-
year periods.
• Stated that the parking provided on site is 118 spaces at a ratio of 1 per 286 square
feet of space. A fitness facility requires 1 space per 150 square feet or 29 spaces
for this tenant space.
• Added that since this facility offers group oriented training sessions, staff
recommends use of the commercial school parking standard with the limit of not
more than 15 students at a time and utilizing staggered start times for the classes
offered. With those restrictions, a parking adjustment is warranted and
supportable.
• Informed that the applicant has agreed to these restrictions in number of students
and use of staggered start times.
• Recommended approval.
Commissioner Brennan asked for clarification as to what the standard might be for
staggered start times.
Planner Steve Prosser said the recommendation is 15 minutes between the conclusion
of one session and the start of the next.
Chair Roseberry asked what the parking requirement standard is for a gym.
Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for March 22, 2011 Page 10
Planner Steve Prosser said approximately 30 spaces would be required using the gym
standard.
Chair Roseberry asked if this use is considered more of a classroom type of training.
Planner Steve Prosser said that there are specific start times while a gym has open
hours.
Commissioner Resnikoff said that a gym would likely have twice as many people on
site than this use would.
Chair Roseberry asked if the site utilizes shared parking.
Planner Steve Prosser said yes.
Chair Roseberry asked whether this building is over or under-parked given its square
footage.
Planner Steve Prosser said it appears appropriately parked for the existing uses.
Chair Roseberry asked what if there are different and more intense uses in the future.
Planner Steve Prosser said the ratio of one space per 250 square feet of space would
be used to evaluate those uses.
Chair Roseberry asked how many spaces that ratio would represent for the whole site.
Planning Manager Paul Kermoyan calculated 132 spaces.
Chair Roseberry opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3.
Chair Roseberry closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3.
Commissioner Brennan asked if it is complaint based in the event that the adopted
conditions of approval are not honored.
Director Kirk Heinrichs said that is correct.
Commissioner Alster:
• Pointed out that noise will not be an issue because of the location.
• Said this use seems to fit well.
• Added that parking seems adequate.
Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for March 22, 2011 Page 11
Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Resnikoff, seconded by
Commissioner Alster, the Planning Commission adopted
Resolution No. 4017 approving a Conditional Use Permit
(PLN2011-41) to allow a new health and fitness use and late night
activities (operating at 5 a.m.) within an existing 4,347 square foot
tenant space within an existing 33,756 square foot
commercial/industrial building on property located at 1610 Dell
Avenue, Unit A„ by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Alster, Brennan, Resnikoff, Reynolds and Roseberry
NOES: None
ABSENT: Ebner and Gibbons
ABSTAIN: None
Chair Roseberry advised that this action is final unless appealed in writing to the City
Clerk within 10 calendar days.
***
MISCELLANEOUS ITEM
Chair Roseberry read Agenda Item No. 4 into the record as follows:
4. Staff Review of FY 2011/12 Work Plan.
Mr. Kirk Heinrichs, Community Development Director, presented the staff report as
follows:
• Advised that in the last few years the Community Development Department's Work
Program has been brought to the Planning Commission as an informational item.
• Said that the projects included in the next fiscal year include reviews and potential
updates to several Ordinances (Sign, Underground Utility and Wireless
Telecommunications).
• Added that the Inclusionary Ordinance will also have to be modified due to a recent
case that changed State law to prohibit the requirement of inclusionary housing for
rental unit project developments.
Commissioner Resnikoff suggested that the Wireless Ordinance be tightened so that
more requests can be approved at staff level. The Ordinance can specifically address
aesthetic issues.
Chair Roseberry said he would "channel" Commissioner Gibbons by stating that if
minimum standards are developed that's all you end up with.
Commissioner Reynolds asked if it would be possible to update the San Tomas Area
Neighborhood Plan.
Director Kirk Heinrichs said that would be a huge undertaking. He added that such a
request would normally come from the neighborhood itself and staff has not heard any
Campbell Planning Commission Minutes for March 22, 2011 Page 12
complaints about the STANP. He reiterated that this is a fairly major document and
changes require a long involved process.
Chair Roseberry said another measure would be if the Planning Commission had
problems using the plan.
***
REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Director Kirk Heinrichs provided that Director's Report as follows:
• Said that Council held a Study Session on the Smoking Ordinance.
• Advised that consideration will be given to prohibiting smoking at outdoor
restaurant seating areas and in public parks.
• Reported that the Winchester Boulevard undergrounding is on the books for PG&E
for work to begin this summer. Cities build up credits towards the cost and
Campbell now has enough credit to have the work performed. The area of
undergrounding runs from Hamilton Avenue to Budd Avenue.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. to the next Regular
Planning Commission Meeting of April 12, 2011.
SUBMITTED BY:
Co ~ e Shinn, Recording Secretary
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APPROVED BY: %C'~ '~~-~''--z"'~'~Y'
Bob Roseberry, Chair
ATTEST: C% "
rk Hein ichs, Secretary