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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/03/91MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING -OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD Held ThurSday, October 3, 1991, 5:30 p.m., City Council Chamber, City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, California. 1. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: Present: JIM MARINO, Chairperson STEVE ANDERSON, Vice 'Chairperson TERI BJORN DAVID COHN STEVE MESSNER DARREN POWERS KATE ROSENLIEB Absent: C. ROBERT FRAPWELL, Alternate ADVISORY MEMBERS: Present: STAFF: .present: LAURA MARINO, Deputy City Attorney FRED KLOEPPER, Assistant Public Works Director CALVIN BIDWELL, Building Director JACK HARDISTY~ Planning Director MARC GAUTHIER, Principal Planner JIM EGGERT, Principal Planner MIKE LEE, Associate Planner LAURIE DAVIS, Recording Secretary PUBLIC STATEMENTS No one made any public statements at this time. Chairman read the notice of right to appeal as set forth on the agenda. Minutes, PC, 10/3/91 Page 2 3.1) 3.2) WALL AND LANDSCAPE PLAN - TRACT 5186 Staff report was given. Bob Wilson was present representing Cuesta Engineering. He said they are in agreement with the conditions of approval. Motion was made by Commissioner Messner, seconded by Commissioner Anderson to approve wall and landscaping plans for Tentative Tract 5186 subject to conditions outlined in the Exhibit "A". Motion carried..Commissioner Rosenlieb was absent. REVISED wALL AND LANDSCAPE PLANS FOR POLO GROUNDS DEVELOPMENT Commissioner Anderson abstained on items 3.2 and 3.3 due to a possible conflict of interest in that he is providing services for an adjoining land owner. Chairman Marino abstained due to a possible conflict of interest because he is employed, by the applicant. Motion was made by Commissioner Powers, seconded by Commissioner Messner that Commissioner Rosenlieb chair this item. Motion carried. 'Staff report was given. Motion was made by Commissioner Powers, seconded by Commissioner Messner to approve ~he request to change the color of the wall from white to grey for the Polo Grounds development. Motion carried. Commissioners Marino and Anderson were absent. Minutes, PC; 10/3/9! 3.3) REVISED WALL AND LANDSCAPE PLANS FOR-SEVEN OAKS Page 3 .DEVELOPMENT (SECTIONS 6 & 7, T.30S., R.27E. Commissioner Anderson abstained. Staff report was given. Roger McIntosh was present to speak in favor. Motion was made by Commissioner Messner, seconded by Commissioner Powers to approve the request_ to change the color of the wall from tan to white/off-white for the Seven Oaks_' Development. Motion carried. Commissioner Anderson .was absent. COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PLAN 2-91 Staff report was given..' Jack Vodrey, Federal Sign Company, was present to speak in favor. He said they agree with staff's recommendation with the exception of the letters on the parapet of the main identification which is being recommended to be reduced from 80 feet to 62.4 feet. The criteria they were working with allows lettering not to exceed 60 percent of the lineal frontage of the building or 100 feet length. Technically they could have a sign which is 130 feet and are asking for 80 feet.' He felt in looking at the pl0t plan it appears the building is of different projections rather than one continuous elevation. He asked that the letters be approved as designed, because if the letter size is reduced it would not be · readable. Mr. 'Bidwell said the restr, iction .would not apply.to the south elevatiom There is an unbroken elevation there.- The skyline ordinance is being applied to the north elevation where a sign of the same size is being proposed. The purpose and intent of the ordinance is to measure the elevation at the point where the sign is constructed. At the north elevation, the building is in a cross system so that there is a projecting element which breaks up the 212 feet. The elevation is not 212 feet wide but something considerably less. In response to a ·questio:n by Chairman Marino, Mrl Vodrey requested that the letters be uniform. 'In response to a question by Commissioner Cobh, Mr. Vodrey said there are 3'logos on the building which are 8-1/2 feet by 8-1/2 feet. Minutes, PC, 10/3/91 Page 4 4. - COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PLAN 2-91 In response to a queStion by Commissioner-Anderson, Mr. Bidwell-said staff is -recommending that the commission follow the skyline ordinance for the signs placed on the upper part of the structure. On the north elevation staff's recommendation is that it not exceed 60 percent of the length. The sign requested on the south side 'complies with the skyline criteria. In response to a question by Commissioner Cohnl Mr. Bidwell said staff is not opposed to the 8-1/2 foot logos. Motion was made by Commissioner Rosenlieb, seconded by Commissioner Powers to refer this item.to the Sign Ordinance Committee for further review; the item to be brought back to the next regular meeting of October 17, 1991. In response to a question by Chairman Marino, Mr. Vodrey said they would concur with the motion. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 9696 Staff report was given. Public portion of the heating was opened; no one spoke in opposition. Teri G01dner was present representing M. K. Blake Estate Company, owner of the'property directly north of subject property. She stated she submitted a letter, which is on file. She said her client's concern is that adequate parking does not .-exist for this parcel map and whether the owner intends to share in the parking easement located directlyto the east of the property, to which they do not have a -right. They are not opposed to this project, however they want to raise the issue that the parking may be a problem, unless the applicant intends to provide on-site only parking. Mr. Hardisty said development of these parcels would be subject to site plan review and parking to serve the developments would be a requirement. Randy Bergquist represented the applicant. He stated they are aware of the lack of parking, and that the owner has been notified. They have no problems with conditions-in the staff report. Public portion of the hearing was closed. Minutes, PC, 10/3/91 Page 5 6.1) 6.2) 6.3) PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 9696 In response to a question by-Commissioner Rosenlieb, Mr. Bergquist said he has received a copy of the amended conditions dated'September 19, 1991. Motion was made by Commissioner Rosenlieb, seconded by COmmissioner Anderson to approve and adopt the Negative Declaration, to make all findings set forth .in the staff report, and to approve Proposed Tentative Parcel Map 9696 subject to the conditions outlined in the Exhibit "A", with the inclusion of the memo. of October 2, 1991, which replaces Page 5 of 6 of Exhibit "A". Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE TRACT 5362 The applicant submitted a letter requesting continuance on this item to the October 17, 1991 meeting. Staff report was Waived. Public portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in opposition. Terry Kyner was present representing the applicant. He stated they wanted a continuance on this item due to design concerns. Motion was made by Commissioner Rosenlieb, seconded by Commissioner Powers to continue this item to the next regular meeting of October 17, 1991.- Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE TRACT 5397 This item was Withdrawn by the applicant. PUBLIC HEARING TENTATIVE TRACT 5545-OPTIONAL DESIGN' Commissioner Rosenlieb abstained due to a possible conflict of interest in that the applicant is her employer. Commissioner Anderson abstained due to a possible conflict of interest in that his company has provided services to the applicant in the last year for an adjoining property owner. Staff report was given: ? Minutes, PC, 10/3/91 Page 6 6.3) PUBLIC HEARING TENTATIVE TRACT 5545-OPTIONAL DESIGN Public portion of-the hearing was opened. Chris Sutter, resident of Via Vista Street, spoke saying he felt this proposal would decrease property values and felt it would be detrimental to the safety of the area. Edward Mooney, resident of Via Vista Street, spoke saying he is in opposition and is concerned about the lot size, and did not feel it should be reduced, because of density, family and access issues.' He stated a petition had been submitted to the Planning-Department with approximately 300 signatures of persons concerned that this request is to build more homes than are allowed not for affordability, but for a higher profit margin. Lloyd Wakely, homeowner of Sunset Canyon Drive, spoke saying he finds great offense in the statement that the applicant has constraints on his property and the increase of amenities on th e property. He felt Mr. Metier was not concerned about the area. Mr. wakely was concerned about access and traffic. Rob Lambert said he owns a home directly to the west of the subdivision. He asked about the recommendation for 55 foot wide lot frontages. Chairman Marino Said in the past there have been many requests for'reduction to 55 feet, therefore it has become policy to grant it'to 55 feet. Mr. Lambert asl~ed that 60 foot lot frontages be required. Bruce Barnhard, homeowner on Via Vista, said he is in favor of the development, however not under the existing design phase. He commented on the petition, saying they went beyond the 300 foot required, radius when obtaining signatures. He said he is concerned about the size of the lots. He felt the only: physical constraint is mental, and is Self-induced by the applicant. The site could be made into 1 lot or 94 lots. It is the responsibility of the people to enforce the minimums. Jim Young, resident of Via Vista, appreciated the fact .that the City has standards for lot sizes. He said he does not want the feeling of overcrowdedness. - Jim Redstone was present representing Metco Development. The anticipated development will include stucco walls instead of wooden fences between dwelling units, and paralleling all internal streets. Ground level air conditioning units will be installed, enhanced front yard landscaping with consistency of design, tile roofs, and higher quality interior fixturing. There will also be an additional 7.5 feet Of landscaping along Mountain Vista Drive. In order for the developer to Minutes, PC, 10/3/91 6.3) PUBLIC HEARING TENTATIVE TRACT 5545-OPTIONAL DESIGN Page 7 provide the 'enhanced amenities they need the approval of this optional design subdivision, which Would ,allow the development of some lots with as low as 52 foot frontages. It will allow some lots to contain a minimum of 5,668 square feet when others exceed the 6~000 square foot minimum. They are also requesting 52 foot wide roadways be allowed, with a 40 foot pavement section which is the same right-of-way width on Via Vista. He said they feel justified in asking for this -optional .design subdivision because under the provisions they would be allowed to -provide a more appropriate design and improvement standards for this property. This property has unique physical constraints which limits flexibility needed to provide a diverse street and lot layout normally available in a more standard subdivision. It is unique in that the house plans are prepared, market tested 'and have historical record of success in the area. It-is the developer's proposal to fit the lot sizes to the house plans. The project is consistent with the 2010 Plan. He submitted a list of changes to conditions they are requesting. Andy Mills stated he is on the Board of Directors of Westbrook Chapel, the sellers of subject property. He gave a history of the property. He said Metco is purchasing the property from them. He said he felt Mr. Metier would provide a good project to the area. Ken Metler was Present to speak in favor. He said they wish to build homes with a low maintenance smaller lot to target the retired home buyer, within an affordable price range. The ramifications of this project are that each unit within the remaining lots within the project would have to absorb $2,400 in additional costs. This will result in a lesser quality end project because they would have to provide wood fencing instead of stucco walls and wrought iron gates facing the street, with shingle roofs instead of tile and minimum landscaping. He said regarding the petition Submitted that only 24 of the property owners signing live within 300 feet of the project and only 3 are next to the project. He said their sincere desire is to produce a quality project which will be an enhancement for the .community. Public portion of the-hearing was closed. Regarding Condition #V-C eliminating the street connection to White Lane, Mr. Kloepper said after review staff prefers that a .street connect to White Lane. The existing.design has 2 streets in close proximity on Mountain Vista; the first street south of .White Lane 'does not meet the standards for street separation, however they have come to the conclusion that it would be better to have the connection to White Lane in order that those buying within the tract will have convenient access. Therefore the Public Works Department would oppose the elimination of Minutes,. PC, 10/3/91 Page 8 6.3) ~ PUBLIC HEARING TENTATIVE TRACT 5545-OPTIONAL DESIGN Condition V~C. Regarding Condition #V-B, requiring the width of the local streets to be 60 feet he said this does not conform to standards. If the Commission elects to approve this request it would be a departure from prior approvals in that'staff recommends approval of short, straight cul-de-sacs on a regular basis. When considering whether they are short it is taken into consideration-whether they have a straight extension away-from the cul-de-sac. The ordinance requires as part of the optional design request concurrence with the City Engineer for apProval and they do not concur that there is any reason' there should be an-optional design subdivision on subject property. Every_piece of land in the city. has physical constraints and barriers and 'they see nothing unusual about the amenities being proposed, or existing conditions. Mr. Redstone said the problem with the street connection is that there is access to a very busy street, causing traffic to turn right. It encourages traffic to Mountain Vista which is what they are trying to avoid. Commissioner Cohn said at this stage there are some significant issues raised and felt the most appropriate way to deal with this development would be to refer it to committee: Mr. Redstone said he would be amenable to this suggestion. Mr. Hardisty said Specific. concurrence must be obtained from the applicant fOr continuance on this item since the deadline for approval is October 9, 1991. Mr. Redstone asked if this could be continued to the regular meeting of October 17, 1991. Commissioner Powers said there are concerns from the neighborhood, and staff is not in favor of the proposal, and there are also some general plan issues that should be looked at.~ Hesaid he would like to get a committee recommendation on this iteTM before voting on it. Minutes, PC,. 10/3/91 Page 9 6.3) PUBLIC HEARING TENTATIVE TRACT 5545-OPTIONAL DESIGN Commissioner Bjorn questioned the need for City Engineer approval of an optional design. Mr. Kloepper cited the Section of Code. Mr. Hard!sty stated without the City Engineer's concurrence, if the optional design were approved by the Commission it would result in a denial which would be subject to appeal to the City Council. In Response to a question by Commissioner Bjorn, Mr. Kloepper said they are recommending approval of the tract with conditions of approx, al. He said the City Engineer and Public Works Department feel very strongly about the issue of 60-foot street width in this situation. Commissioner Bjorn said she would like to see this item go to the committee because it is a difficult piece Of property to design, and may possibly need some type of different zoning perhaps a P.U.D. in order to guarantee some of the design issues. She felt the subdivision committee Would be appropriate. Commissioner Messner said he felt it would be appropriate to 'refer this item to the subdivision committee. He asked why 52 foot streets would be less desirable from the City'-s standpoint. Mr. Kloepper said the standards have evolved over the years and they would object to the long, narrow right-of-way because of appearance and because Mr..Redstone has indicated they would put a 40-foot street in a 52-foot-right-of-way which results in no parkway and no availability behind the sidewalk for utility locations. Basically if the Commission approves this Optional design subdivision it will effectively adopt new standards. Regarding Page ~8 of 11, Condition #2 of Parks Department conditions Commissioner -Messner asked if this tract would be burdened with the maintenance-of the street- scaping along Mountain Vista Drive. Mr. Kloepper said it was his understanding that this would be Part of the assessment district and spread over the whole district. It may be considered to include the P.G.&E. easement within the lots and moving the wall out t° be in a more normal location. Mr. Messner felt the reduction in lot size is something that can be worked with. Chairman Marino said he agreed with Commissioner Cohn that this item should go to committee. Commissioner Bjorn-said she met with the applicant on this matter and intended that some representatives from the neighborhood be present at the committee meeting. Mr. Kloepper said he agreed with the item change on Page 3 of 11, Item'IV-A. Minutes, PC, '10/3/91 Page 10 63)~ 'PUBLIC HEARING TENTATIVE TRACT 5545-OPTIONAL DESIGN Motion was made by Commissioner Bjorn, seconded by Commissioner Messner to refer this item to the Subdivision and Public Services Committee and continue this item to the regular meeting of October 17, 1991. Commissioner Cohn said since he is on the committee and has some time constraints he would like to set the meeting at this hearing. Committee meeting was set for October 7, 1991 at 5:30 p.m. in the basement conference room of the annex building. Motion carried. Commissioner Rosenlieb was absent. PUBLIC HEARING -- AMENDING THE ZONING'BOUNDARIES FROM AN R-1 (ONE FAMILY DWELLING, MINIMUM LOT AREA NOT LESS THAN 6,000 SQUARE FEET) TO AN M-1 (LIGHT MANUFACTURING) OR MORE RESTRICTIVE ZONE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED BETWEEN THE ARVIN-EDISON CANAL, SOUTH."H" STREET AND STATE HIGHWAY 99. (Negative Declaration on 'file) Mr. Hardisty infOrmed the Commission this item was withdrawn by the applicant, and that the applicant had applied for a zone change for Commercial at the corner of Berkshire and South "H", and multi-family behind that with higher density multi-family along the Highway. He submitted a traffic study reflecting the new application. Mr. Hardisty recommended the. application for the zone change be 'considered simultaneously with a General Plan Amendment at the December cycle. He said he felt the Commission should not consider the single property only in the general plan amendment because it will leave a residual inconsistency on the south.end. In response to a question by Commissioner Rosenlieb, Mr. Hardisty said he will meet with the property owners to discuss potential future land uses for subject land before this comes back before the Commission. Steve DelPapa represented Josephine DelPapa, owner of the property on the corner of South "H" and Hosking. Regarding the application for zone change and general plan amendment he said they intend to apply along with Mr. Guimarra. Staff was directed by the Commission to bring this item back before the Commission along with a Change to the General Plan at the December 19, 1991, Planning Commission meeting. Minutes, PC, 10/3/91 8.1' _ a&b) PUBLIC HEARING - ZONING UPON ANNEXATION #5207 AND Page 11 CALLOWAY NO. 4 ANNEXATION staff report was given. Commissioner Powers abstained due to a possible conflict of interest in that the property has been an income source to his company within the last year. -Public portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in opposition or in- favor. Public portion of the hearing was closed. Motion was made by Commissioner Rosenlieb,'sec0nded by Commissioner Messner to adopt resolution making findings as set forth in staff report APPROVING the Negative Declaration and APPROVING Zoning Upon Annexation No. 5207 consisting of a change of zoning from County E(1)RS (Estate-1 acre Residential Suburban), C-2 PD (General Commercial- Precise Development Combining District) and M-1 PD (Light.Industrial - Precise Development Combining District) to the City zoning of C-2 (Commercial) zones and recommend same to the City Council. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: -Commissioners Anderson,'Bjorn, Cohn, Messner, Roseniieb, Marino . NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Powers Motion Was made by Commissioner Rosenlieb, seconded'by Commissioner Messner to adopt resolution making findings as set forth in staff report APPROVING the proposed Calloway No. 4 Annexation and recommend same to City Council. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: CommiSsioners Anderson, Bjorn, Cohn, Messner, Rosenlieb, Marino NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Powers Minutes, PC} 10/3/91 8.2 a&b) PUBLIC HEARING - ZONING UPON ANNEXATION #5223 AND Page 12 PANAMA NO.-10 ANNEXATION Staff report was given. Public portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in favor or opposition. Public portion of the hearing was closed. Commissioner Messner smd this area was the possible recipient of block grants asking if this project would be approved in time to be a part of that. Mr. Gauthier said this would be annexed too late to be considered for block grant funding for this year. In response to a question by Commissioner Anderson, Mr. Hardisty said the County used census and demographic information to determine the eligibility of block grant funds. Motion was made by Commissioner Powers, seconded by CommiSsioner Anderson to adopt resolution making findings as set forth in staff rePort, APPROVING the negative declaration and APPROVING Zoning Upon Annexation No. 5223 to the. City zoning of C-1 (Limited Commercial),. C-2 (Commercial) and R-1 (One Family 'Dwelling) zones and recommend same to City Council. AyEs: Commissioners Anderson, Bjorn, Cohn, Messner, Powers, Rosenlieb, Marino NOES: None Motion was-made by. Commissioner Powers, seconded by Commissioner Anderson to adopt resolution making findings as set forth in staff report and APPROVING Negative Declaration, and APPROVING the proposed Panama No.' 10 Annexation and recommend same to City Council. AYES: Commissioners Anderson, Bjorn, Cohn, Messner, Powers, Rosenlieb, Marino NOES: None Minutes, PC, 10/3/91 Page 13 9. PUBLIC HEARING --AMENDMENT TO TITLE 17 AND MODIFICATION · TO cHAPTER 17.64V. REGARDING THE INCORPORATION OF PREZONING PROCEDURES, CHANGES TO PUBLIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER MINOR CHANGES CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF STATE LAW; AND REPEALING CHAPTER 17.68 (ZONING UPON ANNEXATION) Staff-report_was given. Chairman ~Marino said he did not have a problem with this being sent to committee since there is no urgency in acting on it. Commissioner Cohn felt he wouldlike to vote on this issue. Commissioner Powers expressed concern that other changes voted on in the past have been brought before the Committee prior to the hearing. Motion was made. by Commissioner Rosenlieb, seconded by Commissioner Cohn to adopt the findings, contained in the staff report and recommend that the City Council amend the zoning ordinance as proposed. Commissioner Bjorn said she saw this item as basically a clean up, however if there is 'something substantive she would want to see it studied by the committee. Mr. Hardisty said this is primarily a clean up which is why staff did not recommend that it go before the committee. It also brings the process into compliance with State law. Com~nissioner Rosenlieb said she at first was not comfortable with acting on this item, however after reviewing the document her fears were alleviated. MotiOn carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Anderson, Bjorn, Cohn, Messner, Powers, Rosenlieb, Marino NOES: None Minutes, PC, 10/3/91 10. PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED AMENDMENT RIVERLAKES Page 14 RANCH/UNIBELL SPECIFIC PLAN SPA 1-91 Commissioner Anderson abstained on this item due to a possible conflict of interest in that his company is presently providing services for the applicant. In response to a.possible conflict of interest on the part of Commissioner Powers, Ms. Marino said it may be best to disqualify himself. Staff report was given. Public portion of the hearing was opened; no one spoke in opposition. Michael Dhanens was present representing the applicant. Public po_rtion of the hearing was closed. Motion was made by Commissioner Messner, seconded by Commissioner Rosenlieb to adopt resolution making findings set forth in the staff report, approving the requested specific plan amendments changing Riverlakes Ranch Drive to Main Plaza Drive and Creek Side Drive to Riverlakes Drive as shown on Exhibit "A". Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES:_ Commissioners Bjorn, Cohn, Messner, Rosenlieb None ABSENT: Commissioner Anderson, Powers ABSTAINED: Commissioner Marino Minutes, pC, 10/3/91 Page 15 11. GENERAL PLAN-CONSISTENCY FINDING - REQUEST FROM-CITY OF BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL PROJECTS OFFICE FOR SUMMARY VACATION OF A PORTION OF 33 FOOT WIDE ALLEY 12. 13. IN BLOCK 324 -Staff report was given. Motion was made by. Commissioner Powers, seconded by Commissioner Anderson pursuant to Government Code Section 65402 to find the summary vacation of a portion of the 33 foot wide alley in block 324 (South of the City of Bakersfield Police Department Communications Lab) consistent with the Metropolitan Bakersfield 2010 General Plan, and report the same to the City Council with the recommendation that an .easement be reserved for existing public utilities in the. closing area. Motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS A) Written A Memorandum was submitted to the Commission by the Planning Director containing a discussion of the map changes procedures of the 2010 General Plan for consideration. Chairman Marino asked that the General Plan Committee's review be expanded to include this item. B) Verbal Mi. Hardisty said the final transcript of Zone Change #5132 had been inserted into the packets. COMMISSION COMMENTS In response to discussion by Chairman Marino, Mr. Hardisty said he had received a Copy of a letter regarding growth management from the State and he would order a set. Mr. Hardisty commented on the League of California Cities conference being held in San Francisco, saying typically it is not attended by Commissioners. 'Commissioner Rosenlieb felt that the general issue and specific issue dealt with on the last agenda should be handled by the general plan committee prior to the next general plan cycle. Commissioner Anderson asked for an update to the revision of the Sign Ordinance relating to Industrial zones, to which Mr. Hardisty said there had been no further progress. Minutes, PC, 10/3/9i Page 16 ,13. 14. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Anderson asked that' another sign ordinance committee meeting be scheduled in order that staff may give the committee an update regarding the changes to the ordinance and to have a general discussion of the ordinance. It was discussed that this could be held some time in November. Commissioner Powers ask'ed that staff schedule a zoning ordinance committee meeting because there are two changes to the zoning ordinance regarding parking lot lighting and revisions to the residential zone presented at the last meeting and he felt another meeting needed to be held for comments from the committee members. ADJOURNMENT There being n° further business to come before the Commission, meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Laurie Davis Recording Secretary