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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-05-2011 NAHPage 1 of 5 CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 5, 2011 CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Gonzales called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson Gonzales led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Gonzales Vice Chairperson Jordan Commissioner Mendoza Commissioner Morsch Commissioner O'Neal Absent: None Also present: City Manager Brady, Planning Manager Morelion, City Attorney Leibold, Associate Planner Resendiz, Planning Consultant Coury, Public Works Director Seumalo, and Office Specialist Herrington. PUBLIC COMMENTS — NON AGENDIZED ITEMS — 3 MINUTES None. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS None. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS 1) Appeal of a request to demolish an existing pool house and a water tower located on Planning Area 3 of the Spyglass Ranch Specific Plan (Withdrawn on June 29, 2011) Commissioner O'Neal requested that the City put together a list of historic homes and buildings, and criteria for preserving them. City Manager Brady stated that the Historical Society completed a list identifying historical properties in the City. Commissioner Morsch requested that a Business Item be placed on a future Planning Commission Agenda for discussion of historical homes and buildings in the City. City Attorney Leibold stated that staff can put an item on the Planning Lake Elsinore Planning Commission Meeting Regular Meeting Minutes of July 5, 2011 Page 2 of 5 Commission Agenda for purposes of discussion and for the Commission to provide further direction. City Manager Brady stated that the Commission can make recommendations to City Council regarding which homes and buildings would be of significant historical value. Commissioner O'Neal suggested that the Historic Society and the Women's Club also have input regarding this matter. 2) Amendment No. 1 to Residential Design Review No. 2010 -04 — A request to add a building design to an approved housing project located within Planning Areas 21 A, 21 B and 24 of Canyon Hills Specific Plan (Cypress) Recommendation It is recommended that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution making findings that the project is exempt from the MSHCP and a resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to Residential Design Review No. 2010 -04 based on the findings, exhibits and conditions of approval. Planning Consultant Coury presented the staff report. The applicant, Sondra Harris, and the architect, Gary Cunningham of Richmond American Homes addressed the Commission. Commissioner Jordan stated that she would like to see a roof variation in at least one of the plans. She noted that there are minimal architectural elements on the Santa Barbara and French Country plans and requested more enhanced architectural elements on each. She also stated that the homes need to be moved back on lots 316 and 326 to meet the required building setback variation. Commissioner Mendoza noticed that the "Acknowledgement of Draft Conditions" form was not signed. Planning Consultant Coury stated that the applicant did sign the form but apologized for not including it in the staff report. Commissioner O'Neal asked Ms. Harris to discuss the green elements that Richmond American offers. Ms. Harris stated that Richmond American is an energy star certified builder that builds energy efficient homes. She explained the green options the company offers. Commissioner O'Neal asked Ms. Harris to discuss the real estate market and the need for energy efficient homes., He asked why buyers are changing from two story homes to one story homes. Ms. Harris discussed the real estate market and what buyers are looking for in a home. She stated that buyers are very conscious about spending money and want more for their money. She noted that there is a need and desire for price point and single story homes. Commissioner Morsch stated that he is glad to see more floor plans with single story homes but doesn't like the architectural design. He stated that he would like to see more architectural elements incorporated on the homes. Lake Elsinore Planning Commission Meeting Regular Meeting Minutes of July 5, 2011 Page 3 of 5 Chairman Gonzales stated that he didn't see that the project had any outstanding architectural design but would approve anyway. Ms. Harris and Planning Consultant Coury addressed some of the Commissioner's comments regarding the architectural design. Vice Chairperson Jordan suggested enhancing the roofline and adding a tower element to some of the plans to add some architectural relief. She noted that she would not approve the project without some architectural enhancements. Commissioner Mendoza stated that he didn't understand why the Commissioner's were requesting architectural enhancements to some of the plans because the applicant is only implementing 26 homes to an already existing community that is aesthetically pleasing. Ms. Harris stated that they are willing to work with their architect make the architectural changes that the Commissioners are requesting. She stated that Richmond American wants to work with the community and the Commission, but noted that they are having issues selling these communities and can't say yes to adding too many features due to cost implications. Vice Chairperson Jordan stated that her concern is setting precedence for the City with other developers. One of Vice Chairperson Jordan's suggestions was to add more veneer to the French Country plan. Commissioner Morsch suggested more architectural enhancement. Ms. Harris and Mr. Cunningham stated that they would accommodate some of the Commissioners requests with architectural enhancement. Motion was made by Vice Chairperson Jordan, seconded by Commissioner O'Neal to adopt Resolution No. 2011 -21, a Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Lake Elsinore, California, adopting findings that the project is exempt from the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP); Motion passed 5 -0. Motion was made by Vice Chairperson Jordan, seconded by Commissioner O'Neal, to approve Resolution No. 2011 -22, a Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Lake Elsinore, California, approving Amendment No. 1 to Residential Design Review No. 2010 -04, adding veneer to the French Country and adding the attached gable on the Santa Barbara elevation. BUSINESS ITEMS None. STAFF COMMENTS Planning Manager Morelion stated that the Planning Commissioner's mailboxes will remain at the same location in Planning but will eventually be moved to the City Clerk's office. Commissioner O'Neal asked why the mailboxes are being relocated to the City Clerk's office. City Manager Brady stated that the City is Lake Elsinore Planning Commission Meeting Regular Meeting Minutes of July 5, 2011 Page 4 of 5 trying to keep the financial department's traffic to a minimum and also to keep all mailboxes of all appointed officials in one location. Commissioner Morsch stated that the Planning Commissioner's are just as credible as other City employees and for convenience purposes suggested keeping the Commissioner's mailboxes in the same location in the Planning Division. City Manager Brady stated that their intension wasn't to offend anyone. COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS Chairman Gonzales asked Public Works Director Seumalo if he addressed the drainage issues at his neighbor's property. Director addressed Chairman Gonzales's concerns. Commissioner Mendoza requested that an item be put on the next Planning Commission Agenda to rescind the action that the Commission took at the June 21, Planning Commission meeting regarding re- organization of the Planning Commission. He stated that the Planning Commission should reconsider and take new action for re- organization and requested that disclosure of all Commissioners' tenure, the positions they have held and the duration of their held positions be included in the meeting minutes. Chairman Gonzales stated that he was resigning as Chairman, effective immediately. City Attorney Leibold stated that this action still leaves Vice Chairperson Jordan as Vice Chairperson with no acting Chairperson, thereby, placing on the next agenda re- organization of the Planning Commission. Commissioner O'Neal asked Director Seumalo if anything has been done about the speed limit on Gunnerson Street. Director Seumalo stated that a speed study was ordered to establish the speed limit and the investigation will include sight distance analysis. CITY ATTORNEY'S COMMENTS None. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Planning Commission, Chairperson Gonzales adjourned the meeting at 7:11 p.m. to the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Lake Elsinore to be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. at the Cultural Center located at 183 N. Main Street, Lake Elsinore, California. J &W Shelly Jor Vice Chairperson Lake Elsinore Planning Commission Meeting Regular Meeting Minutes of July 5, 2011 Page 5 of 5 Attest: Warren Morelion Planning Manager