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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-20-2009 NAHMINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 183 NORTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CA 92530 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2009 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Flores called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice-Chair Gonzales led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: CHAIRMAN FLORES VICE-CHAIRMAN GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER O'NEAL COMMISSIONER ZANELLI ABSENT: NONE STAFF PRESENT Also present were: Acting Community Development Director Weiner, Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo, City Planner Miller, Associate Planner Carlson and Office Specialist Porche. PUBLIC COMMENTS None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM(S) 1. Minutes a. September 15, 2009 b. October 6, 2009 Recommendation: Approval Planning Commission Meeting October 20, 2009 Page 2 of 10 2. Residence at 32375 Ontario Wav Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution approving the proposed Minor Design Review for the development of a 4,752 square-foot garage (accessory structure) located at 32375 Ontario Way. Vice-Chair Gonzales requested to pull Item No. 1 a for corrections. Commissioner Zanelli requested to pull Item No. 2 for discussion. ITEMS PULLED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR 1a.September 15, 2009 Regular Planning Commission Minutes Vice-Chair Gonzales noted a correction to the September 15, 2009 Regular Planning Commission Minutes on page 5 of 10 under the Motion. It should read as follows: Motion was made by Commissioner Zanelli and seconded by Commissioner Mendoza adopting Resolution No. 2009-47, Approving Reptile and Amphibian Breeding Establishments as a Conditional Use within the limited manufacturing (M- 1) Zoning District and approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2009-08 to include modifications to the Conditions of Approval. MOTION was made by Vice-Chair Gonzales and seconded by Commissioner Mendoza to approve the September 15, 2009 Regular Planning Commission Minutes with the note corrections. AYES: CHAIRMAN FLORES VICE-CHAIRMAN GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER O'NEAL COMMISSIONER ZANELLI NOES: NONE 2. Minor Design Review for a proposed two (2) story, 4752 square-foot garage (accessory structure) to be located in the rear-yard of an existing Single-Family Residence at 32375 Ontario Wav Chairman Flores opened the Public Hearing at 6:11 p.m and requested the reading of the Staff Report. Associate Planner Carlson provided an overview of the project to the Commission in Associate Planner Resendiz's absence. He stated the applicant is requesting approval to construct a freestanding two-story 4,752 square-foot garage. He noted Planning Commission Meeting October 20, 2009 Page 3 of 10 the applicant will be using the garage primarily for storage and not housing. He indicated the property is surrounded by residential uses and would fit with the neighborhood character and is considered exempt from the California Environment Quality Act. Staff recommends approving this project based on the findings, exhibits and is subject to the Conditions of Approval. He stated the applicant is available to answer any questions the Commission may have. Commissioner Zanelli asked Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo to clarify Condition No. 30 and why it is necessary. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo replied, the City Standards require street lights every 300 feet or at the end of a cul-de-sac and is a standard Condition of Approval. Commissioner Zanelli asked why this light was not installed at the time that the street was built. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo replied that he does not have the history of why the light was not installed when the street was constructed. Commissioner Zanelli requested the condition be stricken from the Conditions of Approval. Chairman Flores requested the applicant to approach the podium. Ted Thompson, owner of the project introduced himself to the Commission. Commissioner O'Neal asked the applicant what he plans on storing. Ted Thompson replied by saying he is a collector of cars and would like to have a place to store the vehicles. Commissioner Mendoza asked the applicant if he has any plans of running a business out of the proposed garage. Ted Thompson replied by saying no. Vice-Chair Gonzales asked if there would be a shower or restroom. Ted Thompson responded by saying he does not think it is needed at this time as the main house is close enough. There being no further comments, Chairman Flores requested the reading of the Resolution. Planning Commission Meeting October 20, 2009 Page 4 of 10 MOTION was made by Commissioner Zanelli and seconded by Commissioner Mendoza to adopt Resolution No. 2009-49, approving a Minor Design Review for a proposed two (2) story, 4,752 square-foot garage (accessory structure) to be located in the rear-yard of an existing single-family residence at 32375 Ontario Way (APN: 370-511-054) including the deletion of Condition No. 30 from the Conditions of Approval. AYES: CHAIRMAN FLORES VICE-CHAIRMAN GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER O'NEAL COMMISSIONER ZANELLI NOES: NONE PUBLIC HEARING ITEM(S) 3. Residential Design Review No. 2006-13. Amendment No. 1 for "Broadleaf & Silverthorne" project areas within the Canyon Hills Specific Plan Recommendation: Adopt a resolution approving Residential Design Review No. 2006-13 Amendment No. 1 for "Broadleaf & Silverthorne" project areas within the Canyon Hills Specific Plan. Acting Community Development Director Weiner introduced City Planner Coury to the Commission and indicated he would provide the reading of the Staff Report. City Planner Coury provided an overview of the project to the Commission. He indicated the applicant proposes to amend approved Residential Design Review No. 2006-13 in an effort to meet current market conditions. He stated the proposal is to replace the existing product known as "Broadleaf" with the "Silverthorne" product within Planning Area 29 of the Canyon Hills Specific Plan. He noted the project was reviewed by the Planning Commission on September 15, 2009 and was continued in order to allow the residents more time to gather information concerning the project. He indicated eight (8) existing residents attended the meeting and expressed concerns that the project request was smaller than what was previously approved for the area. In addition, the residents felt that they were not properly notified or informed of the product. He advised the Commission that Pardee Homes held a neighborhood meeting on October 5th however inadvertently failed to notify the eight residents who attended the Planning Commission meeting. He entered into the record three (3) hand-outs including a letter that supports the project, a colored rendition of the plot map, and a letter with signatures from residents in opposition to the project. He stated staff has reviewed the amendment and supports the project and the applicant is available to answer any questions the Commission may have. Chairman Flores requested the applicant to approach the podium. Planning Commission Meeting October 20, 2009 Page 5 of 10 Mike Taylor, Vice President for Pardee Homes introduced himself to the Commission. He apologized for not notifying all of the community regarding the neighborhood meeting. He stated he hand delivered the flyers regarding the neighborhood meeting. Some of the flyers were placed on the garage doors and at the front doors. Stephanie Griffins, resident in Lake Elsinore spoke in opposition of the project. She stated there is a difference between the two products. "Broadleaf' are higher end homes and are found on larger lots. She stated there is a great difference in the square footage and price pre square foot. She indicated this project would have a negative affect on the existing homes values. This is a master plan community and would like to see the project denied. She indicated all homeowners that attended the previous Planning Commission meeting were never notified of the October 5, 2009 meeting. She stated she did receive the Pubic Hearing notice for tonight's meeting. William Smith, resident of Lake Elsinore spoke in opposition of the product. He stated the builder indicated they would have a master plan community and will like to keep there promise. Linda Butterworth, Sales Representative for Pardee Homes spoke in favor of the project. She expressed to the Commission that the last sale at the "Silverthorne" closed at a higher value for more money than the homes at "Broadleaf." She stated Pardee Homes are providing a master planned community and those who are purchasing the homes are more qualified that she has ever seen. Bob Stater, resident of Lake Elsinore stated he attended the last meeting when the project was continued. He indicated he spoke in opposition of the project at that time because he was not notified of the public hearing. He has since been notified and no longer objects to the project. Elie Nimcheck, resident of Lake Elsinore spoke in opposition of the project. He spoke of the importance of notification and how there are better ways to notify a homeowner. Karen Bolger, resident of Lake Elsinore spoke in opposition of the project. She stated she was never informed of the October 5th meeting. She stated she does not feel that Pardee Homes is properly informing the existing residents of their meetings. Mary Colley, resident of Lake Elsinore advised the Commission that she never received any notice from Pardee Homes regarding the October 5th meeting. She stated she did receive the public hearing notice. She noted for the record that the sales office at the "Broadleaf' project are already telling their customers that the "Broadleaf' product is no longer available and the "Silverthorne" product would be available in February 2010. Chairman Flores closed the Pubic Hearing at 6:47 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting October 20, 2009 Page 6 of 10 Vice-Chair Gonzales asked if the sales office has a record of the addresses once a house has been sold. Mike Taylor stated he made an error and takes full responsibility that they did not get notified of the meeting. He stated Pardee Homes intends on building only four homes that are 1,655 square foot out of the forty homes that are intended for that area. Commissioner Mendoza asked why Phase 30 was built up before Phase 29. Mike Taylor responded by saying Phase 30 was graded all at the same time because they needed to make sure there was enough dirt to balance the site. He stated they only improved a portion of the lots. Commissioner Mendoza pointed out to the audience normally when a home is purchased, a disclosure statement is included stating the builder has the right to change the product. Commissioner O'Neal asked the applicant what would replace the "Broadleaf' product should the amendment not get approved. Mike Taylor replied by saying those lot would remain as is. Commissioner O'Neal stated the construction may help stimulate the economy and is in favor of the change as this is not unreasonable. He advised the audience should someone object to the Planning Commission's decision, an appeal could be filed which would then go before the City Council. Commissioner Zanelli stated he supports Pardee Homes with their changes. He also made a comment regarding the disclosure statement that Pardee Homes provides to all the new residents, which they are to sign. The disclosure statement states the developer has the right to change the size, configuration and location of unsold subdivisions, parcels, lots and common areas including but not limited to streets, open space, landscaped areas and access facilities. Chairman Flores asked the applicant if the larger units would be constructed near the "Broadleaf" product. Mike Taylor replied by saying Pardee Homes has tried their best to have the larger homes constructed near the "Broadleaf" product for better street scene. Chairman Flores noted the applicant is requesting to replace only 40 out of 120 homes with the "Silverthorne" product. He asked the applicant what type of home would be constructed on the additional lots. Mike Taylor responded by saying it would be a new product that would be coming back to the Planning Commission very shortly. Planning Commission Meeting October 20, 2009 Page 7 of 10 Commissioner Zanelli asked if there is a park proposed. Mike Taylor replied by saying there is a large community park that is proposed within the center of the Canyon Hills Specific Plan and would be coming before the Commission within the next couple of months. Chairman Flores asked the applicant if he has read and accepts the Conditions of Approval. Mike Taylor responded by saying "Yes." MOTION was made by Commissioner Zanelli and seconded by Vice-Chair Gonzales to adopt Resolution No. 2009-50, adopting findings that the project is exempt from the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). AYES: CHAIRMAN FLORES VICE-CHAIRMAN GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER O'NEAL COMMISSIONER ZANELLI NOES: NONE MOTION was made by Commissioner Mendoza and seconded by Commissioner Zanelli to adopt Resolution No. 2009-51, approving Amendment No. 1 to Residential Design Review No. 2006-13. AYES: CHAIRMAN FLORES VICE-CHAIRMAN GONZALES COMMISSIONER MENDOZA COMMISSIONER O'NEAL COMMISSIONER ZANELLI NOES: NONE Chairman Flores requested a one minute recess at 7:09 p.m. Chairman Flores reconvened the meeting at 7:13 p.m. BUSINESS ITEM(S) 4. Lake Elsinore Motocross Conditional Use Permit and Commercial Design Review Application Acting Community Development Director Weiner indicated this is a progress report on the application status of the Lake Elsinore Motocross Conditional Use Permit and Commercial Design Review application. He advised the Commission that this was a Planning Commission Meeting October 20, 2009 Page 8 of 10 status report only and therefore no discussion would be on the conditions or directly related to the operation. City Planner Miller provided a brief timeline history of the project. She stated the last CUP has expired which is why the applicant has requested a new application. She stated the site plan needed very few revisions however should be coming to the Planning Commission for design review shortly. She indicated the applicant is available to answer any questions regarding the application status. Chairman Flores requested the applicant to approach the podium. Randy Hiner, owner/applicant for the Lake Elsinore Motocross introduced himself to the Commission. He stated he started the process in June 2005 and had gone through many hands due to recent city staff adjustments, however is now on track and is moving forward. Vice-Chair Gonzales asked the applicant if he intends on staying in the same location. Randy Hiner replied by saying "Yes." Commissioner O'Neal stated he spoke with staff regarding the environmental study. He pointed out that the environmental study would not only protect the applicant but the city as well. Commissioner Zanelli stated he is glad to see this project come to the end of the road. He indicated it would be great to see Lucas Oil come to town and hopes the Commission will direct staff to move forward as quickly as possible in order to have this project brought back for a public hearing at the earliest possible date. Vice-Chair Gonzales asked when this project would be coming back to the Commission for a public hearing. Deputy City Attorney Winterswyk stated staff should have the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reviewed internally and have the public review and comment period finalized and then return back to the Planning Commission as early as possible. Randy Hiner asked if there would be a way to have a twenty day review period. Deputy City Attorney Winterswyk replied by saying staff would need to make a determination as to whether or not the project is state or regional. She stated as long as it is not, then yes a twenty day review period could be warranted. Commissioner Zanelli pointed out this would not have any impact on the special event that is currently scheduled for December with Lucus Oil as that project has already been approved. Planning Commission Meeting October 20, 2009 Page 9 of 10 Vice-Chair Gonzales asked how long of a term would the Conditional Use Permit be. Deputy City Attorney Winterswyk advised the Commission that the term of the Conditional Use Permit could be discussed during the public hearing as staff will come up with a proposed time limit and that term will be open for discussion. STAFF COMMENTS Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo commented on the following: • He spoke of the gravel road award which would be going before City Council next week. Acting Community Development Director Weiner commented on the following: • He advised the Commission that there would be bottled water for the next Planning Commission Meeting. Deputy City Attorney Winterswyk commented on the following: • She thanked the Commission for allowing her to intervene regarding the last project. PLANNING COMMISSIONER'S COMMENTS Chairman Flores commented on the following: • He addressed the importance of communication between the developers and existing residents when new projects are being proposed. Acting Community Development Director Weiner pointed out that staff did request Pardee Homes to do a community outreach however they chose not to for the first meeting. Vice-Chairman Gonzales commented on the following: • No comments. Commissioner Mendoza commented on the following: • He asked the Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo how long would the grading along La Strada continue. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo replied by saying there is no timeframe as there is a volume of dirt that they are to move as part of their grading permit. • He stated City Planner Coury did a good job with Pardee Homes and dealing with the public. Planning Commission Meeting October 20, 2009 Page 10 of 10 Commissioner O'Neal commented on the following: • No comments. Commissioner Zanelli commented on the following: He thanked City Planner Miller for all her work regarding the Lake Elsinore Motocross project and appreciates her efforts. He asked Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo about the Lake Street curve and would the road be two or four lanes including a center median. Public Works Director/City Engineer Seumalo replied by saying ultimately the road would be two lanes with a center median, but not with this phase. ADJOURNMENT It was the consensus of the Commission to adjourn to the November 3, 2009, Regular Planning Commission meeting at 6:00 p.m. located at 183 N. Main Street, Lake Elsinore, CA. 92530. Chairman Flores adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m. J MY FLORES, CHAIRMAN PLANNING COMMISSION Respectfully Sub itted / , L F~ ~ Q DANA PORCHE OFFICE SPECIALIST III ATTEST: TOM'WE NEk' ACTING DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT