Loading...
Minutes 1977-04-07MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CYPRESS PLANNING COMMISSION HELD April 7, 1977 The regular meeting of the Cypress Planning Commission was called to order at 6 40 p m on Thursday, April 7, 1977 in the Cypress City Council Chambers, 5275 Orange Avenue Cypress California, Chairman Gerald Mullen presiding PRESENT ABSENT Commissioners Friedmann, Partin and Mullen Commissioners Greenwood and Van Allen Also present were Don Lamm Assistant Planner, Art Schatzeder, Public Works Director, and Elizabeth Strauss, Deputy City Attorney PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE• Commissioner Friedmann led the pledge to the flag At the request of staff, Chairman Mullen added Item #5 under Administrative Matters regarding design review for C U P #76-18, the Warmington Company and Item #6 regarding design review for Tiffany Real Estate at Valley View and Ball Road ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS 1. Revision of Tentative Tract Map No 9593 The Assistant Planner presented Staff Report #77-11 dated March 31 and a revised tentative tract map for a nine unit condominium project located on the west side of Graham Street Staff reported that because of an error by the developer, the final tract map submitted to the City was not in substantial conformance with the approved tentative map with regard to the lot depth The original tentative map incorrectly showed the lot depth as 42 feet while this was the length of the building Further, the original map showed a 28 foot -wide driveway while the driveway as constructed is 23.5 feet, one and a half feet less than the requirement for a two directional driveway The condominiums are nearing completion of construc- tion Staff stated the alternatives were to approve the map or deny the map and the project would have to revert to apart- ments Chairman Mullen asked if the applicant wished to speak Mr Doug Powery, representing MEB Investments, 3723 Birch Newport Beach, reported the driveway is fully paved and in use He apologized for the error and stated it was made by the engineer on the grading plan and then transferred by the surveyor to the lot length He reported all garages have automatic door openers and there has not been a problem in maneuvering in the driveway The Assistant Planner presented slides showing the driveway location and size Chairman Mullen stated he visited the site over the weekend but he did not discuss this matter with the applicant Mr Powery reported the curb protecting the wall is about 18 inches from the wall which is located on the property line The space between the curb and wall will be used for land- scaping He stated the developer researched all possibilities to expand the driveway but found no solution Planning Commission Minutes April 7 1977 Commissioner Partin suggested that trees be planted between the curb and wall which could protect the wall from being hit He stated he would not like the project to revert to apart- ments and he felt prospective buyers will have to be made aware of the driveway limitations Staff indicated the trees would have to be the type which would not cause damage to the wall or curb The applicant stated the installation of treewells would cut into the existing driveway Chairman Mullen and Commissioner Friedmann also stated they preferred the condominium project The Public Works Director suggested that the applicant and staff might be able to work out a solution, such as constructing a guard rail along the wall or constructing a 2 1/2 foot high reinforced wall next to the existing wall The applicant indicated he would be willing to investigate a solution It was moved by Chairman Mullen, seconded by Commissioner Friedmann and unanimously carried to approve revised tract map #9593 subject to the condition that the developer submit a plan for reinforcement of the wall to mitigate the problem of potential damage, which is satisfactory to the staff Chairman Mullen and Commissioner Friedmann agreed to add to the motion that the developer be required to post a bond or cash deposit to guarantee the construction Mr Powery agreed with this condition The motion unanimously carried 2 Design Review - Tiffany Real Estate - Cypress East Shopping Center Ms Janet Peterson, representing Diversified Development Company 1000 Quail Newport Beach, asked for a copy of the staff report and conditions of approval Chairman Mullen continued this matter to give the applicant a chance to read the staff report 3 Design Review - Tract No 9743 The staff transmitted the plot plans and elevations for the 20 single-family dwellings proposed for construction at the southwest corner of Valley View and Orange Avenue Staff reported the applicant presented two options for the location of one-story and two-story dwellings Mr Greg Combs 1535 Monrovia Newport Beach architect for the applicant, stated the plans represent two schemes Scheme #1 shows single -story dwellings on the cul-de-sac lots #10, 11 and 12 Mr. Jerry Reynolds 2507 Lighthouse Lane, Corona del Mar, the applicant described the two options Plan A would consist of one and two story homes alternating on the west side of the street, single -story homes on the cul-de-sac lots, and single -story homes on the east side of the street except on Lots #18 and 19 adjacent to the commercial center Plan B would consist of the same design for the west side of the street but with two-story homes on the two cul-de-sac lots and one and two story homes alternating on the east side Planning Commission Minutes April 7, 1977 Mr Reynolds stated the applicant felt Plan B was more attrac- tive from an aesthetic and marketing standpoint He stated they were uncertain about the extent of the Commission's concern regarding the placement of two story homes adjacent to the commercial center He noted that two-story homes on the cul-de-sac lots would provide for larger rear yards Chairman Mullen stated he had no objections to two story dwellings adjacent to the commercial center but he preferred that the homes adjacent to the tennis courts be single -story He expressed concern over the two-story homes on the west side of the street Mr Reynolds stated that on the west side of the street a two-story home would be placed across from a two-story home in the residential development to the west, and a one-story home opposite a one-story home to avoid a loss of privacy Regarding two-story dwellings on the cul-de-sac lots he stated only one upstairs window would face the tennis courts and this problem could be solved by moving one room He stated the larger rear yard would be a compensation Mr Joe Hardcastle, 4588 Blanca Drive, Cypress, expressed concern over mixing one and two-story homes and stated it would be better to have two stories on one side and single stories on the other side of the street He felt the two story homes would contain more bedrooms which would mean more people and more parking problems He felt if the entire property was developed for commercial use then a drive-through McDonalds could have been accommodated. Mr Reynolds stated there will be four bedrooms in both the single story and two-story homes Chairman Mullen stated he preferred single -story homes on the lots facing the tennis courts and did not mind two-story homes adjacent to the commercial center Commissioner Partin agreed with single -story homes on the cul-de-sac but opposed two-story homes next to the commercial use He noted there have been problems in the past with residential next to commercial and he felt there would be problems with the lights shining into the homes Commissioner Friedmann stated she had no objections to either plan but she felt the developer should have freedom to develop the property as he thinks is best She felt plan B was aesthetically more attractive It was moved by Chairman Mullen, seconded by Commissioner Friedmann and carried with Commissioner Partin voting no, to approve Plan B with the understanding that the homes on the west side of the street are in accordance with Plan A and that Lot #11 contain a single -story dwelling, and that the developer submit a plot plan in accordance with this action Mr Reynolds stated they have control over the commercial development and will do what they can to avoid problems of lighting interference 2. Design Review - Tiffany Real Estate - Cypress East Shopping Center Staff transmitted the floor plans and elevations for a proposed real estate office to be located at the southeast corner of the Cypress East Shopping Center The design will be in con- formance with the architectural style and signing for the shopping center. 3 Planning Commission Minutes April 7 1977 Ms Janet Peterson, representing Diversified Development Company, stated they can comply with all conditions of approval With regard to Condition #6 which calls for a readjustment of the parking stall at the southwest corner of the building to be parallel with the south property line, Ms Peterson stated their intent was to stripe this stall for no parking since it was immediately adjacent to the trash area Mr Lamm stated there is adequate parking available and staff would have no objections to striping this stall for no parking The Commission agreed to change condition #6 It was moved by Chairman Mullen, seconded by Commissioner Friedmann and unanimously carried to approve the floor plans and elevations for Tiffany Real Estate subject to the following conditions 1 Drainage shall be solved to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. A grading plan showing existing and proposed elevations, finish floor elevations, wall elevations, etc , shall be submitted for approval 2 The existing drainage curb and gutter along the south side of this parcel shall be removed and replaced with a concrete retaining wall and gutter prior to issuance of a building permit for this development Top of retaining wall shall be a minimum of one inch (1") higher than top of existing wall footing 3 All secondary and primary utility services shall be underground 4 Developer shall conform to all applicable provisions of the City Code 5. The sanitary sewer connection fee shall be paid by the developer in accordance with Orange County Sanitation District No 3, Resolution No 303 6 The proposed angular parking stall at the extreme southwest corner of the building shall be designated as a "No Parking" zone 7 A certificate of occupancy shall not be issued for this development until all landscaping and irrigation is completed in accordance with plans and specifications as approved by the Planning Commission 8. The developer shall landscape irrigate and maintain the Valley View parkway in front of this development 9 Street trees (15 gallon) forty feet (40') on center shall be installed along Valley View Street in front of this development in conformance with the street tree policy of the Public Works Department The type of trees shall be as required under the Townscape and Urban Design Element of the General Plan 4. Sign Review - Freestanding Sign - Mr Joe Tochihara The Assistant Planner presented a report dated April 1 and transmitted plans for signing and for a liquified petroleum gas storage tank at Park Cypress R V Storage/Automotive Repair, 5692 Lincoln Avenue Staff indicated they had no objections to the location of the proposed gas facility 4 Planning Commission Minutes April 7 1977 They reported the applicant proposed to construct a free- standing sign 20 feet in height and 72 square feet in area to be located perpendicular to Lincoln Avenue Staff ex- pressed concern over the need for a third freestanding sign on the property since it has only 150 feet of frontage on Lincoln The two existing freestanding signs are six feet in height and 24 square feet in area Staff recommended the removal of one of the existing signs if the proposed new sign is approved The proposed freestanding sign would be internally illuminated and have blue letters on a white back- ground Mr Joe Tochihara, 4586 Everest Circle, Cypress, the appli- cant, reported he has ordered wood slats for the front fencing and this will be installed He stated there was no condition on the use permit regarding the location of the trash area and he placed it at the safest location He stated it will be screened by the landscaping Mr Tochihara stated he needed the third sign since many persons pass his business He did not feel it was necessary to remove an existing sign and felt the signing program will be balanced and attractive He stated the landscaping will grow and cover the bottom of the two freestanding signs He stated he will remove the "Open" sign The Assistant Planner presented slides showing the business and existing signing Mr Joe Hardcastle 4588 Blanca Drive, Cypress, stated the problem on Lincoln Avenue is not a proliferation of new signs but the existence of bankrupt and depressed businesses He felt signing was an important aid in keeping businesses open Commissioner Partin stated the existing signing was attractive and sedate and that he was in favor of the third sign. Chair- man Mullen stated he felt the new freestanding sign was neces- sary but he recommended the removal of one existing sign He felt a third sign would be inconsistent with the Commission's past actions and goal of removing sign clutter along Lincoln Mr. Tochihara stated the existing signs screen the parked vehicles He suggested that the easterly sign be allowed to remain for one year He felt the growth of landscaping will improve its appearance He stated that after one year he will remove the sign if required to do so by the Commission Chairman Mullen indicated he would like the applicant to post a bond guaranteeing removal of the sign after a year It was moved by Chairman Mullen seconded by Commissioner Friedmann and unanimously carried to approve the plans for the liquified petroleum gas storage tank subject to the following conditions, and the request for a freestanding sign subject to the conditions that the existing easterly wood sign be removed in one year and that the applicant post a bond to guarantee its removal 1 The location, construction, plumbing and tank size are subject to the review and approval of the City of Cypress Building Department and Orange County Fire Marshal's office. 2 Vehicle inhibiting posts shall be located around the L P G tank to the specifications of the City of Cypress Building Department PUBLIC HEARING RE. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO 77-4 - CARL KARCHER ENTERPRISES, INC Chairman Mullen announced that this was the time and place for the public hearing to consider Planning Commission Minutes April 7, 1977 a proposal to install and operate a drive-thru food service at the existing Carl's Junior Restaurant located at 5407 Ball Road, Cypress He opened the hearing and asked for the staff's report RECESS Chairman Mullen called a recess at 8.40 p m The meeting was called back to order at 8.50 p.m. with Commissioners Greenwood and Van Allen absent Chairman Mullen welcomed Councilman Donald Hudson to the meeting The Assistant Planner summarized Staff Report #77-12 dated April 1 describing the proposal for the drive-thru food service at Carl's Junior Restaurant Staff identified poten- tial problems with the location of the drive-thru window, which would be on the passenger's side noise from the intercom ordering system parking circulation and on-site congestion The Assistant Planner presented slides of the existing restaurant and property describing the proposed drive-thru service and vehicular movement around the building He reported that large arrows on the pavement would designate the drive- thru lane and that a large planter north of the building would separate the drive-thru lane from the circular drive around the property Mr David Garrison, representing Carl's Junior Restaurants, 1200 N Harbor, Anaheim, reported the hours of operation would be Sunday through Thursday open until 10 p m and Friday and Saturday open until 12 00 midnight He stated they tried to answer staff's concerns by changing the plan the applicant agreed to a one directional traffic flow around the building in a clockwise direction and to maintain 90 degree parking stalls in front of the building He stated the driveway locations will remain the same Mr Garrison reported their passenger pick-up service has been successful for six years and there has been no hardship to customers or accidents He stated the conditions of approval are acceptable He stated they anticipate a 10 to 15% increase in business with the drive- thru service but they did not expect a greater influx of vehicles He stated the service will not require additional employees Chairman Mullen asked if anyone wished to speak in support or in opposition to Conditional Use Permit #77-4 There was no one who wished to speak in support or in opposition. Chairman Mullen felt the potential traffic circulation problems on the property would not justify approval of the request He felt since the menu board would be located only 20 feet from the north property line it would cause noise interference for the property owner He felt car radios loud customers or the cars themselves could create noise problems Mr Garrison felt the six -foot -high wall and Italian Cypress trees along the north wall would mitigate the noise problem He stated the menu board will be located 30 feet from the nearest residence and will face the opposite direction He reported that the employees will use a telephone when taking orders and will be able to see the customer and therefore they will not have to scream Mr Garrison stated they will attempt to mitigate any problems which might arise He stated they requested the delivery truck to change its delivery hours Planning Commission Minutes April 7, 1977 Commissioner Partin suggested that the menu board be designed as a solid wall extending to the ground to serve as a sound barrier between the restaurant and homes He stated he could foresee no other problems with the proposal that it will increase business for the City, and that he was in favor of the changes Mr Joe Hardcastle 4588 Blanca Drive Cypress suggested that wheel barriers be placed around the building to prevent it from being hit by women drivers Mr Garrison reported a six- inch curb will be placed around the building Mr Scott Adler 9760 Graham Street, Cypress asked if the applicant analyzed ingress and egress on the property from two directional traffic on Ball Road and if the great number of children using Ball Road was taken into account Staff reported that at present left turns are permitted from Ball Road into both driveways. Under the new proposal, ingress would be only at the westerly driveway and egress from the easterly driveway. Vehicles entering the property would also be further away from the elementary school Staff repeated that the applicant did not anticipate an increase in traffic Commissioner Partin moved to approve C U P #77-4 as requested by the applicant subject to the conditions recommended by the staff with the additional condition that the reader board be enlarged to serve as a screen between the cars and adjacent dwellings and that it be moved further east. Mr Garrison stated they would prefer moving the reader board further west since they must maintain a certain distance between the menu board and pick-up window He stated they wished to have the turning radius as wide as possible which is why the planter was a minimum size He felt they could accommodate Commissioner Partin's concern by deleting one parking stall and bringing the drive-thru lane closer to the building. Chairman Mullen suggested that a sound attenuation plan for the menu board be submitted for staff's approval Mr Garrison stated this is covered by Condition #5 The Public Works Director suggested that an acoustical engineer be employed to study the noise situation and recommend the best methods for sound attenuation Mr Garrison stated this would not be a problem A substitute motion was moved by Commissioner Partin and sec- onded by Commissioner Friedmann to approve Conditional Use Permit #77-4 subject to the following conditions and the revised plan recommended by staff including the condition that an acoustical engineer be consulted to determine the best way to prevent sound encroachment on the neighbors Chairman Mullen stated the sound attenuation may resolve the noise problem for the neighbors but his main concern was over traffic conflicts in the parking lot. He pointed out specific problems with Stall #19 which is located closest to the drive- thru window He felt smaller cars might have a visibility problem and back up into the drive-thru lane Mr Garrison felt the possibility of a collision would be minimal since cars pulling out of the drive-thru window would be traveling at a slow speed and would be aware of other vehicles in the parking lot. Planning Commission Minutes April 7 1977 1 The design of the drive-through facility shall be in accordance with the revised plot plan reviewed by the Planning Commission which provided for a one-way circu- lation pattern for this project 2 The applicant shall obtain a report and recommendation from an acoustical engineer regarding recommendations for the design and location of the proposed drive-through menu board/speaker box 3 Adequate signing shall be installed at the driveways to direct ingress and egress of vehicles A plot plan showing the proposed signing of driveways shall be approved by City staff prior to installation by the developer 4 No deliveries shall be made through the existing door on the east side of the building during peak business hours 5 Parking stalls No 1 and 2 shall be relocated north of parking stall No 9 6 A six-inch (6") high concrete curb shall be installed a distance of two feet (2') from the base of the existing block wall on the north property line The area between the curb and wall shall be landscaped or filled with concrete flush with the top of the curb Additionally, a six-inch (6") high concrete curb shall be installed a sufficient distance from the building wall along the drive- through side to protect the wall from vehicular traffic The area between the curb and wall shall be landscaped or filled with concrete flush with the top of the curb 7 The intercom speaker box shall be located and equipped with a noise attenuation device so that noise shall not be directed towards the single-family residences to the satisfaction of City staff 8 Parking area trash receptacles shall be designed and located subject to City staff approval The motion carried by the following roll call vote AYES 2 COMMISSIONERS. Friedmann and Partin NOES. 1 COMMISSIONERS• Mullen ABSENT• 2 COMMISSIONERS Greenwood and Van Allen Chairman Mullen closed the public hearing Mr Garrison stated they will attempt to solve any problems that arise ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Chairman Mullen asked if anyone wished to speak in regard to any matter not on the agenda There was no one who wished to speak ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS (Continued) The Assistant Planner recommended that Item #3 Prioritizing Bike Trails, be continued to the next regular meeting Hearing no objections Chairman Mullen continued the item to the April 21 meeting Planning Commission Minutes April 7, 1977 5 Design Review of Final Plot Plans and Elevations - Conditional Use Permit #76-18 - The Warmington Company The Assistant Planner presented the final plot plans and ele- vations for the commercial portion of the development proposed under Conditional Use Permit #76-18 to be located on the south side of Lincoln Avenue opposite Sumner Place Mr Lamm described the plot plan He stated staff's only concern related to the rear elevations of Buildings A and B The rear elevations show bare stucco with access doors on the two buildings The staff recommended that some architec- tural treatment be given to the rear elevations to correspond with the rest of the buildings They suggested wood trim along the parapet Staff reported that the applicant should increase the landscaping strip along the south property line of the commercial area from 3 to 5 feet Chairman Mullen asked if the applicant wished to speak Mr Mike Kay, 3535 Farquhar Street, Los Alamitos, agreed to add some treatment to the rear of the buildings to break up the stucco He indicated they were concerned over grafitti and felt stucco would be easier to maintain than wood siding Mr Kay agreed to paint the rear sides the same as the rest of the building He reported that the clock tower will be used for something like a Fotomat store Mr Kay reported that walkways will surround the restaurant and the landscaping in front will be bermed and should screen the bottom of cars parked in the lot. It was moved by Chairman Mullen, seconded by Commissioner Friedmann and unanimously carried to approve the final plot plans and elevations for the commercial development approved under C U P #76-18 subject to the following conditions. 1 The parapet wall located along the south elevation of building A and the west elevation of building B shall be constructed with a wood trim stained and designed to match as closely as possible with the shake roofs to be established along all other elevations of these buildings 2 The landscape strip along the southerly lot line of the commercial development shall be increased in width to a minimum of five feet since this line is adjacent to proposed residential development Chairman Mullen asked that the Planning Director advise the Commission regarding attendance at the energy seminar to be held in Palm Springs Chairman Mullen also asked that staff obtain a copy of the Fountain Valley and Cerritos sign ordinances Chairman Mullen asked for a staff report for the next meeting regarding the trash containers in the alley behind the shopping center at the southeast corner of Moody and Ball Road He requested that staff investigate and report back at the next meeting on the window signing in the Radio Shack store at the southwest corner of Lincoln and Walker The Assistant Planner reported there was a delay in receiving the Walker Street Zoning Study from the printer Staff rec- ommended that the public meeting scheduled for April 14 be postponed until April 28 or some other date The Commissioners agreed to continue the meeting until April 28 at 7 30 p m Planning Commission Minutes April 7, 1977 MINUTES It was moved by Chairman Mullen, seconded by Commissioner Partin and unanimously carried to approve the minutes of March 17 as corrected ADJOURNMENT• Chairman Mullen adjourned the meeting at 10 OS p m CHAIRMAN OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION ATTEST SECRETARY OF T E PLANNI G COMMISSION 10