Minutes 1977-08-04MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE CYPRESS PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD
August 4, 1977
The regular meeting of the Cypress Planning Commission was
called to order at 6:35 p m on Thursday, August 4, 1977 in
the Cypress City Council Chambers, 5275 Orange Avenue, Cypress,
California, Vice Chairman Richard Partin presiding
PRESENT:
ABSENT -
Commissioners Adler, Friedmann, Mullen and
Partin
Chairman Van Allen
Also present were Planning Director Brian Hawley, Public Works
Director Art Schatzeder, Assistant Planner Don Lamm, and Deputy
City Attorney Elizabeth Strauss.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Commissioner Adler led the pledge to
the flag.
At the Planning Director's request Vice Chairman Partin added
under Administrative Matters Item #4 regarding design review
for the commercial portion of the development on the south
side of Lincoln Avenue, opposite Sumner Place, and Item #5
regarding sign review for Moped Masters located on the south
side of Lincoln Avenue, east of Grindlay Street
MINUTES:
It was moved by Commissioner Mullen seconded by Commissioner
Friedmann and unanimously carried to approve the July 21 minutes.
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS:
1 Site Plan Review - Constitution Savings & Loan - Ball Road,
West of Valley View Street
The Planning Director stated staff discussed certain modifica-
tions to the plan with the developer who is incorporating them
in a redesigned plan He requested a continuance to the next
meeting
It was moved by Commissioner Mullen, seconded by Commissioner
Friedmann and unanimously carried to continue the item to the
August 18 meeting
The Planning Director requested that Item #2 be considered
together with public hearings #3 and 4.
2 Sign Review - Cypress Mini Storage - 6322 Lincoln Avenue
The Assistant Planner presented a memorandum dated July 27 indi-
cating the applicant proposed a freestanding, double faced sign,
30 feet in height and 120 square feet in area to identify Cypress
Mini Storage He presented the sign plans and reported the sign
will contain three cans, with the middle can identifying the
storage use He reported that the applicant verbally agreed to
staff's recommendation to eliminate the top portion of the sign
which would result in a 20 foot high sign 60 square feet in area
which identifies only the storage use This would allow the
Commission to determine further signing requirements when
the commercial uses are proposed
Planning Commission Minutes August 4, 1977
Mr Bud Christian, the applicant, stated that because of the
unusual front elevation of the building, the facility does not
resemble a mini -warehouse storage yard and is overlooked by passing
traffic and he felt an attractive sign is necessary He agreed
to the 20 foot height but stated he would like to review the
signing needs when the commercial uses are proposed Mr Christian
indicated he would like to add on to the proposed pole sign or
consider a second pole sign for the property
Mr Elmore, the sign contractor, stated he would like to design
the sign footing to be able to accommodate additional signing in
the future and he discussed with staff possible methods by which
this could be accomplished
It was moved by Commissioner Adler, seconded by Commissioner
Mullen and unanimously carried to approve the freestanding sign
for Cypress Mini Storage as shown as #1201 on the plans, that the
overall height shall be 20 feet with an additional three feet for
the architectural scroll work and to allow for future extension,
and subject to the following conditions:
1 The subject sign shall be relocated so that no portion
of the sign projects into City right-of-way
2 Necessary engineering calculations shall be submitted
and building permits obtained prior to installation of
the freestanding sign
3 The maximum height of the sign shall be 20 feet with an
additional 12 to 18 inches for pole extension to provide
for future possible additions to the sign and for the
inclusion of the modified scroll -type design to be placed
on top of the reader board
3 Design Review - Commercial development on south side of
Lincoln Avenue, opposite Sumner Place
The Planning Director presented the plot plans and elevations for
the two major commercial buildings proposed under Conditional
Use Permit #76-18 at 4782 Lincoln Avenue He stated the plans
are in conformance with the revised site plan approved by the
Commission on July 7 which showed the two commercial buildings,
a restaurant, and fast-food restaurant. He stated landscaping
plans will be submitted separately He reported the elevation
plans indicate the buildings will be stucco and brick with wood
trim In response to questions from the Commission, he reported
that 18 feet is a common dimension for parking stalls and staff
has no concerns about the size of the stalls or circulation in
the parking lot He reported that development of the 80 condo-
minium units is contingent upon completion of pouring of the
foundations for buildings "A" and "B"
Commissioners Mullen and Friedmann expressed concern that the
plan was inconsistent with the Commission's and Council's intent
of guaranteeing commercial development on the property by not
designating a restaurant The Planning Director indicated that
the Turkey and Stuff restaurant will not be developed at this
location but that another restaurant is being proposed by the
new owners of the property He indicated a retail sales use
is preferable to a restaurant in producing greater tax revenue
Mr David Miller, 3197 A Airport Loop Drive, Costa Mesa, repre-
senting the Butler Housing Corporation, reported they have
employed Coldwell Banker which is soliciting commercial tenants
for the property, including a restaurant He stated all uses
in the center will conform to a uniform architectural design He
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Planning Commission Minutes August 4, 1977
stated they would like to construct the restaurant building
after a lease is signed Mr Miller reported they preferred
18 foot long car stalls with 2 feet of low groundcover landscaping
which cars may overhang rather than a total of 20 feet of paving
and concrete bumpers The Planning Director stated that although
the parking spaces are less than normally required for the uses
on an individual basis they are within the 10o allowance permitted
by the Zoning Ordinance, and sufficient parking is provided for
the proposed restaurant which is the highest parking demand use
in the Zoning Ordinance
Mr Tom Moon, architect presented a colored rendering of the
project and a color board showing the types and colors of building
materials He stated low maintenance materials will be used for
the exteriors of buildings and they will restrict the area for
signing
Mr Tim Logan, landscape architect, described the proposed
landscape program and stated they will comply with the City's
street tree program The Planning Director stated the landscaping
plans probably will be presented at the next meeting
Mr Miller stated a condition of the original approval was that
construction could not begin on the condominiums until the founda-
tions are poured for buildings A and B He stated their redesigned
plans provide for more commercial area, and an initial investment
of about $1 million is necessary to proceed with the project
The Planning Director presented the original and revised plot
plans for comparison and stated the final plot plan is in confor-
mance with the conceptual plan He stated one condition of the
original approval provided that prior to the issuance of building
permits for the residential portion, building permits shall be
obtained and actual foundations poured for the commercial uses.
He felt that by pouring the foundations for buildings A and B the
developer will have made a commitment to establish commercial uses
on the frontage of the property
Mrs Cheryl DeLoge, 9144 Ethel Street, Cypress, indicated that
one of the selling points for the project for adjacent residents
was that a full service dinner restaurant was proposed. She in-
quired why the Turkey and Stuff Restaurant was not proposed and
stated she would like the same calibre restaurant and not a coffee
shop type restaurant
Mr Steve Tate, Director of Planning and Engineering for the appli-
cant, reported that prior to purchasing the property they hired
Coldwell Banker who undertook a feasibility study He stated
they require Commission approval before building the restaurant
He stated they want a restaurant and hope to have a tenant in a
couple of weeks He stated they want to build as soon as possible
The Planning Director suggested a condition that the foundations
shall be poured for the restaurant before building permits are
issued for the residential portion Mr Miller indicated this
would be economically unfeasible for such a small property since
they would like to do certain improvements for the overall property,
like grading and utilities at the same time He stated because
of the high costs the entire project would have to wait until a
restaurant lease is signed
It was moved by Commissioner Mullen and seconded by Commissioner
Adler to approve the design and plot plans for Buildings A and B
as submitted, with the provision that no residential construction
may proceed on the condominiums until completion of the pouring
of the foundations for Buildings A, B and C
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Planning Commission Minutes August 4, 1977
The Commission held discussion regarding the motion
Mr. Miller stated they would be unable to proceed with the project
because they could not comply with the condition and it would
cause an economic hardship He reported that Coldwell Banker was
rejected by several restaurants and he felt the problem in getting
a restaurant tenant is that Lincoln Avenue is unimproved and there
are other restaurant establishments within a 1 1/2 mile radius of
the property He stated a restaurant requires that improvements be
installed first
The motion unanimously carried
RECESS Vice Chairman Partin called a recess at 8 20 p m The
meeting was called back to order at 8:40 p m with all Commis-
sioners present except Chairman Van Allen
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS. Vice Chairman Partin asked if anyone wished
to speak in regard to any matter not on the agenda. No one wished
to speak
4 Sign Review - Moped Masters - 5262 Lincoln Avenue
The Planning Director reported that one of the conditions of Con-
ditional Use Permit #77-7 for Moped Masters was that the signing
program be submitted for review and approval by the Commission
He presented the sign plans and indicated the applicant proposed
to reface the existing 15' 10", 74 square foot freestanding sign
with "Moped Master" and changeable copy lines The sign will be
yellow The Planning Director stated that the standard conditions
are applicable to the sign construction and there are no special
conditions
It was moved by Commissioner Mullen, seconded by Commissioner
Friedmann and unanimously carried to approve the sign plans as
submitted
The Planning Director reported that the applicant requested that
the public hearing regarding Conditional Use Permit #77-16 for
the establishment of a student dormitory be continued to the next
meeting
It was moved by Commissioner Friedmann, seconded by Commissioner
Mullen and unanimously carried to continue the hearing regarding
C U P #77-16 to the August 18 meeting
PUBLIC HEARING RE- CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO 77-15 - MR. LARRY
S GRAHAM (CONTINUED). Vice Chairman Partin announced that this
was the time and place for the continuation of the public hearing
to consider a request to establish, operate and maintain an auto-
mobile repair facility to be located on the northeast corner of
Electric Street and Lincoln Avenue at 5431 Lincoln Avenue He
opened the hearing and asked for the staff report
The Assistant Planner presented a report dated July 27 indicating
the hearing was continued from the last meeting to allow the appli-
cant to meet with staff and the property owner regarding compliance
with the recommended conditions of approval He reported that the
applicant agreed to comply with all conditions, in particular the
landscaping requirements, and also agreed to remove the illegal
wall signing
Mr Larry Graham, 6402 Lewis, Long Beach, stated he wished to
install landscaping in order to approve the appearance of the
property and the proposed landscape plan will allow him to pave
part of the area in the future He stated he would like to extend
the paving into the setback area on Lincoln. The Planning Director
stated he would have no objections to extending the paved area as
long as a minimum 10 foot landscaped setback is maintained
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Planning Commission Minutes August 4, 1977
Commissioner Mullen felt that some overnight outdoor storage of
vehicles and some minor repair of vehicles is inevitable and
he suggested that Conditions #2 and 3 be changed to be more real-
istic and less restrictive. Commissioners Friedmann and Partin
felt long-term outdoor storage should be prohibited and Vice
Chairman Partin agreed with changing Condition #2 to permit
some outdoor overnight storage and Condition #3 to restrict major
repairs from occurring outdoors The Planning Director recommended
that Condition #2 be changed to prohibit the outdoor storage
of dismantled automobiles, auto parts, machinery and related
items. He suggested that the applicant could screen such items
in a designated outdoor area
Mr Graham stated he agreed with all conditions and did not intend
to do any work in the parking lot or store parts there
Commissioner Mullen suggested that Condition #3 be changed to
delete the requirement that outdoor repairs shall be prohibited
The Planning Director stated this would be acceptable to staff
Vice Chairman Partin asked if anyone wished to speak in support
or in opposition to Conditional Use Permit #77-15 No one wished
to speak in favor or opposition
It was moved by Commissioner Mullen and seconded by Commissioner
Friedmann to approve Conditional Use Permit #77-15 subject to the
following conditions•
1 Landscaping and an adequate irrigation system shall be
installed in all designated landscaped areas, subject to
the review and approval by the Planning Commission
2 No overnight, outdoor storage of partially dismantled auto-
mobiles automobile parts, machinery or related items shall
be permitted unless adequate screening is provided to the
specifications of City staff
3 All repair and maintenance of automobiles shall be done
within the building
4 All plans for wall or freestanding signing shall be reviewed
and approved by the Planning Commission
5 The parking area asphalt shall be resealed and restriped
to prevent rapid deterioration from occurring
6 Any electrical or plumbing alterations require necessary
City permits and may only be done by State licensed contractors
7. The subject building shall be inspected by the Orange County
Fire Marshal s office prior to issuance of an Occupancy
Permit Necessary fire extinguishers must be installed
prior to conducting business
8 Drainage fees shall be paid in accordance with Master Plan
of Drainage
9 Applicant shall conform to all applicable provisions of the
City Code
10 A bond shall be posted by the applicant to guarantee maint-
enance of the irrigation system so that it operates in a
manner for which it was designed, and to guarantee maint-
enance of all plant materials in a healthy, growing condition,
free of weeds and litter for a period of not less than
twelve (12) months, to the specifications of the City staff
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Planning Commission Minutes August 4, 1977
11 All existing public improvements at the development site
which are damaged, cracked or otherwise below standard,
shall be removed and replaced to the satisfaction of the
City Engineer
12 Parking lot circulation shall be subject to the approval
of the City Engineer
13 All unauthorized signs painted on the sides of the building
shall be removed prior to the submittal of plans for the
proposed signing program as required in Condition #4 of
this approval
The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote
AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS Adler, Friedmann, Mullen &
Partin
NOES. 0 COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS• Van Allen
Vice Chairman Partin closed the public hearing.
The Planning Director requested that public hearings #3 and #4
on the agenda be considered together along with Administrative
Item #2 regarding Tentative Tract Map #9964
PUBLIC HEARING RE• ZONE CHANGE NO 77-4 - THE ROBERT P WARMINGTON
COMPANY• Vice Chairman Partin announced that this was the time
and place for the public hearing to consider a proposal to change
the zoning of two parcels of land totalling 1 77 acres in size and
located at the southwesterly corner of Cerritos Avenue and Holder
Street from its current classification of CS -N -2A Commercial
Shopping Center, Neighborhood Zone to RS -6000 Residential Single -
Family He opened this and the following hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING RE: VARIANCE NO 77-2 - THE ROBERT P WARMINGTON
COMPANY• A request to allow lots in the RS -6000 Residential
Single -Family Zone with less than the required depth as specified
in the Zoning Ordinance on property located at the southwesterly
corner of Cerritos Avenue and Holder Street Vice Chairman Partin
asked for the staff report
The Assistant Planner presented Staff Report #77-27 dated July 28
describing the zone change and variance applications for the 10
lot subdivision General Plan Amendment #77-2 approved by the
City Council on July 11, 1977 changed the designation of the
property from commercial to low-density residential The variance
is being applied for since the average lot depth will be 87 feet
instead of the minimum required 100 foot depth Staff presented
the plot plans, elevations and the tentative tract map
The Planning Director clarified that the street right-of-way is
48 feet, with 36 feet of pavement from curb to curb with a six
foot wide walkway, tree planting and public utility easement on
either side of the street He stated the Subdivision Ordinance
requires adequate turning radius which is why a cul-de-sac and
not a dead-end street is proposed The Public Works Director
recommended a change to Condition #12 since the street widths
were incorrectly stated The staff responded to general questions
regarding the conditions and proposed development
The Planning Director reported that the Traffic Engineer recom-
mended against an access street on Cerritos Avenue since Cerritos
is a primary arterial street and the access street would be too
close to the intersection A median island is proposed in Cerritos
and a median break could not be located so close to the inter-
section and therefore left turns would not be permitted from the
property.
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Planning Commission Minutes August 4, 1977
Mr Jim Christensen, 3822 Campus Drive, Newport Beach representing
the Warmington Company, reported he has 50% ownership of the prop-
erty. He stated the zone change will bring the property into
conformance with the General Plan designation He reported that
single-family dwellings around the property are on substandard
size lots He stated they can meet the conditions and development
will solve the problem of vacant property Mr Christensen in-
quired about Condition #30 which requires that a six foot high
block wall be maintained on the south and west property lines and
staff clarified the condition Mr Christensen reported they
propose one and two story homes in the $85,000 to $100,000 range
40% lot coverage, 20 foot wide driveways, roll -up garage doors
and other amenities
Vice Chairman Partin asked if anyone wished to speak in favor
Mrs. Minnie Adams, 10561 Beatrice, Cypress, stated she has resided
south of the property for ten years and is happy to report to the
neighbors that single-family homes instead of condominiums or
apartments will be constructed
Vice Chairman Partin asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition.
No one wished to speak in opposition
The Deputy City Attorney recommended adding a condition to state
that approval of the tentative map is contingent upon approval
of the zone change and variance
Mr Christensen reported that the one story homes will range from
1700 to 2200 square feet and the two story homes from 2000 to
2500 square feet The Planning Director reported that Lots #1-3
and 8-10 require a variance but Lots #4-7 have a 100 foot depth
It was moved by Commissioner Mullen, seconded by Commissioner
Friedmann and unanimously carried to approve Tentative Tract Map
#9964 subject to the following conditions
1 Prior to the issuance of a building permit, precise plans
and elevations of the residential dwellings shall be sub-
mitted for review and approval by the Planning Commission
and a Final Subdivision Map shall be approved by the City
and recorded at the County Recorder's Office
2 At the time plans are submitted for the residential dwellings
the Planning Commission shall determine allowable locations
for two-storey structures and necessary noise insulation
to comply with the recommendations of Ultra -Systems, Inc
3 Landmark trees shall not be removed from the project site
without permission of the Planning Director
4 Drainage fees shall be paid in accordance with the Master
Plan of Drainage
5 Drainage shall be solved to the satisfaction of the City
Engineer A grading plan shall be submitted for approval
6 All secondary and primary utility services shall be under-
ground
7 Signs and street lights shall be installed per City standards
8 Advance street light energy charges shall be paid
9 The cul-de-sac street and portions of Holder Street and
Cerritos Avenue shall be dedicated and fully improved
with curb, gutter, sidewalk, paving, sewer and public
utilities in accordance with the Master Plan of Streets
and Highways
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Planning Commission Minutes August 4, 1977
10 The minimum flowline grade in streets shall be 0 20%
11 Curb returns at the intersection of Holder Street and
cul-de-sac street shall have a radius of 35 feet
12 The proposed street shall have a property line radius of
forty-four feet (44') with an additional six foot (6')
wide walkway, tree planting, and public utility easement
on each side of the street The street shall be constructed
per County of Orange Standard No 107 and improved with
thirty-six feet (36') of paving curb -to -curb with a six
foot (6') sidewalk next to the curb
13 Street structural sections shall be based on the recom-
mendation and soils report prepared by an engineering firm
acceptable to the City Engineer, with street structural
sections to be determined by using an applicable T.I. of
4 City Engineering Division will determine structural
section for Holder Street and Cerritos Avenue
14 All existing public improvements at the development site
which are damaged, cracked, or otherwise below standard
shall be removed and replaced to the satisfaction of the
City Engineer
15 The corner cutoff at Cerritos and Holder shall be dedicated
to the City of Cypress for roadway purposes
16 Wheelchair and handicap access facilities shall be installed
on-site and off-site in accordance with State of California
and City of Cypress Building Department standards
17 The street in front of this development shall be resur-
faced with one inch (1') minimum thickness asphalt concrete
from curb -to -curb if it is necessary to open -cut the street
in more than one place Any open cut shall be backfilled
per City of Cypress Standard No. 110
18 Location of all street furniture shall be approved by the
City Engineer
19 Street trees (15 gallon) shall be installed along Cerritos
Avenue, Holder Street and cul-de-sac street 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
20 Soil in planting areas, including trees, shall be tested
by a qualified agricultural laboratory to determine the
organic and chemical amendments for optimum growth for
the plants specified The test results shall include
concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH,
salinity, sodium status and boron saturation extract
Results of these tests with recommendations of the agri-
cultural laboratory shall be furnished to the Public Works
Department for approval at least thirty days prior to
planting date
21 Necessary fire hydrants shall be installed in accordance
with Fire Department requirements and City standards
22 Plan checking and inspection fees shall be paid in accor-
dance with City of Cypress Resolution No. 1713
23 Developer shall conform to all applicable provisions of the
City Code
24 Final subdivision map filing fees shall be paid in accor-
dance with City of Cypress Resolution No 1713
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Planning Commission Minutes August 4, 1977
25 All lots shall have a slope gradient of between one percent
(1%) and three percent (3%) from rear lot line to the street
26 The sanitary sewer connection fee shall be paid by the
developer in accordance with Orange County Sanitation
District No 3 Resolution No 303
27 Sewer laterals connecting existing houses at this property
shall be plugged at the property line to the satisfaction
of the Public Works Director and Building Superintendent
28 A retaining wall per City of Cypress standards shall be
constructed at the property line where the grade difference
is greater than twelve inches (12")
29 A minimum six foot (6') high, six inch (6") thick block wall
measured from the highest adjacent grade, shall be constructed
along the Cerritos and Holder property lines The materials
of construction shall reasonably match existing tract walls
along Cerritos and Holder and are subject to Planning Depart-
ment approval prior to installation
30 The existing block wall along the southerly and westerly
boundary lines shall be reconstructed by a method satis-
factory to the City Engineer, to maintain a minimum six
foot (6') high block wall measured from the highest adjacent
grade
31 All requirements of the State Subdivision Map Act and the
City's Subdivision Ordinance shall be satisfied
32 Installation of cable TV shall be subject to any City
ordinances or regulations which are in effect at the time
of recording of the final map
33 The developer shall pay $50 00 per unit developer's tax
as required by the City of Cypress Business License Depart-
ment
34 Recreation and Parks fees shall be paid in accordance with
the City of Cypress Zoning Ordinance
35 The developer shall provide mailbox mounting facilities
for each residence, to the satisfaction of the Public Works
Director, Planning Director and Postmaster
36 Approval of the Tentative Tract Map is contingent upon the
adoption of an ordinance by the City Council which will
place the property in an RS -6000 Residential Single -Family
Zone
It was moved by Commissioner Mullen and seconded by Commissioner
Friedmann to approve Zone Change No 77-4 The motion unanimously
carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES- 4 COMMISSIONERS -
NOES. 0 COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS:
Adler Friedmann Mullen &
Partin
None
Van Allen
It was moved by Commissioner Mullen and seconded by Commissioner
Friedmann to approve Variance No 77-2 in accordance with the
findings of Section 17 3-7 of the Zoning Ordinance The motion
unanimously carried by the following roll call vote.
AYES.
NOES
ABSENT
4 COMMISSIONERS.
0 COMMISSIONERS
1 COMMISSIONERS
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Adler, Friedmann, Mullen &
Partin
None
Van Allen
Planning Commission Minutes August 4, 1977
Vice Chairman Partin closed the public hearing
ADJOURNMENT Vice Chairman Partin adjourned the meeting at 10.00
P m
ATTEST.
CHAIRMAN OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
SECRETARY OF T PLANNING COMMISSION
1
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