Minutes 1978-07-20MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF
THE CYPRESS PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD
July 20, 1978
The regular meeting of the Cypress Planning Commission was called
to order at 6.40 p m on Thursday, July 20, 1978 in the Cypress
City Council Chambers, 5275 Orange Avenue Cypress California
Chairman Robert Van Allen presiding
PRESENT.
ABSENT
Commissioners Adler, Friedmann, Mullen, Partin
and Van Allen
None
Also present were Brian Hawley, Planning Director, Art Schatzeder,
Public Works Director, Don Lamm Assistant Planner, and John Murphy,
City Attorney
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. The pledge to the flag was led by Commis-
sioner Adler
Hearing no objections, Chairman Van Allen added Item #3 under Admin-
istrative Matters regarding a report to the City Council from the
Planning Director on options relative to their assuming the planning
functions, and Item #4 regarding approval of the minutes of July 6
The Planning Director stated the public hearings were advertised
for 6 30 p m , not 7 30 p m as shown on the agenda Chairman Van
Allen asked if any of the public hearing applicants were present
None of the applicants were present and the Chairman stated the Com-
mission would proceed with Administrative Matters
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS:
1 Sign Review, A -1-A Security (Continued)
The Assistant Planner presented the sign plans and a report dated
June 27 which described the proposed signing program for A -1-A
Security located on the northwest corner of Lincoln and Walker, the
site of the former Shell service station The applicant proposed
a double-faced freestanding sign using the existing 24 foot high
pole, and wall signing to consist of two internally illuminated
plexiglas signs 80 square feet in area, to be placed on the south
elevation of the building above the garage doors The applicant
h2.s already installed two wall signs, 25 square feet each on the
false chimney. Staff recommended that the chimney signs be removed
and that the wall signing be reduced to 40 square feet in area
They also recommended that the self-service gasoline sales be iden-
tified
Mr Barney Peterson, the applicant, discussed the signing program
with the Commission He stated he agreed with the conditions
It was moved by Commissioner Mullen and seconded by Commissioner
Partin to approve the signing program for A -1-A Security as pre-
sented including the freestanding sign, wall sign and chimney signs,
subject to the following original conditions and the additional
condition that the design, color, text and size of lettering of
the wall sign shall be subject to approval by the Planning Director
Commissioner Friedmann stated she agreed with staff's recommenda-
tion to eliminate the wall sign and she stated the property is open
and the pole sign and chimney signs should provide adequate identi-
fication for the business
Planning Commission Minutes July 20, 1978
The motion carried with Commissioner Friedmann voting no
The conditions of approval were as follows
1 The subject sign shall not rotate blink, flash or be
animated in any fashion
2 Due to the lack of any landscaping on the subject property,
a minimum 150 -square -foot landscaped area shall be installed
at the base of the sign to prohibit vehicular damage, subject
to City staff approval
3 Banners, flags, pennants, window signing and similar type
advertising are prohibited, except where allowed by ordinance
upon the Planning Director's approval for grand openings and
sale promotions
4 The subject sign shall not encroach upon or overhang the
public right-of-way
5 The entire asphalt area shall be sealed to retard further
deterioration
6 The gasoline pumps must be available to the public during
normal business hours, with pricing and hours of operation
displayed in accordance with State law
7 The wall sign facing area, lettering size and design are
subject to City staff approval
2 Parcel Map No 78-2 Northeast corner of Valley View and
Ball Road - The Southern California Edison Company.
The Planning Director presented the parcel map and a report dated
July 13 indicating the Edison Company proposed to combine three
lots into two at the Marion Substation facility, which will allow
the Edison Company to sell the excess property (Parcel #2) Parcel
#1 will be retained to house the substation facility, and the older,
single-family dwelling and detached garage on Parcel #2 will be
demolished Staff recommended approval of the parcel map subject
to five conditions
Commissioner Friedmann asked why Conditions #3-5 were being imposed
The Planning Director stated staff felt satisfaction of these condi-
tions was necessary for ultimate development of Parcel #2 and the
conditions were attached to the parcel map since they could not be
required for a building permit for any use which would be permitted
without a conditional use permit He stated staff was uncertain
whether a fire hydrant would be required on the property.
Mr Jim Sumrow, representing the Southern California Edison Company,
6692 Beach, Buena Park stated they agree with the conditions except
for #4 regarding the fire hydrant He reported there is an existing
fire hydrant about 150 feet east of the southeast property line of
their property He stated Parcel #2 probably will be assembled with
the vacant parcel to the east for one development and the existing
hydrant could serve this development
The Planning Director reported that the Fire Marshal's office had
no comments regarding the proposed parcel map and therefore a fire
hydrant probably would not be required
It was moved by Commissioner Mullen seconded by Commissioner
Partin and unanimously carried to approve Parcel Map No 78-2
subject to the following conditions.
-2-
Planning Commission Minutes July 20, 1978
1 The existing non -conforming single-family dwelling and
detached garage located on the proposed Parcel #1 and #2
shall be demolished and completely cleared from the land
prior to the record map being signed by the City and recorded
with the County of Orange The existing well shall be sealed
to the satisfaction of the Building Superintendent and City
Engineer
2 Developer shall conform to all applicable provisions of the
City Code All requirements of the State Subdivision Map
Act and the City's Subdivision Ordinance shall be satisfied
Final subdivision map filing fees shall be paid in accordance
with City of Cypress Resolution No 1713 Plan checking and
inspection fees shall be paid in accordance with City of
Cypress Resolution No 1713 Drainage fees shall be paid in
accordance with the Master Plan of Drainage The sanitary
sewer connection fee shall be paid by the developer in accor-
dance with Orange County Sanitation District No 3, Resolution
No 303
3 Drainage shall be solved to the satisfaction of the City
Engineer A grading plan shall be submitted for approval
A topograph of the area surrounding this development shall
be made to establish existing drainage flow patterns If the
existing natural flow of any adjoining parcel is across the
land of this development, a drainage easement shall be granted
and drainage facilities provided for that property to the
satisfaction of the City Engineer
4 Necessary fire hydrants shall be installed in accordance with
Fire Department requirements and City standards Sewer later-
als connecting existing houses at this property shall be
plugged at the property line.
5 Street trees (15 gallon) forty feet (40') on center shall be
installed along streets 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
Chairman Van Allen continued Administrative Matters #3 and 4 until
after the public hearings
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS. Chairman Van Allen asked if anyone wished to
speak in regard to any matter not on the agenda No one wished to
speak
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO 78-14 - LOWELL E BERWICK (CONTINUED).
Chairman Van Allen announced that this was the time and place for
the continuation of the public hearing to consider a request to
allow the establishment of an automotive radiator service at 5351
Lincoln Avenue in the CH -10,000 Commercial Heavy Zone He opened
the hearing and asked for the staff report.
The Assistant Planner reported that following the last meeting the
applicant met with the planning and engineering staff to discuss
the conditions of approval It was determined that a fire hydrant
would not be required on the property (Condition #9) that only
on-site handicapped facilities would be required (Condition #14),
and there is adequate lighting on the property so the street light
requirement can be deleted from Condition #9 Staff recommended
that Condition #10 be imposed regarding street improvements. Condi-
tion #4 was previously modified to allow a minimum six -foot -wide
landscaped planter along Lincoln Avenue
-3-
Planning Commission Minutes July 20, 1978
Mr. Lowell Berwick, 6150 Grenada, Cypress, stated the engineer's
estimate for the cost of sidewalks and gutters was about $8 000 and
he could not perform this work at this time if the buildings are to
be upgraded as he planned He reported he has spent about $4500
in the last two months for removing the underground storage tanks,
for repaving, and for performing electrical and plumbing work in one
of the buildings. Mr. Berwick stated he requested the garage opera-
tor on the property to clean up the yard and limit the number of cars
which he works on Mr Berwick presented preliminary renovation
plans and described the proposed improvements He reported he in-
tended to combine the two front buildings into one building and
place a mansard roof above the existing roof line to connect the
buildings, and to restucco all three buildings and provide new
siding
The City Attorney advised the Commission that they lack the auth-
ority to waive the requirement for off-site improvements
Commissioner Adler asked if the improvements could be made in stages
to lessen the financial burden to the applicant The staff indi-
cated this was possible if the applicant bonded for the improvements
Chairman Van Allen asked if anyone wished to speak in favor of the
conditional use permit.
Mr James Duncan, 9787 Rome, Cypress, stated he favored having the
new business in the City and asked that the Commission provide
whatever assistance it can and not discourage the businessman by
placing a great financial burden on him
Commissioner Partin felt the Commission should not require the
building renovation at this time since it was not part of the ori-
ginal conditional use permit application
Chairman Van Allen asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition
to the conditional use permit No one wished to speak in opposition
Mr Berwick stated they have the funds for the renovation and are
prepared to perform the work but they cannot afford the public
improvements at this time He requested that the Commission recom-
mend a waiver of the public improvements to the City Council and
stated that he will approach the Council for the waiver
It was moved by Commissioner Partin and seconded by Commissioner
Adler to approve Conditional Use Permit #78-14 subject to the
following conditions
1 All buildings on the subject property shall be painted as
necessary to eliminate peeling paint and faded wall signing,
subject to City approval
2 Legal size parking stalls shall be painted with access drives
provided to the auto repair garage subject to City staff
approval Only those vehicles left for repair may be kept
on the premises in delineated parking spaces Storage of
junked, wrecked or inoperative motor vehicles is prohibited
on the property or adjoining City streets All vehicle
repair by the garage or radiator business shall be conducted
within the buildings
3 All buildings shall be brought into conformance with the
Uniform Building, Electrical and Plumbing Codes The Fire
Marshal shall inspect the premises, whereupon any hazardous
conditions shall be corrected by the property owner prior to
occupancy of the radiator business
-4-
Planning Commission Minutes July 20, 1978
4 A minimum six -foot -wide landscaped planter shall be installed
along the entire Lincoln Avenue frontage, with the exception
of driveway areas A landscape and irrigation plan shall be
reviewed and approved by staff prior to installation of any
landscaping
5 The Planning Commission shall determine the need for screen
fencing along Lincoln Avenue should it be deemed necessary
6 All existing signing shall be brought into conformance with
the Zoning Ordinance The Planning Commission shall review
and approve all future freestanding and building signing
prior to their installation.
7 Developer shall conform to all applicable provisions of the
City Code. A permit shall be obtained from the State Depart-
ment of Transportation prior to the start of any work on
Lincoln Avenue Plan checking and inspection fees shall be
paid in accordance with City of Cypress Resolution No 1713
Drainage fees shall be paid in accordance with the Master
Plan of Drainage
8 Drainage shall be solved to the satisfaction of the City
Engineer A grading plan shall be submitted for approval
A topograph of the area surrounding this development shall be
made to establish existing drainage flow patterns If the
existing natural flow of any adjoining parcel is across the
land of this development a drainage easement shall be granted
and drainage facilities provided for that property to the
satisfaction of the City Engineer All on-site drainage shall
be conveyed to the street by means of an undersidewalk drain,
per City of Cypress standards 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")
9 All secondary and primary utility services shall be underground
10. Watson Street shall be fully improved with curb gutter,
sidewalk driveway, paving, etc in accordance with the
Master Plan of Streets and Highways The corner cutoff shall
be dedicated to the City of Cypress for roadway purposes.
11 The minimum flowline grade in streets shall be 0 20% 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 A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued for this devel-
opment until all landscaping and irrigation is completed in
accordance with plans and specifications as approved by the
Planning Department Street trees (15 gallon) forty feet
(40') on center shall be installed along streets 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
13 The quantity, location, width and type of driveway shall be
subject to the approval of the City Engineer An effective
sight distance for vehicular traffic shall be maintained at
the intersection of the driveway entrances with Watson Street
No landscaping will be allowed in the area of the curb returns
Adequate sight distance also shall be maintained within the
development at all driveway intersections to the satisfaction
of the City Engineer
14. Wheelchair and handicap access facilities shall be installed
on-site in accordance with State of California and City of
Cypress Building Department standards
-5-
Planning Commission Minutes July 20, 1978
15. On-site security lighting shall be arranged so that direct
rays will not shine on adjacent properties or produce glare
for street traffic All roof -mounted equipment, such as
heating and air conditioning units, shall be adequately
screened from public view, subject to the approval of the
City staff
The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote.
AYES
NOES•
ABSENT.
5 COMMISSIONERS. Adler, Friedmann, Mullen Partin
& Van Allen
0 COMMISSIONERS. None
0 COMMISSIONERS: None
The Planning Director stated the action of the Planning Commission
may be appealed to the City Council within 15 days. He stated he
would advise Mr Berwick of the appeal procedures
Chairman Van Allen closed the public hearing
ZONE CHANGE NO. 78-7 (CONTINUED)• Chairman Van Allen announced
that this was the time and place for the continuation of the public
hearing to consider a City -initiated proposal to change the zone
classification of an approximately 10 -acre parcel of land situated
on the westerly side of Valley View Street adjacent to the northerly
side of the Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way from its current
zone of CG -10,000 Commercial General to PCM Planned Commercial/
Manufacturing He opened the hearing and asked for the staff report.
The Planning Director reported that the applicant has not submitted
the necessary documentation for the proposed zone change and they
should be ready to file the necessary documents in about two weeks.
He reported that minor modifications to the plans were necessary
consisting of adjustments in the lot lines Staff recommended that
the application be withdrawn, and they noted the zone change was
initiated by the City.
Chairman Van Allen asked if anyone wished to speak in support or
in opposition to the proposed Zone Change No one wished to speak
It was moved by Commissioner Mullen, seconded by Commissioner Partin
and unanimously carried to approve the withdrawal of the application
for Zone Change No 78-7
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS. (Continued)
3. Consideration of Staff Report to City Council Re: Options
Available for Processing of Planning Matters by the City Council
The Planning Director stated a report dated July 20 was transmitted
to the Planning Commission on the above matter The staff recom-
mended Option A
Commissioner Mullen reported that he received calls from several
residents regarding the Council's proposal to eliminate City Com-
missions and that he and the other residents would attend and discuss
this matter at the July 24 Council meeting.
The Planning Director described the staff's and Council's activities
and cost savings relating to Option A
Commissioners Van Allen and Friedmann felt that if an applicant
disagrees with the findings of the Design Review Committee and
appeals to the City Council, then the appeal should be without a
fee The Planning Director stated that the suggested fee would
be nominal to cover the cost of paper work
It was moved by Chairman Van Allen, seconded by Commissioner
Friedmann and unanimously carried to receive and file the repot
-6-
Planning Commission Minutes July 20, 1978
4. Consideration of Approval of Minutes of July 6
RECESS. Chairman Van Allen called a recess at 8.38 p m to allow
the Commissioners an opportunity to read the minutes The meeting
was called back to order at 8:45 p m with all Commissioners present
It was moved by Commissioner Mullen, seconded by Commissioner Adler
and unanimously carried to approve the minutes of July 6
The City Attorney stated that the minutes of this meeting (July 20)
would be transmitted to the Planning Commissioners for their review
and input and the Planning Director, as Secretary, would sign them
and submit them to the City Council with a note that this was the
last Commission meeting and no formal action on the July 20 minutes
was taken by the Commission
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS• Mr James Duncan, 9787 Rome, Cypress, stated
he appreciated being able to attend the Commission meetings and
participate with the Commission and he wished the Commissioners luck
ADJOURNMENT Chairman Van Allen adjourned the meeting at 8 50 p m
ATTEST.
RMAN OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
II
•
SECRERY OF HE PLANNING COMMISSION
1