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Minutes 1975-08-21MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CYPRESS PLANNING COMMISSION HELD August 21, 1975 The regular meeting of the Cypress Planning Commission was called to order at 7:35 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 1975 in the Cypress City Council Chambers, 5275 Orange Avenue, Cypress, California, Vice Chairman Gerald Mullen presiding. PRESENT: ABSENT: Commissioners Greenwood, Mullen and Walsh Commissioners Hart and Van Allen Also present were Planning Director Brian Hawley, Public Works Director Art Schatzeder, and Deputy City Attorney Roger Grable. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Walsh led the pledge to the flag. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Vice Chairman Mullen inquired if anyone in the audience wished to speak in regard to any matter not on the agenda. No one addressed the Commission. Hearing no objections, Vice Chairman Mullen announced that the second public hearing would be held at this time since the applicant for the first hearing was not present. PUBLIC HEARING RE: GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT #75 -4: Vice Chairman Mullen announced that this was the time and place for the public hearing to consider a General Plan amendment which proposes to change the designation of a 2.3 acre parcel of land from a low density residential classification to a high density residential classification. Said property is located at 9211 -9231 Walker Street, situated on the westerly side of Walker Street approximately 150 feet south- erly of Nelson Street. Commissioner Mullen asked the staff to present their report. The Planning Director summarized Staff Report PC #75 -14 dated August 15, 1975 indicating that the Planning Commission initiated a General Plan amendment for the subject property on August 7, 1975 to change the designation from low density residential to high density residential. The subject property is the site of a developed 36 unit condominium project. The Planning Director indicated that annexation of the property to the City of Cypress was certified by the Secretary of State on July 25, 1975. He indicated no zone classifica- tion has been assigned and the current General Plan designa- tion is inconsistent with the present land use. The staff recommended that a high density residential classification be assigned to the property. Vice Chairman Mullen declared the hearing open and asked if anyone wished to speak in favor of the General Plan Amendment. No one wished to speak in favor. He asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition to the General Plan Amendment. No one wished to speak in opposition and Vice Chairman Mullen closed the public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes August 21, 1975 It was moved by Commissioner Walsh and seconded by Commis- sioner Greenwood to approve General Plan Amendment #75 -4 to change the designation of the subject property from low density residential to high density residential. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 3 COMMISSIONERS: Greenwood, Mullen and Walsh 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 2 COMMISSIONERS: Hart and Van Allen PUBLIC HEARING RE: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #75 -6 - KEN BEIDEMAN: Vice Chairman Mullen announced that this was the time and place for the public hearing to consider a proposed conditional use permit to establish, operate and maintain a 104 -unit motel complex on a 1.4 acre parcel of land located at 5601 Lincoln Avenue, situated on the northerly side of Lincoln Avenue, approximately 150' easterly of the Pacific Electric Railroad right -of -way. He asked for the staff's report. The Planning Director presented aerial slides of the subject property, outlining the location and adjacent land uses. Also presented was Staff Report PC #75 -13 dated August 15, 1975. The Planning Director indicated the application in- volved three variance requests: one to encroach into the required front -yard setback area by providing a setback of 10 feet rather than the 25 feet required by Code; one to construct more units than permitted by the density restric- tions of the CH Zone; and one to provide less than the required number of off - street parking spaces. He presented the plot plans and elevations and stated the construction would be stucco with wood trim. The Planning Director explained alternate plans for a driveway and entrance onto the property and the staff's findings in recommending approval of the variance requests. Vice Chairman Mullen opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant wished to speak. Mr. Ken Beideman, the applicant, 900 South San Gabriel Boulevard, San Gabriel, California, stated the high density was necessary for the project to be feasible. He indicated the motel would not advertise for weekly rates but would operate as a true motel. He felt the 97 parking spaces would be sufficient since the motel would rarely have 100% occupancy. Commissioner Mullen felt the percentage of kitchenette units (40 %) indicated a desire for a more permanent type of resident. He felt this feature might attract transient or undesirable persons and he suggested a reduction in the number of kitchenette units. COMMISSIONER VAN ALLEN ARRIVED AT 8:10 P.M. The applicant stated the motel buildings would be stucco with wood trim and sloping roofs. He stated the ten foot setback was requested so that the buildings would not be obstructed by the adjacent buildings. The Planning Director recommended that Condition #1 be changed to read: "Prior to the issuance of a building permit, final building plans and elevations shall be sub- mitted for review and approval by the Planning Commission." This is to allow Planning Commission review in the event the motel units on the westerly property line must be flipped over to provide for the driveway. -2- Planning Commission Minutes August 21, 1975 The applicant indicated his acceptance of the conditions of approval. He stated that kitchenettes were an important feature to many persons on vacation especially those with children and most motels in the area did not provide them. He felt reducing the percentage of kitchenette units to 10 or 15% was too low. Mr. Floyd Jones, 3116 E. 17th Street, Long Beach, California, also representing the applicant, stated he has been asso- ciated with the property for about 10 to 12 years. He stated the applicant would like a narrow driveway to be able to see who comes in and out of the property to guard against an undesirable element. He stated the applicant was trying to meet the market demands which were for a cheaper, family -type motel. He recommended that the per- centage of kitchenette units remain at 40 %. Commissioners Walsh and Greenwood inquired if there were any Code restrictions on the length of stay of persons in a motel. The Planning Director reported there were no such restrictions in the Zoning Ordinance and if the Commission wished to impose such a condition there would probably be an enforcement problem. Commissioner Van Allen stated he had no objections to the number of kitchenette units since it was less than half and this feature was not available in the area. Commissioner Walsh objected to the number of kitchenette units. She felt enforcement regarding the length of stay would be difficult. Mr. Jones stated they did not wish to attract permanent residents and if they did so they would have to cut their rates. He stated the motel was part of a franchise chain and they felt kitchenettes were a requirement of many people. He stated that, since the motel was not located in a "motel row ", the motel must provide other features to draw people from tourist attraction areas. Vice Chairman Mullen asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition to C.U.P. #75 -6. No one wished to speak in opposition. Commissioner Walsh stated she had no objections to the density of the project based on the economic feasibility factor. Commissioner Greenwood felt the motel was a viable use of the property because of its unique shape. He stated he had no objection to the density. He expressed concern that he did not know what the exterior of the buildings would look like. Vice Chairman Mullen closed the public hearing. Commissioner Mullen stated he felt the proposal was a good one based on the limitations on uses of the property and that the variance requests were reasonable. He stated he was satisfied with the applicant's comments regarding the kitchenette units. He stated he hoped the front appearance of the motel would be innovative and of excellent quality. Commissioner Mullen stated he did not feel management of the property should influence the Commission's decision since management could change. It was moved by Commissioner Greenwood, seconded by Commis- sioner Walsh and unanimously carried to change Condition #1 as recommended by the Planning Director. -3- Planning Commission Minutes August 21, 1975 It was moved by Commissioner Greenwood and seconded by Commissioner Walsh to approve Conditional Use Permit #75 -6 subject to the following conditions and the finding that the proposed development is in conformance with the Cypress General Plan and the findings contained in Sections 17.2 -7 and 17.3 -7 of the Cypress Zoning Ordinance: 1. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, final building plans and elevations shall be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Commission. 2. All existing trees located on the subject property shall be retained to the maximum extent possible. Trees which are proposed to be retained shall be inspected by a qualified tree specialist and shall be trimmed and topped as necessary. A report on the condition of the trees and the steps necessary for their preservation shall be filed for review by the Planning Director. 3. Landscape and irrigation plans shall be prepared and submitted for review and approval by the Planning Commission prior to the granting of final building inspection. Required landscape and irrigation systems shall be installed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. 4. A bond shall be posted by the applicant to guarantee maintenance of the irrigation system so that it operates in the manner for which it was designed and to guarantee maintenance 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. 5. At the time the landscape and irrigation plans are submitted, plans and elevations of the proposed signing program shall be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Commission. 6. All construction shall be in accordance with the requirements of Fire Zone II. 7. In accordance with Building Code requirements, all windows or openings in exterior walls located less than 10 feet from a property line shall be fire resistent construction; no openings will be permitted in walls less than three feet from a property line. 8. All roof - mounted equipment shall be screened from view from Lincoln Avenue and adjacent properties. 9. All parking spaces shall be double striped. 10. All exterior lighting shall be directed so as not to shine onto adjacent properties. 11. All requirements of the County Fire Marshal shall be satisfied. 12. Drainage fees shall be paid in accordance with Master Plan of Drainage. -4- Planning Commission Minutes August 21, 1975 13. Drainage shall be solved to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. A Master Grading Plan shall be submitted to the City Engineer for approval. Surface flow of storm runoff onto the railroad right -of -way shall not be allowed. 14. All secondary and primary utility services shall be underground. 15. A cash bond shall be posted for future street lights on Lincoln Avenue and a 1 1/2" P.V.C. conduit installed. 16. Advance street light energy charges shall be paid. 17. Lincoln Avenue shall be fully improved in accordance with the Master Plan of Streets and Highways, including curb, gutter and sidewalk. 18. 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 agricultural laboratory shall be furnished to the Public Works Department for approval at least thirty (30) days prior to planting date. 19. Necessary fire hydrants shall be installed in accordance with Fire Department requirements and City Standards. 20. Plan checking and inspection fees amounting to 3 1/2% of the street improvements shall be paid. 21. Developer shall conform to all applicable provisions of the City Code. 22. A permit shall be obtained from the State Depart- ment of Transportation prior to the start of any work on Lincoln Avenue. 23. A cash bond shall be posted for future street trees on Lincoln Avenue and tree wells installed in conformance with the street tree policy of the Public Works Department. 24. A topograph of parcels adjoining this development may be required to establish existing drainage patterns. Drainage easements may be required to convey runoff to Lincoln Avenue to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. 25. Driveway width, type and location shall be to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. The existing driveway immediately to the east of this develop- ment shall be used as the main entrance provided an access easement can be obtained from the property owner to the east. Use of this existing driveway will allow for entrance into this development by eastbound traffic via a left -turn pocket. -5- Planning Commission Minutes August 21, 1975 26. A solid, masonry B -3 wall six feet (6') in height shall be constructed along the railroad right -of- way. A wall constructed of materials suitable to the Planning Commission and Building Superintendent shall be constructed along the remaining property lines. A retaining wall shall be required where the difference in grade elevation on each side of the wall is greater than twelve inches (12 "). 27. A raised median left -turn pocket shall be installed in the existing Lincoln Avenue median island to facilitate eastbound traffic entering this develop- ment via the existing driveway provided access rights are obtained from the property owner to the east. Design of the turn pocket shall be subject to the approval of the City Engineer and the State of California Department of Transportation. 28. If the developer cannot obtain an access easement satisfactory to the City Staff across the adjacent property to the east, the first row of units shall be relocated from the westerly to the easterly lot line and a driveway shall be provided along the westerly lot line. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Greenwood, Mullen, Van Allen and Walsh 0 COMMISSIONERS: None 1 COMMISSIONERS: Hart RECESS: Vice Chairman Mullen recessed the meeting at 8:50 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 8 :55 p.m. with all Commissioners present except Chairman Hart. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS: 1. Review of signing program for satellite shops in shopping center located on the southwesterly corner of Valley View Street and Ball Road. The Planning Director presented the sign plans and elevations for the signing of the satellite shops in the shopping center at Valley View and Ball Road. He stated all signs would be the same, with script or block lettering or a combination of both, and would have interior lighting. He also presented a color chart. Vice Chairman Mullen asked if the applicant wished to speak. Mr. Ed Bach, representing Diversified Development Company, described the design of the signing. He stated each sign would have a cedar canopy and individual lettering and was the type seen in regional shopping malls. He stated the applicant wished to maintain a uniform signing program and that the colors were narrowed down to four. He stated that they were trying to accommodate certain national logos and he did not feel there were be any deviations from the signing program. It was moved by Commissioner Greenwood, seconded by Commis- sioner Walsh and unanimously carried to approve the signing program for the satellite stores in the shopping center at Valley View and Ball Road. -6- Planning Commission Minutes August 21, 1975 2. Review of periodic Home Occupation Permit report, May through July, 1975. The Planning Director transmitted a report dated August 14 listing the new home occupation permits issued from May through July, 1975. The report included the applicant's name, location and zone of the home occupation, type of business, and staff's action with each application. It was moved by Commissioner Walsh, seconded by Commissioner Greenwood and unanimously carried to receive and file the report. Vice Chairman Mullen stated the minutes of August 7, 1975 would be continued to the next meeting. Commissioner Greenwood requested updates on property on Lincoln Avenue which was approved for a mini - warehouse, property at the southeast corner of Lincoln and Denni, and property at the northeast corner of Walker and Ball. Regarding the property on the south side of Lincoln, opposite Sumner Street, the Planning Director reported that the last correspondence from the property owner was a letter accepting the conditions of approval. He stated no plans for permits had been filed. Regarding the property at Lincoln and Denni, he reported that the architect was preparing the final plans for the neighborhood convenience store. Regarding the service station property at Walker and Ball, the Planning Director reported that the property owner anticipated receiving notification of his gas allo- cation in a couple of weeks. ADJOURNMENT: Vice Chairman Mullen adjourned the meeting at 9:20 p.m. ATTEST: 14% • SECRETARY OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION ( 14c1A.51-- CHAIRMAN OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION