Wasco Planning Commission Minutes
May 9, 2005 – 7:00 P.M.
1. Chairperson Brown opened the regular Planning Commission meeting at 7:00 p.m.
2&3. Chairperson Brown offered flag Salute and Invocation.
The Commission recognized Dr. Campbell, new commissioner in attendance.
4. Present: Chairperson Brown, Commissioners Arredondo, Campbell, Mitchell, Santillan, Steward. Absent Commissioner Voth.
Also present: Planning Director Leonard, Senior Planner McNamara, Secretary Rodriguez.
5. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS - None
6. HEARING FROM PUBLIC ON ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA – None
7. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS – None
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Approval of Minutes of April 11, 2005 meeting
b) Approve the Reading of all resolutions by Title only
Commissioner Steward moved to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Santillan. All in favor, motion carried.
9. MINUTE MOTION
a) Minute Motion Item – Recommending approval, in general, to the City Council of BEGIN Program – (Yvette Litten, Community Programs Supervisor)
John Wooner, Administrative Services Director/Finance Director gave a brief over view of the BEGIN Program, stating that this program was a Community Development Program for first time home buyers and young adults and moderate income families, and that staff would be working with planners to implement.
Yvette Litten, Community Programs Supervisor addressed the Planning Commission requesting the commissions input on what form of “regulatory relief” would be best offered on these projects since the program pertains to new development. The State Department of Housing and Community Development Division of Community Affairs CalHome Program funds the BEGIN Program. The Program offers grants to cities for down-payment assistance to qualifying first-time homeowners with low and moderate incomes. The funds are awarded for new construction only and require that the City work with developers who participate in the program. The developer can then offer a form of regulatory relief to the BEGIN participating projects to further the affordability of their Projects. It is recommended that the
Planning Commission approve the BEGIN Program, in general, allowing the Planning Department to utilize their experience and give guidance as to the best forms of regulatory relief for each specific BEGIN Project.
There was some discussion on restrictions, requirements, and qualifications.
Commissioner Steward moved to generally approve the BEGIN Program and forward to the City Council for consideration. Seconded by Commissioner Santillan. All in favor, motion carried.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
CONTINUED FROM APRIL 11, 2005
a) Conditional Use Permit 05-03 and Resolution – Applicant requesting a Conditional Use Permit to open a martial arts school in a residential zone at 1145 E Street, APN: 030-391-10, Applicant: Roque Quezada, 685 Woodside Dr., Wasco, CA 93280
The continued hearing was reopened at 7:23 p.m. by Chairperson Brown.
Senior Planner McNamara reported that a public hearing was opened on April 11, 2005 to hear the applicant’s request to operate a martial arts school at 1145 E Street. The Planning Commission continued the hearing to May 9, 2005. The commission directed staff to meet with the applicant to address concerns raised.
Ruben Mendez, 1634 7th Street read a statement written by Mr. Quezda whereby he addressed the commissioners concerns. There would be new lights inside and out, remove all old signs, repaint, stated his hours of operation and he would be posting new signs. There would be 15 students per class from five years to adults. Also, in response to Mr. Rigoberto Solorio’s letter, he felt that it was inadequate. He had not been sited for any safety violations.
Mr. Rigoberto Solorio, 301 Peters, stated he had fixed the lights and made repairs to other building when needed. (The building on F Street)
Ruben Mendez stated that he worked at the probation detention facility and was in favor of Mr. Quezeda having a gym at 1145 E Street. He had taken classes and was still considering training at the new facility.
There was discussion of the property and the windows being repaired, parking, limitations of zoning ordinance provisions, purpose for CUP, etc.
The public hearing closed at 7:34 p.m.
Commissioner Brown moved to approve CUP 05-03 for the martial arts studio with the conditions as amended. Seconded by Commissioner Steward. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Brown, Arredondo, Campbell, Mitchell, Santillan, Steward
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: Commissioner Voth
ABSTAIN: NONE
Chairperson Brown read the title of Resolution 05-013
RESOLUTION 05-13 A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the Matter of the Application of Roque Quezada for Conditional Use Permit 05-03 Located at 1145 E Street.
b) Conditional Use Permit 05-02, Resolution to construct three duplexes on four lots in the Central Business District. Location: Northeast corner of Hwy. 46/F Street and 10th Street. APN#030-091-19, 030-091-20, 030-091-12 and 030-091-13. Applicant: Felix Gonzalez, 302 Palm Avenue, Wasco, CA 93280.
Chairperson Brown opened the public hearing at 7:39 p.m.
Senior Planner McNamara stated that he had received a letter from Dennis Martin, a property owner adjacent to the proposed development, whereby he addressed heavy traffic, safety of small children, noise, walls, curb cuts, need for architectural detail, lighting in adjacent parking lots and the zoning. Also a letter from the Department of Transportation (CalTrans) were they address several issues. Staff will incorporate the recommendations into the conditions of the CUP and at the site plan stage.
Senior Planner McNamara reported on the applicant’s request for a Conditional Use Permit to construct three duplexes on four parcels in a commercial zone. The duplexes will be approximately 2,680 sq. ft.; therefore each unit will be approximately 1,340 sq. ft in size. Staff recommends approval of Conditional Use Permit 05-02 with the conditions and comments from CalTrans, which are:
Caltrans Recommendations:
· “The existing right-of-way at this segment of SR 43 is constrained due to the existing urbanized development. The right-of-way for this segment of SR 43 is at its ultimate width of 80 feet, which will provide for a four-lane conventional highway. When four lanes become necessary, parking on SR 43 will be prohibited as needed to provide for the widening. If off-site parking is required in the future, it is recommended that building setbacks be increased to allow the highway to be widened by 8 feet in the future.”
· It is recommended that the site plan be reconfigured to prevent the need for vehicles to back onto SR 43. Also, only one shared access should be provided on SR 43.
· The existing handicap ramp needs to be upgraded to the current standard. The applicant will need to submit the pedestrian improvements proposed in the State right-of-way to the Department of State Architect (DSA) for certification. The encroachment permit authorizing the work will not be issued until the pedestrian improvements in the State right-of-way are certified by the DSA. The applicant needs to contact Saher Yassa at DSA (916) 323-2643 for the submittal requirements.
· An encroachment permit from the Caltrans District 6 Permits Office will be required for any works done within state right-of-way. All works shall be constructed in accordance with the Caltrans Highway Design Manual and Caltrans Standard Plans. Any landscaping within the right-of-way should be reviewed by the District Landscape Architect.
Chairperson Brown closed the public hearing at 7:45 p.m.
The Commission asked the Director to clarify authenticity and responsibility of city in response to Caltrans letters. Director also reminded Commission that an even numbered split vote would be a “no” vote.
Commissioner Santillan moved to approve Conditional Use Permit 05-02 with the conditions set and including on site guest parking specification, masonry wall recommendation and the Caltrans recommendations. Seconded by Commissioner Arredondo.
Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Brown, Arredondo, Campbell, Mitchell, Santillan, Steward
NOES:NONE
ABSENT: Commissioner Voth
ABSTAIN: NONE
Chairperson Brown read the title of Resolution 05-14
RESOLUTION 05-14 – A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the Matter of the Application of Felix Gonzales for Conditional Use Permit 050-02 located at the northeast corner of F Street/Hwy. 43 and 10th Street
c) Conditional Use Permit 05-04, Resolution to allow a Large Family Day Care Home Permit for up to 12 children in an R-1-6 (Low Density Residential) zone. Applicant: Xochilt Lopez, 2432 9th Pl., Wasco, Ca 93280.
Chairperson Brown opened the public hearing at 7:57 p.m.
Senior Planner McNamara reported on the applicants request to expand her present day care center from a Small Family Home Day care which allow 8 children the expansion to a Large Family Home Day Care center can have a maximum of 14 children. Staff recommends approval with the conditions set.
Judy Master, 2325 9th Street stated she was located behind the applicants home. She was not in favor of residential business, concerned with traffic, hours of operation.
Tim Sheehan 974 Beckes stated that this was already a busy street, need more sheriffs’ patrol and was against the project.
Hearing no other comments, Chairperson Brown closed the public hearing at 8:01 p.m. Reopened at 8:04 p.m.
Judy Master stated she was against the project being allowed and was concerned with the increased traffic it would create.
There was some discussion on the fence around the swimming pool, play area per child being 75 sq. ft., safety of children. Staff will inspect area.
Commissioner Steward moved to continue the public hearing for CUP 05-04 for clarification of safety issues. Seconded by Commissioner Santillan. The public hearing will continue to the June 13, 2005 meeting. All in favor, motion carried.
11. INFORMATION ITEMS
a) Approved City Council Minutes for review
b) Elaine Cogan’s Newsletter
c) Planning Commissioners Journal
12. PLANNING DIRECTOR’S ITEMS
Planning Director Leonard reported that his last day would be in July, although he would be working to finish several projects, at the present time he was meeting with several developers. Mr. Keith Woodcock would be returning as Planning Director.
13. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
Chairperson Brown welcomed the new Planning Commissioner Mr. Campbell.
14. Commissioner Santillan moved to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Mitchell. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
NOTE: Any decision of staff or the Planning Commission may be appealed etc.
PC Minutes 5 9 05
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