WASCO PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of Meeting
April 9, 2007– 7:00 P.M.
746 8th Street, Wasco, California
1. CALL TO ORDER by Chairman Brown at 7:01 PM
2&3. FLAG SALUTE and INVOCATION led by Chairman Brown
4. ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Brown, Commissioners: Drescher, Forrest, German, and Santillan.
Absent: Commissioner Arredondo, Commissioner Mitchell
Staff: Planning Director Woodcock, Senior Planner McNamara, Associate Planner Patricia Manry, and Administrative Assistant Lacey Jones
5. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS- None
6. HEARING FROM PUBLIC ON ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA – this portion of the meeting is reserved for persons desiring to address the commission on any matter not on this agenda and over which the commission has jurisdiction. Speakers are limited to two (2) minutes. Please state your name and address for the record before making presentation. None
7. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS- None
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Approval of Minutes March 12, 2007, Special Meeting March 26, 2007
b) Approve the Reading of all Resolutions by Title only
Commissioner Santillan moved to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. All in favor, motion carried.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS – POLICY ITEMS
a) Zone Ordinance Amendment 07-03 and Resolution- Amendment to the following section of the City of Wasco Zoning Ordinance: Section 17.19.01 to replace existing subsection pertaining to secondary dwelling units in order to bring it into conformance with State Law; CEQA Determination- categorically exempt per Section 15061 (B)(3), the General Rule, of the California Environmental Quality Act. Applicant: City of Wasco
Chairperson Brown opened the public hearing at 7:04 PM
Associate Planner Manry reported to the Planning Commission the need to amend subsection 17.19 of the Residential District Specific Standards to bring it into conformance with the California State Code which allows secondary residential dwellings on single family lots. Staff has been approached by citizens of Wasco wanting to know if they can build a second dwelling unit on their single family lot. New home builders have also approached staff about casitas and secondary dwellings. Staff is recommending approval.
There was lengthy discussion among Commissioners concerning parking and proposed wording of the conditions.
Commissioner Brown closed the public hearing at 7:35 PM.
Commissioner Santillan moved to approve Zone Ordinance Amendment 07-03 with the proposed wording to the conditions. Seconded by Commissioner Forrest. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Brown, Drescher, Forrest, German, and Santillan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Arredondo, Mitchell
Proposed wording to conditions to read:
#5: The Secondary dwelling unit may not exceed two stories in height.
#9: The City shall require that the Secondary Dwelling Unit be metered separately from the main dwelling unit for gas, electricity, and water/sewer services with the approval of the City Engineer and Building Services.
Senior Planner McNamara read the title of the Resolution 07-16- Zone Ordinance Amendment
07-03- Secondary dwelling units.
Resolution 07-16- A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the matter of the application of the City of Wasco for a text amendment to the City of Wasco Zoning Ordinance.
b) Zone Ordinance Amendment 07-06 and Resolution- Amendment to the City of Wasco Zoning Ordinance: Section 17.03 Definitions to include a definition of Casita; CEQA Determination- categorically exempt per Section 15061 (b) (3), the General Rule, of the California Environmental Quality Act. Applicant: City of Wasco
Chairperson Brown opened the public hearing at 7:56 PM
Associate Planner Manry presented a PowerPoint to the Planning Commission showing illustrations of the different types of casitas. The purpose of including the definition of a casita in the City of Wasco Zoning Ordinance is to define a casita and allow them to be used as an accessory use.
There was a brief discussion among Commissioners concerning allowing casitas on 10,000 square foot or larger lots.
Commissioner Brown closed the public hearing at 8:17 PM
Commissioner German opposed idea of having casitas in Wasco.
Commissioner German motioned to not allow casitas in the City of Wasco, motioned died due to lack of a second.
Commissioner Santillan moved to approve Zone Ordinance Amendment 07-06 with the condition that casitas are only allowed on 10,000 square foot lots or larger, Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Brown, Drescher, Forrest, and Santillan
NOES: Commissioner German
ABSENT: Commissioners: Arredondo, Mitchell
Senior Planner McNamara read the title of the Resolution 07-17- Zone Ordinance Amendment 07-06- Definition of casita.
Resolution 07-17- A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the matter of the application of the City of Wasco for a text amendment to the City of Wasco Zoning Ordinance.
10. MINUTE MOTION ITEMS
Planning Director Woodcock requests that item 10c be moved to item 10a.
a) Report and Possible Minute Motion re: Reconsideration of Condition of Approval for Parcel Map No. 10556 regarding the number of pole signs that may be permitted.
Commissioner Drescher excuses herself from this minute motion item at 8:22 PM
Commissioner Brown opened up the discussion hearing at 8:22 PM
Planning Director Woodcock explained the request for a 35 foot sign for a commercial project located north of Highway 46 between Palm and Poplar Avenue. The applicant, Denny’s, is located on a part of Parcel Map 10556 which was approved with the condition that only one (1) 35 foot pole sign be allowed.
Staff is concerned that allowing more than one (1) pole sign may cause future businesses along Highway 46 to want to do the same.
Commissioners had a brief discussion concerning the location of the sign and the definitions pertaining to different sign types.
Ron Mittag, Assistant City Manager, addressed the Planning Commission explaining that the only condition holding Denny’s from coming into Wasco was the pole sign. Mittag passed out a map of proposed businesses around the projected area. He also states that Denny’s should not be required to put other future businesses on their sign.
Commissioner Brown closed the discussion at 8:36 PM.
The Commission then voted four ayes, no noes, one abstention, with two absent to approve Denny’s as the single pole sign.
Commissioner Drescher returned at 8:36 PM
Due to technical issues the Planning Commission took a 5 minute recess at 8:37 P.M. and reconvened at 8:40 P.M.
b) Report and Possible Minute Motion re: Big Box Ordinance
Commissioner Brown opened the discussion at 8:41 PM
Associate Planner Manry presented a PowerPoint presentation for the Planning Commission introducing the Big Box Ordinance. Currently, Wasco’s Commercial Zoning District does not address large scale commercial development and because of big box retailers’ interest in locating to Wasco, this item needs to be discussed. Staff asks for the Planning Commission’s input and a joint City Council/ Planning Commission workshop regarding the Big Box Ordinance will be held at a later date.
Brief discussion between commissioners was held discussing parking, storage, and design.
Commissioner Brown closed the discussion at 9:01 PM.
It was the concensus of the Commission to request a joint meeting with the City Council to discuss this and other related matters.
c) Report and Possible Minute Motion re: Commercial Design Guidelines
Commissioner Brown opened up the discussion at 9:02 PM
Senior Planner McNamara presented a PowerPoint presentation introducing commercial design guidelines for future commercial developments.
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission instruct staff to prepare a set of designs guidelines and schedule a public hearing for the May Planning Commission meeting.
Ron Mittag, Assistant City Manager, stated that the quality design standards will bring more quality standards and quality development to Wasco.
Commissioner Brown commented that he feels Wasco is headed in the right direction.
Commissioner Forrest questioned if the design standards for commercial districts are the same for residential districts. Planning Director Keith Woodcock stated that while design standards are important for residential uses as well, the emphasis for the moment is on creating standards for the commercial districts.
Commissioner Brown closed the discussion at 9:20 PM
It was the consensus of the Commission to have staff to continue working on developing Design Guidelines.
d) Report and Possible Minute Motion re: Design Standards for Drainage Basins
Commissioner Brown opened the discussion at 9:21 PM
Senior Planner McNamara presented a PowerPoint presentation displaying staff’s proposal to establish design guidelines for drainage systems which will encourage new developments to incorporate these new practices into their projects.
Commissioner Brown commented on the bioswale idea and feels that it is a perfect way to combine ideas.
Commissioner Brown closed the discussion at 9:30 PM
It was the consensus of the Commission to have staff continue working design standards for drainage basins.
e) Update regarding wall and improvements at 810-830 Seventh Street – Central Valley Auto.
Commissioner Brown opened the discussion at 9:30 PM.
Planning Director Woodcock gave a brief presentation on staff’s proposal regarding the design and construction of a wall to screen a portion of the alley and vacant lot in the downtown area.
The location is the vacant parcel adjacent to the alley along the North side of 7th Street. The proposed project was presented t the City Council on April 3, 2007. Staff was asked to continue to work on the project and present at the next City Council meeting April 17, 2007.
Commissioners commented on the cost of the project and whose responsibility it would be to pay for the project.
Commissioner Brown closed the discussion at 9:35 PM.
11. INFORMATION ITEMS
a) Approved City Council Minutes for review
12. PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Planning Director Woodcock spoke on the upcoming training for Planning Commissioners on
May 5, 2007, in Hanford. Woodcock passed out memo giving more information about the training.
Woodcock also stated that we are in the process of updating the housing element for 2008 and need one member of the Planning Commission to sit on the housing committee.
13. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
Commissioner Santillan thanked staff for their hard work and presenting new ideas.
Commissioner Brown commented that Wasco is finally reaping the benefits of having a larger Planning Department.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Santillan moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Forrest. All in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 PM
Minutes approved May 14, 2007
______________________________________________________
Nancy Huff, Interim Planning Director
April 9, 2007 Minutes
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