CITY OF WASCO
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
AUGUST 11, 2008- 7:00 P.M.
746 8th Street, Wasco, California
CALL TO ORDER by Chairperson Santillan at 7:02 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE and INVOCATION led by Chairperson Santillan
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Santillan; Commissioner Drecsher; Commissioner Elholm; Commissioner Forrest; Commissioner German; Commissioner Hutson; Commissioner Lawrence
Absent: None
Staff: Community Development Director Johnon; Senior Planner McNamara; Secretary Lopez;
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
Chairperson welcomed Community Development Director Johnson.
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. NONE
7. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS - NONE
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Approval of Minutes for July 21, 2008 regular meeting.
b) Approve the Reading of all Resolutions by Title only
Commissioner German made a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. All in favor. Motion Carried.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - POLICY ITEMS
a) Modification of Precise Development 07-07 - Request to modify a Precise Development Plan for retail shopping center signs on a proposed Carl's Jr restaurant and Fresh & Easy a neighborhood market. The request is for the granting of a deviation from the Wasco Zoning Code Section 17.61and Table 17-6 as it pertains to sign sizes. The location of the project is at the northwest corner of State Route 46 and N. Griffith Avenue. Assessor's Parcel Number 487-040-05 and 487-040-10. Project is exempt from the CEQA Regulations. Applicant: DSJB III
Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.
Senior Planner McNamara reported on the request to modify a Precise Development Plan for retail shopping center signs on a proposed Carl's Jr restaurant and Fresh & Easy a neighborhood market. The request is for the granting of a deviation from the Wasco Zoning Code Section 17.61and Table 17-6 as it pertains to sign sizes with staff recommending approval of the wall signs and disapproval of the monument sign.
Much discussion by Commissioners on sizes of allowed signs and standard sizes, a question by the Commissioners was on the changing of the sign ordinance. Director Johnson stated the City is in the process of locating a consulting firm to help develop a new sign ordinance but that this would take some time and in the meantime staff is looking at updating the existing ordinance.
More discussion by the Commissioners as to the monument sign and how allowing this monument sign will open the door for more of the same type of signs along Highway 46. A suggestion by Commissioners was for the City to look into sign on the Highways showing what is available in the town.
Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 7:42 p.m.
Commissioner German made a motion to approve the Modification of Precise Development Plan 07-07 approving the wall signs and disapproving the monument sign. Seconded by Commissioner Forrest. Motion was denied with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Forrest; German; Lawrence
NOES: Commissioners: Drescher; Elholm; Hutson; Santillan
ABSENT:
Commissioner Hutson made a motion to approve the Modification of Precise Development Plan 07-07 approving the wall signs and approving the monument sign. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Drescher; Elholm; Hutson; Santillan
NOES: Commissioners: Forrest; German; Lawrence
ABSENT:
Secretary Lopez read the Resolution by title - Resolution 08-36 - A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco conditionally approving the Modification of Precise Development Plan 07-07 allowing the proposed wall sign and approving the proposed monument sign for retail consisting of two (2) structures totaling approximately 15,669 square feet (13,969 square foot neighborhood grocery store, and 1,700 square foot fast food restaurant) located at the northwest corner of State Route 46 and N. Griffith Avenue, Assessor's Parcel Numbers 487-040-100 and adoption of categorical exemption per CEQA Regulations.
b) Time Extension Request for Tentative Tract 6533 - The application of Billon Enterprises for a one (1) year time extension to Tentative Tract 6533 located one quarter mile north of the northwest corner of the intersection of N. Poplar Avenue and Hwy 46 (APN# 487-040-08) and accompanying Notice of Exemption.
Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 7:47 p.m.
Senior Planner McNamara reported on the application of Billon Enterprises for a one (1) year time extension to Tentative Tract 6533 located one quarter mile north of the northwest corner of the intersection of N. Poplar Avenue and Hwy 46 (APN# 487-040-08) and accompanying Notice of Exemption with staff recommending approval with staff recommending approval.
After a brief discussion Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 7:50 p.m.
Commissioner German made a motion to approve the Time Extension Request for Tentative Tract 6533. Seconded by Commissioner Elholm. Motion was carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Drescher; Elholm; Forrest; German; Hutson; Lawrence; Santillan
NOES: None
ABSENT:
Secretary Lopez read the Resolution by title - Resolution 08-33 - A Resolution of the City of Wasco Planning Commission Approving the request of Billon Enterprises for a one year extension to Tentative Tract 6533 as shown in Exhibit A and conditioned in Exhibit B.
c) Parcel Map Waiver 08-02 - The application of Luis Becerra to create four (4) new parcels from two existing parcels. The existing parcels (Exhibit B as Existing) are 20,794 square feet (488-151-03) and 18,782 square feet (488-151-02). The proposed new parcels (Exhibit B as Proposed) are 10,454 square feet (Parcel A), 10,486 square feet (Parcel B), 9,435 square feet (Parcel C) and 9,435 square feet (Parcel D). The project is located at the northeast corner of Central Avenue and 7th Street, APN#'s 488-151-03 and 488-151-02 and accompanying Notice of Exemption.
Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 7:47 p.m.
Senior Planner McNamara reported on the application of Luis Becerra to create four (4) new parcels from two existing parcels. The existing parcels (Exhibit B as Existing) are 20,794 square feet (488-151-03) and 18,782 square feet (488-151-02). The proposed new parcels (Exhibit B as Proposed) are 10,454 square feet (Parcel A), 10,486 square feet (Parcel B), 9,435 square feet (Parcel C) and 9,435 square feet (Parcel D). The project is located at the northeast corner of Central Avenue and 7th Street with staff recommending approval.
Chairperson Santillan recused himself due to proximity of his residence to the project area.
Questions were raised by Commissioners as to the fire service tax.
Marlene Swan -700 Holly Tree Lane, Wasco - Questioned where the property was located. Senior Planner McNamara explained the location of the property.
After hearing no further discussion Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 8:00 p.m.
Commissioner German made a motion to approve the Parcel Map Waiver 08-02. Seconded by Commissioner Hutson. Motion was carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Drescher; Elholm; Forrest; German; Hutson; Lawrence
NOES:
ABSTAIN: Santillan
ABSENT:
Secretary Lopez read the Resolution by title - Resolution - A Resolution of the City of Wasco Planning Commission Approving the request of Luis Becerra for parcel map waiver 08-02 creating four (4) new parcels from two (2) existing parcels. The existing parcels (Exhibit B As Existing) are 20,794 sq. ft. (488-151-03) and 18,782 sq. ft. (488-151-02). The proposed new parcels (Exhibit B As Proposed) are 10,454 square feet (Parcel A), 10,486 square feet (Parcel B), 9,435 square feet (Parcel C) and 9,435 square feet (Parcel D). The project is located at the northeast corner of Central Avenue and 7th Street, APN#'s 488-151-03 and 488-151-02 as described in Exhibit A, shown in Exhibit b and conditioned in Exhibit c and accompanying Notice of Exemption.
d) Zone Change 08-05 - The application of Luis Becerra for a change in the zoning classification from R-2 Medium Density Residential to R-3 High Density Residential and to establish a Precise Development Plan Overly District or PD-R3 0806 for Assessor's Parcel Numbers 488-151-02, 48-151-03, 488-151-04, 488-151-05, 488-151-06, 488-151-07, 488-151-08, 488-151-09 and 488-151-10 located at north of 7th Street, west of Redwood Drive and east of Central Avenue and accompanying Notice of Exemption.
Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 8:02 p.m.
Chairperson Santillan recused himself due to proximity of his residence to the project area.
Senior Planner McNamara reported on the application of Luis Becerra for a change in the zoning classification from R-2 Medium Density Residential to R-3 High Density Residential and to establish a Precise Development Plan Overly District or PD-R3 0806 for Assessor's Parcel Numbers 488-151-02, 48-151-03, 488-151-04, 488-151-05, 488-151-06, 488-151-07, 488-151-08, 488-151-09 and 488-151-10 located at north of 7th Street, west of Redwood Drive and east of Central Avenue with staff recommending a continuance until September 8, 2008.
Marlene Swan - 700 Holly Tree Lane, Wasco - Asked about the difference between low density and opposed to high density and if the proposed structures would be single story or two story. Senior Planner McNamara explained the difference between high and low density residential and that the proposed structures would be two stories. Richard Sharp with Luis Becerra gave a color example to show what the project would look like.
After hearing no further discussion by Commissioner Forrest made a motion to continue the public hearing to September 8, 2008. Seconded by Commissioner German. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Drescher; Elholm; Forrest; German; Hutson; Lawrence
NOES:
ABSTAIN: Santillan
ABSENT:
Public hearing continued at 8:10 p.m.
e) Precise Development 08-06 - The application of Luis Becerra for a Precise Development (PD-R3 08-06) to allow for a fifteen (15) foot encroachment of the required twenty five (25) foot front yard setback and a ten (10) foot encroachment to the required fifteen (15) foot rear yard setback for APN 488-151-02 and 488-151-03 and accompanying Notice of Exemption.
Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 8:10 p.m.
Chairperson Santillan recused himself due to proximity of his residence to the project area.
Senior Planner McNamara reported on the application Luis Becerra for a Precise Development (PD-R3 08-06) to allow for a fifteen (15) foot encroachment of the required twenty five (25) foot front yard setback and a ten (10) foot encroachment to the required fifteen (15) foot rear yard setback for APN 488-151-02 and 488-151-03 with staff recommending continuance until September 8, 2008.
Commissioner German made a motion to continue the public hearing to September 8, 2008. Seconded by Commissioner Elholm. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Drescher; Elholm; Forrest; German; Hutson; Lawrence
NOES:
ABSTAIN: Santillan
ABSENT:
Public hearing continued at 8:12 p.m.
10. INFORMATION ITEMS
a) Approved City Council Minutes for review
11. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORTS
Director Johnson stated the Economic Development Committee needed a representative from the Planning Commission and asked that the Commissioners think about getting involved. He also asked the Commissioners to set aside the 25th of each month or two weeks after the regular meetings for special meetings only as needed. Director Johnson reported that there would be a Housing Element Workshop on Monday September 18 at 7:00 and asked the availability of the Commissioners to attend. He also reported that the City is looking into kiosk signs for housing developments to advertise. Director Johnson also thanked Commissioners for meeting with him and giving their input.
12. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
Commissioner Drescher asked if a sign appeal would be on the agenda for September.
Commissioner Hutson stated he liked having less information to have to review in the agendas.
Commissioner German stated he liked having more information to review as it gives more on the history of a project.
Commissioner Santillan welcomed Director Johnson and thanked staff for getting the agendas to the Commissioners earlier.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner German made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. All in favor. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
Miles Johnson, Community Development Director
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