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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Meeting Minutes 07-20-1987 ` , ~ ~ Regular Meeting - July 2d, 1987 A regular meeting of the City of Dublin Planning Commission was held on July 20, 1987, in the Meeting Room, Dublin Library. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Cm. Raley, Chairperson. ~ ~ ~ ~ ROLL CALL PRESENT: Commissioners Barnes, Burnham, Mack, and Raley, Laurence L. Tong, Planning Director, and Maureen 0'Halloran, Associate Planner. ~ ~ ~ ~ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Cm. Raley led the Commission, Staff, and those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. ~ ~ ~ ~ ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO THE AGENDA None. ~ ~ ~ ~ MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING On motion by Cm. Mack, seconded by Cm. Barnes, and by a unanimous vote, the minutes of July 20, 1987, were approved as presented. ~ ~ ~ ~ ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. ~ ~ ~ ~ WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Tong advised that the Commissioners had received three Action Letters for informational purposes. ~ ~ ~ ~ Regular Meeting PCM-7-136 July 20, 1987 . ~ • . PUBLIC HEARINGS SUBJECT: PA 87-093 Howard Johnson Hotel Free- standing Sign Conditional Use Permit request. The Planning Commissioners accepted Johnson Clark's request of July 10, 1987, to withdraw the Howard Johnson Hotel Conditional Use Permit application for a 26' tall Freestanding Sign. ~ ~ ~ ~ SUBJECT: PA 87-043/PA 87-044 Target Stores Site Development Review and Conditional Use Permit requests. Cm. Raley opened the public hearing and called for the Staff Report. Ms. 0'Halloran advised that the Applicant was requesting approval to expand the existing outdoor plant nursery area along the north building elevation of the former Gemco building at 7200 Amador Plaza Road. She indicated that building permits had been issued for interior building changes and minor exterior modifications, but not for the outdoor nursery expansion. Ms. 0'Halloran said that unauthorized construction had begun on the outdoor nursery area, and subsequently a Stop Work Order was placed on the work. Ms. 0'Halloran advised that the primary unresolved issue concerned the proposed landscape plan, which does not meet the 20~ landscape guideline identified in the Draft Downtown Specific Plan. She said that Staff was recommending the Applicant increase the number of trees in each of the parking lot end islands, as well as to intensify the landscaping within the parking lot area closest to the store entrance. Ms. 0'Halloran discussed the specific conditions included in the Resolution of Approval regarding proposed cross access easements and extension of a portion of the sidewalk. She said Staff had conversations with the owners of the vacant Central Bank property, and they have concuurred with the need to provide the cross access easernent. She stated that Condition #6 could be amended to indicate that an easement on the Bank property (APN 941-305-13) may be substituted for the easements with the Albertson's property (APN 941-305- 14-2), subject to review and approval by the Planning Director. In response to an inquiry by Cm. Raley, Ms. 0'Halloran said the Central Bank building occupies a corner of the property, so the easement could encompass a portion of the Bank property and a corner of the Albertson's property. Mr. Tong clarified that there is approximately a 60' overlap between the vacant Central Bank property and the Target Store property on the northwest corner which would provide an additional option to the Applicant in terms of actually securing the cross access easement which would permit circulation directly down the drive aisle and to the Albertson's Store location. Regular Meeting PCM-7-137 July 20, 1987 ~ ~ . • Bill Glass, Architect, 22245 Main Street, Hayward, distributed a copy of a letter from a representative of Target Stores regarding their position related to cross access easements. He said they are in agreement with the intent of the easement, but did not think they were in a position to grant it. He said they have spoken with the property owner, Dublin Associates, who are still considering the request. Mr. Glass indicated that Target Stores is requesting the Condition for the easement be waived. Regarding the requirement of the Police Services Department related to windows and doors, Mr. Glass indicated that Target planned to use the existing doors, without making changes. Ms. 0'Halloran said Condition #2 of the Police Services Standard Commercial Building Recommendations applies only to new construction. She indieated this could be worked out with the Planning Staff and Police Services Staff. Mr. Glass asked for clarification regarding the condition which would require screening of the trash compactor and the loading dock. Ms. 0'Halloran responded that Condition #S of the proposed Resolution of Approval for the Site Development Review requires that the materials used ~o construct the trash compactor be compatible with the existing structure. Mr. Glass requested that Condition #5 be deleted. In response to a question from Mr. Glass related to Condition #11. e), Ms. 0'Halloran said the Fire Department reviewed the plans and recommended Condition #11. e), be applied. She said the Condition was written in such a way as to insure compliance with the Fire Department requlations. She suggested that the Applicant work with the Fire Department regarding this Condition, and indicated that the Condition was worded in a way to provide flexibility if the Fire Departrnent chose to eliminate the requirement. Regarding Condition #17. f., Mr. Glass said to comply with this Condition would necessitate the installation of approximately 20 more trees, with 12 of them being installed in existing planters which already contain relatively mature trees. He said the additional trees would compete with the existing ones. Mr. Glass indicated that the owner did not plan to re-stripe the parking lot, and expressed concern regarding Condition #20, which requires the double- striping of all parking spaces. Regarding Condition #21, Mr. Glass expressed concern regarding the requirernent for a raised curb, and said he thought it may become a safety hazard. Mr. Glass said Target Stores has no concern regarding Condition #31, requiring the establishment of a pedestrian walkway, but that they do have a concern that the specified time frame may not be met. He asked that the time frame be extended for this Condition. Ms. 0'Halloran responded to the Applicant's concerns as follows. She said that double-striping of the parking lot is a standard condition, and is required on all properties. Regarding Condition #21, modification of the landscape-walkway-drive aisle area, she said this Condition was written in Regular Meeting PCM-7-138 July 20, 1987 . • ~ such a way as to provide the Applicant with an opportunity to present a proposal for review and approval by the City Engineer. She said the City Engineer has not indicated that a safety hazard would arise as a result of the raised curb. Regarding Condition #31, Mr. Tong advised that the demand for the pedestrian access will be generated by the project itself. He said there is currently no pedestrian facility between Amador Valley Boulevard and the Shopping Center itself, but that the need definitely exists. He said the Applicant is responsible for working with the Property Owner and other tenants to comply with this Condition, or to show to the Planning Director that diligence has been used in pursuing this. Mr. Tong indicated that he had spoken with Jan Warner of Transpacific Development Corporation and specifically discussed the requirements regarding the easements. He said when he discussed the options with Ms. Warner regarding this Condition, i.e., either having the application acted on by the Commission, providing the Applicant with an opportunity to appeal that action, or continuing the project without action by the Commission. Ms. Warner had indicated that she wanted to proceed with obtaining a decision from the Planning Commission at the current meeting. In response to an inquiry by Cm. Mack related to Condition #17. f., Ms. 0'Halloran advised that Staff's position is the number of trees should be increased in the planter areas. She said Staff can review the Applicant's proposal through the submittal of a revised landscape plan. Cm. Raley closed the public hearing. Regarding Conditions #5 and #6 of the proposed Resolution of Approval for the Conditional Use Permit, it was the consensus of the Commission that it is imperative that vehicle access be established between the buildings, but that the Conditions could be modified to authorize the Applicant to work with the Property Owner of Central Bank to secure a portion of that property for an easement. On motion by Cm. Mack, seconded by Cm. Burnham, and by a unanimous vote, a Resolution was adopted approving Conditional Use Permit PA 87-043 Target Stores, with modification to Conditions #S and #6 as indicated above. RESOLUTrON N0. 87-054 APPROVING PA 87-043 TARGET STORES CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO EXPAND THE OUTDOOR PLANT NURSERY AREA AT 7200 AMADOR PLAZA ROAD With the exception of the the following Condition, it was the consensus of the Commission to retain the proposed Conditions of Approval for the Site Development Review as presented by Staff. , Regarding Condition #17) f., the Commission concurred that an increase in the number of trees should be required, but that the Condition should be amended to provide the Staff with an option to further review the actual number of trees to be installed. On motion by Cm. Mack, seconded by Cm. Burnham, and by a unanimous vote, a Resolution was adopted approving Site Development Review application PA 87-044 Target Stores, with modification to Condition #17) f. as indicated above. Regular Meeting PCM-7-139 July 20, 1987 ~ ~ • RESOLUTION N0. 87-055 APPROVING PA 87-044 TARGET STORES SITE DEVELOFMENT REVIEW APPLICATION TO EXPAND THE OUTDOOR PLANT NURSERY AREA AT 7200 AMADOR PLAZA ROAD ~ ~ ~ ~ SUBJECT: PA 87-052 National Food Laboratory Conditional Use Permit request. Cm. Raley opened the public h:earing and called for the Staff Report. Ms. 0'Halloran advised that the Applicant was requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow outdoor storage of research equipment. She said the equipment is currently stored on the east side of the site between the existing building and a chain link fence adjacent to the drive aisle. She said the subject area had been utilized for storage for a number of years without approval of a Conditional Use Permit. Ms. 0'Halloran indicated that Staff's primary concern related to the visibility of the storage area from off-site. She said to mitigate the negative visual impact, Staff was recommending that the outdoor storage area , be restricted to the area south of the concrete walkway, and that the Applicant install a 6-foot tall vinyl clad chain link fence with redwood slats adjacent to the existing walkway to screen the area. She said Staff was also recommending a Condition be adopted requiring the Applicant to supplement the existing landscaping along the existing eastern storage area perimeter fence with a minimum of 15-gallon evergreen type trees. Ms. 0'Halloran said it was Staff's recommendation that a Resolution of Approval be adopted for PA 87-052 Conditional Use Permit application, National Food Laboratory. Dave Holmes, National Food Laboratory, said that with the exception of the warehouse facility, no changes had been made to the existing building, fences, landscape, or parking lot since Foremost Food Company built the facility in 1964/65. He said the warehouse facility was added on the north end of the property in 1980. He said the subject storage area has existecl and been utilized since 1965. He said at the times the plans were submitted to the County in 1980, they very clearly showed the the outside storge area. He said the amount of outdoor storage has decreased by almost 50~ since 1965. Mr. Holmes expressed concern regarding the appropriateness of imposing the proposed Conditions and associated costs on a project which has existed for 25 years. He said he didn't have concerns regarding Condition #2, which would restrict the location of the outdoor storage area, but failed to see the need for it. He said the only item currently stored in that area is one tank. Regarding Condition #3, Mr. Holmes expressed concern regarding the installa- tion of the proposed fence as there is a need to to move fork lifts and trucks on a weekly basis in and out of that area. He said the fence would create an additional expense and would make use of that area inefficient. Regular Meeting PCM-7-140 July 20, 1987 ~ s Mr. Holmes said it would be impossible to comply with Condition #4, which would require that materials not be stacked or stored at a height in excess of the height of the fence. He advised that some of the equiprnent is 24 feet tall. Regarding Condition #5, requiring the supplement of existing landscaping along the eastern perimeter fence, Mr. Holmes advised that he thought they had installed an excellent chain link fence with slats, and have added to that fence and improved it since they have been working with Staff on the permit to add the storage building. He said currently 8 trees exist along that area, approximately 20 years old, which are situated every 15 feet, with a number of shrubs and ivy planted in that area. He said one of the trees and one shrub will need to be replaced. He questioned the need for the proposed Condition. Mr. Holmes stated that since the equipment being stored is stainless steel, he didn't see the need for fire extinguishers to be required as outlined in Condition #6. Ms. 0'Halloran advised that when the Fire Department reviewed the progosed plans, they indicated the location which would be required for the fire extinguishers. She said this Condition could be worked out with the Fire Department. Mr. Holmes agreed that a need exists for the National Food Laboratory to improve the maintenance of the outdoor storage area, but said he didn't see the need for additional fences or landscaping. Cm. Raley closed the public hearing. Cm. Burnham indicated that he had visited the site. He expressed concern regarding the way the storge area looked. He said he coulcln't see that a 6- foot fence would make a difference, and suggested the outdoor storage area be cleaned up and better organized. He said he would like to see more of the details worked out with Staff. Ms. 0'Halloran said one of the Conditions of Approval on a previous Site Development Review application was that a Conditional Use Permit application be submitted. He indicated that at the time the Site Development Review application was submitted, Staff requested that the fence be repaired and that redwood slates be added in the area which didn't have the slats. Bob Bissell said he thought the concerns could be worked out with Staff. Ms. 0'Halloran advised that the City's Ordinance is very specific regarding outdoor storage, and that it requires such storage be behind a wall or some other form of screening. In addition, she said the Ordinance does not allow storage to exceed the height of the fence. In response to an inquiry by Cm. Raley, Ms. 0'Halloran said the items which exceed 6 feet either cannot be stored outside or a Variance must be obtained. However, she said the maximum fence height permitted under a Variance would be 12 feet, and therefore would not screen the 24-foot items mentioned by the Applicant. Regular Meeting PCM-7-141 July 20, 1987 ' ~ ~ Regarding landscaping, Ms. 0'Halloran said additional landscaping is needed between the existing trees. Additionally, she said the trees themselves will not provide the screening for the taller equipment. Mr. Tong suggested that it may be beneficial to review the Ordinance in terms of fencing, to determine if there is additional flexibility within the Ordinance which may permit the storage of items higher than six feet. On motion by Cm. Barnes, seconded by Cm. Mack, and by a unanimous vote, PA 87-052 National Food Laboratory Conditional Use Permit application was continued to the Planning Commission meeting of August 17, 1987. ~ ~ ~ ~ NEW BUSINESS OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mr. Tong advised that the July 13, 1987, City Council meeting was cancelled due to a lack of a quorum. He said a special City Council meeting would be held on July 21, 1987, for the purpose of discussing the Downtown Plan. Mr. Tong said he did not have any information regarding the Planning Commissioner vacancy left by Cm. Petty. ~ ~ ~ ~ OTHER BUSINESS None. ~ ~ ~ ~ PLANNING COMMISSIONERS' CONCERNS In response to an inquiry by Cm. Burnham, Mr. Tong said he had spoken with the Public Works Department regarding the damage done to Amador Valley Boulevard as a result of the Villages at Alamo Creek project. He said some additional compression work had been started, and that hydraulics may be used to consolidate some of the matter. Cm. Mack said she was in Los Angeles recently and visited a Circuit City Store while there. She said she was surprised by how nice the building was. She said she also visited a Target Store while there. Cm. Barnes asked if Circuit City was required to maintain the existing landscaping while working an their facility. She said she had received a number of complaints regarding the work that is being done and the damage to the landscape. Mr. Tong indicated that prior to the finalization of the project, Circuit City will be required to insure the landscaping is at the same level as it was previously, and will also be required to supplement it. Cm. Barnes asked if it would be possible to require that the areas behind the Albertson's and Payless Stores be cleaned up. She also inquired about the reason why Oil Changer's had not begun work on their property. Regular Meeting PCM-7-142 July 20, 1987 " • • Mr. Tong said that Oil Changers had submitted a new Conditional Use Permit application for the purpose of using one of the bays as a car wash. On motion by Cm. Barnes, seconded by Cm. Burnham, and by a unanimous vote, the Planning Commission meeting of August 3, 1987, was cancelled. ~ ~ ~ ~ ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m, ~Y 'X~' X SY . Respectfully submitted, . I. Planning Commission C airperson ~1,~r' ` u' 1. Laurence Tong Planning Director ~ ~ ~ ~ Regular Meeting PCM-7-143 July 20, 1987