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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-2007 PC Minutes Planning C0I1'111lission Minutes CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL A regular meeting of the City of Dublin Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, in the Council Chambers located at 100 Civic Plaza. Chair Schaub called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Present: Chair Schaub, Vice Chair Wehrenberg, Commissioner:. Biddle, King, and Tomlinson; Mary Jo Wilson, Planning Manager; Erica Fraser, Senior Planer; Mike Porto, Consultant Planner; Bryan Moore, Assistant Planner; and Rhonda Franklin, Recordhg Secretary. Absent: None ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO THE AGENDA - NONE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS The February 27, 2007 minutes were approved as submitted. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - NONE CONSENT CALENDAR - NONE WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - NONE PUBLIC HEARINGS 8.1 P A 06-061 Grafton Station Four Retail Pads - Sit,~ Development Review and Conditional Use Permit (Stage 2 Minor Amendment). Chair Schaub asked for the Staff Report. Ms. Erica Fraser, Senior Planner, presented the specifics of the I'roject as outlined in the Staff Report. Cm. King asked if the fountain itself was being lowered. Ms. Fraser responded that the walls around the fountain were being lowered and the CMU materia] s will be replaced with granite blocks. Cm. Wehrenberg asked if Staff has thought through the variom issues involving the proposed traffic circle. Ms. Fraser indicated that Public Work's Staff revi{wed it during the Stage 2 Planned Development approval and staff continues to review the striping to ensure smooth functionality of the traffic circle. 24 Yrfardi 2/} ::00;: Cm. King asked who would decide what public art piece would be appropriate for the site. Ms. Fraser responded that the City Council would decide which public art piece would be most appropriate for the site. Hearing no further questions for Staff, Chair Schaub opened the public hearing. Cm. King talked about the corner of Grafton and Dublin Blvd and pointed out that it looked bare. He suggested if the applicant could add some trees at that corner. Dave Chadbourne, representing the applicant, pointed out the features that would be at that corner. Cm. King was also asked to look at the Site Development Review plans which demonstrated the landscape features for the site and for the corner in question. Rick Aiken, the Architect for the applicant, approached the podium and indicated that the intent of the features described in the plans was not to clutter the corner as there will be a lot of foot traffic. Cm. Biddle had specific questions regarding the construction phase of the project and referred to sheet C-7 of the submittal package. Mr. Chadbourne stated that the intention is to construct pads Band C-1 first and then proceed south. Cm. Biddle further asked the timeline for first occupancy. Mr. Chadbourne responded that the applicant is hoping to start construction mid to late August on the first two buildings however, it is anticipated that the first occupancy would occur 8-9 months from the start of construction. Cm. Biddle asked for Lowe's status. Ms. Fraser responded that the project was still in building permit plan check process. Cm. King pointed to page A5-5 in the submittal package and asked what the landscaping plans for the pedestrian area were. Mr. Chadbourne pointed out that sheet L5 best describes the landscape plans for the area Cm. King was pointing to. Hearing no further questions, Chair Schaub closed the public hearing. Cm. Tomlinson commented that the changes to the fountain are excellent and it is a great project. Cm. King agreed with Cm. Tomlinson. Cm. Wehrenberg agreed with Cms King and Tomlinson and pointed out that the conditions of approval captured all the concerns she had. Chair Schaub agreed with the other Commissioners and thanked the team for making changes. On a motion by Cm. Wehrenberg, seconded by Cm. Tomlinson, and by a vote of 5-0-0, the Planning Commission unanimously adopted: 25 ~_:Hatl'ft if', 20t;;-: RESOLUTION NO. 07 - 08 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO AMEND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR GRAFTON STATION TO SHIFT THE APPROVED SQUARE FOOTAGES ON THE SITE BETWEEN RET AIL PADS P A 06-061 RESOLUTION NO. 07 - 09 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN APPROVING SITE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW FOR FOUR RETAIL PADS LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF DUBLIN BOULEVARD AND GRAFTON STREET AND BORDERED BY DUBLIN BOULEVARD AND NORTHSIDE DRIVE IN THE GRAFTON STATION SHOPPING CENTER (APN 985-0036-009) P A 06-061 8.2 P A 06-037: The Groves at Dublin Ranch Amendment to the existing Area B-E Planned Development Plan and Site Development Review. Chair Schaub asked for the Staff Report. Mr. Michael Porto, Consultant Planner, presented the specifics of the project as outlined in the Staff Report. Chair Schaub asked about the roof type. Mr. Porto responded that the roof materials would be concrete roof tile - the Ponderosa series. Cm. Tomlinson noted that the use of machinery or noise have been restricted for the live-work units. Cm. Wehrenberg asked if daycare centers needed to be added to the list of uses. Ms. Mary Jo Wilson, Planning Manager, responded that the State Statute will allow the homeowners to have a daycare facility in these units. However, the daycare centers are typically seen in single- family residential neighborhoods. Due to the reason that the pick-up and drop-offs maybe challenging in multifamily residences. Cm. Biddle asked about public art for the project. Mr. Porto responded that the public art elements will be at the entrances on Keegan and Lockhart Streets. Hearing no further questions for Staff, Chair Schaub opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to make a statement. 26 ~JOU7 Cm. Biddle asked about the project phasing. Dave Chadbourne, representing the applicant, stated that the plan is to start construction in 10-12 months; however, based on the current market situation the applicant may be requesting a time extension for the approval. Hearing no further questions, Chair Schaub closed the public hearing. Chair Schaub commented that he liked the project and is a great way to showcase Dublin Blvd. Cm. Biddle commented that he likes the live-work-unit concept and is confident that other projects would come up with this concept as well, especially in a redevelopment area. Cm. Tomlinson commented that this is a nicely designed project. On a motion by Cm. Biddle, seconded by Cm. Tomlinson, and by a 5-0-0 vote, the Planning Commission unanimously adopted: RESOLUTION NO. 07 -10 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FOR DUBLIN RANCH AREAS B, C, D & E TO INCLUDE PD-HIGH-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL WITH LIVE-WORK UNITS FOR SYCAMORE GROVE WITHIN THE FAIRWAY RANCH PROJECT PA 03-010 LOCATED IN THE EASTERN DUBLIN SPECIFIC PLAN AREA P A 06-037 RESOLUTION NO. 07 -11 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN DEFERRING REVIEW AND DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR SITE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW FOR SYCAMORE GROVE WITHIN THE FAIRWAY RANCH PROJECT (PA 03-010) LOCATED NORTH OF DUBLIN BOULEVARD BETWEEN KEEGAN STREET AND LOCKHART STREET IN THE EASTERN DUBLIN SPECIFIC PLAN AREA AND RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE SITE DEVELOPEMNT REVIEW FOR SYCAMORE GROVE P A 06-037 8.3 P A 03-063 Scarlett Court Design Guidelines- Phase I of the Scarlett Court Specific Plan which includes the creation of design guidelines for the Scarlett Court area and an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map. Chair Schaub asked for the Staff Report. 27 ::HanJi 2/, Ms. Erica Fraser, Senior Planner, and Jason Jones, RBF consultant for the project, presented the specifics of the project as outlined in the Staff Report. Chair Schaub asked if this is similar to the overlay done for the Historic District. Ms. Fraser responded that it is similar to the Phase 1 part of the Historic District Overlay. However, the General Plan Amendment is being added to the Scarlett Court Study to include policy language to the General Plan document. Ms. Mary Jo Wilson, Planning Manager, added that the General Plan Amendment is not part of tonight's recommendation; however, it will be presented to the Planning Commission at a later date. Cm. Biddle asked about the public participation at public meetings. Ms. Fraser responded that at the first community meeting there were only a few participants from the public; however, once the design guidelines were drafted for the second community meeting, there was greater participation from the public. Cm. Biddle wanted clarification on the replacement and repair of the existing signs. Ms. Fraser explained that if a store owner wanted to repair more than 50% of its sign, then the current zoning ordinance requires the owner to conform the sign to existing regulations. If the design guidelines were also in effect then the owner would need to comply with the guidelines as well. Cm. Biddle asked if it was 50% of the cost or area. Ms. Wilson responded that it was 50% of the valuation of the sign. Chair Schaub asked how would the design guideline relate to the City's Design Element. Ms. Wilson responded that the Community Design Element that the City will work on shortly is an element of the General Plan which would be a guiding document with general policies related to design. As a part of the preparation of the Community Design Element, staff will ensure consistency with the various Specific Plans. Jason Jones, with RBF gave an overview of the design guidelines and talked about next steps. Chair Schaub commented that the document should discuss what type of signage is appropriate with various architectural styles. Ms. Wilson responded that Staff would ensure that the suggested language is included in the document under signage. Cm. Biddle commented that the sign section was good. Cm. Tomlinson commented that the examples cited in the guidelines were good. Cm. Tomlinson stated that he understood that the window signs are discouraged if it occupies 25% or more of the glass area; how would that be defined? Ms. Fraser responded that the Zoning Ordinance describes the percentage of the window pane as well as how the area of the window pane is calculated. Cm. Tomlinson asked if the 25% was appropriate or should it be further reduced. Ms. Fraser responded that 25% is appropriate and it is consistent with what most of the cities regulate. Ms. Wilson further added that the City has active code enforcement with regard to signage. Cm. Tomlinson asked if the coloring or glazing of windows needs to be addressed in this document. Ms. Wilson responded that the Site Development Review section of the Zoning Ordinance will be reviewed as a part of the City's update to the Zoning Ordinance. 28 'i}!arch 2?j 20U/ Cm. Tomlinson wanted to know if the street lights depicted in the draft guidelines would be the standard for the Scarlett Court area. Ms. Fraser responded that the street lights shown in the guidelines are examples of what they could be, not necessarily what they need to be. Since the City does not maintain privately installed street lights, it would be up to the developers to decide on the type of street lights they would like to install. Chair Schaub said that palm trees are shown in the document; however, they should be removed from page 52. Cm. Tomlinson asked about overhead utilities and wanted to know if applicants were required to underground them? Ms. Fraser responded that there were overhead utilities in two areas. There are overhead utilities on private properties and overhead utilities facing 1-580. The Municipal Code requires overhead utilities to be under grounded on private properties. An example would be the Lowe's development which was required to underground its utilities. However, at this time the City does not have plans to underground the overhead utilities facing 1-580. Cm. King noted that on page 24 of the draft guidelines cinder blocks were not listed as a discouraged material. Ms. Wilson stated that Staff would add that to the list of discouraged materials. Cm. Tomlinson wanted a modification to the discussion on dark colors on buildings. He wanted to ensure that the use of dark colors were not too limiting. Ms. Fraser indicated that the guidelines indicate that the dark colors have to be used as accents only as the City does not want a developer to color a whole building black. Ms. Wilson stated that Staff would refine the language to address the Commissions concern. Hearing no further questions for Staff, Chair Schaub opened public hearing and asked if anyone in the audience would like to comment. Brad Kassabian, from Kassabian Motors, asked when phase 2 would be completed. Chair Schaub responded that the City Council would be ones to answer the question. Ms. Fraser further added that the City Council's direction was to postpone phase two of the Scarlet Court Specific Plan at this time. Jim Bailey, with Dublin Honda, commented that the new site where the dealership will be located has parking issues as BART riders tend to park there. He also indicated that the suggested landscaping for the area is good; however, it is difficult to find dirt that will hold plants that is able to sustain life. Russ Fuller, with Dublin Honda, clarified that the dirt being referred to is the dirt that is required to fill the bioswales. Ms. Fraser responded that the landscaping in the draft guidelines are typical landscaping and have nothing to do with bioswales. The bioswale requirement as referenced by Mr. Fuller and Mr. Bailey is part of the conditions of approval required by the Public Works Department for the Dublin Honda project. Ms. Wilson suggested that the representatives from Dublin Honda give their contact numbers to Staff and Staff could have the Public Works Department personnel contact them regarding the issue. (.'otriUiissi,-ltI 29 ~-\'-f(Jrd! 2/, :::OU/ Doreen Green, Property Manager of Buscik-Gearing, said that they have been in Dublin a long time and would like the City to treat them kindly. She asked that the City bear in mind that the City needs the small businesses in addition to the big commercial complexes. Hearing no further comments or questions, Chair Schaub closed the public hearing. Chair Schaub commented that he likes the document. He indicated that the Commission would like to see the suggested changes to the photographs and text brought back to the Planning Commission. Ms. Fraser asked if the Commission would like to continue the item to April 10, 2007 meeting. On a motion by Chair Schaub and seconded by Cm. Wehrenberg, and by a 5-0-0 vote, the Planning Commission unanimously moved to continue the hearing of the Scarlet Court Design Guidelines to the April 10, 2007 Planning Commission meeting. Cm. Biddle asked about the procedure for the distribution of the guidelines once it is adopted by the City Council. Ms. Fraser indicated that Staff is looking into various options to make the document available for those who would like a copy. One of the options is to make it available on the City's website as well as on disk for purchase. NEW OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE OTHER BUSINESS 10.1 Brief INFORMATION ONLY reports from the Planning Commission and/or Staff, including Committee Reports and Reports by the Planning Commission related to meetings attended at City Expense (AB 1234). Cm. Biddle discussed the last Housing Commission meeting and gave a brief overview of the major points of the meeting. Cm. King stated that he would like a half hour presentation on the different architectural styles. Staff indicated that this can be done. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, #~ Planning Commission Chair 30 /Hanji .it'} ::00;;