October 22, 2003
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Price at 4:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chairman Price, Commissioners Crane, Francis Griffin, Savage
ABSENT: Commissioner LeQuire and Commissioner Stopper
STAFF PRESENT: Chief Planner Rosen, Senior Planner Mullis, Associate Planner Eastman, Assistant Planner Sowers, Planning Intern Mizokami, and Recording Secretary Bird.
FLAG SALUTE:
Commissioner Savage
MINUTES:
MOTION by Commissioner Crane, seconded and carried by a 5-0 vote that the Minutes of October 7, 2003 be APPROVED AS WRITTEN.
4:00 P.M. SESSION
PUBLIC HEARING
ITEM NO. 1
PRJ03-00541 - LRP03-00017. APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER: CITY OF FULLERTON.
Staff memo dated October 15, 2003, was presented pertaining to a request to modify the Land Use, Circulation and Community Health and Safety Elements of the General Plan in conjunction with an update to the Fullerton Municipal Airport Master Plan for property located at 4011 West Commonwealth Avenue (P-L zone) (Mitigated Negative Declaration) (Continued from September 24, 2003).
Chairman Price noted that the staff report indicated a request to continue this item to a date uncertain.
MOTION by Commissioner Crane, seconded and CARRIED by a 5-0 vote that this item be CONTINUED to a date uncertain.
ITEM NO. 2
PRJ03-00639 - ZON03-00042. APPLICANT: PACIFIC COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION; PROPERTY OWNER: WRA PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Staff report dated October 15, 2003, was presented pertaining to a request for a Special Event Permit to hold a two-day credit union auto show loan promotion on November 15 and November 16, 2003, on property located at 401 E. Imperial Hwy. (north side of Imperial Hwy, between Bonita Place and Palm Street).
Planning Intern Mizokami reviewed the background of Ordinance 2973, which adopted the procedures and regulations for special events on private property. A review of the on-site uses of the property was described, as well the hours of operation, estimated customers, and two proposals for displaying 100 cars. He reviewed the hours of the tenants on the property, noting that Christopher's Salon, Artrageous and the Avon site would be open on Saturday and on Sunday the First Baptist Church and Epic Church are utilized for 10:30 and 10:45 a.m. services.
A parking analysis was conducted by staff due to concern expressed by Christopher's Salon and Artrageous about parking availability for their customers. The parking analysis showed Option 1 and Option 2, and it was staff's recommendation to approve Option 1 which allowed the display of 100 cars with two conditions: that the employees park in areas away from the tenants and that all signage associated with the special event shall comply with the Fullerton Municipal Code.
Commissioner Savage questioned if the cars sold would be new or used cars. Intern Mizokami reported they would be pre-owned vehicles.
Commissioner Crane noted the staff report indicated there were 51 stalls and the anticipated number of customers was 75 customers per day. He questioned if this number was divided throughout the day; and if staff looked at those issues relative to their recommendation. He also questioned if the applicant considered moving a section of the event display area to the left hand side on Sunday to allow more parking for the churches. Intern Mizokami reported the estimated numbers from the tenants were slightly over-estimated, which could increase the number of show customer spaces available.
Chief Planner Rosen stated that with regards to demand for parking, staff considered the time of peak demand for the businesses and the proposed event rather than on an hour by hour basis, which was why staff recommended Option 1. He added that having all 125 spaces utilized all at once seemed unlikely, but there was no statistical evidence that it would not happen.
Chairman Price asked if this type of event had ever been done in the past, and if there was an expected window of time when most people would be there. Staff reported that there were two sales in 1998, but they preceded the special event ordinance, therefore there were no records found. Exhibits showed options available for shifting parking, if necessary.
Commissioner Griffin asked for clarification of whether or not concern from the other tenants was received in the form of a letter, if the property owner was listed on the application; and if the property owner had given their consent for this event to be held. Intern Mizokami reported they received two phone calls showing concern for the event and the tenants were notified via letter.
Chairman Price asked if obtaining permission from the property owner was part of the process. Yolanda Pearson, Executive Vice President for Cars Net, reported they must have permission from the owner to secure the DMV temporary license permit that is required. Those forms and applications had been submitted to the DMV, but they would be happy to submit the DMV permit to the City prior to commencement of the event.
The public hearing was opened.
Kevin Doi, Lead Pastor for Epic Church, stated that he would like to accommodate the Credit Union and their event, but was concerned about the Sunday parking analysis. Staff's estimate of needed parking as indicated in the staff report was on the low side, because Epic Church alone needed that many spaces. Another issue is that although the service is at 10:30 a.m., there are parishioners at the Church from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and since the flow of cars from customers for the car sale cannot be predicted, he was concerned that the numbers were under-estimated and no other parking provisions had been made. He stated he would prefer the car sale be on the west side of the credit union on Sunday, and he will inform his parishioners the week before of the upcoming event.
Chairman Price questioned if First Southern Baptist church was smaller or larger than Epic Church. Mr. Doi reported it was smaller, but he did not know about their demand for parking.
Commissioner Savage asked Mr. Doi how many seats were in the Epic Church sanctuary, and how many parishioners they can expect. Mr. Doi reported there were 180 seats, with approximately 130 people attending services, and usually they have approximately 100 vehicles.
Chairman Price asked if there was an afternoon service. Mr. Doi replied they have only the single service at 10:30 a.m.
Commissioner Francis asked Mr. Doi if he was at the church when they had the last sale; and questioned if he knew the number of parishioners of the other church. Mr. Doi replied he was not at the church during the last sale and the other church was smaller, maybe about 50 people.
The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Savage asked if staff knew how many parishioners the other church had, and how they arrived at the estimated 75 spaces. Chief Planner Rosen reported there was no official record of the other church. Intern Mizokami reported that in speaking with the First Southern Baptist Church they estimated they have 20 to 50 people per service, so they took the average of 35 people and estimated 30 parking spaces to accommodate the average. Epic Church estimated 130-140 people per service and staff came up with an estimated number of 75 spaces to accommodate 130-140 people.
Chairman Price felt the only suitable option would be for 100 displayed cars and the better option is to flip the cars from the east side to the west side with the Saturday and Sunday layout, to cause as little disruption to the other tenants as possible.
Commissioner Crane concurred with Chairman Price.
Commissioner Francis felt the car sale was a bad idea for Sunday with the two churches, but would support it.
Chairman Price commented that unfortunately the Commission was suffering from a lack of history with no information from prior shows, and this would be a learning experience. He reminded staff to be mindful of any concerns should a special event application of this type come forward again.
Commissioner Savage supported the idea of shifting the cars and felt if the church parishioners were forewarned and concerned about parking, they can get there early.
Chief Planner Rosen noted another option would be for the Church to start their service earlier that week.
The title of Resolution No. PC-03-32 APPROVING a special event permit to hold a credit union auto show loan promotion on property located at 401 East Imperial Highway, was read and further reading was waived. MOTION by Commissioner Crane, seconded and CARRIED unanimously by voting members present, that said Resolution be ADOPTED AS WRITTEN.
Commissioner Griffin suggested it may be beneficial for the Commission to receive a letter of permission from the property owner prior to a request coming before the Commission as well as any information from the tenants about their agreement or disagreement.
Chief Planner Rosen noted they are in the process of reviewing and changing the application, but they would rely on the property owner to inform tenants.
Chairman Price asked if in a multi-tenant facility if they get written notice and posted notice and questioned what could be put into the system that would make sure the tenants were noticed. Chief Planner Rosen noted that other than physically going out there and contacting the tenants there is nothing the City can do, as it is not required by the code, but is part of our procedure.
OTHER MATTERS
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COMMISSION/STAFF COMMUNICATION
Chief Planner Rosen clarified that the Planning Commission meeting of November 12th was cancelled and the next meeting would be November 19, 2003.
A Community meeting was held on October 14, 2003 regarding the Moody subdivision, staff is working out issues with the neighbors noting some are supportive and others have concerns.
A large and well attended meeting on West Coyote Hills was held on Monday, October 22, 2003 with about 250 people in attendance, they were many concerns raised and questions answered. Chief Planner Rosen noted that Dr. Young did an excellent job of moderating and keeping the meeting moving. He noted that it would be rebroadcast on channel 3 on October 23, 24 and 28th at 6:00 p.m. and there are videotapes available in the Planning Department for check out.
Chairman Price asked if a representative from the developer was on hand to answer questions or if all questions were directed to staff. Chief Planner Rosen noted the developer and applicant were on hand, although most questions were directed to staff and the consultants, which was the intended focus of the meeting.
Commissioner Savage questioned what the code requirements are with regard to seats for a church versus vehicles. Chief Planner Rosen noted it is 3 seats to 1 car. He also noted that the demographics that drove the parking standards may have changed, and part of the conditioning on churches is that we look at timing, phasing, services, etc.
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REVIEW OF COUNCIL ACTIONS
Chief Planner Rosen gave a brief report on the recent City Council meetings.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was no one present who wished to speak on any matter within the Commission's jurisdiction.
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AGENDA FORECAST
The next meeting of the Fullerton Planning Commission will be November 19, 2003, at 4:00 p.m.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m.
