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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-07MINUTES August 7, 2008 CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION TAPE 1 CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 7:30 n. m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Commissioner Oborne, Commissioner Moore, Commissioner Sim, Commissioner Prouty, Commissioner Zemke, V ice Chairperson Teglia and Chairperson Giusti ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Planning Division: Susy Kalkin, Chief Planner Steve Carlson, Senior Planner Girard Beaudin, Senior Planner Linda Ajello, Associate Planner Sean Flanagan, Associate Planner Bertha Aguilar, Admin. Asst. II City Attorney: Brian Grossman, Assistant City Attorney Engineering Division: Sam Bautista, Senior Civil Engineer Police Department: Sergeant ]on Kallas, Planning Liaison CHAIR COMMENTS Chairperson Giusti announced the passing of Joseph Fernekes and noted that the meeting would be adjourned in his honor. Commissioner Prouty asked those present to stand and observe a moment of silence for Joe Fernekes while he rang 8 bells to honor Mr. Fernekes who was an honorary member of the Oyster Point Yacht Club. He added that the City had lost a valuable member of the community noting that Joe had played an integral part in so many of the City's projects. Vice Chairperson Teglia noted that Joe Fernekes moved to SSF when he was 21, had been a member of the School Board of Trustees and his PE teacher. He pointed out that he had certainly left his mark on South San Francisco. Commissioner Zemke noted that Joe was his role model and will miss him. Commissioner Sim reiterated the Commission's sentiments. Commissioner Moore noted that he worked with Joe on the Centennial Committee and will also miss him. Commissioner Oborne recalled seeing Joe when she was in the Citizen's Academy and was impressed that he had been present every week. AGENDA REVIEW No Changes ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Approval of regular meeting minutes of July 17, 2008. 2. Type "C" Sign Program Planning Commission Meeting of August 7, 2008 S & W Signs/applicant Citi Garden/owner 245 S. Airport Blvd P08-0039: Signs08-0024 & DR08-0018 (Continue to August ZZ, 2008) Type "C" Sign Permit for the Citi Garden Hotel/SFO at 245 So. Airport Blvd in the Planned Commercial Zone (P-C-L) District in accordance with SSFMC Chapters 20.24, 20.76 & 20.86 Motion Teglia /Second Prouty to approve the Consent Calendar. Chairperson Giusti -abstained from approval of the minutes. PUBLIC HEARING 3. Type "C" Sign Program -Summerhill SummerHill Homes/Owner Marketshare, Inc/Applicant 1410 EI Camino Real P03-0092: SignsS08-0028 Type "C" Master Sign Permit for Summerhill Homes to install temporary on-site marketing signs at 1410 EI Camino Real in the Transit Village (TV-RH) Zone District in accordance with SSFMC Chapters 20.27, 20.76 & 20.86. Public Hearing opened. Chief Planner Kalkin presented the staff report. James Gochnauer, Marketshare, noted he was available for any questions the Commission might have. Vice Chairperson Teglia was concerned with the bay window area being covered with a sign for a year since it is such a prominent feature Commissioner Prouty and Commissioner Oborne agreed with Vice Chairperson Teglia's comment. Commissioner Oborne noted that a change of color might improve the look and feel of the sign. Vice Chairperson Teglia stated that the applicant can accomplish their goals with the ground signs but felt the sign on the bay window was too much. Mr. Gochnauer noted that they are open to changing the color of the sign in question. There being no speakers the Public Hearing was closed. Motion Teglia /Second Prouty to approve P03-0092: Signs8-0028 with deletion of the clinging window signs. On the question: Commissioner Zemke asked the applicant if they were willing to remove the clinging sign and replace it with a ground sign on the corner. Vice Chairperson Teglia noted that this is a good alternative. Motion Teglia /Second Prouty to amend the motion as suggested by Commissioner Zemke. Roll Call: Ayes: Commissioner Oborne, Commissioner Zemke, Commissioner Sim, Commissioner Moore, Commissioner Prouty, Vice Chairperson Teglia and Chairperson Giusti Noes: None s:\rniwutes~~i.wAL[zed M%vLUtes~2oGf~oB-off--08 RPC rniwu~es.doc PAOe 2 of 6 Planning Commission Meeting of August 7, 2008 Abstain: None Absent: None Approved by roll call vote. 4. Time Extension for Home Depot Greenberg Farrow - C. Shaw/applicant Acadia D.R. Mgmt Inc/owner 900 Dubuque Ave. PCA08-0004 (P05-0035, PUD05-0003, UP05-0010, TDM05-0003, Signs05-0044, DR05-0020 & EIR05-0003) Time Extension -Commercial Planned Unit Development Permit allowing parking in a portion of the front setback; Use Permit allowing outdoor sales, outdoor storage, a use generating in excess of 100 vehicle trips per day, up to 24 hour daily operation, and the determination of a parking rate; Design Review of a 101,171 square foot Home Depot store, a 24,215 square foot garden center, open at-grade parking and a 2 level parking structure; Transportation Demand Management Plan reducing vehicle trips; Type C Sign Permit allowing a master sign program consisting of new building facade signs with a total sign area of 1,103 square feet located at 900 Dubuque Avenue (APN 015-021-090 & SBE 135- 41-41 PAR.1) in the Planned Commercial Zoning District (P-C-L) in accordance with SSFMC Chapters: 20.24, 20.74, 20.76, 20.78, 20.81, 20.84, 20.85, 20.86 & 20.120. An EIR assessing the environmental impacts associated with the development was previously certified by the City Council on ]uly 26, 2006). Public Hearing opened. Senior Planner Carlson presented the staff report Beverly Metz, Home Depot Senior Real Estate Manager, noted that they are revisiting their budget and re evaluating construction costs for the approved Home Depot design. Commissioner Prouty noted concern with granting an extension if the property would be vacant for another year He added that there have been leasing signs posted at the site and questioned if the applicant intended to lease the building. Ms. Metz noted that they have decided not to move forward with the San Francisco location which changes their market strategy and improves the viability of the South San Francisco location. She noted that they have been marketing the property to allow time for them to evaluate the construction costs and design. Commissioner Zemke noted that the Lowe's project turned out very nice and was concerned that Home Depot will cut costs on the design of the building. Ms. Metz noted that they are fully committed to maintaining the approved design elements, but are looking at construction and geotechnical costs. Commissioner Sim asked if the applicant is looking at the internal and functional aspects of the building rather than the aesthetics. Commissioner Moore stated that there seems to be some sort of competition because Lowe's and Home Depot stores are built next to each other in other areas. Ms. Metz noted that shopping patterns and number of stores within a market can help or can hurt. She noted that in Metro 280 there are two Home Depot stores that are successful that are across the street from each other. She stated that Home Depot had felt both this and the San Francisco location would be too much, but the market shift has been a good thing for their business because it drives shoppers. Commissioner Moore noted that Home Depot has closed some stores. Ms. Metz replied that they have closed 15 stores across the nation but are monopolizing on market conditions in this area. s:\n~tawutes~Fun.a~ized r~iwutes~2oo~oR-off-oR RPC Miv~utes.doc Paue s of 6 Planning Commission Meeting of August 7, 2008 Public Hearing closed. Motion Teglia /Second Sim to grant a one year extension. On the question: Commissioner Prouty noted that he is not in favor of a one year extension and felt more comfortable granting a 6 month extension to see what occurs with the site. He was concerned with the property being vacant for a long period of time. Ms. Metz was concerned that 6 months would not be sufficient time if this required them to go through the planning and building processes but could be okay if they could with return for another 6 month extension if needed at that time. Vice Chairperson Teglia added that the design changes should not be very substantial and in 6 months the applicant could have a good estimate on a construction schedule. Motion Teglia /Second Sim to approve resolution 2674-2008 with a recommendation fora 6 month time extension. Roll Call: Ayes: Commissioner Oborne, Commissioner Zemke, Commissioner Sim, Commissioner Moore, Commissioner Prouty, Vice Chairperson Teglia and Chairperson Giusti Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None Approved by roll call vote. Vice Chairperson Teglia asked that staff convey to Council that the 6 month review is predicated on the expectation that either plans will be submitted for finalization, or the applicant demonstrates substantial progress towards submitting construction plans. 5. Anchor Drugs Richard & Jennifer Jajeh /Owner John Muffareh /Applicant PCA08-0003: (P07-0114, DR07-0071, SIGNS07-0049 & VAR07-0006) Review of alternative methods for changeable copy and refinements to the proposed signs related to the conversion of an existing office building into a mix of retail and medical office uses at 161 S. Spruce Avenue in the Planned Commercial (P-C-L) Zone District, in accordance with SSFMC 20.24, 20.76, 20.82 and 20.85. Chief Planner Kalkin presented the staff report. John Muffareh noted he was available to answer any questions the Commission might have. Vice Chairperson Teglia noted that LCD signs are less intrusive than LED signs. He noted that when the Commission discussed the item he was under the impression that the announcements were going to be for hours and certain specials the business would have. He noted that 20 feet reaches the sidewalk and Spruce Avenue and questioned what type of messages the applicant was going to put on the sign and what type of audience they were reaching out to. Mr. Muffareh noted that the location of the sign places it at 20 feet to the curve and for drivers on Spruce it does not allow enough clarity. He stated that they are looking at 40 to 60 foot viewing distance and anything closer will distort the image. He pointed out that an LCD unit requires multiple screens and is best designed for viewing video at a much closer range. Vice Chairperson Teglia questioned if this is the best technology available. Mr. Muffareh noted that it is good for viewing videos or a moving display. Vice Chairperson Teglia clarified that the display will not be running letters but s:~r^Lwutes~riwalLzed rnCwutes~2oo8~o8-ot-o8 rzpC Miwutes.doc page ~ v f ~ Planning Commission Meeting of August 7, 2008 a static display that will change. Mr. Muffareh replied affirmatively and noted that it is a privilege to have the opportunity to have this type of sign in the City. He added that the advertisements would be screening tests, vaccinations and on occasion a sponsor's logo. He noted that their main goal is to advertise a service to the members of the City and not sales advertising. Commissioner Oborne noted her concern about the potential for the copy on the signs to eventually cross over from this type of service advertising to advertising of goods. Commissioner Zemke asked that the applicant describe where the sign would be located. Mr. Muffareh noted that it would be along the street where the green belt is located. Commissioner Sim noted that the graphics are not available for details such as stone texture and other details. Mr. Muffareh noted that it is part of the original design approval and added that in terms of the copy, it will be straight forward without any special additions. Chief Planner Kalkin noted that that the copy was conditioned and read Condition of Approval A7 into the record as it was approved by the Commission for project number P07-0114, speaking of the type of copy allowed. Motion Teglia /Second Sim to accept the review as fulfillment of the Conditions of Approval Roll Call: Ayes: Commissioner Oborne, Commissioner Zemke, Commissioner Sim, Commissioner Moore, Commissioner Prouty, Vice Chairperson Teglia and Chairperson Giusti Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None Approved by roll call vote. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 6. Update on 648 Commercial Avenue Chief Planner Kalkin gave a status report on design outcome for the 648 Commercial Avenue project. Rita Fontana (represented her parents Serafino and Rose Fontana) noted that the this meeting was meant to have the Commission discuss the comments of the Design Review Board (DRB) on July 17`". She pointed out that the side entrance was removed at that meeting and the property owner was to obtain a survey showing the placement of the structure on the lot. She added that the architect stated that the owner, Mr. Valencia, would like to revisit the side entrance but opted to table it in order to expedite the process. She pointed out that the Commission's packet continues to reflect the side entrance on the plans at the basement floor. She was informed by Senior Planner Beaudin that the revised plans were in plan check and when she spoke to Chief Building Official Kirkman she found that the stairs were removed and the planter remained. She added that she discussed the surveyors map with her Civil Engineer, Mr. Arata, and noted that the new map by, Mr. Valencia's Civil Engineer, Dominguez and Associates, shows the three story structure five feet from the property line on the corner closest to Commercial Avenue and on the back of the house it is 4 feet 11 inches from the property line. She added that the map reflects that the two story structure in the back is one and a half feet from the property line, but it is actually 9 inches from the property line per Mr. Arata's survey. Ms. Fontana noted that with the history of the project a more accurate survey needs to be performed. She noted that the measurements were to be taken from Mr. Arata's survey and the survey does not reflect this. Vice Chairperson Teglia asked staff if the side entrance was deleted. Chief Planner Kalkin replied affirmatively and noted that the applicant agreed to do so at the DRB meeting. Commissioner Prouty questioned which map would be used. Chief Planner Kalkin replied that these are both licensed engineers and will have to be reconciled through a third party via the City Engineer. She added that this section of the City is difficult because there are not many monuments to use as a starting point. Ms. Fontana s:~rniwu~es~riwallzed r~tivLUtes~2ooR\os~-of-o8 r2.PC rnlwutes.doc pagesof 6 Planning Commission Meeting of August 7, 2008 pointed out that it was difficult for them to do the survey because there are no monuments in the area at all. Vice Chairperson Teglia questioned if there was still an issue since the side entrance was removed. Chief Planner Kalkin noted that the setback does not change but there will not be any closer encroachment and the initial issue was a walkway on the side of the property which will not be there. Commissioner Prouty noted that the Commission needs be confident in staff's ability to resolve this issue. Commissioner Sim noted his concern with the elevations stating that it looks like a false facade sitting on top of a thin horizontal slab, the columns are on a different grid line and the parapet looks like it is falling apart. Vice Chairperson Teglia and Commissioner Sim discussed the lack in appealing aesthetics of the design. Vice Chairperson Teglia added that the Commission tried to accommodate the applicant and is concerned that the home will stick out like a sore thumb. Commissioner Sim noted that there is no base ground level and the home does not feel like it has firmness. Mr. Valencia, owner, noted that the reason for this is that there is a structural beam and the railing cantilevers over the beam. He added that the railing is in the front portion and does not go behind. Vice Chairperson Teglia noted that there are exterior railings that the public is going to be looking through. Mr. Valencia noted that the railings will be on the outside perimeter of the deck. Commissioner Sim noted that it could work if the railing goes in and engages the facade. Mr. Valencia noted this could be done. The Commission discussed the option of appealing the Chief Planner's approval and it was decided that the Chief Planner can incorporate the Commission's concerns as items that need to be addressed. Commissioner Sim suggested that the railing could look more 3 dimensional such as a bay window. He encouraged the applicant to engage the faSade. Vice Chairperson Teglia noted that the Chief Planner can incorporate these suggestions and give the Commission and update as to the final decision. ITEMS FROM STAFF Chief Planner Kalkin presented new Associate Planners Sean Flanagan and Linda Ajello to the Planning Commission. Associate Planners Ajello and Flanagan gave a brief summary of their work history. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC ADJOURNMENT None None 9:23 P.M. Motion Prouty /Second Moore to adjourn the meeting in memory of Joseph Fernekes. Approved by unanimous voice vote. /,, / r SusyKalkin ;~" ' -- Secretary to tF~e Planning Commission City of South San Francisco ~ ~~~ ~~~~cc:cd~ Mary Giusti, Chairperson Planning Commission City of South San Francisco SK/bla s:~r~iwutes~fiwa~~zed n~~wutes~2oo~og-off-oA Rpc Miv~utes.doc Pane H of h