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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-11-2011 Planning Commission PacketTable of Contents Agenda 2 April 27, 2011 Draft Minutes 4 Applications ZOA11-0001, GPA11-0001 - The Planning Commission of the City of Saratoga will consider recommendations to the City Council concerning: Staff Report 6 1 CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA DATE: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - 7:00 p.m. PLACE: Council Chambers/Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting ROLL CALL Commissioners – Chair Douglas Robertson, Vice-Chair Tina K. Walia, Mary-Lynne Bernald, Pragati Grover, Joyce Hlava, David Reis and Yan Zhao PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MINUTES Action Minutes from the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of April 27, 2011 ORAL COMMUNICATION Any member of the Public will be allowed to address the Planning Commission for up to three minutes on matters not on this agenda. The law generally prohibits the Planning Commission from discussing or taking action on such items. However, the Planning Commission may instruct staff accordingly regarding Oral Communications under Planning Commission direction to Staff. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS- PLANNING COMMISSION DIRECTION TO STAFF REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on May 5, 2011 REPORT OF APPEAL RIGHTS If you wish to appeal any decision on this Agenda, you may file an “Appeal Application” with the City Clerk within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of the decision, pursuant to Municipal Code 15-90.050 (b). All interested persons may appear and be heard at the above time and place. Applicants/Appellants and their representatives have a total of ten minutes maximum for opening statements. Members of the Public may comment on any item for up to three minutes. Applicant/Appellants and their representatives have a total of five minutes maximum for closing statements. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Applications ZOA11-0001, GPA11-0001 - The Planning Commission of the City of Saratoga will consider recommendations to the City Council concerning: - a) An amendment to Saratoga Municipal Code section 15-58.020(c) to provide that mixed use projects may include less than 50% commercial space (if authorized by the Planning Commission) only if the project is less than five residential units; b) An amendment to Saratoga Municipal Code section 15-58.020(d) to provide that mixed use projects may use shared parking (if authorized by the Planning Commission) only if the project includes fewer than five residential units; and c) An amendment to the Land Use Element of the Saratoga General Plan to clarify that the higher densities currently allowed in the CN(RHD) district at Prospect and Lawrence Avenue are allowed only at that site and not elsewhere in the City. (Christopher Riordan, AICP) 2 DIRECTORS ITEM COMMISSION ITEMS COMMUNICATIONS ADJOURNMENT TO NEXT MEETING Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers/Civic Theater 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (408) 868-1269 or ctclerk@saratoga.ca.us. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II). POSTING Certificate of Posting of Agenda: I, Lori McKenna, Office Specialist for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on May 5, 2011, at the office of the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and was available for public review at that location. The agenda is also available on the City’s website at www.saratoga.ca.us If you would like to receive the Agenda’s via e-mail, please send your e-mail address to planning@saratoga.ca.us NOTE: To view previous Planning Commission meetings anytime, go the City Video Archives at www.saratoga.ca.us 3 CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION DRAFT ACTION MINUTES DATE: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 - 7:00 p.m. PLACE: Council Chambers/Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting ROLL CALL Commissioners – Chair Douglas Robertson, Vice-Chair Tina K. Walia, Mary-Lynne Bernald, Pragati Grover, Joyce Hlava, David Reis and Yan Zhao PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MINUTES Action Minutes from the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of April 13, 2011(Approved, 7:0) ORAL COMMUNICATION Any member of the Public will be allowed to address the Planning Commission for up to three minutes on matters not on this agenda. The law generally prohibits the Planning Commission from discussing or taking action on such items. However, the Planning Commission may instruct staff accordingly regarding Oral Communications under Planning Commission direction to Staff. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS- PLANNING COMMISSION DIRECTION TO STAFF REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on April 21, 2011 REPORT OF APPEAL RIGHTS If you wish to appeal any decision on this Agenda, you may file an “Appeal Application” with the City Clerk within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of the decision, pursuant to Municipal Code 15-90.050 (b). All interested persons may appear and be heard at the above time and place. Applicants/Appellants and their representatives have a total of ten minutes maximum for opening statements. Members of the Public may comment on any item for up to three minutes. Applicant/Appellants and their representatives have a total of five minutes maximum for closing statements. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Adopt Resolution finding that City’s Capital Improvement Program for FY11/12 is consistent with the City of Saratoga’s General Plan. (John Cherbone) (Approved, 7:0) 2. APPLICATION PDR11-0004; T-Mobile (Sutro Consulting); 19700 Allendale Avenue (397-30-053) - The applicant is requesting Design Review approval for a wireless telecommunication antenna facility on a new 97 foot tall pole. Per the applicant, the pole height is necessary to provide an adequate cellular signal to service residential areas north and northwest of the intersection of Saratoga Avenue and Fruitvale Avenue. The height is also necessary to provide coverage beyond the tree line and allow for down tilt which helps in cellular coverage. The height would allow future carriers to locate below the T-Mobile antennas such that 10 feet of separation is required between installations. Initially, T-Mobile would install six (6) antennas at the top of the pole with an antenna center height of 90 feet. Future carriers could occupy a lower portion of the pole with an antenna center height of 75 feet. The pole would be designed to look 4 like a pine tree, otherwise known as a “mono-pine” stealth installation. The equipment would be located at the base of the pole and enclosed in a 10.5 foot x 49 foot area (515 SF) surrounded by a chain link fence with green plastic slats. The enclosure would match the fence surrounding the corporation maintenance yard. T-Mobile would occupy three (3) cabinets, leaving space for three (3) future carrier cabinets. The enclosure would displace at least two parking spaces (including a handicapped space) and an area used by residents for filling sand bags. The applicant will be required to re-stripe the parking lot to replace the loss of the handicapped space and other spaces as requiredThe pole would be located on public property adjacent to an industrialized maintenance yard. Surrounding uses include residences, a school, a post- office, a public library, a church, City Hall and other public uses. The applicant has submitted an Existing Coverage Map showings a gap in coverage in the area and a proposed Coverage Map showing the projected improvement in coverage from the proposed wireless installation (Attachment 6). The maximum radio- frequency exposure level was calculated at .026% of the public exposure limit set by the Federal Communications Commission. The site is zoned R1-20,000 and the General Plan designation is Community Facilities (Cynthia McCormick, Assistant Planner) (Approved, 7:0) DIRECTORS ITEM COMMISSION ITEMS COMMUNICATIONS ADJOURNMENT TO NEXT MEETING - Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers/Civic Theater 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (408) 868-1269 or ctclerk@saratoga.ca.us. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II). POSTING Certificate of Posting of Agenda: I, Abby Ayende, Office Specialist for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Saratoga was posted on April 21, 2011, at the office of the City of Saratoga, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070 and was available for public review at that location. The agenda is also available on the City’s website at www.saratoga.ca.us If you would like to receive the Agenda’s via e-mail, please send your e-mail address to planning@saratoga.ca.us NOTE: To view previous Planning Commission meetings anytime, go the City Video Archives at www.saratoga.ca.us 5 REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION Application No./Location: ZOA11-0001 – Zoning Ordinance Amendment GPA11-0001 – General Plan Amendment Subject : Ordinance Amending Mixed-Use Development Standards and an amendment to the General Plan Land Use Element Location : City Wide Applicant: City of Saratoga Staff Planner: Christopher Riordan, AICP Meeting Date: May 11, 2011 Department Head: Christopher Riordan, AICP RECOMMENDED ACTION: It is recommended that the Planning Commission review and make recommendations to the City Council on the following: 1. A draft Zoning Ordinance Amendment regarding modifications to the Mixed Use Development Standards [City Code Sections 15-58.020(c) and 15-58.020(d)] 2. Amendments to the General Plan Land Use Element. BACKGROUND: Joint Council/Commission Meeting – July 21, 2010 At their July 21, 2010 Joint Meeting, the City Council and the Planning Commission (Commission) discussed policy issues arising from a proposed citizens’ initiative including Measure Q and proposed zoning code and General Plan amendments. At the meeting the City Council directed the Planning Commission to review and make recommendations regarding (a) a General Plan Amendment to clarify that previously approved density increases apply only to the existing C-N(RHD) zoning district; and (b) Zoning Amendments concerning mixed use projects. Commission Study Session – March 23, 2011 The Commission reviewed the proposed amendments to the Mixed Use Development Standards and the General Plan Land Use Element during a March 23rd , 2011 Study Session. During the meeting the Commission made the following recommendations and suggestions: Zoning Code: Mixed Use Density The Commission discussed the proposed changes to City Code Section 15-58.020(c) and recommended that the original text not be modified. 6 Zoning Code: Shared Parking for Mixed Use Project The Commission did not reach a consensus on this issue. The Commission asked Staff to clarify the definition of “project” with respect to allowing shared parking on projects with fewer than five residential units and if a “project” would be defined as a building addition, a building renovation, or a new building. Staff did discuss the definition of “project” with the City Attorney. As the word “project” is currently used in the City Code, shared parking could be allowed on building additions, renovations, and new buildings. The Commission also discussed the current parking moratorium for the Village and the possible impacts caused by shared parking. General Plan: Description of the Commercial Retail Land Use Designation The Commission discussed the proposed changes to the description of the Commercial Retail Land Use Designation City Code Section 15-58.020(c) and recommended that the text be modified to include the proposed changes. General Plan: Modification of Table LU-1 (Land Use Categories) The Commission discussed the proposed changes to General Plan Land Use Table LU-1 and recommended that the table be modified to include the proposed changes. REPORT SUMMARY The following table is a summary of changes proposed in the Zoning Ordinance Amendment for Article 15-58 - Mixed Use Development Standards and the General Plan Land Use Element. The specific text of the proposed amendments is included in the attachments. Topic Current Approach Proposed Changes Zoning Code: Mixed Use Density City Code Section 15-58.020(c) requires mixed use projects to have a residential floor area of at least 50% of the project’s total floor area and allows the Planning Commission to approve a higher percentage of residential floor area (and commensurately less other mixed use) if certain findings can be made.. The proposed amendment would permit projects with residential floor areas in excess of 50% of total floor area only for projects with fewer than five residential units. The Planning Commission approval and findings requirement would remain. Zoning Code: Shared Parking for Mixed Use Projects City Code Section 15-58.020(d) allows both the commercial and residential uses of a mixed use project to share parking if approved by the Planning Commission if it is found to have no adverse impacts on adjacent uses. The proposed amendment would only allow the Planning Commission to approve shared parking only on projects with fewer than five residential units. General Plan: Description of the The description of the Commercial Retail (CR) land use designation on The proposed amendment would state that the commercial area near Prospect Avenue 7 Topic Current Approach Proposed Changes Commercial Retail Land Use Designation Page 12 of the Land Use Element includes a statement that the “The commercial area near Prospect Road and Lawrence Expressway is suitable for high density mixed use development with a minimum density of 20 units per net acre and for emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive housing for homeless individuals and families.” and Lawrence Expressway is the only CR land use designation suitable for high density mixed use development with a minimum density of 20 units per net acre and for emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive housing for homeless individuals and families.” General Plan: Modification of Table LU-1 (Land Use Categories) The description of the Commercial Retail (CR) land use category in Table LU-1 on Page 16 of the Land Use Element states that high density mixed use projects and emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive housing for homeless individuals and families are appropriate consistent with applicable zoning. The proposed amendment would change the description of the Commercial Retail (CR) land use category to state that high density mixed use projects and emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive housing for homeless individuals and families are appropriate in the commercial area near Prospect Avenue and Lawrence Expressway consistent with applicable zoning. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed amendments and additions to the City Code are Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15061(b)(3). CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential of causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. FISCAL IMPACT(S): There are no negative fiscal impacts associated with the approval of the proposed ordinance. ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S): None FOLOW UP ACTIONS(S): As directed. ADVERTISING, NOTICING AND PUBLIC CONTACT: Notice of this meeting was properly posted and published in the Saratoga News on 27 April 2011. The Saratoga News is a newspaper having general circulation in the City. Staff has not received any negative comments on the proposed amendments as of the writing of this staff report. ATTACHMENT: • Resolution 8