Menifee Planning Commission Agenda February 10, 2016 City Council Chambers 29714 Haun Road 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting Menifee, CA 92586 THE PURPOSE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS IS TO CONDUCT THE CITY S BUSINESS PLEASE SEE OUR DECORUM POLICY NOTES AT THE END OF THIS AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. FLAG SALUTE 4. AGENDA APPROVAL OR MODIFICATION 5. PRESENTATIONS None 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS 7. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES 7.1. Minutes of January 27, 2016 8. CONSENT CALENDAR - (COMMENTS ON CONSENT AGENDA TAKEN HERE) (All matters on the Consent Calendar are to be approved in one motion unless a Commissioner requests a separate action on a specific item on the Consent Calendar. If an item is removed from the Consent Calendar, it will be discussed individually and acted upon separately.) None 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS 9.1. Public Hearing for Plot Plan 2015-237 Signage Located at 27250 Highway 74 - ARCO AM/PM Gasoline Station and Convenience Store Conduct Continued Public Hearing Adopt Resolution No. PC16-250 approving Plot Plan No. 2015-237 for the signage for an Arco/AMPM gas station and convenience store
10. DISCUSSION ITEMS None 11. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR COMMENTS 12. COMMISSIONER REPORTS ON COMMITTEE ACTIVITES 13. ADJOURNMENT Decorum Policy Notes Please use a speaker request form when you wish to address the Commissioners. The Commission anticipates and encourages public participation at its Commission meeting, both on agenda items and during the public comments period. Please use respect by not having your cell phones on, refrain from talking in the audience or outbursts that may be disruptive. While we encourage participation, we ask there be a mutual respect for the proceedings. Staff Reports Materials related to an item on this Agenda, including those submitted to the Planning Commission after distribution of the agenda packet, are available for public inspection by contacting Jennifer Allen, Planning Commission Secretary, at (951) 672-6777 during normal business hours. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, you should contact Jennifer Allen, Planning Commission Secretary, at (951) 672-6777. Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. City of Menifee Planning Commission Agenda January 27, 2016 Page 2
Menifee Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 27, 2016 Workshop (6:00 p.m.) Workshop for Pre-Application Review No. 2015-234, a preliminary review of a proposal for a retail center located on the southwest corner of Scott Road and Leon Road. Present: Chairman Chris Thomas, Commissioner Mark Doty, Commissioner Robert P. Karwin, Commissioner Randy Madrid (arrived 6:06 p.m.), Commissioner Earl Phillips, Interim Community Development Director Robert Brady, Assistant City Attorney Michelle Molko, Planning Manager Lisa Gordon, Principal Engineer Yolanda Macalalad, Deputy City Clerk Jennifer Allen, and nineteen (19) members of the public. Chair Chris Thomas called the workshop to order at 6:00 pm. Interim Community Development Director Brady introduced the workshop item. Planning Manager Gordon presented the staff report including the location, the zoning, and the project description. She noted the applicant s intent is to provide retail uses to serve the surrounding rural area. Planning Manager Gordon asked that the Commission provide feedback regarding the compatibility of the project with the surrounding area. Angela Little, applicant, presented a powerpoint noting that the proposed project will provide services to the residents that they currently don t have. She gave an overview of the architectural elements, the project amenities and addressed the inconsistency with the current General Plan. Ms. Little reported on the project design that will attract desirable tenants and noted that the project will provide equestrian and pedestrian trails. She stated that her project will set the rural tone for what is desired in the community and will provide jobs. Chair Thomas called for public comment. The Clerk noted the Commission received two (2) letters in opposition of the project. Rick Croy stated that he appreciates the rural design of the project and believes the uses the center will provide will help keep the tax dollars in Menifee. Harry George stated the proposed project is not compatible with the surrounding area and he would like the area to stay rural and non-commercialized.
Mark Taylor stated he owns a business near the proposed project and is in favor of the project with concerns. He stated his concerns and noted he would like to see a well thought out planned area. Sandi Taylor stated that the residents moved to the area to live a rural lifestyle and all the new development has decreased their quality of life. She is concerned that other residents will want to rezone their property. Rickey Reyes stated he is pro-growth, although he is concerned with the area losing its rural atmosphere. The Planning Commission asked questions about the property location and the height of the building. Ms. Little referenced her powerpoint slide to highlight the location of her project and stated the building is single story. Jim Irvin, applicant s representative, stated the overall building will be approximately thirty (30) feet including the parapet. The Commission inquired about the hours of operation for the retail businesses, water quality and drainage, the blue line stream, Ms. Little s role in the project, ample space for large horse trailers to maneuver throughout the plaza, and noise and light mitigation measures. Ms. Little stated the hours of operation have not been determined, although she prefers close of business to be 11:00 p.m. She stated the blue line stream does not pass through her property. Ms. Little noted a retention basin is located to the north of the parking area and the site plan incorporates twenty-eight (28) feet behind the building to allow for the circulation of horse trailers. She stated that during the application process she will need to meet certain mitigation measures to address noise and lighting and her role in the project will be to oversee the project from start to finish and she is excited to build the center. The Commission discussed the type of restaurant proposed, the architecture and theme, the future plans for Scott Road, eliminating access off of Scott Road, providing trailer access between buildings two (2) and three (3), working with the residents to address their concerns, the future high school kids hanging out at the center, and the compatibility of the project with the surrounding area. Commissioner Phillips stated his concerns with water quality and noted he prefers a sit down restaurant and not a fast food restaurant. Commissioner Madrid suggested that the applicant reach out to the surrounding property owners to hear and address their concerns with the project. Commissioner Doty stated his initial concerns with the project noting that the project grew on him after doing research on the future plans for the Scott Road improvements. He likes the design and believes it will set the tone of what is expected for the area and he suggested the applicant set up a workshop with the neighbors. City of Menifee Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 27, 2016 Page 2
Chair Thomas stated that he believes now is not the time for this type of project and it could have an adverse effect on the rural area. He also stated he likes the design of the project but there are other future commercial developments planned for the area that could serve the residents. He noted a small veterinarian clinic is more suitable for this location as it would take more acreage to accommodate the needs of a horse veterinarian facility. Commissioner Karwin stated he agrees with the comments Chair Thomas made and noted that he would like to revisit the concept of this project after the High School has been constructed. He stated that although he likes the design, this is not the time to build this type of project in this rural area. Chair Thomas allowed for additional public comment. David Booth stated he moved to the area to enjoy a rural lifestyle and is opposed to the project. Dennis Tuffin inquired about how the project could contribute to safety methods for the intersection of Scott and Leon as there have been many accidents. Sarah Reyes stated she is opposed to the project and prefers that someone build a beautiful home on the property. Leana Reyes stated that there are enough gas stations within a two (2) mile radius and wants to keep the area rural. Alecia Espena, property owner behind the proposed project, expressed her concerns with the safety of her animals due to spillage that may occur at the proposed gas station and concerns with increased traffic. She would like the area to remain rural. The Planning Commission thanked Ms. Little for her presentation. Chair Thomas closed the workshop at 7:15 p.m. Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.) 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Thomas called the regular meeting to order at 7:18 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Chris Thomas, Commissioner Mark Doty, Commissioner Robert P. Karwin, Commissioner Randy Madrid, Commissioner Earl Phillips, Interim Community Development Director Robert Brady, Assistant City Attorney Michelle Molko, Planning Manager Lisa Gordon, Planning Consultant Russell Brady, Principal Engineer Yolanda Macalalad, Deputy City Clerk Jennifer Allen, and thirteen (13) members of the public. 3. FLAG SALUTE City of Menifee Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 27, 2016 Page 3
4. SELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR Chair Thomas stated he has enjoyed serving on the Commission as Chairman. He opened the nominations for Chair on the Planning Commission. Chair Thomas moved to nominate Robert Karwin as Chairman, Commissioner Doty seconded the motion, which passed on a unanimous roll call vote. Chair Karwin opened the nomination for Vice Chair on the Planning Commission. Commissioner Thomas moved to nominate Earl Phillips as Vice Chair, Commissioner Madrid seconded the motion, which passed on a unanimous roll call vote. 5. AGENDA APPROVAL OR MODIFICATION Interim Community Development Director Brady stated that Item No. 11.1 will be taken out of order and follow the Consent Agenda. 6. PRESENTATIONS None 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS None 8. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES 8.1. Minutes of January 13, 2016 The Meeting Minutes of January 13, 2016 were approved on a motion by Commissioner Phillips, seconded by Commissioner Doty and passed as follows: Ayes: Doty, Karwin, Madrid, Phillips, Thomas Noes: None Absent: None 9. CONSENT CALENDAR - (COMMENTS ON CONSENT AGENDA TAKEN HERE) 9.1. Extension of Time No. 2015-154 for Tentative Tract Map No. 31856 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS Commissioner Doty moved approval of the consent calendar. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Phillips and approved as follows: Ayes: Doty, Karwin, Madrid, Phillips, Thomas Noes: None Absent: None 10.1. Public Hearing for Tentative Parcel Map No. 2015-247 (PM36998) Located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Newport Road and Menifee Road Rite Aid and Archibald s Restaurant City of Menifee Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 27, 2016 Page 4
Interim Community Development Director Robert Brady stated that staff received a request from the applicant to continue Item No. 10.1 to the February 24, 2016 meeting. Chair Karwin opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. The Clerk verified the legal publication and noted no correspondence was received. Commissioner Madrid made a motion to continue Item No. 10.1 to a date specific of February 24, 2016. Commissioner Phillips seconded the motion. The motion passed with a unanimous vote as follows: Ayes: Doty, Karwin, Madrid, Phillips, Thomas Noes: None Absent: None 10.2. Public Hearing for an Amendment to the Menifee Municipal Code to Establish Regulations for Signage within the City of Menifee Development Code Amendment DCA No. 2016-002 Chair Karwin opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m. Interim Community Development Director Brady introduced the Public Hearing item. He also introduced Assistant City Attorney Michelle Molko noting that she is the attorney from Rutan and Tucker that has worked with staff on the item. Planning Manager Gordon presented the staff report noting that the revised sign ordinance will create standards that are appropriate for Menifee and tailored to various uses. She listed the issues with the current sign ordinance and noted that it would be beneficial for the public and planning staff if all signage was contained in one ordinance. The Planning Commission asked questions of staff regarding inflatable airactivated signs, painted window signs, signs affixed to vehicles, the administrative approval process, digital and LED signage, and noted a typo under section 9.76.050, Prohibited Signs (H). Chair Karwin asked for confirmation of the legal publication of the public hearing notice. The Clerk confirmed the legal publication and noted no correspondence was received. Chair Karwin called for public testimony and there was none. Chair Karwin closed the Public Hearing at 8:13 p.m. The Planning Commission thanked staff for the well written Ordinance. The Commission inquired about the fees for various types of sign permits, pole signs, and garage sale signs. Planning Manager Gordon reported on the fees for the various types of signage and noted although there has been a fee established for commercial temporary signage, there is no way to issue a permit. Interim Community Development Director Brady clarified that applications for signage, City of Menifee Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 27, 2016 Page 5
such as pole signs, processed prior to the City Council s approval of the Ordinance will follow the standards set in place at that time. Attorney Molko stated she will review the Ordinance for the inclusion of a reference to garage sale signage. Commissioner Thomas made a motion to adopt Resolution No. PC16-248 forwarding a recommendation to the City Council that it find DCA No. 2016-002 exempt from environmental review and adoption of an Ordinance amending the Municipal Code to include a new Chapter 9.76 entitled Sign Regulations. Commissioner Phillips seconded the motion. The motion passed with a unanimous vote as follows: Ayes: Doty, Karwin, Madrid, Phillips, and Thomas Noes: None Absent: None 11. DISCUSSION ITEMS (this item was heard prior to Public Hearings) 11.1. Workshop for Pre-Application Review No. 2015-264, a preliminary review of a proposal for the development of retail/commercial uses, preschool, medical office, an assisted living facility, and 88 townhomes on approximately 19.08 acres located north of McCall Blvd. and west of Aspel Road. Interim Community Development Director Brady introduced the workshop item. Planning Consultant Brady presented the staff report noting the General Plan land use, project description, and stated the project site is located in the Economic Development Corridor (EDC). He noted the Commission received a supplemental conceptual site plan that includes the required improvements for Antelope Road and Chambers Avenue and would eliminate the residential and office uses and increase the retail use. The Commission asked if the proposed plan will require a zone change. Planning Consultant Brady stated the project is located within the EDC area and therefore will require a change of zone. Chair Karwin called for the applicant to speak. David Ricci, applicant, stated that the initial plan included townhomes, however, the plan has been revised for a mixed-use project that will include an assisted living facility. He gave an overview of his project noting that two stories will be the maximum height they will need to accomplish their goal. Mr. Ricci added that the assisted living facility will include a community center. The Commission inquired about the parking requirements. Mr. Ricci stated during the planning process they will make sure they meet the parking requirements. Chair Karwin called for public comment. Steven Robillard, Keller Realty, stated he represents the property owner to the east of the proposed project and that they support the project. City of Menifee Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 27, 2016 Page 6
Bill Zimmerman referenced the site plan and suggested that the anchor building not be connected to allow a pathway of access and include a gathering seating area. Mr. Ricci stated that he had a conversation with a charter preschool earlier in the day that is interested in being a tenant in the center. He revised the site plan to include a preschool and to provide additional access from the assisted living facility. He noted that he will revise the plan to allow for pedestrian access routes within the shopping center. The Commission discussed expanding on the medical office use, adding a small play/open space area for guests that visit the assisted living facility, the compatibility of a fast food restaurant, the possibility of reducing the fast food buildings and doubling the assisted living facility, the addition of the preschool, communal areas within the project, and the drainage area to the north of the project. The Commission overall agreed that medical office uses and the preschool are highly desirable for the area and noted they liked the design of the project. The Commission thanked the applicant for his presentation. 12. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR COMMENTS Interim Community Development Director Brady thanked Commissioner Thomas for his service as Chairman for the past year and congratulated new Chairman Robert Karwin and Vice Chairman Earl Phillips. He also thanked staff and the City Attorney s Office for their work on the Sign Ordinance. 13. COMMISSIONER REPORTS ON COMMITTEE ACTIVITES Chair Karwin reported that the Citizens Advisory Committee in which Commissioner Madrid and he were appointed to, will have their first meeting on February 11, 2016 to review the annual community development block grants. 14. ADJOURNMENT Chair Thomas adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m. Jennifer Allen, City Clerk City of Menifee Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 27, 2016 Page 7