2015/08/13 Planning Commission MinutesROHNERT PARK PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
August 13, 2015
The Planning Commission of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in a regular session commencing at 6:00
p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 130 Avram Avenue, with Chairperson Blanquie presiding.
Call To Orderj Chairperson Blanquie called the meeting of the regular session to order at
approximately 6:00 p.m. with Chairperson Blanquie leading the pledge.
Roll Call
Present: (3) Commissioners: Commissioner Blanquie, Commissioner Borba
and, Commissioner Adams were present. Commissioner Giudice and
Commissioner Haydon were excused.
Planner III, Jeffrey Beiswenger, Technical Advisor, Norm Weisbrod and
Recording Secretary, Suzie Azevedo were present.
Declaration of None
Abstention +
Acknowledgement of
Public Noticing
Chairperson Blanquie acknowledged the posting of the Agenda of this meeting in
three (3) public places, per the requirements of the Brown Act.
Approval of Minutes The minutes of May 28, 2015 and June 11, 2015 will be reviewed at the next
meeting.
Unscheduled Public
earances
Site Plan and
Architectural Review
File No. PLSU2015-0002
Cullen
Williamson/Mary's Pizza
Shack
None
Technical Advisor, Norm Weisbrod, presented the staff report. The applicant,
Mary's Pizza Shack, proposes the following modifications to the existing Mary's
Pizza Shack restaurant:
• An 835 square foot event room addition located at the northwest corner of
the building. This addition will extend into an area that is primarily unused parking
lot paving and a small section of lawn area.
• A 305 square foot addition to the back bar area, bar cooler and bar
addition and expansion.
• A 368 square foot addition to the kitchen.
• Relocation of the trash enclosure.
Mr. Weisbrod overviewed details related to the exterior/interior modifications,
parking, landscaping and operational aspects of the proposal, stating that the
additions will require some minor modifications to the exterior of the building. Mr.
Weisbrod provided a summary of the changes and recommended approval of the
proposed additions, subject to the findings and conditions of approval including:
Planning Commission Minutes
August 13, 2015
Site Plan and
Architectural Review
File No. PLSR2014-0001
Tom JacksonNeale
Investment Properties
• A variety of shrubs and groundcover shall be planted along the west wall
of the event room addition to replace the shrubs removed, details subject
to staff approval.
• Three inverted U bicycle racks shall be provided adjacent to the entrance
of the building, details subject to approval of the Development Services
Department.
Merle Avila, 5850 Commerce Boulevard and project architect was recognized.
They agree to all conditions set forth and will respond to any questions the
Commission might have.
All Commissioners expressed favorable comments regarding the Mary's Pizza
Shack business and presence in the community as well as proposed site
improvements.
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner
Borba to adopt Resolution No. 2015-11 approving Site Plan and Architectural
Review to allow modifications to Mary's Pizza Shack, subject to the findings and
conditions of approval. The motion passed with a 3-0 vote. (AYES: Adams,
Blanquie, Borba; NOES: 0; ABSENT: Giudice, Haydon)
Norm Weisbrod presented the staff report. At its meeting of April 24, 2014, the
Planning Commission approved plans for the remodeling of the shopping center.
The owner of the shopping center is requesting modifications to reduce costs to
the proposed renovations. He has been receiving estimates for the renovation
that are cost prohibitive. Mr. Weisbrod reviewed the changes to include the
following:
• There will be no roof extension over the entrance to the market. However,
new entrance doors will be installed.
• The existing fascia band across the front of the building will remain and
the corrugated metal roof will not be installed.
• The section of wall covered with stone will remain.
• The outdoor seating with the guard rail will remain but will be located
adjacent to the front building wall under the existing roof overhang.
• The colors will be basically the same except the dark band that was a
concern of the Commission has been replaced with a much lighter color.
• The new raised planters across the front of the building will be retained.
• Signage will be provided on the existing fascia band.
Mr. Weisbrod stated that even though the owner has reduced some of the
architectural treatment proposed in the original application because of the high
cost, the modified improvements will still be an improvement in the appearance of
the center. Mr. Weisbrod recommended approval based on the findings and
conditions of approval.
Commissioner consensus questioned how the stepping back of improvements will
upgrade the aesthetics/appearance of the center. All were excited with the
original proposal and the outward aesthetics proposed were key to the
improvements.
2
Planning Commission Minutes
August 13. 2015
Site Plan and
Architectural Review
File No. PLSR2015-0004
Chris Scerri/Bellwether
Properties
Tom Jackson, Veale Investments was recognized. Upon evaluation of the
original improvements approved, the owner determined the market cost for the
improvements was out of scope and budget. Mr. Jackson stated it will still appear
significantly better with the new lighting, the color scheme, windows, path of travel
etc. and will drastically improve the appearance of the center. The alternative
would be to leave as is.
The Commission, staff and applicant reviewed the major changes of the
alterations proposed. It was agreed that any improvement would be welcomed
and update the appearance of the center.
A motion was made by Commissioner Borba, seconded by Commissioner Adams
to adopt Resolution No. 2015-12 approving Site Plan and Architectural Review to
allow modifications to Southwest Plaza Shopping Center, subject to the findings
and conditions of approval. The motion passed with a 3-0 vote. (AYES: Adams,
Blanquie, Borba; NOES: 0; ABSENT: Giudice, Haydon)
Norm Weisbrod presented the staff report. The original approval of the Project
included color building elevations and a color materials board. The roofing
material indicated on the approved plans and color board is concrete tile called
"Flat Shake Profile". The concrete tile includes three color schemes to match the
three color schemes of the building walls. The developer is requesting a change
to composition shingle roof material. The composition roof material would come
in three color schemes to match the three color schemes of the building. The
applicant's basic reason for the change is:
• Higher cost of the concrete roof material compared to the cost of
composition shingles.
• If solar panels are installed on the building roofs in the future it is much
easier to install solar panels on composition roof material than on concrete tiles.
Mr. Weisbrod evaluated the proposal and indicated that staff at this time is
recommending the retention of the concrete tile material in keeping with "the
developments general appearance and compatibility with existing development
that enhances the surrounding neighborhood". The Fiori Estate apartments
across the street from the Reserve and the new single family homes that will soon
start construction in the Southeast and University District Specific Plan areas are
all using a form of concrete tile for the roofing material.
A lengthy discussion was held regarding industry standard performance on
concrete tile versus composition shingle roofing material.
Chris Scerri/ABS Construction was recognized. Mr. Scerri stated that the main
reason for the change is cost and allowance for solar to be installed, typically
easier to install on composition shingle roofs and provides a lot less risk for water
penetration. Concrete tile is very fragile. At this time the community building
would be installed with solar only and all other buildings would be built "solar
ready" only.
Further discussion was held between staff, commission and applicant. The
Commission asked what the cost would be to make the change. Mr. Scerri
indicated for the proiect about $150,000. The consensus of the Commission was
3
Planning Commission Minutes
Auqust 13. 2015
1
A)
Ch ' p Secret?
that appearance is critical and that it remain consistent and uniform with other
developments in the area and in Rohnert Park.
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner Borba
adopting Resolution No. 2015-13, denying the request to change roofing material
for the Reserve from concrete tiles to asphalt shingles amending the numbering in
the Resolution under findings. The motion passed with a 3-0 vote. (AYES:
Adams, Blanquie, Borba; NOES: 0; ABSENT: Giudice, Haydon)
Items from the Planning
Commission
Matters from Planning
None,
Staff
Adjournment
There being no further business, Chairperson Blanquie adjourned the meeting at
6:50 pm.
1
A)
Ch ' p Secret?