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2009/01/22 Planning Commission MinutesMINUTES THURSDAY, January 22, 2009 The Planning Commission of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in a regular session commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room, 6750 Commerce Blvd., with Chairperson Ahanotu presiding. Call To Order Chairperson Ahanotu called the meeting of the regular session to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. with Chairperson Ahanotu leading the pledge. Roll Call Present (5) Commissioners: Chairperson Ahanotu, Vice Chairperson Armstrong, Commissioner Borba, Commissioner Nilson and Commissioner Nordin were present. Community Development Director, Ron Bendorff, Senior Planner, Maureen Rich and Recording Clerk, Suzie Azevedo were present. Acknowledgement of Chairperson Ahanotu acknowledged the posting of the Agenda of this meeting in Public Noticing three (3) public places, per the requirements of the Brown Act. Unscheduled None. Public Appearances Swearing in of Planning Recording Clerk, Suzie Azevedo, administered the Oath of Office to all appointed Commissioners and Commissioners (Ahanotu, Armstrong, Borba, Nilson and Nordin). Election of Officers Commissioner Nordin nominated Commissioner Borba to serve as Chairperson. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Nilson and approved with a 4-1 vote (AYES: Ahanotu, Borba, Nilson, Nordin — NOES: Armstrong). Commissioner Borba nominated Commissioner Nordin to serve as Vice - Chairperson. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Nilson and approved with a 4-1 vote (AYES: Ahanotu, Borba Nilson, Nordin — NOES: Armstrong). Approval of Minutes Upon motion by Commissioner Armstrong, seconded by Commissioner Ahanotu, the minutes of December 11, 2008 meeting were approved as presented by a 2-1 vote with Commissioner Borba abstaining. Extension of Site Plan Community Development Director, Ron Bendorff, presented the staff report. In and Architectural February 2008, the applicant received Site Plan and Architectural Review Review/Parking approval from the Planning Commission to add an approximately 3,500 square Reduction foot commercial pad building near the Rohnert Park Expressway frontage of the site in an area that is now a portion of the center's parking lot, along with the File No. PL2007-039SR approval of a parking reduction per Section 17.16.040.A of the Municipal Code to accommodate the proposed pad building's footprint. Additionally, the applicant Planning Commission Minutes Tien Pham/Argonaut Investments Extension of Site Plan and Architectural Review File No. PL2006-047SR Fred Becker - Rauschenbach, Marvelli, Becker Architects received approval to remodel the existing buildings so as to update their appearance. Mr. Bendorff reported that no project building permits have been applied for, however, and the approval is set to expire on February 14, 2009. The applicant has submitted a request to extend the approval for an additional year, in conformance with the Municipal Code. Mr. Bendorff noted that the prior staff report was provided for the commission's reference and recommended that the Commission adopt Resolution No. 2009-03 approving the one-year renewal of File No. PL2007-SR. A brief discussion was held by the Commission and staff. A motion was made by Commissioner Nordin, seconded by Commissioner Armstrong to adopt Resolution 2009-03 approving a one-year renewal of Site Plan and Architectural review of a new commercial pad building and the remodel of an existing commercial center and parking reduction for property located at 6305-6585 Commerce Boulevard. The motion passed with a 5-0 vote. Ron Bendorff reviewed the contents of the staff report. On December 14, 2006, the applicant received Site Plan and Architectural Review approval from the Planning Commission for a new commercial building (up to 5250 square feet) that would replace the old Wendy's structure and would be occupied by as many as three tenants. In keeping with the one year expiration timeframe, on October 16, 2007 the applicant obtained a demolition permit to remove the Wendy's building, thereby keeping the approval in effect. Due to the current economic climate, however, the applicant is now requesting an extension of time to insure the approval remains active until construction can begin. Mr. Bendorff noted that a request to extend the approval for an additional year was received on November 24, 2008. The existing approval is still in effect until such time as the Commission acts on the extension request. The new expiration date would be set for December 14, 2009. Mr. Bendorff indicated that the prior staff report was provided for the Commission's reference and recommended that the Commission adopt Resolution No. 2009-04 approving a one-year renewal of File No. PL 2006- 047SR. A brief discussion was held by the Commission and staff. A motion was made by Commissioner Armstrong, seconded by Commissioner Nordin to adopt Resolution 2009-04 approving a one-year renewal of Site Plan and Architectural Review for a new retail building (up to 5250 square feet) for property located at 6277 Commerce Boulevard. uesrgn mewew Senior Planner, Maureen Rich, presented the staff report. She stated that in May 2006, the Planning Commission approved a Site Plan and Architectural Review File No. P12006-014 and sign program for the Rohnert Park Mall located at 6595 Commerce Boulevard. In August 2008 the applicant requested and received approval for a Randy Figueiredo - modification to the existing building that would include new metal siding around Tierney-Figueiredo the entrance to Planet Fitness, a change in the building color, a perforated Architects horizontal metal band centered with in the existing copper -clad mansard roof and addition of two sliding glass doors at the northeast corner of the building and 1200 square foot garden center. Ms. Rich reported that upon staff's review of the building permit application it was discovered that an additional modification was added that included an extension of the perforated band centered over the copper -clad mansard roof on the east and south elevations alona with a sunnort Planning Commission Minutes January22, 2009 Public File No. 2008-001 Don Codding/Codding Enterprises column. Staff notified the applicant that the review required Planning Commission approval and the applicant is now requesting that the Planning Commission approve the modification. Ms. Rich provided a detailed description of the proposed changes and informed the Commission that staff does not support the modification(s) as submitted as it will appear as an aesthetic afterthought and from a functional standpoint serves no purpose. Suggestions have been forwarded to the applicant for achieving a more logical design which included that the mansard roof also be extended along with the metal band. The additional expense of extending the mansard was not favorable to the applicant. At this time staff is recommending denial of the applicants request as submitted and proposed and solicits direction from the Planning Commission on the application as submitted. The architect, Randy Figueirdo, was recognized and gave brief history of the project to date. He commented on the improvements as proposed and the owner's desire to present a more marketable appearance. Mr. Figueirdo addressed staff recommendation of extending the band element and stated that the owner at this time is not in a position to expend the funds that would be necessary to achieve this alternative. Discussion was held between the Commission, architect and staff. The Commission concurred with staff's opinion that the modification appeared to be an afterthought and would compromise the architectural integrity of the building. The Commission offered several additional design alternatives keeping in mind monetary constraints and architectural design. After further discussion, several Commissioners expressed concern that there did not appear to be a willingness on the part of the applicant to work with staff or the Commission to come to an appropriate or acceptable design solution. The Commission strongly recommended that the applicant work with staff in achieving a mutually agreed upon resolution or risk denial of the application in its entirety. COMMISSION ACTION: Refer the matter back to staff with direction to work with the applicant on appropriate and acceptable design alternatives. Staff to submit report updating the Commission of progress and/or resolution. Maureen Rich reviewed the contents of the staff report. Pursuant to the city's Public Art Ordinance, new development and redevelopment projects that have a construction value that exceeds $500,000 are subject to a one percent contribution of the construction cost toward public art. The contribution can be in the form of an on-site art installation or the payment of an in -lieu fee. Earlier this year, Comcast submitted a building permit for tenant improvements having a value of $1,300,000. Based on the one percent denominator, the public art contribution in this case would be $13,000.00. The applicant, Codding Enterprises subsequently commissioned Art Start and Scott Architecutral Graphics to prepare a total of four art pieces including one large wall mural and three small aluminum/steel sculptures for the entire 1400 Valley House Drive site. The total value of the work amounts to $36,841. Ms. Rich stated that the applicant, Codding Enterprises, is requesting that the Commission recognize this recent installation toward the Comcast application requirement and authorize credits for future construction for the value of the art work that exceeds the one valuation requirement. Planning Commission Minutes January 22, 2009 Front Yard Fence Standards Workshop File No. PL2008-025MC City of Rohnert Park Kirstie Moore, Codding Enterprises, was recognized. Ms. Moore commented that public art is an important component for the Sonoma Mountain Village campus and they looked forward to returning with future installations. The Commission overall was pleased with the look and feel of the art installation. A motion was made by Commissioner Nordin, seconded by Commissioner Armstrong to adopt Resolution 2009-11 accepting public art for the Sonoma Mountain Village Comcast improvements and credit for future art work located at 1400 Valley House Drive. The motion passed with a 5-0 vote. Ron Bendorff reviewed the contents of the staff report. At the August 26, 2008 City Council meeting, a letter and photographs were submitted by Mr. Lewis Taber of 1230 Holly Avenue regarding front yard fence heights and treatments. This letter was in response to a Notice of Violation received by Mr. Taber advising him that his front yard fence was in violation of Section 17.14.020 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code (RPMC), which states that "[n]o fence, wall, hedge or screen planting shall exceed a maximum height of three (3) feet in the required front yard setback." In Mr. Taber's response letter he suggested that the City Council review "the necessity of maintaining (Section) 17.14.020 in its present form..." and, in response, the Council asked Staff to review the pertinent RPMC Section and provide a report on potential amendments to the front yard fencing regulations. Mr. Bendorff noted that Staff provided the requested report at the September 23, 2008 Council meeting and was directed by the Council to refer the matter to the Planning Commission to discuss potential amendments to the existing Code provisions (see attached September 23, 2008 Council minutes.) Mr. Bendorff stated that Staff is requesting that the Commission conduct a workshop on the matter to solicit input from interested parties and to provide direction to Staff on possible amendments. Mr. Bendorff outlined front yard fencing standards currently used by the city and those that are common among other Sonoma County communities. Additionally, the following topics were presented for comment and discussion: • Front yard Fence Height • Decorative Attachments • Maximum Front yard Area that may be enclosed • Front yard Fence Setback • Design Guidelines/Materials • Clear Vision Triangles • Method of Review • Non -conforming Fences • Retaining Walls • Hedges Discussion was held between the Commission and staff. Chairperson Borba opened the discussion to members of the audience. April Gambino, 7283 Ciaro Ct, commented on Mr. Taber's fence and added that fencing should be allowed so long as views and property values are not affected. Further discussion was held by the staff and commission. The following areas of Planning Commission Minutes January 22. 2009 discussion were noted: • Fortress effect - How can we eliminate and regulate? • Grade changes difficult -- regulate placement. • Courtyards - Attractive element so long as not offensive to neighbors/neighborhood • Tiering affect to allow openness • Code enforcement/permits • Grandfather clause COMMISSION ACTION: Refer to staff for options and recommendation at a future meeting. Selection of Planning Mr. Bendorff informed the Commission that in the Fall of 2007, the City began Commission Member to work on an update of the General Plan, which is scheduled to be completed in General Plan Update Spring 2009. Mr. Bendorff noted that the Scope of Work and Schedule provided Steering Committee in the Commissions' packet gives an overview of the tasks that have been undertaken to date, those still required to be completed, and a tentative timeline for the project. As required two (2) Councilmembers and two (2) Planning Commissioners are appointed to this Committee. The Council selected Vice Mayor Belforte and Councilmember Callinan as its representatives at its January 13, 2009 meeting. Staff is requesting that the Commission appoint two (2) members to serve on the General Plan Update Steering Committee at this time. COMMISSION ACTION: The Commission selected Commissioner Nordin and Commissioner Borba to serve on the General Plan Update Steering Committee. Matters from Commissioner Armstrong reported on current activity with the Creeks Master Plan Commissioners Committee. Also reported on upcoming attendance at seminar. Due to fiscal constraints will be absorbing cost to attend. Chairperson Barba made a few brief remarks on appointment to Planning Commission and encouraged resident participation to move forward and bring all things good to the Rohnert Park community. Matters from Planning Mr. Bendorff welcomed existing and newly appointed Commissioners. Mr. Staff Bendorff also report on the following items: • Next meeting: Corridor Study Adjournment There being no further business, Chairperson Borba adjourned the meeting at 8:37 pm until Thursday, February 12, 2009.