Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Planning Commission - Meeting Date: 8/2/2018 (3)MINUTES CITY OF GLENDALE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE GLENDALE, AMZONA 85301 THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER Vice Chairperson Hirsch called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. Commissioners Present: Commissioners Crow, Harper, Lenox, Moreno, Wilfong, and Vice Chairperson Hirsch were present. Commissioner Absent: Chairperson Dobbelaere was absent. City Staff Present: David Williams, AICP, Planning Administrator, James Gruber, Chief Deputy City Attorney, Jeremy Underwood, Planner, Thomas Ritz, AICP, Senior Planner and Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary. CITIZEN COMMENTS Vice Chairperson Hirsch called for citizen comments. There were none. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice Chairperson Hirsch stated there were no minutes for approval. WITHDRAWALS AND CONTINUANCES Vice Chairperson Hirsch asked for Withdrawals and Continuances. Mr. David Williams, AICP, Planning Administrator, stated the applicants for the cases below have requested a continuance to the September 6, 2018 Planning Commission Public Hearing. MOUNTAIN AMERICA CREDIT UNION DRIVE-THRU fCUPlS-05): A request by EMA Architects, representing Mountain America Credit Union, for Conditional Use Permit approval to allow a convenience use drive-thru for a financial institution in the C-2 (General Commercial) zoning district. The site is located at the northwest corner of 59th Avenue and Northern Avenue (5910 West Northern Avenue) and is in the Barrel District. Staff contact: Paul Whalen, RLA/AICP, Senior Planner - (623) 930-2597. JAFFAR ESTATES GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND REZONING (GPA17-07 AND ZON17-10): A request by Howard Cornell ofWestwood, representing Jaffar Investments LLC, for a General Plan Amendment from Medium Density Residential up to 3.5 dwelling units per acre to Medium Density Residential up to 5.0 dwelling units per acre and to rezone from Rl-6 (Single Residence) and R-4 (Multiple Residence) to Rl-4 PRD (Single Residence with a Plaimed Residential Development overlay) on approximately 5.98 acres. The site is located north of the August 2,2018 Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 northeast comer of 83rd Avenue and Glendale Avenue (7111 North 83rd Avenue) and is in the Yucca District. Staff Contact: Thomas Ritz, AICP, Senior Planner - (623) 930-2588. JAFFAR ESTATES PRELIMINARY PLAT fPP17-05): A request by Howard Comell of Westwood, representing Jaffar Investments LLC, for Preliminary Plat to permit development of a 23-lot single-family residential subdivision on approximately 5.98 acres titled as "Jaffar Estates". The site is located north of the northeast corner of 83rd Avenue and Glendale Avenue (7111 North 83rd Avenue) and is in the Yucca District. Staff Contact: Thomas Ritz, AICP, Senior Planner (623)930-2588. Vice Chairperson Hirsch asked if there was anyone present who wished to speak on these items. There was no one. PUBLIC HEARmG ITEMS Vice Chairperson Hirsch called for the Public Hearing Items. NAVARETTE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR fCUP18-06): A request by Luis Navarette for Conditional Use Permit approval to operate a tire/minor automotive repair shop within an existing building in the C-2 (General Commercial) zoning district. The site is located at the southwest comer of 59 Avenue and Lamar Road (6746 North 59th Avenue) and is in the Ocotillo District. Staff contact: Jeremy Underwood, Planner - (623) 930-2597. Mr. Jeremy Underwood, Planner, made staffs presentation. He said this is a request by Luis Navarette for Conditional Use Permit approval to operate a tire/minor automotive repair shop within an existing building in the C-2 (General Commercial) zoning district. The site is located at the southwest comer of 59th Avenue and Lamar Road (6746 North 59 Avenue) and is in the Ocotillo District. He stated that the existing stmcture is approximately 3,400 square feet in size and includes one service bay on the south side. As proposed, the facility will sell and install tires as well as provide minor auto vehicle repair including oil changes. The applicant has indicated the hours of operation will be from Sam to 7pm Monday through Sunday. He noted that access to the subject property is provided directly from 59th Avenue via an existing driveway. He added the existing commercial site appears to meet the parking requirements, providing an existing 15 parking spaces with standard parking stall dimensions of 10' x 20'. Also, the existing commercial property provides landscaping along 59th Avenue as well as along the northern boundary of the site (Lamar Road). In closing, Planning Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve this request subject to the following stipulations: 1. Development shall be in substantial conformance with the applicant's project narrative and site plan submittal package date stamped April 12, 2018. August 2, 2018 Planning Commission Minutes Page3 2. The northernmost driveway for the property accessing 59th Avenue and the driveway for the property accessing Lamar Road shall be eliminated. 3. All auto repair work and merchandise displays shall be indoors. Vice Chairperson Hirsch called for the applicant's presentation. Mr. Navarette introduced himself and stated he agreed with staffs recommendation. Vice Chairperson Hirsch opened the public hearing. Mr. Fidelman Speiras, 7551 West Gardenia Avenue, Glendale, Arizona, 85303, had questions regarding a similar request in a C-2 General Commercial zoned property. He said he had inquired about a different property to run a business similar to this proposal and was declined. Vice Chairperson Hirsch asked that he contact staff regarding his proposed project as his questions do not directly relate to the case being heard. Mr. Speiras agreed but pointed out that his application got denied because of fire extinguisher concerns in a C-3 and this was a C-2 application. With no further comments, Vice Chairperson Hirsch closed the public hearing. Vice Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion. Commissioner Moreno made a motion to approve CUP18-06 per the findings and subject to the stipulations contained in the staff report. Commissioner Harper seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 6 to 0. Mr. Jim Gmber, Chief Deputy City Attorney, stated the Planning Commission's decision is final subject to a written appeal received within 15 days. ROVEY FARM ESTATES GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AND REZONING CGPA18-02 AND ZON18-02): A request by Adam Baugh with Withey Morris, PLC, representing KMK, LLC, to amend the General Plan for a 15.4-acre site from EDU (Educational) to MDR 3.5 (Medium Density Residential, 2.5-3.5 du/ac). In addition to the General Plan Amendment, the applicant also seeks to rezone the 15.4-acre site from A-l (Agricultural) to Rl-7 PRD (Single-Residence, Planned Residential Development). The site is located at the northeast comer of 89th Avenue & Emil Rovey Parkway (8806 West Emil Rovey Parkway) and is in the Yucca District. Staff Contact: Jeremy Underwood, Planner 623-930-2553. Mr. Jeremy Underwood, Planner, made staffs presentation. He said this is a request by Adam Baugh with Withey Morris, PLC, representing KMK, LLC, to amend the General Plan for a 15.4- August 2,2018 Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 acre site from EDU (Educational) to MDR 3.5 (Medium Density Residential, 2.5-3.5 du/ac). In addition to the General Plan Amendment, the applicant also seeks to rezone the 15.4-acre site from A-l (Agricultural) to Rl-7 PRD (Single-Residence, Planned Residential Development). He said the site is located at the northeast corner of 89 Avenue and Emil Rovey Parkway (8806 West Emil Rovey Parkway) and is in the Yucca District. Mr. Underwood explained that the developer would be required to submit a preliminary plat as well as a final plat prior to subdividing the subject site. Previously, Peoria Unified School District planned on utilizing the subject site as a location for a school facility; however, as demographics have changed over time, the site is no longer needed by the district. Currently, the property is vacant land. Additionally, this general plan amendment and rezoning request are necessary for the preliminary plat to proceed as a subdivision of the property into residential lots. The applicant has submitted a conceptual site plan which includes 43 single-family residential lots, known as The Enclave at Rovey Farms. Mr. Underwood stated that on March 20, 2018, the applicant mailed notification letters to property owners within 600' and interested parties notifying the public of a neighborhood meeting which was held April 4, 2018 at Desert Mirage Elementary School. At the neighborhood meeting, there were thirteen neighbors/interested party in attendance. He noted that in addition to the applicant, city staff, and Councilmember dark also attended. The attendees' concerns centered on an increase in neighborhood traffic as well as parking issues in the vicinity related to Raymond Kellis High School and Sycamore Grove Park. Staff addressed the concerned and asked the applicant to consider No Parking signs during certain times of the day. The applicant agreed to consider it. In closing. Planning Staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the general plan amendment. Staff is also recommending the Planning Commission recommend approval of the rezoning request ZON18-02, subject to the following stipulation: 1. Development shall be in substantial conformance with the development plan outlined in the PRD document, dated March 5, 2018. Commissioner Wilfong inquired about the parking issue. He noted that putting up No Parking signs will just move the problem elsewhere in the area. He asked if there was a way to put parking in the plans, possibly in the retention or easement areas. He added that'it is a bit crazy the city has this nice park and nowhere to park. Mr. Underwood noted that the parking issue was frustrating. He agreed that the park was very nice, and the city should have had the foresight to include parking. He added traffic-engineering department has reviewed the area and found parking was allowed August 2, 2018 Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 along both the north and south of the parkway; therefore, staff included no stipulations regarding that concern. David Williams, AICP, Planning Administrator, stated the city was aware of this issue and have been looking for ways to address the problem. He noted it was not fair to visit this problem on the applicant's application. He explained that is was now on the city's radar and they are actively looking for solutions. Commissioner Crow stated that it seemed there was no definitive plan in place for this issue. Mr. Williams stated they do not have an answer today but are aware of this issue. However, they want to make sure they do not make it worse by linking this issue to this application. He said solving this issue would involve the school, parking enforcement and the city. He added that he will look into why the decision was made to limit the parking in the first place. He reiterated the city would actively be looking for a solution to this issue. Vice Chairperson called for the applicant's presentation. Mr. Benjamin Tate, Withey Morris, presented the General Plan Amendment and Rezoning request. He explained how the property was acquired from the Peoria Unified School District. He said they had been holding onto this property for a period to see if they would need it in the future. However, the public school districts have indicated that adequate school facilities exist for the projected number of students, which are a result of the proposed rezoning. He said that, as already covered by staff. The Enclave at Rovey Estates is proposing a 43-lot single- family residential subdivision on approximately 15.4 gross acres located at the northeast comer of 89th Avenue and Emil Rovey Parkway (the "Property") as shown on the aerial map. They propose to rezone the property from Agriculture to Urban Residential Planned Residential Development in order develop a 43-lot residential subdivision. He stated The Enclave would develop under the Rl- 7 zoning district with a PRD overlay. The development meets the requirements of the zoning district where feasible, but given the unique constraints of this small, infill site, the PRD overlay is necessary and appropriate. The design team and city staff have coordinated on developing the five basic design elements for the community: open space and amenities, perimeter improvements, streets, lot layout and setbacks, and lot size. Mr. Tate noted the developer recognizes this parking situation is an existing circumstance pre- dating the development of this property. He noted that when he attended high school they had a similar problem in his neighborhood so he understands this issue. He said the developer might consider adding no parking signs 7 am-4 pm within the development and along Emil Rovey Parkway to discourage on-street high school student parking. Additionally, the developer will provide pathways from the development that connect to the adjacent park and public sidewalks to encourage pedestrian connectivity August 2, 2018 Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 Commissioner Harper questioned the idea of installing no parking signs. He asked if and how the residents and their guests would be able to use the parking without being cited. Mr. Tate stated they were still looking for suitable ways to address parking for the residents. He noted that a sticker or tag for residents would be an option. Vice Chairperson Hirsch opened the public hearing. Mr. Robin Meredith, 8367 West Morton Avenue, Rovey Farm Estates, resident, stated he prefers the larger lots for this community. Regarding the parking issues, he stated there are no parking signs in place but there is no enforcement. He stated homeowners have difficulty accessing their homes due to the number of vehicles parked along the roads where parking is not allowed. He explained that this park was designated by the city as a "walk-to park" therefore, there is no parking. Vice Chairperson Hirsch asked Mr. Meredith what was driving this parking issue. Mr. Meredith noted that this is a very nice park with popular basketball and volleyball court facilities. He stated the park is being used for basketball tournaments by participants who are not residents of Rovey. He said the park is nice with well-lighted basketball courts. Mr. JVteredith added the students of Kellis High School are parking outside of the school's parking lot along the street side. Mr. Larry Rovey, 8383 West Cotton Blossom Trail, resident, stated he wished to discuss the parking issues. Mr. Rovey stated he was under the impression there was no parking allowed on the Parkway. He felt there is an opportunity to address the parking problem with this development. He said he liked the park being popular but hopes something can be done about the parking issue. He realizes this is not the problem of the applicant but hopes they can figure something out. If anything, he hopes the city can address the students parking outside of the school parking lot. Commissioner Crow asked Mr. Rovey how he felt if approval of this new development would impact the current parking issues. Mr. Rovey said the traffic engineers are better geared to answers those questions, but he felt there must be a better way to correct this problem. He is glad to see the park being used, but with the vehicles being parked along the already narrow Parkway; it is dangerous for drivers. Mr. Tate stated the city's traffic engineers felt this proposal would not create any detrimental parking and traffic problems. He said the residents of this development would be parking at their own homes. Commissioner Wilfong inquired about an area on the aerial map. Mr. Tate explained it was a retention area at the southwest corner of the property August 2, 2018 Planning Commission Minutes Page? Commissioner Wilfong asked if the property further west was city owned. Mr. Underwood explained the drainage property is owned by the federal govermnent. Vice Chairperson Hirsch called for questions from the Commissioners. There were none. Commissioner Wilfong asked if the retention area could be relocated to the east side of the proposal. Mr. Underwood explained that idea was explored but was not practical. Vice Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion. Commissioner Lenox made a motion to recommend approval of GPA18-02 as written. Commissioner Crow seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 6 to 0. Commissioner Harper made a motion to recommend approval of ZON18-02 subject to the findings and stipulations noted in the staff report. Commissioner Lenox seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 6 to 0. Vice Chairperson Hirsch believes they did the right thing in approving this application. He added that the applicant should not be penalized for the parking issue that was a problem long before they came around. He noted the school should suspend charging the students for parking. He said the school board should take up this issue. Mr. Jim Gmber, Chief Deputy City Attorney, stated the Planning Commission's decisions are not final and will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Vice Chairperson Hirsch called for Comments and Suggestions. Vice Chairperson Hirsch stated a previous speaker asked to make additional comments. He called Mr. Meredith up to make his comments. Mr. Meredith stated the city could solve the student parking issue immediately. He explained the city has the Arizona Cardinal parking lot they could use. He said it is currently maintained and locked. He stated there was also space around Rovey Parkway; however, it would require modifying the basketball and volleyball courts. Vice Chairperson Hirsch noted he would make sure his comments get to the appropriate people addressing this issue. PLANNING STAFF REPORT Vice Chairperson Hirsch asked if there was a Planning Staff Report. Mr. Williams welcomed new Commissioner Warren Wilfong, Ocotillo District. August 2,2018 Planning Commission Minutes Page8 He provided an update stating the city's caseload is up about 40% from last year. He said they are seeing a lot of new development and activity in the city. He noted their budget was recently approved by City Council. Therefore, they will be moving forward in filling some much-needed positions. They are looking to fill a new planner and an administrative support assistant position. He thanked the council for passing a budget that will help to fill current vacancies. He said on the agenda for September will be the StoneHaven Development. This development will be a large plat with over 500 lots. Another agenda item will be the Sonorita Neighborhood Overlay District item, which the Commission initiated last year. This will be heard in a workshop setting. Vice Chairperson Hirsch thanked recording secretary Diana Figueroa for helping him navigate his Chair role tonight. NEXT MEETING September 6,2018 Planning Commission ADJOURNMENT With no further business. Vice Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Harper made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Crow seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 6 to 0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m. Diana Figueroa Recording Secretary