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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Planning Commission - Meeting Date: 11/1/2018MINUTES CITY OF GLENDALE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE GLENDALE, AMZONA 85301 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2018 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER Acting Chairperson Hirsch called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. Commissioners Present: Commissioners Crow, Harper, Lenox, Moreno, Wilfong, Froke, and Acting Chairperson Hirsch were present. City Staff Present: Thomas Ritz, AICP, Senior Planner, George Gehlert, AICP, Planner, James Gruber,, Chief Deputy City Attorney, David Williams, AICP, Planning Administrator, Samantha Cope, Recording Secretary, and Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary. CITIZEN COMMENTS Acting Chairperson Hirsch called for citizen comments. There were none. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Acting Chairperson Hirsch stated there were no minutes for approval. WITHDRAWALS AND CONTINUANCES Acting Chairperson Hirsch asked for Withdrawals and Continuances. There were none. PUBLIC HEARING ITEM Acting Chairperson Hirsch called for the Public Hearing Item. ZTA18-03: A request by the City ofGlendale Planning Commission to add a new Section 6.950 Sonorita Community Overlay District and amend Section 7.301 Accessory Buildings. The proposed changes, if adopted, would allow existing homes to construct additions in accordance with specific standards within the Sonorita Community. Staff contact: Thomas Ritz, AICP, Senior Planner (Ocotillo). Mr. Thomas Ritz, AICP, Senior Planner, stated this was a request by the City ofGlendale Planning Commission to add a new Section 6.950 Sonorita Community Overlay District and amend Section 7.301 Accessory Buildings. He said the proposed changes, if adopted, would allow existing homes to construct additions in accordance with specific standards within the Sonorita Community. Mr. Ritz stated that presently the properties with existing homes are zoned M-l (Light Industrial) and are a non-conforming use in the M-l zoning district. The Zoning Code today does not allow non-conforming land uses to expand. If adopted, the Overlay District would cover the entire area now zoned M-l (Light Industrial). He added the Overlay District would allow existing single- family homes to shed their non-conforming status and permit future expansion of existing homes, such as a room addition. He added that new home construction would not be permitted. He noted November 1,2018 Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 the Zoning Text Amendment would only be applied to properties zoned Light Industrial within Sonorita. He noted that it is the intent of the Sonorita Community Overlay District to permit residential uses and establish residential development standards in addition to the existing permitted uses and development standards within the existing zoning district. The Sonorita Community Overlay District does not hinder a property owner's ability to utilize existing zoning. Mr. Ritz stated this item was presented at a City Council Workshop on Tuesday October 17,2017 in response to the Council Item of Special Interest. This item was presented to the Planning Commission for initiation at the Planning Commission Workshop held on August 3; 2017. Planning Commission initiated the Zoning Text Amendment at that Planning Commission Workshop. This item was presented at a City Council Workshop on January 9, 2016 in response to the Council Item of Special Interest. He said that at the August 4, 2015 Council Workshop, Councilmember Aldama identified a Council item of Special Interest asking staff to research if establishing a residential overlay for the Sonorita Neighborhood would permit Sonorita residents to apply for state, federal, and local funding assistance for home repairs and home construction activities. He explained the proposed text amendment is intended to address the Council Item of Special Interest related to the continuation and existing residential use expansion in the Sonorita area. In order to accomplish this directive, staff recommends adopting the proposed text amendment. He concluded his presentation. Acting Chairperson Hirsch called for questions from the Commission. Commissioner Froke asked if there could be patio covers. Mr. Ritz replied that would be allowed. Commissioner Moreno asked if the vacant lots would remain vacant. Mr. Ritz said no, they could be constructed on. They would not be permitted for new homes. He added that a lot tie could be obtained for an existing home to build upon but no new houses could be constructed in this area. Commissioner Harper asked if the business owners opposed this zoning text amendment and if they could be identified. Mr. Ritz said he does not recall, but states they were a small contractor on 58th Drive. Commissioner Crow asked for the reason behind the objection. Mr. Ritz stated they were concerned about the increase of visitors into the neighborhood. They were comparing this area more to a modern industrial park, which are single use developments. He added that the Council item of Special Interest regarding the purpose of this amendment is to protect the existing character of the neighborhood. Commissioner Crow asked if they cannot demolish their existing home and construct a new home. Mr. Ritz stated a property owner would have one year to replace an existing non-conforming use. November 1,2018 Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 He explained the intent is not to allow an increase in multifamily or have business demolished and reconstruct residential. Commissioner Crow asked if the residents were aware they had that option within the year. Mr. Ritz replied that they probably did not. Commissioner Wilfong asked if there is a vacant lot in between two property owners, could a business be constructed in a vacant lot. Mr. Ritz stated it would be an industrial building, which would be allowed. He added these would be IV[-1 Light Industrial zoning. Commissioner Wilfong expressed his concern with having an industrial building between two homes. Mr. Ritz explained the uses permitted in the area. He noted this area was mostly recognized as industrial with some residential areas. Commissioner Crow asked if the homeowners could be advised of the one-year moratorium. Mr. Ritz said yes, all property owners could be notified. Commissioner Crow asked if this would need to be stipulated. Mr. Williams confirmed staff would notify the property owners if the Commission wished. Commissioner Crow was satisfied. Acting Chairperson Hirsch asked what would be the impact on the existing M-l industrial businesses on noise and hours of operation ordinance. Mr. Ritz stated he did not see any impact. Acting Chairperson Hirsch asked if a property currently zoned M-l could it be rezoned to residential. M.T. Ritz stated this is currently not permitted. He noted no new residential development is allowed in the M-1 zoning district. Acting Chairperson Hirsch asked if a residential property wishing to be industrial would be allowed. Mr. Ritz stated this request would be permitted. Acting Chairperson Hirsch confirmed a residential property converted to M-l has no process for them to convert back to residential. Mr. Ritz said that is correct. Acting Chairperson Hirsch called for speakers on this item and opened the public hearing. Ms. Pat Reid, 6610 North 57 Drive, stated she was asked to attend this meeting to ask if there is more residential coming into the area or if there is more industrial proposed and how it would impact the property tax. Mr. Ritz stated he did not believe there would be an impact, although he is not a tax expert. Acting Chairperson Hirsch asked if approval of this request would have any tax consequences. Mr. Ritz reiterated he did not believe there would be an impact since property taxes are based on the characteristics of the property in question and if the particular property is not being modified, he does not believe it would have an impact on the tax. With no further comment, Acting Chairperson Hirsch closed the public hearing. November 1,2018 Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 Acting Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion. Commissioner Lenox made a motion to recommend approval of ZTA18-03 as submitted. Commissioner Harper seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. Mr. Jim Gruber, Chief Deputy City Attorney, stated ZTA 18-03 is not final action and a recommendation of approval would be forwarded to the City Council for final action. OTHER BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR Acting Chairperson Hirsch asked if there was any Business from The Floor. There was none. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Acting Chairperson Hirsch called for Comments and Suggestions. There were none. PLANNING STAFF REPORT Acting Chairperson Hirsch asked if there was a Planning Staff Report. Mr. Williams, Planning Administrator, welcomed the new Planning staff as they were badly needed. He stated there is currently one vacancy to be filled and will be working on this in the immediate future. He reminded the Commission of the Special Meeting on November 5, 2018 at 6pm in the City Council Chambers. NEXT MEETING November 5,2018 Special Planning Commission ADJOURNMENT With no further business, Acting Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Harper made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Lenox seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 7 to 0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:28 p.m. Diana Figueroa Recording Secretary