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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Planning Commission - Meeting Date: 4/4/2019 (3)CITY OF GLENDALE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5850 WEST GLENDALE AVENUE GLENDALE, ARIZONA 85301 THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Hirsch called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m. Commissioners Present: Commissioners Crow, Froke, Harper, Wilfong, Nowakowski, and Vice Chairperson Lenox and Chairperson Hirsch were present. City Staff Present: Dru Maynus, Planner, Jeremy Underwood, Planner, James Gruber, Chief Deputy City Attorney, David Williams, AICP, Planning Administrator, and Diana Figueroa, Recording Secretary. CITIZEN COMMENTS Chairperson Hirsch called for citizen comments. There were none. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion for the November 5, 2018 Planning Commission Regular Meeting minutes. Commissioner Harper made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Commissioner Wilfong seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 7 to 0. Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion for the January 17, 2019 Planning Commission Special Workshop Meeting minutes. Commissioner Crow made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Vice Chairperson Lenox seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 7 to 0. Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion for the January 17, 2019 Planning Commission Regular Meeting minutes. Commissioner Crow made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Vice Chairperson Lenox seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 7 to 0. WITHDRAWALS AND CONTINUANCES Chairperson Hirsch asked for Withdrawals and Continuances. ZTA19-02: A request by the City of Glendale Planning Commission to amend SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS adding MAP #10. The proposed changes, if adopted, would provide for additional building height up to eighty (80) feet, a maximum floor area ratio of 0.6, a parking ratio of 1 space per 2,000 square feet of M-1 or M-2 industrial uses, increased building setbacks from residential uses and April 4, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 requires compliance with the Luke Compatible Land Use Area as prescribed by the Glendale General Plan. Staff Contact: David Williams, Planning Administrator (City -Wide). Mr. David Williams, AICP, Planning Administrator, stated staff is requesting this item be tabled until staff can conduct more research and work closer with Luke Air Force Base. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS Chairperson Hirsch called for the Public Hearing Items. BEAUCHAMP MACHINE COMPANY CUSTOMS CUP18-12: A request by Joshua R. Beauchamp and Sean Beauchamp for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow a gunsmithing business, which is a Class II Home Occupation, in the A-1 (Agricultural) Zoning District. "The site is located on 67th Avenue north of Patrick Lane (23158 North 67th Avenue) and is in the Cholla District." Staff contact: Dru Maynus, Planner, 623-930-2810. Ms. Dru Maynus, Planner, presented staff's presentation. She said this was a request by Joshua R. Beauchamp and Sean Beauchamp for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow a gunsmithing business, which is a Class II Home Occupation, in the A-1 (Agricultural) Zoning District. The site is located on 67th Avenue north of Patrick Lane (23158 North 67th Avenue) and is in the Cholla District. Ms. Maynus said the applicants are proposing to operate a gunsmithing business within the existing single-family home. She noted the company specializes in repairing and or upgrading recreational firearms to optimize performance and longevity of the firearm. Hours of operation are standard business operating hours and are proposed from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. She said the business will not include any signage and there will be no customers coming to the residence. Customers of the business will ship needed parts to the residence and the finished product will be shipped back to the customer. As a result, the business will not include any foot traffic. Ms. Maynus explained the subject property is located in a rural environment, and is surrounded by a church to the east, and large residential lots to the north and west, and a large horse stable facility to the south. Since the operation shall occur indoors within the garage, the business will not include offensive noise, vibration, dust or odors beyond the property. However, as stated above the business model is to be low key by only using shipping to and from the residence; therefore, will not include signage or foot traffic into the neighborhood. On February 11, 2019, the applicant mailed notification letters to adjacent property owners and interested parties. Ms. Maynus stated the applicant did not receive any response regarding the request. However, Planning did receive two responses regarding the request. One neighbor was concerned about the hazard of a gunsmithing business. The other individual was concerned about the possible noise that would be generated, hazards, regulation and safety issues surrounding the business. April 4, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 Ms. Maynus stated this request appears to meet the required findings for Conditional Use Permit approval and should be approved, subject to the following stipulations: 1. Development shall be in substantial conformance with the site plan, dated March 15, 2019 and the project narrative, dated March 15, 2019. 2. Applicants shall maintain a valid City of Glendale business license. Chairperson Hirsch called for questions from the Commission. Commissioner Crow asked if the applicant has their FFL (Federal Firearms License). Mr. Michael Sanchez, applicant for a similar case on this agenda (CUP18-18)said he does not and would need to obtain Conditional Use Permit approval from the City of Glendale prior to obtaining his FFL. Commissioner Nowakowski asked if there was any concern regarding this type of business with the elementary school nearby. He expressed his concern about nearby schools. Commissioner Nowakowski confirmed there would not be foot traffic and all exchanges would take place through the mail. He noted since there seemed to be theft at the door step; he suggested the applicant obtain a lockbox or post office box. Chairperson Hirsch called for the applicant's presentation. Mr. Josh Beauchamp, applicant, explained the ATF has approved the process, but could not grant the FFL as he had not obtained a CUP through the City of Glendale. He said if and once the CUP is approved, he will install security cameras. He also will be home during business hours when deliveries are most likely to occur. He added the ATF was not concerned about the nearby school. Chairperson Hirsch called for questions from the Commission. Commissioner Harper questioned the delivery process of fire arms. Mr. Beauchamp explained that everything was regulated and cataloged by the ATF. Commissioner Harper questioned if a complete gun is shipped or only pieces of a firearm. Mr. Beauchamp stated it could be either, however, all is regulated by the ATF. Commissioner Nowakowski questioned the purpose of the freezer noted on the site plan. Mr. Beauchamp said that was for personal use and no chemicals would be needed or stored in the freezer. Commissioner Nowakowski asked about the size of the gun safe. Mr. Beauchamp explained the garage is going to be used as a safe. Commissioner Nowakowski asked if this was his full-time occupation or just a hobby. Mr. Beauchamp stated this was his full-time employment. April 4, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 Mr. David Williams, Planning Administrator, stated if the Commission decides to approve this application, he recommends adding stipulation #3 noting that if the license for firearms is not obtained the permit should expire in one year. Everyone agreed. Chairperson Hirsch opened the public hearing. With no one wishing to speak, he closed the public hearing. Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion. Commissioner Crow made a motion to approve CUP18-12 subject to two stipulations noted in the staff report and new stipulation #3. Commissioner Harper seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 7 to 0. Mr. Jim Crruber, Chief Deputy City Attorney, stated this is final action. Anyone wishing to appeal this motion may do so in writing within 15 days. ROE ARMORY LLC CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CUP18-18: A request by Michael Sanchez for a conditional use permit (CUP) which would allow him to operate a Class II Home Occupation from his residence. The proposed business includes gunsmithing and associated retail sales with limited hours of operation. The site is located north of the northeast corner of Brown Street and 45th Avenue (10207 North 45th Avenue) and is in the Cactus District. Staff Contact: Jeremy Underwood, Planner, 623-930-2553. Mr. Jeremy Underwood, Planner, made staff's presentation. He said this was a request by Michael Sanchez for a conditional use permit (CUP) which would allow him to operate a Class II Home Occupation from his personal residence. He said the proposed business includes gunsmithing and associated retail sales with limited hours of operation. Mr. Underwood stated the applicant, Michael Sanchez, is proposing the operation of a home business involving gunsmithing and associated retail sales of firearms. The business will meet the criteria of a Class II Home Occupation due to customers coming on site for commercial activities. Hours of operation, as proposed, are the following: Sunday and Monday (closed), Tuesday and Friday (by appointment only), Wednesday and Thursday (5:00 — 7:00 p.m.), and Saturday (10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.). The applicant is working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) on all required federal licensing. Mr. Underwood explained that according to the applicant's proposal, the business will utilize a small portion (approx. 90 square feet) of the livable area of the residence for office, sales, and storage space. Also, the business will likely receive no more than two deliveries per day. He stated the primary parking area for walk-in customers will be in the driveway with on -street parking being utilized for additional parking, if necessary. On -street parking is legal along 45th Avenue along the subject property frontage. April 4, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 He noted the location of the subject property is near the eastern edge of the city, just south of Peoria Avenue. Single-family residential zoning and uses surround the site on the north, south, east, and west. The closest multi -family housing to the proposed site is approximately 230 feet to the east. The subject property has access to 45th Avenue, which serves as a collector road. Mr. Underwood stated that on January 11, 2019, the applicant mailed notification letters to adjacent property owners and interested parties notifying them of the CUP proposal. He noted that four people voiced objections to the project. He explained that the primary issues of concern centered around the belief that businesses should not be allowed in residential zoning, the overall danger of firearms, increase in traffic, and parking concerns. Mr. Underwood stated the Planning Commission should recommend approval of this request, subject to the following stipulations: 1. Development shall be in substantial conformance with the Project Narrative & Site Plan, stamped approved March 5, 2019. 2. If approved, applicant shall obtain a City of Glendale Business License. 3. If approved, the applicant shall obtain a Federal Firearms License. Chairperson Hirsch called for the applicant's presentation. Mr. Mike Sanchez, applicant, stated he would like to address some of the same questions posed to the previous applicant with a similar request. He explained the ATF has knowledge of his intent and has spoken to them several times but could not grant the FFL as he had not obtained a CUP through the City of Glendale. He said once he obtains the CUP, he will get a safety deposit box, so the firearms will be delivered there and he will pick them up. He also intends to install a security system if he gets approved. He said he has also spoken to UPS, so they are aware. He currently has an eighteen -gun gun safe since his operation is small. He does have a full-time job and is currently in school, so this was a side business. Chairperson Hirsch asked for Commissioner questions. Commissioner Wilfong asked if anyone would be home during the day to accept any packages that might be delivered. He said his mother will be home during the day. Commissioner Wilfong asked the applicant would he be purchasing firearms. He said yes, he purchases ammunition for his personal use currently. Commissioner Wilfong asked if the safe would be locked. Mr. Sanchez said yes. Commissioner Crow asked if the applicant would be doing test fires on his property. Mr. Sanchez said no. April 4, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 Commissioner Nowakowski questioned how long he anticipates growing out of his home and into a larger place. Mr. Sanchez explained his friend started the same way and it took him 6 years. Commissioner Harper asked about the three other firearms dealers in his area being so close to each other. Mr. Sanchez noted he did not even know they existed until he found out by searching the internet and they had never had any problems. Chairperson Hirsch opened the public hearing. With no one wishing to speak, Chairperson Hirsch closed the public hearing. Mr. Williams suggested a revision to stipulation #3 to read: If approved the applicant shall obtain a Federal Firearms license within one year from the date of approval of the CUP. Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion. Commissioner Crow made a motion to approve CUP18-18 subject to three stipulations with an amendment to stipulation number #3. Commissioner Harper seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 7 to 0. Mr. Jim Gruber, Chief Deputy City Attorney, stated this is final action. Anyone wishing to appeal this motion may do so in writing within 15 days. COMMUNITY OF JOY RETAIL & RESTAURANT GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT GPA18-08 AND REZONING APPLICATION ZON18-10: A request by Marty Flood, A&E Solutions, LLC, to amend the existing Community of Joy PAD (Planned Area Development) in order to allow retail uses including a drive-thru restaurant on a 1.4 -acre portion of the site. The proposal includes a minor amendment to the General Plan from LDR 2.5 (Low Density Residential 1-2.5 du/ac) to PC (Planned Commercial) as well as a rezoning case to amend the PAD, allowing retail uses including a convenience use (drive-thru). The site is located at the southwest corner of Rose Garden Lane & 75th Avenue (7507 West Rose Garden Lane) and is in the Cholla District. Staff Contact: Jeremy Underwood, Planner, 623-930-2553. Mr. Jeremy Underwood, Planner, presented staff's presentation. He said this was a request by Marty Flood with A&E Solutions, LLC to amend the existing Community of Joy PAD (Planned Area Development) in order to allow retail uses including a drive-thru restaurant. Mr. Underwood stated the subject site is a 1.4 -acre parcel that has been utilized as a retention area/open space area at the far northeast corner of the Community of Joy PAD. The applicant is proposing the construction of approximately 11,367 square feet of retail shops and restaurants. Currently, the PAD does not allow commercial retail or convenience uses, such as drive -thrust, as permitted uses. The amendment to the PAD will allow typical commercial/retail uses within this portion of the PAD and will allow for one convenience use as a Permitted Use. The proposed commercial use will share access with the church campus, from Rose Garden Lane, and will share the existing ample parking with the church as well. Also, the applicant has agreed to enhance the April 4, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 existing landscaped areas adjacent to the site in order to offset the reduction in overall open space within the PAD. Currently, the General Plan designation for the overall PAD is LDR 2.5 (Low Density Residential, 1-2.5 du/ac). The applicant is proposing a minor amendment in the General Plan designation for the 1.4 -acre subject parcel from LDR 2.5 to PC (Planned Commercial). The PC designation in the General Plan encourages commercial retail development that is planned, constructed, and operated as a single entity. Mr. Underwood stated the property is located in the far northern portion of the City of Glendale, north of the Loop 101 Freeway along 75th Avenue. To the north of the site, across Rose Garden Lane, is the Reserve at Eagle Heights residential subdivision, also zoned PAD. To the east of the subject property, across 75th Avenue, lies the Sienna 2 residential subdivision, zoned R1-6 (Single Residence). South and west of the site is the remainder of the Community of Joy (now known as Dream City Church) campus, zoned PAD. On April 1, 2018, the applicant mailed notification letters to adjacent property owners and interested parties regarding a neighborhood meeting to be held on May 24, 2018. The neighborhood meeting was attended by approximately 19 participants, including neighbors, interested party listees, as well as city staff and applicant representatives. Attendees' two major concerns were related to traffic and types of businesses allowed. The applicant's Citizen Participation Final Report is attached. Due to the project -related traffic, City Staff will require improvements to the existing Rose Garden Lane during the Design Review phase of the project. Finally, an additional Neighborhood Meeting was held April 1, 2019 at the Dream City Church and City Staff will update the Planning Commission on the outcome of the meeting. Mr. Underwood stated the Planning Commission should move to recommend approval of GPA18- 08, as written and should recommend approval of ZON18-10, subject to the following stipulations: 1. Illuminated north facing wall signs shall be turned off daily at the close of business. 2. The under -roof square footage for a restaurant with a drive-thru is limited to 2,500 square feet. 3. Any drive-thm service shall not operate after 10:00 p.m. 4. Development shall be in substantial conformance with the development plan and narrative for ZON18-10, dated February 21, 2019. 5. If approved, a Design Review is required for all new development on the subject parcel. April 4, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 Chairperson Hirsch asked if the requested three stipulations are a result of the latest meeting. Mr. Underwood said yes. Commissioner Crow asked staff to define the use of the grassy area indicated on the aerial photograph. Mr. Underwood said yes, it is a depressed area and the applicant will use underground tanks to store storm water. Commissioner Crow asked if that was part of the stipulations. Mr. Underwood said this is an engineering issue. He said this would be reviewed and approved by the Engineering Department. Chairperson Hirsch called for the applicant's presentation. Mr. Marty Flood, Phoenix, applicant, stated he was excited to come before them tonight in order to start this project. He noted staff had done a great job providing the project's details. He stated community input is very important to them, therefore, they have been working very closely with everyone involved. He said they have tried to address the neighborhood's reasonable concerns. He indicated there were concerns regarding crime. He said they will provide lighting and screen walls which are crime deterrents. He said he was available for questions. Chairperson Hirsch asked for questions from the Commission. There were none. Chairperson Hirsch opened the public hearing. Mr. William Robins, 7547 West Trails Drive, Glendale, stated he was within 300 feet of the proposed parcel. He was initially told a CUP would be needed, now that is not the case for a drive- thru. He had concerns regarding that matter. He would also like to see zoning restrictions since it was in a residential area. He questioned if the whole area is PAD. He wanted to know if the Aspera development nearby was also rezoned. Chairperson Hirsch asked for background information on this parcel and PAD. Mr. Underwood provided background information stating there was no provision in the PAD for commercial uses. The applicant was unsure of how to go about the process. In a PAD the applicant is able to propose what would take place or be allowed. He clarified the applicant is requesting to rezoning an area as it was not included in the initial PAD. Mr. Flood said they are proposing outdoor dining on the northern portion and would be screened. He added there is no approval needed for outdoor dining. He understands disruptors cannot leave the property line. He said he will agree that all signs and building lighting would be turned off at 10;00 P.M. Peter Cranbruel, applicant's representative, 6900 E. Scottsdale Road, stated he is available for questions. Chairperson Hirsch said most of the items being proposed are currently allowed. April 4, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes Page 9 Mr. Cranbruel said only one drive thru will be used for the coffee shop. The north side of the building elevation will be shut off after business hours. He noted the drive thru will close at 10:00 p.m., as indicated. He explained the call box will be located away from the neighborhood and screen walls and additional landscape will be added. Commissioner Crow questioned the location of the outdoor dining. Mr. Flood noted it would be on the southwest corner of the grassy area. Mr. Roy D'Agustino, 7595 West Firebird Drive, stated he is north of the request. He said he is not against any progress in the area but is concerned how this development will take place. He said his main concern is the value of his property if this project isn't done properly. He noted some types of development that would not be allowed in the area. He said he was informed that possibly a bank or that type of establishment would be allowed in this area. Ms. Debbie Mahoney, Glendale resident, stated she has many lights shining into her house. She is concerned about the increase in traffic. She noted the reason she moved into the area was because it did not have commercial issues. She is also very concerned about not being able to sell her house if she needs to in the future. Mr. Carlos Doishin, 7578 West Trails Drive, Eagle Heights, stated developers tell the residents something and then construct something else. He said he would like to see no signage on the north side, which faces their properties. He said the outdoor restaurant would be located at the most southern portion of the request with the coffee shop on the north end. He said this needs to be clarified before the construction begins. He agreed the lighting is a distraction. He would like to see restriction on sound and lighting. He hopes the Commission does the right thing for the community. With no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Hirsch closed the public hearing. Chairperson Hirsch called for the applicant. Mr. Flood clarified the location of the outdoor dining area and the coffee shop. He said the rear of the store, along 75th Avenue, will contain the signage. He said the noise will be contained on site per City Code. Commissioner Wilfong asked if the signage would be freestanding. Mr. Flood said no, it is building signage. Commissioner Wilfong asked if the signage would meet city standards. Mr. Flood said yes. Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion Commissioner Harper made a motion to recommend approval of GPA18-08. Vice Chairperson Lenox seconded the motion with stipulations. April 4, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes Page 10 Chairperson Hirsch asked for an amendment motion if the GPA does not include stipulations. Commissioner Harper amended his motion to recommend approval of GPA18-08. Vice Chairperson Lenox seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 7 to 0. Vice Chairperson Lenox made a motion to recommend approval of ZON18-10 subject to two staff stipulations noted in the staff report and three additional stipulations for a total of five stipulations. Commissioner Harper seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of7to0. Mr. Jim Gruber, Chief Deputy City Attorney, stated the action is not final. This recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for further consideration. Chairperson Hirsch thank those in attendance. WEST POINTE ESTATES PAD AMENDMENT ZON18-17: A request by Carolyn Oberholtzer, Esq., Bergin, Frakes, Smalley & Oberholtzer, PLLC, to amend the existing West Pointe Estates PAD (Planned Area Development) to allow an increase in lot coverage from 45% to 55%. The amendment affects the single-family residential portion of the PAD, consisting of approximately 22.9 acres of the overall 24.8 acres PAD. The site is located at the southeast corner of Olive Avenue and 71St Avenue and is in the Barrel District. Staff Contact: Jeremy Underwood, Planner, 623-930-2553. Mr. Jeremy Underwood, Planner, made staff's presentation. He said this was a request West Pointe Estates PAD (Planned Area Development) to allow an increase in lot coverage from 45% to 55%. The amendment affects the single-family residential portion of the PAD, consisting of approximately 22.9 acres of the overall 24.8 acres PAD. He explained that the applicant is proposing an increase in the maximum lot coverage allowed within the single-family residential portion of the PAD. The PAD amendment would allow a maximum lot coverage of 55%, instead of the current 45% limitation. Garrett -Walker Homes is the potential home -builder for the 89 single-family lots within the project area and the additional lot coverage allowance will help facilitate the development of multiple single -story floor plans. He noted the applicant is proposing no further changes to development standards for the PAD at this time. Mr. Underwood stated the property is located on the western edge of the City of Glendale, just east of Grand Avenue. To the north of the site, across Olive Avenue, is single-family residences in the City of Peoria, to the east is Westpark Manor single-family subdivision, to the south are single-family homes, zoned A-1 (Agricultural), as well as a mobile home park. West of the site lies a vacant field located within the City of Peoria. Access to the site will primarily be via Olive Avenue, with a secondary access planned off of the future 71 st Avenue. Mr. Underwood stated that on January 2, 2019, the applicant mailed notification letters to adjacent property owners and interested parties regarding the proposal. He said to date, neither the April 4, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes Page 11 applicant, nor City staff has received any comments or questions about the proposed PAD amendment. Mr. Underwood sated the Planning Commission should recommend approval of ZON18-17, subject to two stipulations. 1. Development shall be in substantial conformance with the development plan and narrative for ZON18-17, dated February 5, 2019. 2. A Design Review is required for all new development on the subject parcel. Chairperson Hirsch asked for questions from the Commission. There were none. Chairperson Hirsch called for the applicant. Ms. Carolyn Oberholtzer, applicant, stated Mr. Underwood did a fine job providing the project details. She explained the were here today for approval to amend the existing West Pointe Estates Planned Area Development to allow an increase in lot coverage from 45% to 55%. She said the development will provide a variety of desired housing types in the area. She added product designs will be evaluated through the City's review process. She said she is happy to answer any questions. There were no questions from the Commission. Chairperson Hirsch opened the public hearing. With no one wishing to speak, he closed the public hearing. Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion. Vice Chairperson Lenox made a motion to recommend approval of ZON18-17 subject to two stipulations noted in the staff report. Commissioner Wilfong seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 7 to 0. Mr. Jim Gruber, Chief Deputy City Attorney, stated the action is not final. This recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for further consideration. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT ZTA18-02: A request by Shaine Alleman with Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., on behalf of Clear Blue Services, to amend the city zoning ordinance as it relates to wireless communication facilities. Changes to the current zoning ordinance, if adopted, include increasing the number of districts in which wireless facilities are allowed to be constructed, in addition to changing the planning review process for such facilities, and expanding the definitions of types of wireless facilities. This is a Citywide Zoning Text Amendment proposal. Staff Contact: Jeremy Underwood, Planner, 623-930-2553. April 4, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes Page 12 Mr. Jeremy Underwood, Planner, presented this item. He said this was a request by Shaine Alleman with Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., on behalf of Clear Blue Services, to amend the city zoning ordinance as it relates to wireless communication facilities. He said changes to the current zoning ordinance, if adopted, include increasing the number of districts in which wireless facilities are allowed to be constructed, in addition to changing the planning review process for such facilities, and expanding the definitions of types of wireless facilities. Mr. Underwood stated the proposed changes would amend each section of the Zoning Code as it relates to wireless communication facilities. He said the Planning Commission was informed of potential changes to the Wireless Facilities Text amendment in a workshop on August 2, 2018. After several revisions to the original proposed text amendment, the applicant has decided to move forward with a text amendment that largely mimics the City of Phoenix Wireless Communications Ordinance. He explained the intent is to improve the design and placement of Wireless Communication Facilities (WCF) in order to reduce the impact on the visual and aesthetic character of the community. The standards are designed to encourage the use of concealment elements, minimize the construction of new towers through the promotion of co -location on existing facilities, and regulate the use of temporary WCF. A WCF may be Concealed, Disguised, or Visible. Mr. Underwood stated that on April 13, 2018, the applicant mailed notification letters to interested parties. The letter notified recipients of the three Neighborhood Meetings, which were held April 30, 2018 (at Greenbriar Elementary School), May 2, 2018 (at Glendale Adult Center), and May 4, 2018 (at Desert Mirage Elementary School). He said the meetings had a total of two members of the public that attended. He noted that a third member of the public emailed the applicant questions. Due to revisions in initial proposal, the applicant sent out a Revised Notification Letter to interested parties on February 13, 2019, with no response to date. Mr. Underwood stated the Planning Commission must conduct a public hearing and determine if the proposed amendment to the Zoning Code is consistent with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Adoption of the proposed zoning code amendment is recommended. Chairperson Hirsch stated during a commission workshop there were discussions requesting that facilities not in use should be removed. Mr. Underwood said that any facility out of use for more than 90 days should be decommissioned. Chairperson Hirsch called for the applicant's presentation. Mr. Shaine Alleman, Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., applicant, stated that staff had done a good job presenting the details today. He said the reason for this application is because they have had many complaints about coverage and realized there were not enough towers in Glendale. He explained that residents will be better serviced if facilities are allowed in residential areas. He provided information on the continued wireless usage by customers in the coming years, therefore they have to keep up with demand. He noted no one has home phones anymore. He realizes that these towers April 4, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes Page 13 will have to blend into the neighborhoods. He believes they've crafted the best wireless facility amendment in the valley. Chairperson Hirsch called for questions from the Commission. There were none. Mr. David Williams, AICP, Planning Administrator, announced the applicant has been very patient and eager to work with staff. He has been working with the applicant for about a year with Mr. Underwood working with the applicant for a longer amount of time. Chairperson Hirsch opened the public hearing. With no one wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed. Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion. Commissioner Wilfong made a motion to recommend approval of ZTA18-02. Commissioner Crow seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 7 to 0. Mr. Jim Gruber, Chief Deputy City Attorney, stated the action is not final. This recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for further consideration. OTHER BUSINESS Chairperson Hirsch asked if there was any Business from The Floor. There was none. PLANNING STAFF REPORT Chairperson Hirsch asked if there was a Planning Staff Report. Mr. David Williams, Planning Administrator, congratulated Commissioner Martin Nowakowski on his appointment to the Planning Commission. He indicated the Planning Commission is fully staffed with seven members. He said there is currently a Principal Planner position available in the Planning Division. He added the Development Services Director position has been filled. Mr. Eric Fitzer, currently working at the City of Surprise, has accepted the position and begins with the City of Glendale on April 22, 2019. He said the zoning code update project due date for proposals from consultants is Monday, April 8. The city will do an evaluation on those proposals and bring a recommendation to City Council for approval. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS Chairperson Hirsch called for Comments and Suggestions. Chairperson Hirsch welcomed Commissioner Nowakowski as well. April 4, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes Page 14 NEXT MEETING Chairperson Hirsch stated the next meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for April 18, 2019. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, Chairperson Hirsch called for a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Harper made a motion to adjourn. Vice Chairperson Lenox seconded the motion, which was approved with a vote of 7 to 0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 p.m. Submitted by: Diana Figueroa Recording Secretary