Day 1999.09.07PC

Proposal to raise the maximum fence height from 6 ft. to 9 ft. 6 in. for construction of a new security fence along portions of the northern and western property lines of the Alza Corporation Development located at 700 Eubanks Drive. The proposed fence includes 8 ft. of heavy-gauge chain link fencing, and 1 ft. 6 in. of Type II Barbed Tape (razor wire) on the top. The fence will enclose the existing outdoor equipment area located at the rear of the building. The project includes landscape improvements for security to increase visibility. This item was continued to a date uncertain.

Associate Planner Duffy reviewed the project and introduced the staff report into the record, noting that this is a proposal to construct an 80-unit, senior citizen restricted apartment complex on 4.03 acres located at the northwest corner of Alamo Drive and Demarest Drive. The project features a community/recreation building, 2 bedroom units at 937-sq. ft. within 10 two-story apartment buildings. Access to the project is from two gated driveways located off of Demarest Drive. The project includes a density bonus request to raise the maximum density from 14 units per acre to 20 units per acre, and a rezoning of the site with a Residential Overlay (RO) designation. Pursuant to Sections 15063 and 15073 of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an Initial Study of potential environmental impacts has been prepared and circulated for this project. Based on the findings of the Initial Study, adoption of a Negative Declaration is recommended.

Commissioner Williams referred to a letter to the editor regarding housing approvals, noting that the Commission looks at each project on its own merits to make sure that the project is consistent with City housing needs. Ms. Duffy noted that staff held a neighborhood meeting and that area residents in attendance were in favor of the project.

Commissioner Dimmick questioned the location of the trash enclosures. Ms. Duffy clarified the location, adding that they have been in contact with Vacaville Sanitary who have indicated that there will be adequate turn around space. Mr. Dimmick questioned the landscaping along adjoining property lines. Ms. Duffy noted the condition of approval that requires that trees be planted along adjoining property lines.

Dr. Richard Valeriote, applicant, stated that he agreed with the conditions of approval. He noted that an environmental study was conducted and concluded that development of the site would have no significant impacts. He reviewed how the site was redesigned to accommodate turn around areas.

Commissioner Williams noted that because this is a senior citizen project, special consideration needs to be taken regarding parking areas, and to eliminate hazards from trucks backing up in the area.

Commissioner Drake noted that the Fire Department has reviewed the plan and is satisfied that there will be adequate room. He noted that the term “ seniors” covers a wide range of individuals who don’ t always require special considerations.

Vice-Chairman Minkler moved, Commissioner Aldrich seconded that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 99-167 recommending to the City Council approval of the Secret Gardens Senior Apartment, Negative Declaration, Planned Development, Rezoning, and Density Bonus, with the recommendation that the parking area be revisited by staff to ensure adequate turn around and maneuvering area. Motion approved 6-0.

Assistant Planner Behvand reviewed the project and introduced the staff report into the record, noting that this is a proposal to establish and operate a car rental business within an existing building at 1307 Callen Street, which formerly was occupied by an auto body repair shop. The applicant proposes to park a maximum of 10 to 15 rental vehicles on the property, and provide customer/employee parking at the rear of the site.

Commissioner Aldrich questioned the number of employees on-site, and noted concern about adequate customer parking. Mr. Behvand noted that there are 2 to 3 employees at the site, adding that the proposed parking meets the code. He clarified that most customers are picked up at another location and don’ t park a vehicle on-site.

Commissioner Dimmick questioned the parking and the number of spaces available. Mr. Behvand reviewed the number of parking spaces available inside the building. Mr. Dimmick stated that he didn’ t feel that this use was appropriate for this location.

Michael Bradley, applicant, clarified their operation at the site and stated that the number of employees at the site would be three, one of which would drive a rental car. He noted that because they primarily pick up their customers, they don’ t anticipate having to park any cars on the street and that only 10% of their business would involve customers parking at the site. Mr. Bradley noted that they do not provide an after hours drop off area for rental vehicles. He added that cars can be dropped off at the airport.

Mr. Dimmick commented that his company often rents cars and employees leave their personal vehicle at the site. He noted concern about the potential for complaints from people in the area if there are a lot of cars parked on the street.

Commissioner Williams noted that the nature of this approval is a conditional use permit, which can be revoked if problems occur. He stated that Avis has a good reputation and is aware that the use at this site could be revisited if necessary.

Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Drake seconded that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 99-188, approving the Conditional Use Permit for the Avis Rent-A-Car Center located at 1307 Callen Street, subject to the recommended conditions of approval with the direction that employee parking be addressed. Motion approved 5-1 (Dimmick no).

Senior Planner McDowell reviewed the project and introduced the staff report into the record, noting that this is a proposal to construct a custom designed single family home on Lots 5 and 6 in the Spring Lane Subdivision located on the north side of Spring Lane near the end of the cul-de-sac, and west of Alamo Drive. The proposed single-story home is 4,200 sq. ft., and includes a request to allow a private water pump to serve water to the home. The proposal also includes a request to modify a condition of approval for the subdivision to allow the pad elevation of the home to exceed the maximum building elevation served by the City’ s Zone 1 water system. This item was continued from the Planning Commission meeting of August 17, 1999.

Chairman Wilkins asked if the City would be held harmless if the project is approved and a slide occurs and if there will be adequate water flow if the applicant does not install a private water pump. Mr. McDowell noted that tests in the area have proven that water flow will meet the minimum requirements even if the applicant does not install a pump. He added that the slope is not classified as a hazardous slope and the retaining walls that will be installed will require extensive engineering.

Commissioner Dimmick stated that a single story home should have adequate water pressure. He questioned if grading on the site would improve the original grading on the lot. Mr. McDowell noted that this approval would allow a more functional use of the site and a better design of the home. He added that the home could be designed in a way that would not require such a large cut, but this proposal is a compromise, adding that the floor elevation would be kept at 232 ft. He noted that this is a custom home that is appropriate for this location, and because of the way the house will be situated, the retaining wall will not be visible from other properties. He added that this lot has circumstances that warrant exceptions to the standards, and that when the subdivision was originally created, this became an unbuildable lot.

Commissioner Drake noted that this is a worthy project, and the applicant will be spending a considerable amount of money and there will be no risk to the City. He noted that Spring Lane is difficult to find because the sign is blocked by trees.

Vice-Chairman Minkler moved, Commissioner Williams seconded that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 99-171 approving the Sunderman Residence Design Review and Modification to the Spring Lane Estates Planned Development. Motion approved 6-0.

3. Mr. Emerson provided an update on the Vacaville Regional Transportation Center (Hickory/Davis Park & Ride Lot). He noted that staff had been in contact with Mr. & Mrs. Langdon who had raised concerns at the last meeting, noting that one of the options that area residents are in favor of would be to have permit parking. Chairman Wilkins noted that one of the solutions suggested was to utilize the Three-Oak parking lot. He felt that that location would be more appropriate for van pools rather than buses. Mr. Emerson also noted that there is funding available and they are looking at additional locations on City-owned property.

Commissioner Dimmick noted that being a member of the Gateway Committee has made him sensitive to the gateway areas in Vacaville, adding that the Grand Auto and U-Haul areas look very poorly.

Vice-Chairman Minkler noted that there are many areas in town where the landscaping is in poor shape and questioned how this can be addressed. Mr. Emerson noted that they have not had the ability in the past to be proactive and had to address these situations on a complaint basis. He noted that the Community Development Department now has a full time landscape inspector who will be better able to address some of these enforcement issues. Mr. Minkler suggested utilizing community volunteers and to be more proactive.

Commissioner Aldrich questioned when a permanent sign would be installed at the Royal Motel, adding that there has been a banner placed on the sign for a long time and it is in poor condition. She also commented about cars being parked on the vacant parcel next to Phillippi Engineering and questioned if the property owner could pave the area.

Commissioner Williams questioned the status of the Bentley Square project. Mr. McDowell noted that their grading plans have been difficult to read so revisions have been requested, adding that the design of the soundwall has been resolved. Mr. Williams noted his appreciation for staff’ s diligence on the project. He commented on a letter to the editor which incorrectly reflected comments that were made by Commissioner Dimmick at a previous meeting. He also noted that he had attended the Renaissance Faire twice since it had opened and it had been an enjoyable experience. He felt that the public’ s perception of the event has been a success and commented how effectively it had been integrated into the Nut Tree site. He questioned when the Auto Mall sign would be reviewed by the Commission. Mr. Emerson noted that Community Development Director Rowland has been working with the auto mall owners regarding revisions, but there currently is not a push on the part of the auto mall for a sign. Mr. Williams encouraged staff to work with the Gateway Beautification Committee to integrate their ideas.

Commissioner Aldrich thanked everyone for their expression of sympathy on her behalf.

Vice-Chairman Minkler made reference to an article in the paper regarding school capacity, adding that studies indicate that people are willing to spend more for their children’ s education, which he felt was an encouraging sign. He also noted concern about the northeast corner of Browns Valley and Monte Vista where a sunglasses stand had been set up. Mr. Emerson noted that staff has moved that use off several sites, and would look into the situation and report back to the Commission.

Chairman Wilkins commented on a presentation he had seen regarding the Challenge Learning Center, adding that it may be beneficial for the Commission to have a condensed version of the presentation. He commended Commissioners Minkler and Dimmick for their work on such a worthwhile cause.