HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 10/10/2012MINUTES
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
City Hall Council Chambers
1201 Leopard Street
October 10, 2012
5:30 P.M.
COMMISSIONERS:
A. Javier Huerta, Chairman
Govind Nadkarni, Vice Chairman ,absent*
Mark Adame
Fred Braselton
Marco Castillo
Gabriel Guerra **
Chris Hamilton
Mike Lippincott
Philip Ramirez * **
STAFF:
Mark Van Vleck, P.E., Interim Director,
Development Services
Charles Debrill, P.E., Major Project Engineer,
Development Services
Pete Anaya, P.E., Planning Director
Miguel S. Saldana, AICP, Senior Planner
Annika Gunning, Project Manager
Elizabeth Hundley, Assistant City Attorney
Linda Williams, Recording Secretary
* *Arrived at 5:37 p.m.
** *Arrived at 5:35 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Huerta at 5:34 p.m. and a quorum was
declared.
IL APPROVAL OF ABSENCES
There were no absences to be approved.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. September 26, 2012 Meeting
Motion to approve the September 26, 2012 minutes as distributed, was made by
Commissioner Braselton and seconded by Commissioner Adame. Motion passed with Vice
Chairman Nadkarni absent.
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS — Discussion and Possible Action on the
Following Items:
A. PLATS
1. Continued Plat
Mr. Miguel Saldana, Development Services Department, read Continued Plat Item "a"
into record as shown below. Mr. Saldana stated the applicant's representative submitted a letter
of request to table action on the plat until the October 24, 2012 meeting and Staff recommended
approval of the request.
a. 0912098 -NP064 (12- 23000027)
Bay View Addition Block 9 Lot 8 Final Re plat — 0.74 Acre
Located north of Morgan Avenue between Fifth Street and Santa Fe
Street.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
October 10, 2012
Page 2
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS — Discussion and Possible Action on the
Following Items:
A. PLATS
1. Continued Plat (cont.)
The public hearing was opened with no one coming forward and the public hearing was
closed. Chairman Huerta called for a motion. Motion to approve tabling Continued Plat Item "a"
until the October 24, 2012 meeting was made by Commissioner Hamilton and seconded by
Commissioner Adame. Motion passed with Vice Chairman Nadkarni absent.
2. New Plats
Mr. Saldana, Development Services Department, read New Plats Item "a" into record as
shown below. Mr. Saldana stated the plat satisfied all requirements of the Unified Development
Code (UDC) and State Law and Staff recommended approval.
a. 1012100 -PO36 (12- 22000035)
South Lake Estates Final —11.55 Acres
Located north of Slough Road and east of Rodd Field Road.
The public hearing was opened with no one coming forward and the public hearing was
closed. Chairman Huerta called for a motion. Motion to approve New Plats Item "a" was made
by Commissioner Hamilton and seconded by Commissioner Adame. Motion passed with Vice
Chairman Nadkarni absent.
Mr. Saldana read New Plats Item "b" into record as shown below. Mr, Saldana stated the
applicant's representative submitted a letter of request to table action on the plat until the
October 24, 2012 meeting and Staff recommended approval of the request.
b. 1012101 -PO37 (12- 22000036)
Surfside Addition Unit 2 Final — 2.40 Acres
Located north of Caribbean Drive between the Laguna Madre and
Laguna Shores Road.
The public hearing was opened with no one coming forward and the public hearing was
closed. Chairman Huerta called for a motion. Motion to approve tabling New Plats Item "b" until
the October 24, 2012 meeting was made by Commissioner Ramirez and seconded by
Commissioner Castillo. Motion passed with Vice Chairman Nadkarni absent.
B. ZONING
Continued Zoning
Annika Gunning, Development Services, read Continued Zoning item "a" into record as
shown below. Ms. Gunning stated this zoning case was originally presented at the April 11, 2012
meeting. Ms. Gunning continued the request of "IL" Light Industrial was to allow an extermination
business and a fabricator of decorative products for special events to occupy space in two 1,000 -
square foot of spaces within a 3,000- square foot office building. The applicant would retain his
law office in the remaining portion of the building.
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Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
October 10, 2012
Page 3
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS — Discussion and Possible Action the Following
Items:
B. ZONING
1. Continued Zoning (cont.)
a. Case No. 0412 -02 (12- 10000012) — Robert Bujanos, Jr.: A change of
zoning from the "CG -2" General Commercial District to the "1L" Light
Industrial District resulting in a change of future land use from
commercial to light industrial.
Being the south 110 feet of Lot 9, Block 1, Lexington Subdivision,
located approximately 1,100 feet east of Ayers Street and on the south
side of South Padre Island Drive (SH 358).
Ms. Gunning continued the Future Land Use Map recommended commercial uses for the
property. Fourteen (14) notices were originally mailed to property owners in the notification area
and none were received in opposition. Ms. Gunning stated since the last meeting on August 1,
2012 when the case was tabled, Mr. Bujanos has changed his request and no longer wanted the
"IL" Light Industrial District as originally requested. Ms. Gunning stated Staff received Mr.
Bujanos' request to change the zoning on Friday after the packet was finalized. Ms. Gunning
continued that the "Cl" Intensive Commercial District was requested to allow for DNA and drug
testing, both uses were allowed in the light industrial district. Ms. Gunning stated that because of
the new information Mr. Bujanos' provided, Staff's recommendation was revised and was passed
out at tonight's meeting.
After Staff's presentation, the floor was opened for discussion by commissioners. The
question was asked since the applicant was changing the zoning would the proposed zoning
change have to be re- advertised and Ms. Hundley, legal staff, answered since the requested
zoning was less intensive than what was originally requested, the change would be okay. After
further discussion, the public hearing was opened.
Robert Bujonas, 5123 Grafford Place and Jennifer Morris, 2533 South Padre Island
Drive, came before the commission. Mr. Bujonas stated he was requesting to change the zoning
request from an "IL" Light Industrial District to a "Cl" Intense Commercial District. Mr. Bujanos
continued the reason he was applying for the "Cl" District was because he had a tenant who
wanted to lease space to use as a facility to perform DNA and blood testing. Mr. Bujanos
referenced Section 5.1.5.C. of the Unified Development Code stating that a medical office was
not included as an allowable use, but in Table 4.5.2 of permitted uses, the "Cl" District allowed
such uses. Mr. Bujanos continued that Dr. Villarreal, the proposed tenant, would be doing more
than the DNA testing, he would also be conducting research to confirm ethnicity origins, blood
testing, etc.
Mr. Bujanos stated in preparation for tonight's meeting, he compiled a power point
presentation that provided a comparison of his requested zoning to the zoning request of K -III
Television for the same "Cl" District previously approved by the Planning Commission on April 13,
2011. Mr. Bujanos provided a brief case history on Zoning Case No. 0411 -01, K -III Television.
Mr. Bujanos stated his request would also allow a laboratory for DNA testing. Commissioner
Adame asked if the tenant would be using toxic materials as part of the testing and if the
laboratory use was really what was intended. Mr. Saldana stated that if the only thing being
discussed as the use was drawing for blood testing, the "CG -2" District would allow a medical
office use, but performing laboratory research and genetic testing went beyond a medical office
use. Mr. Saldaria continued that the proposed use would be classified as a laboratory facility
which was not an allowable use as shown in the power point presentation, and at this time, Staff
does not have a recommendation.
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Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
October 10, 2012
Page 4
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS — Discussion and Possible Action the Following
Items:
B. ZONING
1. Continued Zoning (cunt.)
a. Case No. 0412 -02 (12- 10000012) (coat.)
Commissioner Adame asked for clarification if in the UDC the "Cl" District or the old "B -5"
Business District would allow billboards and Staff stated yes billboards would be allowed in that
zoning district.
Commissioner Ramirez stated that in looking at the notes in the packet and the
requested zoning, he was not sure what was being requested. Commissioner Ramirez asked if
there was anything in between the "CG -2" District and it was answered no. Chairman Huerta
clarified that Mr. Bujanos' original request was for an "I L" Light Industrial. Mr. SaldaMa stated that
based on the information provided at that time, the applicant requested the "IL" Light Industrial
District to accommodate the potential tenants at that time, but they are no longer in the picture.
Mr. Saldana continued that the applicant now has a potential client who needs a "Cl" District in
order to conduct the research /laboratory testing and Mr. Bujanos no longer wants the "IL" zoning
change as originally requested.
Commissioner Castillo asked if the requested "Cl" District would accommodate what the
applicant is requesting and Staff answered yes. Chairman Huerta asked if the commission still
had the option of granting the "CG -2" District with a Special Permit and it was answered yes.
Mr. Bujanos stated he felt it was unfair that he would not be able to receive the same
zoning of "Cl" as K -Ill received on their request and there was no special permit involved. Mr,
Bujanos restated again that all he wanted was to be treated fairly and receive the approval of the
"Cl" District.
Chairman Huerta stated the "B -5 District was created with specific uses in mind and the
City has been trying to move away from the "B -5" District because the issue with billboards has
been addressed in the code,
Commissioner Castillo asked if the requested zoning would provide more flexibility and
Ms. Gunning answered that the proposed zoning would not allow the "IL" uses, but a Special
Permit would have to be created with special conditions. Commissioner Adame stated he
understood what commissioners were saying, but he asked if the tenant was the driving force in
getting the proposed zoning change. Commissioner Adame continued he felt if the commission
approved the "Cl" zoning request for this location, a precedent would be set and once the "Cl"
zoning was in place, he was afraid that loopholes would be found creating a domino effect.
Commissioner Adame stated he felt that approving the zoning would open a can of worms and he
would have a difficult time approving the "Cl" zoning.
Mr. Bujanos stated the commission set a precedent when it approved the "Cl" District for
K -III last year and all he was asking for was equal and fair treatment. Chairman Huerta stated
there was no comparison between the two zoning cases. Chairman Huerta continued that the K-
III property has 250,000 square feet and Mr. Bujanos' property has 3,000 square feet. The K -III
property totaled 2.5 acres and Mr. Bujanos' property was less than one - fourth acre. Chairman
Huerta stated to Mr. Bujanos he understood his arguments and they would be taken into
consideration. Chairman Huerta continued that the commission had to consider what the impact
would be of the "Cl" zoning on such a small location.
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Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
October 10, 2012
Page 5
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS — Discussion and Possible Action the Following
Items:
B. ZONING
Continued Zoning (cont.)
Case No. 0412 -02 (12- 10000012) (cont.)
Commissioner Lippincott stated if the commission approved a Special Permit and the
tenants changed, but the uses were similar, would Mr. Bujanos have to go through the process
again and it was answered no. Ms. Gunning stated he would have to come back if the new use
would not be allowed by the special permit. Commissioner Lippincott asked if another tenant
proposed a use that was allowed in the "Cl" District what would be the process and Ms. Gunning
stated Mr. Bujanos would have to obtain a new Special Permit.
Commissioner Castillo asked what where the concerns with granting the "Cl" District and
Commissioner Adame stated he had a concern that if the "Cl" zoning was granted, if the applicant
was approached with an opportunity to lease his sign to a company for a billboard, the billboard
could be installed because the zoning would be in place. Commissioner Adame continued he
was afraid approving the "Cl" zoning would create a loophole for a future billboard to be installed
and again setting a precedent. After all comments concluded, the public hearing was closed.
Chairman Huerta called for a motion. A motion to deny the change of zoning to the "IL
Light Industrial District, and in lieu thereof, approve the "CG-2/SP" General Commercial District
with a Special Permit subject to six.conditions. After the motion was made, a brief discussion
ensued by commissioners that the wording should be specific in stating the uses of a laboratory,
research and experimental be included in the wording of the Special Permit.
Commissioner Hamilton amended his motion to include the use of a laboratory, research
and experimental be included in the Special Permit. Motion was seconded by Commissioner
Guerra. After the motion was amended and seconded, the floor was opened for further
discussion.
Commissioner Braselton stated he was in favor of the "Cl" zoning and it sounded like Mr.
Bujanos' request was a reasonable adjustment to accommodate a proposed tenant.
Commissioner Braselton continued he did not think the billboard was an issue and was not a big
problem. Commissioner Adame stated if the concern was about whether the commission was
accommodating the needs of Mr. Bujanos' tenant, the commission was fulfilling those needs by
the proposed zoning of the "CG -2" with a Special Permit.
Commissioner Lippincott asked if Mr. Bujanos would have to come back before the
commission if the tenant for which this Special Permit was approved left and another tenant with
a different use was found and it was answered that the special permit would have to be revised.
Commissioner Guerra stated a lot of the current commissioners were not on board when
the billboard issue was previously discussed and he wanted to know what rules have been put in
place to address the issue. Chairman Huerta stated that some of the signs were not considered
actual billboards because they were not associated with a business. Off - premise signs that were
associated with businesses were converted into billboards. Chairman Huerta continued that
tremendous pressure with the signage industry was placed on the City to reduce the number of
billboards and a compromise was reached.
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Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
October 10, 2012
Page 6
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS — Discussion and Possible Action the Following
Items:
B. ZONING
1. Continued Zoning (cont.)
a. Case No. 0412 -02 (12- 10000012) (cont.)
Commissioner Castillo stated he felt approving the recommendation for the "CG-2/SP"
was penalizing the applicant and Staff needed to amend the UDC to correct the situation.
Commissioner Adame stated the commission was not denying the applicant when the approved
action accommodated the tenant's use. Commissioner Castillo stated he was not comfortable in
approving the recommendation if the applicant was not was not agreeable with it.
Mr. Saidaha stated that if the applicant wanted the "Cl" District, based on the UDC code,
it would be very close in whether he met the required spacing. Mr. Saldana continued that Mr.
Bujanos would not be allowed to place a billboard but on one side of the property because he
would not meet the distance requirement of 66 feet from the adjacent residential properties.
Chairman Huerta stated it was the City's desire to use the Beautification Act that limited
the number of billboards on scenic routes, thoroughfares, freeways - South Padre Island Drive, IH
37 and the Crosstown. Chairman Huerta continued there has been a slight decrease in the
number of billboards and the other compromise was that businesses could install electronic
messaging signs rather than a standard billboard. Chairman Huerta stated the idea and overall
goal was to decrease the number not create more.
After all discussion and comments concluded, a roll call vote was taken. Motion passed
five to three with Commissioners Braselton, Castillo and Lippincott voting no and Vice Chairman
Nadkarni absent.
2. New Zoning
Ms. Gunning read New Zoning Case Item "a" into record as shown below. Ms. Gunning
stated the property was planned for commercial and medium density residential uses. The
proposed zoning change to R %6" Single - Family 6 District and the "RM -2" Multifamily 2 District
were not consistent with the adopted Future Land Use Plan.
a. Case No. 1012 -01 (12- 10000030) — The Mostaghasi Investment Trust
Dba Sun George Contracting and Development Company: A change
of zoning from the "FR" Farm Rural District to the "RM -2" Multifamily 2
District on Tract 1 and the "RS -6" Single - Family 6 District on Tract 2,
resulting in a change of future land use from commercial to high density
residential (Tract 1) and from medium density residential to low density
residential Tract 2).
Being a 21.179 -acre tract of land out of Lots 7 and 8, Section 21, Flour
Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, located on the southwest
corner of Airline Road and Lipes Boulevard.
Ms. Gunning showed several aerial views of the subject property and stated the purpose
of the zoning request was to allow construction of a single- family residential subdivision and a
high - density apartment complex. Ms. Gunning continued that the proposed apartment complex
on Tract 1 will consist of 27 buildings with a total of 324 units. The buildings will be three stories
with a maximum height of 34 feet. Ms. Gunning stated the subject property was currently not
platted. Ms. Gunning stated that since a portion of Airline Road will be closing in the future, the
multifamily use would be a more appropriate use at the intersection of Lipes Boulevard and
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Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
October 14, 2012
Page 7
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS — Discussion and Possible Action the Following
Items:
B. ZONING
2. New Zoning (cont.)
a. Case No. 1012 -01 (12- 10000030) (cunt.)
Airline Road. Ms. Gunning continued fourteen (14) notices were mailed to property owners and
one notice was returned in favor and Staff recommended approval of the zoning request.
After Staff's presentation, the floor was opened for discussion and comments by
commissioners. There being none, the public hearing was opened with no one coming forward
and the public hearing was closed. Chairman Huerta called for a motion. A motion to approve
the change of zoning from the "FR" Farm Rural District to the "RM -2" Multifamily 2 District on
Tract 1 and the "RS -6" Single- Family 6 District on Tract 2 was made by Commissioner Ramirez
and seconded by Commissioner Braselton. Motion passed unanimously with Vice Chairman
Nadkarni absent.
Ms. Gunning read New Zoning Case Item "b" into record as shown below. Ms. Gunning
stated the property was planned for a commercial use and the proposed change of zoning was
consistent with the adopted Future Land Use Plan.
b. Case No. 1012 -02 (12- 10000031) -- Saratoga Highway Properties,
LLC: A change of zoning from the "CN -1" Neighborhood Commercial
District to the "CG -2" General Commercial District, not resulting in a
change of future land use.
Being a 3.38 -acre tract of land out of Lot 1, Block 3, Cimarron Center,
Located on the southwest corner of Dunbarton Oak Drive and Cimarron
Boulevard.
Ms. Gunning showed several aerial views of the subject property and stated the purpose
of the zoning request was to allow construction of a self- service storage facility with a caretaker's
quarters. The facility will consist of five storage buildings ranging from 2,050 to 23,800 square
feet and the tallest building of 22 feet will house the office with the upper story of the building
serving as the caretaker's quarters. Ms. Gunning stated twenty -one (21) notices were mailed to
property owners and none were returned in favor or in opposition and Staff recommended
approval of the zoning request.
After Staff's presentation, the floor was opened for discussion and comments by
commissioners. There being none, the public hearing was opened with no coming forward and
the public hearing was closed. Chairman Huerta called for a motion. A motion to approve the
change of zoning from the "CN -1" Neighborhood Commercial District to a "CG -2" General
Commercial District was made by Commissioner Guerra and seconded by Commissioner Adame.
Motion passed with Vice Chairman Nadkarni absent.
Ms. Gunning read New Zoning Case Item "c" into record as shown below. Ms.
Gunning stated the subject property was planned for low density residential use and the proposed
zoning change to the "RS -4.5" Single- Family 4.5 District was consistent with the adopted Future
Land Use Plan.
Commissioner Braselton requested that the record reflect he was abstaining from the
discussion and vote on New Zoning Cases Items "c" and "d."
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Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
October 10, 2012
Page 8
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS — Discussion and Possible Action the Following
Items:
B. ZONING
New Zoning (cont.)
C. Case No. 1012 -03 (12- 10000032 — Yorktown Oso Joint Venture: A
change of zoning from the "FR" Farm Rural District to the "RS -4.5"
Single-Family 4.5 District not resulting in a change of future land use.
Being a 7.339 -acre tract of land out of Lots 29 and 30, Section 25, Flour
Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, located east of Rodd Field
Road and south of Stampede Drive.
Ms. Gunning presented several aerial views of the subject property and continued that
the purpose of the zoning request was to allow development of a single- family residential
development which would be an extension of the Rancho Vista Subdivision. Rezoning of the
property will finalize a plat resulting in thirty -two (32) residential lots.
Ms. Gunning stated twenty -four (24) notices were mailed to property owners and none
were returned in favor or in opposition and Staff recommended approval of the zoning request.
After Staffs presentation concluded, Chairman Huerta opened the floor for discussion and
comments by commissioners. There being none, the public hearing was opened with no one
coming forward and the public hearing was closed.
Chairman Huerta called for a motion. A motion to approve the zoning change from the
"FR" Farm Rural District to the "RS -4.5" Single - Family 4.5 District was made by Commissioner
Hamilton and seconded by Commissioner Lippincott. Motion passed with Commissioner
Braselton abstaining and Vice Chairman Nadkarni absent.
Ms. Gunning read New Zoning Case Item "d" into record as shown below. Ms. Gunning
stated that the subject property was planned for a low- density residential use and the proposed
change of zoning was consistent with the adopted Future Land Use Plan.
d. Case No. 1012-04 (12- 10000033) — Yorktown Oso Joint Venture: A
change of zoning from the "FR" Farm Rural District to the "RS -4.5"
Single-Family 4.5 District not resulting in a change of future land use.
Being a 13.206 -acre tract of land out of Lots 31 and 32, Section 25, Flour
Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, located east of Rodd Field
Road and south of High Gun Drive.
Ms. Gunning presented several aerial views of the property. Ms. Gunning continued that
the purpose of the proposed zoning change was to allow development of a single - family and
clustered housing subdivision. Ms..Gunning stated the proposed zoning change would allow for
platting of a residential subdivision consisting of seventy -one (71) single - family lots using the
Clustered Development Overlay regulations. Ms. Gunning continued that to.the south of the
subject property, several phases of the Rancho Vista Subdivision were under construction and
also there was vacant farm land.
Ms. Gunning stated a total of forty -seven (47) notices were mailed to property owners
and none were returned and Staff recommended approval of the zoning change. After Staffs
presentation concluded, Chairman Huerta opened the floor for discussion and comments by
commissioners. There being none, the public hearing was opened with no one coming forward
and the public hearing was closed. Chairman Huerta called for a motion. A motion to approve
the zoning change from the "FR" Farm Rural District to the ",RS -4.5" Single - Family 4.5 District
was made by Commissioner Hamilton and seconded by Commissioner Castillo. Motion passed
with Commissioner Braselton abstaining and Vice Chairman Nadkarni absent.
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Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
October 10, 2012
Page 9
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS — Discussion and Possible Action the Following
Items:
C. Amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) by revising
Subsection 7.5.7A.7 relating to signs partially exempt from the UDC
Mr. Mark Van Vleck, Interim Director of Development Services, addressed the
commission. Mr. Van Vleck stated that at the last meeting, this item was scheduled for
discussion and it is scheduled for action at tonight's meeting. Mr. Van Vleck continued that the
amendment will add text relating to signs by revising Subsection 7.5.7.A.7, Signs, Partially
Exempted from Code, specifically signs installed by a transit company with a franchise or other
right to operate in the City such as Regional Transit Authority (RTA).
Mr. Van Vleck stated that on November 26, 1985, the City of Corpus Christi and the RTA
executed an agreement in that both the City and the RTA agreed that the RTA would be
responsible for any and all advertising placed on passenger shelters, benches or bus stop signs
located within public right -of -way or easements maintained by the City. Mr. Van Vleck.continued
that the 1985 agreement was entered into as a way to offset the fee for the riders and under the
newly adopted UDC code, many of the signs are considered off - premise signs, similar to
billboards, therefore, they are not allowed. The proposed amendment will provide effectiveness
of the previously executed agreement and current lease agreement between the RTA and City.
Mr. Van Vleck continued the City shares one -third (113) of the monies collected from the
advertisements placed on the benches and the permits were considered costs of service. After
Mr. Van Vleck's presentation concluded, the floor was opened for discussion and comments by
commissioners. Commissioner Ramirez asked if the revenue the City received from RTA was
more than if the RTA was charged per permit and Mr. Van Vleck answered no. Mr. Van Vleck
continued that the RTA does not pay taxes.
Commissioner Hamilton stated if the amendment was not approved, what would happen
with the agreement and Mr. Van Vleck stated if the amendment was not approved, RTA would be
required to remove the advertisement on the bus benches.
A question was asked regarding the cost of obtaining a sign permit and Mr. Van Vleck
stated the cost for a sign permit was $108.00. Chairman Huerta stated there has been a big
crackdown on yard signs and illegal signs and the code should be enforced. Mr. Van Vleck
stated that public entities were usually charged half of the cost for each permit.
Mr. Van Vleck stated there were two issues for the commission to consider before taking
action on the amendment -- whether the signs are to be allowed in the public right -of -way and if
the RTA should be required to obtain a permit. Mr, Van Vleck continued that currently the UDC
and the agreement are in conflict and the proposed amendment would resolve it. Further
discussion ensued on the estimated revenue the city might receive if permits were obtained
versus receiving a percentage from the RTA for advertisement on the bus benches. After all
comments and discussion concluded by commissioners, the public hearing was opened.
Mr. Jack Gordy, 4118 Bray Drive, restated that he previously provided a copy of the letter
to planning commissioners regarding this item and he wanted the record reflect again that he was
totally against the amendment. Mr. Gordy continued the city ordinance clearly states that
advertisement must comply with all city laws and regulations and no exemptions were allowed.
Mr. Gordy stated that the City has been ignoring their own rules and codes in allowing RTA to
continue to use their benches for advertising. Mr. Gordy continued again that if it was against the
law for citizens, it should be against the law for RTA and any other public entity and it was unfair.
After Mr. Gordy's comments concluded, the public hearing was closed. Chairman Huerta
stated the text amendment should include the wording that the Regional Transit Authority will
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Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
October 10, 2012
Page 10
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS — Discussion and Possible Action the Following
Items:
C. Amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) by revising
Subsection 7.5.7A.7relating to signs partially exempt from the UDC (cant.)
have to obtain a sign permit to allow the off - premise signs on the bus benches. After further
discussion, Chairman Huerta called for a motion.
A motion to approve the proposed text amendment to the Unified Development Code by
revising Subsection 7.5.7.A.7 to allow bus benches to be in public right -of -way and signs on the
bus benches will be permitted as required by the UDC and Development Services Department
was made by Commissioner Hamilton and seconded by Commissioner Guerra. After the motion
on was on the floor, further discussion ensued regarding how the RTA might handle the cost of
having to obtain sign permits.
Commissioner Castillo stated he did not understand why the public entities would be
allowed to pay one -half of the cost for their permits when the smaller businesses had to pay the
full cost. Commissioner Castillo continued it was the private entity that really reaped the benefit.
After all comments and discussion concluded, the motion passed with Vice Chairman Nadkarni
absent.
Commissioner Castillo stated at some time in the future, he would like Staff to provide
more updated numbers to get a better idea of the amount of revenue the City actually received.
V. Director's Report
A. Update on Department Operations
No updates were presented.
VI. Items to be Scheduled for the Next Meeting
No items were requested.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Hamilton
and seconded by Commissioner Ramirez. Motion passed with Vice Chairman Nadkarni absent.
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p,m.
a
?ar Van Vleck, P.E., Interim Director
Development Services Department
Interim Secretary to Planning Commission
Linda illiams
Development Services Department
Recordl. g Secretary
/0
Date
a1m
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