CITY OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LA HABRA HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairman Black called a meeting of the La Habra Heights Planning Commission to order at 7:07 P.M. in the Community Center, 1245 Hacienda Road, La Habra Heights, California.
2. ROLL CALL
Those present: Chairman Black, Vice Chairman Baroldi, Commissioners Garcia, Grebbien and McCoy. Also present: Assistant City Attorney Paspalis, Community Development Director Powers, Planning Technician Doppieri, Mayor Douglas and Consultant Blodgett.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Commissioner Grebbien led the flag salute.
4. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC ON THE AGENDA
Stephen Blagden, Citron Road, spoke regarding corrections to Article 7.
The Commission discussed with Mr. Blagden the definition of the word ÒminimizeÓ and whether it is appropriate.
0:36:14
5. ZONING CODE AMENDMENT 2005-01 – ARTICLE 7 - ZONING ORDINANCE
Mayor Douglas explained that Staff picked out four projects for comparison of the old Code and the new Code. The area that has significant effect is that if you get rid of the slope dependence on grading, the impervious coverage being 50% of the allowable grading, the steeper lots are easier to develop and the flat lots are more difficult. We are still looking at lengths of retaining walls. Most areas seem easy to remediate.
The Commission discussed retaining walls and grading rules on slopes and how they fit with the house. They noted that we need to be realistic and with the cost of land people will expect to build a large house. They also discussed the cumulative effect of the codes.
1:05:53
CHAPTER 7.11 SETBACK AND YARD USE STANDARDS
Consultant Blodgett noted on page 7-33, Table 7-6 the committee revised Setback requirements for Structures, Driveways and Parking Areas in the R A Zone to have a 10-foot setback for both Front Setback and Other Setback. On page 7-34, Table 7-7, the committee made the R A Zone Front Setback first and second floor 35 feet. The Other Setbacks for both the first floor and second floor is 25 feet. On page 7-35 we added Item K. Access Gates. Page 7-36, we removed Item C. 1 and C. 4 as a prohibited use.
Commissioner McCoy asked that the title of Table 7-6 be changed to read Minimum Setback Requirements for Parking Areas. She also noted that Exhibit 7-5 in the bottom box is missing a line for Òfootprint greater than 4000 sq. ft.Ó Ms. McCoy also suggested that on page 7-36 the new C. 1, replace trash ÒenclosuresÓ with ÒreceptaclesÓ.
The Commission discussed whether the front setback from the street was from the pavement or the right-of-way.
Vice Chairman Baroldi commented on page 7-31, 7.11.40 Development Standards for Yards. He stated that the last sentence of the first paragraph seems to discourage remodels.
Consultant Blodgett suggested that the phrase Òin the absence of a Standards Modification RequestÓ be added to the end of that last sentence.
The wording needs to be made clearer on B. 1.
The Commission discussed the setbacks for driveways since they are going to be dropped from Table 7-6.
Consultant Blodgett suggested that they keep the suggested setbacks for Parking Areas to apply to Driveways for Institutional and Resource Production.
The consensus was to leave the Residential-Agricultural Zone at a 10-foot setback for both Front Setback and Other Setback.
Vice Chairman Baroldi asked that the multiplier of 0.25 in Exhibit 7.5 be revisited as in his opinion it is a little harsh.
The Commission discussed Page 7-34 G. Active Fault Line Setback.
Mayor Douglas explained that they have been discussing with the Engineers if we should have a local Standard for a setback from a known fault on a site. At present there is no setback from a fault line for a single-family residence.
Assistant City Attorney Paspalis noted that subdivisions fall outside the single family residence rule when you get past a certain number of homes it falls under the Alquist-Priolo rule of a 50-foot setback.
The Commission discussed Exhibit 7-3 – Structure Setbacks and Required Yards R-A Zone on page 7-32 noting the fact that there is no information on the exhibit about setbacks for fuel modification.
Consultant Blodgett stated that fuel modification is a landscape component and there is a reference to Article 4 for fuel modification on page 7-38 and 7-40 in the next Chapter. He suggested that they will place a note at Exhibit 7-3 that additional requirements pursuant to the Fuel Modification Zone may also be applicable.
The Commission suggested that Òrestricted areasÓ should be added to Item J. Flood and Slope Easement Setbacks.
Mr. Blodgett stated that he will take a look at this also.
2.14.23
CHAPTER 7.12 LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
Consultant Blodgett noted that under 7.12.40 Development Standards for Landscaping, the need for Landscaping and Irrigation Plan Requirements were better articulated. On page 7-38 there were minor changes requested by the Commission. Under D. Use of Landscaping for Screening, we changed the time period for landscaping to provide the screening threshold from three years to five years. On page 7-39 G. Protection of Views, we have taken out the first two sentences and added information about protected views when landscaping. Under 7.12.50 Tree Preservation, we made a number of modifications which had to do with tree sizes, also clarified tree removal permit requirements.
After comment from the Commission, Consultant Blodgett noted that he would add something on irrigation to Item J. Landscaping for Erosion Control on page 7-40.
The Commission discussed distant and protected views mentioned in 7.12.40 D.
Consultant Blodgett noted that he would have to look at this again and noted that the Òdistant viewÓ is an addition to the Òprotected viewÓ.
The Commission then discussed page 7-41 D. Tree Replacement, Item 2 concerning sufficient tree replacement.
Mayor Douglas explained that when you need a tree removal permit you have to deal with replacement of trees that staff would decide as appropriate.
Consultant Blodgett explained that we now require a landscape plan and that is our protection.
Consultant Blodgett explained that the Landscape Plan would include the already existing vegetation on the site and irrigation for the site.
2:41:01
CHAPTER 7.13 PARKING AND ACCESS STANDARDS
Consultant Blodgett stated on 7.13.40 Development Standards for Parking and Access we added ÒEmergency vehicle access and turn around space must be designed for all development regardless of Zone District.Ó
Mr. Blodgett noted on page 7-45, Table 7-9 for Parking Standards, Mr. Blagden raised an issue that for Institutional uses the Parking Standards be cumulative rather than mutually exclusive. Mr. Blodgett noted that he thought they should be mutually exclusive. His experience has proved this is correct.
Mr. Blodgett noted that on page 7-46 they added H. Special Parking Permit information as directed by Commission.
Staff and the Commission discussed Parking.
Consultant Blodgett noted that he would rewrite 7.13.40 A. 6 on page 7.44.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Black adjourned the Planning Commission Meeting at 10:02 p.m. to the next Regular Planning Commission Meeting on January 24, 2006.
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LARRY BLACK, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
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JUSTIN POWERS, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR