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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-2001 PC MinutesA regular meeting of the City of Dublin Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, November 13, 2001, in the Dublin Civic Center City Council Chambers. Chairperson Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners, Johnson, Musser, and Nassar; Jeri Ram, Planning Manager; Janet Harbin, Senior Planner; Andy Byde, Senior Planner; and Maria Carrasco, Recording Secretary.. Absent: Cm. Jennings and Fasulkey PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Cm. Johnson led the Commission, Staff, and those present in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. The minutes from October 23, 2001 meeting were not available. ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO THE AGENDA - None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Regular Meeting 74 November 13, 2001 8.1 PA 01-025 Target Expansion Site Development Review and Specific Plan Amendment. The Applicant is proposing an expansion, exterior facade renovation and associated improvements for the existing 105,774 square foot store by approximately 15,000 square feet located at 7200 Amador Plaza Road, within the Downtown Core Specific Plan area of Dublin. Cm. Johnson asked for the staff report. Ms. Harbin presented the staff report. She stated the project site is located in the Dublin Place Shopping Center with the present Alameda County Dublin Library to the northwest. The library site is proposed for a future senior center subsequent to the construction of the Civic Center library. The applicant's plan will realign and widen the existing driveway from Amador Plaza Road with the existing drive aisles in the northeast portion of Target's parking area. A 9-foot wide pedestrian/handicapped accessible walkway is included from Amador Plaza Road to the main drive aisle with enhanced landscaping at the entryway. Staff is recommending that paving or other hardscape material be used to accentuate the pedestrian crossings at the entrance on Amador Plaza Road and at the drive aisle connections. Additionally, the Conditions of Approval state that the trees in the tree wells adjacent to the walkway must be at least 25-gallons in size and mature to further define the pedestrian access way. Ms. Harbin pointed to the drive aisle location on an overhead of the project site. She explained that a specific plan amendment is needed for certain modifications to the design guidelines of the Downtown Core Specific Plan are necessary to reflect the actual project plan and modify the 10- foot walkway and substantial landscaping adjacent to the drive aisle as shown in the plan. The applicant has been requested to provide vehicle access to the future senior center site and a conditional has been developed to address this. The proposed expansion of Target would increase the square footage from 110,757 to approximately 120,360 square feet. The proposed project is consistent with the City's General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance. The Director has referred this project to the Planning Commission for recommendation to the City Council pursuant to Section 8.96.020.C.2 of the Zoning Ordinance because of the importance of the project to the Downtown Core Specific Plan area and the Specific Plan Amendment. The City Council has indicated in the past their concern with the design and vitality of development in the downtown area of Dublin and within this shopping center. Staff recommends the Planning Commission open the public hearing, take testimony from the applicant and the public, close the public hearing, deliberate, and adopt a resolution recommending City Council approval of a Site Development Review and Specific Plan Amendment to the Downtown Core Specific Plan. ~Pfanning Commission ~gufar ~eeting 75 ~fovem6erl~ 2001 Cm. Johnson asked Staff to display the overhead titled Exhibit 4 from the Downtown Core Specific Plan. He asked if a realigned entrance from Dublin Boulevard was proposed in front of Toys R Us. Ms. Harbin said yes, that was included in the Expo Design Center Project. Cm. Musser asked if additional landscaping is proposed. Ms. Harbin stated additional landscaping and irrigation improvements are proposed in the parking area. A landscaping plan is attached to the staff report as Exhibit A. Since the preparation of the agenda report, the applicant submitted a letter stating that the proposal was for a 7 foot walkway rather than a 9 foot walkway to retain existing trees and drive aisles in the parking area. Cm. Nassar asked what was the basis for requiring a 9-foot walkway. Ms. Harbin responded the requirement is based on what is included in the Downtown Core Specific Plan, which requires a 10-foot walkway. A 9 foot walkway seemed to be a reasonable compromise to ensure pedestrian access into the center, and rest the intent of the Specific Plan. Cm. Johnson asked if there were any other questions; hearing none he asked if the applicant was available. Jim Tucker, Real Estate Manager with Target stated he has been working with Staff to understand the requirements of the City. There are two conditions they are not in agreement with; Condition 5, which is a "hold harmless" clause for the City and Condition 31 for vehicle access and overflow parking. The "hold harmless" language is too broad and would like to revise it. The attorney for Target has proposed alternative language specifically focused to the project. Condition 31 requires vehicle access to the library site and to provide overflow parking for the Senior Center. He stated approval of the project should not be contingent on providing parking for the Senior Center site. The authority to grant easements would have to come from the property owner. Cm. Musser asked if the property owner was available to address these issues. Erin Kvistad, Attorney for the Property Owner explained that her client received the revised site plan yesterday from their consultant SLS, and needs additional time to review the documents. She requested a continuance on behalf of her client. Ms. Harbin stated any revisions to Condition 5 should be discussed with the City Attorney. Planning Commission P~Sular Meetin~ 76 Ho,ember 13, 2001 Cm. Johnson asked if there were any other questions. Cm. Musser stated he would like to see the landscape plans before recommending approval as the consultant had omitted a page from the plans submitted. He also recommended that additional landscaping be provided at the entrance to the site at Amador Valley Boulevard. He has concerns the language for Condition 5 "hold harmless" and would like to review the City Attorney's comments. Cm. Nassar stated he would also like to see the final landscape plans. Ms. Ram suggested continuing the public hearing to the December 11, 2001 Planning Commission meeting. Cm. Johnson asked for motion to continue the hearing to December 11, 2001. On motion by Cm. Musser, seconded by Cm. Nassar, by a vote of 3-0-2, with Cm, Jermings and Cm. Fasulkey absent, the Planning Commission continued the public hearing to December 11, 2001. 8.2 PA 01-013 Volkswagen Conditional Use Permit and Site Development Review. The Applicant is proposing to construct a new Dublin Volkswagen Facility located at 6085 Scarlett Court would contain 24,852 square feet and would be used for sales, service, storage, and administrative uses. Mr. Byde presented the staff report. The Applicant is requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit and Site Development Review to establish a new 24,852 square foot auto dealer. Dublin Volkswagen is relocating the subject property out of the existing Dublin Auto Center located at 6015 Scarlett Court. The project site is located at the corner of Scarlett Court and the newly constructed Scarlett Drive. Access to the subject property will be along driveways on Scarlett Drive and Scarlett Court. Large trucks will access the site from Scarlett Court and exit on Scarlett Drive. Public Works Staff have analyzed the site plan and have determined that Car Carrier trucks will be able to circulate onto the dealership site to drop off automobiles. A recommended condition of approval prohibits the unloading of Car Carrier trucks on surface streets near the dealership. The dealership will operate seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Conditions of approval ensure that the Applicant/Developer is responsible for ensuring that noise from the dealership is not audible at the property line. Staff finds that the project is consistent with the Dublin General Plan and recommends that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution approving the Site Development Review and Conditional Use Permit to establish the new 24,852 square foot auto dealer. Planning Commission 77 Hovember 13, 2001 P~gularMeeting Cm. Johnson asked if there were any questions or comments; hearing none he asked if the applicant was available. Chris Madill, Chatfield Construction, Inc. stated he has built several Volkswagen dealerships and was excited about the project. He Thanked Staff for all their work and is looking forward to starting the construction. Cm. Johnson asked if there were any other questions; hearing none he asked for motion. On motion by Cm. Nassar, seconded by Cm. Musser by a vote of 3-0-2 with Cm. Jennings and Cm. Fasulkey absent, the Planning Commission adopted RESOLUTION NO. 01- 28 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND SITE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW FOR PA 01-013 DUBLIN VOLKWAGEN TO ESTABLISH AN AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP IN A 24,852 SQUARE FOOT BUILDING LOCATED AT 6085 SCARLETT COURT NEW OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ms. Ram discussed the upcoming agenda schedule. ADOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. ATTEST: Planni~g Manager Planning?~mission Chairperson (Planning Commission 78 ~hrovem~er 13, 2001 ~gufar Meeting