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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-021 VehiclStorPopelar08-26-2003 AGENDA STATEMENT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE: August 26, 2003 SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING - PA 03-021 Ken Harvey/Dublin Honda Automobile/Vehicle Storage Lot (Popelar Property), Conditional Use Permit (Report prepared by: Janet Harbin, Senior Planner) ATTACHMENTS: Applicant's Written Statement Site and Parking Layout Plans Resolution approving a Conditional Use Permit RECOMMENDATION: 2. 3. 4. 5. Open public hearing. Take testimony from the Applicant and the public. Question Staff, Applicant and the public. Close public hearing and deliberate. Adopt Resolution (Attachment 3) approving PA 03-021 Ken Harvey/Dublin Honda (Popelar Property) Automobile/Vehicle Storage Lot Conditional Use Permit. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to operate an automobile/vehicle storage lot at 6700 Sierra Lane in an existing parking lot (see Applicant's Written Statement, Attachment 1). The Conditional Use Permit will allow the storage of vehicles for the Ken Harvey/Dublin Honda auto dealership on a 1-acre site owned by Dee Popelar and located approximately 2 miles east of the Honda auto dealership on Amador Plaza Road (APN 941-0205-015). The applicant is requesting that the automobile/vehicle storage lot be available for use by the dealership for the duration of the construction of the expanded Dublin Honda facility, recently approved by the City Council. The facility would be used to store only Honda vehicles until the proposed expansion of the dealership is completed, providing additional parking for the dealership's inventory of vehicles. As there may be a need in future for other businesses to store vehicles at the site, it is suggested that the conditional use permit allow use of the lot for parking and vehicle storage for an indefinite amount of time. BACKGROUND: The Dublin Honda dealership is located at 7099 Amador Plaza Road in the Downtown Core Specific Plan area, and is surrounded by other retail commercial-type uses. On July 8, 2003, The Planning Commission recommended approval of a Planned Development Rezoning and Development Plan, Site Development Review, and Master Sign Program for the expansion and renovation of the auto dealership to the City Council. The existing auto dealership contains approximately 10,000 square feet of space, consisting of COPIES TO: Applicant Property Owner Project File ITEM NO. ~ G:\PA#~2003\03-021 2nd Vehicle Storage\PCSR.doc the showroom, office space, and vehicle service area. The proposal was for the renovation of the showroom and the exterior of the building to meet the requirements of the Honda Corporation for their franchises and to expand the square footage of the dealership to 33,068. The expansion plan included an open parking area on the second level for vehicle storage and overflow parking, thereby increasing the existing parking on the site from 80 spaces to 180 spaces. On August 19, 2003, the City Council approved the project based on the Planning Commission's recommendation. ANALYSIS: The construction of the expansion planned at the Honda dealership is anticipated to disrupt the dealership site on Amador Plaza Road and displace the existing inventory parking for the duration of the construction period. The applicant has stated that at the present them is inadequate space on the dealership site to move inventory around and park it during the construction of the expanded facility, and also continue to meet customer demand. The site to be used for the storage of Honda vehicles is located to the east of the Dublin Honda dealership on Sierra Lane in the light industrial area near Doughtery Road and Dublin Boulevard. The site contains an existing building and business operated by the property owner (see Site and Parking Layout Plans, Attachment 2). An existing parking lot located behind and adjacent to Mr. Popelar's building will be used for the vehicle storage. The proposed site is fenced and gated, with security features that meet the Police Department requirements, and in accordance with the regulations established by the Zoning Ordinance, Section 8.08.20, Definitions, requiring an automobile/vehicle storage lot to be located behind a 6-foot high wall or fence. Access to the lot is provided by a driveway from Sierra Lane; however, the lot is not visible from the street. Sierra Lane, the accessway, and the storage lot have been improved to meet current traffic conditions and in accordance with the requirements of the Public Works Department. No further improvements are necessary for the operation of the vehicle storage lot. Zoning and General Plan: The current zoning for the subject property is M-1 Light Industrial which requires that the Planning Commission approve a Conditional Use Permit before a vehicle storage use can be established. The General Plan designation for the site is Retail/Office & Automotive. The property is located in an area of light industrial type uses and business parks, and adjacent to an area containing several businesses that operate outdoor storage facilities in conjunction with light industrial business uses. Conditional Use Permit: As the M-1 Light Industrial zoning district requires a Conditional Use Permit for the vehicle storage use, the Applicant has requested approval of a permit from the Planning Commission (see Applicant's Written Statement, Attachment 1). Various City Departments have reviewed the project and have requested conditions of project approval for the parking lot in order to maintain minimum health and safety standards. These conditions are contained in the Resolution in Attachment 3. No other governmental agencies commented on the project, as the site is developed and fully improved. Staff has reviewed the project and has determined that the required Conditional Use Permit findings in the Resolution in Attachment 3 can be made. Noticing: In accordance with State law, a public notice was mailed to all property owners and occupants within 300 feet of the proposed project, to advertise the project and the upcoming public hearing. A public notice was also published in the Tri-Valley Herald and posted at several locations throughout the City. To date, the City has received no contact or objections from surrounding property owners or tenants regarding the current proposal. CONCLUSION: The parking area proposed for the automobile/vehicle storage lot meets the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance for an Automobile/Vehicle Storage Lot. It is improved, fenced and gated, and is suitable for use as a vehicle storage lot. Additionally, the use is compatible with the surrounding uses consisting of business and services with adjacent parking and storage lots. Although Dublin Honda will only use the lot to store vehicles for a limited time, and areas for vehicle storage are scarce, Staff is recommending that the conditional use permit allow for the lot to be used indefinitely for vehicle storage. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: This project has been found to be Categorically Exempt from CEQA under Section 15301, Class 1 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines. The project consists of minor modifications to an existing building or site, is consistent with all General Plan and Zoning regulations, and currently served by all required utilities and public services. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission: 1. Adopt Resolution (Attachment 3) approving the Conditional Use Permit to establish a vehicle parking facility for APN 941-0205-015. GENERAL INFORMATION: Property Owner: Applicant: Location: Assessor Parcel No.: Existing Zoning: General Plan Designation: Dee Popelar 6700 Sierra Lane Dublin, CA 94568 Ken Harvey Dublin Honda 6700 Amador Plaza Road Dublin, CA 94568 6700 Sierra Lane APN 941-0205-015 M-l, Light Industrial Zoning District Retail/Office & Automotive 4 ~ / 77.¥ .q-o. ?--¢ ~ .,¢ ~-/Ct.7 S c. ~ s /7¢-,,., (:./EJ RECEIVED ~//~.)UBLIN PLANNING 14 O0 R~C~IV~D , ,...~'¢ 0 ;J 2003 ~UBUN PLANN~N~ 2756 55O ALAMEDA PARCEL COUN~.Y ~SSESSOR' S NO. 941-0205-15 RESOLUTION NO. 03- A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN APPROVING PA 03-021 KEN HARVEY/DUBLIN HONDA CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO OPERATE AN AUTOMOBILE/VEHICLE STORAGE LOT AT 6700 SIERRA LANE (POPELAR PROPERTY) WHEREAS, the Applicant, Ken Harvey, owner of the Dublin Honda auto dealership, has requested a Conditional Use Permit application to operate an automobile/vehicle storage lot within a private parking lot owned by Dee Popelar and located at 6700 Sierra Lane, in a M-1 Light Industrial Zoning District; and WHEREAS the Planning Commission held a properly noticed public hearing on said application on August 26, 2003; and WHEREAS, the Staff Report was submitted recommending that the Planning Commission application be conditionally approved; and WHEREAS, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), together with the State guidelines and City environmental regulations require that certain projects be reviewed for environmental impact and that environmental documents be prepared; and WHEREAS, the project has been found to be Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), according to the CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301 (a); and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did hear and consider all said reports, recommendations and testimony herein above set forth and used their independent judgment to make a decision; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has found that the proposed project is appropriate for the subject site. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Dublin Planning Commission does find that: mo The proposed use serves the public need by providing a location for storage of new vehicles owned by auto dealerships during expansion of existing facilities or excessive inventory, thereby providing the community with a greater opportunity to purchase automotive vehicles in a convenient location. B° The proposed use will not adversely affect the health or safety of persons working in the vicinity, and will not be viewed as detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare because of the proximity of its location to other automotive related uses, light industrial business parks and related activities. Neighboring property owners in the vicinity of the project include commercial offices and warehouses, automotive repair and service facilities, and other locations such as parking lots where vehicles are stored for a period of time. Additionally, conditions of approval will ensure ongoing compatibility with other ATTACHMENT 3 surrounding land uses that are commercial in nature. The use, under all circumstances and conditions of this permit, will not be injurious to property uses or improvements in the neighborhood. Other commercial service and storage facilities in the immediate vicinity complement the proposed project. There are adequate existing provisions for public access, water, sanitation, and public utilities and services to ensure that the proposed use and related structures would not be detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare. No alteration or extension of such services would be necessary. Eo The subject site is physically suitable for the type, density and intensity of the use and related structures being proposed. The Sierra Lane business park area is one of the more appropriate industrial parks in the City for industrial and commercial uses that are compatible with the surrounding neighboring uses. Additionally, the storage of vehicles will occur in a fenced parking area behind an existing building, and not be visible from the public right-of-way. Fo The proposed project is consistent with the intent of the M-1 Light Industrial Zoning District, which encourages light industrial uses serving transportation needs adjacent to major transportation corridors and adjacent roadways. Go The proposed use is consistent with the Dublin General Plan in terms of land use and development standards. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE Dublin Planning Commission does hereby approve PA 03-021 Conditional Use Permit to allow the operation of an automobile/vehicle storage lot within an existing parking lot as generally depicted by the site plan, labeled Attachment 2, stamped approved on August 26, 2003 by the Planning Commission, and on file with the Dublin Community Development Department, Planning Division, subject to compliance with the following conditions: CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: Unless stated otherwise, all Conditions of Approval shall be complied with prior to the issuance of building permits or establishment of use, and shall be subject to Planning Department review and approval. The following codes represent those departments/agencies responsible for monitoring compliance of the conditions of approval: [PL] Planning, [B] Building, [PO] Police, [PW] Public Works [ADM] Administration/City Attorney, [FIN] Finance, [F] Alameda County Fire Department, [DSRSD] Dublin San Ramon Services District, [CO] Alameda County Department of Environmental Health. GENERAL 1. Approval. PA 03-021 Sierra Lane Automobile/Vehicle Storage Lot Conditional Use Permit approval is for the operation of a vehicle storage lot to serve Dublin Honda and other similar businesses within an existing parking lot located at 6700 Sierra Lane. This approval shall conform to the project plans stamped approved on August 26, 2003, labeled Attachment 2, consisting of a site and parking plan dated received by the Planning Department on June 3, 2003. Responsible Agency: PL Required By: Ongoing New Signage. Any new signage shall be subject to the provisions of the Sign Regulations, Chapter 8.84 of the Zoning Ordinance and the existing Master Sign Program approved for the shopping center. Responsible Agency: Required By: PL Ongoing Parking Area. The parking area shall be used in the manner represented in application plans, written statements and other documents. Responsible Agency: PL Required By: Ongoing Enforcement Action. The Applicant and the Property Owner shall operate all uses in compliance with the Conditions of Approval of this Conditional Use Permit and the regulations established in the Zoning Ordinance. Any violation of the terms or conditions specified may be subject to enforcement action. Responsible Agency: PL Required By: Ongoing o Revocation. This Conditional Use Permit shall be revocable for cause, upon the determination by the Community Development Director that the conditions of approval are not being met, or if the above related findings of approval cannot be met. Failure to comply with the conditions of approval will cause the permit to become null and void. Responsible Agency: Required By: PL Ongoing o Code Compliance. The project shall be in compliance with all appropriate local, state and federal laws and regulations and shall be in compliance with all conditions listed within the Municipal Code, Non-Residential Building Security Requirements, and adopted standard conditions for non- residential building security. The applicant shall also comply with all applicable regulations, requirements and ordinances of the City of Dublin Planning and Building Department, Alameda County Fire Authority, and the Dublin Police Department. Responsible Agency: Required By: PL, B, F, PO Ongoing SITE MAINTENANCE 7. Site Maintenance. The applicant shall be responsible for maintaining the site in a clean and litter- free condition at all times. Responsible Agency: PL Required By: Ongoing FENCING & GATES 8. Fencing and Gates. The parking area designated for the storage of vehicles shall be located with the existing fenced area on the site and be maintained in good condition throughout the duration of 3 its use. The gated entrance to the fenced area shall be kept closed and locked at all times except during authorized drop-off or removal of vehicles. Any Fire Department accessways within the fenced area shall be equipped with gates with knox boxes. Responsible Agency: Required By: PL, PO, F Ongoing Activities in Fenced Area Only. All activities associated with the vehicle storage lot shall be conducted entirely within the enclosed and fenced parking area designated for Dublin Honda parking on the project site plan. No repairs to vehicles shall be conducted in the parking lot. Responsible Agency: Required By: PL Ongoing LICENSES & PERMITS 10. Other Licenses and Permits. The applicant shall obtain all necessary licenses and permits through the Department of Motor Vehicles and the State Board of Equalization prior to the establishment of the use. Said licenses and permits shall be displayed at all times during the operation of business. Responsible Agency: Required By: PL, PO Ongoing LIGHTING & SECURITY 11. Lighting and Security Requirements. Lighting within the vehicle storage lot must meet the current requirements specified in the City of Dublin Non-Residential Security Ordinance, and be to the satisfaction of the Police Department. Responsible Agency: Required By: PO Ongoing DURATION OF PERMIT 12. Duration of Permit. This approval shall be valid and permit the storage of vehicles in the paved parking lot in the designated area, as shown on the project plans. The conditional use permit for the operation of the storage lot shall run with the land, and may be terminated by the Community Development Director if the conditions of approval are violated as referenced in Conditions 5 and 6, above. Responsible Agency: PL Required By: Ongoing PASSED APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 26th day of August 2003. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ATTEST: Planning Commission Chairperson Planning Manager G:\pa03021 \pc-reso&coa