This is the time when any member of the public may bring a matter to the attention of the Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. The Ralph M. Brown Act limits the Planning Commission and staff's ability to respond to comments on non-agendized matters at the time such comments are made. Thus, your comments may be agendized for a future meeting or referred to staff. The Commission may discuss or ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.

This is the time for the public to comment on any item on the Consent Calendar. As Consent Calendar items are considered routine in nature, they are normally enacted in one motion. The Chairperson may remove a questioned Consent Calendar item for separate action.

You are encouraged by this Commission to express your views on any matter set for public hearing. It is our procedure to first receive the report of the Planning staff, then to ask for public testimony; first from those in favor of the matter, followed by testimony from those in opposition to it, and, if there be opposition, to allow those in favor, rebuttal testimony only as to the points brought up in opposition. To testify on a matter, you need to simply come forward to the lectern at the appropriate time, give your name and address and make your statement. In addition, please sign in on the sheet provided at the podium so it will facilitate preparation of our minutes. Do not be concerned with your possible lack of experience in public hearings. We are interested in what you say, not your level of expertise as a public speaker. After a hearing has been closed, you may not further speak on the matter unless requested to do so by a member of the Commission.

ADMINISTRATIVE USE PERMIT NO. 08-02

Planning Associate Ron Garcia presented the staff report. There was a short discussion by the commission regarding other electronic readerboard for office uses.

Katie Pierce, Sign Methods, representing the applicant spoke in favor of the project. Ms. Pierce also spoke to the Commission regarding the proposed technology to be used for the sign. In addition, Ms. Pierce answered questions by the Commission regarding the safety of readerboard signs for drivers and the proposed number of tenants in the office building.

Joanne Wilner spoke in opposition. Ms. Wilner stated her opinion that there are too many readerboard signs in the area, which affect the quality of life in West Covina. In addition she expressed her belief that an office building would not require this type of advertising.

Ms. Pierce rebutted the comments by the opponent by stating that a precedent for these types of signs has already been set because there are several along the freeway corridor in West Covina.

There was a discussion by the Commission regarding the proposed sign. Commissioner Redholtz stated that he would not support a larger readerboard sign because the number of tenants in the building would not warrant the need for a larger sign. However, he indicated that he would be supportive of a sign in compliance with the code, which would include the freeway bonus. Commissioner Stewart expressed his concern that the proposed sign would interfere with the visibility of directional freeway signage.

Commissioners Stewart, Rozatti and Fisher expressed their agreement with Commissioner Redholtz. Commissioner Rozatti also stated that she didn’t feel this type of sign would be conducive to the area.

Chairman Sotelo stated his support of the sign and the variance because he felt that it would attract customers to the businesses contained within the office building.

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Fisher, to adopt findings as recommended by staff. Motion carried 4-1. (Sotelo opposed.)

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Fisher, to waive further reading of the body of the resolution and adopt Resolution No. 08-5262, denying Variance No. 08-01. Motion carried 4-1 (Sotelo opposed.)

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Fisher, to adopt findings as recommended by staff. Motion carried 4-1. (Sotelo opposed.)

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Fisher, to waive further reading of the body of the resolution and adopt Resolution No. 08-5263, denying Administrative Use Permit No. 08-02. Motion carried 4-1. (Sotelo opposed.)

Chairman Sotelo stated that these actions are final unless appealed to the City Council within ten days.

STUDY SESSION

"SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL" (R-1) ZONE

A study session to discuss issues regarding the size of accessory structures on single-family residential properties and to clarify and/or modify current standards including: building separation, carport standards, second-story setback angle exception, rooftop air conditioner standards, fencing standards for corner lots, and update current definitions through the initiation of a code amendment.

Staff recommends that the Planning Commission initiate a code amendment regulating size of accessory structures in the "Single-Family Residential" (R-1) Zone, and clarifying, modifying and updating current standards.

Principal Planner Jeff Anderson presented the staff report. Joanne Wilner and Lloyd Johnson spoke in support of the proposed revision to the "Single-Family Residential" (R-1) Zone in the Municipal Code.

Mr. Anderson explained that staff was recommending the initiation of a code amendment to clarify standards in the "R-1" Zone, including building separation, carport standards, second-story setbacks, roof top air conditioning standards and fencing of corner lots. He also explained that there were also sections in the code that were no longer relevant and would be removed as part of this code amendment.

There was a discussion by the Commission regarding the standards for roof-mounted air conditioning units and corner lot fencing. In addition, the Commission considered the standards for accessory buildings such as garages and storage units.

Commissioner Fisher expressed his support of the code amendment and Chairman Sotelo agreed. After a short discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission to initiate the code amendment as recommended by staff.

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Stewart, to waive further reading of the body of the resolution and adopt Resolution No. 08-5264, initiating a code amendment regulating size of accessory structures and clarifying, modifying and updating current standards in the "Single Family Residential" (R-1) Zone. Motion carried 5-0.

This is the time when any member of the public may bring a matter to the attention of the Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. The Ralph M. Brown Act limits the Planning Commission and staff's ability to respond to comments on non-agendized matters at the time such comments are made. Thus, your comments may be agendized for a future meeting or referred to staff. The Commission may discuss or ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.

This is the time when any member of the Commission may bring a matter to the attention of the full Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. Any item that was considered during the public hearing portion is not appropriate for discussion in this section of the agenda. NO COMMISSION ACTION CAN BE TAKEN AT THIS TIME. If the Commission desires to discuss an issue raised by a resident or take an action, the Commission may vote to agendize the matter for the next meeting. The Commission may discuss or ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.

Commissioner Fisher stated that this is his last meeting and thanked staff and the other Commissioners for their support during his term on the Planning Commission. He also thanked the citizens who regularly attend the meeting for their input at public hearings.

Commissioner Stewart spoke regarding the Target Grand Opening. He also wished Commissioner Fisher well.

Commissioner Redholtz expressed his appreciation for Commissioner Fisher’s service as a Planning Commissioner. He also complimented Commissioner Fisher on his professionalism and integrity.

Chairman Sotelo also thanked Commissioner Fisher for his hard work as a member of the Commission.

Commissioner Rozatti stated her agreement with the other Commissioners, wished Commissioner Fisher the best and expressed her appreciation to Commissioner Fisher.

Planning Director added his thanks to Commissioner Fisher and complimented him on a job well done. In addition, he announced that Cesar Cervantes would be sworn in as the newly appointed Planning Commissioner.

This is an oral presentation of City Council matters and actions of the listed meeting which are in the Commission’s area of interest.

February 19, 2008

-Initiated a code amendment to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages at service station.

-Adopted the Historic Preservation Ordinance.

Motion by Fisher, seconded by Redholtz, to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.