CITY OF WEED PLANNING COMMISSION

                                                             REGULAR MEETING

                                                                    MAY 3, 2000

 

 

The Planning Commission of the City of Weed held a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 3, 2000, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

 

Chairman Virgil Tuman called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Present, in addition to Chairman Tuman were Commissioners Richard Acquistapace, Harold Baltar, Candace Dillingham, Jess Gonzales, and Karen Heiser.  Also present were City Administrator Earl Wilson and Planning Commission Secretary Deborah Salvestrin. 

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR

 

Chairman Tuman invited comments and/or questions from the audience, and noted that no action could be taken by the Commission except to set the matter presented for the next regular Commission meeting.  There were none. 

 

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

 

Chairman Tuman called for Commissioners to declare conflicts of interest on any item on this agenda. There were none. 

 

REGULAR AGENDA

 

A.  Use Permit:  Small animal veterinary hospital, 151/153 Main Street

 

Commisioner Heiser moved, seconded by Commissioner Gonzales to table action on this item as the applicant was not present to discuss the request. 

AYES:              Commissioners Acquistapace, Baltar, Dillingham, Gonzales, Heiser,

NOES:              None

ABSENT:          Commissioner Colombana

 

B.  Sign Use Permit:  Superior Court, 550 Main Street proposes installation of two custom made signs 

 

City Administrator Wilson reviewed the Court’s request for approval of the installation of signs that are approximately 24 square feet of a double sided sign at the northeast corner of the city hall building and approximately 12 square feet of a flush mount sign on the front wall of the building.  Kari Edholm appeared on behalf of the Court to review her agency’s request for installation of two painted wooden signs. 

 

Commissioner Colombana arrived at 7:06 p.m., and took his seat on the dais. 

 

Commissioners continued discussion of the sign request, and then the Commissioners found that the establishment, maintenance or operation of the use applied for will not be detrimental to the health, safety, morals, comfort and general welfare of the persons residing or working in the neighborhood, and it will not be injurious or detrimental to the property and improvements in the neighborhood or the general welfare of the city.

 

Commissioner Gonzales moved, seconded by Commissioner Heiser, to approve the signs proposed subject to the following conditions: 

1.                  All signs for business owners who go out of business, or discontinue the particular line of business or service advertised in the sign, shall be dismantled and removed within thirty days of such going out of business or service, by the owner of the building or property.  In case of the failure of the owner to do so, the city will cause such sign to be dismantled and removed, and the cost of this shall be borne by the owner of the building or property. 

 

2.                  Outdoor advertising structure or sign shall not display or makes use of the words "stop", "danger", or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic. 

 

3.                  Signs shall not have red, green or amber lights that could be confused with traffic signals.         

 

4.                  The city council is authorized and empowered to revoke any permit issued by the city administrator or his duly authorized agents, or the planning commission upon failure of the holder to comply with any of the provisions of this section.  Revocation proceedings shall be conducted as detailed in Sections 18.32.140 and 18.32.150. 

 

5.                  Signs shall be suspended so as to leave a clearance of at least ten feet perpendicularly above all sidewalks, and a clearance of at least fourteen feet perpendicularly above all driveways, and shall not extend beyond a point of two feet inside the outer or curb line of the sidewalk; provided, however, that no such sign shall be suspended at such a height so as to interfere with the illumination from street lights erected and maintained by the city. 

 

6.                  All signs shall be maintained in good repair and have a neat appearance. 

 

7.                  It shall be the responsibility of the sign owner to clean up any and all debris resulting from a failure of a sign.

 

8.                  Sign permits shall not be issued until fifteen days have elapsed from the granting thereof, and in case an appeal is filed from the planning commission decision thereon shall not be issued until decision has been made by the city council on such appeal.

 

9.                  Sign permits shall not have any force and effect until the permittee acknowledges receipt thereof and acceptance of any conditions thereto. 

 

10.              After the required 15-day waiting period, a building permit must be obtained prior to installation.  Engineering for the wind-loading requirement may be required as determined by the building inspector. 

AYES:              Commissioners Acquistapace, Baltar, Colombana, Dillingham, Gonzales, Heiser,

NOES:              None

ABSENT:          None

 

At the arrival of the applicant, the Commission agreed to return to Item A on the published agenda. 

 

A.  Use Permit:  Small animal veterinary hospital, 151/153 Main Street

 

City Administrator Wilson reported receipt of application for a use permit for a small animal veterinary hospital.  Mr. Wilson added that the Zoning Ordinance text was recently amended to provide for this type of use in the C-1 zone with a use permit.  Mr. Wilson stated that the business would be operated entirely within an existing building, and is expected to be compatible with the surrounding area for noise. 

 

City Administrator Wilson stated the project is found to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act as a Class I exemption under Section 15301 of the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, and that a Notice of Exemption will be prepared.

 

Dr. Grace Roberts appeared before the Commission to answer questions regarding her application.  Discussion included disposal methods for hazardous and medical wastes that are byproducts of the veterinary profession, and the procedures that may require overnight stays. 

 

There being no further questions, City Administrator Wilson said the proposal complies with City codes and requirements, and recommended a review of the use permit within one year for any unforeseen noise problems that may require a modification of the use permit to address the problems.

 

The Commission finds that the establishment, maintenance or operation of the use applied for above will not be detrimental to the health, safety, morals, comfort and general welfare of the persons residing or working in the neighborhood, and it will not be injurious or detrimental to the property and improvements in the neighborhood or the general welfare of the city

 

Commissioner Baltar moved, seconded by Commissioner Heiser, approval of the use permit as requested with the condition that it be reviewed within one year for continuation, with or without conditions, to a review in one year’s time. 

AYES:              Commissioners Acquistapace, Baltar, Colombana, Dillingham, Gonzales, Heiser,

NOES:              None

ABSENT:          None

 

C.  Sign Use Permit:  Weed Building Supply, Inc., 700 Shastina Drive proposes installation of two custom made signs

 

City Administrator Wilson reviewed the application for sign permit submitted by Pete Eddy stating the signs are approximately 24 square feet and 45 square feet, and will be flush mounted.  Mr. Wilson added that the proposal is within the sign areas allowed by the ordinance.

 

Pete Eddy came before the Commission to discuss his application.  Placement of the signs was reviewed. 

 

The Commission then found that the establishment, maintenance or operation of the use applied for will not be detrimental to the health, safety, morals, comfort and general welfare of the persons residing or working in the neighborhood, and it will not be injurious or detrimental to the property and improvements in the neighborhood or the general welfare of the city.

 

Commissioner Gonzales moved, seconded by Commissioner Heiser, to approve the application for signs as submitted subject to the following conditions: 

 

1.                  All signs for business owners who go out of business, or discontinue the particular line of business or service advertised in the sign, shall be dismantled and removed within thirty days of such going out of business or service, by the owner of the building or property.  In case of the failure of the owner to do so, the city will cause such sign to be dismantled and removed, and the cost of this shall be borne by the owner of the building or property. 

 

2.                  Outdoor advertising structure or sign shall not display or makes use of the words "stop", "danger", or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic. 

 

3.                  Signs shall not have red, green or amber lights that could be confused with traffic signals.         

 

4.                  The city council is authorized and empowered to revoke any permit issued by the city administrator or his duly authorized agents, or the planning commission upon failure of the holder to comply with any of the provisions of this section.  Revocation proceedings shall be conducted as detailed in Sections 18.32.140 and 18.32.150. 

 

5.                  Signs shall be suspended so as to leave a clearance of at least ten feet perpendicularly above all sidewalks, and a clearance of at least fourteen feet perpendicularly above all driveways, and shall not extend beyond a point of two feet inside the outer or curb line of the sidewalk; provided, however, that no such sign shall be suspended at such a height so as to interfere with the illumination from street lights erected and maintained by the city. 

 

6.                  All signs shall be maintained in good repair and have a neat appearance. 

 

7.                  It shall be the responsibility of the sign owner to clean up any and all debris resulting from a failure of a sign.

 

8.                  Sign permits shall not be issued until fifteen days have elapsed from the granting thereof, and in case an appeal is filed from the planning commission decision thereon shall not be issued until decision has been made by the city council on such appeal.

 

9.                  Sign permits shall not have any force and effect until the permittee acknowledges receipt thereof and acceptance of any conditions thereto. 

 

10.               After the required 15-day waiting period, a building permit must be obtained prior to installation.  Engineering for the wind-loading requirement may be required as determined by the building inspector. 

AYES:              Commissioners Acquistapace, Baltar, Colombana, Dillingham, Gonzales, Heiser,

NOES:              None

ABSENT:          None

 

D.  Tree Cutting Permit: Northeast Corner Black Butte and Vista Drives

 

City Administrator Wilson reported receipt of application for cutting of trees on the property proposed for development of the truck and travel center.  Mr. Wilson explained that the applicant, James Henry, is unable to attend the meeting and he would be representing the applicant in his behalf. 

 

The Commission reviewed the memorandum from Public Works Director Craig Sharp that explained the need to cut three trees to make way for the planned development.  The Tree Committee of the Planning Commission reported the results of its on-site visit, and then Commissioner Gonzales moved, seconded by Commissioner Heiser, that the proposed removal is necessary to private improvements which allow economic development of the property, and that the cutting of the trees is approved subject to the condition that the trees shall not be cut until the receipt of a plan check fee for the building permit. 

AYES:              Commissioners Acquistapace, Baltar, Colombana, Dillingham, Gonzales, Heiser,

NOES:              None

ABSENT:          None

 

COMMISSIONER'S REPORTS

 

Commissioner Heiser questioned completed conditions of the use permit previously granted to Bill’s Garage as it relates to the removal of a pole used for advertising, and staff agreed to research the file. 

 

Commissioner Colombana asked to be excused from the remainder of the meeting so that he can deal with vehicle problems.  The Commission agreed, and Commissioner Colombana left the dais and the meeting at 7:38 p.m.

 

Chairman Tuman asked if there has been any progress with getting the railroad crossings upgraded, and staff agreed to follow up. 

 

STAFF REPORTS

 

City Administrator Wilson reviewed the status of the recent meetings of the Sign Committee and its progress toward ordinance formulation. 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Commissioner Heiser moved adjournment, motion seconded by Commisioner Baltar.

AYES:              Commissioners Acquistapace, Baltar, Dillingham, Gonzales, Heiser,

NOES:              None

ABSENT:          Commissioner Colombana

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:45 P.M.