CITY OF MURRIETA
1 TOWN SQUARE
MURRIETA, CA
MINUTES
December 13, 2023
6:00 PM REGULAR MEETING
MURRIETA PLANNING COMMISSION
Michael Fisher
Chair
Craig Harlan Michael LaPaglia
Vice Chair Commissioner Dennis Vrooman Joe Wojcik Commissioner Commissioner
WORKSHOP
6th Code Updates Workshop (MCA-2023-00003) – Ordinance Framework Senior Planner Chris Tracy gave a PowerPoint presentation.
The Planning Commission had questions of staff, whom provided responses to the satisfaction of the Commission.
Chair Fisher concluded the workshop.
CALL TO ORDER 6:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Michael Fisher
Vice Chair Craig Harlan
Commissioner Dennis Vrooman
Commissioner Joe Wojcik
Absent: Commissioner Michael LaPaglia
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Fisher
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Action: It was moved by Commissioner Harlan seconded by Commissioner Vrooman to Approve the Agenda.
Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Fisher, Harlan, Vrooman, Wojcik
Noes: None
Absent: LaPaglia
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Action: It was moved by Vice Chair Harlan seconded by Commissioner Wojcik to Approve the Minutes of September 27, 2023 and the October 11, 2023 Regular Planning Commission Meeting as presented.
Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Fisher, Harlan, Vrooman, Wojcik
Noes: None
Absent: LaPaglia
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Development Plan Permit 2022-2551 and Tentative Parcel Map 2022-2549 (TPM 38310) Gierson Ranch Residential Project.
Associate Planner Aaron Rintamaki presented the PowerPoint and staff report.
The Commissioners provided questions for staff. Staff replied to Commissioners questions.
Traffic Engineer Brian Stephenson and Associate Civil Engineer Rick Alzaga provided comments regarding the project and responded to Commissioners questions.
The applicant Eric Higuchi provided a PowerPoint and brief description of the project.
The Public Hearing was opened at 7:23 p.m.
Public Testimony
In Opposition
Jeff Sargis
Wendee Sargis
Linda Everson (donated her time to Wendee Sargis)
Mike Rennie
Jim Stewart
Neutral
Elise Wisniewski
Traffic Engineer Brian Stephenson and Associate Civil Engineer Rick Alzaga responded to the public comments.
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:43 p.m.
Action: It was moved by Commissioner Wojcik seconded by Vice Chair Harlan to Consider and Approve the Notice of Exemption for Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning pursuant to the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15183 of Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations, and Public Resources Code Section 21083.3; (see Attachment 2.c.); and Adopt a Resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MURRIETA ADOPTING A CEQA EXEMPTION, APPROVING DEVELOPMENT PLAN PERMIT 2022-2551, AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 2022-2549 (TPM 38310) FOR THE SUBDIVISION OF 20.63 GROSS ACRES FOR THE CREATION OF TWO PARCELS (PARCEL 1, 3.88 GROSS ACRES, PARCEL 2, 16.75 GROSS ACRES) TO BE DEVELOPED WITH 107 DETACHED SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES AND RELATED IMPROVEMENTS FOR CIRCULATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND COMMON RECREATION AREA LOCATED AT 25190 WASHINGTON AVENUE (APN 909-190-001), based on the Findings and subject to the Conditions of Approval in Exhibits A, B, *including the Errata as discussed by staff.
Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Fisher, Harlan, Vrooman, Wojcik
Noes: None
Absent: LaPaglia
The Commissioners requested to take a 5 minute recess at 8:28 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 8:33 p.m.
Development Plan Permit (DP-2023-2786) - Alliance Vista Murrieta at Los Alamos Apartments Associate Planner Taylor Graybehl presented the PowerPoint and staff report.
The Commissioners had a discussion and provided questions for Staff.
Civil Engineer Assistance Casey Thompson and Fire Marshall Doug Strosnider were available for questions.
The applicant Jim McMenamin with Pacific Alliance Development Services provided a brief description of the project.
The Public Hearing was opened at 9:03 p.m.
Public Testimony
In favor
Sarah Garbuzov
Nuetral
Tien Gu
Jim McMenamin responded to the comments from the Public Testimony.
The Public Hearing was closed at 9:13 p.m.
Action: It was moved by Commissioner Wojcik seconded by Vice Chair Harlan to Consider and Approve the Notice of Exemption for “In-Fill Development Projects” (Class 32), pursuant to California Code of Regulations Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Section 15332 of the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and Adopt a Resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MURRIETA ADOPTING A CEQA EXEMPTION, APPROVING DEVELOPMENT PLAN PERMIT 2023-2786, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 120 UNIT MULTIPLE-FAMILY BUILDING AND RELATED IMPROVEMENTS FOR CIRCULATION, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND COMMON RECREATION AREA LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOS ALAMOS ROAD AND VISTA MURRIETA ROAD (APN 949-170-037), based on the Findings and subject to the Conditions of Approval. ***including the Errata to Condition 206 as discussed in the presentation and staff will work with the developer to require a block wall to be installed along the southern border of the property up to the entire length of the property line between the Developer’s property and Dr. Gu’s property consistent with Design Standards.
Motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Fisher, Harlan, Vrooman, Wojcik
Noes: None
Absent: LaPaglia
CITY PLANNER COMMENTS
City Planner Carl Stiehl explained that the Planning Commission has rendered a decision on two projects, the projects are appealable. Any interest to appeal the projects can be made with staff at the front counter or with the City Planner.
CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
None.
PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS
Commissioner Vrooman requested that staff look at the objective design standards to make revisions and bring it back before Planning Commission in the future.
ADJOURNMENT 9:25 p.m.
The City of Murrieta Intends to Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Persons with special needs should call Stephanie Smith at (951) 461-6031 at least 72 hours in advance.
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection at the Public Counter at City Hall located at 1 Town Square, Murrieta, CA during normal business hours.
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