HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Resolution 2018-23 07/10/2018RESOLUTION 2018-23
CITY OF PETALUMA PLANNING COMMISSION
APPROVING SITE PLAN AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW FOR THE
VALERO CONVENIENCE STORE AT 532 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
APN 007-061-043 and -042
Project File No: PLMA-18-0001
WHEREAS, Ed Hale, on behalf of property owners Ali Salkhi and Souri Salkhi, Trustees, submitted
applications for a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan and Architectural Review for the construction of a
new Valero convenience store, landscaping and associated site improvements located at 532 East
Washington Street (the "Project"); and
WHEREAS, the project has been reviewed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) and has been determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section
25301, Class 1, Existing Facilities, section E.2, which allows additions to existing structures provided that
they are less than 10,000 square feet on sites where public services and facilities are available and where
the area is not environmentally sensitive; and
WHEREAS, on June 28, 2018, a Notice of Public Hearing was published in the Argus Courier and
mailed to all residents and property owners within 1,000 feet of the project including the individual units
of the adjacent apartment building; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a properly noticed public hearing on July 10, 2018 in
accordance with the City of Petaluma's Implementing Zoning Ordinance (IZO), Section 24.01 OF.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA AS
FOLLOWS:
A. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
B. Based on its review of the entire record herein, the Planning Commission makes the following findings:
General Plan
1. The Project is consistent with the General Plan 2025 Mixed Use (MU) land use designation in that
the MU classification includes a combination of uses including service commercial. The project
site is located within the Washington Corridor Subarea of the General Plan which serves as the
principal east/west connector and one of the primary gateways into the community.
2. The Project is, for the reasons discussed in the July 10, 2018 Planning Commission staff report,
consistent with the following General Plan policies: Policy 2-P-23 (Facilitate development patterns
that provide an urban edge), Policy 4-P-7 (Reduce motor vehicle related air pollution), Policy 4-P-
10 (Require alternative charging/fueling facilities), Policy 5-P-23, (Require pedestrian site access),
Policy 9-P-2 (Developments complementing Petaluma's existing economy).
Implementing Zoning Ordinance
The Project is consistent with all development standards of the Mixed Use 1 A (MU1 A) zoning
districts, including but not limited to, those pertaining to setbacks, building height, and parking.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-23 Page 1
4. The project is consistent with Implementing Zoning Ordinance §24.010 -Site Plan and Architectural
Review, in that all required findings found in §24.010(G) can be made as follows:
a. The proposed project uses materials which are appropriate for the proposed use, including
painted stucco, aluminum composite panels, clear glass store front windows, and faux stone
veneer accents to enhance presentation of the site along the East Washington Street corridor.
The overall design of the new structure is consistent with the Valero corporate design and will
blend with the existing gas station canopy that sits forward on the site. The single -story
convenience store is setback from the street to accommodate the primary gas station use of
the site and existing canopy, but maintains compatibility with other structures in the immediate
area. The new building is in proportion to and does not overwhelm the adjacent structures in
the vicinity, many of which are two-story buildings.
b. The proposed project reflects the trends for contemporary gas stations to have larger
convenience stores function as part of the primary gas station use. The new building will
replace an existing building with two service bays with a larger building which has a larger
convenience store and one service bay. Therefore, the project will result in a slightly less auto -
centered aesthetic within the existing gas station use. The architectural design is compatible
with the overall character of the neighborhood, which is a mixture of commercial uses along
the East Washington Street corridor, including auto -oriented uses such as a tire store, gas
stations, and fast food. Roof -mounted mechanical units will be screened and the existing
outdoor storage at the property's rear will be eliminated and replaced with landscaping.
c. The new convenience store replaces an existing building on the same site with the same use.
The new building is 3,036 square feet and is located at a similar footprint to the existing building.
Although the building is sited closer to the existing apartment building (218 Edith Street), the
project eliminates the existing outdoor storage area and provides a 15 -foot landscaped
setback adjacent to the apartment's driveway. Additionally, replacement of redwood
battens for the existing chain-link fence has been conditioned to better buffer the rear of the
building from the adjacent residential use. The new structure is setback more than adjacent
buildings in the immediate area, but has been sited to work with the existing canopy and
primary gas station use of the property and does not appear to create a visual incompatibility
within the existing context.
d. It appears that the proposed signs in addition to the existing signs may exceed the maximum
allowable area of one (1) square foot for every one (1) linear foot of building frontage per
IZO§20.050.B.1 (Permitted Area of Signing). The proposed convenience store sign is
approximately 50 -square feet (15 feet by 3.5 feet) and the secondary sign for the smog shop
is approximately 18 -square feet (9 feet by 2 feet). The existing free-standing monument sign
and canopy signs will remain. The proposed building frontage which is approximately 79 feet
allows a maximum total sign area of 79 square feet. The project proposes signs which appear
to have a combined area of 78 square feet. While the proposed signs appear to meet the
maximum sign area, this calculation does not include the area of any existing signs.
As conditioned, the proposed wall signs are not approved. Prior to installation, all signs require
review under a separate building permit. All signs must be reviewed in total and must adhere
to the maximum allowable area per IZO§20.050.B.1 (Permitted Area of Signing).
e. The materials and color palette are consistent with the existing gas station canopy. The single -
story massing is lower than nearby buildings to minimize impacts to adjacent residential uses
and consistent with the ancillary function of the convenience store within the larger gas station
use of the property.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-23 Page 2
The project increases the existing site landscaping, particularly along the west -side and rear
property lines. New plantings in the existing and proposed beds will enhance the East
Washington Street corridor. The two existing street trees are to be preserved and planting of
acacia trees behind the new convenience store and at the corner or East Washington Street
and Edith Street provide additional buffer between the use and the adjacent apartment
building.
g. Existing ingress, egress, and internal circulation are maintained on the site. A total of eighteen
parking spaces will be provided, adhering to the minimum number of spaces per IZO Table
11.1. Enhanced path of travel and bicycle facilities are incorporated into the project and have
been designed to promote safety and convenience within the existing development on the
site.
C. Based on its review of the entire record herein, including the July 10, 2018 Planning Commission staff
report, all supporting, referenced, and incorporated documents, and all comments received, the
Planning Commission hereby approves Site Plan and Architectural Review for the Project, subject to
the conditions of approval attached hereto as Exhibit A.
ADOPTED this l Ot" day of July, 2018, by the following vote:
Commission Member
Aye
No
Absent
Abstain
Councilmember Healy
X
Chair Benedetti-Petnic
X
Alonso
X
Bauer
X
Gomez
X
Marzo
X
Vice Chair Wolpert
X
TTEST:
He er Hines, Comn Jfission Secretary
Scott Alonso, Acting Chair
PP VAS TO FORM:
Lisa Tennenbaum, `Assistant City Attorney
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-23 Page 3
SPAR CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Valero Convenience Store
532 East Washington Street
APN 007-061-043 and -042
File PLMA-18-0001
Planning Division
Plans submitted to the City of Petaluma for purposes of construction shall be in substantial
conformance with the plans on file with the Planning Division and received July 2, 2018, except as
modified by these conditions of approval.
2. The colors and materials shall be in substantial conformance with those noted on the plan set and
the color board in the project file and received July 2, 2018, except as modified by the following
conditions.
3. Prior to the issuance of any development permit, the applicant shall revise the site plan or other first
sheet of the office and job site copies of the Building Permit plans to list these Conditions of Approval
as notes.
Prior to issuance of building permits, all outstanding cost recovery balances shall be paid in full.
5. Prior to the issuance of any development permit, the applicant shall provide documentation that
the two lots (APN 007-061-043 and -042) are one lot or shall complete a lot merger through the lot
line adjustment process.
6. Prior to building permit issuance all applicable development impact fees, including the public art
in -lieu fee if applicable, shall be paid.
7. Prior to issuance of a building permit the applicant shall replace the existing redwood battens in the
chain-link fence with new wood battens.
8. Prior to building permit issuance, the landscape plan shall be revised to include the replacement of
the two existing street trees on East Washington Street, one of which is dead and one of which is
damaged by severe over -pruning. The replacement trees shall be selected from the approved Street
Tree List and shall be a large -canopied variety and subject to Planning Manager review and approval.
The plans shall note that prior to planting the soil shall be tilled and amended as directed by a tree
specialist.
Prior to building permit issuance the plans shall be revised to include irrigation to the two replacement
trees on East Washington or ensure that alternative means are provided for adequate irrigation during
the first three (3) summers subject to Planning Manager review and approval.
10. This action does not approve the proposed wall signs. Prior to installation, all signs require review
under a separate building permit. All signs must be reviewed in total and must adhere to the
maximum allowable area per IZO§20.050.B.1 (Permitted Area of Signing).
11. The site shall be kept cleared at all times of garbage and debris. No outdoor storage shall be
permitted.
12. Prior to issuance of a building permit, any unapproved banners, flags or signs shall be removed.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-23 Page 4
13. All exterior lighting shall provide a "soft wash" of light against the wall and shall be hooded and
directed downward with no direct glare into bicyclists' or pedestrians' eyes and/or light pollution
onto adjacent properties, and shall conform to City Performance Standards.
14. The applicant shall post signs to instruct customers to cut their engines to reduce idling when queuing
and fueling. The signs shall be installed prior to final inspection.
15. External downspouts shall be painted to match background building colors. Scuppers without
drainage pipes may not be installed because of probable staining of walls (overflow scuppers are
exempt).
16. All plantings shall be maintained in good growing condition. Such maintenance shall include, where
appropriate, pruning, mowing, weeding, cleaning of debris and trash, fertilizing and regular
watering. Whenever necessary, planting shall be replaced with other plant materials to insure
continued compliance with applicable landscaping requirements. Required irrigation systems shall
be fully maintained in sound operating condition with heads periodically cleaned and replaced
when missing to insure continued regular watering of landscape areas, and health and vitality of
landscape materials.
17. Construction activities shall comply with the following measures and all shall be noted on
construction documents:
a. Construction Hours/Scheduling: Noise -generating activities at the construction site shall be
between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
on Saturdays. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and all holidays recognized by the City of
Petaluma.
b. Construction Equipment Mufflers and Maintenance: All construction equipment powered by
internal combustion engines shall be properly muffled and maintained.
c. Idling Prohibitions: All equipment and vehicles shall be turned off when not in use. Unnecessary
idling of internal combustion engines is prohibited.
d. Equipment Location and Shielding: All stationary noise -generating construction equipment,
such as air compressors, shall be located as far as practical from the adjacent homes.
Acoustically shield such equipment when it must be located near adjacent residences.
e. Quiet Equipment Selection: Select quiet construction equipment, particularly air compressors,
whenever possible. Motorized equipment shall be outfitted with proper mufflers in good working
order.
f. Staging and Equipment Storage: The equipment storage location shall be sited as far as possible
from nearby sensitive receptors.
g. Generators: No generators shall be utilized during nighttime hours (i.e., sunrise to sunset) to power
equipment (e.g., security surveillance) when normal construction activities have ceased for the
day. All such equipment should be powered through temporary electrical service lines.
18. Noise Disturbance Coordinator: The permittee shall designate a "noise disturbance coordinator'
who will be responsible for responding to any local complaints about construction noise. This
individual would most likely be the contractor or a contractor's representative. The disturbance
coordinator would determine the cause of the noise complaint (e.g., starting too early, bad muffler,
etc.) and would require that reasonable measures warranted to correct the problem be
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-23 Page 5
implemented. The telephone number for the disturbance coordinator shall be conspicuously posted
at the construction site.
19. Construction activities shall comply with applicable Zoning Ordinance and Municipal Code
Performance Standards (noise, dust, odor, etc.).
20. The contractor(s) shall implement basic and additional air quality construction measures set forth
by BAAQMD, including the following:
a. Watering of all active construction areas (staging, parking, soil piles, graded areas, unpaved
driveways, etc.) shall be performed at least twice daily.
b. Cover all haul trucks transporting soil, sand, or other loose materials offsite.
c. Sweep daily (with water sweepers) all paved access roads, parking areas, and staging areas.
Sweep streets daily (with water sweepers) if visible soil material is deposited onto adjacent roads.
d. Limit traffic speeds on any unpaved roads to 15 mph.
e. Suspend construction activities that cause visible dust plumes that extend beyond the
construction site.
f. A certified mechanic shall verify that equipment used for construction purposes is properly tuned
and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
g. Idling times shall be limited to 5 minutes or less pursuant to the "no idling" rule for in -use off-road
diesel -fueled vehicles. Signage during construction shall be posted at the construction site
indicating the idle time limitation.
h. All diesel -powered off-road equipment larger than 50 horsepower and operating at the site for
more than two days continuously shall meet U.S. EPA particulate matter emissions standards for
Tier 2 engineer or the equivalent.
i. Diesel -powered generators or air compressors shall not be used on-site for more than two days
continuously, unless under emergency conditions.
j. Post a publicly visible sign with the telephone number of designated person and person to
contact at the Lead Agency regarding dust complaints. This person shall respond and take
corrective action within 48 hours. The Air District's phone number shall also be visible to ensure
compliance with applicable regulations.
21. If during the course of ground disturbing activities, including but not limited to excavation, grading,
and construction, a potentially significant prehistoric or historic archeological resource is
encountered, all work within a 100 -foot radius of the find shall be suspended for a time deemed
sufficient for a qualified and city -approved cultural resource specialist to adequately evaluate and
determine significance of the discovered resource and provide treatment recommendations.
Should a significant archeological resource be identified, a qualified archaeologist shall prepare a
resource mitigation plan and monitoring program to be carried out during all construction activities.
22. In the event that paleontological resources, including individual fossils or assemblages of fossils, are
encountered during construction activities all ground disturbing activities shall halt and a qualified
paleontologist shall be procured to evaluate the discovery and make treatment recommendations.
23. In the event that human remains are uncovered during earthmoving activities, all construction
excavation activities shall be suspended and the following measures shall be undertaken:
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-23 Page 6
a. The Sonoma County Coroner shall be contacted to determine that no investigation of the cause
of death is required.
b. If the coroner determines the remains to be Native American, the coroner shall contact the
Native American Heritage Commission within 24 hours.
c. The project sponsor shall retain a City -approved qualified archaeologist to provide adequate
inspection, recommendations and retrieval, if appropriate.
d. The Native American Heritage Commission shall identify the person or persons it believes to be
the most likely descended from the deceased Native American, and shall contact such
descendant in accordance with state law.
e. The project sponsor shall be responsible for ensuring that human remains and associated grave
goods are reburied with appropriate dignity at a place and process suitable to the most likely
descendent.
24. Bicycle racks shall comply with size dimensions and location requirements of the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan. Applicant shall ensure adequate access to each bicycle rack from all sides
and avoid placing racks too close to any wall or structure.
25. Herbicides/pesticides shall not be applied in areas used by pedestrians/bicyclists within the project
without first providing appropriate signs warning of the use of chemicals. The project shall utilize Best
Management Practices (BMPs) regarding pesticide/herbicide use and fully commit to Integrated
Pest Management techniques for the protection of bicyclists and pedestrians.
26. All tree stakes and ties shall be removed within one year following installation or as soon as trees are
able to stand erect without support.
27. Prior to commencing construction activities, a sign shall be posted on the site regarding the
allowable hours of construction and contact information for complaints. Proof of sign installation
shall be provided to the Planning Manager prior to construction commencing.
28. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City or any of its boards, commissions,
agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding against the City, its boards,
commissions, agents, officers, or employees to attack, set aside, void, or annul any of the approvals
of the project, when such claim or action is brought within the time period provided for in applicable
State and/or local statutes. The City shall promptly notify the applicants/developers of any such
claim, action, or proceeding. The City shall coordinate in the defense. Nothing contained in this
condition shall prohibit the City from participating in a defense of any claim, action, or proceeding
and if the City chooses to do so appellant shall reimburse City for attorneys' fees by the City.
Fire Department
29. Building data indicates the building will not be provided with an Automatic Fire Sprinkler System.
Revise plans to note that all new buildings will be provided with an Automatic Fire Sprinkler System
in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13.
30. Installation of an Automatic Fire Sprinkler System is required per the Petaluma Municipal Code.
Installation of the fire sprinkler system requires approved plans and permits from the Fire Prevention
Bureau prior to work commencing. The owner/contractor shall submit a permit application with
three (3) sets of plans, cut sheets, and calculations. This system must comply with NFPA 13.
The fire sprinkler system shall be monitored by a certain station fire alarm system. Installation of the
fire alarm system must be conducted with approved plans and permits obtained from the Fire
Prevention Bureau prior to work commencing. The fire alarm submittal shall include a permit
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-23 Page 7
application with three (3) sets of plans, cut sheets, and calculations for review. This system must
comply with NFPA 71.
31. Installation of the fire service underground is required per the Petaluma Municipal Code. Installation
of the fire service underground requires separate approved plans and permit from the Fire
Prevention Bureau prior to work commencing. The owner/contractor shall submit a permit
application with three (3) sets of plans, cut sheets, and calculations. This system must comply with
NFPA 13 and 24.
32. The project shall show compliance with all applicable provisions of California Fire Code Chapter 23,
Motor Fuel -Dispensing Facility and Repair Garages.
33. The project shall show compliance with all applicable provisions of the California Fire Code Chapter
50, Hazardous Materials.
34. The project shall show compliance with all CUPA requirements. The plans shall be submitted for the
removal of the existing underground storage tank and installation of new underground storage tank
to the Petaluma Fire Department for approval, prior to commencement of work.
35. Parking and loading zones placed over underground tank covers is not recommended or an
industry best practice.
36. The removal of underground storage tanks (UST) require separate permits and plans approved by
the Fire Department prior to work commencing. The plan submittal shall include a permit application
with three (3) sets of plans, cut sheets, and other supporting documentation that sufficiently
demonstrate that al local State and Federal regulations have been met and that the contractor(s)
possess the required certifications. Removal requirements can be found on the City of Petaluma
website: http://www.cityofpetaluma.net/fireder)t/preventiLDn.htmi.
37. The installation of underground storage tanks (UST) requires separate permit and plans approved by
the Fire Department prior to work commencing. The plan submittal shall include a permit application
with three (3) sets of plans, cut sheets, and other supporting documentation that sufficiently
demonstrate that all local, State and Federal regulations have been met and that the contractor(s)
possess the required certifications.
Public Works and Utilities Department (Engineering Division)
38. The properties shall be merged prior to issuance of a building permit. The applicant shall submit a
development application to the Planning Division to merge the properties.
39. All portions of broken, displaced and cracked sections of sidewalk, pedestrian ramps and driveway
approaches, one-half inch or greater, shall be removed and replaced along the East Washington
Street and Edith Street frontages.
40. Provide gutter flow calculations, prepared by licensed Civil Engineer, for the proposed drainage
discharge into East Washington Street. The drainage calculations shall meet design criteria set forth
in the Sonoma County Water Agency flood control design manual. The proposed pressure line shall
discharge into a junction box located on private property and gravity flow through curb drains into
the gutter. No lot -to -lot drainage is allowed.
41. The project shall comply with the City's street paving restoration standards.
42. Submit a completed and signed Construction Erosion and Sediment Control Applicant Package in
accordance with provision E.10 of the City's storm water regulations.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-23 Page 8
43. Provide details on spill containment measures. BMPs shall be incorporated to prevent possible fuels
spill from directly connecting into the public storm drain system.
44. The project owner shall enter into the City's standard agreement for storm water facilities
maintenance of post construction best management practices.
45. The project shall comply with the City's landscape efficiency requirements.
46. Provide clarification on whether food will be prepared or heated in the proposed facility.
47. The project is responsible for paying additional sewer capacity fees.
48. Any work within the public right of way requires an encroachment permit application from the Public
Works and Utilities Department.
49. On plans submitted for a building permit, provide a proposed grading, utility and drainage plan per
City standards.
Police Department
50. High definition security cameras with a minimum 15 -day storage capability shall be installed and
maintained. Security cameras shall cover and record all publicly accessible areas throughout the
property, as well as the rear and sides of the structure.
Building Division
51. The project shall comply with current codes. The project requires complete review with building
permit applications.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-23 Page 9