Planning Commission Staff Report February 19, 2009

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Planning Commission Staff Report February 19, 2009 Project: Warda Warehouse File: EG-08-051 Request: Design Review Location: 9260 Bendel Place APNs: 134-0660-004 Planner: Gerald Park Property

1 Planning Commission Staff Report February 19, 2009 Project: Warda Warehouse File: EG Request: Design Review Location: 9260 Bendel Place APNs: Planner: Gerald Park Property Owner/Applicant Tony Warda 9098 Generations Drive Elk Grove, CA Agent VSAC Design c/o Huan Vu P.O. Box Sacramento, Ca Staff Recommendation Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the Design Review for the Warda Warehouse project, subject to the findings and conditions of approval (Attachment A) contained in the February 19, 2009 staff report. Project Description The applicant is requesting a Design Review for the construction of an 8,000 square foot building with associated improvements including parking, landscaping, and lighting. Background In July 1991, the Waterman Industrial West Subdivision created 6 parcels and the associated Bendel Place cul-de-sac. The parcels to the north have since been developed with an industrial complex. No development has occurred on the south side of Bendel Place. Setting The project site is 0.46± acres in size and located along the south side of the cul-de-sac bulb of Bendel Place. The site is relatively flat with no trees. Surrounding land uses include industrial developments to the north, south, and west, and vacant parcels to the east. Table 1 below provides the land use designations and existing adjacent uses. Table 1 Surrounding Uses and Land Designations Existing Use General Plan Designation Zoning Project Site Vacant Heavy Industry Heavy Industrial (M-2) North Industrial Complex Heavy Industry M-2 East Vacant Heavy Industry M-2 South Industrial Facility Heavy Industry M-2 West Industrial Facility Heavy Industry M-2

2 Elk Grove Planning Commission EG February 19, 2009 Page 2 Figure 1. Location Map Project Site Figure 2. Project Site Project Site

3 Elk Grove Planning Commission EG February 19, 2009 Page 3 Analysis Design Review Industrial projects are subject to Design Review for compliance with the Zoning Code and Citywide Design Guidelines. The Applicant has provided a site plan, building elevations, and landscape plan for the development of an 8,000 square foot industrial warehouse building. Table 2: Conformity with Development Regulations Development Standard Required Proposed Complies Building Setbacks 25 Front Sides Rear Yes Landscape Setbacks 25 Abutting Street 6 Abutting Interior Property Line 25 5 & 0 No 1 Building Height Limit 100 maximum 26 Yes Building Coverage None 39% N/A Parking Spaces (Total) 6 6 Yes 1 See Site Landscaping Analysis Site Layout The Zoning Code development standards allow 0-feet side and rear setbacks for industrial developments not abutting any residential, agricultural-residential, and/or agricultural zones and uses. As proposed, the industrial warehouse building will have side and rear setbacks of 5-feet and 0-feet, respectively. The building will be divided into two tenant spaces with each space having separate entrances and 12-foot wide roll-up doors to serve the warehousing component. The parking lot is located at the northwest corner of the project site. A total of 6 parking spaces are required (1 space/2,000 square feet plus one/company operated vehicle), which a total of 6 spaces are provided for the project.

4 Elk Grove Planning Commission EG February 19, 2009 Page 4 Figure 3. Site Plan Architecture The proposed warehouse building will be primarily constructed with concrete tilt-up panels painted light brown in color. The north elevation (building frontage) will utilize brick veneer along the wainscot, upper banding, and around the roll-up doors. The building entrance area is pronounced by the inclusion of offset wall planes and cement plaster finish of dark brown and putty in color. In addition, the entrance area is further articulated by the incorporation of an aluminum-glass storefront, clearstory windows, parapet cap, and overhead metal canopy. The canopy will encroach 1 foot into the 25- foot front setback as permitted by Chapter (Allowed Encroachments/Projections into Required Yards) of the Zoning Code. The height of the building will vary from 21 feet to 26 feet. All roof mounted mechanical equipment will be screened from public view along Bendel Place. In order to discourage graffiti, Condition #23 will require the applicant to install decorative latticework with plantings on the east and west sides of the building. The proposed building is in compliance with the building setbacks and do not exceed the height limit as established in the Zoning Code for industrial developments.

Elk Grove Planning Commission EG-08-051 February 19, 2009 Page 5 Figure 4.

5 Elk Grove Planning Commission EG February 19, 2009 Page 5 Figure 4. Building Elevations North Elevation East Elevation West Elevation South Elevation Landscaping Site landscaping includes shade trees consisting of Crape myrtle and Coast live oak. A variety of 5- gallon shrubs will be planted along the front and sides of the building. Although Chapter (Landscaping) of the Zoning Code requires a 6-foot minimum landscape planter along the abutting interior property lines, the landscaping requirement is not applicable to this development as the building placement is allowed up to the side and rear property lines (0-feet setback). As a result, a 5- foot wide landscape planter is provided on the sides of the building and no planter at the rear as the building is placed along the rear property line. All plantings are subject to the requirements of the water conservation ordinance and Condition #21 has been included requiring conformance with this ordinance.

6 Elk Grove Planning Commission EG February 19, 2009 Page 6 Figure 5. Preliminary Landscape Plan Environmental Analysis The project is subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Staff has reviewed the project and determined that it is categorically exempt from CEQA review pursuant to CEQA Guideline Section (New Construction). Section allows exemption for commercial projects in urbanized areas that are 1) no more than four buildings, 2) do not exceed 10,000 square feet in floor area on sites zoned for such use, and 3) the surrounding area is not environmentally sensitive. The proposed project consists of one building totaling 8,000 square feet. The project site is currently vacant and not environmentally sensitive to the construction of the proposed project. Letters from Commenting Agencies This project was routed to the following City, County, and State agencies: City of Elk Grove Building Department Attached City of Elk Grove City Attorney No Response City of Elk Grove Community Enhancement No Comment City of Elk Grove Finance - Attached City of Elk Grove Police Department Attached City of Elk Grove E-Tran No Response City of Elk Grove Landscape - Attached City of Elk Grove Risk Management No Response City of Elk Grove Public Works Department - Attached

7 Elk Grove Planning Commission EG February 19, 2009 Page 7 Cosumnes CSD Fire Department - Attached Sacramento Area Sewer District - Attached Sacramento County Water Supply No Comment Dept. of Fish and Game No Response PG & E No Response SMAQMD No Response SMUD No Response Comments received were incorporated into the conditions of approval (see Attachment C). Summary Staff has reviewed the applicant s request for a Design Review. The project has been evaluated for compliance with the policies and goals of the City of Elk Grove General Plan and applicable Zoning Ordinance, as well as the Citywide Design Guidelines. Staff recommends approval of the Warda Warehouse project, subject to the findings presented below, and the attached conditions of approval. Recommended Motions Should the Planning Commission agree with staff s recommendation, the following motion is suggested: I move that the Planning Commission approve the Design Review for the Warda Warehouse project (EG ) based on the findings and conditions of approval contained in the February 19, 2009 staff report. Findings California Environmental Quality Act Finding: The proposed project is categorically exempt from CEQA review pursuant to CEQA Section (New Construction). Evidence: In urban areas, the new construction exemption applies up to four commercial buildings not exceeding 10,000 square feet in floor area on sites zoned for such use. The proposed project totals 8,000 square feet of industrial development on a site zoned for industrial use. No special circumstances exist that create a reasonable possibility that this project will have a significant adverse impact on the environment. Therefore, this project is exempt from further environmental review. Design Review Finding: A Design Review Permit or any modification thereto shall be granted only when the designated Approving Authority makes all of the following findings: a. The proposed project is consistent with the objectives of the General Plan, complies with applicable zoning regulations, Specific Plan provisions, Special Planning Area provisions, Citywide Design Guidelines, and Improvement Standards adopted by the City. b. The proposed architecture, site design, and landscape are suitable for the purposes of the building and the site and will enhance the character of the neighborhood and community; c. The architecture, including the character, scale and quality of the design, relationship with the site and other buildings, building materials, colors, screening of exterior appurtenances, exterior

8 Elk Grove Planning Commission EG February 19, 2009 Page 8 lighting and signing and similar elements establishes a clear design concept and is compatible with the character of buildings on adjoining and nearby properties; d. The proposed project will not create conflicts with vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian transportation modes of circulation; and Evidence: The project site s proposed General Plan land use designation and zoning are Heavy Industry and Heavy Industrial, respectively. The project is consistent with the objectives of the General Plan s goals and policies and was reviewed in accordance with the Zoning Code and Citywide Design Guidelines. The design of the buildings takes in account the scale, style, design, and architectural vernaculars of the project site s surrounding area. The project will be compatible with adjoining and nearby properties. The proposed layout has been designed to avoid conflicts with vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian modes of transportation. Attachments A. Resolution and Conditions of Approval B. Project Exhibits C. Agency Correspondence

Planning Commission Staff Report June 5, 2008

Owner/Applicant Taylor Village Sacramento Investments Partners, LP c/o Kim Whitney 1792 Tribute Road #270 Sacramento, CA 95815 Staff Recommendation Planning Commission Staff Report Project: File: Request: