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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC reportTitle: Item no. 6 September 16, 2014 CITY OF NATIONAL CITY- PLANNING DEPARTMENT 1243 NATIONAL CITY BLVD., NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950 PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT PUBLIC HEARING - SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT ADD`.NG "SELF -STORAGE FACILITY WITH ACCESSORY TRUCK RENTAL" TO APPENDIX A OF THE WESTSIDE SPECIFIC PLAN AS A CONDITIONALLY -ALLOWED USE IN THE LIMITED COMMERCIAL (CL) ZONE, AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A SELF -STORAGE FACILITY WITH ACCESSORY TRUCK RENTAL LOCATED AT 1300 WILSON AVENUE. Case File No,: 2013-20 SPA, CUP Property Location: Southwest corner of Wilson Ave. and Civic Center Dr. Assessor's Parcel No.: 559-061-15 & 14 Staff report by: Martin Reeder, AICP - Principal Planner Applicant: U-Haul Zoning designation: Limited Commercial (CL) - Westside Specific Plan Project size: 3.29 acres Adjacent land use/zoning: North: Northbound 1-5 on -ramp / OS East: Industrial and Residential uses across Wilson Avenue / MCR-1 South: Industrial use across W. 161h Street / CL West: Interstate 5 / OS Environmental review: Categorical Exemption. Class 1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) BACKGROUND Site Characteristics The project site is a 3.29-acre property located on the west side of Wilson Avenue south of Civic Center Drive. The property is developed with a large (70,000 square feet) industrial building. The previous tenant was CP Manufacturing, a company that manufactured recycling equipment (metal fabrication, painting, etc.) The building is currently vacant and in poor repair. History The Planning Commission voted to initiate the Specific Plan Amendment at their meeting of August 5, 2013. The applicant has since also applied for a Conditional Use Permit that is being processed concurrently with the amendment. Proposal Since the property was vacated, the property owner has been courting prospective tenants for the building that do not involve industrial -type uses. U-Haul has been in communication with the owner and wishes to locate a self -storage facility, including rental vehicles, at this location. However, as things stand, this is not a currently permitted use within the Westside Specific Plan area and would need to be added to the allowable uses in order to operate. To that end, U-Haul submitted this Specific Plan Amendment in order to add Self -Storage Facility with Accessory Truck Rental' (subject to a Conditional Use Permit) to Appendix A (Land Use) of the Westside Specific Plan. Analysis The subject property is a unique lot in that it is long and skinny. Although it is over 970 feet long, it is only 183 deep. It is also developed with a large building that covers about half of the lot. With a storage lot at the south end and a large parking lot on the north end, the lot is suited for a large-scale manufacturing use. Per the City's Non -Conforming Use Ordinance, a use may continue provided that it does not lapse for more than 12 months. In this case, the property owner has until the end of the year before losing the lawful non -conforming status. The owner has received interest from another industrial manufacturing company that can move in right away; however, the owner would prefer a new use that would be more of an upgrade to the area. They have stated that prospective industrial tenants are only interested in moving to the building as is, and do not wish to spend any money on building upgrades. The amendment would affect the Limited Commercial (CL) zone in the Westside Specific Plan area. The CL zone is located on the west side of Wilson Avenue between Civic Center Drive and Mile of Cars Way. Issues to consider are mostly related to traffic, given the history of large trucks in the area and their associated impacts (pollution and noise). In the case of U-Haul, only gasoline -powered vehicles are used in their rental fleet, which are smaller and less polluting than diesel -powered semi -trucks. They are also significantly quieter. Given that this use and any future such use would be subject to a Conditional Use Permit, the use would be analyzed on a case by case basis to ensure that any impacts to surrounding uses are minimal. The CUP requirement would also allow staff to mandate other conditions as required. The property is located at the confluence of two major rights -of -way — Interstate 5 and Civic Center Drive. As such, most vehicles going to and from the area would likely be utilizing those streets to exit and/or move throughout the City. Therefore, the subject property would be a better candidate for such a use than other parcels located further south on Wilson Avenue. Property Condition The applicant provided a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment for the property that was recently conducted. The assessment indicated potential issues with an underground storage tank, contaminated soils, maintenance of storm water filtration equipment, and asbestos/lead-based paint -containing materials. U-Haul has committed to remedying these items, which are included as Conditions of Approval. U-Haul wishes to purchase the property outright. They have proposed adaptive reuse of the existing building that would represent a roughly $5 million investment in the property. Improvements would include a new exterior facade, new roof, extensive landscaping, and a new rental showroom. The facility would be primarily self -storage, but would also offer truck and trailer rental, sales of packing and moving supplies, and installation of tow hitches. In the case of U-Haul, the company operates only gasoline -powered vehicles (no diesel). The company follows a fairly consistent pattern with regard to new outlets, which allows for potential results to be known ahead of time. For example, a standard - sized facility generates approximately $2.5 million in taxes over a ten-year period (average of existing locations). Other area U-Haul locations also have high rates of local employment. According to the applicant, there are local hiring numbers as high as 90% in Oceanside and almost 1 00% in Escondido. U-Haul also has a Re -Use program to reduce the amount of used goods being dumped. Re -use centers allow for customers to leave their unwanted but reusable belongings, such as furniture, for others to take. Traffic/Circulation U-Hau! generally serves the community within 3 1/2 miles of the outlet. The eventual number of trucks is anticipated to be 40-45, based on use in the San Diego Metro area. A Condition of Approval limits the maximum number to 50. Conditions also require only non -diesel vehicles and require that all vehicles be stored on site (not on adjacent city streets). According to U-Haul, storage and rental centers generate less and lighter vehicle traffic than a comparably -sized industrial or commercial use. For example, a typical center of 80,000 square feet (10,000 square feet larger than the subject building) would generate approximately 31 average daily trips (ADT) on a weekday and 53 on a weekend day. Traffic generation data provided for another project by a traffic engineer for the applicant indicated an average trip generation rate of 0.36 ADT per 1,000 square feet for a weekday and 0.72 on a weekend day. This would be 25.2 ADT and 50.4 ADT respectively for the subject property. The previous industrial use would have generated approximately 280 ADT, per information provided by SANDAG. Based on the low expected ADT and access to the freeway, staff is of the opinion that the facility would not have a significant impact on traffic in the area. The majority of parking spaces are to be located on the north end of the property. Rental truck pick up and drop off would be in the north yard, with overflow space available in the south yard. 11 standard vehicle parking spaces, including two handicapped -accessible spaces are to be located adjacent to the smaller single story metal building located at the north end of the main building. The total retail area of this building would be 2,065 square feet, which would require 9 parking spaces. The Land Use Code does not specify how much parking is required for a self -storage warehouse. However, U-Haul Centers are not typical mini -warehouse facilities. Their unique design allows patrons to load and unload vehicles at special loading spaces (the south end of the subject building in this case). These spaces are located immediately adjacent to the building and provide internal access to each self -storage unit via corridors and elevators. Typical mini -warehouse storage is configured in long rows of storage units accessed form garage -type doors via private common alleyfroadways. Trip generation data from a similar standard U-Haul facility (O'Fallon U-Haul Center in Missouri) for customers accessing self -storage units in the main building during peak times indicated that only five spaces were generally needed (including for the retail component). Therefore, 11 dedicated parking spaces appear sufficient. There is also ample room for overflow parking given the large north and south yard areas. Adjacent uses There are relatively few residential properties located along Wilson Avenue in this location, which would reduce the amount of residents affected by the use. Of the 14 properties located on this portion of Wilson Avenue (two blocks) developed with the subject property, five contain residential units (36%).The smaller and quieter trucks, most of which would likely be heading north on ',Nilson, would have less of an impact than the large diesel semis that previously utilized the site. CEQA The project is Categorically Exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Class 1 Section 15301. This section allows for conversion of existing facilities. Summary The requirement for a Conditional Use Permit would allow analysis of potential issues to ensure appropriate placement of such businesses. Additional studies regarding traffic, parking, etc. would be required or conditioned on a case by case basis. More importantly, approving the Specific Plan Amendment would not result in automatic permission to build a self -storage facility anywhere in the CL zone. The proposed use will be an upgrade, both environmentally and aesthetically, on the area. The unique location of the property close to major thoroughfares allows efficient access to and from the property without creating significant impacts on neighboring properties. Based on the low expected ADT and access to the freeway, the facility will not have a significant impact on traffic or traffic -related pollution in the area, but rather would reduce such impacts. RECOMMENDATION 1. Approve 2013-20 SPA, CUP subject to the conditions listed below, based on attached findings; or 2. Deny 2013-20 SPA, CUP based on findings to be determined by the Planning Commission; or 3. Continue the item to a specific date. ATTACHMENTS 1. Recommended Findings for Approval 2. Recommended Conditions of Approval 3. Location Map 4. Notice of Exemption 5. Public Hearing Notice (Sent to 46 property owners) 6. Site Photos 7. Project Narrative 8. Applicant's Plans (Exhibits B and C, Case File No. 2013-20 SPA, CUP dated 8/2112013) MARTIN REEDER, AICP Principal Planner BRAD RAULSTON Executive Director RECOMMENDED FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL OF A SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT ADDING "SELF -STORAGE FACILITY WITH ACCESSORY TRUCK RENTAL" TO APPENDIX A OF THE WESTSIDE SPECIFIC PLAN AS A CONDITIONALLY -ALLOWED USE IN THE LIMITED COMMERCIAL (CL) ZONE 2013-20 SPA 1. That the proposed amendment is in the public interest and is consistent with General Plan policy, as a Conditional Use Permit would be required for any new self -storage and/or truck rental facility, which would assure compliance with General Plan policies regarding vehicle traffic. 2. That the proposed amendment will allow for conversion of existing industrial uses to cleaner non -industrial uses within the CL zone, which is intended for service -related commercial uses, including storage and equipment rental. RECOMMENDED FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2013-20 CUP — 1300 Wilson Ave. 1. That the site for the proposed use is adequate in size and shape, since the proposed use would be contained within the existing building envelope, and all activities would be contained on the subject site. 2. That the site has sufficient access to Wilson Avenue and Civic Center Drive, both Collector streets with direct access to Interstate 5, operating at a Level of Service (LOS) of A and C respectively, to accommodate the approximate maximum of 5 average daily trips (ADT). 3. That the proposed use will not have an adverse effect upon adjacent or abutting properties, since the use will be completely contained within the existing building and properly, and since only gasoline vehicles will be used in conjunction with the business. 4. That the proposed use is deemed essential and desirable to the public convenience, since it will contribute to the conversion of an existing industrial use to a non -industrial use and will contribute to the viabiiity of the existing commercially -zoned property. RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL 2013-20 CUP — 1300 Wilson Ave. General 1. The Conditional Use Permit shall not be considered valid, nor construction pians accepted for a self -storage facility, until the associated Specific Plan Amendment has been approved. 2. This Conditional Use Permit authorizes a self -storage facility with accessory truck rental and hitch installation. Except as required by conditions of approval, all pians submitted for permits associated with the project shall conform to Exhibits B and C, Case File No. 2013-20 SPA, CUP dated 8/21/2013. 3. Within four (4) days of approval, pursuant to Fish and Game Code 711.4 and the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 753.5, the applicant shall pay all necessary environmental filing fees for the San Diego County Clerk. Checks shall be made payable to the County Clerk and submitted to the National City Planning Department. 4. This Conditional Use Permit shall become null and void if not exercised within one year after adoption of the Resolution of approval unless extended according to procedures specified in the Land Use Code. 5. Before this Conditional Use Permit shall become effective, the applicant and the property owner both shall sign and have notarized an Acceptance Form, provided by the Planning Department, acknowledging and accepting all conditions imposed upon the approval of the permit. Failure to return the signed and notarized Acceptance Form within 30 days of its receipt shall automatically terminate said permit. The applicant shall also submit evidence to the satisfaction of the Planning Department that a Notice of Restriction on Real Property is recorded with the County Recorder. The applicant shall pay necessary recording fees to the County. The Notice of Restriction shall provide information that conditions imposed by approval of the Conditional Use Permit are binding on all present or future interest holders or estate holders of the property. The Notice of Restriction sha!l be approved as to form by the City Attorney and signed by the Executive Director prior to recordation. Building 6. Plans submitted for improvements in 2013 must comply with the 2010 edition of the California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fire and Accessibility Codes. If submitted in 2014, pians submitted for improvements must comply with the 2013 edition of the California Building, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fire, and Accessibility Codes. Engineering 7. The Priority Project Applicability checklist for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is required to be completed and submitted to the Engineering Department. The checklist will be required when a project site is submitted for review of the City Departments. The checklist is available at the Engineering Department. If it is determined that the project is subject to the "Priority Project Permanent Storm Water BMP Requirements" and the City of National City Storm Water Best Management Practices of the Jurisdictional Urban Runoff Management Program (JURMP) approved Standard Urban Storm Water Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) documentation will be required prior to issuance of an applicable engineering permit. The SUSMP shall be prepared by a Registered Civil Engineer. 8. The Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the maintenance of the proposed construction shall be undertaken in accordance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations which may require a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) fnr the ornjecr An approved SW PP ;Hi!! be required prior to issuing of a construction permit. 9. All surface run-off shall be treated with an approved Standard Urban Runoff Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) Best Management Practice (BMP) for al! Priority SUSMP projects. No runoff will be permitted to flow over the sidewalk. Adjacent properties shall be protected from surface run-off resulting from this development. 10. The property owner, or its successors and assigns shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair, or reconstruction of all irrigation and landscaping improvements installed within the public right-of-way. Sprinkler heads shall be adjusted so as to prevent overspray upon the public sidewalk or the street. The proposed sprinkler heads shall be installed behind the sidewalk, and the irrigation mainline upon private property only, as required by the City. The property owner or, its successors or assigns, shall be remove and relocate all irrigation items from the public right-of-way at no cost to the City, and within a reasonable time frame upon a written notification by the City Engineer. 11 Metallic identification tape shall be placed between the bottom layer of the finished surface and the top of all irrigation lines in the public right-of-way. 12. A permit shall be obtained from the Engineering Department for all improvement work within the public right-of-way, and any grading construction on private property. 13. A cost estimate for all of the proposed grading, drainage, street improvements, landscaping and retaining wall work shall be submitted with the plans. A performance bond equal to the approved cost estimate shah be posted. Three percent (3%) of the estimated cost shall also be deposited with the City as an initial cost for plan checking and inspection services at the time the plans are submitted. The deposit is subject to adjustment according to actual worked hours and consultant services. Fire 14. The project shall be designed, installed, tested and approved in compliance with the 2010 edition of NFPA, current edition of the CFC, and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations. Planning 15. A landscape and underground irrigation plan shall be submitted as part of the building permit process. The plans shall meet minimum landscape requirements of the Land Use Code. 16. Remove and dispose of the existing on site underground storage tank (UST) and its contents. Confirmatory soil and groundwater sampling should also be conducted in this area to determine if a release has occurred. 17. A limited subsurface investigation shall be conducted in order to determine the presence or absence of soil and/or groundwater conUarriination, specifically in the areas of the observed clarifiers, floor drains, and unidentified subsurface features within the warehouse building (Building 1). 18. Clean out the Existing catch basins, drains, inlets, and cleanouts shall be cleaned and associated waste properly disposed of. 19. Based on the information provided in the survey completed by Ninyo & Moore in 1999, the observed damaged areas of confirmed asbestos -containing materials and lead -based paints shall be abated and an O&M Plan be implemented to manage the remaining areas of intact confirmed asbestos -containing materials and lead -based paints in place. 20. Ali rental trucks shall be stored on the site and not on adjacent public streets. 21. No more than 50 rental trucks shall be stored on site at any one time. 22. The rental truck fleet shall be exclusively gasoline -powered (or hybrid/alternative fuel -powered). No diesel -powered vehicles are permitted as part of the rental fleet. ,/., . NATION yr T y OF NATIONAL CITY - DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT 1243 NATIONAL CITY BLVD., NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950 NOTICE OF EXEMPTION TO: County Clerk County of San Diego P.O. Box 1750 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 260 San Diego, CA 92112 Project Title: 2012-20 SPA, CUP Project Location: 1300 Wilson Avenue, National City, CA 91950 Contact Person: Martin Reeder Telephone Number: (619) 336-4313 Description of Nature, Purpose and Beneficiaries of Project: Specific Plan Amendment Adding "Self -Storage Facility with Accessory Truck Rental" to appendix a of the Westside Specific Plan as a conditionally -allowed use in the Limited Commercial (CL) zone, and conditional use permit for a Self -Storage Facility with Accessory Truck Rental located at 1300 Wilson avenue. Applicant Name and Address: U-Haul International c/o: Randy Lopez PO Box 21502 Phoenix, AZ 85036-1502 Exempt Stews: Telephone Number: (602) 263-6555 ® Categorical Exemption. Class 1, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) Reasons why project is exempt: It can be seen with certainty that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment, seeing that subsequent projects wil i be subject to a Conditional Use Permit and associated CEQA review, and since the subject project will utilize an existing building without expanding the footprint. Furthermore, traffic generated by the use would be less polluting and frequent than the previous industrial use. Date: MARTIN REEDER, AICP Principal Planner NATION: cin CITY OF NATIONAL CITY - DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT 1243 NATIONAL CITY BLVD., NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PUBLIC HEARING - SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT ADDING "'SELF -STORAGE FACILITY WITH ACCESSORY TRUCK RENTAL' TO APPENDIX A OF THE WESTSIDE SPECIFIC PLAN AS A CONDITIONALLY -ALLOWED USE IN THE LIMITED COMMERCIAL (CL) ZONE, AND CONDITIONAL USE PFRMIT FOR A SELF-STQR.AGE FACILITY WITH ACCESSORY TRUCK RENTAL LOCATED AT 1300 WILSON AVENUE, CASE FILE NO: 2013-20 SPA, CUP The National City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing after the hour of 6:00 p.m. Monday, September 16, 2013, in the City Council Chambers, 1243 National City Blvd., National City, California on a proposed request (U-Haul). The applicant proposes to add "'Self -Storage Facility with Accessory Truck Rental" as a conditionally -allowed use in the CL zone of the Westside Specific Plan area in order to convert the existing industrial building to a U-Haul self -storage facility. Members of the public are invited to comment. Any person interested in this matter may appear at the above time and place and be heard. Written comments should be received by the Planning Division on or before 12 p.m., September 16, 2013. Planning Division staff may be contacted at 619-336-4310 or planning[a7nationalcitvca.gov. If you challenge the nature of the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the public hearing entity conducting the hearing at, or prior to, the public hearing. PLANNING DEPARTMENT BRAD RAULSTON Executive Director _- -~�� "r _ AMERCO, REAL ESTATE COMPANY 2727 NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, 5-N • PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85004 PHONE: 602.263.6555 • FAX: 602.277.5824 • EMAIL parul@uhaul.com NARRATIVE PROJECT SUMMARY AMERCO Real Estate Company (AREC) is interested in purchasing the property located at 1500 Wilson Avenue (APN: 5590611500). AREC is the wholly owned real estate subsidiary of the U-Haul System. AREC is submitting this narrative for the opportunity to receive the participation and counseling from the City of National City in regards to a text amendment to add self -storage and truck and trailer rental as conditionally permitted uses to the CL zone. The property at Wilson Avenue is currently developed and U-Haul proposes an adaptive re -use of the existing building; which incorporates self -storage, truck and trailer rental, and retail services. The north portion of the property, along Civic Center Drive, would provide customer parking and display U-Haul trucks and trailers. The showroom, hitch bays, and self -storage would be positioned towards the north side of the building. The typical U-Haul office is approximately 2,500 s.f. in size. U-Haul is proposing truck and trailer rental but the number of trucks has not yet been determined. The placement of these trucks and trailers is also unknown at this time. The property is currently zoned `CL within the West Side Specific Plan' that does not allow ;elf storage or truck rental and will require a text amendment. We feel U-Haul would be an appropriate use for the property due to the close proximity to a main arterial street, Civic Center Drive, and a major freeway, San Diego Freeway 1-5. U-i-iaui is more of a commerciai type use that serves the residential communities within a 3-5 mile radius unlike the existing industrial type uses found to the south, west, and north side. U-Haul moving and storage facilities act as a good transition from industrial uses to residential such as the homes ies found to the east of the property. In fact, there are proven benefits for allowing self -storage facilities in communities: G Self storage facilities are quiet c They provide an excellent buffer between zones They create very little traffic G They have little impact on utilities • They have no impact on schools • They provide a good tax revenue • They provide a community service U-Haul moving and storage are convenience businesses. Our philosophy is to place centers in high growth residential areas, where we fill a need for our products and services. Customers are made aware of the U-Haul center, primarily via drive -by awareness, much like that of a convenience store, restaurant or hardware store. Attractive imaging and brand name recognition bring in area residents — by our measures, those who live within a four -mile radius of the center. Custom site design for every U-Haul moving and storage center assures that the facility compliments the community it serves by architectural compatibility and attractive landscaping. Adherence to community objectives is key, so that the U-Haul moving and storage center is a neighborhood asset, and is assured of economic success. U-Haul looks forward to working with National City and we look forward to your consideration of the conceptual development plan that we are submitting at this time. Please provide us with your feedback and any comments you may have. THE U-HAUL MOVING AND STORAGE FACILITY U-Haul moving and storage centers characteristically serve the do-it-yourself household customer. In a typical day at U-Haul, the center will be staffed with a general manager and two to three customer service representatives. Families will generally arrive in their own automobiles, enter the showroom and may choose from a variety of products and services offered there. • Families typically use U-Haui self -storage facilities to store furniture, household goods, sporting equipment or holiday decorations. Often prompted by moving to a smaller home, combining households or clearing away clutter to prepare a home for sale, storage customers will typically rent a room for a period of two months to one year. • U-Haul moving and storage centers also rent trucks and trailers for household moving, either in -town or across country. • Families who need packing supplies in advance of a move or to ship personal packages can choose from a variety of retail sales items, including cartons, tape and packing materials. • Families who tow U-Haul trailers, boats or recreational trailers can select and have installed the hitch and towing packages which best meet their needs. • Moving and storage are synergistic businesses. Over half of our storage customers tell us they used U-Haul storage because of a household move. Customers will typically rent U-Haul equipment or use their personal vehicle to approach the loading area and enter the building through the singular customer access. All new storage facilities are designed with interior storage room access, giving the customer the added value of increased security, and the community the benefit of a more aesthetically pleasing exterior. SIGNIFICANT POLICIES: • Hours of Operation: Mon. - Thurs. 7:00 a.m. to TOO p.m. Fri. 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sat. 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sun. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. • All U-Haul storage customers are issued a card -swipe style identification card that must be used to gain access to their room. This is but one of many security policies which protect the customer's belongings and decrease the ability of unauthorized access to the facility. • It is against policy for a business to be operated from a U-Haul storage room. • Customers and community residents who wish to use the on -site dumpsters for disposing of refuse must gain permission to do so, and are assessed an additional fee. • Items that may not be stored, include: chemicals, flammables, and paints. • U-Haul facilities are protected by video surveillance. • U-Haul moving and storage centers are non-smoking facilities. • U-Haul will provide added service and assistance to our customers with disabilities.