September 1, 2021 Study Session Minutes

Meeting Minutes
Planning and Zoning Commission
Study Session

September 1, 2021 | 4:00 p.m.

Chandler City Council Chambers C..-. CHANDLES
88 Es Chicago Sle Chandler, AZ Community of Innovation
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman David Rose at 4:04 p.m.
Roll Call
Commission Attendance Staff Attendance
Vice Chairman David Rose Kevin Mayo, Planning Administrator
Commissioner Matt Eberle David de la Torre, Planning Manager
Commissioner George Kimble Lauren Schumann, Senior City Planner
Commissioner Erik Morgan Susan Fiala, Senior City Planner

Ben Cereceres, City Planner

Harley Mehlhorn, Associate Planner

Ben Bravenec, Planning Intern

Thomas Allen, Assistant City Attorney

Julie San Miguel, Clerk
Absent

Commissioner Chairman Rick Heumann - excused

Consent Agenda and Discussion
1. August 18, 2021, Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes

Move Planning and Zoning Commission approved Planning and Zoning Commission

meeting minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 18, 2021, and Study Session of August
18, 2021.

2; August 18, 2021, Regular Minutes Design Review Committee
Move Planning and Zoning Commission approve Design Review Committee Regular
Meeting Minutes of August 18, 2021.

THOMAS ALLEN, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY pointed out with the Agenda format change, the
Meeting Minutes are now on the Consent Agenda.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE confirmed with the Commission Members that there were no questions
or comments regarding Items No. 1 and 2, Design Review Committee and Planning and Zoning
minutes of the meetings held on August 18, 2021.

3. PLH21-0023/PLH21-0005/PLT21-0004 The Village at Hamilton Park

DAVID DE LA TORRE, PLANNING MANAGER stated this item is requested to be withdrawn and it
is anticipated to come back for Planning and Zoning Commission Hearing at a future date. This
request is for an Area Plan Amendment to the Chandler Airpark Area Plan from parks and Open
Space to Low Medium Density Residential, Rezoning from Agricultural District (AG-1) to Planned
Area Development (PAD) for multi-family residential, Preliminary Development Plan approval for
site layout and building architecture, and preliminary plat approval on approximately 7.3 acres
located at the southwest corner of Willis and McQueen roads.

4. PLH20-0061/PLT21-0018 Parkside

SUSAN FIALA, SENIOR CITY PLANNER, presented details regarding the request for Rezoning from
Agricultural District (AG-1) to Planned Area Development (PAD) for single-family residential,
Preliminary Development Plan for subdivision layout and housing product, and preliminary plat
approval for a single-family subdivision on approximately 4.2 acres located at the northwest
corner of Fairview Street and Cooper Road.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE presented concerns regarding the homes along Cooper Road. He asked if
there was grass or gravel in front of the homes and the measurement between the street and
home.

SUSAN FIALA, SENIOR CITY PLANNER responded the set back from the street ranges from thirty-
seven feet to forty-nine feet from the property line to the residence. She stated most of the
material will be decomposed granite.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE asked where is trash going to be picked up.

SUSAN FIALA, SENIOR CITY PLANNER presented an illustration and pointed out there are 30 by 30-
inch concrete slabs where trash will be picked up, then stored behind the fence.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE stated the Applicant has done a good job, but he is concerned with the

homes on Cooper Road due to the forty-five mile per hour speed limit and suggested HOA rules
or signs be in placed to avoid accidents.

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5. PLH21-0017/PLT21-0025 Elevation AZ 87

LAUREN SCHUMANN, SENIOR CITY PLANNER presented details regarding the request for Rezoning
from Planned Industrial/Planned Area Development (I-1/PAD) for retail, light industrial, office and
showroom to PAD for multi-family residential with Mid-Rise Overlay, Preliminary Development
Plan approval for site layout and building architecture, and Preliminary Plat approval on
approximate 7-acres located at the southeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Elliot Road.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE stated the project appears vibrant and exciting.
COMMISSIONER MORGAN asked if this project includes electric vehicle charging stations.

LAUREN SCHUMANN, SENIOR CITY PLANNER responded there is a stipulation under the
preliminary development plan that requires they have two charging stations per building.

COMMISSIONER MORGAN pointed out the map shows an employment focused area and asked
how the number of jobs the apartment complex is going to provide compares to losing that space
to multifamily homes.

LAUREN SCHUMANN, SENIOR CITY PLANNER responded the City’s Economic Development
Department has reviewed this project and they feel residential is an appropriate use. She
explained they were in support of change from employment use to multifamily as the underutilize
commercial corner has been vacant for nearly twenty years. She further explained the City would
collect tax revenues from the rental units.

COMMISSIONER KIMBLE stated he liked the project and it looks nice. He presented concerns
regarding the reduction in setbacks along Cooper Road and Arizona Avenue. He asked if a traffic
light was considered for Comstock as it is a busy intersection.

LAUREN SCHUMANN, SENIOR CITY PLANNER responded the traffic engineer reviewed the project
and no traffic light will be put at Comstock. She explained a traffic impact analysis was conducted
considering the number of units and existing uses and it does not warrant a traffic signal. She
further explained Traffic signed off on it and there were no concerns. She presented statements
regarding the setbacks and explained the Applicant has eight-feet from back a curb to the
sidewalk, then a ten-foot multimodal sidewalk, approximately about fifteen to twenty feet of
landscaping, and a row of trees. She further stated the units have actual patios and entries, so
people can get out of the building and head out to Arizona Avenue commercial properties.

COMMISSIONER EBERLE stated his sentiments are like the other Commissioners in regard to

setbacks and traffic. He asked if Staff's recommendation of approval is because the area has been
vacant for so long.

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LAUREN SCHUMANN, SENIOR CITY PLANNER responded the project was reviewed in the eyes of
the general plan and guiding documents for the area. She explained, the vision is to have a higher
density and a development that activates the street frontage. She further explained the proposed
project activates the street and gets more people out to use nearby commercial developments
and utilize public transportation. She pointed out the ten-foot multimodal path is also used at the
development on the north side of Elliot.

6. PLH21-0009 Phoenician Medical Center

BEN CERECERES, CITY PLANNER presented details regarding the request for Preliminary
Development Plan (PDP) approval for site layout and building architecture for a one-story medical
office building on approximately 0.4 acres. The subject property is located approximately one

quarter of a mile north of the northeast corner of Ray and Alma School roads.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE asked if Staff could elaborate on loading spaces. He asked if this is
something we will see more of in the future for autonomous vehicles.

BEN CERECERES, CITY PLANNER responded loading space was added into the code and it is
progressively more towards pick up and drop off for rideshare like Uber and Lyft.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE asked how the area is going to be identified.

BEN CERECERES, CITY PLANNER presented the corresponding slide and pointed out the area on
the illustration.

COMMISSIONER EBERLY asked what are the dimensions on the proposed site.
BEN CERECERES, CITY PLANNER responded he will verify the information and report back.

COMMISSIONER MORGAN asked if the loading zone is like a drop off zone and that is why it allows
for less parking spaces.

BEN CERECERES, CITY PLANNER explained the loading zone is where clients are picked up and
dropped off therefore less parking spaces are required.

COMMISSIONER MORGAN stated he is just curious how that alleviates parking demand if people
are going to be dropping off anyways.

BEN CERECERES, CITY PLANNER responded more people are using different modes of

transportation like ride share and if there is a designated loading area at the site the more likely
clients be dropped off at the site, and not necessarily drive themselves.

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VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE pointed out, maybe there needs to be a few more than loading areas but
stated this is only just a comment.

DAVID DE LA TORRE, PLANNING MANAGER explained three years ago the City amended the
parking code to allow for reductions in parking if loading zones were installed specifically for
rideshare and autonomous vehicles. The City was trying to foresee an increase in rideshare and
autonomous vehicles usage and as that usage of those types of transportation increased the need
for parking would decrease. He stated this is the first project utilizing the code, with two loading
zones for reduced parking. He further stated three years ago Staff anticipated more of this to be
used in the future, but it is going to be a very slow process, as people transition from driving their
own cars to using more rideshare and autonomous vehicles.

7. PLH21-0034 Woodspring Suites Hotel

HARLEY MEHLHORN, ASSOCIATE PLANNER presented details regarding the request for
Preliminary Development Plan approval for site layout and building architecture for a four-story
hotel on approximately 2.7 acres. The subject property is located in the Chandler Airport Center
at the northeast corner of Cooper and Germann roads.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE stated this looks like a great addition to the Chandler airpark area as it
continues to grow. He thanked the Applicant for working with Staff to make sure that the materials
and articulation was up to Chandler's standards.

8. PLH21-0043 Chandler Airpark 202

LAUREN SCHUMANN, SENIOR CITY PLANNER presented details regarding the request for
Preliminary Development Plan approval for site layout and building architecture for four flex
industrial buildings on approximately 26.3 acres located at the northwest corner of Germann Road
and Northrop Boulevard, approximately one third of a mile west of Cooper Road.

An Addendum Memo was presented to the Commission with an added stipulation requiring
additional trees to be added on the west side of Buildings B & C as requested by the Chairman.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE presented statements regarding the size of the project along the Paseo
Canal.’He stated adding more trees will give some privacy to the runners and bikers on along the
canals. He further stated the Applicant did a great job.

COMMISSIONER KIMBLE presented concerns regarding lack of employee amenities and stated
that covered parking is essential.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE asked Staff if there is covered parking.

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LAUREN SCHUMANN, SENIOR CITY PLANNER responded she will need to verify this with the
Applicant. She stated per the plans she received they have parking planters with trees which can
provide more shade for parking. She further stated she will speak to the Applicant regarding the
possibility of covered parking; however, this may cause a reduction in the number of trees.

COMMISSIONER EBERLE stated the proposed appears to be too many trees. He further stated it
looks like a forest and not attractive. He stated he appreciates the flexibility with the office space
and believes this flexibility is beneficial for bringing in tenets.

COMMISSIONER MORGAN agrees with Commissioner Eberle regarding the trees. He stated he
liked the glass and architectural elements but is concerned with potential glare and reflection of
the building on to the freeway.

LAUREN SCHUMANN, SENIOR CITY PLANNER responded type of glazing proposed was reviewed
by the acting Airport Manager, as the location it falls within the Chandler Airpark Area. She
explained there were no issues with the type of glazing and she will verify this with the Applicant.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE asked what type of user do they anticipate.

LAUREN SCHUMANN, SENIOR CITY PLANNER replied because the dock doors are not at grade, it
is assumed that it will not be a distribution center. She stated she is unaware as multiple users
could go in and speculated some kind of a flex office user.

Due to comments made by Commissioners during the Study Session, the stipulation on the
Addendum Memo was not used and a different stipulation was added as a result of the
discussion, to read as follows: 9. The applicant shall work with staff to reduce tree density.

9, PLH21-0044 Quick Qlean Car Wash and Office Buildings Comprehensive Sign
Package

LAUREN SCHUMANN, SENIOR CITY PLANNER presented details regarding the request for
Preliminary Development Plan approval for a comprehensive sign package for a new car wash and
multi-tenant office development located east of the southeast corner of Chandler Boulevard and
McQueen Road.

10. PLH21-0048 Alma 202 Comprehensive Sign Plan

BEN CERECERES, CITY PLANNER presented details regarding the request for Preliminary
Development Plan approval for a comprehensive sign plan for an office/retail development. The
subject property is generally located on the northeast corner of Santan Freeway (Loop 202) and
Alma School Road.

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COMMISSIONER MORGAN asked Staff to present examples of the proposed sign.

BEN CERECERES, CITY PLANNER presented the corresponding exhibit with an illustration of the
proposed sign.

11. PLH21-0042 Sugar Bar

BEN CERECERES, CITY PLANNER presented details regarding the request for Use Permit approval
for a Series 7 Beer and Wine Bar license. The proposed business is located at 960 E. Warner Road,
Suite 6, generally located on the northwest corner of McQueen and Warner Roads.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE asked if the business was open.

BEN CERECERES, CITY PLANNER responded that the business has yet to open.

12. PLH21-0059 Soho63 Outdoor Patio Extension

HARLEY MEHLHORN, ASSOCIATE PLANNER presented details regarding the request for Use
Permit approval for a Series 6 Bar Liquor License extension of premise. The existing business is
located at 63 E. Boston Street, generally located on the southeast corner of Arizona Avenue
and Boston Street.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROSE asked what kind of materials the patio will be made of and if it will match.

HARLEY MEHLHORN, ASSOCIATE PLANNER advised the materials will match the surrounding
patios that have been extended out.

Calendar

The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, in the Chandler City
Council Chambers, 88 E. Chicago Street.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 5:11 p.m.

KeviMayo, Secretary Rick Heumann, Chairman

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