HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-24-11MOTION:
OTHERS ATTENDING
There were none.
There were none.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
MINUTES
ARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, May 24, 2011, 7:00 P.M.
Arcadia City Council Chambers
The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, May 24,
2011, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Drive
with Chairman Parrille presiding.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Parrille led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Chiao and Parrille
ABSENT: Commissioner Beranek
It was moved by Commissioner Baerg and seconded by Commissioner Baderian to excuse
Commissioner Beranek from the meeting. Without objection the motion was approved.
Mayor Pro Tempore, Robert Harbicht
Community Development Administrator, Jim Kasama
Assistant Planner, Tim Schwehr
Assistant Planner, Nick Baldwin
Senior Administrative Assistant, Billie Tone
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE
PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON - PUBLIC HEARING MATTERS — Five - minute time limit
per person
1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 11 -07
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN REVIEW NO. ADR 10 -01
233 E. Huntington Drive
Derby Restaurant Arcadia, Inc.
The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow a 5,448 square -foot, two -story
addition to an existing 6,458 square -foot, one -story restaurant (dba: The Derby). The
addition will provide offices, storage, a food preparation area, and a new banquet room with
seating for up to 175 patrons. Two existing parking spaces will be eliminated by the
proposal.
RESOLUTION NO. 1837
A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, Califomia, approving
Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 11 -07 & Architectural Design Review No. ADR 10 -01 to
allow a 5,448 square -foot, two -story addition to an existing 6,458 square -foot, one -story
restaurant at 233 E. Huntington Drive (dba: The Derby).
Assistant Planner, Tim Schwehr, presented the staff report.
Commissioner Baderian said that the Derby Restaurant is an institution in Arcadia and that
the Commission would like to see the business continue to prosper. He asked what the
number of parking spaces needed would be if the restaurant were at capacity.
Ms. Kasama explained that the busiest time for the restaurant is the holiday season and
during that time it is usually estimated that there will be an average of 2 '/z people per
vehicle. The applicant is proposing 114 spaces which includes valet service.
Commissioner Baderian asked if 114 cars could be accommodated and Mr. Schwehr said
that is correct if the additional spaces that are realized with valet stacking are included.
Otherwise, there is a 65 space deficiency.
Commissioner Chiao asked for a definition of valet stacking. Mr. Schwehr explained that
because the valet has the car keys, he can move the cars around and can double and even
triple park them. In this case, there are 89 total spaces including tandem spaces plus an
additional 25 cars can be parked in the aisles which adds up to 114.
Commissioner Chiao noted that the actual number of spaces is 89 without valet stacking
and the Code requires 179 spaces. Mr. Schwehr confirmed that. Commissioner Chiao
noted that it is difficult to reconcile a parking deficiency of almost 50% as it seems almost
certain to have an impact on the surrounding businesses.
Commissioner Baerg asked if there was a plan in place to handle parking overflow if
necessary. Mr. Schwehr explained that this has never occurred and that the valets have
never needed to use adjacent lots.
Commissioner Baderian asked if the City Engineer was satisfied with the parking plan and
that the impact on traffic on Huntington Drive would be minimal. Mr. Schwehr said that the
City Engineer completed a full review and is satisfied with the parking plan and expects no
significant impact on Huntington Drive.
The Public Hearing was opened.
Chairman Parrille asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of this project.
Mr. Dustin Nicolarsen, co -owner of the Derby Restaurant, said that they have two
easements; one is on the property to the north with the Hampton Inn and the other is to the
east with the Soup Plantation. The easements have only been used once or twice before,
for instance for Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita and for Mother's Day when they are very busy.
PC MINUTES
5-24-11
Page 2
He noted that the easements are easy to open and they provide additional points of entry or
exit. Furthermore, the valets are trained to efficiently stack and retrieve cars which reduces
the number of spaces needed.
Commissioner Chiao asked how patrons can be accommodated if the Code requires 179
spaces and there are only 89. Mr. Nicolarson explained that this was a concern the the past
proposals but in this case, because much of the proposed addition is for storage, there will
not be a big increase in parking demand.
Commissioner Chiao asked if the designs were similar on previously approved applications.
Mr. Larson said the only difference is the second story which will be used for storage and
offices.
Commissioner Baderian asked how many additional spaces are provided by the two
easements. Mr. Nicolarson said that the Hampton Inn easement has about 48 spaces but
he is not sure how many there are in the Soup Plantation easement.
Commissioner Baderian asked if these easements will be able to accommodate the
additional cars expected because of the proposed addition. Mr. Nicolarson said they
definitely will and the space will be available for use by the Derby at all times.
Chairman Parrille asked if anyone wanted to speak in opposition to this project.
There were none.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Chiao to close the
Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved.
Commissioner Chiao said that although he has always enjoyed the restaurant, he is still
concerned with the parking deficiency.
Commissioner Baerg said that initially, he felt the same way but based on the explanations
offered by staff and the applicant and the City Engineer's recommendation, he will be able to
approve the application.
Chairman Parrille said that the project is good for the City and that there are more acute
traffic problems in other areas of the City.
Commissioner Baderian asked to reopen the public hearing.
Chairman Parrille reopened the public hearing.
Commissioner Baderian asked if there is an expiration date on the easements. Mr.
Nicolarson said they are both irrevocable easements and there are no stipulations for
expiration. In fact, both easement areas have signs directing Derby parking.
Mr. Nicolarson pointed out that the restaurant itself occupies Tess than 10% of the site. He
also said that in the past they provided both valet and self - parking but would provide only
valet parking if required. Mr. Nicolarson said that others have been apprehensive about the
PC MINUTES
5-2411
Page 3
parking situation until they visited the site and saw the large amount of space available and
how valet parking works.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Baerg to close the
Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved.
Commissioner Baderian said that he was also concerned about the parking situation but
after hearing about the availability of easements he was reassured.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Baerg to approve
Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 11 -07 and Architectural Design Review No. ADR 10 -01
subject to the conditions in the staff report and to adopt Resolution No. 1837.
ROLL CALL
AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, and Parrille
NOES: Commissioner Chiao
ABSENT: Commissioner Beranek
There is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution.
2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 11 -08
556 W. Las Tunas Dr., Suite Nos. 106, 107
Jennifer Lu
The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow a 707 square -foot expansion
of a personal service use (i.e., beauty salon, day spa, massage, etc.). The total salon area
will be 1,650 square feet.
RESOLUTION NO. 1838
A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, Califomia, approving
Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 11 -08 for a hair salon expansion at 556 Las Tunas Drive,
Suites 106 and 107.
Assistant Planner, Nick Baldwin presented the staff report.
The Public Hearing was opened.
Chairman Parrille asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of this project.
Mr. Sien, the owner of the shopping center, said that he was representing the applicant, Ms.
Lu, and would be translating for her. He said that Ms. Lu has been conducting business in
Arcadia for over eight years and is very happy to be here. He said that the space Ms. Lu
would like to use has been vacant for over two years and that Ms. Lu would appreciate
approval of her application.
PC MINUTES
5 -24-11
Page 4
Commissioner Baderian asked if Ms. Lu has read and understands the staff report and
conditions of approval. Ms. Lu replied that she only understands a little English.
Mr. Baldwin explained that he had discussions with Ms. Lu regarding the services she would
be offering and the hours of operation. He said they also discussed Condition No. 3
regarding alteration of the existing facilities and she expressed her understanding. Mr. Sien
added that Ms. Lu understands city regulations and that she is doing a very good business
at her present location.
Chairman Parrille asked if anyone wanted to speak in opposition to this project.
There were none.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Chiao, seconded by Commissioner Baerg to close the
Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Baerg, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to approve
Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 11 -08, subject to the conditions in the staff report and to
adopt Resolution 1838.
ROLL CALL
AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Chiao and Parrille
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Beranek
There is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution.
CONSENT ITEMS
3. RESOLUTION NO. 1836
A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, Califomia, approving
Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 11 -03 for a restaurant with live entertainment, amplified
D.J. music, and dancing at an existing 7,706 square -foot commercial building at 57 Wheeler
Avenue.
4. MINUTES OF MAY 10, 2011
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Chiao, seconded by Commissioner Baerg, to adopt
Resolution No. 1836 and to approve the minutes of May 10, 2011 as presented.
PC MINUTES
5 -2411
Page 5
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Baerg, Chiao and Parrille
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Beranek
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Baderian
MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION
Chairman Parrille welcomed Mayor Pro Tempore Harbicht who will be serving as City Council
Liaison to the Planning Commission. Councilman Harbicht said that he is pleased to serve with
the Commission and that he hopes to be able to attend at least one meeting each month. He
also mentioned that he served as a Planning Commissioner in the past. Councilman Harbicht
reported that the Caruso project at Santa Anita Race Track will not be going forward. He said
that the Council is very sorry that this important project didn't work out but that there will be
other projects proposed for this property.
Commissioner Baderian said, based on the last item on the agenda, what processes are in
place for non - English speaking applicants. He asked how staff makes sure that all applicants
fully understand their conditions of approval. Mr. Kasama explained that we have bilingual
employees on staff to assist as needed. He also said that he spoke personally to the applicant
and was assured of her understanding.
MODIFICATION COMMITTEE AGENDA
Chairman Parrille reported that a Modification at 19 -25 Alta Street for a Multi - Family project was
approved by the Modification Committee.
MATTERS FROM STAFF & UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Kasama announced that the June 14 meeting is cancelled and the next meeting of the
Planning Commission will be on June 28. He said that at the June 28 meeting several Text
Amendments will presented for review as well as the annual adoption of CEQA Guidelines. He
mentioned that the Modification Committee denial of the project at 118 San Miguel was
appealed.
ADJOURNED TO JUNE 28, 2011
ATTEST:
Secre - - anning Commission
airm
mg Commission
8 :02 p.m.
PC MINUTES
5-24-11
Page 6