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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3MINUTES ARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 7:00 P.M. Arcadia City Council Chambers The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Drive with Vice Chairman Chiao presiding. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Chairman Chiao led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Chiao and Perrille ABSENT: Commissioner Baerg MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille and seconded by Commissioner Beranek to excuse Commissioner Baerg from the meeting. Without objection the motion was approved. OTHERS ATTENDING Deputy Development Services Director /City Engineer, Phil Wray Community Development Administrator, Jim Kasama Senior Planner, Lisa Flores Associate Planner, Tom Li Assistant Planner, Nick Baldwin Senior Administrative Assistant, Billie Tone SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS There were none. 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 There were none. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 11 -05 8 E. Duarte Rd. Tommy Chavies The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit for a 1,700 square -foot martial arts studio with a maximum of 25 students per class. Associate Planner Tom Li, presented the staff report. Vice Chairman Chiao asked if the Commissioners had any questions. There were none The public hearing was opened. Vice Chairman Chiao asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in favor of this project. There were none Vice Chairman Chiao asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak in opposition to this project There were none MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille to close the Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Parrille to approve Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 11 -05 subject to the conditions in the staff report. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Parrille and Chiao ABSENT: Commissioner Baerg A Resolution reflecting the decision of the Planning Commission will be presented for adoption at the next Commission meeting. There will be a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution. 2. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. TTM 71653 21 to 29 Alta St. Alta Street 2011, LLC The applicant is requesting approval of a Tentative Tract Map for an 11 -unit residential condominium subdivision. Associate Planner, Tom Li presented the staff report. Commissioner Beranek asked if there had been any questions or comments generated by the Public Hearing Notice and Mr. Li said there were none. Commissioner Beranek asked if Condition No. 3, relating to the required Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan is a new requirement. Mr. Li explained that it has always been a standard requirement but in this case, Engineering Services wanted to include it as a condition of approval. PC MINUTES 7 -26 -11 Page 2 The Public Hearing was opened. Vice Chairman Chiao asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of this project. There were none. Vice Chairman Chiao asked if anyone wanted to speak in opposition to this project. There were none. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Beranek, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to close the Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Beranek, seconded by Commissioner PerriIle to approve Tentative Tract Map No. TTM 71653 subject to the conditions in the staff report. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Perri Ile and Chiao ABSENT: Commissioner Baerg There is a ten (10) calendar day appeal period after the approval /denial of the subdivision. Appeals are to be filed by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2011. 3. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. TPM 11 -03 (71642) 225 E. Longden Ave. David Liu — G & Y Geotech Consulting The applicant is requesting approval of a Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide a 25,236 square -foot lot into two, 12,618 square -foot lots. Assistant Planner, Nick Baldwin presented the staff report. Commissioner Perri Ile asked if staff had received any questions or comments in response to the Public Hearing notice. Mr. Baldwin explained that there was one question from a resident related to architectural design and that the resident was satisfied with the explanation he provided. The Public Hearing was opened. Vice Chairman Chiao asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of this project. Mr. Twen Ma, the project architect, represented the owner. He explained that the lot in question is the largest in the neighborhood and that even after the subdivision the two resulting lots will still be larger than the average lot in the neighborhood. He stressed that the proposed houses will be compatible with the neighborhood. PC MINUTES 7 -26-11 Page 3 Commissioner Baderian asked if the applicant had read the staff report and agreed to all conditions and Mr. Ma said they read the staff report and agreed to comply with all conditions. Vice Chairman Chiao asked if anyone wanted to speak in opposition to this project. Mr. Bruce Holmes said that he is the owner of the adjacent property to the north of the site and he is concerned that the narrow Tots proposed will interfere with his privacy and decrease property values in the neighborhood. Vice Chairman Chaio asked if the applicant would like to speak in rebuttal. Mr. Ma explained that the applicant is sensitive to the privacy concems of their neighbors and will allow enough side and rear yard footage to protect their privacy. He also stressed that the applicant will try to use a style compatible with the existing homes in the neighborhood and he pointed out that the neighborhood currently has more than ten large houses on smaller lots than those proposed. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to close the Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to approve Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 11 -03 (71642) subject to the conditions in the staff report. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Parrille and Chiao ABSENT: Commissioner Baerg There is a ten (10) calendar day appeal period after the approval/denial of the subdivision. Appeals are to be filed by 4 :30 p.m. on Friday, August 5, 2011. 4. TEXT AMENDMENT NO. TA 11 -01 285 W. Huntington Dr. Los Angeles Turf Club, Inc. Consideration of Text Amendment No. TA 11 -01 to Article IX, Chapter 2, Part 7, Division 3 of the Arcadia Municipal Code to expand the permitted use list in the Special Use (S -1) zone and to extend the allowed uses to adjacent Single- Family (R -1) zoned areas of the Santa Anita Park property. Senior Planner, Lisa Flores presented the staff report. The Public Hearing was opened. PC MINUTES 7 -26 -11 Page 4 Vice Chairman Chiao asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of this Amendment. Mr. Vince Foley said that he lives just north of the Santa Anita Race Track and that he is a member of the Arcadia Historical Museum Commission. He stated that he is interested in preserving the history of Arcadia and that the Race Track has contributed significantly to the history and culture of the city for over a hundred years. Mr. Foley said that although he understands that some may object to this proposal he feels that it will have a positive effect on the City and he urged the Commissioners to approve this application. Vice Chairman Chiao asked if anyone wanted to speak in opposition to this Amendment. Mr. John Kirages, another neighbor of the Race Track, said that he is not specifically opposed to the Amendment but he is confused about it. Mr. Kasama asked Ms. Flores to give him a copy of the staff report to review and suggested that he return to the podium after reviewing the proposal to ask questions. Vice Chairman Chiao suspended the discussion on this item to return at a later time. 5. TEXT AMENDMENT NO. TA 11 -04 Citywide Consideration of Text Amendment No. TA 11 -04 for the following changes to the Arcadia Municipal Code; Article VI, Business, Professions, Trades and Occupations; and Article IX, Division and Use of Land: 1. Amending and adding new definitions in Article IX, Chapter 2, Part 2. 2. Amending the Off- Street Parking Requirements in Article IX, Chapter 2, Part 6, Division 9. 3. Amending and adding to the list of Conditional Uses in Article IX, Chapter 2, Part 7, Division 5. 4. Amending the Home Occupations regulations in Article IX, Chapter 2, Part 8, Division 5. 5. Adding to the list of uses in the Public Purpose (S -2) Zone in Division 4, of Article IX, Chapter 2, Part 7. 6. Amending the General Provision regulations in Article IX, Chapter 2, Part 8, Division 1. 7. Amending the Schedule of Fees in Article VI, Chapter 2, Part 2. 8. Amending and adjusting various Development Services Department fees. 9. Adding new Special Use Permit Requirements and Regulations to Article IX, Chapter 2, Part 9, Division 8. 10. Moving and amending the Promotional Entertainment Events — Parking Lots provisions set forth in Article VI, (Business, Professions, Trades and Occupations) to a proposed new special use permit requirements and regulations section in Article IX (Division and Use of Land). 11. Moving and amending the Christmas Tree Sales and Pumpkin Sales regulations set forth in Article VI (Business, Professions, Trades and Occupations) to a proposed new special use permit requirements and regulations section in Article IX (Division and Use of Land). Senior Planner, Lisa Flores presented the staff report. Vice Chairman Chiao asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of this Amendment. PC MINUTES 7 -26-11 Page 5 Commissioner Beranek questioned the wording in Section 92982 relating to Christmas trees and Halloween pumpkin sales noting that it seemed redundant. Ms. Flores agreed and said it could be changed. Commissioner Beranek suggested that since the list of Home Occupations in Section 9285.4 could become obsolete in a short time, a notation that similar uses will also be allowed may be advisable. Ms. Flores pointed out that a notation on Page 1 of the Home Occupations application says that uses similar to those listed will be allowed. Commissioner Baderian asked how the list of uses was developed. Ms. Flores explained that the list was based on existing occupations, requests received, and a survey of other cities. Commissioner Baderian suggested that a more generic list would be practical and Ms. Flores said that the list can be changed. Vice Chairman Chiao asked to confirm that Sidewalk Sales and Parking Lot Sales are restricted to 25% of the parking lot area and no more than twelve days per year. Ms. Flores said that is correct. Commissioner Baderian asked if this Amendment would affect off street parking for these events and Ms. Flores explained that the purpose of the Amendment is to streamline the application process. Vice Chairman Chiao asked if anyone wanted to speak in opposition to this Amendment. Ms. Kathleen Douglass, a local resident, asked if neighbors would no longer be required to indicate their approval of a home occupation by signing the application. Ms. Flores confirmed that this process would be eliminated. Ms. Douglass explained that a few years ago a neighbor had a home business which resulted in workers loitering outside the home until late at night and indulging in unacceptable behavior. Therefore, she would feel more comfortable if the neighbors of a prospective home business would have to be notified and indicate their approval of a home business. Mr. Van Butenschoen asked if the Amendment would require an increase in handicapped parking stalls in commercial developments. Ms. Flores explained that this is regulated under the Americans with Disabilities Act, but that business owners are not required to bring their parking facilities up to code until they exceed designated thresholds of improvements to the property or they restripe their parking lot. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Beranek, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to dose the Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Perrille, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to recommend approval of Text Amendment No. TA 11 -04 to the City Council. PC MINUTES 7 -26-11 Page 6 ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Parrille and Chiao ABSENT: Commissioner Baerg The Planning Commission's recommendation and comments will be forwarded to the City Council. The Planning Commission retumed to Item 4. 4. TEXT AMENDMENT NO. TA 11 -01 285 W. Huntington Dr. Los Angeles Turf Club, Inc. Vice Chairman Chiao invited Mr. John Kirages, having reviewed the staff report, to retum to the podium to present his questions. Mr. Kirages said that he lives north of Santa Anita Race Track and that the wind carries sound from the track to their neighborhood. He said that when he initially bought the home, he was aware of the noise during race days but that he is concemed that the possible addition of carnivals, cultural festivals, and other events will increase the incidents and type of noise to an unacceptable level. Commissioner Baderian asked Mr. Kirages if he is opposed to this type of use in other parts of the parking lot. Mr. Kirages said that he is not. He is only concerned with the north parking lot. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to close the Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved. Vice Chairman Chiao asked if special permits with City Council approval would be required for the events listed in the Amendment and Ms. Flores confirmed that they would. Vice Chairman Chiao asked if there are mitigating factors that could be applied to the seven uses enumerated in the Amendment and Ms. Flores said that there are, in fact, various options. Commissioner Baderian asked if staff will need to develop a Noise Ordinance for these events and how the noise would be monitored. Ms. Flores explained that staff would react to complaints from residents and then measure the noise levels by means of a noise monitor, then take any action necessary to ensure compliance with the Noise Ordinance. Commissioner Baderian asked if all the proposed uses are already listed in the Noise Ordinance. Ms. Flores explained that a condition can be imposed on any uses not already included in the Noise Ordinance to insure that neighbors do not experience unacceptable levels of noise. Commissioner Baderian asked how neighbors would be notified of events. Ms. Flores said the city would send Public Notices to all property owners and residents within 1000 feet of the event site so residents would have an opportunity to voice concerns before approval of the special permit by the City Council. PC MINUTES 7 -26 -11 Page 7 Ms. Flores announced that the applicant would like an opportunity for rebuttal of objections. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to reopen the Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved. Vice Chairman Chiao asked if the applicant would like to speak in rebuttal to the objections. Mr. Pete Siberell, Director of Community Service and Special Projects for the Los Angeles Turf Club, said that he has held his position for 16 years and that Santa Anita has always tried to be a good neighbor to all residents. In fact, he said Santa Anita would not wish to compromise the good relationship it has with its neighbors. He explained that most of the events will be held in the south parking lot and the north parking lot will only be used on an occasional basis. Mr. Siberell said that the objective of this Amendment is to streamline the permit process, not add lots of special events to their calendar. In fact, he said he expects to add only a few more special events per year as a result of the Amendment. Vice Chairman Chiao asked about helicopter landings. Mr. Siberell explained that the Arcadia Police Department and /or Fire Department have occasionally asked for permission to land a helicopter or a particularly wealthy horse owner may request permission to land a helicopter. This is rare and these are the only helicopter uses anticipated. There are no plans for helicopter tours or anything that would make an impact on the community. Commissioner Parrille asked how many parking spaces would be allotted to the use of the CalPhil concerts. Mr. Siberell said that there are 5000 to 6000 spaces available, which will easily accommodate the anticipated attendance. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Beranek, seconded by Commissioner Parrille to close the Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to recommend approval of Text Amendment No. TA 11 -01 to the City Council. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Parrille and Chiao ABSENT: Commissioner Baerg The Planning Commission's recommendation and comments will be forwarded to the City Council. PC MINUTES 7 -26 -11 Page 8 CONSENT ITEM 6. MINUTES OF JULY 12, 2011 RECOMMENDATION: Approve Commissioner Beranek pointed out four spelling corrections to be made to the minutes on pages 3 and 4. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Parrille, to approve the minutes of July 12, 2011 as corrected. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Parrille and Chiao ABSENT: Commissioner Baerg MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION Mayor Pro Tem Harbicht announced that Don Penman, City Manager, will retire in October. He said Mr. Penman has been a great asset to the City and will be missed. Councilman Harbicht informed the Commission that the City Council will conduct another Study Session on the proposed HOA/ARB Resolution to provide uniform regulations for the five Homeowners Associations. He provided a brief history of the Architectural Review Boards in Arcadia and explained that the Councilmen and the ARB members still had some issues to resolve on the Resolution. Commissioner Baderian asked if the issue of metal roofs would be included in the discussion with the ARBs. Councilman Harbicht said that he was not sure this specific issue was up for discussion but that there were many issues relating to the HOA/ARB concept to be ironed out Commissioner Parrille explained that the Planning Commission was striving for consistency between the various HOAs but that the Commissioners understand the Council's concerns. He asked if the issue will be returned to the Planning Commission for review. Councilman Harbicht said that is possible. Vice Chairman Chiao asked if the City Council could use their own discretion in deciding whether to allow helicopter landings in the City. Councilman Harbicht said that in the past, the Police Department has used the Santa Anita Race Track for helicopter landings without any negative results. MODIFICATION COMMITTEE AGENDA Vice Chairman Chiao reported that the Modification Committee reviewed one application requesting a reduced side yard setback which was approved. PC MINUTES 7 -26-11 Page 9 MATTERS FROM STAFF & UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Kasama reported that the next agenda will include a Conditional Use Permit for a new facility for Serendipity at 23 W. Foothill Boulevard. ADJOURNED 8:25 p.m. ATTEST: Secretary, Planning Commission Chairman, Planning Commission PC MINUTES 7 -26 -11 Page 10