HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-25-91Planning Commission proceedings are taped recorded and on file in the office of the Planning Dept.
MINUTES
ARCADIA CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, June 25, 1991
The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, June 25, 1991 at
7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Arcadia City Hall, 240 West Huntington Drive, with
Chairman Larry Papay presiding.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Commissioners Amato, Clark, Hedlund, Papay
ABSENT: Commissioner Szany
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Amato, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund to excuse
Commissioner Szany from tonight's meeting. The motion passed by voice vote with none
dissenting.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund to read all
resolutions by title only and waive reading the full body of the resolution.
MINUTES
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Amato, seconded by Commissioner Clark to approve the
Minutes of June 11, 1991 as amended. The motion passed by voice vote with none
dissenting.
OTHERS ATTENDING:
Councilman George Fasching
City Attorney Mike Miller
Planning Director William Woolard
Assistant Planning Director Donna Butler
Associate Planner Corkran Nicholson
Assistant Planner James Kasama
Secretary Silva Verge!
Arcadia City Planning Commission
6/25/91
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PUBLIC HEARING TM 50727
1129 Fairview Ave.
Melissa Chen
Consideration of a tentative map for a 10 -unit
residential condominium project.
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
Michael Chen, 2225 W. Commonwealth, Alhambra, was there representing the applicant and said that
they are in agreement with all of the conditions in the staff report.
There were no other persons desiring to speak in favor of or in opposition to this item.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Amato to approve TM
50727 subject to the conditions in the staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Amato, Clark, Hedlund, Papay
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Szany
Chairman Papay remarked that there is a ten day appeal period.
PUBLIC HEARING TPM 91 -005
Rear 14.33' of 600 Norman Ave. and
601 Sharon Rd.
James Reid
Consideration of a lot line adjustment to correct an illegal
division of property which was done in 1960s. The
applicant is proposing to legally join the rear 14.33' of
600 Norman to 601 Sharon Rd.
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
Marsha Fields, Cambridge Properties, 122 S. First Ave., represented the applicant and stated that this
strip will be transferred to the new perspective owners upon the Commission's approval.
There were no persons desiring to speak in favor of or in opposition to this item.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
Staff stated that the illegal subdivision took place in the 60s and has been in effect since.
Commissioner Hedlund remarked that this should not have happened.
Commissioner Clark stated that this is an unusual situation.
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MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Amato to approve TPM
91 -005 subject to the conditions in the staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Amato, Clark, Hedlund, Papay
None
Commissioner Szany
Chairman Papay remarked that there is a ten day appeal period
PUBLIC HEARING MC 91 -005
284 Arbolada Dr.
Mark J. Novell, Contractor for
Dr. and Mrs. Dale
Consideration of an appeal of Modification Committee's
denial of a request for a height of 10' -0" in lieu of 4' -0"
for a 14' -0" wide trellis pergola on the front property
line at the pedestrian walkway.
The staff report was presented.
Staff said that the pergola has a 16' setback from the street but the trellis overhangs the property
line. The parkway is 12' in width.
The public hearing was opened.
Dr. Dale, 284 Arbolada was present and said that in December of last year, he submitted plans to the
Homeowners Association (HOA) for review. The plan was approved but soon thereafter Bob Lincoln of
the Architectural Review Board (ARB) wrote a letter to the City requesting that the approval be
rescinded because one of the neighbors who had originally signed wished to withdraw his signature and
that the complete plans were not submitted to the ARB. This matter went before the Modification
Committee, who referred the proposal back to the ARB. The ARB requested that he submit a rendering
of the house with the proposed pergola. After receiving ARB approval, the Modification Committee re-
heard the request on May 14th but deferred decision because there was no Commissioner present at the
meeting. At the next Committee meeting (May 28th), the Committee denied the modification request
for the pergola.
He said that their house is a colonial home which will have white painted bricks. He stated that this
pergola will enhance the neighborhood and they hope to plant climbing roses /vines which will grow.
He submitted several photographs of pergolas in the City and said that this would not be a first in the
City.
Denise Smith, 453 W. Walnut, Pasadena, the landscape architect spoke in favor of the modification and
asked that the Commission approve the request. She stated that the pergola is approximately 10' high
and explained that they did not want guests to stoop down when walking through the pergola, especially
since they anticipated that plants would be hanging. She remarked that the pergola is not really large
and is only about 13% of the width of the property. The width of the property is 112.48 and the width
of the pergola is 14' as proposed. In driving through the City she found several similar structures
which ranged in size from 6' -9' and submitted photos of them. The pergola has a 16' setback and the
trellis is 7' wide and overhangs 3'6" over the property line. She said that this will be a light and airy
gateway to the house. She said that the Dales had been burglarized a couple of times and the Police
Dept. suggested clearing the front yard to provide for more of a view from the street.
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6/25/91
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William Lewis, 300 Arbolada spoke against the appeal and thought that the Modification Committee's
decision should be upheld. He said that the plans which were submitted to the ARB did not show the
proposed pergola. He thought that this is a large and massive structure to have in the front yard. He
stated that the ARB was misled as to the visual impact of the property because the perspective of the
rendering was from 20 -25' off the ground. He felt that this massive structure will cover the whole
house almost to the top of the roof and did not think that the request would be in keeping with the
architectural values established for this neighborhood.
In rebuttal, Mr. Dale stated that the pergola has been on the plans since January of this year.
There were no other persons desiring to speak in favor of or in opposition to this item.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Amato, seconded by Commissioner Clark to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
Chairman Papay said that the Commission should look at whether a modification should be granted and
the aesthetics of the structure. The ARB can not grant modifications but has reviewed the aesthetics of
the pergola through the review process.
Commissioner Hedlund said that he was at the Modification Committee which denied the request. He said
that he voted against the request because of the modification being in the front setback.
Staff said that Code allows a 4' high maximum to any structure in the front yard.
Commissioner Clark said that if the pergola was reduced in size he would be in favor of it and suggested
reducing it to a maximum of 12' in width and 9' in height.
Commissioner Amato agreed and thought that it needed to be softened up.
Chairman Papay said that trees and shrubs could be planted very close to each other creating an
umbrella look which would provide the same type of an affect without requiring a modification and
remarked that in this case because of the structure the modification is necessary. He thought it would
be a good idea to reduce the size.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Amato to approve the appeal
of MC 91 -005 and that the pergola be reduced to a maximum height of 9' and a maximum width
of 12'.
ROLL CAW
AYES: Commissioners Amato, Clark, Papay
NOES: Commissioner Hedlund
ABSENT: Commissioner Szany
Chairman Papay remarked that there is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the
resolution.
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PUBLIC HEARING MP 91 -002
58 W. Grand View Ave.
Paul & Sharlene Cartier
Consideration of side setback modifications for a two -
story addition and remodel.
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
Paul Cartier, 58 W. Grand View, said that they began this project 3 years ago and met all the Code
requirements at that time. However, due to financial difficulties they were unable to continue with the
project until recently and were informed that the requirements had changed. They requested that the
Commission approve their request. He said that the house is made of stone and the carport is stucco
and they intend to build a 3 -car garage to match the house. He submitted plans to the Commission
which showed revised setbacks.
There were no other persons desiring to speak in favor of or in opposition to this item.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Amato, seconded by Commissioner Clark to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
Commissioner Amato said that he drives by this house every night and the house is not visible from the
street. He stated that even the second -story addition would not be visible from the street because of
the vegetation.
Commissioner Clark did not oppose the first floor modification request but thought that with some
ingenuity they could comply with the second floor setback.
Chairman Papay agreed and suggested building the second floor addition on the north /south direction
which would enable them to comply with Code instead of east/west.
Commissioner Hedlund concurred.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Amato to approve request A of
MP 91 -002 for the first floor modification but to deny Request B, for the second floor because
it would not secure an appropriate improvement, no prevent an unreasonable hardship, nor
promote uniformity of development.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Amato, Clark, Hedlund, Papay
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Szany
Chairman Papay remarked that there is a five working day appeal period
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PUBLIC HEARING CUP 83 -009
141 W. Las Tunas Dr.
Sandhya Ray for
Wonder Years Montessori School
Consideration of a request to amend condition 3 of
Resolution 1237, approving the conditional use permit
for a preschool to allow an increase in the number of
students from 48 students to 64 students.
The staff report was presented.
Staff noted that based on occupancy limitation, the Fire Department would allow no more than 60
students and the Planning Department is in agreement with that number. Staff stated that the
Department of Social Services will review this request after the City has given its approval. They
may reduce the number of students to less than 60 but will not give approval to a number higher than
approved by the City. Staff noted that there is ample on -site parking for additional employees. Staff
said that there is a need in the City for child care and did not feel that the additional students would
have a negative impact.
The public hearing was opened.
Sandhya Ray, 2324 Lenta Lane, said that she is the director of the school and noted that they purchased
this school approximately a year ago. She remarked that they have received many requests from
parents who would like to bring their children there. She said that they have an extra classroom
which they do not utilize at the present time, but if the City approves the increase in number of
students, they will use that room.
B.K. Ray, 2324 Lenta Lane, said that the subject property is next to the wash and did not foresee
traffic as a problem, since Las Tunas is a major thoroughfare. In regard to noise, he stated that only
one class at a time is allowed outside to reduce noise.
There were no persons desiring to speak in favor of or in opposition to this item.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Szany, seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
Staff said that the Fire Department has said that based on the square footage of the site, there should be
no more than 60 students. Several years ago the Planning Department did receive complaints with
regard to noise, but there have been no complaints recently.
The Commission felt that there is a need in the City for child care and was in favor of the increase.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Szany, seconded by Commissioner Amato to amend Condition 3 of
Resolution 1237 to allow an increase in the number of preschoolers from 48 to 60 students.
ROLL CAW
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Amato, Clark, Hedlund, Papay
None
Commissioner Szany
Chairman Papay remarked that there is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the
resolution.
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6/25/91
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PUBLIC HEARING Z -91 -004
For certain properties in
West Arcadia
Consideration of a zone change removing the "H" high rise
overlay from properties which are currently zoned: C -2H
(general commercial with a high rise overlay) and C -O
DH (professional office with a design and high rise
overlay).
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
There were no persons desiring to speak in favor of or in opposition to this item.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
The Commission felt that this is a move in the right direction.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Amato, seconded by Commissioner Calrk to recommend approval
of Z -91 -004 to the City Council.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Amato, Clark, Hedlund, Papay
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Szany
PUBLIC HEARING Z -91 -005
For certain properties in
West Arcadia
Consideration of a zone change from C -2H (general
commercial with a high rise overlay) to C -2 H4 (general
commercial with a high rise overlay permitting 4 story
buildings with a maximum height of 45' -0" with an
approved CUP) and C -O DH (professional office with a
design and high rise overlay) to C -O DH (professional
office with a design overlay and a high rise overlay
permitting 8 story buildings with a maximum height of
85' -0" with an approved CUP).
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
There were no persons desiring to speak in favor of or in opposition to this item.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
The consensus of the Commissioner was favorable.
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6/25/91
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MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Amato, seconded by Commissioner Clark to recommend approval
of Z -91 -005 to the City Council.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Amato, Clark, Hedlund, Papay
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Szany
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None
RESOLUTION 1461
MOTION
A resolution granting CUP 91 -006 to construct a Jiffy
Lube Center with a gasoline service at 5 West Huntington
Drive.
It was moved by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Amato to adopt resolutions
1461, and to formally affirm the decisions of June 11, 1991 and the votes thereon.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Amato, Clark, Hedlund, Papay
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Szany
Chairman Papay noted that there is a five working day appeal period.
MATTERS FROM COUNCIL
Councilman Fasching thanked Commissioner Papay for serving on the Planning Commission and wished
him good luck. He introduced Mr. Bob Daggett, who will be replacing Mr. Papay.
MATTERS FROM COMMISSION
The Commission presented Commissioner Papay with a plaque which in part expressed sincere
appreciation for serving as a Commissioner and wished him health and happiness in his new adventure.
Commissioner Papay thanked Council, Commission and staff and said that he has learned from this
experience.
Arcadia City Planning Commission
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MATTERS FROM STAFF
On behalf of staff, Mr. Woolard thanked Commissioner Papay for serving as a Commissioner.
ADJOURNMENT 8:50 p.m.
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Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission
Arcadia City Planning Commission
6/25/91
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