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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-23-93Planning Commission proceedings are tape recorded and on file in the office of the Planning Dept. MINUTES ARCADIA CITY PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, November 23, 1993 The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, November 23, 1993 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Arcadia City Hall, 240 West Huntington Drive, with Chairman Tom Clark presiding. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioners , Daggett, Hedlund Huang, Clark ABSENT: Commissioner Amato MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Daggett, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund to excuse Commissioner Amato from tonight's meeting. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting. MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner Daggett, seconded by Commissioner Huang to approve the minutes of October 12, 1993. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting. OTHERS ATTENDING: Assistant Community Development Director - Planning Donna Butler Senior Planner Corkran Nicholson Assistant Planner James Kasama Assistant Planner William Stokes Secretary Cheryl Lopez PUBLIC HEARING TM 51782 1024 Arcadia Ave. Hsieh Chi Construction Co. A proposed Tentative Map for a 9 -unit residential condo - minimum project. The staff report was presented. Commissioner Hedlund asked if there were any variances. Bill Stokes answered no, there were none needed. The public hearing was opened. In Favor Lawrence Speight, Speight Engineering Co., Inc. 9101 E. Slauson Ave. H, Pico Rivera, CA 90660. Commissioner Clark asked Mr. Speight if he had reviewed the conditions of approval. Arcadia City Planning Commission 11/23/93 Page 1 Lawrence Speight said he had no problems with the conditions. No one spoke in opposition. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Daggett to close the public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting. DISCUSSION Commissioner Hedlund asked about the trees along the side property line. Mr. Nicholson replied that the two trees are being requested by staff to remain. Commissioner Huang asked if the two trees in front of building 2 will be removed. Mr. Nicholson replied that at this time staff did not know. As a condition of approval it is required that there be a tree preservation plan and although a structural plan has been submitted for plan check, a tree preservation plan has not been submitted for staffs review. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Huang seconded by Commissioner Daggett to approve TM 51782 subject to conditions A.1 through A.4 in the staff report. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Daggett, Hedlund,Huang, Clark NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Amato Chairman Clark noted that there is a ten day appeal period. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 93 -004 2020 South Santa Anita Ave. Chris Construction Company, Inc. A proposed Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide one lot into two single family lots. One lot will front on Santa Anita Avenue and the second lot will front on Las Flores Avenue. The staff report was presented. It was noted the City had received a letter of opposition from Cynthia & Julian Carranza. DISCUSSION Commissioner Huang believed that in looking at the vicinity map there are several parcels of similar sizes on the west side of Santa Anita which have been subdivided. One piece on the north -east of Longden and Santa Anita that has also been subdivided. Donna Butler replied that is correct. This was done before the 1990 General Plan. They all meet the Codes as well. The proposed lots also exceed the minimum Code requirements, however based on the General Plan goals set forth we are recommending denial. Arcadia City Planning Commission 11/23/93 Page 2 The public hearing was opened. In Favor George Dreier, 4839 W. Ave M12, Quartz Hills, CA, owner of the property. He had hoped it would be an investment for retirement. The lot is large and the proposed lots meet all the requirements of the Code. Gordon Maddock, 900 S. First Ave., Arcadia, noted the proposed property will create a density of 3.9 dwelling units per acre. The proposed lot split requires no modification, there are similar lot splits all around it. It seems that the Zoning and the Ordinances are inconsistent with the General Plan. In other words someone buying a piece of property might be confused that they are able to do something with it because it meets the City Codes, but will find that the General Plan prohibits it. Now there is two interpretations of what can be done with a piece of property. He feels that the project stands on its own, he also feels it would be an improvement. David Olson, 115 E. La Porte St., Arcadia, representative of Chris Construction. He's surprised that the Planning Department is recommending denial. They have gone through a lot of work to take this particular lot and design houses that would meet all code requirements. The houses that they are proposing to build are substantially smaller than the other houses being built in Arcadia. We have read the staff report and have no problems with the conditions of approval. He did want to point out that one of the conditions is to upgrade the fire hydrant on the south -east corner of Las Flores and Santa Anita. This is something that the Fire Department would like to see happen if this property is developed. This is something we incur at our cost and it is a benefit to the City. Janice Gerhardt, 135 E. Las Flores, wants to see the lot split happen. She drives by this property everyday , and in her opinion it would enhance the street. She thinks new homes would be a great addition, instead of an empty lot that is not always nice to look at. She also noted that two houses in Arcadia would be good for the tax basis also. Milton Bade, 63 W. Birchcroft St., developer and resident, feels if we can't get a lot split and build a couple of beautiful Arcadia homes here you are going to end up with a home there that could run 7,000 to 9,000 sq. ft sitting right on the corner which could be offensive looking. We have always stayed in the guidelines for the City, and all of our homes are of merit to the City. No one spoke in opposition. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Huang to close the public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting. Commissioner Huang asked staff what were the other goals for this area outlined in the General Plan. Donna Butler replied that there are numerous goals set forth in the General Plan, one of the goals was to maintain diverse character of the neighborhood. Commissioner Hedlund asked Donna when we looked at the General Plan revision when we were trying to prevent cutting out back yards and small cul de sac, did we consider this area? Donna Butler replied that this was not considered at the time. But we could consider it if the commission so wished. Arcadia City Planning Commission 11/23/93 Page 3 Commissioner Hedlund thought it would be a nice improvement. There is no guarantee a lot split will improve the use. This is just background information, it's not binding that these houses will be built if a lot split is approved. Commissioner Daggett said he's leaning toward disapproval, he feels the subdivision injuriously affects the neighborhood. Commissioner Huang said his vote will be based on two things. First the range of the goals set in the General Plan. Secondly, he feels that this area has the character of a single family home and he feels a subdivision will not enhance that character. Commissioner Clark feels that most of the effort to stop lot splits in the west part of Santa Anita was geared to cut back on a number of cul de sacs that were being subdivided with very small lots. These two lots in terms of the lot area and dimensions don't bother him too much. It does appear to have some conflict with the General Plan and we can rule on them on that basis. We might want to take a look at the Zoning Ordinance east of Santa Anita as far as lot size. He would be likely to vote for it. Commissioner Hedlund stated that many of the objections to the lot splits west of Santa Anita were the cul de sacs were creating intersections 100 ft. apart giving us terrible traffic problems. This doesn't affect the traffic. He doesn't feel that this project is objectionable. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Clark to approve TPM 93 -004. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hedlund, Clark Commissioners Daggett, Huang Commissioner Amato Mike Miller said the matter will go to the City Council with no need for an appeal fee. Chairman Clark noted that there is a ten working day appeal period. PUBLIC HEARING V 93-002 16 E. Live Oak Ave. Lang Lampert Architects for Ralph's Grocery Company The staff report was presented. Commissioner Hedlund asked if they have to be operating 24 hours a day. Jim Kasama answered no, but the market is open 24 hours a day. Commissioner Daggett asked what kind of vending machines they were. Jim Kasama replied water and soda machines. The public hearing was opened. Dennis Holmes, representing Ralph's Grocery Company, 16 E. Live Oak Ave., Arcadia, stated that the machines were installed as a direct request from the customers. Machines offer value and convenience. The Arcadia City Planning Commission 11/23/93 Page 4 A Variance from the zoning regulations to locate three vending machines outside of the Ralph's Supermarket in lieu of the requirement that all wares, merchandise or equipment be stored within a building. Aqua Vend machine even helps the environment by promoting people to re -use their own containers thus promoting recycling. The machines are positioned close to the store so they are nearly invisible from either Santa Anita or Live Oak Ave. He did research and found that there are vending machines already in place in the City of Arcadia. In response to the concerns of the people who signed a petition against the Variance, their fears of increased traffic, noise at night, debris at the west end of the store, and general disturbance, I would challenge any of them to cite one occurrence of any of the above. Commissioner Huang asked about the south side of the building with the newspaper racks could the vending machines be put there. Dennis Holmes replied that his concerns would be at night. It could cause security problems, but he would consider it to avoid losing the machines. Commissioner Daggett asked why it would be physically impossible to put these inside the building. Dennis Holmes said it would be impossible because of the restricted size of the store building. No one spoke in opposition. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Daggett to close the public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting. DISCUSSION Commissioner Hedlund sees no problem, and can't see where the public should have any problem with this. If anyone should have problems with this it would be Ralph's. Commissioner Huang feels it does provide a convenience to the customers. He had no problem in installing the machines, however because of the aesthetics of the building he would like to see the machines placed on the south side of the building, next to the newspaper racks. Donna Butler reminded the Commission that they must make the findings set forth in the staff report prior to approving this request. Secondly, if it is the Commission's wish to approve this staff suggests some sort of visual screening. If this is approved it will be a request you will see again. Commissioner Daggett did not feel that this is monumental enough to be appropriate, and doesn't want to set a precedent with this and he is not in favor. Commissioner Clark agreed with Commissioner Daggett and did not want to set a precedent with these machines. He did not feel they were aesthetically appropriate for the building and he will vote against it. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Daggett, seconded by Commissioner Clark to deny V 93 -002, and bring back the appropriate resolution. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Hedlund, Daggett, Clark, Huang NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Amato Arcadia City Planning Commission 11/23/93 Page 5 Commissioner Clark noted that there is a five day appeal period after adoption of the resolution. PUBLIC HEARING TA 93 -005 The City of Arcadia A proposed text amendment to add regulation that require back flow prevention devices to be screened when such devices are installed in any commercial, industrial or multiple - family zone. The staff report was presented. Commissioner Hedluund expressed his feelings that the back flow devices are not offensive, and wanted to know who brought this to us, and what were the concerns. In the City they have places where the Police stand and push buttons, traffic signal, news racks, etc. Commissioner Daggett said it was brought up by a concerned Councilman. There are some projects where they are located dead center in the front yard area. Architecturally they are not compatible. Corkan Nicholson said that some of the installations are very large and that the concerns are shared by staff and with the text amendment we can have some control. He also said that the pre existing back flow devices will be required to be screened by landscaping. No one spoke in favor or against. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Daggett, seconded by Commissioner Huang to close the public hearing. DISCUSSION Commissioner Daggett disagreed with Commissioner Hedlund he felt it was important, and is in favor of it. Commissioner Huang felt the same, and is in favor of it. Commissioner Clark is in favor, but would like to keep it at a minimum here and limit any retroactively. Mike Miller stated that they would have a year to landscape, and no masonry wall would be required. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Daggett, seconded by Commissioner Huang to approve TA 93 -005 subject to the wording set forth in the staff report and convey the commissions recommendations and comments to the City Council. ROLL CALL: AYES; Commissioners Daggett, Huang, Clark NOES: Commissioner Hedlund ABSENT: Commissioner Amato AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None MATTERS FROM COMMISSION None Arcadia City Planning Commission 11/23/93 Page 6 DETERMINATION OF USE 16 E. Live Oak Ave. Dennis Holmes /Ralph's Grocery Co. Requesting the Planning Commission's determination if 4 tables with 3 benches each (approx. 24 seats) is an incidental use when associated with a major super- market (e.g., 44,000 sq. ft.). The staff report was presented. Mike Miller asked if this is before the Commission under a Code Section which authorizes determination of uses. Jim Kasama answered yes, Code Section 9263.1.44. Commissioner Hedlund stated that he understands it to be used for people waiting for a ride, etc. not for dining purposes. Commissioner Huang asked where the tables and chairs are located. Jim Kasama replied directly in front of the Ralph's store. Dennis Holmes stated that the tables and benches were installed as a convenience to the customers. They have many Senior Citizens and most of them utilize dial -a -ride. The tables and benches are color coordinated, aesthetically correct, meet the fire code, and are secured down. Commissioner Clark asked if the employees will be utilizing these tables and benches. Dennis Holmes said no, they are required to use their break room. Commissioner Huang said it is aesthetically pleasing and will have no problem voting in favor of this. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Daggett, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund to determine that the applicants specific request is consistent with CUP 90 -019. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Daggett, Hedlund, Huang, Clark NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Amato MA'i i i RS FROM COUNCIL Councilman Lojeski said Cindy Rowe is receiving applications for the empty commission seat. It may be as late as February before there is an appointment. MATTERS FROM COMMISSION It was announced Commissioner Amato had resigned because he is moving out of the City. The Commission had a certificate for him which would be presented to him at the next City Council meeting. Arcadia City Planning Commission 11/23/93 Page 7 MATTERS FROM STAFF None ADJOURNMENT Adjourn to December 14, 1993. -Secre(ary, Arcadia 11 • nning Commission Arcadia City Planning Commission 11/23/93 Page 8