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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-13-11 MinutesMINUTES ARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 7:00 P.M. Arcadia City Council Chambers The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Drive with Chairman Baerg presiding. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Baerg led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Chiao, Perri Ile, and Baerg ABSENT: None OTHERS ATTENDING Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director, Jason Kruckeberg Deputy Development Services Director /City Engineer, Phil Wray Senior Planner, Lisa Flores Assistant Planner, Nick Baldwin Senior Administrative Assistant, Billie Tone SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Flores directed the Commissioners' attention to a letter relating to Item 1 and three faxes relating to Item 2. 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 -11 16 N. First Avenue Charles Yi Continued from August 23, 2011 The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit with a Parking Modification for a wine bar and specialty retail store selling wine, cheese and related items. Wine will be sold for off -site and on -site for wine tasting. RECOMMENDATION: Conditional Approval unang, me owner urine vvn vz.Wu « =n o-- -- --- _ P`F»nnc nnel RESOLUTION NO. 1842 A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, Califomia, approving Conditional Use Permit No. 11 -11 with a parking modification to allow a wine bar and specialty retail sales at 16 N. First Avenue. Senior Planner, Lisa Flores, presented the staff report and pointed out that the Commission will need to re -open the public hearing to receive new evidence presented in the Staff Report. If the Commission choses not to keep the public hearing open, they may may close the public hearing and take action on the project. Also, at the last meeting, staff recommended the addition of two new conditions of approval; one to require both on -site and off -site consumption for the wine bar and retail sales, and the other to require that the business have both types of Acoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license. Since staff is now certain what type of licenses could be issued for this business, staff has proposed eliminating those conditions and replacing them with a new condition that is listed on page 2 of the Staff Report. Essentially, the new condition will ensure the proposed project does not expand and intensify without further review by the Planning Commission. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Beranek, to reopen the public hearing. Without objection the motion was approved. Chairman Baerg asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of this project. Mr. Matt Jeng represented the applicant, Mr. Charles Yi, who was not available due to a previous commitment. Mr. Jeng offered a brief summary of Mr. Yi's business background in the city. He said that Mr. Yi has opened restaurants in Arcadia before and would like to share his interest in wine with the community. Mr. Jeng explained that Mr.Yi has filed an application with the State Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board for a retail sales license and is presently conducting a search for a store manager. Mr.Jeng explained that Mr. Yi would like to open his business in Arcadia because he is most comfortable in his own hometown. Commissioner Baderian asked if Mr. Yi had reviewed the additional conditions of approval and if they were acceptable to him. Mr. Jeng said that Mr. Yi has seen all of the conditions of approval, including the new ones, and that they are acceptable. Commissioner Chiao asked if Mr.Yi is currently operating a business in the city and Mr. Jeng explained that at one time Mr.Yi owned a restaurant on Duarte Road, next to the Post Office. Commissioner Chiao pointed out that the two types of ABC licenses, Type 20 and Type 42, appear to be mutually exclusive. Ms. Flores explained that it is not unusual for a business to have both types of ABC licenses and that Type 42 is required in order for the applicant to serve alcohol and conduct retail sales, but anyone under the age of 21 cannot enter onto the premises. But, if the applicant wanted to allow a minor to enter onto the premises with an adult while shopping to make a purchase, then he would need to obtain a Type 20 license. hie fl nriv;IAne will be restricted through this Conditional The applicant is requesting a General Plan Amendment to change the land use designation from Commercial to Residential and a Zone Change to change the Zone from Comm: rind_ Commissioner Baderian noted that one of the letters received regarding this item is from Mr. Chang, the owner of the Wine Cave in Montrose who states that he has no objection to this venture. Commissioner Baderian asked what the connection is between Mr. Change and Mr. Yi. Mr. Jeng said that in the previous meeting there was some mention of the Wine Cave and the owner wanted to make it clear that he has no issues with Mr. Yi's proposal. Chairman Baerg asked if anyone wanted to speak in opposition to this project. There were none. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner PerriIle to close the Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved. Commissioner Baderian said that even though he voted against this project at the last meeting, he felt that the additional information provided in the staff report and at the meeting allayed his previous concerns and he is able to support the project now. He added that he is pleased with the additional conditions of approval and would like to suggest adding another condition that would call for a Planning Commission review of the business in approximately six months for possible security and /or parking problems. Commissioner Parrille said that although he was not present, he listened to the recording of the last meeting and he feels that a wine tasting bar seems a reasonable use of the property. He noted that there are other similar uses in the area such as Matt Denney's and the Arroyo Restaurant. Commissioner Parrille added that he is also in favor of a six month review of the business. Commissioner Beranek expressed concern with the applicant's lack of experience in this type of business and felt that he may have overstated his business experience. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Parrille to approve Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 11 -11 subject to the conditions in the staff report as revised. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Chiao, Parrille and Baerg NOES: Commissioner Beranek There will be a five (5) working day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution. Appeals am to be filed by 5:30 p.m. on Teusday, September 20, 2011. 2. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. GPA 11 -02 AND ZONE CHANGE NO. ZC 11 -01 650 W. Huntington Drive Hank Jong PC MINUTES 9 -13-11 Page 3 The applicant is requesting a General Plan Amendment to change the land use designation from Commercial to Residential and a Zone Change to change the Zone from Commercial- Office (C -O) to High Density Multi- Family Residential (R -3). RECOMMENDATION: Recommend Approval Assistant Planner, Nick Baldwin, presented the staff report. Commissioner Baderian noted that the staff report indicated, based on the acreage, 30 to 52 units could be built on the site and he asked if a condition could be added to limit that to 30 units. Ms. Flores explained that R -3 minimum and maximum density standards are already defined in the zoning regulations. Commissioner Baderian asked if a traffic study had been completed using the maximum number of units, i.e, 51, as a basis. Mr. Baldwin explained that since the project data had not yet been submitted, no parking study had been done. However, he added, preliminary drawings show that using 34 units as a basis, the project meets parking requirements. Ms. Flores pointed out that, at this point, the Commission is only charged with analyzing the change of use and the project will be presented for design review at a later date. She added that the City Engineer, Mr. Wray is available to answer questions regarding parking and traffic. Commissioner Chiao asked if the Commission will be able to impose conditions on the number of units at this point rather than waiting until the design review is presented. Mr. Kruckeberg explained that if the Commissioners feel that a certain number of units would be detrimental to the surrounding neighborhood, they can impose limits in the design review phase. He explained that at this time, only the zone change is under consideration but that the project will come back before the Commission at a later date allowing the Commissioners an opportunity to consider conditions. He added that once the Planning Commisison has reviewed the project, it will be presented to the City Council for further review. Commissioner Pantie asked if this zone change and eventual residential housing project would apply to State housing requirements. Mr. Kruckeberg explained that it would contribute toward Regional Housing Needs Assesment (RHNA) requirements but not to affordable housing requirements. Commissioner Chiao asked why the zone change had been denied in the past. Mr. Baldwin explained that when the project was originally presented to the City Council it was tabled and eventually the applicant withdrew the application so, in essence, it was neither approved nor denied. Commissioner Chiao asked if there were other projects that would satisfy the existing zoning at this site. Mr. Kruckeberg explained that the site is currently zoned for commercial /office use and during this recessionary period these areas have struggled. He said the the applicant feels that the zone change would more easily attract tenants for the project PC MINUTES 9 -13-11 Page 4 Commissioner Chiao said that in 2006 there were 76 senior citizen housing units approved under Conditional Use Permits and he asked if there are other areas of the city that would encourage senior housing. Mr. Kruckeberg said that all Commercial zones allow senior housing at even higher density that what is being proposed for this project but currently, there are no senior housing projects pending. Commissioner Pamile asked if the proposed zone change would create problems for the school district. Mr. Kruckeberg said that although no problems are anticipated, the school district will be notified of the project and they will provide a formal response. The Public Hearing was opened. Chairman Baerg asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of this project. Mr. Hank Jong, the applicant, represented the owner, Mr. Jeff Lee. He said that they had reviewed all the conditions and will comply. He offered to answer the Commissioners' questions. Mr. Scott Young, part owner of the project, said that the property was zoned for Commercial use when it was purchased but in the General Plan it was designated as R -3, so they were given a choice. At that time, the applicant determined that Commercial zoning would be most profitable but now, the changing market calls for residential projects. Chairman Baerg asked if anyone wanted to speak in opposition to this project. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Chiao to close the Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved. Commissioner Baderian pointed out that a medical use would generate more traffic in the daytime, Monday through Friday, and a residential use would generate more traffic on evenings, weekends and holidays. He expressed concern about the impact to on- street parking but felt he could support the zone change as long as the Commission would have an opportunity to review the project in the design review phase. Commissioner Chiao said he is troubled by the many variables that cannot be addressed before approving the zone change. Commissioner Baderian agreed but added that the zone change falls in line with the recently adopted General Plan. However, he asked: do we approve the zone change tonight and have the opportunity to review the project at a later date or deny the zone change and leave the use as it is. Commissioner Chiao said that he would prefer to know more about the proposed project and the potential impacts on schools and parking before making a determination on the proposed zone change. Chairman Baerg pointed out that the applicant might be reluctant to make the significant investment required to develop the project to the approval stage without knowing for certain that the zone change would be approved. PC MINUTES 9 -13-11 Page 5 Commissioner Beranek noted that the Commission's recommendation and concerns will be forwarded to the City Council for a determination and the Planning Commission will have another opportunity for review of the project later. Commissioner Perri Ile said he supports the proposed zone change because it appears to be compatible with the type of use west of Baldwin Avenue. He added that the Commission will have to closely review the future plans for parking and traffic associated with the project during the design review phase. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner PerriIle, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to approve General Plan Amendment No. GPA 11 -02 and Zone Change No. ZC 11 -01 subject to the conditions in the staff report. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Chiao, PerriIle and Baerg NOES: None The Planning Commission's recommendation and comments will be forwarded to the City Council. CONSENT ITEM 3. MINUTES OF AUGUST 23, 2011 RECOMMENDATION: Approve MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Beranek, seconded by Commissioner Baderian, to approve the minutes of August 23, 2011, as submitted. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Chiao, PerriIle and Baerg NOES: None MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION There were none. MODIFICATION COMMITTEE AGENDA Chairman Baerg reported that the Modification Committee meeting was cancelled. MATTERS FROM STAFF & UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS PC MINUTES 9 -13-11 Page 6 Ms. Flores said that there were no items for the September 27 Planning Commission agenda but that there were two items for the Modification Committee agenda. ADJOURNED 7:45 p.m. ATTEST: Secretary, Planning Commission Chairman, Planning Commission PC MINUTES 9 -13-11 Page 7