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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-12-12MINUTES ARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 7:00 P.M. Arcadia City Council Chambers The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 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, Parrille and Baerg ABSENT: None OTHERS ATTENDING City Councilman, John Wuo Deputy Development Services Director /City Engineer, Phil Wray Community Development Administrator, Jim Kasama Associate Planner, Tom Li Assistant Planner, Nick Baldwin Senior Administrative Assistant, Billie Tone SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS 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 All interested persons are invited to appear at a Public Hearing and to provide evidence or testimony concerning any of the proposed items set forth below for consideration. You are hereby advised that should you desire to legally challenge any action taken by the Planning Commission with respect to the proposed item for consideration, you may be limited to raising only those issues and objections, which you or someone else raises at or prior to the time of the Public Hearing. 1. CERTIFICATE OF DEMOLITION NO. COD 12 -13 410 Vaquero Rd. Robert Tong of Sanyao International, Inc. (Designer) The applicant is requesting a Certificate of Demolition and certification of a Negative Declaration for the demolition of a 1,869 square -foot house designed by a notable architect, Mr. Norman W. Alpaugh Sr., to construct a new 5,325 square -foot, single - family residence. The architectural design of the proposed new residence has been approved by the Rancho Santa Anita Residents' Association. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Mr. Li presented the staff report. Chairman Baerg asked if any house built after 1962 would be subject to this type of review. Mr. Li explained that only the houses that have some potential for historical significance as noted by the initial review would be subject to this process before the Planning Commission. Commissioner Parrille, asked if there had been any attempt to register this house as a Historical resource and Mr. Li explained that the house does not meet the criteria for Historic status. Chairman Baerg asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of this project. There were none. Chairman Baerg asked if anyone would like to speak in opposition to this project. There were none. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Parrille to close the Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Chiao to approve Certificate of Demolition application No. COD 12 -13 and certify the Negative Declaration. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Chiao, Parrille and Baerg NOES: None There is a five working day appeal period after the approval of the Certificate of Demolition. Appeals are to be filed by 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. 2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 12 -06 909 S. Santa Anita Ave., Unit L Infinity Display The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit with a parking modification for a tutoring center for children ages 14 -18 with a maximum attendance of 15 students at one time in a 580 square -foot commercial unit in an existing commercial building. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Mr. Baldwin presented the staff report. Commissioner Baderian asked for verification of the hours for the tutoring center. Mr. Baldwin said the tutoring center would be open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the academic year and on winter and spring breaks, but the applicant has informed him that during summer vacation they would use the `Saturday schedule of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. PC MINUTES 6 -12 -12 Paae 2 Commissioner Baderian pointed out that in the recommendations there is no mention of a different schedule for breaks and summer; in fact, it appears that the schedule is the same year around. He noted that the schedule just mentioned is not the same as that listed in the recommendations. Commissioner Baderian said that the parking required is based on general office use for the vacant units in the center. He asked if the vacant units were used for something other than general offices, would parking requirements increase. Mr. Kasama explained that the vacant units could be restricted to general offices use only by Conditional Use Permit and Parking Modification. Commissioner Baderian said that there still would be a deficiency of 20 parking spaces. Commissioner Parrille asked if there was any response to the public notice from the Arcadia School District and if the applicant had considered the possibility of conflicts with activities at the high school. Mr. Baldwin said that the applicant had specifically chosen the site because they believe the close proximity to the school would be an advantage to their business, and there was no response from the School District. Chairman Baerg said that the intersection of Campus Drive and Santa Anita Avenue is congested at times and he asked if there had been a study on traffic flow relating to the drop -off and pick -up of students. Mr. Baldwin explained that the application had been reviewed by Engineering Services and they indicated no concerns with this proposal.. Chairman Baerg asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of this project. Mr. Gordon Ng, the applicant, explained that most students will walk from the high school to the tutoring center after school and that he does not anticipate any traffic problems. He said that the office hours for the school year will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and during the summer, they will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. He said the business will focus on small groups. Commissioner Baderian asked Mr. Ng to explain when the school will not be in operation. Mr. Ng said that the tutoring center will operate from 3:00 to 7:00 from September to mid - June and 9:00 to 6:00 from mid -June to the end of August. He said that the center will be closed on Sundays throughout the year. Commissioner Parrille asked Mr. Ng if the many activities at the high school, including football games and marching band activities, would impact their program; such as, with parent parking demand and noise. Mr. Ng said he does not anticipate any problems because the parking lot is posted as parking only for the subject property, and the tutoring center rooms at the center of the building. Chairman Baerg asked if anyone would like to speak in opposition to this project. There were none. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Chiao, seconded by Commissioner Beranek to close the Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved. Commissioner Beranek said he was not clear on the operating hours of the center and suggested that the recommendations need to be clarified. Mr. Kasama said that during the academic year the center will be open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and during winter and PC MINUTES 6 -12 -12 Page 3 00 spring breaks, but during summer vacation, the center will be open from t9:00a a.m. sure :00 p.m. He said that staff will review the schedule with the applicant understands the requirements. Commissioner Beranek stated that the operating hours should be clearly defined in the Resolution. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Beranek, seconded by Commissioner Chiao to approve Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 12 -06 subject to the conditions in the staff report with clarification of the operating hours. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Beranek and Chiao, NOES: Commissioners Baderian, Parrille and 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. 3. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 12 -09 1010 S. Baldwin Ave. Vivien Cheng The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit with a parking modification to expand the existing bakery, Chiffon de Pastry Art, into the adjacent 1,200 square -foot vacant unit within the existing 6,900 square -foot commercial building. The restaurant bakery will be 2,300 square feet with a dining area for 12 patrons. RECOMMENDATION: Approve Mr. Baldwin presented the staff report. Commissioner Beranek said the letter submitted by Mr. Tsai, a neighbor, said that there are parking spaces that are leased to Bowling Square, but staff's report says there are no parking agreements. Mr. Baldwin confirmed that there are no formal agreements, except for an easement for access only. Commissioner Chiao asked how Code Enforcement would enforce the 12 seat limit in the bakery. Mr. Baldwin explained that Code Enforcement typically responds to complaints with a visit. Mr. Kasama noted that the site also would be inspected yearly by the Fire Marshal. Chairman Baerg asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of this project. Ms. Jinda Korprapun, the property owner, explained that after four years, the business has outgrown their space and wants to expand into the adjacent space for product display, a work counter, a beverage preparation and service area for coffee and tea, as well as restrooms and an office. She said most of their business is for take -out and special orders. She added that an agreement with the neighbors allows access through the parking lot, and that when she bought the property she was aware of that agreement. Ms. Korprapun pointed out that her neighbor has installed tow -away signs in his parking lot and a chain across the entrance to deter her customers from using this space. Chairman Baerg asked if anyone would like to speak in opposition to this project. PC MINUTES 6 -12 -12 Page 4 Mr. John Tsai, the owner of the property adjacent to the bakery at 1008 South Baldwin Avenue, stated his concern that there won't be enough parking for the bakery customers and they will use his lot. He said that patrons of Bowling Square also spill over into his lot from time to time. Commissioner Chiao asked Mr. Tsai how many parking spaces he has now. Mr. Tsai said that every day there are bakery customers parked in his lot now and with the proposed bakery expansion he predicts that bakery customers will use his driveway for access and remain in the bakery for extended periods of time because of the seating. Commissioner Chiao asked Mr. Tsai again, how many spaces he has. Mr. Tsai said he has 15 parking spaces designated for his tenants. Commissioner Chiao asked Mr. Tsai if he has had cars towed that are parked in his spaces and Mr. Tsai explained that he has no way to monitor the parking lot. Mr. Tsai's assistant explained that tax season, from December to April, is the busiest time for Mr. Tsai's business and the parking lot is always full at that time. Commissioner Baderian asked Mr. Tsai if he has signs posted indicating that these spaces are for the use of his clients only. Mr. Tsai said he has posted signs that say unauthorized cars will be towed away. Commissioner Parrille asked what types of businesses occupy the other units in his building. Mr. Tsai said there are two trading companies and an attorney in the other units. Chairman Baerg asked if the applicant would like to speak in rebuttal. Ms. Korprapun said that Mr. Tsai has installed a fence to separate the parking lots and tow - away signs in his lot, and she has signs that say no bowling parking is allowed. She noted that there are six spaces limited to 20 minute parking for quick take -out. Ms. Korprapun said that she does not expect her customers to park in Mr. Tsai's lot and she will monitor the lot to control the parking. She also pointed out that there are exits in the front and back. Commissioner Baderian asked Ms. Korprapun if she read the staff report and conditions of approval and if she would be able to comply with all conditions. Ms. Korprapun said that she would comply. Commissioner Chiao asked about the agreement with the bowling alley. Ms. Korprapun explained that there is an access easement that is recorded with the County, but no reciprocal parking agreement. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Beranek to close the Public Hearing. Without objection the motion was approved. Commissioner Parrille pointed out that the adjoining property has 15 parking spaces and 8 units and he asked if this would constitute a lack of adequate parking. Mr. Kasama said that there is probably a parking deficiency, but since the building is all general office use and that is the least intensive, it is a legal- nonconforming situation. PC MINUTES 6 -12 -12 Paoe 5 MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Chiao to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 12 -09 subject to the conditions in the staff report. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Chiao, Parrille and Baerg NOES: None 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. CONSENT ITEMS 4. RESOLUTION NO. 1854 A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, Califomia, approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 12 -04 for a 3,200 square -foot martial arts studio for a maximum of four (4) instructors and forty (40) students at any one time at 159 and 161 E. Foothill Blvd. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt 5. RESOLUTION NO. 1855 A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 12 -07 for a martial arts studio with a maximum of 20 students in a 2,714 square -foot commercial space at the existing mixed use, commercial - residential project at 306 -310 S. First Avenue. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt 6. RESOLUTION NO. 1856 A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, Califomia, approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 12 -05 for a martial arts studio with a maximum of 25 students in a 1,200 square -foot commercial space at 26% E. Duarte Road. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt 7. MINUTES OF MAY 22, 2012 RECOMMENDATION: Approve MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Parrille, to adopt Resolutions No. 1854, 1855 and 1856 and to approve the minutes of May 22, 2012 as presented. PC MINUTES 6 -12 -12 Paae 6 ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Chiao, Parrille and Baerg NOES: None MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION Councilman Wuo said the Council has been working on the budget and he expects it to be approved at the next meeting. He said that last year a deficit was projected but the year ended in the black and he is hopeful that will happen again. Councilman Wuo wished all a Happy Father's Day. He said he is enjoying watching the Commission work and the way the cases are handled. MODIFICATION COMMITTEE AGENDA Vice- Chairman Chiao reported that the Modification Committee denied Request A of Item 1 but approved Request B and the design. Item 2 was conditionally approved. MATTERS FROM STAFF & UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Kasama said the agenda for the next meeting will include the continuation of the hearing on RV parking regulations. He also mentioned that it will be Commissioner Baderian's last meeting. ADJOURNED ATTEST: lanning Commission 8:05 p.m. Chairman, Planning Commission PC MINUTES 6 -12 -12 Paae 7