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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 25,1963 . ~" " .~ 1 ROLL CALL HEARING (Continued from 4-16-63 Zone R-3 Code Regulations) (F :973) 1 15: 5971 . '.' M I NUT E S - .,. .. .. CiTY COUNCIL QF THE CITY OF ARCADIA ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING APRIL 25, 1963 Pursuant to the order of adjournment of the regular meeting of the City Council of April 16, 1963, the City Council of the City of Arcadia met in adjourned regular session in' the Council Chamber of the City Hall at 8:00 P.M., April 25, 1963. PRESENT : ABSENT : Councilmen Balser, Butterworth, Reibold, Turner, Phillips None Mayor Phillips advised the audience that at the Council meeting of April 16, 1963 the Council had heard public testimony for over two hours on the proposed Zone R-3 Code amendments; that the Council had taken such testimony, together with information contained in the minutes and proceedings of the Planning Commission, staff reports and other material under advisement, and that the purpose of this adjourned meeting is fOl de1iberation, and general discussion by the Council regarding such information and recommendations of the Planning Commission. Mayor Phillips then presented the City Clerk with a communication dated April 25, 1963 from the Rancho Santa Anita Residents', Association; signed by John H. Saunders, President, 841 San Simeon Road. The City Clerk read said letter which in substance urged the Council and the Planning Commission to adopt certain rules when making changes to the R-3 regulations, to wit: To prohibit apartment structures of more than two stories; to adopt the proposed Zone R-3 regulations and not to expand Zone R-3 to any additional lands. (Letter on file in office of the City Clerk). The City Clerk advised that there were no additional communications received in her office since the last Council meeting. At the request of Mayor Phillips, the Planning Director reviewed extensively the background of Zone R-3 regplations and the proposed changes IN PART as follows: That because the quality of recent apartment building development in the City appeared to be less than desirable the Council had appointed a Technical Study Committee to investigate apartment building develop- ment and the Code governing such development. That in the course of the investigation str4ctural and other deficiencies were noted, such as inadequate usable open space, excessive lot cover~ age, excessive front yard and side yard, useless rear yards, excessive length of buildings making them in a great number of instances resemble barracks; parking located too far from the apartment building and the relationship of building to building. That such observations were submitted to the Planning Commission for study and review; that the Planning Commission then instituted proceed- ings to determine what changes, if any, were necessary to correct some of the deficiencies noted. That the Planning Department was thereafter instructed by' the Planning Commission to document the deficiencies and suggest such changes in the Code that would be appropriate to negate the continuing construction of apartment building districts in the City which are less than desirable. 1. 4-25-63 Adjourned 15:5972 That the present Zone. R-3 regulations do not consider the size, shape and distribution of the remaining lots in the City to be developed; that said regulations are almost an exact duplication of the regulations governing Zone R-l even though the density of use is much greater; that the height regulations are too rigid; that special setbacks in some cases consume too much of the usable lot area; that the lot area perjf~ily requirement appears too low as does side yard requirements; that there is no provision for open space; that open-parking is permitted in front yards; that there is no provision governing the orientation of one building to another; that there is pseudo underground parking not truly subterranean. He also recommended that the Modification Committee, which presently has authority under the existing Code to modify the 1 wall, hedge and sign regulations, be enlarged to permit the Committee to modify usable space requirements, length of building requirements, parking stall size and apartment unit size. Projections were then shown on the screen depicting the changes as suggested by the Planning Commission as related to the existing regulations. Extensive discussion on the various recommendations ensued, the individual Councilmen expressing their opinions and offering suggestions as follows: IN PART: Councilman Reibold asked for a rational on the elevator requirement and the Planning Director stated that in his opinion the occupancy factor of high grade apartments would be more stable with elevator service. The City Manager commented that some lending institutions require elevators in apartment buildings two stories in height or over and that some architects favor elevators. Councilman Butterworth was of the opinion that whether a building has an elevator or not is one of economics only and should be left to the discretion of the builder, the lending institution and the renter; 'that elevators do not affect the community. Councilman Turner stated that in his op1n10n lots of 250 feet and over in depth could be more economically developed with buildings over 160 feet in length and the aesthetic value enhanced by breaks in the building rather than the proposed requirement of a maximum of 160 feet in length and a second building 15 feet distant. It was pointed out that the intent of the proposed regulation was to break a long line and does not preclude two less lengthy buildings on a deep lot. The Chief Building Inspector explained the Building Code requirements regarding fire walls, the maximum at which a building is required to break and another building started, the required stairway breaks in long hallways, etc. Councilman Turner continued that he felt the regulations should reqUirel the establishment of distance between buildings as an additional criter to the side lines. It was stated that any exception to the suggested side line could be handled by the Modification Committee. Councilman Turner also touched upon the alley feature of fifty and sixty foot lots and the joint use of driveways; also that he did not think Zone R-3 should start with five units, suggesting that it start at three units per lot. Councilman Turner spoke at length regarding the square footage per apartment unit and per lot per apartment unit, stating in part that in his opinion 750 square feet is adequate for a one bedroom apartment rather than the recommended 1000 square feet; that the 1000 square feet should apply to apartments with two or more bedrooms; that the regulation calling for 2000 square feet lot per apartment unit with 2. 4-25-63 Adjourned 1 1 15:5973 400 square feet of open space should be changed to specify that the 400 square feet apply to usable space per apartment unit, excluding from this the front yard, driveway, parking area, side yard less than eight feet in width. In this connection it was the opinion of Mayor Phillips and Councilmen Balser and Reibold that, it was the aim of the Planning.Commission to upgrade apartment buil~ings to the point where they would be compatible with the City's Zones R~l and R-O. It was pointed out that there had been much opposition during the time the City's Ordinance No. 990 upgrading these zones was being considered. It was their.. opinion that these proposed regulations should be ./ approved inasmuch as any changes would weaken the ordinance. It was the consensus of the Council that the recommendation to grant additional authority to the Modification Committee was well taken and it was suggested that any decision of the Modification Committee could be appealed to the Planning Commission and then to the Council, .' There being no further discussion, Councilman Balser MOVED that the hearing be closed. Councilman Butterworth seconded the motion which was carried unanimously. Councilman Balser then. MOVED that the City,Council accept the recommen- dation of the Planning Commission as contained in its Resolution No. 474 as modified by the April 15,1963 report of the Planning Director, and that' the City Attorney be instruc;ted to prepare the necessary ordinance to effect such zoning ordinance changes, including the enlargement of the authority of the Modification Committee as recommended, Councilman Reibold seconded the motion, Councilman Butterworth MOVED that the motion as made be amended by eliminating the requirement of elevators in'apartments having subterranean parking upon the ground that elevators have no bearing on density or public welfare and is a matter essentially within the judg- ment of the owner, Councilman Reibold seconded the motion. Councilman Balser stated that he would oppose the above amendment on the ground that in order to get the type apartments the 'CitY desires and keep them compatible with the homes in Arcadia it was necessary to have elevators in buildings with subterranean parking. The following roll call was then taken on the amendment to the original motion: AYES: Councilmen Butterworth, Reibold, Turner NOES: Councilmen Balser, Phillips ABSENT: None Councilman Turner MOVED that the motion as made be further amended by striking the stipulation of 1000 square foot minimum apartment size and substituting in lieu thereof 750 square feet for one bedroom apart- ments, 1000 square feet for two bedroom apartments and 1200 square feet for three bedroom apartments, . Councilman Butterworth seconded the motion, adding that he did so on the basis that while he thought the proposed ordinance was a good ordinance he thought the point well taken that 750 square feet for a one bedroom apartment for one person is adequate. Councilman Balser stated that he thought it would weaken the proposed ordinance; that to secure the quality of apartments desired the recommended sizes were necessary; that the City has many apartments of smaller size for those persons desiring them. The following roll call was then taken on the second amendment to the original motion: AYES: Councilmen Butterworth, Turner NOES: Councilmen Balser, Reibold, Phillips ABSENT: None 3. 4-25-63 Adjourned \ ORDINANCE NO. 1201 (Introduced) 15:5974 Councilman Butterworth stated that he wished to make a further amend- ment; that he did not feel that 2000 square foot minimum land require- ment per living unit has any relationship to density in view of the other requirements; that the other requirements will give the necessary open area; that this regulation does not really serve an important purpose and that he did not think it has been so demonstrated, and for that reason he MOVED that the original motion be further amended by eliminating from the ordinance the requirement of 2000 square feet. Mayor Phillips stated that he could not support Councilman Butterworth's motion just made unless the usable square footage is more properly defined to insure there will be at least approximately that amount of 1 square footage of land usage; that all his motion has done so far is to remove the 2000 square feet and leave the language exactly the same. Councilman Turner inquired if he could suggest an amendment to Council- man Butterworth's motion; that he would second the motion for the elimination of the 2000 square feet and then he would propose an amendment that the 400 square feet of open area set forth in Planning Commission Resolution No. 474 be defined as excluding the front yard, driveway, parking areas and side yards less than eight feet in width exclusive of any driveways. Councilman Butterworth stated that he would accept the amendment to his motion and to simplify the voting it could. be deemed that his motion included the restrictions specified by Councilman Turner. Councilman Turner then seconded the motion. Mayor Phillips stated that he thought this was moving into the area of having to add a number of things to determine usable square footage; that it appeared to him that the 2000 square feet as a figure does no harm and places a limiting effect upon the maximum number of units. Councilman Reibold stated that he agreed with Mayor Phillips. Mayor Phillips added that one of the functions of the Modification Committee is to modify the area of land usage; that a hardship case would be within the area of the Modification Committee to amend. The following roll call was taken on the third amendment to the original motion: AYES: Councilmen Butterwort~, Turner NOES: Councilmen Balser, Reibold, Phillips ABSENT: None The following roll vall was then taken on the original motion: AYES: Councilmen Balser, Butterworth, Reibold, Phillips NOES: Councilman Turner 1 ABSENT: None The City Attorney presented for the first time, explained the content a read the title of Ordinance No. 1201, entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 9122.5 OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE." MOTION by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Reibold and carried on roll call vote as follows that the reading of the full body of Ordinance No. 1201 be waived: AYES: Councilmen Balser, Butterworth, Reibold, Turner, Phillips NOES: None ABSENT: None 4. 4-25-63 Adjourned 1 MODIFICATION COMMITTEE (Current-. Plans) (F:973) , ' RECESS MORATORIUM .' (200 South First Ave.) (F:973) ZONE R.,3 REGULATIONS (Turner) (F:973) HUNTINGTON DRIVE (nsp) 1 FIRST AVENUE (nsp) HUNTINGTON DRIVE (nsp) SAN MARINO (nsp) 15:5975 Councilman Butterworth further MOVED that Ordinance No. 1201 be introduced. Councilman Balser seconded the motion which was carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Councilmen Balser, 'Butterworth, Reibold, Turner, Phillips NOES: None ABSENT: . None " ~1" MOTION by Councilman Turner, seconded by Counciiman Reibo1d and carried unanimously that the Modification Committee be authorized to proceed with the processing of plans on hand subject to the interpretation placed on the proposed new ordinance, final action on same to be taken at the next Council meeting. Mayor Phillips declared a recess at 10:10 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 10:15 P.M. Mr. Harold Towel of Regent Properties, addressed the Council, advising that not being aware of the moratorium on construction and rental of properties in the Central Area, he had leased the property at 200 South First Avenue to Mr. Lee Silverenze for a bonding and mortgage company; that his client is ready to move in, furniture and furnishings are ordered and ready for delivery and any delay will cause inconvenience and monetary loss. The use not being incompatible with that proposed for the subject area, Councilman Reibold MOVED that the Council approve the plans as submitted as to this particular property and the proposal as presented at this meeting as being in accordance with the criteria set forth in the plan. Councilman Balser seconded the motion which was carried unanimously. Councilman Turner stated that for the record he desired it understood that he favors the upgrading of apartment building specifications; that he does not feel that some of the plans as set forth in Planning Commission Resolution No. 474 are directed'properly to assure the desired result; but that he did want to clarify the fact that he is not opposed to the upgrading of apartment buildings; that he feels that over 507. of the variances that will be granted in the next six months will be more in line with requested modifications. Councilman Butterworth commented that in his opinion a beautified median strip east from Santa Anita Avenue. on Huntington Drive would modify the harsh cement area and that he hoped progress on this would soon go forward. Councilman Butterworth also mentioned that he had spoken with some of the merchants on First Avenue and that one or two suggested that perhaps the name of that street should be changed; that First Avenue was a name that added nothing to the business area. The City Manager stated that plans on Huntington Drive would probably be ready for submission to the Council by May 7, 1963 or May 21, 1963. Mayor Phillips advised that an invitation has been received from the Hon. Harry Hitchcock, Mayor of San Marino, to that City's 50th anniversary to be held at the Carver School on Huntington Drive May 4, 1963 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M.' 5. 4-25-63 Adjourned ZONE R-3 REGULATIONS 15:5976 Mayor Phillips stated that with regard to the Zone R-3 regulations, the Planning Commission has held hearings on the proposed regulations; that there were modified and remodified suggestions made and finally its Resolution No. 474 was prepared containing the result of many weeks of work by dedicated citizens and staff. That the Council had the matter constantly under surveillance; that there was a two hour hearing before the Council on the matter on April 16, 1963; that the Council thereafter requested the staff to review the testimony presented at said hearing; that the Council has argued the proposed regulations amongst itself and that at this meeting the Council voted to accept the recommendations of the Planning Commission with the exception of elevators. He added that he would now recognize those persons in the audience desiring to speak to the matter but that it would be appreciated if such comments would be restricted to two or three minutes. Thereafter the following persons spoke - 1 IN PART: Charles McNab, 315 Malcolm Drive, Pasadena: That at the conclusion of the hearing of April 16, 1963 he had understood that tonight would be a continued public hearing; that he had sent post cards to R-3 property owners many of whom had not seen an announcement of the present meeting in the press releases; that his wife had been advised by the Planning Director that this continued hearing was for the purpose of hearing further testimony; that he had new testimony to offer. Mayor Phillips advised that at the hearing of April 16,1963 it had been stated that the hearing would be continued so that if the staff had anything further to add the hearing would be open to take such recommendations. That the Council had listened to Mr. McNab at the meeting of April 16,1963 for almost an hour. Mrs. Lois Anderson, 1024 Arcadia Avenue: That she had also been under the impression that this was a public hearing. That the City Clerk's office had so advised her. Mr. Moncarsh of Los Angeles: That he did not think the Council has the right to regulate R-3 property. Mrs. Evelyn DeYoung, 854 West Huntington Drive: That she had been under the impression this would be a public' hearing for further evidence from the public. Mrs. Frank L. Dolan, 217 West Woodruff Avenue, owning property at 810 Arcadia Avenue: That she was opposed to the regulations embodied in Resolution No. 474. Mr. S. G. Evans, 1146 Arcadia Avenue: That the proposed regulations make it impossible for 70 foot lots to sell inasmuch as a prospective 1 buyer would first have to know what the Modification Committee would approve. Mr. Gerald Holzberg, 13104 Purche, Gardena: That no other city has as rigid regulations as Arcadia. Mr. Fred Shubin, 841 6ingingwood Drive: That he approved the regulations, and that there is the Mo6itteaCion Committee for hardship cases. Mr. Cecil A. Peterson, 417 California Street: Requested and received clarification of some of the regulations. Mr. Henry Mack, 735 Arcadia Avenue: That he had recently purchased his property with his life savings and had intended construction of a building compatible with the property adjacent to his but that with the present regulations he did not think it would be economically feasible. 6. 4-25-63 Adjourned 1 ADJOURNMENT 1 15: 5977 Mr. John DeYoung, 854 West Huntington Drive: regulations will depreciate the value of his 69 foot frontage lot, That ,the ,present p~oper~y; that he has a Miss Elizabeth Willis, 1115 Holly Avenue: "Desired ~njormation as to how the present regulations would affect her Property; that she was advised that the regulations shDUldcnot ,ad~erse~,~ffe$t,~,pro.P'erty, i Mr;, Gay Arnold, wha< to do with . '. 1156 West, Duarte Road: That he was at a loss as to his: property 'at said address. Mrs~ Lota, Anderson spoke ~g~in, referring tp ,a former Council discussion on the, fine, residential sections of, the,.City and cOllllDented , ',- j -, . - ... . , ., -"'. . I' . ~hat.the Baldwin Stocker Tract requires only, 1200 square feet for ~. residence, " , ,1_ {_ _ - . '. 1.;. I }J\'~; I' ., " Mrs."DeYoung spoke again,tt~anking the Council for its courtesy in permttting her to speak, t'l!. ~ ~ " t. 9.':l L' ;1 . r, ;'( .' ~ I . ' __: t....:. ~ \.e ~ci::~ne else desiring to SP~!!~, MOVED that the meeting adjourn. whicn was carried unanimously, u _ . ~ ", j)t:.; -/:?'r. . r:'~;'''': - ',"t"':.: n. . :1( " ~ ;l ' at 10:50 P.M. Councilman Butterworth Counci1m8~ Balser se~onded the motion I.'. " 'J'; '. '.. :... r i :;., rl ~ :; ,{ t "L.!"; ~ ~~.~:.~;: n '" V f} _; /,l (J-. "t~" IL~~i~le (A J.~^--:.,(9IU..!:-!<":'t.:.' "'" r:.,:nMayor Phillips':" .' ..c' . ''-1' . , . :~~ ~'" _. _ k"' ,; l.; ~ : " :1 ..,.-:.J"'....r ".:'..- ';~ ::.!: '-, .. t, (:.~t<J " :::': , L .' . t~ ~ ' , 'ATTEST: .,. ~. .. c..J (~;;;.f1 ~./ t/'d?f/!'7AJ!;A'/2'~ :~i,. ::~ffJ Clerk ~u~r ~.r . "', (~:', :"'J' .' 'i . 'Ill.. " ," .,,; : ~"'\. '.." ,. ' a.':t .;:' , ',; ,;.~ -,..:. . I: ~ ; \ ,I~ " " '.. '. ~ .~ , . ..,' , t, .'. I.: ~ ',I .'1 ., ,"., "I. ... J , '. , 7, 4-25-63 Adjourned