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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDECEMBER 13, 2005 ,■,. ANN,— Y" ' MINUTES r Arcadia City Planning Commission g} ' Tuesday,December 13, 2005 7:oo p.m. in the Arcadia City Council Chairmanmbers PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 7:0o p.m. in the Arcadia Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 24o W. Huntington Dr. with Chairman Lucas presiding. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas ABSENT: None OTHERS ATTENDING Community Development Administrator Donna Butler Planning Services Manager Corkran Nicholson Senior Planner Lisa Flores Associate Planner Tom Li Senior Administrative Assistant Silva Vergel MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to read all resolution by title only and waive reading the full body of the resolution. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Butler indicated that revised elevations, enhancing the southern portion of the building, were submitted for 24 Hour Fitness. TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON-PUBLIC HEARING MATTERS (5 MINUTE LIMIT PER PERSON) None Chairman Lucas indicated that this is a very special night for the Planning Commission. One of the reasons was the presence of Troop 120 and their leading of the Pledge of Alliance. Today is also Ms. Butler's birthday and the last Planning Commission meeting she will be attending as she is retiring. This will be a significant change for the Planning Commission. He summarized her achievements and said that she began employment with the City of Arcadia in 1971. She has provided incredible service to the city that will have a long lasting affect on the community. Commissioner Olson added that he has known Ms. Butler 20 years and has had the pleasure to work with her during this time. Working with her and her staff has been very pleasurable. This city has been incredibly blessed with people such as Donna, Corky and their staff more so than anyone can ever appreciate and understand. On a personal level Ms. Butler has become a great friend and is a very special lady. This city has been so well served by the Planning and Building Departments and their staff. There are many items that come before the Planning Commission and Modification Committee and they should keep in mind that before these come up to them, staff has already given them sound advice. He went on to say that she has done an incredible and terrific job and this city has been blessed with the many years of service that Ms. Butler's has given to the city and the city will continue to be blessed because of what she has accomplished and her staff that continue to amaze him with the reports that they write the job that they do. He said that he would miss her and that she has been a great friend. Thank you. 1. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 2005-18 &ADR 2003-05 125 N. First Ave. Laura Whelan, Dorn-Platz &Company Consideration of a conditional use permit and architectural design review for a 38,990 square foot, 24-Hour Fitness health club. Resolution No. 1738 A resolution of the City of Arcadia, California, granting CUP 2005-18 and ADR 2003- 05 to permit a 38,990- sq. ft., 24-Hour Fitness Health Club, and a modification to allow 28o parking spaces in lieu of 791 spaces required for the existing restaurant and new health club at 125 N. First Ave. The staff report was presented. In answer to a question from Commissioner Baderian, Ms. Butler indicated the other health club received modifications and was able to go in based on old requirements. The handball courts and dressing areas were not considered in determining the parking requirements. The parking requirements for these types of uses might be something that could be reviewed in the future. She went on to say that staff works closely with Engineering and based on the outcomes and of the anticipate traffic generate, it is determined whether a traffic study is needed. The conditional use permits provides an opportunity to review the application and determine of a traffic study is required based on the type of use, hours of operation, available parking, etc. In answer to a question by Commissioner Wen, Ms. Butler indicated that the subject facility is smaller than the other one, since this one does not have a handball court, which is the second story portion of the other facility. The other facility added a swimming pool through the conditional use permit process. Commissioner Wen thought that the parking was a little lean and Ms. Butler replied that the Traffic Consultant, who works in other cities as well, has reviewed the proposed use and the available parking. Staff feels comfortable with these numbers because many of their patrons would go to the facility before and after working hours and it is not anticipated that there will be heavy usage during the weekends. Ultimately, the Arcadia City Planning Commission 2 12/13/5 lack of parking will hurt the business, since patrons will be less likely to utilize the facility due to lack of parking. In response to a question by Chairman Lucas, Ms. Butler indicated that the applicant has plans on constructing an office building a the current site of the restaurant, who still has 4 years remaining on their lease. This expansion will be in the future and is not before the Planning Commission for their review tonight. Mr. Wray, City Engineer, said that the applicant studied the intersection and the number of new trips from this use and the conclusion was that there would be no significant impact created. Signals will be installed at this intersection within 6-8 months. The Gold Line will be a challenge as they will also utilize the same intersection but their gates will be coordinated. The public hearing was opened. Laura Whelan, Dorn Platz, 210 S. Orange Grove Ave., Pasadena, the developer of the company, said that they have been working on this project for quit some time. They are in agreement with all of the conditions in the staff report. In answer to questions by Chairman Lucas, Ms. Whelan stated that they are currently constructing another facility in Altadena. They have found that other cities have reduced parking requirements in comparison. Their busiest times are between 5-7 p.m. during the week. Sarah Drobis, 234 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, the project Traffic Engineer, said that typically, the parking codes for fitness centers are based upon gross square footage but in Arcadia it is based on the work out related areas including the basketball courts and the swimming pool and work out decks. When considering these areas, it increases the number of parking spaces drastically. She cited the ratio as compared throughout the country, which is 5.19 per 1,000 sq. ft., whereas, based upon the 716 spaces required here, it makes the ratio 18.4 spaces or three times the parking demand as other cities. Chairman Lucas indicated that the basketball area could have multiple uses, such as various classes being held, where people can be very close to one another. Ms. Drobis said that this was considered but based upon their experience they have had a much lower membership than the usage than the weight rooms or the work out facilities. They will have separate classrooms for the aerobics classes, weight room. She did not have an exact number of how many facilities there are in the area. She indicted that most of their facilities range from 30,000-47,000 sq. ft. The proposed facility in Altadena will be 37,000 sq. ft. and will have a swimming pool. No one else spoke in favor or in opposition to this item. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Olson to close the public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas NOES: None Arcadia City Planning Commission 3 12/13/5 MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to approve CUP 2005-18 & ADR 2003-05 subject to the conditions in the staff report and Resolution No. 1738 and amend the resolution to reflect that the Planning Commission receive a report back on the parking situation 12-months after the opening. Chairman Lucas asked if they will also be approving a lot consolidation through this process, since they are counting the parking on that lot and Ms. Butler replied that could be filed at a later date but it is not being considered at this time. Mr. Nicholson stated that a covenant could be filed to hold the lots as a single parcel for building and zoning purposes. Ms. Flores stated that one of the conditions of approval is that a lot consolidation is obtained prior to commencing with any construction. Chairman Lucas remarked that he did not want to send out an impression that the Planning Commission will approve projects that are more than 50% deficient in their parking; that there has to be compelling facts for this body to approve such a request. In the absence of compelling facts, these decisions must be made by a higher body, i.e., City Council. In answer to a question by Commissioner Olson, Ms. Butler stated that, if approved, they couldn't do anything about the parking situation if they are unhappy in the future. If it is approve based on the presented evidence that there is ample parking, in the future, another use could occupy the site. It is important that during the peak hours, parking is available. Because the restaurant is closed on weekdays, the parking will not be a serious issue during the week. There is no guarantee that their patrons will not park on the street but it is important to note that the lack of parking will affect their business. Commissioner Baderian said that due to the gross deficiency in parking, further discussion is needed. He thought this business should be given an opportunity to go in and if there are problems, they should pursue potential changes to code. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas NOES: None Chairman Lucas indicated that there is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution . Appeals are to be filed by December loth. 2. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 2005-20 &ADR 2005-40 101 W. Huntington Dr. Ron Morgan on behalf of Citizens Buisness Bank Consideration of a conditional use permit and architectural design review to permit an automated drive-thru teller facility. Resolution No. 1739 Arcadia City Planning Commission 4 12/13/5 A resolution of the City of Arcadia, California, granting CUP 2005-2oand ADR 2005- 40 to permit two drive-thru teller units, and a modification to allow a canopy for the drive-thru teller units to be located 5'-0" from the rear property line in lieu of 20'-0" required at 101 W. Huntington Dr. The staff report was presented. In answer to a question by Commissioner Hsu, Ms. Flores explained the noise requirements and said that the speakers will be in compliance and the noise will not project. Chairman Lucas inquired about the height of the drive thru and asked if this area would also have an ATM. He was concerned with the use of this area 7-days a week and the affects on neighboring properties. Lf replied that the vertical clearance is 17'. Chairman Lucas asked if the driveway on Huntington was too close to the intersection and if it would be a public safety issue. Lf said that the City Traffic Engineer has reviewed the locations and the driveway will be realigned. The public hearing was opened. Ron Morgan, Morgan Construction Co., said they have proposed the 17' height clearance because in the past they have had vehicles going through that did not clear the opening. There are other bank facilities that have drive-thru tellers that are close to residential properties, similar to the subject site. The tubes are fed underground, so there is no rattling; the noise level is contained. He stated that they are in agreement with all of the conditions in the staff report. This is a business bank where most of the customers are business customers. The bank will be reconfigured where the entry is from the north. Charles Frandson, 13830 Chandler Blvd., Sherman Oaks, the owner of the property, said that this is a key intersection in the City and he was pleased with having the bank there. He has spent a lot of time working on this project and is pleased with the plan that is being proposed. He was confident that this would be a sound improvement for the community. Fred Diaz, architect, said that staff has been very helpful and this has been one of the most pleasant cities to work with. No one else spoke in favor or in opposition to this item. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Olson to close the public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas NOES: None Arcadia City Planning Commission 5 12/13/5 In response to a question by Commissioner Baderian, Ms. Flores said that property owners within 300'were notified of tonight's meeting. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to approve CUP 2005-20 & ADR 2005-40 subject to the conditions in the staff report and adopt Resolution No. 1739. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas NOES: None Chairman Lucas indicated that there is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution. Appeals are to be filed by December 20th. 3. PUBLIC HEARING MP 2005-012 380 W. Woodruff Ave. Kamen Lai Consideration of modifications for a proposed single-story addition. This item was withdrawn by the applicant. 4. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 2005-006 815 W. Duarte Rd. Hank Jong Consideration of a tentative parcel map for a 4-unit residential condominium project. The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened. No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to close the public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas NOES: None MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve TPM 2005-006 subject to the conditions in the staff report. Arcadia City Planning Commission 6 12/13/5 ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas NOES: None Chairman Lucas indicated that there is a ten-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by December 27th. 5. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 2005-19 515 S. First Ave. Xiao Ming Chen Consideration of a conditional use permit for a fine art school with a maximum of 8 students of non-driving age and one teacher. Resolution No. 1740 A resolution of the City of Arcadia, California, granting CUP 2005-19 for a fine art school at 515 S. First Ave. The staff report was presented. In response to a question from Commissioner Baderian, Mr. Li said that they are in compliance with the parking requirement. The students will be from local schools and that parents will be picking up multiple students. The alley will utilized as access, so First Ave will be unobstructed. Commissioner Baderian was concerned that conceivably, there could be 8 parents dropping off and 8 parents picking up at the same time and if this happens there would not be ample parking and there could be a traffic circulation problem. Mr. Li stated that currently this is legal non-conforming but once the use is changed, they could never go back to the current status. The public hearing was opened. Xiao Ming Chen, 515 S. First Ave., said they will be teaching the kids how to draw with oils. He was in agreement with all of the conditions in the staff report. No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to close the public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. ROLL CALL: Arcadia City Planning Commission 7 12/13/5 AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas NOES: None MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to approve CUP 2005-19 subject to the conditions in the staff report and Resolution No. 1740. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas NOES: None Chairman Lucas indicated that there is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution. Appeals are to be filed by December 20th. CONSENT ITEMS 4. TIME EXTENSION CUP 2004-14 &ADR 2003-4o 161 Colorado Pl. Tony Mendoza Requesting a one-year time extension for a 78-unit senior condominium project. Ms. Butler presented the report. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve a one-year time extension for CUP 2004-14 and ADR 2003-40. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas NOES: None 7. MINUTES OF 11/8/5 RECOMMENDATION: Approve Ms. Butler presented the reports. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Baderian approve the Minutes of 11/8/5. ROLL CALL: Arcadia City Planning Commission 8 12/13/5 AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas NOES: None MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCILAND PLANNING COMMISSION Council Member Marshall summarized the upcoming projects and meetings. She urged the Planning Commission to attend the Commissioners Dinner. She stated that the DEIR would be circulated on December 22nd for the Caruso project. Commissioner Olson introduced the Scout Master, Andrea Bundesmann from Troop 120, sponsored by the Church of the Good Shepherd and her son Gunnar Bundesmann, who is a Life Scout and led the presenting of the colors from Scouts of Troop 120 and led the Pledge of Allegiance. He thanked them for their participation and staying for the duration of the meeting. He Chairman Lucas thanked them for their participation. MODIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS Commissioner Olson summarized the action taken by the Modification Committee. MATTERS FROM STAFF 1. CITY COUNCILACTIONS 2. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Butler said that the staff is great and everyone works very hard. It has been a pleasure to work with everyone. This has been a job that she has loved. She is leaving it in good hands and she had no doubts about it. This has been a wonderful journey. She has been very fortunate to have these opportunities given to her. Both the City Council and Planning Commission are great and it has been a pleasure working with them. She stated that she would be returning as a consultant on the Caruso and Westfield projects. Once the DEIR is delivered, staff will distribute it to the City Council and Planning Commission. A public hearing will be scheduled to receive comments on the DEIR. She went on to say that she could not have asked for a better group of people to work with. She stated that her boss, Don Penman has been a great mentor. She thanked all of them. Mr. Penman announced that Corky Nicholson will be Acting Community Development Administrator. If the Planning Commission has any questions, they should direct it to Mr. Nicholson. Ms. Butler will be working with the Caruso and Westfield projects. The meeting was adjourned in honor of Ms. Butler and for serving city so well and so selflessly. ADJOURN TO JANUARY 10, 2006 8: go p.m. /s/Donna Butler Secretary,Arcadia Planning Commission Arcadia City Planning Commission 9 12/13/5