HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-19 PC Minutes��AR\
ARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
C „gym TUESDAY, February 12, 2019
CALL TO ORDER Chair Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the City Council Chamber
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Chair Thompson, Vice -Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, and Wilander
ABSENT: Commissioner Lin
It was moved by Commissioner Chan, seconded by Vice Chair Lewis to excuse Commissioner Lin from
the meeting.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
There was none.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minute time limit per person)
There were none.
PUBLIC HEARING
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. Separate and apart from the applicant (who may speak longer in the discretion
of the Commission) speakers shall be limited to five (5) minutes per person. The applicant may additionally submit rebuttal
comments, at the discretion of the Commission.
You are hereby advised that should you desire to legally challenge in court any action taken by the Planning Commission
regarding any Public Hearing item, you may be limited to raising only those issues and objections you or someone else raised
at the public hearing or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
1. Resolution No. 2025 -Approving Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 18-04 (71885) with a Categorical
Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") to subdivide a 7.65 acre
parcel into two legal lots located at 618 Michillinda Avenue and 601 Sunset Boulevard.
Applicant: Philip Chan, PDS Studio, Inc.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2023
Planning & Community Development Administrator, Lisa Flores introduced the item and
turned it over to Senior Planner, Luis Torrico to present the project.
Chair Thompson opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to speak
on the item.
Applicant Samir Khoury spoke.
Chair Thompson asked if there were anyone else who would like to speak in favor of the
proposal.
No one responded.
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made
available for public inspection in the City's Planning Services Office located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California,
during normal business hours.
Chair Thompson asked if there were anyone who would like to speak in opposition to the
proposal.
No one responded.
MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING
It was moved by Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Commissioner Chan to close the public
hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved.
DISCUSSION
The Commission was in agreement with the findings and that the subdivision makes sense for
the site given that there are two different uses.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Chan, seconded by Thompson to adopt Resolution No.
2025 - Approving Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 18-04 (71885) with a Categorical
Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") to subdivide a 7.65
acre parcel into two legal lots located at 618 Michillinda Avenue and 601 Sunset
Boulevard.
ROLL CALL
AYES: Chair Thompson, Vice Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, and Wilander
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Lin
There is a ten day appeal period after the approval/denial of the Appeal. If adopted, appeals are
to be filed by 4:30 pm on Friday, February 22, 2019.
2. Resolution No. 2024 - Approving Site Plan and Design Review No. ADR 18-03 and a
Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a new four-
story commercial development at 288 N. Santa Anita Avenue.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2024
Planning & Community Development Administrator, Lisa Flores introduced the item and
turned it over to Associate Planner Peter Sun to present the project.
Chair Thompson opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to speak
on the item.
Ron Holley spoke on behalf of the property owner.
Chair Thompson asked if there were anyone else who would like to speak in favor of the
proposal.
No one responded.
Chair Thompson asked if there were anyone who would like to speak in opposition to the
proposal.
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Kevin Zimmerman, owner of a property to the north of the subject site, spoke. He stated
that he is not necessarily opposed to the project, but there is limited parking in the area
and this project will add to that. The Metro Gold Line has added to parking and traffic
issues in the area. He thanked City Engineer, Phil Wray and acknowledged that the four
(4) hour parking signs that have been installed have helped. He likes the design of the
project but he is worried that it will create congestion on the ground floor parking level at
the subject site as people will be inclined to park there rather than the higher levels within
the structure. He would not mind having discussions with the City if it is determined that a
traffic signal at St. Joseph Street/Santa Anita is necessary.
Chair Thompson asked if the applicant would like to respond to Mr. Zimmerman.
Mr. Holley acknowledged Mr. Zimmerman's comments regarding parking. He stated that
they have tried to provide adequate parking and employees of the office use will likely park
on the second and third levels rather than the street/first level parking. He stated there
may be parking restrictions considered by the property owner in the future such as a
restrictive parking arm. He addressed the concern of the intersection of St. Joseph
Street/Santa Anita Avenue and that may need to be addressed in the future, possibly by
restricting the flow of traffic from St. Joseph onto First Street to a left turn only.
They further discussed potential parking restrictions for the site, employee parking,
signage for the building, and landscaping.
MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING
It was moved Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Chair Thompson to close the public hearing.
Without objection, the motion was approved.
DISCUSSION
Chair Thompson commented on the landscaping and stated that in a vertical development such
as this one, having more greenery is better. He was pleased with the project and the reciprocal
parking arrangement. The site is a perfect transit -oriented site and it is a great project for the
Santa Anita corridor. The proposal is compatible with the General Plan and the facts that support
the findings in the staff report are well-defined. Should the property owner choose to install a
parking gate arm, then he suggests a three (3) or four (4) hour free parking window to enable
those who would park on St. Joseph Street to utilize the parking structure.
Vice Chair Lewis stated that although she is a little concerned with parking, it appears as though
there is enough leeway that it will work itself out. She offered a suggestion for the business to
offer a public transit incentive program to encourage employees to use the Gold Line. She
complimented staff and stated that she loves the appearance of the project and appreciates the
design elements particularly the hidden parking, the structure of the building, the open area below,
and the setbacks on the balcony. She added that this project will be a welcome addition to the
business corridor and she hopes more projects in the future feature a rooftop green space such
as this one.
Commisioner Wilander also likes the design of the project. She appreciates that the
development will be easily accessible to the Gold Line, which is especially beneficial for
employees. She was in agreement with Vice Chair Lewis that a public transit incentive program
for employees would be great.
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Commissioner Chan thinks this is a great project and it will be an improvement to the existing
site. He requested that the developer and/or landscape architect add planter boxes on Santa
Anita Avenue to add more greenery. He is concerned with parking as this is always an issue due
to the Gold Line. He would like to see at least 100 parking spaces reserved for patrons and he
was in agreement with his fellow Commissioners to provide an incentive program for employees
to take advantage of public transportation. Lastly, he hopes that this will not be a location where
scooters are abandoned.
MOTION
It was moved by Chair Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Wilander to adopt
Resolution No. 2024 approving Site Plan and Design Review No. ADR 18-03 and a
Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a new
four story commercial development at 288 N. Santa Anita Avenue.
ROLL CALL
AYES: Vice Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, and Wilander
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Lin
3. Resolution No. 2026 — Approving Minor Use Permit No. MUP 19-01, Tentative Tract Map No.
TTM 18-06 (82513), and Site Plan and Design Review No. ADR 16-25 for a mixed-use
development with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act
("CEQA") at 405 S. First Avenue.
Applicant: First Arch, LLC.
Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2026
Ms. Flores introduced the item and turned it over to Associate Planner Vanessa Quiroz to
present the project.
Chair Thompson opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to speak
on the item.
Applicant Caleb Wong representing the architects spoke.
Chair Thompson asked if there were any questions for the applicant.
There were none.
Chair Thompson asked if there were anyone else who would like to speak in favor of the
proposal.
No one responded.
Chair Thompson asked if there were anyone who would like to speak in opposition to the
proposal.
No one responded.
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MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING
It was moved by Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Chair Thompson to close the public
hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved.
DISCUSSION
The Commission discussed limitations of the site including the narrow lot and the size and/or
width of the lot and the amount of on-site parking.
Commissioner Wilander understands that it is difficult to fit all four (4) units on the property due
to the site's limitations; however she thinks that the site may not be appropriate for four (4) units.
Commercial Chan stated concerns with parking and with the commercial component of the
project. If the owner of the project is willing to build four (4) units and is confident that the project
will succeed, then they will need to take that chance. He does not think a restaurant would be
appropriate at the site due to the parking limitations.
Vice Chair Lewis inquired as to whether or not the City had considered extending the existing
diagonal parking spaces further down First Avenue to accommodate more street parking?
Ms. Flores responded and stated that extending the diagonal parking has not been considered.
She also stated that the parking requirements for mixed-use projects are more flexible than for
multi -family development in order to create an urban environment and to ensure lots that have
limitations because of their lot width or size can still be redeveloped. While not all the units will
get two parking spaces, it is a choice based on the owner's lifestyle, public transit is nearby, and
the parking area will be enforced/managed through the CC&R's. Further, on First Avenue, street
parking is limited to two (2) hours, which helps prevent residents from using off-street parking as
overnight parking.
Vice Chair Lewis was in agreement with Ms. Flores that this project seems to be the best that
can be done under the given circumstances. In her own experience, she has not had problems
finding street parking on First Avenue, though that could change if the area is further developed.
Given the narrow lot, the design is good and she is inclined to approve the project.
Chair Thompson stated that this mixed-use project lacks the benefit of being close to transit, as
it is over a half -mile away. If the number of residential units was reduced to three (3) units, that
would allow for two (2) parking spaces per unit. It does not make sense to provide 1.5 parking
spaces for a three (3) bedroom condominium unit. He stated that the facts do not support the
findings listed in the staff report particularly regarding parking. A lack of on-site parking can create
a need for residents to apply for overnight parking permits which will increase overnight parking
on City streets. He compared the project to the nearby mixed-use project at 56 E. Duarte Road
which provided more parking than the Development Code required. He is inclined to not approve
the project.
Commissioner Chan was somewhat in agreement with the parking, but the project complies per
code and the market will dictate whether or not a buyer would want to purchase a unit with parking
limitations.
Chair Thompson stated that the City is looking for additional parking resources in the downtown
area and are concerned with overnight parking. A job of the Commission is to evaluate projects
on quality of design, compatibility and harmonious development. The project may work if it is
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redesigned to have fewer units and thus more parking spaces per unit. Although a project may
comply per code, that does not mean it is a viable and functionable development.
Commissioner Wilander agreed that the Commission has a responsibility to say if a project is
not appropriate then it needs to be revised.
Vice Chair Lewis inquired as to whether it would be financially feasible or not for the owner to
reduce a unit from four (4) units to three (3)?
Chair Thompson reopened the public hearing to enable the applicant to respond
Mr. Wong said that given the project has been in progress since 2013 and has been through
several iterations, the owner does not think it would be financially feasible to reduce the number
of units. They have tried to reduce the retail space to add an additional parking space but staff
felt reducing the retail space was not best for the design of the project.
Vice Chair Lewis asked Ms. Flores if a traffic study was prepared for the project.
Ms. Flores responded stating that a traffic study was not required for this project due to CEQA
guidelines and that this is an infill development where the zoning allows for this use and the project
complies per code. Had the project not complied per code, we would analyze the potential impacts
but it still would not warrant a traffic study.
After additional discussion and the anticipation of a tie vote, the Commission agreed to continue
the item a date certain, February 26, 2019, so the project would not have to re -noticed, and a full
Commission will be present. The Applicant was in agreement with the continuance.
MOTION
It was moved by Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Commissoner Wilander to continue
this item to the February 26, 2019 Planning Commission meeting.
ROLL CALL
AYES: Chair Thompson, Vice Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, and Wilander
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Lin
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and can be acted on by one roll call vote. There will
be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the Commission, staff, or the public request that specific items be
removed from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion and action.
4. Minutes of the January 8, 2019 Arcadia Planning Commission Regular Meeting
Recommended Action: Approve
MOTION
It was moved by Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Chair Thompson to approve Consent
Calendar Item 2, approving the January 8 Arcadia Planning Commission Regular Meeting
minutes.
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ROLL CALL
AYES: Chair Thompson, Vice Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, and Wilander
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Lin
MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISON
City Council Liaison Amundson commented on the parking concerns near/at the Gold Line. He discussed
the City's mid -year budget review and reported that at their last meeting, the City Council declared a
fiscal emergency. On February 19, the proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance will be brought before
the Council. Lastly, on March 5, the City Council will discuss how to respond to the fiscal emergency.
MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSONERS
Commissioner Chan stated that he will be unable to attend the March 26 meeting and he requested to
be excused. He asked Deputy Development Services Director/City Engineer Phil Wray if there have been
any studies done regarding parking near the Gold Line station.
Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Jason Kruckeberg responded and stated that a
parking study of the Downtown area is currently in progress and that staff can report the study results to
the Commission after it is completed.
There was additional discussion on scooters in the City, affordable housing, and traffic concerns in the
City.
MATTERS FROM CITY ATTORNEY
Assistant City Maurer had nothing to report.
MATTERS FROM STAFF INCLUDING UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS
Ms. Flores announced that there will be three (3) items at the next meeting: A discussion of the parking
requirements for residential zones, a Tentative Tract Map application for the a ten residential
condominium development located at 1222 Temple City Boulevard, and the continuation of Agenda Item
No. 3.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned this meeting at 9:04 p.m. to Tuesday, February 26, 2019 in the City
Council Chamber at 240 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia.
Brad Thompson
Chair, Planning Commission
ATTEST:
Lisa Flores
Secretary, P nning Commission
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