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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-18 PC MinutesCALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL ARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, February 27, 2018 PRESENT: Chair Chan, Vice Chair Thompson, and Commissioners Lewis, Fandry, and Lin ABSENT: None SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS The Commission received a revised copy of Resolution No. 2012 (Attachment No. 1) to Agenda Item No. 2. In addition, Planning & Community Development Administrator Ms. Flores introduced the new Administrative Assistant, Ms. Jeramie Brogan, and announced that the current Senior Administrative Assistant, Amber Abeyta has been promoted to the Business License Officer position. 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. Resolution No. 2011 — Approving Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-05 (73828) and Multiple Family Architectural Design Review No. MFADR 17-07 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a three unit residential condominium development at 155 Alice Street. Applicant: Mr. Thomas Li, Prestige Design, Planning, and Development Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2011 Planning & Community Development Administrator, Ms. Lisa Flores introduced the item and turned it over to Associate Planner, Ms. Jordan Chamberlin who presented the staff report. Chair Chan opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to speak on this item. Applicant Mr. Thomas Li responded. Chair Chan asked if anyone else would like to speak in favor of the item. 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 Chan asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in opposition of the item. No one responded. MOTION — PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Commissioner Lewis, seconded by Commissioner Lin to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. DISCUSSION Commissioner Lin stated that this proposal is a good plan and he made a motion to approve the item. Vice Chair Thompson stated that he is in agreement with Commissioner Lin's statement. He stated that the mass and scale is appropriate with the as -built environment. In addition, the proposal is consistent with the Design Guidelines, Zoning Code, and General Plan. He planned on asking Associate Planner, Ms. Chamberlin a question about hardscape, but she addressed his question during her presentation. He stated that he is also in favor of the proposal. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Lin, seconded by Commissioner Lewis to adopt Resolution No. 2011 — Approving Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 17-05 (73828) and Multiple Family Architectural Design Review No. MFADR 17-07 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a three unit residential condominium development at 155 Alice Street. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Lin, Lewis, and Fandry, Vice Chair Thompson and Chair Chan NOES: None There is a ten day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution. Appeals are to be filed by 4:30 p.m, on Friday, March 9, 2018. Resolution No. 2012 — Approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 17-13 and Architectural Design Review No. ADR 17-05 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a new music school with up to fifty students and nine teachers at 900 S. Baldwin Avenue. Applicant: Mr. Steven Chan Recommended Action: Adopt Resolution No. 2012 Planning & Community Development Administrator, Ms. Lisa Flores introduced the item and turned it over to Associate Planner, Ms. Jordan Chamberlin who presented the staff report. Ms. Chamberlin's presented the project and stated that condition no. 14 has been amended to state the following: "Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, the solid rear door shall be replaced with a new storefront door. The style of the new door shall be subject to review and approval by the Planning & Community Development Administrator or designee." 2-27-18 Chair Chan opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to speak on this item. Applicant Mr. Steven Chan responded. Chair Chan asked if anyone else would like to speak in favor of the item. No one responded. Chair Chan asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in opposition of the item. Ms. Helen Wu, the tenant of 912 S. Baldwin Avenue, the neighboring property of the proposed project responded. Ms. Wu questioned the public noticing process and wanted to know why she did not receive a notice regarding this proposal. She explained that she operates a tutoring business which is the same type of business that the applicant is proposing. She is in opposition of the proposal because it will create competition with her business. In addition, the parking lot, which is accessible to multiple neighboring commercial buildings, is always deficient in parking. Mr. John Cummings, the property owner of the neighboring buildings located at 910, 912, 914, and 916 S. Baldwin Avenue responded. Mr. Cummings explained the current issues relating to deficient parking which affects his building along with the building of the proposed project. The main cause that creates these parking issues is due to the fact that the parking lots that belong to his building and the neighboring building are adjoined. The adjoined parking lots do not have any physical barriers which allow free movement between the properties and results in patrons from the neighboring business occupying the parking spaces that belong to his building. Furthermore, the proposal does not provide any mitigation measures to resolve the aforementioned parking issues. Commissioner Lin asked Mr. Cummings, as the property owner, did he receive a public hearing notice from the City regarding this proposal? Mr. Cummings responded yes that he did receive a public hearing notice and informed his tenant Ms. Wu about the hearing. Chair Chan asked if the applicant would like to respond to any of the comments made in opposition. The applicant, Mr. Steven Chan translated on behalf of the business owner, Mr. Jiang. He stated that Arcadia has one of the most outstanding school districts in the United States. There are 3,000 students in the school district so he does not foresee a conflict with the neighboring tutor business operated by Ms. Wu. In addition, his tutoring center is more focused on music lessons. He explained the nature of his business which focuses on a younger age group compared to the neighboring business. He addressed the issues relating to parking. He stated that he we will follow the conditions of approval imposed by the City. He will make sure that his clients do not occupy the neighboring parking lot. Furthermore, his classes will be two (2) hours per class. Given that it has been his experience that parents do not stay and wait for their child to finish the class; therefore, the students will be dropped off and the parents will not occupy any parking spaces. He stated that he hopes he and the neighboring business owners can work out the issues relating to parking. He proposed posting signs showing which parking spaces belong to each tenant. 2-27-18 Commissioner Lewis asked the applicant about the proposed auditorium and if music recitals will be held in the auditorium or if it will be utilized as a large classroom or recording area? Mr. Chan responded and stated that only classes will be held in the auditorium and no recitals will be held. Commissioner Thompson asked if his business will cater to high school age students? Mr. Chan responded and stated that the business will not cater to high school age students. Commissioner Lin asked if the applicant is willing to put up a fence or wall between the two parking lots. Mr. Chan stated that the applicant as the tenant of the building agrees to install a fence; however, he will need to get permission from the property owner and neighboring property owner. Commissioner Thompson asked the applicant to clarify what the intended use is for the auditorium. Mr. Chan responded and explained that the auditorium will be used for students to perform in front of their peers. The performances will not be open to parents or the public for recitals. Commissioner Thompson asked the applicant if he was committed to educating his clients about where they are allowed to park their vehicles? Mr. Chan responded yes. MOTION — PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Commissioner Lewis, seconded by Commissioner Lin to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. DISCUSSION Commissioner Thompson wanted clarification regarding the public hearing noticing process. He asked if the notice is sent to the property owner who is listed on the tax roll? Is the notice sent to owners only? If so, then it is the duty of the property owner to inform their tenants of such public hearings. Secondly, since this is a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) staff could reevaluate the CUP in the future if parking deficiency issues arise and impose any necessary conditions to mitigate the issues. Staff responded and explained that the public hearing notice is only mailed to the property owner and it is their duty to inform their tenants of such hearing. In addition, Commissioner Thompson's statement is correct since this is a CUP staff could evaluate this use in the future and impose additional conditions to mitigate any issues if necessary. Chair Chan asked Ms. Flores if she knew why the wall that separated the two parking lots in question was removed during the 1970s? 2-27-18 Ms. Flores Lisa explained that it is an existing condition that must have been agreed upon between the current property owners. She stated that staff made sure that this project could stand-alone and not rely on any access other than what is currently provided for that unit. She discussed options to mitigate the parking issues while staying in compliance with parking requirements, such as roping off the area or planting hedges. After discussing options to mitigate the issues relating to the parking lot with the Commission, Ms. Flores stated that conditions can be imposed to review the use in six (6) months. In addition, staff could coordinate other mitigation measures with the City Engineer and handle the review administratively without having to bring the item back to the Planning Commission. The Commissioners agreed with Ms. Flores' aforementioned recommendation. Commissioner Thompson stated that this proposal is consistent with the General Plan and the conditions of approval are appropriate. He does sympathize with the adjacent business owner regarding competition, but the landlord has to rent his property and if it is a legal use that meets staff requirements, then the competition factor just has to play out in the market place rather than the administrative process. He is inclined to approve the proposal recognizing that staff has discretion to review the operation and parking ingress and egress in the future. Commissioner Lewis agreed with the statement made by Commissioner Thompson. Her concerns are regarding parking, but the full impact of the proposal will not be known until the business is in operation. Since staff has the authority to review the business in six (6) months and there are a number of viable and reasonable alternatives that can be imposed, she is in favor of approving the proposal. Chair Chan addressed the neighboring business owner Ms. Wu and stated that it is disheartening that this proposal has the potential of creating competition for her business. There are several tutoring centers in Arcadia and there will continue to be more. He views competition as it brings out the best in every body and he believes it will bring out the best in Ms. Wu and her staff. Commissioner Lin stated that he believes that the parking lot situation may be something that will go away on its own. However, this business is located off of Baldwin Avenue, which is a very busy street, and there are always parking issues in that area. He hopes that the project does not have to come back to the Commission in the future. Ms. Flores stated that she drafted the following added condition of approval: "After issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy City staff shall conduct a six (6) month review of the operation and the parking situation and impose any conditions that are necessary, subject to the review and discretion of the City Engineer and the Planning & Community Development Administrator." Commissioner Thompson clarified that staff could review the operation at any time and does not necessarily have to wait for six -months if any issues were to arise before then. Ms. Flores agreed with Commissioner Thompson's statement. It was best to amend condition no. 1 that an inspection could occur anytime. As a result, condition no. 1 was amended to read as follows: 5 2-27-18 The use approved by CUP 17-13 and ADR 17-05 is limited to a music school and shall be operated and maintained in a manner that is consistent with the proposal and plans submitted and approved for CUP 17-13 and ADR 17-05, and shall be subject to periodic inspections, after which the provisions of this Conditional Use Permit may be adjusted after due notice to address any adverse impacts to the adjacent streets, rights-of-way, and/or the neighboring businesses and properties. MOTION It was moved by Chair Chan, seconded by Vice Chair Thompson to adopt Resolution No. 2012 — Approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 17-13 and Architectural Design Review No. ADR 17-05 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a new music school with up to fifty students and nine teachers at 900 S. Baldwin Avenue subject to the conditions of approval outlined in the staff report and the added condition as read by Ms. Flores. ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Chan, Vice Chair Thompson, Commissioners Fandry, Lewis, and Lin NOES: None There is a ten day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution. Appeals are to be filed by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2018. 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. 3. Minutes of the January 23, 2018, Arcadia Planning Commission Regular Meeting Recommended Action: Approve MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Lewis, seconded by Commissioner Fandry to approve Consent Calendar Item 2, approving the January 23, 2018, Arcadia Planning Commission Regular Meeting minutes. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Lewis, Fandry, Lin, Vice Chair Thompson, and Chair Chan NOES: None MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISON City Council Liaison Beck thanked Ms. Abeyta for all her efforts, great work, and stated she will be missed. He reported that we are in the middle of a campaign which everyone has probably noticed with all the campaign signs in several front yards and he is excited for the election which will take place on April 10, 2018. He asked the Commission if anyone had questions relating to what is going on in the City? The Commissioners did not have any questions. MATTERS FROM PLANNING COMMISSIONERS 6 2-27-18 There Commissioners did not have any matters to report. MATTERS FROM CITY ATTORNEY Assistant City Attorney Mr. Maurer was not present. MATTERS FROM STAFF INCLUDING UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Flores announced that there are no items pending for the March 13, 2018 meeting so that meeting will be cancelled. There are a couple of items pending for the March 27, 2018 meeting. The Olson Project is one of the items to be presented. Currently, the Initial Study for that project is currently being circulated and the review period ends on March 13, 2018. The Initial Study and the architectural plans are also posted on the City's website. In addition, the Olson Company is hosting a Community Meeting with the residents on March 7, 2018. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m. in honor of Ms. Abeyta for her dedication to the Planning Commission to Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chamber at 240 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia. Kenneth Chan Chairman, Planning Commission ATTEST: LisaFlores Secretary, PI g Commission 2-27-18