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."
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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.
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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?
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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:
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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
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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
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