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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem No. 3- 8-13-19 PC Minutes ARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, August 27, 2019 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. CALL TO ORDER Chair Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm in the City Council Chamber PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL PRESENT: Chair Thompson, Vice Chair Lewis, Commissioner Chan, Lin, and Wilander ABSENT: Commissioner Chan It was moved by Commissioner Lin, seconded by Vice Chair Lewis to excuse Commissioner Chan from the meeting (Commissioner Chan later joined the meeting at 7:27 p.m.) SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Planning & Community Development Administrator, Lisa Flores distributed several supplemental items: a public comment pertaining to Agenda Item No. 1, a revised Resolution No. 2038 pertaining to Agenda Item No. 2, and a summary of Senate Bill 329 (SB 329) to be further elaborated by Assistant City Attorney Maurer. PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minute time limit per person) There were none. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Resolution No. 2036 – Approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 19-04 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Quality Act (“CEQA”) for a new arcade with extended hours of operation, a restaurant/bar, and karaoke at 1020 S. Baldwin Avenue Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2036 Applicant: McClellan, Badiyi and Associates, on behalf of the property owner, Ankaa Live Plaza, LLC Chair Thompson introduced the item and turned it over to Associate Planner Vanessa Quiroz to present the item. Chair Thompson opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to speak on the item. Applicant Bob McClellan, architect, spoke on the item. He asked the Commission to consider the following: • Revise Condition No. 1 to grant the Planning & Community Development Administrator, or designee the ability to approve replacement arcade games 2 8-27-19 • Extend the hours of operation to 2 a.m. all week and adjust as necessary in the future, should there be any issues. • A plan for a photometric study of parking lot lighting by electrical engineer. The tall parking lot lights will be on while the business is open and any adjustments from this study will ensure that minimal light projects on nearby residences. Chair Thompson clarified that Condition No. 1 states that Planning Commission review of arcade games would only be required if the number of games surpasses 60. Commissioner Wilander added that there is a discrepancy in the hours of operation listed in the marketing brochure distributed by the applicant and that they differ from those listed in the staff report. Chair Thompson asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in favor of the proposal. There were none. Chair Thompson asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in opposition of the proposal. • Elaine Marshall, 535 W. Arcadia Avenue, expressed traffic and safety concerns related to the project because there are already issues on that street, particularly near the rear driveway of the market than exits onto Arcadia Avenue. Also, she asked if there was any authority by the City over the type of games allowed and she stated that a 2:00 a.m. closing hour makes more sense on weekdays than weeknights. She was also concerned that the staff report suggested that a decision had already been made prior to the meeting. Chair Thompson clarified that the Commission does not make a decision beforehand; that is a staff recommendation listed in the staff report. Mr. McClellan stated that the applicant would like to start with a 2:00 a.m. closing time and then revise the hours of operation if there are any issues in the future. They also believe this business will help renew and rejuvenate Baldwin Avenue. Chair Thompson asked if there was anyone else in opposition to the proposal? • Roger Wong, 627 Fairview Avenue, #B, expressed concern that the project will create noise and safety issues in the area particularly at late hours, and the area is primarily residential. Parking in the area will be impacted as well. He thought there was not enough notice for public comments. The project would be good for the city but it will affect the residents. • Jinda Korprapun, 1010 S. Baldwin Avenue, stated that the building she owns shares the back parking lot with the subject site and she expressed concern that patrons of the arcade will park in the lot behind her business. She would like signs posted to let customers know the parking spots are reserved for customers of the businesses located at 1010 S. Baldwin Avenue. MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Commissioner Lin to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. 3 8-27-19 DISCUSSION The Commission agreed that the arcade is an appropriate use for the site and they agreed with the staff recommendation (and the existing condition of approval) that the hours of operation should be limited to 2:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Sundays through Thursdays, in order to limit noise and/or disturbances during the week. Chair Thompson was in favor of limiting the weekend operating hours from 2:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. rather than the recommended weekend hours of 2:30 to 2:00 a.m. which would mirror the operating hours of similar businesses in the city. Commissioner Wilander inquired about the procedure that is followed when parking regulations are posted but not adhered to. Ms. Flores responded and stated that there is a reciprocal parking agreement between the three adjacent (3) parking lots at the rear of the site, including the subject site and the neighboring property located at 1010 S. Baldwin Avenue. Therefore, parking cannot be restricted. Rather, a parking arrangement must be worked out between the property owners and/or tenants. Rex Lin spoke on behalf of the property owners and addressed questions in regards to security on site. Security guards will be present on site until staff and patrons have departed after closing each evening. Commissioner Chan recommended that staff initiate a review of the CUP every six (6) months to ensure the conditions of approval are being met. The Commission was in favor of approval of the Conditional Use Permit subject to the following new and amended Conditions of Approval: Revise Condition No. 1, replacing the words “adjacent streets” with “nearby streets” to read: “The proposed business shall be operated and maintained in a manner that is consistent with the proposal and plans submitted and approved under CUP 19-04, and it 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 nearby streets, rights-of-way, the neighboring businesses, and/or adjacent properties.” Revise Condition No. 6, eliminating the word “excessive,” and eliminating the second sentence, to read: “The Applicant/Property Owner shall not allow loitering in the parking lot areas.” Add Condition of Approval No. 12, to read: “At least two (2) security guards shall be present during all hours of operation. The security plan shall be submitted to Planning Services for the review and approval by the Police Chief, or designee and prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Building Services Division.” MOTION It was moved by Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Wilander to adopt Resolution No. 2036, Approving Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 19-04 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Quality Act (“CEQA”) for a new arcade with extended hours of operation, a restaurant/bar, and karaoke at 1020 S. Baldwin Avenue subject to the amended conditions of approval. 4 8-27-19 ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Thompson, Vice Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, Lin, and Wilander NOS: None ABSENT: None There is a ten day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution. If adopted, appeals are to be filed by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept 6, 2019. 2. Resolution No. 2038 – Amending the City’s Design Guidelines, the regulations and process of the five City-Designated Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) and codifying the HOAs development standards in the City’s Development Code with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2038 and forward a recommendation to City Council Ms. Flores introduced the item and Associate Planner Jordan Chamberlin presented the staff report. Scott Martin, of RRM Design Group, provided additional information on the updates. Chair Thompson opened the public hearing and asked if there was anyone is favor of the proposal. Dean Obst, of the Highlands Homeowner’s Association, spoke. He thanked staff for the time, energy and input that has gone into the process of updating the Design Guidelines. Chair Thompson asked if there was anyone in opposition of the proposal. No one responded. MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Commissioner Wilander, seconded by Commissioner Lin to close public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. DISCUSSION The Commission discussed a suggestion made earlier by Commissioner Chan to have a staff member attend homeowner’s association public hearings in order to mitigate potential issues but it was ultimately decided that it would not be cost-effective, or the most efficient use of staff time. Ms. Flores stated that the appeal process allows for the opportunity for staff to review projects within homeowner’s association areas. Additionally, project decisions are posted on the City website and the Commission retains the ability to call up any decision for review, whether that be a decision made by staff or by a HOA. Commissioner Chan suggested that an alternative to homeowners associations/architectural review boards would be to establish a design review board with a Commissioner representing each district to review projects in their area. 5 8-27-19 Commissioner Lin added that the amendments provide clarification to the existing Design Guidelines and he is in favor of the changes. Chair Thompson complimented staff on the public outreach efforts for this item. He added that the updates promote synergy between the Design Guidelines, Development Code, and General Plan. The language used is clear and, in his experience, the HOA’s/ARB’s are beneficial for design review because they understand the nuances of the particular neighborhood. Commissioner Wilander appreciated the photograph updates and complimented staff on the inclusion of the Commission and the Architectural Review Boards in the training session. She recommended that public art funding be incorporated into major projects. ROLL CALL It was moved by Commissioner Wilander, seconded by Chair Thompson to adopt Resolution No. 2038, amending the City’s Design Guidelines, the regulations and process of the five City- Designated Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) and codifying the HOAs development standards in the City’s Development Code with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and forwarding a recommendation of approval to the City Council. AYES: Chair Thompson, Vice Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, Lin, and Wilander NOS: None ABSENT: None 3. Minutes of the August 13, 2019, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Recommendation: Approve . MOTION It was moved by Vice Chair Lewis, seconded by Chair Thompson to approve the August 13, 2019 Planning Commission Regular Meeting minutes. ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Thompson, Vice Chair Lewis, and Commissioners Chan, and Wilander NOS: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Lin PLANNING COMMISSION REORGANIZATION 4. Planning Commission Reorganization Recommended Action: It is recommended the Secretary initiate the procedure for the reorganization of the Planning Commission. Ms. Flores called for nominations for Planning Commission Chair and Vice Chair. Chair Thompson nominated Vice Chair Lewis to the position of Chair. 6 8-27-19 Commissioner Chan nominated Commissioner Wilander to the position of Vice Chair. The nominations carried with no objections. Deborah Lewis was appointed as the new Chair of the Planning Commission and Marilynne Wilander was appointed as Vice Chair. MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISON Council Liaison Chandler was not present. MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSONERS There were none. MATTERS FROM ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY Mr. Maurer distributed information on pending legislation and provided an update on Senate Bill 329 (SB 329) and a potential Supreme Court clarification of Martin v. Boise. He will report back any updates as they are available. MATTERS FROM STAFF INCLUDING UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Flores reported on an item that Commissioner Chan inquired about at the last meeting- the number of active tutoring centers in the City. There are 33 tutoring centers in operation, not including music schools. With the addition of music and art schools, the total would be approximately 40. There are two items pending for the September 10, 2019 meeting: a tentative parcel map for 3-unit condominium development and a tentative parcel map to separate two lots. Additionally, the Design Guidelines Update may be tentatively scheduled for the September 17, 2019, City Council meeting since the Commission took action on this project tonight. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned this meeting at 8:44 p.m. to Tuesday, August 27, 2019 in the City Council Chamber at 240 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia. Brad Thompson Chair, Planning Commission ATTEST: Lisa Flores Secretary, Planning Commission