HomeMy WebLinkAboutDenial Decision Letter
City of
Arcadia
Development
Services
Department
Jason Kruckeberg
Assistant City Manager/
Development Services
Director
240 West Huntington Drive
Post Office Box 60021
Arcadia, CA 91066-6021
(626) 574-5415
(626) 447-3309 Fax
www.ArcadiaCA.gov
October 1, 2019
Arthur Fong
Meridian West Builders, Inc.
103 E. Lemon Avenue
Monrovia, CA 91016
Subject: Single-Family Design Review No. SFADR No. 17-32, Healthy
Protected Tree Removal Permit No. TRH 18-07, and
Diseased/Hazardous Protected Tree Removal Permit No. TRD 18-32
Project Address: 240 Longley Way
Dear Mr. Fong:
The public comment period for the Notice of Pending Decision ended on
September 7, 2018. During the comment period, staff received comments from
two residents who raised concerns regarding the massing, scale, architectural
style, and compatibility of the proposed residence with the surrounding
neighborhood. Staff worked with the applicant and property owner to revise the
design to address the comments received, however the property owner chose
not to pursue the project any further and staff is unable to support the proposal.
Therefore, the Development Services Department has denied the single-family
design review project dated August 8, 2018, for a new 5,223 square foot, two-
story, Mediterranean style residence, with attached one-and-two car garages
totaling 717 square feet. To accommodate the proposed development, the
removal two healthy protected trees and one dead protected tree was also
requested.
It is the Development Services Department’s determination that the proposal is
inconsistent with the City’s Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines on “Site
Planning”, “Massing”, and “Architectural Style” as stated below. Staff does not
have any concerns regarding the proposed removal of protected trees, however
they may need to be re-evaluated if the project changes. The following
outstanding design issues remain:
1. The chosen architectural style is not compatible with the surrounding
neighborhood. Revisions to the architectural style, architectural details
and façade treatments are needed so the proposal is compatible and
harmonious with the neighborhood.
2. The proposed second story is still too massive and the overall design is
out of scale and incompatible with the surrounding residences. The height
and bulk of proposed dwellings and structures on the site should be in
scale and in proportion with the height and bulk of dwellings and
structures on surrounding sites. The second floor should be reduced to be
more compatible with the neighbors. More articulation should be provided
on the front elevation to help break up with massing.
There is a ten (10) day appeal period for this application. To file an appeal, a completed Appeal
Application form must be submitted to the Community Development Division along with a
$600.00 appeal fee by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2019. You will be notified if an appeal
is filed. You may visit the City’s website at www.ArcadiaCA.gov/noticesanddecisions to view this
letter.
If you have any questions regarding the above denial, please contact Luis Torrico at (626) 574-
5442 or by email at ltorrico@ArcadiaCA.gov. Thank you.
Sincerely,
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Community Development Division/Planning Services
Luis Torrico
Senior Planner
c: Victor Ju, Property Owner
Billie Tone, Resident
Brett Mitulski, Resident