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Home My WebLink About09-10-19 PC MinutesARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Cern° •M "°" TUESDAY, September 10, 2019 CALL TO ORDER Chair Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm in the City Council Chamber PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL PRESENT: Chair Lewis, and Commissioner Chan, Lin, and Thompson ABSENT: Vice Chair Wilander (Vice Chair Wilander arrived shortly thereafter, at 7:05 p.m.) SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Planning & Community Development Administrator, Lisa Flores announced that there were several supplemental items: An arborist report with added photos that was not originally included with the staff report for Item No. 2, and nine (9) letters of opposition and a revised Resolution No. 2035 to Item No. 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minute time limit per person) There were none. PUBLIC HEARING Resolution No. 2035 — Approving Tentative Parcel Map No. 18-08 (71642) and Planning Commission Modification No. PC AM 19-01 to subdivide a parcel into two separate (2) lots with substandard lot widths at 225 E. Longden Avenue Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2035 Applicant: Twen Ma, on behalf of property owners, Bin Hu and Junli Xiong Chair Lewis introduced the item and turned it over to Associate Planner Vanessa Quiroz to present the staff report. Chair Lewis opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to speak on the item. Applicant Twen Ma responded. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in favor of the proposal. There were none. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in opposition of the proposal. William Kiang, Neighbor- Mr. Kiang spoke in opposition to the project and stated that most houses on the block are single-family homes on large lots. It would appear too crowded if the lots 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. were split into two narrow lots and subsequently developed with new homes. He brought with him a petition with the signatures of neighbors who were also opposed to the project. Mark Morel, Neighbor- While he understands that there will be changes in the City, he would like Arcadia to retain its tradition, values, and aesthetics. He would like the best use of the property for the community and neighbors, rather than see the property developed to maximize profit. Mr. Ma responded to the neighbor's comments and stated that after the lots are subdivided, the two lots will still be larger than the minimum requirement, each at a little over 12,000 square feet. He will encourage the property owner to build a single -story, traditional -style home that will be compatible with the neighborhood. MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Vice Chair Wilander, seconded by Commissioner Lin to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. DISCUSSION Vice Chair Wilander stated that she was grateful for the regulations requiring a variance for this project; however, she is inclined to adhere to the development standards, particularly due to the neighborhood opposition and because of the narrow lots that the subdivision would create. Commissioner Lin referenced the number of properties in the neighborhood that would have similar lot sizes or smaller than the subject property, if it were to be subdivided. There are also seven (7) properties nearby with substandard lot widths. Therefore, he does not feel it is appropriate to deny the subdivision based upon the several nearby properties with larger lots. He added that the proposal before the Commission tonight is for the subdivision of the parcel, and the Commission is not deciding on any potential development yet. Commissioner Thompson agreed with Commissioner Lin that the subdivision is appropriate. He was concerned with the narrow lot width and would like to see single -story homes proposed in the future, especially for the privacy of the neighbors. He is inclined to approve the proposal, and he would like to see an appropriate design for neighborhood when the owners develop the lots Chair Lewis was inclined to approve the subdivision, given that there are other lots in the area with similar lot widths. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Lin to adopt Resolution No. 2035 approving Tentative Parcel Map No. 18-08 (71642) and Planning Commission Modification No. PC AM 19-01 to subdivide a parcel into two separate (2) lots with substandard lot widths at 225 E. Longden Avenue. ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Lewis, Commissioner Chan, Lin, and Thompson NOES: Vice Chair Wilander ABSENT: None 9-10-19 2. Resolution No. 2040- Approving Multiple Family Architectural Design Review No. MFADR 18- 04, Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 19-01 (82515), Protected Healthy Tree Removal Permit No. TRH 18-24, and Protected Tree Encroachment Permit No. TRE 19-24 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") for a three -unit multi -family residential condominium development at 135 EI Dorado Street Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2040 Applicant: Patricia Moad Chair Lewis introduced the item and turned it over to Senior Planner Luis Torrico to present the staff report. Chair Lewis opened the public hearing and asked if the applicant would like to speak on the item. Because the project calls for the removal of four protected trees, Vice Chair Wilander recommended 48 -inch box trees for all four replacement trees, rather than the 24 -inch and 36 - inch currently proposed. Applicant Patricia Moad spoke and stated that the property owner would be open to larger trees than originally proposed. Commissioner Thompson asked the applicant if the garage dimensions could be increased. Chris Loh, project designer, responded and stated that there is little room for an increase, possibly six (6) inches. Commissioner Chan would like to add a condition that would require additional replacement trees if the newly planted replacement trees do not survive within the first 12 months. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in favor of the proposal. There were none. Chair Lewis asked if there was anyone who would like to speak in opposition of the proposal. There were none. MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Commissioner Chan, seconded by Commissioner Lin to close the public hearing Without objection, the motion was approved. �3fl1,6*1[911 The Commission was in favor of the project, provided the conditions of approval are amended to require larger replacement trees than originally recommended and that said trees would be replaced if they are damaged, removed or if they do not survive within the first 12 months after the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by Building Services. Commissioner Thompson also encouraged the applicant to increase the garage dimensions, if possible 9-10-19 The Conditions of Approval were amended as follows: • Revise the last sentence of Condition No. 4 to read: `7f said trees are damaged and/or removed, or if they do not survive within the first 12 months after the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by Building Services, the trees shall be replaced at a 1.1 ratio." Amend Condition No. 3 to read: "Three (3) 36 -inch box Coast Live Oak trees and one (1) 48 -inch box Coast Live Oak tree shall be planted as replacement trees. " MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Vice Chair Wilander to adopt Resolution No. 2040 Approving Multiple Family Architectural Design Review No. MFADR 18-04, Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 19-01 (82515), Protected Healthy Tree Removal Permit No. TRH 18-24, and Protected Tree Encroachment Permit No. TRE 19-24 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") for a three -unit multi -family residential condominium development at 135 EI Dorado Street subject to the amended conditions of approval as read into the record by Assistant Attorney Maurer. ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Lewis, Vice Chair Wilander, Commissioner Chan, Lin, and Thompson NOS: None ABSENT: None CONSENT CALENDAR 3. Minutes of the August 27, 2019 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Recommendation: Approve It was moved by Commissioner Chan, seconded by Commissioner Lin to approve the minutes of the August 27, 2019 Regular Meeting. ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Lewis, Vice Chair Wilander, Commissioner Chan, Lin, and Thompson NOS: None ABSENT: None MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISON Council Liaison Chandler was not present. MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSONERS 9-10-19 The Commission thanked and complimented staff on the Historic Preservation training that took place earlier in the day. There was some discussion about upcoming meetings. Commissioner Chan asked to be excused from the October 22, 2019 meeting. MATTERS FROM ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY Assistant City Attorney Maurer had nothing to report MATTERS FROM STAFF INCLUDING UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS Planning & Community Development Administrator Lisa Flores announced the resignation of Associate Planner Jordan Chamberlin, who is moving out of the Country with her family. She also provided an update on the Design Guidelines hearing process and thanked the Commission for their participation in the Historic Preservation Training session. She announced that there are two items tentatively scheduled for the first meeting in October. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned this meeting at 7:55 p.m. to Tuesday, September 24, 2019 in the City Council Chamber at 240 W. Huntington Dr., Arcadia. r. Deborah Le is Chair, Planning Commission ATTEST: rV, Lisa Flo es Secretary, Pla ping Commission 9-10-19