HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPTEMBER 13, 1988
.
.
.l,
Planning Commission proceedings are taped recorded and on file in the office of the Planning
Department.
MINUTES
ARCADIA CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, September 13, 1988
The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met In regular session on Tuesday, September 13,
1988 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Arcadia City Hall, 240 West Huntington Drive,
with Chairman Larry Papay presiding.
PLEDGE OF AllEGIANCE
ROll CAll:
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
MOTION
Commissioners Clark, Hedlund, Szany, Papay
Commissioner Amato
It was moved by Commissioner Szany, seconded by Commissioner Clark to excuse
Commissioner Amato from tonight's meeting. The motion passed by voice vote with none
dissenting. '
MINUTES
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissloner'Szanyto approve the
Minutes of August 13, 1988 as published. The motion passed by voice vote with none
dissenting. '
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Szany to read all
resolutions by title ,only and waive reading the full body of the resolutions. The motion
passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
OIHERS ATTENDING:
Director of Planning William Woolard
Cily Attorney Michael Miller
Associate Planner Corkran Nicholson
Assistant Planner James KasamB
Secretary Silva Vergel '
.. .. .. .. .- .. .. .. .. .. ... ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. '" .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
.
.
\
.,
Commissioner Amato came at 8:00 p.m.
. - - ;.. . - . .. .. ..'. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. - .. .. .. -,- .. - .. .. .. --.. .. .. ..
CONTINUEDPUBUC HEARING
MP 88-023
1035 Hampton Road
Mr. and Mrs. RIck Owen. owners
Rancho Santa Anita. Property
the Owner's Assoc1atlon, appellants
Consideration of an appeal of the Rancho
Santa Anita Property Owner's Association's
approval of a two-story. 7.137 sq. ft. home.
Approval was the result of the homeowner
asSociation's fa1lure to make a decision on
the proposed projectwithln,3Q workJ.ng
days of the date the plans were,subm1tted.
The staff report was presented,and Ihe public hearing was opened.
Chris Brown, 980 Singingwood, Presidenl of theassocialion commenled that after the last
meeting, he formed a 5 member group, including himself, to review the plans. The 4 new
members had not been involved in any previous boards and were 'fresh faces. and he noted that 2
immediate neighbors wanted to be part of the group, but only one was chosen to lessen Ihe
possibilities of any biased decision. After reviewing the plans, they fell that the maximum height
of the building should be 835' and he commented that the street is at 800' and they felt Ihatthis
would give the owner plenty of room 10 work with and would not create a hardship. He indicated
that they'felt that" should be up to the applicanllo redesign his plans to achIeve Ihe 835'
suggesllld, by Ihe HOA and noted thallhey could either change Ihe building pad or the room height.
He noted that the applicant rlldrew his plans butthe,HOA was unable to see much difference
between the two plans. He indicated' that they hadn't receivlld the letter dated 912/88 wrlnen by
the applicant's attorney.
Richard Ashworth, 1112 Fair Oaks, S. Pasadena, the attomey representing Mr. and Mrs. Owen,
spoke in favor ,of the proposed house and said that they received the letter dated 919/88 from Ihe
HOA on the date of the hearing and didn'l.have ample time to review and comment on it. He'notlld
that the letter from him Yihich was dated 9/2/88 was mailed on the same day that it was written
and he was surprised that the Mr. Brown hadn't received it. The letter from the HOA had stated
thai the applicanltried to intimidate the HOA and he remarked that thai would be impossible and
they would not be able to get away withlt. The above letter questioned the height of the dwelling
and the building material. He commented that the highest points of the house, are peaks and turrets
and he fell that the angles are very importa,nt in the aesthetics of the house. He referred 10
ExhlbltsF &G and,explained and compared the line of sight ofthe proposed home to the homes on
Ihe street. In regard to the building materials used, he said that two other homes In the, area have
used similar type of materials: 754 Singingwood which was approved' by the HOA on 12/21/83
and 905 W. Foothill which was approved on 7122/84. He felt that if the proposed house was
denied based on building materials used, It would be a selective procedure. He remarked that both
the above homes are similar to the proposed house in regard to the building materials used and the
height of the dwelling and he wondered how the proposed house could be denied based on those
faclors.
In rebuttal, Randy Stokes, 1040 Hampton, remarked that Mr. Brown's letter was consulatory and
noted that he didn't receive the letter dated 9/2/88 by the attorney and they became aware of the
letter because It was included in the staff,report. He noled that he could not comment on the line of
sighlof the house beCause they didn't receive Exhibits F & G. He noted that the peak at 754
Singingwoocl is less than the one proposed and commented that the propos9d house is very massive
Arcadia City Planning Commission
September 13, 1988
Page 2
.
.
Il
and in comparison to the homes in the immediate neighborhood, the height is far greater than any
of the homes in the area. He said that the proposed building materials are not similar to the ones
used in the two mentioned homes in the area and are similar to the house on 10 Las Flores and he
felt that ihe building material, color, look and the design ior that house is garrish, excessive and
massive. He stated that the HOA felt that the development can proceed if the height, does not exceed
35' from the curb line. He indicated that they hired a licensed architect and he had stated that the
applicant could easily design a home within the 35' heighUuggestedby the HOA by cutting the
height of the roof.
Mr. Ashworth commented that the height of the house, will not block the view of the homes and
referred to Exhibits F & G to support his commenl. He noled that the biJilding material will
resemble the ones used in the homes at 754Singingwood and 905 Foothill.
MOllON
It was moved by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Szany to close the
public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting. '
Chairman Papay remarked that the difference between the HOA's recommendation and the
applicant's request Is 6' and he thought that that is minor and a compromise should be reached.
Commissioner Hedlund didn't think that the building Is too garrish but was concemed about the
height from ihe streel.
Commissioner Szany was concemed about the long ridge going across the house which has been
lowered to 28' in the revised plans. He thought that ttie chimney and peaks will help break up the
massive look of the house. He didn't think that the project should be denied. and suggested reducing
the height of Ihe house and:the peaks by l' as a compromise.
Commissioner Clark agreed and said that the house will not be blocking views and hOP.9d that a
compromise could be reached.
Commissioner Amato liked the design of the house and agreed with Commissioner Szany.
Chairman Papay commented that he went around the neighborhood and didn't think that'this ~ouse
would have a negative impacl. He also thought that by reducing the height and the angle itwould be
in harmony with the neighborhood.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Szany, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund to deny the
appeal and approve the new house subject. to the condition that the main ridge be
lowered to ap'proximately 35 feet above curb. by reducing the main ridge from the 28
feet as shown in the revised plan (exhibit C) to 27 feet, that the two turrets (one at each
end) lowered by one fool.
Arcadia City Planning Commission
September 13, 1988
Page 3
.
.
'.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Amato, Clark, Hedlund, Szany, Papay
r-c.es: None
There is a five, working day appeal period afterthe adoplionof Ihe resolulion.
... ... .-,- ..-.. .. .. .'.. .. .. .. .. .. .. - .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. ...'.. .. ... ..
PUBLIC HEARING T.P.M. 88-017
2112 EI Monte Ave.
Henry Cho-Chang Chen
Consideration ofa tentative parcel map to
create two new lots from one existing lot with
an abutting trust lot along Arthur Ave.
The staff report was presented.
Staff explained that the setbaCk requirement for a rear yard for a single-story Is 25' and for a
second-story is 35'. The parcel map includes the trust lot.
The public hearing was opened.
Christopher Sun, 585 Sierra Madre, San Marino, said that they will remove the two old homes
and build two new homes. One of the homes will have a 31' setbaCk and noted that they have
already designed a home that will meet all Ihe requirements. He commented that the rear setback
is 25' and they will try and provide a greater setbaCk from the rear property line. He remarked
that the owner will reside on the larger lot and said that Ihey are in agreement with all of the
conditions in the staff report, He stated that \her will try and preserve as many trees as possible.
MOOON
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Szany to close the
public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
Siaff commented that based on the aerial it seems that the exisitng house Is setbaCk 30' from the
south property line. He remarked that at one lime this was a one-sided cul-de-sac.
MOllON
It was moved by Commissioner,Szany, seconded by Commissioner Clark to approve T.P.M.
88-017 subject to the condilions in the staff report.
ROLL CAlL:
AYES: Commissioners Amato, Clark, Hedlund, Szany, Papay
r-c.es: None
There is a ten day appeal period.
... ... ... .. ... .. .. ... .. .. ... .. ... ... .. .. .. ... .. .. ... .. .. ... ... ... ... -'- -'- - .. ... ... ...
Arcadia City Planning Commission
September 13, 1988
Page 4
.
.
.~
PUBLIC HEARING V-88-001
217 S. Third
Aldo Wen-Yaw Uou
Consideration of a variance to construct a
detached, two-story, single-family dwelling
with an attached two-car garage on an R-3
zonedlo!.
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
Aldo Uou, 111 ClarkS!.. Alhambra, remarked that the lot is small and even though it is zoned
multiple-family it is too small for 2'units. The existing house is very small (900 sq. ft.) and at
least 40 years old. The new house will be a two-story home with a 2-car garage. He noted that
the plans indicate that the alc unit will be on the balcony but they will try to put in the rear yard.
Slaff commented that the lot coverage will be 30%. Staff had suggested building to the R-l
regulations but they are not required to comply with thai and noted that the required setback for
an R,3 lot is 30'.
Raymond Twain, the owner stated that the house is very old and asked for approval: He commented
thai they will place the alc unit In the rear yard:
MOTlOO
It was moved by Commissioner Szany, seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the
publiC hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
Mr. Woolard said lhat the maximum lot coverage in an R-l lot is 45% and R-3 doesn't have a
limit on Ihe lot coverage. .
Commissioner Clark felt Ihat it Is a good use of the property.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Szany, seconded by Commissioner Clark to approve V-SS-
001 subject to the conditions in the staff report.
ROll. CALl.:
AYES: Commissioners Amalo, ,Clark, Hedlund, Szany, Papay
r-ces: None
There Is a five working day appeal period ,after the adoption of the resolution.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
None
.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. '- .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
Arcadia City Planning Commission
September 13,1988
Page 5
.
.
1
RESOLUTION 1387
A resolution granting C.U.P. 88.021 to
expand the existing service slation and
convert one existing bay into a drive.through
car wash and remodel the existing sales area
into a mini-foodmart at 916 S. Santa Anila.
RESOLUTION 1388
A resolution granting C.U.P, 88-023 to
operate a residential care facility for women
with alcohol dependency problems at 180 W.
Huntingotn Drive.
RESOLUTION 1389
A resolution granting C.U.P. 88-024 to
conduct financial seminars two nighls a week
and on Saturdays at 325 N. Santa Anita Ave.,
UnitC.
Mr. Woolard read the tities of the resolutions.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Clark, seconded by Commissioner Amato to adopt
Resolutions 1387, 1388 and 1389 and to formally affirm the decision of August 23, 1988,
reflecting the findings of the Commission and the voles thereon.
ROLL CAI..L:
AYES: Commissioners Amato, Clark, Hedlund, Szany, Papay
to.(ES: None
There is a five working day appeal period.
MATTERS FROM COUNCIL
None
-, ... ... ... .. .. .. ... .. ... .. ... ..... .. .. ... .. "," -,.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. -'..
- .. - - -- . - -
MATTERS F:ROMCOMMISSION
The Commission felt that If'a project Is approved by the Commission then any subsequent
modifications should also be approved by the Commission and not the Modification Commillee.
They also thought Ihallhere should be a definition of height in'the Code.
Chairman Papay felt that as a condition of approval to require any modifications to be brought
back to tile Commission.
Mike Miller noted that this can be reviewed and a report could be made to the Commission. In
regard 10 the, procedure for approving tentative parcei maps, he replied that the conditions are
Arcadia City Planning Commission
September 13, 1988
Page 6
.
.
.,
~,
reasonably related to the subject under consideration and they address the impact of the proposed
project. In order to change the Code, the City Council should initiate a text amendment and the
Planning Commission as an advisory body can suggest the change to the Commission.
Mr. Woolard remllrked that the Codes could be changed to address the Commission's concem and to
specify that setbllck modifications for undeveloped properties come to the Commission.
Commissioner Hedlund thought that setbacks are very important and should be reviewed by tlie
Commission.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _0- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
MATTERS FROM STAFF
None
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - .'. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -'-
ADJOURNMENT
9:00 p.m.
;. ,"i , "
I.,., """',." "....c..J "'...". .I
,-t.'1.;f.o(A<~r#U 1'./ Jfjl'J7/.///.Y _
Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission
Arcadia City Planning Commission
September 13, 1988
Page?