HomeMy WebLinkAboutJUNE 28, 1988
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Planning Commission proceedings are taped recorded and on file in the office of the Planning
Department.
MINUTES
ARCADIA CITY PLANNING COMMISSIoN
REGUlJIR MEETING
Tuesday, June 28. 1988
The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, June 28,
1988 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Arcadia City Hall, 240 West Huntington
Drive, with Chairman Dave Szany presiding.
PLEDGE OF AlLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
MOllON
Commissioners Amato, Hedlund, Papay, Szany
Commissioner ClarK
It was moved by Commissioner Papay, seconded by Commissioner Amato to excuse
Commissioner ClarK from tonight's meeting. The motion passed by voice vole with none
dissenting.
MINUTES
MOllON
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Papay to
approve the Minutes of June 14, 1988 ss published. The,motion passed by voice vote
with none dissenting.
MOllON
It was moved by Commissioner Papay, seconded by Commissioner Amato 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.
OTHERSATTENDlNG:
Council Uaison Mary Young
City Attorney Michael Miller
Planning Director William Woolard
Senior Planner Donna Butler
Associate Planner CorKran Nicholson
Secretary Silva Vergel
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The City Attorney announced that the City Charter requires that for any action to be adopted or
approved a majority of the entire membership must vote I" favor of he partIcular motion. If
the required three. votes are not obtained the motion would fail. If the required three votes are
not obtained (1) an applicant may request continuance and it is up to the Commission to decide
whether or not' they want to grant it; (2) the matter could be heard and then deferred for final
decision pending participation of the absent members as long as they review the records of this
proceedings which would be made available to them or (3) the matter could simply go forward
to the City Council.
PUBLIC HEARING C:U.P. 88-015
156 W. Las Tunas Dr.
Ingeborg Hellwig
The staff report was presented.
Staff explained that the property. maintenance condition was put in the conditions of approval to
ensure maintenance. There .have been some problems with the. site ss far as maintenance and
landscaping and through this procedure the City can get the necessary areas landscaped and noted
that it would not be reasonable to require more landscaping. Staff felt that property
maintenance is not the responsibility of the applicant but the property owner.
Consideration of a conditional use permit,
parking and landscaping modifications for a
delicatessen with twelve (12) seats.
The public hearing was opened.
Mrs. Ingeborg Hellwig, 156 W. Las Tunas. stated that she was in agreement with the conditions
of approval.
Pat Leone, 5650 EI Monte, Temple City, asked what the hours of operation would be.
In reply, Mrs. Hellwig said that her hours of operation would be from 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
MellON
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Comm~sioner Papay to close the
public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
Commissioner Hedlund wondered how the landscaping could be the responsibility of the
applicant.
Staff replied that the property owner is responsible for the upkeep of the site and the property
maintenance. She commented that the property owner has already stated that they will be
restriping the parking lot.
MbllOO
It was moved by Commissioner Papay, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund to approve
C.U.P. 88-015 subject to the conditions in the staff report.
Arcadia City Planning Commission
June 28 1988
Page 2
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ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NCeS:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Amsto, Hedlund, Papay, Szany
None
Commissioner Clark
There is a fIVe working day appeal period after the adoption ofthe resolution.
PUBLIC HEARING T.M. 46547
153-f57 Diamond St.
Sing-Wang Cheng
Consideration of a tentative map for a 10-
unit residential condominium project.
The staff report was presented.
Staff remarked that no modifications were required for this project and noted that it compiles
with Code. The new regulstions don't apply to this project since it was submitted before'the new
regulations went into effect. This projeCt did, go through the architectural design review
procedure.
The public hearing was opened.
WilllamCheng, 1017 Catalpa, commented that they are in sgreement with all of the conditions
in the staff report.
MO"TlOl'J
It was moved by Commissioner Papay, seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the
public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
MO"TlOl'J
It was moved by Commissioner Papay, seconded by Commissioner Hedlund to approve
T .M. 46547 subjeCt to the conditions in the staff report.
ROLL CAu.:
AYES:
NCeS:
ABSENT:
-Commissioners Amato, Hedlund, eapay, SZ!lny
None
Commissioner Clark
There Is a ten day appeal period.
Arcadia City Planning Commission
June 28 1988
Page 3
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Chairman Szany abstained from this item, since he is the architect of tlie project.
PUSUC HEARING C.U.P. 88-017
& ADR 88-71
748-756 Naomi Ave.
Michael Pashaie
Consideration of a conditional use permit for
a proposed 18-unit residential
condominium project to be within a general
commercial zone.
The staff report was presented.
Staff explained that the parking adjacent to the warehouse hasn't been developed and noted that
the second level of the parking structure is mostly unused.
The public hearing was opened.
Michael Pashaie, 324 N. Palm, Severy Hills, one of the owners of the site was present. He
stated that they are in agreement with the conditions in the staff report. He cornmented that
even during the peak seasons of the year; i.e. Thanksgiving and Christmas, the parking lots were
never full. Last Christmas season the shopping center was in operation and the parking lot was
never Completely full. The designated parking areas for the employees, which has not been
enforced yet, are behind Vons and the shops to the west and they can also park on the second level
of the parking structure. He noted that most of the time the parking structure is not useq. He
said that the Code takes the warehouse and storage areas into consideration when determining the
number of required parking spaces. He felt that since the storage areas in Vons. Ross.
Hinshaws and the Music Shop are not used as retail, that should not be taken irito consideration
in determining the number of required parking spaces. He said thaHhere is good flow in the
center. He explained that the warehouse is served by trucks and heavy machinery and remarked
that by building condominiums on the subject site the area would be improved and would enhance
the community and provide a much more pleasant surrounding than a warehouse and an
employee parking.
M01lON
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund. seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the
public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
Mr. Woolard said that the traffic study was conducted during the peak hours of the day and not
the peak.season.and noted that the study added an additional 1 0% to the actual number of cars
parked on the iot. The study showed that 47% of the parking lol'w8S vBcant and he felt that the
available parking is adequate.
Staff said that parking is based on total gross square footage and includes storage and basement
areas within the complex. In answer to Commissioner Hedlund's questions. staff said that the
Hinshaws building and the stores nearby have a total of 59,573 sci.ft. of stcrage area.
Commissioner Papay stated that he is. satisfied with the. amount of parking spaces available.
Since Code takes into consideration the storage areas in determining the number of required
parking spaces. he felt that the available parking Is adequate. He remarked thatlhe distance
between buildings seems to break up the units rather than having the affect of a massive wall
and he noted that he liked the two-unit concept.
Arcadia City Planning Commission
June 28 1988
Page 4
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Commissioner Hedlund agreed with Commissioner Papay and commented that he thought that the
10' distance between buildings is reasonable and felt that It enhances the building design.
Commissioner Amato was in favor of the project.
MOllON
It was moved by Commissioner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Amato to approve
C.U.P. 88-017 & ADR 88-71 subject to the conditions in the staff report.
ROLLCAll.:
AYES:
N:ES:
ABSENT:
ABST AlN:
Commissioners Amato. Hedlund. Papay
None
Commissioner Clark
Chairman Szany
There Is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution.
PUBUC HEARING
41 W. Lemon
Richard L. Orr
dba IRC Electric
Consideration of.revocation of the home
occupation permit.
The staff report was presented.
Mike Miller reviewed with the Commission. the alternatives that are available to the
Commission. He remarked ihat the Commission can suspend the license and have staff review it
more thoroughly and stop the use pending the findings. The HOP would automatically be active
after the designated period. The intent of the HOP is to try to keep the use as residential as
possible but still allow some lead way for certain types of uses that are not In conflict with
residential.
Staff explained that when the HOP board ~eard this request, it approved the HOP based on the
conditions that no materials be. stored on the site and that nc employees meet at the house. In
inspecting the site there doesn't seem to be. storage of any materials. Staff commented thst the
only letter received was by Mr. and Mrs. Williams who were unable to attend and are In favor of
-the revocation. There was.one gentleman whjl Cll.lled to complain but after the first lelter was
senllo Mr. Orr there have been no more complaints from film. -
The public hearing was opened.
Richard Orr, 41 W. Lemon, the owner of the business was present. He remarked that one of his
employees Was meeting his son-in-law, who resides on the property, to car pool to a job site in
Long Beach. He commented that since he has been made aware of the complaint he has asked that
the subject employee meet his son"ln-law elsewhere. He indicated that there is no storage of
materials on the site and all the parts are stored on the job site and all deliveries are made to
the job site. He said that normally he would leave about 7:00 a.m. but due to the distance to the
present job site they are forced to leave early to get there by 7:00 a.m. He described.the truck
and said that it is used for transportation. He commented that they park the two trucks side by
side near the fence and explained the reason for parking the trucks there and said that several
Arcadia City Planning Commission
June 28 1988
Page 5
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years ago some tools were stolen from the trucks and by parking the trucks very close to each
other nobody could get to the tool boxes in the trucks. He said that the trucks and the cars are
legally parked on concrete. He explsined the activities taking place in the morning and said that
his wife's and daughter's cars are parked in front of the the trucks at night and early in the
morning he moves his wife's car to go to the store and when he returns he parks it on the street
in fron! Qf his house. When he is ready to go to work the only car he has to move is ilis
daughter's to get to the trucks. He stat9cl that in the morning when he stsrts the trucks he leaves
the lights off so he won't disturb his neighbors. He felt that the complaints were unjustified and
said that his house is used for office only and said that he utilizes a computer and the phone In
his house. He noted that in 1984 there were some work related materials being stored there but
since then he has rented a storage space and keeps most of the,excess materials there.
F;rancis Orr, 41 W. Lemon. said that one of the cars parked on the driveway is her car and said
that four nights a week she works in the evenings and doesn't get home until about 7:00 a.m. so
on four mornings her father only has to move one car.
Commissioner Amato concurred with Mr. Orr and said that the trucks do carry expensive
equipment and if they are lost or stolen it puts a burden on the individual. He also stated that
based upon his experience most of the wO,rkers like to get to a job site early to begin work and he
could see the reasoning for leaving so early to get to the job site.
Commissioner Hedlund commented that this problem is sort of related to construction and it is
due to HOP and wondered if it could be eliminated. He remarked that if Mr. Orr didn't have the
HOP, which is a fairly restrictive permit. he probably would not have this problem. He said
that the problem is probably because the trucks are parked by the fence and when he starts
them in the morning it wakes the neighbors.
Commissioner Papay agreed and said thatthe presence of the HOP sllows the neighbors to
complsin to the City.
Mrs. Ruppenthal, 45 W. Lemon. She said that Mr. Orr's business has never been bothersome to
the neighborhood and noted that they are good neighbors anddon't make noise. She commented
that he doesn't even turn the lights of the, truck on in the mOryling so he doesn't disturb the
neighbors. She remarked that Mr. and Mrs. Williams complaints are not justified.
MallON
It was moved by Commissioner Papay, seconded by Commissioner Amato to close the
public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
Commissioner Papay could not see any reasons to revoke the HOP especiallyslnbe Mr. Orr I)as'
arranged for the employee to meet hisson.in.law elsewhere to car pool. The truck is used as
transportation and he could see why he would park in the described manner to prevent
burglaries. He was pleased that the applicant has resolved the storing of materials on the site.
Chairman Szany felt that the original conditions of approval should apply.
Commissioner Hedlund encouraged Mr. Orr tc try and prevent any problems with his neighbors.
Arcadia City Planning Commission
June 28 1988
Page 6
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MJTION
It was m'Oved by Commissioner Hedlund,-seconded by C'Ommissioner Papay t'O all'Ow Mr.
Orr to continue 'Operating his business fr'Om his h'Ome subject to the 'Original conditi'Ons
'Of appr'Oval 'Of the h'Ome occupati'On permit.
ROLL CALl.:
AYES:
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ABSENT:
Commissioners Amat'O, Hedlund, Papay, Szany
None
C'Ommissl'Oner Clark
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AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Pat Le'One, 5650 EI M'Onte, Temple City, stated thst she is representing a gr'Oup 'Of h'Omeowners
in Temple City wh'O are very upset and concemed about the present situati'On with the Dlal-A-
Ride. She remarked that there are many cars parked there and when they purchased their
pr'Opertles they-were unaware 'Of the changes. She said that the area resembles .Grand Central
Stati'On. and w'Ondered how this pr'Oblem could be resolved.
Mike Miller informed her that she sh'Ould speak t'O the City Manager's office in regard t'O this
pr'Oblem. In response t'Oa questi'On fiom Ms. Leone, she was tald that the City Council meets 1st
and 3rd Tuesdays 'Of the m'Onth and she could direct her concerns-to them.
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WAIVER OF PARCEL MAP
final 1121 EI Monte and
220 W. Duarte Rd.
Henry Spurgeon
C'Onsiderati'On 'Of a request for waiver 'Of
parcel map.
RESOLUTION 1378
A resolutian waiving the requirements 'Of a
parcel map for the properties at 220 W.
Duarte Rd. and 1121 EI Monte Ave.
The staff report and the resolution were presented.
MOTIaII
It was moved by C'Ommissi'Oner Hedlund, seconded by Commissioner Papay t'O approve the
waiver 'Of final parcel map and t'O adopt Resolution 1378 ta f'Ormallyaffirm the decisi'Ons
'Of June 28, 1988, reflecting the flndings 'Of the Commissl'On and the v'Otes"there'On.
ROLL CALl.:
AYES:
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ABSENT:
Commissioners Amat'O, Hedlund, Papay, Szany
None
Commissioner Clark
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Arcadia City Planning C'Ommission
June 28 1988
Page 7
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Planning Commissio!,! discussion on:
A Reversed comer lotslkey lots and new side yard setbacks to old rear yard setbacks
B.. Larger R-1 lots
C. Single-sided cul-de-sacs
D. R-3 density and density classifications
E. Design of homes for new'tracts
F. C.U.P.s for liquor stores and retail store with extended hours
Mr. Woolard presented the staff report and suggested taking each item separately. There has
been a text amendmentinitiated on item F. He submitted several exhibits to the Commission and
explained each one and remarked that the Commission should recommend'to the City Council to
direct staff to prepare the appropriate text amendments.
A Reversed corner lotsfkey lots and new side yard setbacks to old rear yard setbacks
Commissioner Papay remarked that if someone purchases a property and wants to develop it
with a cul-de-sac the neighbors should not be detrimentally affected and explsined that what
was the remaining property owner's resr yard setback, may become his side yard setback. He
said that developers will probably try and build as many houses as possible on a lot and: the
proposed changes on the setbacks will probably reduce the nlimber of houses. He said that
modifications could be granted if one could not meet the requirements.
Commissioner Hedlund noted that the recent lot split on Caroline Way and Live Oak is a very
good example of what Commissioner Papay is referring to. He suggested having c.u.p.s
approved on all subdivisions and stated that by having thalrequirement.develci'pers will not be
able to put large houses on small lots in cul-de-sacs and referred to the one situation that canie
before the Commission on 152 Winnie Way.
Chairman Szany said that this change would result in two front yards.
Mr. Woolard indicated thai the modification procedure is used often to reduce the setbacks which
in turn would 'increase the size of the house on the lot and many times they are encroaching into
the special setbacks which are somewhat unreasonable; i.e. 50' from the property line. When
developers come to the City, it is explained to them that they should have some idea of where the
house will'be placed on the property and ,hen it can.be determined if a modification would be
required. This puts the developer on notice so that maybe they will design the lots to
accommodate .the houses that they would like to build on the lots. He felt that the requirements
- should be set forth in the Code so there would be less discretionary actions. He said that larger
setbacks on corner. lots would increase the width of the lots and increases the setliack
requirement would help to mitigate the reverse corner lots.
Staff recommended establishing a minimum setback of 20' on corner lots but if there is a
specia,lsetback a modificetion would be required if a developer wished to. encroach within the
special setback and remarked that the special setback wOiJld take precedent over the 20' setback.
With the new minimum lot width of 85' there should be no problem getting a 20" setback.
The consensus of the Commission. was to suggest Alternative B to the City Council which would
initiate a text, amendment for the consideration of amending the setback regulations to require a
greater street side yard setl1ack for reverse corner lots, so as to have new dwellings not
projecting substantially in front of existing sdjacent dwellings.
Arcadia City Planning Commission
June 28 1988
Page 8
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B. Larger R-1 lots
Mr. Woolard indicated that he didn't think that increasing the lot size would achieve a great deal.
Commissioner Hedlund commented that the new cul-de-sacs create lots that are in excess of
7500 sq. ft. but the new lots are odd shaped.
Commissioner Papay said that by increasing the minimum lot size requirement many non-
cOnforming lots would be created. He thought that Increasing the minimum lot size requirement
would be a substantial change and wondered if this should be delayed 10 see whether the other
proposed text .amendments would remedy the problem. He recommended taking no action to
Increase. the size of the lots and said that it would be a drastic change.
Chairman Szany noted that the cul-de-sacs that have come before the Commission have all had
lots that exceed the minimum requirement.
Councilwoman Young remarked that she hss received many comments on the new proposed house
on Campesina which will be 4,600 sq. ft. and said that if they were to build to the maximum
allowed by Code they would be able to construct a 13,000 sq. ft. home based on the size of the lot.
She noted that it has been suggested to her to limit the size of the houses.
Mr. Woolard said that many of the complaints are the size of the houses in relation to the size of
the lots and this can be addressed through setbacks.
The consensus of the Commission was to take no action.
C. Single-sided cul,de-sacs
Commissioner Papay asked ii the City can adopt.a position that there should be no one-sided cul-
de-sacs unless it can be proved with good suffICient reason that it makes. sense. Commissioner
Papay wondered if something could be done about the frequency of cul-de-sacs and suggested a
minimum distance requirement between cul-de-sacs.
Commissioner Hedlund agreed and said that the cul-de-sacs should either be lined up or off set
Mr. Woolard remarked that much of whst can and can not be done is set forth in the.State
regulations and there is nothing that would prohibit the Commission from requiring an
environmental impact report that would look at traffic issues on single-sided cui-de-sacs. when
they are close to other existing streets, The problem when acting on a specific tentative map is
being able to make the required.findings that State law says that hav.e to be made in order to deny
something which is very difficult to do and the proposed text amendment cannot be incOnsistent
with the State law. More study would be required to see what can be done to allow the
Commission to make the findings required to deny a project He felt that the concerns of a
single-sided cul-de-sac could be addressed with further study .
Mike Miller stated that the Subdivision Map Act has specific findings that the City is must make
to justify a denial.
Staff said that the City can require the developer to prcve that nothing else cen be done with the
property rather than being unable to secure the adjoining property.
The consensus. of the Commission was to initiate a..text amendment for the consideration of adding
language to the subdivision regulations which will make applications for sing ie-sided cul-de-
Arcadia City Planning Commission
June 28 1988
Page 9
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sacs demonstrate that 1) a conventional cul-de-sac is impossible due to the surrounding
development pattern (not just the inability to acquire sdjacent property), 2) that there would
not be any adverse traffic/circulation impacts from such development. and .3) that existing
properties adjacent to the new street will be adequately buffered.
D. R-3 density and density classification
Mr. Woolsrd explained that some ot-the recent condominiums with subterranean parking end up
with a wall that is 6' above the adjacent grade and subsequently end up with a 8-12 feet wall and
on the narrower lots developers ask for modifications to delete the landscaping next to the wall
because the area would be used for driveway access. Modification for deletion of landscaping
requirement would be considered rasonable if the development Is on grade but when a project is
below grade more than 18., the S' landscaping should be required and the landscaping should be
at the same elevation as the existing natural grsde and by doing so the landscaping will have s
potential to grow over the wall and down the wall which would help mitigate the view and this
would help the aesthetics of the property. He noied that the design review procedure sddresses
projections that exceed 16" above the Plltio areas would not be counted for a private space. He
suggested increasing the minimum walkwsy width requirement from 36. to 48. which would
improve the accessibility to the units.
Staff stated that the requirement for a 48. walkway has been made as a condition of approval in
the architectural design review procedure but without having it in the code it may be difficult to
enforce.
Chairman Szany remarked that this would get the taller buildings away from narrow streets.
E. Design of homes for new tracts
Mr. Woolard stated that the Planning Department Is now requiring that tentstive maps for all
proposed tracts clearly show the building envelope on each of the proposed lots. By showing this
information, the Commission. the effected adjacent property owners/occupants. and the
developer will have a better understanding of the potential impacts from the construction of any
dwelling on the proposed new lots.
E C.U.P.s for liquor stores and retail store with extended hours
It was noted that the City Council has directed staff to prepare the appropriate text amendment
foi" this item.
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RESOLUTION 1376
A resolution granting C.U.P. 88-014 to
expand the existing restaurant to allow
outdoor dining in the patio area and related
parking and I landscaping modifications at
200 E. Fcothill Blvd.
RESOLUTION 13n
A resclution granting C.U.P. 88-012 to
operate a restaurant at 181 Colorado Place.
Mr. Woolard read the titles of the resolutions.
Arcadia City Planning Commission
June 28 1988
Page 1 0
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MOTIOO
It was moved by Commissioner Papay, seconded by Commissioner Amato to adopt
Resolutions 1376 and 13n to formally affirm the decisions of June 14, 1988, reflecting
the findings of the Commission and the votes thereon.
ROLLCALL:
AYES:
1\Ce):
ABSENT:
Commissioners Amato, Hedlund, Papay, Szany
None
Commissioner Clark
There is a five working day appeal period.
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MATTERS FROM COUNCIL
None
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MATTERS FROM COMMISSION
None
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MATTERS FROM STAFF
None
ADJOURNMENT
10:00 p.m.
I, '" j /'-'Aj/N/ j
~Jli:/.)'/l.MU IAIi }/Tl/../u'Y ~
Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission
Arcadia City Planning Commission
June 28 1988
Page 11