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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOCTOBER 24, 2000 4j) . MINUTES . Arcadia City Planning Commission Tuesday, October 24, 2000 7:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers Planning Commission proceedings are tape-recorded and on file in the office of the Comrriunity Development Division, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 7:15 p.rn. in the Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W. HwitingtOn Drive with Chairman Murphy presiding, ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Comniissioners Bruckner, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Olson, Murphy ABSENT: None OTHERS ATTENDING Council Member Sheng Charig Community Development Administrator Donna Butler Planning Services Manager Corkran Nicholson . Associate Planner James Kasama Assistant Planner Candyce Burnett Assistant Planner Kenneth Phung Secretary Silva Vergel SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS None MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Bruckner, seconded by Commissioner Huang to read all resolutions by title only and waive reading the fully body of the" resolution. The motion passed by voice. vote with none dissenting. ' TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON-PUBLIC HEARING MATTERS (5 MINUTE LIMIT PER PERSON) None I. MINUTES of 1011 0/00 MOTION .' . It w<lS moyed by Commissioner Bruckner, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve the Minutes of October lOth as published. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: Commissioner Bruckner, Huang, Olson, Murphy None COlI\JJ1issioner Kalemkiarian 2, CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING MP 00-020 & ADR 00-032 434 W. Huntington Dr, Yu-Hsiu Kuo Chen, Miles Residential, LCC Consideration of modifications for'a .5-unit residential condominium project. The staff report was presented and ,the public hearing was opened, Daphne Fan, 13501 Tracey St., Baldwin Park, said they could construct up to 9~units but they have opted for the proposed 5-unit project because they feel it would be a bettei' development. TheresaDiIlon, 444 W. Huntington Dr., stated that-there are certain issues that have not been addressed. . - -, She said that they have failed to provide a full elevation showing their windows in. relation to the adjacent homes, She felt they should stagger the windows so they are not looking down onto their property and they do not lose their privacy. She requested a buffer landscaped wall to preserve their privacy. She suggested various plants and trees that she felt woulCl be acceptable. Scott Sayer, 444 W. Huntington, inquired about the driveway width and asked if the other half of this property would be developed at a later date, ' Staff indicated that the driveway width is 20'. Mr. Nicholson explained the driveway width requirements based on lot width. The applicant has the right to request modifications, especially when the lothas a substandard width, The widih,ofthe'subject property is 53', He said that in order to provide adequate acCess to the garages modifications are needed. Chairman Murphy indicated thatthis lot is 349' deep. ' Ms. Butler said the minimum lot width for a new R-3 lot is 75'. There are many substandard Jots in the R-3 zone. This particular lot is 53' in width. She indicated that staff does not know if the other half of this lot will be developed at a later date. She said that it would be physically impossible to develop this lot without modifications. They are not here tonight to redesign the project but to review and vote on the project that has been presented, Mr. Sayer was conVinced that there could be another design that would require less modificationS. Ms, Fan said the windows would comply with code. It is impossible to design a different type of project due to narrow width of the lot. Amuiia.City Planning Commission 2 10/24/00 . . No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman MUrphy closed the public hearing. Commissioner Kalemkiarian was satisfied with'what was proposed. Staff explained that based upon code requirements, they could build up to 9-units. They have chosen to separate the buildings and have 5-detached units instead. Mr. Nicholson said this project. is on grade. They have tried to have a,minimum of excavation to avoid drainage problems upon the neighboring lots. Ms. Butler said that in the 70s when the requirement for driveways was adopted, developers buih long attached units but the trend of construction has changed, Now, developers are opting for single-family type units that are detached. Thus, the requirements cannot always be complied with. Someone could technically build 9-attached units on this property because the density allows it. A 12.5' driveway would be cumbersome for 9"units but it would be less of a problem for 5-units; The request for the driveway width is not llnusuaL The Planning Commission should keep in mind that this is not a 75' wide lot. This substandard lot was created in the 40s. Modifications similar to these are requested for lots that are wider than the subject lot. Chairman Murphy thoughtthe placement of window is an issue. Mr. Nicholson replied that they would. try to offset it to the extent possible. But, this isa difficult issue to address. The Planning Commission can add conditions of approval with regard to landscaping along the westerly section ofthe -property subject to staff's review and approval, Commissioner Bruckner was concerned with the garage overhang which he felt created a canyon affect. . Ms, Butler explained the back out requirements in the,single-fiunily and multiple-fiunily zones, Commissioner Bruckner suggested a trade off of 29' for back out space instead of 30' thus eliminating the 5' overhang. HeJelt for 350' there would not be much, light, and air due to this overhang or canyon affect. He felt ihis would be a good trade off, Mr. Nicholson said that the Building Code requires 3' to the property line, Discussion ensued regarding this area and how reducing the back out space would increase the landscape area and light. Ms. Butler said landscape areas could be provided along the driveway to provide some relief. Commissioner Olson recommended that the projecting eaves be cut back., Chairman Murphy was concerned with having a 12.5' wide 350' long driveway. It will resemble a bowling alley. ' Staff said that.thetwo lots are under different ownership, Arcadia City Planning Commission 3 10/24/00 . . Commissioner Kalernkiarian said in order for this to fIt perfectly, they would have to provide subterranean parking or reduce the density. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Kalemkiarian, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve MP 00-020 & ADR 00-032 subject to the conditions in the.staffreport with the additional condition that a maximum of I' overhang be perlllitted with a 5' landscape buffer, ,Also, uiller and more mature ,trees are to be planted to help with the buffer. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioner Bruckner, ,Huang, Kalernkiarian, Olson Chairman Murphy Chairman Murphy noted that there is a fiye working-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by October 31, 2000. ' 3, PUBJ.,IC HEARING TM 53248 1116 W, Huntington Dr. Hank long Consideration of a.tentative map for an 8-unit residential condominium project. The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened, Scott Chang, 11823 Slatison, Santa Fe Springs, said they are in agreement with all of the conditions listed in the staff report. No one else spoke:in fuvor of or in opposition.to this item. Chairman Murphy closed the public heating. Staff noted that the project was previously approved by the Planning Commission in September, Modifications and the architectural design review were approved .at that meeting, MOTION It was moved by Conunissioner Bruckner, seconded by Commissioner Huang to approve TM 53248 subject to the conditions in the staff report. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioner Bruckner, Huang, Kalernkiarian; Olson, Murphy None Chairman Murphy noted that there is a ten~ay appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by November 6, 2000. Arcadia City,:Plannmg Commission 4 10124/00 . . 4. PUBLIC HEARING GP 00-002 201-205 E. Duarte Rd, & 810 S.. Second Ave. Hank long Consideration of a general plaJ;! aniendment to adjust the GP designation boundary between the Commercial designation of201-221 E. Duarte Rd, and the, Multiple-Family residential (12 dil/ac max,) designation of810 S. Second Ave. to align with an existing lot line for a propo$ed 5-unit residential condominium development at 81 OS. Second Ave. RESOLUTION 1623 A resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, recommending to CIty Council the approval of GP 00-002 to adjust the land use designation of201-221 E, Duarte Rd. and the mutIiple-family residential designation of 810 S, Second Ave. to align with the existing northerly lotlineof201 E. Duarte Rd, The staff report was presented. In response to a question from Commissioner, Bruckner, staff replied that the alley was vacated approximately 30 years ago. The'result ora parcel map and zone change in 1977, was a 3.81' wide strip of land north of the lot at 201 E. Duarte Rd. that is designated for commercial use by the GP and is zoned C-!. This piece oflandextends.eastwardfrom Second Ave. to the easterly property line of Lot I of the 1977 parcel map. This process is to clean up the inconsistency for future development. The public hearing was opened. No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item Chairman Murphy closed the public hearing, MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Kalemkiarian, seconded by Commissioner Huang to recommend approval ofGP 00-002 to the City Council anCladopt Resolution No. 1623, ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioner Bruckner, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Olson, Murphy None Commissioner Olson abstained from this item. 5. PUBLIC HEARING MP 00-026 & ADR 00-036 . 1016 S. Golden West Ave, Sanya.o Int'l Arcadia City Planning CommissiDn l 10124/00 . . Consideration,of modifications fur a 2-unit residential condominium project. The staff report was presented and the public hearing waS opened. Robert Tong, Sanyao International, 141 E. Duarte Rd., said they are in agreement with all of the conditions listed in the staff report. Commissioner Kalemkiarianthought this was a nice project, Fred Kyle, 852 Fairview, said that his home backs up to this properly. He noted that each of the modifications is asking for 50% of what code allows. This is too much development on this small lot. He was concerned with the noise created by the alc. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item Chairman Murphy closed the public hearing, Mr, Nicholson said that they could buildup to 3-units. He explained the density requirements and Said that, they do not exceed the density requirement, He indicated that they do not require a rear yard modification. Even though they are requesting a modification for the ale unit, the equipment must comply with the City's noise ordinance, MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Kalemkiarian " seconded by Commissioner Huang to approve MP 00-026& ADR 00-036 subject to the conditions in. the staff report. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: Commissioner Bruckner, Huang, Kalenikiarian, Murphy None ' Commissioner Olson Chairman Murphy noted that there is a five working_day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by October 31, 2000. 6, PUBLIC HEARING MP 00-027 614 S. Old Ranch Rd. Gao Tie Consideration of modifications for a,rebuild involving a second-story addition to an existing one- story dwelling. , The staff report was presented. Staff said that Request ''B''is for ~ existing condition. Because this is a'remodel and not a rebuild they will be retaining the existing setback, The public hearing was opened. Aicadia City Planriing CommiSsion 6 10/24100 . . Johnny Kuo, 614 S. Old Ranch Rd., said he is the contractor. The owner is out of the country. No one else' spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item, Chairman Murphy closed the public hearing. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Huang, seconded by Commissioner Bruckner to approve MP 00-027 subject to the conditions in the staff report: ROLL CALL: AYES: ' NOES: Commissioner Bruckner, HUang, Kalemkiarian, Olson"Murphy None Chairman MUTP.hy noted that there is a five working~day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by October 31, 2000. 7. PUBLIC HEARING MP 00-028 444 W,Los Altos Ave. Dr. and Mrs. Chung Consideration of modifications for a rebuild and second-Story addition. The ,staff report was presented. Staff said that the applicant is aware of the condition With regard to Request "B~', The public hearing was opened. Don Crenshaw, 126 St. Joseph, the architect of the project said they are in agreement with all of the conditions in the staff report. They are willing to reduce the roofline of the garage to, make it more consistent. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Murphy closed the public hearing, Staff said that based on the comments made by the architect, it appears that they are in agreement with all of staff' s recommendations. Ms. Butler indicated that there is no guarantee that they would utiliZe the tandem parking area even if they extend that area. It would be difficuit to' enforce. Staff does not feel that it would be a good solution to putthe'garageinthe back. MOTION Arcadia City Planning Commission 7 10/24/00 . . It was moved by Commissioner Kalemkiarian, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve MP 00-028 subject to the conditions in the staff report. ROLL CALL: AYES_: NOES: , Commissioner Bruckner, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Olson Commissioner Murphy Chairman Murphy noted that there is a five working-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by October 31; 2000. 8. PUBLIC HEARING MP 00-030 & ADR 00-033 10ioN. First Ave. Homer Yen & Arch. Consideration of modifications for a 3-unit residential condominium project. The staff report was presented. Staff said that the plans show the front elevation. The back elevation is included in the plans. The public hearing was opened. Homer Yen, 805 W, Duarte Rd., No, 102, said they are in agreement witli all of the conditions in the staff report. In response to a question by Commissioner Kalemkiarian, Mr, Yen said that he would work with staff to enhance the. architectural features of the building. Vrej Babikian, 1006 NFirst Ave., said that he resides. in the units to the south of the proposed project. He indicated that he has not had an opportunity to review the plans. The residents on his property are concerned with the loss ofthtiir view of the mountains. A 2:story building would block,that view, They feel strongly that this will have a negative impact on their property values, He said the viindow and driveway locations are unclear, Staff showed him the plans. After reviewing the plans, he suggested flipping the locations of the building and the driveway and explained that the driveway would serve as a buffer between their two buildings. It would place the buildings a little further apart from each other. This Would preserve their view of the mouiltains, Vikram Udani, 1'006 N, First Ave., said they purchased their home because of the view of the unobstructed mountains. The proposed building will obstruct light and ventilation and create an unhealthy environment for them. He'suggested off setting the windows. In rebuttlil, Mr, Yen said did not feel they could flip the location of the driveway and the building because'this would,put their building right next to the commercial project adjacent to this property. Mr_ Babikian said,that the developrnentto the south of their units has two driveways between'the two buildings. He preferred to have the rear yards of these units fucing their units instead of the building. No one else spoke infuvor of or in opposition to this item. Arcadia City Planning Commission 8 10/24/00 . . Chainnan Murphy closed the public hearing, Commissioner Olson noted that flipping the building and the driveway only picks up 2', which he thought was minimal. It would be a minor shift. He could not see how they would lose the view of the mountains. All of the existing trees will be over looking the roofline of the building, Commissioner Murphy did nO,t like the request for density modification. He felt there are too many modifications - some are minor but some are significant modifications. He thought that collectively these are significant modifications. He felt the applicant is trying to cram too much on the lot. He thought they should redesign and reduce the modifications. The location of the driveway is a mute point. He did not think, that homes should backup to commercial properties. He felt this would be a problem for people who would eventually live there. He remarked that when they are dealing with,a multiple-family developed, they cannot do much about the preserving view. ' Commissioner Kalemkiarian feltthis is a better-looking projecrthan what they have seen recently. Per code, the applicant can request to round up the number of units. The existing setback for the stairway is to the wash. The modification request for distance between buildings is not an unusual request, There seems to be good reasons for the requested modifications. The modifications are minor, This is a nice project and they are entitled to. build 2-story building. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Huang, seconded by Commissioner Kalemkiarian' to approve MP 00-030 & ADR 00-033 subject to the conditions in the staffreport, ROLL CALL: ' AYES: NOES: Commissioner Bruckner, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Olson Commissioner Murphy ,Chairman Murphy noted that there is a five working-day appeal period. Appeals are to be tiled by October 31, 2000. 9, PUBLIC HEARING 504 Gloria,Rd. Stuart.& MonaJung Consideration o~ an appeal of the Santa Anita Oaks Association's ARB's denial of a proposed single-story remodel of the existing residence. The proposed remodel would involve the conversion of the existing garage into a living area, and constructing a new detached two-car garage. The ARB denied the proposed remodel because the new garage would be detaehed,and . facing the side street which in their opinion is not aesthetically harmonious with the neighboring homes. The sUiffreport was presented and the public hearing was opened, Stuart Jurtg, 504 Gloria Rd., said they purchased the property recently. The garage is 150' from the front property line and has a25' setback from Arbolada.. There are no guidelines with the orientation of Arcndia City Planning Commission 9 10124100 . . the garage. Their,project meets all ARB requirements. The garages on all comer lots face the side street. There are some lots that are not comer lots with garages facing the street and cited several addresses. They did consider ARB's request but that would reduce yard area. They would like to enclose the area where the current garage is. The detached garage as proposed would accommodate a' more functional rear yard area. They will repaint the fa9ade and replace 'all windows. Clyde Stauff, Chairman ARB, said that even though the garage is not against the code, it would be unattractive. They cOuld not find a home in their lI!"ea with,a garage that is setback 20' from a street. If. approved, the neighbor across the ,street would be looking onto a garage. That would be very unattractive. ~t is only going to be a matter of time when cars are parked in front of the garage, thus in front of the neighbor's home. This would not be the best solution for the Santa Anita Oaks area. The ARB llnanimously denied this request and felt there would be adequate turnaround to relocate the garage. It was also suggested to ,move the garage back from the street or attach it to the house so it is not a freestanding structure that resembles a shed. They were not presented with an alternate plan. The applicant was not open to any discUssion. The ARB has been empowered by the City to review all projects that are located in their area for compatibility and harmony. In rebuttal, Mr. Jung stated, replied that if they complied with the ARB's requests they would have to cut down 6 trees. They did take ARB's suggestions into consideration but felt this would be a better design and would provide ,with a larger backyard area for their kids to play in. Their landscaping would be aesthetically harmonious when enclosing the area. They will provide nice 1aiJdscaping. No one else spoke 'in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Murphy closed the public hearing. Commissioner Kalerilkiarian could not see why the ARB would deny their request. He thought it would be harmonious with the area. Commissioner Huang agreed that this would be an improvement. He,did not wantto see tress cutdown even they are not oaks. Chairman Murphy said it appears that they are complying with colie. If this was a rebuild he would have felt differently. He wondered if there were too many bedrooms for a 2~car garage. As much .as he would like to support the ARB, in,this case he cannot. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Bruckner, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve the appea~ subject to theco~ditions in the .staff report with the additional conditions that a landscape plan be submitted to Planning and that it should comply with the visibility standaros. The block wall ,in the front yard is to be decorative and should be reviewed by staff This approval fmds thacthe architectural appearance and use of material supports good neighborhood plan and it is in harmony and character with neighborhood and that there is good relation with the front yard,and the property. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioner Bruckner, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Olson, Murphy Arcadia City Planning Commission. 10 , 10124/00 . . NOES: None Chairman Murphy noted that there is a five working-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by October 31, 2000. MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL Council Member Chang.recapped the recent actions taken by the City Council. MATTERS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION Commissioner Bruckner said that he would be interested in reviewing all plans submitted by the racetrack. Ms. Butler responded that the City has not accepted the application that was filed by the Santa Anita Race Track because it is incomplete. Staff is requesting'that more information be provided. MODIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS None MATTERS FROM STAFF 1. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS 2. UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT ~ . ecretary, Arcadia Planning Conimission Arcadia City Planning Commission 11 10/24/00