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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDECEMBER 10, 2002 I) .- MINUTES .' Arcadia City Plsnning Commission Tuesday, December 10, 2002 7:00 p.m. in tbe Areadia Library I PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, December 10,2002 at 7:00 p.m. in the Arcadia Library of the City of Arcadia, at 20 W. Duarte Rd. with Chairman Olson presiding. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: ABSENT: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Lucas; Wen, Olson None OTHERS A ITENDING Community Development Administrator Donna Butler Senior Planner Jim Kasama Associate Planner Joe Lambert, Senior Administrative Assistant Silva Vergel SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDAITEMS Ms. Butler distributed a revised page 5 for CUP 2-14, 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 MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to read all resolutions by title only and waive reading the full body of the resolution. The motion passed 'by voice vote With none dissenting, ' - 1. MINUTES 1lI12/02 Chairman Olson changed the word "ownership" to "development" on page 3 of the Minutes. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to approve the Minutes of November 12th as amended. . . ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Olson None 2. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 2002-019 18 E. Colorado Blvd. Paul Lee Consideration ofa tentative parcel map fora 2'-unit residential condominium project. The staff report was presented. Commissioner Hsu asked if the project required any modifications and Mr. Lambert replied that the Planning Commission approved modifications as part (jf the architectural design review on September 101h. The public hearing was opened. Gail Littlejohn, Tritech Eng., 135 N. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel, said they are in agreement with all of the conditions listed in the staff report. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Olson closed the public hearing, MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to approve TPM " " 2002-019, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report and file the Negative Declaration. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Olson None Chairman Olson noted thanhere is"a ten dayappeal"period. Appeals are to be filed byDecember201h. 3. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 2002-014 & ADR 2002-040 148-158 W. Las Tunas Dr. American Senior Living Consideration of a conditional use permit to construct and operate a 54-unit senior apartment complex with on-grade parking. The staff report Was presented. Arcadia City Planning Commission 2 12110102 . . Coriunissioner Lucas expressed concern that there would be 63 more people living in the area, where there is no one living there now. How would that affect the Police. and Fire services? Ms. Butler replied that both the Police and Fire Departments reviewed the proposal. Providing service to the area will not be an issue. She noted that there are residential uses bordering this site. In answer to a question by Commissioner Hsu, Ms. Butler responded by saying that the parking lot has already been re-dimensioned to comply with City codes and accommodates concerns that were raised by staff. Commissioner Baderian encouraged the City Council to make more funds available for affordable housing. The public hearing was opened. Rodney Kahn, 1111 N. Brand, Glendale, said they are in agreement with all of the conditionS listed in the staff report. They are excited about this project and desire to have the project be 100% dedicated as affordable housing. The layout is interesting and unique and would be an asset to the .area. Gomnlissioner Lucas wondered why there"is no community dining facility on site? Mr. Kahn replied that most ofthe occupants would like to be independent. They will have a large community room which will be utilized for various activities such as "Meals On Wheels" or other functions. Each unit will have a kitchen. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to ibis item. Chairman Olson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Hsu liked the design and said that it was architecturally pleasing and that there is a need for this type of a facility in the community, He wondered if there should be more handicap parking spaces? Ms.. Butler commented that the handicap parking spaces actually exceed code. It wolild be difficult to provide more without compromising the design and staff is comfortable' with" the ratio. Based on research, staff has found that seniors tend to give up driving when they get to a certain age. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Lucas to approve CUP 2002-014 & ADR 2002-040, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report and file the Negative Declaration. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu,Lucas, Wen, Olson None Chairman Olson noted that there is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution. The resolution will be adopted on January 141h. Appeals are to be filed by January 21 st. Arcadia Clty Planiling Commission 3 12110102 . . 4. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 2002-019 1220 S. Golden West Ave. Full House. Restaurant Consideration of a conditional use permit to add approximately 1,100 sq. ft. to an existing 3,900 sq. ft. restaurant. The staff report was presented. In reply to a question by Commissioner Lucas, Mr. Lambert explained the history of the site and the uses. In the early 90s, a 14,000 sq. ft. food court was approved but a portion of that has been converted to a sit down restaurant. There are a few retail uses in the food court area. It is staff's opinion, after visiting the site, thatthe parking is heavily utilized and the additional seating 'in the restaurant will have a negative impact on the parking and exacerbate the situation. Ms. Butler remarked that the food court will have afuster turn around of traffic, whereas, the patrons of the restaurant will lend to stay ionger, Tne subject restaurant is a more intense use than the food court. Commissioner Wen remarked that it is good to have a business that is successful and it seems to him that the food court would create more ofa: problem because even though it has a faster turn around at the same time it is able to handle more customers. In answer to a question from Commissioner Wen Mr. Lambert indicated how the parking was calculated. He indicated that the restaurant is busy and the food court seems half full. The public hearing was opened. Daniel Wong, 50 E, Delacey Ave" Pasadena, spoke on behalf of the oWDersofthe restaurant. When comparing the before and after plans, they are actually going"to be reducing the number of seats by 28. They will be actually eliminating the cafe and any possible vendor that would be coming into the food court. He indicated that the food court turn over is much faster and more of an active flow than a restaurant. In other words, the parking lot is much more affected by the food court usage than the restaurant's which caters to fumilystyle dining and more ofa carpooling type of situations. In fact, two of the tables in the restaurant have seating for 10 and more than likely they would be carpooling. The reason for this expansion is mostly to provide more space in the kitchen area which is currently 'very small. They will not adding more employees~ They will be removing a take out window and adding handicap restrooms. From their perspective, they will be eliniinating seats in the food coUrt area and are eliminatmga future business from coming into the food court area which would generate the need for more parking. Fonzy Kuo, 310 Pima Ave., W. Covina, said that they would not be gaining any seating, that the purpose for the expansion was to provide more space in the kitchen area. From the 1,172 sq. ft. addition, only 442 sq. ft. will be dedicated to the seating area. The kitchen is small. The present design is the original design from when the center was first opened. They have a lot of space dedicated to the take out area and they will be redesigning. Their first priority is to improve the kitchen and the corridor which is currently very small. They will be improving the working conditions for their employees and will not be adding more traffic to the center as a result of this expansion, Arcadia City Planning Commission 4 12110102 rf . . In reply to a comment by Commissioner Lucas, Mr. Wong said that the two vendors would no longer be in the food court because the Restaurant will be occupying their space for their kitchen expansion. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Olson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Baderian said that the CEQA Checklist and the recommendation fOf denial are not in agreement, Mr,. Lambert replied that the Checklist is completed shortly after the application is submitted. Staff may not have adequate time to review projects and their full impacts when that process is completed. But, after further review of the application aDd the request, staff determined that the addition would not be to the best interest of the center. He indicated that the parking study is valid and demollStratell the true parkIDg counts. Ms. Butler explained further that by the time the pubiic hearing notices ate mailed out the initial environmental reviews must be completed and there may not be adequate time by then to fully review the project and its impact. Based on the number of parking spaces, they will only be short 3 spaces but after reviewing and consulting with the Traffic Engineer it was 0 bserved that the parking is tight. In feply to a question by Commissionef Wen, Ms. Butler indicated that there is no real definition or criteria for inadequate parking. Staff is concerned that the parking situation currently is tight and that the center is not fully occupied and that there are vacancies that exist. She noted that the center is bordered on three sides by residential uses and staff does not want to have an impact on them. Commissioner Wen thought that they should try to approach this logically. Aren'tthere other centers in the City that have parking problems? He did not want to be unfair to this applicant and impose restrictions,on this applicant when there aren't any on others in the City.. In reply to a question by Commissioner Lucas, Ms. Butler explained the parking requirements. Currently, the center is deficient in parking but there is not a significant shortage. 111 answer to a question by Commissioner Baderian, Mr, Lambert said th!tt staff did not want to have the applicant go through the expense of a full traffic study because of the recommendation to deny the project. The applicant did receive the memo from the Traffic Engineer. Ms. Butler further explained that staffwas not sure what the traffic study would accomplish. They felt that the traffic study by the applicant was adequate and illustrated the true picture. Since the circulation pattern wilLnot be changing, staff felt that there would not be a major change. In this case, it was cleat to staff that the parking is tight and staff was not Sure what a traffic study would accomplish. Commissioner Hsu said that it does appear that the parking is tight but by approving this they would be reducing the waiting period during peak business hours. In response to a question by Commissioner Lucas, Ms. Butler said because parking was not an issue, a portion of the food court was converted to the subject restaurant. The parking ratio is the same for the food court as the restaurant. Mr. Wong remarked that they are in agreement with the recommendation if the project is,approved. Arcadia City Planning Commission 5 12110102 I' . . Commissioner Lucas was concerned that the center would not have adequate parking for .its patrons. But, if they deny the request, they are in affect denying the business for being successfuL They should be'encouraging businesses and possibly encouraging them to migrate into areas of town that are not as busy. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Lucas, seconded by Commissioner Wen to approve CUP 2002- 019, subject to the conditions listed.in the staff report and file the Negative Declaration. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Lucas, Wen, OlSon None Chairman Olsoll noted that there is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution. 'rhe resolution will be adopted on January 14th. Appeals are to be filed by January 21". 5. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 2002-020 55 W. Huntington Dr. Rusnak Arcadia Consideration of a conditional use permit for a two-story addition to an automobile showroom and revisions to CUP 2002-010 and Reso. 1640 regarding.signs, fences, gates and landscaping for the existing dealership and automobile service center. . RESOLUTION NO. 1684 A resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California granting CUP 02- 020 for a two-story addition t(j the new car showroom and revisions to certain conditions of approval of CUP 01-010 (Resolution No. 1640) regarding signs, fencing and landscaping for the new and used car dealership and service center at 55 West Huntington Drive. The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened. Brian Bead, V.P. of Rusnak, 55 W. Huritington, i;aidthey lire in agreement witll all of the conditiolis listed in the staff report. The site is a temporary facility and does not meet the requirements of the franchise holder, Mercedes Benz. The landscaping planter along Huntington Dr. would be a barrier because of the way the show room is located and the space in between the area. By placing a planter there would be a clearance of II' which would make it difficult to maneuver a car through there, It is very important to display their cars along Huntington Dr. and they feel that the scale of the sign is appropriate for the site. Mr. Penman said that these issues have been discussed and staff is comfortable with the fencing. They are aware that the fencing will have to be removed within two years and replaced with a wrought iron. Ms. Butler said the resolution would reflect the conditions of approval. ArauJia City Planning Commission 6 12/10/02 . . No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Olson closed the public hearing. CommissionerHsu was concerned with the sign blocking view from Huntington Dr. and Ms. Butler replied that they would have to comply with the visibility standards. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve CUP 2002-020, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report and file the Negative Declaration. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Olson None Chairman Olson noted thauhere isa five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution. Appeals are to be filed by December ISIh. 6. PUBLIC HEARING GP 2002-005 Consideration of a general plan amendment amending the Environmental Resources Section and setting forth watershed and storm water quality and quantity management considerations and policies per State regulations. RESOLUTION NO. 1683 A resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, granting GP2002- 005 amending the Environmental Resources section of the General Plan and setting forth watershed and storm water quality and quantity management considerations and policies per State regulations. The staff report was presented. In answer to Ii question by Commissioner, Ms. Butlef Said the City gives authority to the water quality control board. The city reviews projects and the facilities that have been approved are reviewed by the consultant and the applicant is responsible for the costs-that are incurred. This function is already being performed by the City and this process just puts it into policy. The public hearing was opened. No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Olson closed the public hearing, Arcadia City Planning CommisSion 7 12110102 . . MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Lucas to recommend approval of GP 2002-005 to the City Council and adopt Resolution No. 1683. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Olson None 7. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TA 2002-004 Consideration of proposed changes to the R-Oand R-I zones. The staff repOrt was presented and the public hearing was opened. James Kojian, 527 Los Altos asked the difference between a. foyer, entrance and what changes are being proposed. Ms. Butler explained the defmition ofa two-story entry. The code was amended in 1999 but there was not a real clear definition of entry. The code prohibits anything higher than 14' or above the cover to the front entry. The proposed changes define the number of architectural and vertical elements that tend to emphasize mass of structure. The purpose is to reduce the overall mass and bring dwellings into scale. of what is already in the neighborhood and to ensure that the entry does not exceed 14' for all properties regardless of the width of the lot. Modifications can t>e sought to code whereby the Planning Commission would review the request and determine the integrity of the building. F(Jr example a home that is colonial in .style could be approved for a particular height because the style of the home would deinand that but staff finds that most homes that are being built do not have any particular style yet the owner still wants iI two-story entrance. She noted that this,requirement has been.in effect since 1999 but is now being better defined. Mr. Kojian wondered why staff is attempting to keep homes small? What is the purpose of encouraging new homes to be small just so they will blend in with the older homes in the neighborhood? The City and staffshould have foresight and.think of what will take place in 20 years. He could not understand the goal and did not think.the requirements are to the best interest of the City. Ms. Butler said that this has been a policy made by the City CoUIicil. What the proposal is Silymgis thal' the design of the homes should be made to scale and this does not necessarily reduce the overall square footage of homes. Chi Ming Li, 401 Danimere, said that her property is a comer lot and asked about angles for development. Ms. Butler said there is a 400 angle is included, measured from the property line. After further review, staff is recommending the off set for the 2nd floor be deleted. Modifications could. be requested .and the Planning Commission could review and grant them. This would also allow them to review the design of the project. Arcadia City Planning Commission 8 12110102 . . Ms: Li said that hased upon her lot size, she can only have a 2-car garage. This text amendment prohibits tents or any sort of a cover. So, what should a family of 4 do with their cars? Based on their lot size, they can only have a 2-car garage which means 2 of their cars will always be parked on the driveway. She feltthat a 3-car garage would be amore appropriate. The City should not be telling her that her lot is too small. This is a had move on the City's part. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Olson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Baderian commended staff on capturing their c\)mments from the previous meeting. In reply toa comment by Commissioner Hsu, Ms. Butler said the Planning Commission's recommendations are forwarded to the City Council who will act on the text amendment. The lot cover is strictly the footprint of the house and does not take into account the second floor, whereas FAR would take into consideration the square footage of the entire dwelling. Commissioner Hsu commented that the 400 angle establishes the envelope of the building, whereas FAR would dictate the square footage of the house. For example a home with high ceilings and interior space would have less space. Chairman Olson did not think they would be accomplishing anything by FAR because it does no.! include air spaces as part of the square footage. Size. of a home should be dependent upon the size of the lot and how a home would impact the neighbors. Commissioner Lucas wanted a better explanation of FAR and its aff~ts. They should see how it is. applied in other communities. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Wen to recommend approval ofT A 2002-004 to the City Council. There was no recommendation onF AR. . ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: CommissionersBaderian, Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Olson None MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL Council Member Wuo said the Holiday event at Westfield was a huge success and there were many kids there. On December 21, there will be a float decorating sign up. He wished everyone a happy holiday season. MATTERS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION None Arcadia City Planning Commission 9 12110/02 . . MODIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS . Chairman Olson summarized the Modification Committee actions and explained in detail what took place. He asked if anyone would want to volunteer as Chairman for the Modification Comniittee? MATtERS FROM STAFF 1. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS 2. UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Butler discussed the upcoming agenda items. ADJOURN TO JANUARY 14TH .9:00 p.m. /s/Donna Butler Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission Arcadia City Planning Commission 10 12110102