HomeMy WebLinkAboutOCTOBER 8, 2002
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Arcadia.City Planning Commission
Tuesday, October 8, 2002
6:30 p.m. in the An:adia Library
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met. in regular session on Tuesday, October 8, 2002 at
6:30 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, Olson
Commissioner Wen
MOTION
It. was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to excuse
Commissioner Wen from tonight's meeting. The motion passed with voice vote with no one
dissenting.
OTHERS ATTENDING
Community Development Administrator Donna Butler
Planning Services Manager Corkran.Nicholson
Assistant Planner Tom Li
Senior Administrative Assistant Silva Vergel
STUDY SESSION
6:30 P.M.
1. DISCUSSION REGARDING TA 2002-003
Consideration of a text amendment amending the R-2and R-3 regulations.
Ms. Butler said the Planning Commission should discuss the major issues at. the study session and staff
can answer any questions. The formal action will be taken during the actual ptiblichearing.
Chairman Olson said that Commissioner Wen called him and. told him that he would not be at the
meeting but after discussing it extensively with stafl; he was in favor of going ahead with this item and
recommending it to the City Council.
No.1 - Building Height - Commissioner Olson felt thata 30' building height would be more appropriate
than 35'. That is the building height in the single-family zones and based on the on-grade units being
constructed in the R-3 zone, he was certain that 30' would be adequate. Commissioner Baderian
concurred.
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In answer to Commissioner Lucas, Ms. Butler felt that developers should be able to construct new
projects in compliance with a 30' height limit and ,Mr. Nicholson.did not think that 30' would create a
hardship. Mr. Nicholson explained the main reason the code was changed to the 35' height limit was to
accommodate subterranean garages. A modification could be requested if there was a need to increase
the height.
No.2 - Entry Height - It was noted that the City Councilenacted the 14' height limitiltion tin the single-
family zoned properties and this helped reduce the mass and scale of a structure. He said that on a
typical lot the front yard setback is 25' and what was permitted before was very massive and became the
focal point of the project.
The Planning Commission concurred with the recommended entry height.
No.3. - Side Yard - Mr. Nicholson stated that architectural features such as bay windows and eaves
often encroach into the setback, thus the current requirement of I 0' side yard setback is reduced to 6' in
some cases because of these encroachments. Staff feels that increasing the setback would provide a 10'
side yard setback after all architectural projections. A survey of other cities showed that some cities
have the same.side lII1drear yard setbacks as proposed by stafi:
Ms. Butler said that other than the eaves, only the garage can encroach 5' into the required setback.
Commissioner Hsu said granting too many modifications and developing of small lots gives the
perception, of packing too much onto small lots.
No 4. - Front Yard" The Planning Commission Was in agreement with this change.
No 5. - Rear Yard. The Planning Commissi()n was in agreement with this change.
No 6. - Guest Parking -The Planning Commission was in agreement with this change.
No. 7 - Parking - The Planning Commission was in agreement with this change.
No.8 - Parking New Requirement - The Planning Commission was in agreement with this change.
No.9 - Distance between buildings - Mr. Nicholson said that this requirment goes back to the 60s when
the Fire Dept. ne~ded to access units but now all units are required to be sprinklered and there are stand
pipes on site. The code is being reduced from 20' to 14' distance between buildings, because after there
are any projectsions such as bay windows, there would be a 10' clear distance between buildings.
Presently, this isa request that is being asked repeatedly to reduce from 20' to 10'.
Ms. Butler said that this area many times has been used as parking or the placement of electrical meters
and other utilities. The reduced area would not be large enough to bea parking space.
Commissioner Baderian was in agreement with this but Commissioner Hsu was concerned with
reducing.the,requirement.
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Mr. Nicholson explained that this Will not be visible from street. This has been a common modification.
The IIIlIjority ofihe proposed changes have been from modifications that have been requested over and
over.
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No. 10 - Turning Radius - The Planning Commission was in agreement with this change.
No 11 - Landscape BufferS - The Planning Commission was in agreement with this change.
No. 12 - Driveway Requirements - The Planning Commission was in agreement with this change.
No. 13 - Driveway J>lanting - The Planning Commission was in agreement with this change.
No. 14. - Open Space Landscaping - The Planning Commission was in agreement with this change.
No. 15. - Utility.sapce - The Planning Commission was in agreement with this.change.
No. 16 - Trash Enclosure - The Planning Commission was in agreement with this change.
No. 17 - Dwelling Units - The Planning Commission was in agreement with this change.
No. 18 - Tents and Canopies - The Planning Commission was in agreement with this change.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
7:15 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Lucas, Olson
Commissioner Wen
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsti to excuse
Commissioner Wen from tonight's meeting. The motion passed with voice vote with no one
dissenting.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
Ms. Butler said that a revised page 5 was distributed for public hearing item no. 8 and a letter of
opposition from the Temple City Church of Nazarene was distributed for item no. 5.
TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE
PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON-PUBLIC HEARING MATTERS (5MINUTKLIMIT PER
PERSON)
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MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian seconded by Commissioner Hsu to read all resolutions
by title only and waive reading the full body oftheresolution. The motion passed by voice vote
with none dissenting.
1. MINUTES 9/24/02
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to approve the
MiIiutes of September 24th as published.
ROLLCALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Lucas, Olson
None
Commissioner Wen
PRESENTATION TO OUTGOING PLANNING COMMISSIONERS HUANG AND MURPHY
On behalf of the Planning Commission, Chairman Olson presented outgoing Planning Commissioner
Kalernkiarian with a resolution. He thanked him for his service to the City and remarked that he would
be a tough. act to follow.
Chairrnai1 Olson noted that Commissioner Kalernkiarian was appointed on August 9, 1994 and served
two consecutive terms: He served on the Commission extra time until new Planning Commissioners
were appointed.
Mr. Kalernkiarian said that he would not have traded the last 8 years for any other experience. He has
made good. friends and wished everyone good luck.
MQTION
It was moved by Chairman Olson, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to move T.A. 2002-003
as the last public hearing on the agenda. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting.
2. PUBLIC HEARINGTPM 2002-018
425 El Dorado
Hank Jong
Consideration ofatentative parcel map for a 3-unitresidential condominium project
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
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Hank Jong, 11823 Slauson, Santa Fe Springs, said they are in agreement with all of the conditions listed
in the staff report.
Ann (did not indicate her last name), said that she is representing her uncle who resides at 419-429 El
Dorado. They are concerned about their dogs and the trees in the back yard when construction begins.
Chairman Olson suggested they contact staff during business hours who will then show them the
proposed plans and explain the requirements. The Planning Commission tonight is only voting on the
type of ownership.
Ms. Butler indicated that she discussed this issue with her uncle and gave him the name and address of
the developer.
In rebuttal, Mr. Jong stated that they would be following all code requirements prior to constructing any
walls. They will try to save as many trees as possible.
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 Lucas to approve TPM
2002~0 18, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report and file the Negative Declaration.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Cornrrjissioners Baderian, Hsu, Lucas, Olson
None
Commissioner Wen
Chairman Olson noted that there is a ten day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by October 21st.
3. PUBLIC HEARING TM 53975
10]2 Arcadia Ave.
HaJ!k ~ong
Consideration of a tentative map for an 8-unit residential condominium project.
The staff report was presented.
In reply to a question by Commissioner Hsu, Mr. Li said that the project has subterranean parking which
would not.be permitted under the proposed code.
The public hearing was opened.
Hank Jong, 11823 Slauson, Santa Fe Springs, said they are in agreement with all of the conditions listed
in the staff report.
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No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item.
Chairman Olson closed the public hearing.
In response to a question by Commissioner Hsu, it was noted tl!at they would have to submit a tree
preservation plan.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve TM
53975; subject to the conditions listed,in the staff report and file the Negative Declaration.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Lucas, Olson
None
Commissioner'Wen
Chaimian Olson noted that there is a ten day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by October 21st.
4. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 2002-018 AND ADR 2002-020
9952-9956 Las Tunas Dr.
Milestone Management
Consideration of a conditional use permit and architectural design review for a proposed
12,000 sq. ft. CVS drug store With a pharmacy and prescription drive-up window, which will
also sell within the subject building alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption. The
new business would be a 24-hour operation, seven (7) days a week.
The staff report was presented.
Commissioner Hsu was concerned with the lights.in the parking lot shining into the bedrooms of the
residential uses to the south.
Mr. Nicholson said the lights would have to conform'With lighting, standards which require that the light
be shielded from adjoining properties.
The public hearing was opened.
Roger Barbosa, Milestone Management, 21 196 Jasmine Way, Lake Forest, thanked staff and the Temple
City, Church of Nazarene for their input. They are concemed with their client's safety and will have the
lights in the parking lot for their protection. They were in agreement with most of the conditions of
approva~ except the condition on signage.
Bob Kladifko, 348 W. Las Tunas,said he is the property owner of the' property directly to the south of
the subject site. He was concerned with his tenants and how the lighting might affect them. He felt this
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is a good project. As mentioned in his letter, he was concerned with the sale of alcohol and said the site
is too close to schools.
Commissioner Baderian said that there .is an appropriate state agency which regulates sale of alcohol.
With regard to this project being in close proximity to schools, there are other similar type uses in the
immediate area that are close to schools.
Mr. Kladifko did not think that having alcohol so easily available near public schools was a good idea.
This could have an impact on the children just like video machines and games have a negative impact.
It is best to keep these types of uses as fur away as possible from schools.
Trudy Kladifko, 348 W. Las Flores, asked why a pharmacy would sell liquor? She also mentioned the
old antiquated light pole 41 the parking lot and asked if that would be lit? She hoped that the lights
would be reflected away from the bedrooms of their tenants. She said that undoubtedly cars would
come around to the south of the building and park and that would necessitate increased police
enforcement.
Mr. Nicholson explained the lighting standard requirements and said that as part of their requirements,
the Police Dept. has requested the installation of security cameras outside and that the overnight parking
would be strictly enforced. Currently, there are no security lights. He also explained the sign
requirements.
Carol Robb, representing the Temple City Church of Nazarene, was opposed to the sale of alcohol.
There is also a Baptist Church which is very close. Both churches ,have several hUndred children intheir
membership. Their facilities are used by the nearby high schools and she, feels this use will be an
attractive nuisance for the young. Often, this type of a facility is fully'staffed in the beginning but later
when the business is not doing well, the first thing that is reduced is the staff. This would be a
temptation for the youth and children will gravitate toward it. This use will need increased police patrol
and cost the city more money. It will increase traffic as opposed to other uses that have been on the site.
Othersirnilar .sites are located near residential neighborhoods but not adjacent to it. The driveway on
Rowland would be heavily used, for ingress and egress and that is a residential neighborhood, thus
creating additional traffic and poIlution and will have a negative impact on the area. She thought that
further environmental study is required and asked that the Planning Commission to deny the project
untiLthat is done.
Doug Slaymaker, Pastor, Church of Nazarene, was concerned with additional traffic. He has witnessed
many accidents in this area. He thought the children's safety was a serious coricem The church is
against the sale .of alcohol and its influence. There are 200-300 children at their facility throughout the
week. He said that in the past they have had a lot of trash from people that will use their parking lot to
drink and leave their trash behind.
In rebuttal, Mr. Barbosa, said the sale of alcohol would be incidental to the pharmacy. They are a
pharmacy first. People do not associate this use as someplace for them to get liquor. He was more
concerned with the sign. WIth regard to the traffic, he indicated that the two departments in the city that
would be concerned with that; Engineering and Police Dept., have reviewed their application.
Considering what could go on this site, their use is much less intense.
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In reply to questions regardiilgsignage; Mr. Nicholson said the proposed signs exceed code requirement.
Staff feels that the sign should be limited to the name and identifying the pharmacy and directional signs
for the driveway. He indicated that the pole signs are not permitted by code.
With regard to the trellis, Mr. Barbosa noted that it was not part of the original building design and they
did not want to have an area. that would be a good area for hiding, an area that would be difficult to
monitor.
No one else spoke infuvor of or in opposition to this item.
Chairman Olson closed the public hearing.
Mr. Nicholson said that the trellis provides architectural relief and makes the building more desirable.
He indicated that the Police Dept. does not want the Windows to be glazed. They want to be able,to see
inside for safety reasoM.
Ms. Butler said there are other similar stores in the area that sell alcoho I.
Chairman Olson did not object to the 24-hour operation, or the lighting as long as it did not spill over
and that it would be non-reflective. The sale of alcohol is incidental to the use and he felt the signs
should be subject to the review and approval by staff
Commissioner Baderian felt that the staff and applicant should work together to resolve the trellis issue.
He suggested that the Planning Commission review this application, six months after it has been in
operation to see if there are any concerns or.issues.
Commissioner Lucas was surprised that a pharmacy would stay open until midnight.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve CUP
2002-018 and ADR 2002-020, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report andfiIe the
Negative Declaration and that this item be brought back to the Planning Commission 6-months
after it has been in operation.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Lucas, Olson
None
Commissioner Wen
Chairman Olson noted that there is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution.
The resolution"will be adopted on October 2200. Appeals are to be filed by October 29th.
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5. PUBLIC HEARING MP 2002-025 & ADR 2002-046
200 S. Third Ave. DUE TO THE RECENTLY ADOPTED MORATORIUM. THERE WILL BE
Sanyao Int'l NO PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS ITEM.
Consideration of modifications for a proposed 3-unit residential condominium project.
6. PUBLIC HEARING ADR 2002-061
400 S. Baldwin Ave.
Westfield Corp.
Conside["lltion of revisions to the proposed expansion of Westfield Shoppingtown at Santa
Anita.
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
John Healy, 11601 Wilshire Blvd., lOth Floor, Los Angeles, said there are only two changes to the
approved plans from the previously approved design review. One is the addition of the parking..structure
in front of Robinsons-May and, the other is the relocating of the auto center. The design and materials of
the parking structure will be consiStent with the previous parking structure. They are in agreement with
all of the conditions except the condition regarding the placement of signage on the parking structure.
The new parking structure will partially block Robinsons-May, so they would like to have a sign,on the
structure. As one of the anchor stores, Robinsons-May has its own parcel and has approval rights and it
is one of their conditions that their sign be on the parking structure. He said that if they were unable to
putthe signs on the building, the project would not move forward.
Scott Sayer, 444 W. Huntington, was pleased that Robinsons-May was asking for additional parking.
Based on his calculations, they would need to plant 190 more trees but whe.n he saw the site plan it did
not appear that was done. During the DEIR process, it was suggested that they provide better
pedestrian access and although what has been proposed is good, he did not feel that it goes far enough.
He suggested a nice pathway to provide interest to the,design. He thought,it would help the parking if
they encouraged the nearby neighbors to walk. The existing auto center is clearly visible from
Huntington Dr. He said that in frontofthe entry to the new mall addWon, the driveway and the drop off
zone, there are a series, of narrow stalls with narrow curb. He suggested removing 3-4 stalls ,in the first
row and creating an enhancedpa~ed area. He was concerned with"the masS scale of the expansion as it
pertains to the movie theater area. -
In rebuttal, Mr. Healy said the issues raised were already discussed in the previous hearings. Tonight,
the Planning Commission should be considering the two proposed changes becausetl;1e other issues have
already been addressed. They would work with staff regarding the'iI1urninated signs.
No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item
Chairman Olson closed the public hearing.
Chairman Olson commented that their action is only a recommendation to the City Council which has
the fmal decision.
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Ms. Butler said that the conceptual landscape plan has been reviewed and approved by the Development
Services Department and the City Manager. Staff is not as concemed with the Robinsons-May sign on
the parking structure but does not see a need for the Westfield identification sign. She explained the
sign plan that was approved for the mall. They are allowed to have six tenant identification signs for the
major tenants only.
Commissioner Baderian noted that the landscape plans are subject to the review of the Acting City
Manager/Development Services Director.
Mr. Penman said they are required to provide landscaping along the new structures. The city has a
licensed landscape architect that would review the landscape plan.
Commissioner Lucas did not find the Robinsons-May or the Westfield signs on the parking structure to
be offensive. He thought conditon 12 regarding the parking structure signs should be eliminated. He
did not think that these signs would be bordering on sign pollution.
Conirnissioner Baderian agreed.
Chairman Olson did not have any problems with the signs but was concerned whether there was enough
landscaping which would enhance the site and what is beilig constructed. He agreed with Commissioner
Lucas regarding mall signs.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Lucas to recommend
approval of ADR 2002-061 to the City Council subject to the recommendations set forth in the
staff report, deleting condition no. 12 regarding identification signs and strongly emphasizing
that condition 6, relating to landscaping be looked at very carefully.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
COmmiSSiOIiers Baderian, Hsu, Lucas, Olson
None
Commissioner Wen
7. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING TA 2002-003
Consideration of a text amendment amending the R-2and R-3'regulations.
The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened.
No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item.
Chainnan Olson closed the public hearing.
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In answer to a question by Commissioner Hsu, Mr. Nicholson said that the setback area would stil1
provide adequate building separation and provide appropriate architectural projections without creating
a narrow space.
Ms. Butler commented that density was included in the comparison with other cities. The City is trying
to encourage affordable hotyling and if the density is reduced that would work against that goal. The
state mandates housing and that aU cities must provide affordable housing as well as housing for
moderate income persons. By reducing the density, it would make it that milch more difficult to
encourage developers to come in and build affordable housing.
Commissioner Hsu feh that the density and guest parking should compliment one another and suggested
a separate density standard to apply toward affordable housing program.
Mr. Nicholson said that thernarket determines the size of the buildings.
Mr. Penman said the Housing Element must be submitted to the State as part of-approval of the General
Plan. Their approval is very important because if they do not approve it then the city does not have an
approved General Plan. The city is trying to create a halance. The standards are good for the
community but not so difficult to discourage affordable housing. Only 15% of the City assisted
affordable housing maybe'dedicated to senior housing because only 15% of the population is seniors.
State law does provide density bonus for affordable housing such as fee waivers. Land value is very
expensive in the city and the city would prefer to address this issue through financial tools ,rather than
granting dellility bonuses.
Chairman Olson was in agreement with staff with regard to keeping the density.,
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, sec<;mded by Commissioner Olson to recommend
approval of T A 2002-003 to the City Council based on the above. That the City Council work
directly with staff and not compromise affordable housing.relative to the General Plan Housing
Element. This will allow staff,an opportunity to deal with each affordable housing project on a
case by case basis based upcm state requirements. The only two recommended changes 'are: (I)
the garage encroachrnentinto the side yard and (2) reduction in the building height ot allow a
rnaximumofJO' -0".
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Lucas, Olson
None
Commissioner Wen
NON"PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
8. RESOLUTION NO. 1680
A resolution of the Planning Commission ofthe City of Arcadia, California, granting CUP 2002.
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017 for a rock c1irnbing.gyrn at 305 S. Santa Anita, #B.
Ms. Butler read the title of the resolution.
MOTION
It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to adopt
Resolution Nos. 1680 and formally affirm the decisions of September 24th and the votes
thereon.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Comniissioners Baderian,Hsu, Lucas, Olson
None
Commissioner Wen
Chairman Olson noted that there is a five working day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by October
15th.
MA TIERS FROM CITY COUNCIL
None
MATTERS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION
Commissioner Lucas said the city is losing affordable housing because fairly new rental properties are
being demolished and replaCed with condominiums.
Mr. Penman replied that staff is looking .at various options and suggesting possible rental rehabilitation
programs.
MODIFICATION COMMITIEE MEETING ACTIONS
Chairman Olson summarized the Modification Committee actions and explained in detail what took
place.
MATIERS FROM STAFF
I. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS
2. UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS
Ms. Butler discussed the upcommg agenda items. Staff is very busy and she referred to the "project list"
which was distributed.
ADJOURN TO 7:00 P.M. ON OCTOBER 22 9:30 p.m.
Is/Donna Butler
Secretary,. Arcadia Planning Commission
Arcadia City Planning Col1U1lission
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