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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-21 PC Minutes/r_1n ARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 14 2021 CALL TO ORDER Chair Wilander called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL PRESENT: Chair Wilander, Vice Chair Lin, Commissioner Chan, Thompson, and Tsoi ABSENT: None SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Flores announced that staff received one late emailed public comment for Agenda Item No. 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minute time limit per person) There were none. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Resolution No. 2079—Approving Single Family Architectural Design Review No. SFADR 21-08, and Administrative Modification No. PC AM 21-02 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for setback modifications to the proposed first and second story additions, and to maintain the existing legal nonconforming setbacks of the existing two-story residence that will become a rebuild at 252 Sharon Road Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2079 Applicant: Xin Wang on behalf of Jonathan Huang Chair Wilander introduced the item and Ms. Flores presented the staff report on behalf of Assistant Planner Christine Song, who was unable to attend the meeting. Chair Wilander asked if the Applicant would like to speak on the item. Mr. Jonathan Huang, the property owner, responded. Chair Wilander opened the public hearing. There were no callers for the item; however, prior to the meeting, Staff received two emails in opposition of the proposed project due to privacy concerns. MOTION- PUBLIC HEARING It was moved by Commissioner Chan, seconded by Vice Chair Lin, to close the public hearing. Without objection, the motion was approved. Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the City's Planning Services Office located at 240 W Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California, during normal business hours. DISCUSSION Commissioner Chan had no issues with the proposed project. Commissioner Thompson expressed concern regarding the lack of articulation as a result of the addition, and that the proposed project would intensify the existing legal non -conforming aspects of the structure. He questioned whether the project complies with the Design Guidelines and he had difficulty making the findings required for the modification. Commissioner Tsoi echoed Commissioner Thompson's concerns and suggested that the Applicant make adjustments to the second -story setback and also extend the proposed stone veneer on the front elevation to wrap around to the east and west sides of the house, he also requested clarification on the depth of the roof eaves on the second floor which appears to be a drafting error on the plans. Vice Chair Lin stated that the two properties adjacent to the subject site are also legal non -conforming buildings with regards to setbacks, therefore the Applicant should not be subject to stricter requirements; the proposed lot coverage is 2,000 square feet below what is allowed per Code, and the architectural style is also compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. He would be in favor of approving the project. Chair Wilander agreed with the findings in the Staff Report as to why the existing setback modifications should be allowed to continue and was inclined to support the proposal. Chair Wilander asked if the designer would like to respond to the comments (reopen the public hearing). Mr. Peter Li, the designer, responded to the Commissioners' questions and concerns. He clarified the depth of the eaves/overhang, addressed the privacy concerns, and provided justification for the proposed addition. He also and mentioned the challenges in achieving added articulation. The Commissioners discussed adding two conditions of approval to the project. Based upon privacy concerns, Commissioner Chan asked if the Applicant would be willing to obscure the new glass windows of the second story master bathroom. Mr. Li stated that this can be done. He also agreed that the stone veneer on the front elevation could be wrapped further around the house along the east and west elevations, per Commissioners Tsoi's recommendation. The public hearing was closed. Based upon the discussion, two new conditions of approval were added and read into the record by Ms. Flores: Condition No. 6: The proposed stone veneer material on the front elevation shall wrap around on both sides of the house (east and west elevations) and extend at least 8 -feet beyond the corners or to a distance that is appropriate, as determined by the Planning & Community Development Administrator or designee. Condition No. 7: The master bathroom windows (window nos. 5 and 14) shall be of opaque glass windows. Those windows shall always remain and be kept as opaque glass. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Tsoi, seconded by Vice Chair Lin to adopt Resolution No. 2079, approving Single Family Architectural Design Review No. SFADR 21-08, and Administrative Modification No. PC AM 21-02 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental 2 9/14/2021 Quality Act (CEQA) for setback modifications to the proposed first and second story additions, and to maintain the existing legal nonconforming setbacks of the existing two-story residence that will become a rebuild at 252 Sharon Road, subject to the amended conditions of approval as read into the record by Ms. Flores. ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Wilander, Vice Chair Lin, Commissioner Chan, and Tsoi NOES: Commissioner Thompson ABSENT: None There is a ten day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution. Appeals are to be filed by 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 27, 2021. PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADMINSTRATOR'S REPORT 2. Report on Housing Element Update Chair Wilander introduced the item and turned it over to Senior Planner Luis Torrico to present the report. CONSENT CALENDAR 3. Minutes of the July 27, 2021 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Recommendation: Approve It was moved by Commissioner Chan, seconded by Commissioner Thompson to approve the minutes of the July 27, 2021 Planning Commission Regular Meeting. ROLL CALL AYES: Chair Wilander, Vice Chair Lin, Commissioner Chan, Thompson, and Tsoi NOES: None ABSENT: None MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL LIAISON Council Member Beck was not present. MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSONERS The Commissioners had nothing to report. MATTERS FROM ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY Assistant City Attorney Maurer discussed the potential impact of Assembly Bill 361 (AB 361), a Brown Act bill that extends the allowance for virtual meetings, and Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), which allows lot splits and by -right duplex on single-family lots. MATTERS FROM STAFF INCLUDING UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS 3 9/14/2021 Ms. Flores announced that the Planning Commission will act as the Business License Review Board for a business license revocation next Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. There are two items scheduled for the October 12, 2021 meeting, including a new bar in Downtown Arcadia and a multifamily project, there is a 33 -unit multifamily project tentatively scheduled to be heard at the October 26, 2021 meeting. ADJOURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned the meeting at 7:58 p.m. to Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia. ATTEST: Lisa Flores Secretary, Plannio Commission Marilynne VVAnder Chair, Planning Commission 4 9/14/2021