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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJULY 8, 2003 . MINUTES . Arcadia City Planning Commission Tnesday, July 8, 2003 7:00 p.rn. in the Arcadia City Council Chambers PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, July 8, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Arcadia Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Dr. with Chairman David Olson presiding. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Olson Commissioner Baderian MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Wen,. seconded by Commissioner Lucas to excuse Commissioner Baderian from tonight's meeting. The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting. OTHERS. ATTENDING Council Member Gail Marshall Community Development.Administnttor Donna Butler Planning Services Manager Corkran. Nicholson Associate Planner Joe Lambert Assistant Planner Tom Li Senior Administrative Assistant Silva Vergel PLAN.NING COMMISSION REORGANIZATION MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Wen to nominate Commissioner Baderianas Chairman. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Olson None Commissioner Baderian MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Wen to nominate Commissioner Lucas as Chairman Pro Tem. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: . . Colilmissioners Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas None Commissioner Baderian Commissioner Olson said that he has been serving as the ChainrtanoftheModification Committee and he has enjoyed it. He does not mind continuing to be Chairman but if any other Commissioner is interested, he could take it over. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Wen to nominate Commissioner Olson as Chairman for the Modification Committee. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Olson. None Comm'issioner Baderian SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM 8T AFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Butler said that several letters of opposition were received and distributed relative to Public Hearing no. 4 on the agenda. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner HS1.l to read all resolutions by title only and waive reading the fuUybody of the resolution. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas None Commissioner Baderian 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 Arcadia City Planning COlT11111ssion 2 1/8103 . . Chairman Pro Tem Lucas indicated.that the item before the Planning Commission is only to discuss the setback modification for the proposed dwelling. 1. PUBLIC HEARiNG MC 2003-034 388Torrey Pines Drive Charles Bluth To permit a proposed 7'-9" to 13 '-3" easterly side yard setbaCk in lieu of 17' -2" required for a new two-story single-family home at the subject location: The requested setback would be along an adjacent reservoir site. The staff report was presented. In answer to a question by Commissioner Wen, Mr. Nicholson ,indicated that the application has not changed. The public hearing was opened. Charles .Bluth, 869 Lakeshore Blvd., inIcine Village, Nevada, said that he did send out a letter regarding this issue. His neighbor's attorney was present and could have spoken up at the1astmeeting. He felt that this was harassment. He'said that he will be spending $1.5 million to build this house and assured the Planning Commission that he would not be cutting comers. He submitted photos of the water tanks alld said that he would be planting mature trees and heaVily landscaping the water tanks. They have taken every aspect of this deveiopment into account. The letter that was submitted by his neighbor contains a great deal of misinformation.such as the water tanks were placed after their home was built. In fact,. the tanks were constructed 16 years ago prior to the construction of the, neighbor's house. Nick Pokrajac, 333 Madison, Monrovia, said that he objects' to the location of the water tanks because they are 5' away from his property and that is just too close. The water tanks reduce his property values. He gave'a brief history of the tanks.and how the cities of Monrovia and Arcadia dealt with the issues. Chairman Pro Tern Lucas reminded Mr. Pokrajac that the topic of discussion tonight is the side yard setbatk and not the tanks. He asked if Mr. Pokrajac,had any objections to the requested modification? Mr. Pokrajac said that anything that has a roof is considered a structure. These water tanks are structures that are 5' from his property line, which he considered to be too close. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Pro Tem Lucas Closed the public hearing. Chairman Pro Tem Lucas said that the Planning CommissionshouId discuss this as if it is a new public hearing. The purpose of this proceeding tonight is to discuss the setback modification and not the tanks. Commissioner Olson said that his feelings have not changed from the last meeting. He felt that moving the house back would provide for a larger yard area and push the house back from the street. He noted that the applicant could construct the .house without this modification except he would have a smaller yard area. This modification affects only the subject property and has no affect on any. of the neighbors. Arcadia City Planning Commission 3 7/8/03 . . Commissioner Hsu was concerned about the distance of the tanks and the house and felt that would create an unpleasing area He could not see a,hardship. Commissioner Wen could not see a reason-for denial. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Wen to. approve MC 2003-034 subject to all the conditions listed in the staff report, ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Olson, Wen, Lucas Commissioner Hsu Commissioner. Baderian Chairman Pro Tern Lucas noted that there is a five working day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by July 16th. 2. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 2003-006 819 S.,Golden West Hank Jong Consideration of a tentative parcel map for the conversion of a 4~unit apartment building into condominiums. The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened. Scott Chang, 11823 Slauson, SlIIlta Fe Springs, said they are in agreement with all of the conditions in the staff report. No one else spoke in favor ofar in opposition to this.item. Chairman Pro tern Lucas closed the public hearing. In reply to a question from Commissioner Hsu regarding the existing number of units, Ms. Butler rernarkl:d tl!at she did not think that these are currently affordable housing. She did not know how much these would sell for but thought they would be.seIling for less than newer condominiums, which in turn would make them more affordable than the newer units. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Wen to approve TPM 2003-006 subject to the conditions in the staff report, and me Negative Declaration. Arcadia City Planning Commission 4 718103 . . ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas None Commissioner Baderian Chairman Pro Tem Lucas noted that there is a ten-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by July 18th. 3. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 2003-010 137 Fano Hank Jong Consideration of a tentative p.arcel map' for a 3-unit residential condominium project The staff report was presented. Commissioner Hsu said that there is a discrepancy between the ElR fonn and_the square footage stated in the staff report. Mr. Nicholson replied that the square footage stated in the. staff report would be the correct one because it is taken off of the submitted plans, which are more accurate. The public hearing was opened. Scott Chang, IlS23 Slauson, Santa.Fe Springs, said they are in agreement with all of the conditions in the staff report. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to ,this item. Chairman Pro Tern Lucas closed the public hearing. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Wen, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to approve TPM 2003- OIO,subject to the. conditions in the staff report, and file Negative Declaration. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas None Commissioner Baderian Chairman Pro Tern' Lucas noted that there is a ten-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by JulylSth. ' ArCadia City PlanJ:ling Comniission 5 718103 . . 4. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 2003-011 182 W. La Sierra Ave. Eugene Duncan Consideration of a tentative parcel map creating two residential lots from one. The staff report was presented. In answer to a question by Commissioner Olson, Mr. Lambert said that the homes for the subject properties have not been submitted for plan check. Staffhas seen conceptual plans only. Commissioner Olson said that based on the plans, it appears that there is a footprint of a house and Mr. Lambert said that the plans are showing the existing'structures on.the lot. Ms. Butler said that the plans are showing the footprint of the existing homes and the plans for the new. homes are conceptual only. The. Planning Commission would not be approving any homes tonight for these lots, if it is approved. They are required to show the building envelope. The setback of the existing home is in alignment with all the other homes on La Sierra. Any'plans for the homes, would need to be reviewed and approved. Mr. Lambert stated that prior to recordation of the parcel map, all existing structures would have to be demolished. In checking the record of the home across the street, it does not appear that there were any modifications granted. The applicant has been informed that the City would probably not be in favor of any modifications for the construction of homes on the'site. The public hearing was opened. Eugene Duhcan, 899 W..Foothill, Monrovia, said he is representing the owners, the Wood Family. They are willing to reduce the size of the home and feel they could construct a 2,800 sq. ft. home on the comer lot and 4,200 sq. ft.. home on the second lot and comply with setback requirements. They intend to work closely with staff so that the homes would comply with all conditions and code requirements. Ms. Butler said that it is important to remember that the Planning Commission is not approving any homes, footprints or square footage tonight because this is nota vesting map. Tonight, the Planning Commission is only considering the lot split. They will have to comply with city regulations for any developments on these lots. Michael Yip, 129 W. La Sierra, said that they have submitted a letter explaining their opposition to the request. He did not think that this key comer lot should be subdivided. Where would the driveway be located? On La Sierra or El Monte? La Sierra is already crowded,and if the driveway would be off of this street it would make it more difficult for ingress and egress. The area is too close to the high school and the traffic is heavy during early morning hours. If approving, they would be increasing the density in the area and basically overcrowding the schools. There would be loss of privacy and increased noise. Liya Wang, 171 W. La Sierra, was concerned with setting a precedent for the neighborhood, It is very difficult to leave her house due to the school traffic. She was concerned about all the drivers who drive carelessly and fast. She. felt that. if this were approved, it would increase trilffic. She wondered what the motive is for this request? They moved to Arcadia because of the low crime rates, good schools and the Arcadia City'Planning Commission 6 1/8103 . . suburban feel but if these types of projects ate approved, the quality of life will go down and the dynamics of their area will change. In rebuttal, Mr. Duncan stated that there would be ample parking on site so cars would not have to park on the street. Mike Zenzola, 182 La Sierra, said that he is the developer of the project. He indicated that they would be constructing a smaller house on the'comer lot. These new homes would be an asset to the City. He has developed homes in the surrounding area. Zvov Y:ip, 129 W. La Sierra, said that this area should remain as is. Lots should not be split to increase density. Traffic wOlild be increased as a result of this subdivision. Schools would also be affected. There are many lots in the area that have the potential of being subdivided and she was afraid that this would set a precedent. She has spoken to many of her neighbors who have said that if this is approved, they will also attempt to subdivide their lots so they will have two lots to sell instead of just one. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Pro Tern Lucas closed the public hearing. In reply to a question by Commissioner Wen, Mr. Lambert said that only two lots were affected by Ordinance 1799. He did not think that there were any lots in the area that could be subdivided and meet code: Ms. Butler said that lot splits must meet all minimum lot width, depth, area requirements and lot configuration. Apparently, when the zone was changed in the area, the property owners. for the two comer lots requested that their lots, be excluded, There are not many lots in the area with the potential of a lot split. She said that flag or back lots are not permitted and explained the minimum lot size requirements. In response to a question by Chairman Pro TemLucas, Mr. Lambert said that based on current lot coverage requirements, if this is approved, lot I could have a 3,200 sq. ft. home and lot 2 a 6,000 sq, ft. home. If the lotwas to remain, they could construct approximately a 9,000 sq. ft. home. Commissioner Olson indicated that the lot split meets code requirements. If approved, he would not want to see a modification request to construct a .house. It would be hard 'for him to approve that request. He did not. think that a.driveway on La.Sierra would .be an issue. Buildings would.have.to meet, visibility standards. He understood the neighbors' concerns but felt this would not seta precedent. MOTION: It was moved by Co~ssioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Lucas to approve TPM 2003-011 subject to the conditions in the staff report, and file Negative Declaration. Commissioner Hsu saiii that he was in favor of maintaining the environment as well as the neighborhood. By subdividing this R-l lot, they would be disconnecting from the current neighborhood and what is desirable as a neighborhood. He was reluctant to see lots subdivided. Arcadia City Planning COJTUl1!ssion 7 718103 . . Chairman Pro Tern Lucas felt the new homes would be in harmony with, homes on La Sierra. the new lot is comparable with the lots to the south. He did not thfuk that the lot split would be a significant deviation from the adjoining properties. He believed that it. falls within the code and that homes could be built without modifications. AIth(JUgh, the issues raised by the neighbors have merit, he did not think that the lot split would be detrimental to the immediate neighborhood as a whole. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Olson, .Lucas Commissioner Hsu, Wen Commissioner Baderian Ms. Butler indicated that since it is a tie vote, the project is denied. The applicant can appeal tp.e decision to the City Council. Chairman Pro Tem Lucas noted that there is a ten-day appeal period'. Appeals are to be filed by th July 18 . . 5. PUBLIC HEARING TPM 2003-013 41'1 EI Dorado Hank Jong Consideration of a tentative parcel map for a 2-unit residential condominium project. The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened. Scott Chang, 11823 Slauson, Santa Fe Springs, said they are in agreement with all of the conditions in the staff report. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Chairman Pro TemLucas closed the public hearing, MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Wen to approve TPM 2003-013 subject to the, conditions in the staff report, and file Negative Declaration. ROLLCALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas None Commissioner.Baderian Chairman Pro Tem Lucas noted that there is a ten-day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by July 18th, Arcadia City Planning Commission 8 718103 . . CONSENT ITEM 6. MINUTES OF 6/24/2003 RECOMMENDATION: Approve 7. TIME EXTENSION Request for time extension of CUP 2002-011 and ADR 2001-055 to replace an existing retail building with a new automobile fueling station at 425 N. Santa Anita Ave. RECOMMENDATION: Approve 8. RESOLUTION NO. 1694 A resolution of thee Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, granting CUP 2003- 006 and approving ADR2002-041 to build and operate a two-story, 3,300 sq. ft. restaurant with a dil1ing'capacityof60 people, andwith beer and wine service with meals at 1038 S. Baldwin Ave. RECOMMENDATION: Approve It was moved by Commissioner Wen, seconded by Commissioner Olson to approve the Consent Items. ROLL. CALL: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Olson, Wen, Lucas None Col1lli11ssioner Baderian MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCJL Council Member Marshall announced upcoming city" events and recent City Council actions. MATTERS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION GommissionerOlson congratulatedCornmissioners, Baderian and. Lucas for assuming the.Ieadership. of the Planning Commission. He thanked his fellow Co:inmissioner for all the support that they gave him during the past year. He thanked Ms: Marshall and the rest of the City Council for re-appointinghim. He appreciated the opportunity to serve on the Modification Committee and said that the experience has provided him with insight and helps him look at various issues. Chairman Pro Tem Lucas thanked staff for their quick response to his traffic concerns. It appears that staff is aware of the problem. MODIFICATION COMMTITEE MEETING ACTIONS CO:inmissioner Olson summarized the Modification Committee actions. Arcadia City Planning ~ommission 9 718103 . MATTERS FROM STAFF I. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS 2. UPLANNING COMMISSIONOMlNG AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT 8:45 p.m. . Is/Donna Butler Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission Arcadia CitY Planning Commission 10 718103