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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJUNE 24, 2003 .1t . . MINUTES . Arcadia City Planning Commission Tuesday, June 24, 2003 7:00 p.m. in the Arcadia City Council Cbambers PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 7:00 p.rn. 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 Baderian, Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Olson None OTHERS ATIENDING Community Development Administrator Donna Butler Planning Services Manager Corkran Nicholson Senior Administrative Assistant SilvaVergel SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS None TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON-PUBLlCHEARlNG !\1ATTERS (5 MlNUTE LIMIT PER PERSON) None Chairman Olson indicated that the item before the Planning Commission is only to discuss the setback modification for the proposed dwelling. The issue of the water tanks is not a part of these proceedings and will not be discussed tonight. 1. PVBLICHEARING MC 2003-034 388 Torrey 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 from Commissioner Lucas, Mr. Nicholson said that the area where the water tanks are located was deeded to the city. The public bearing was opened. . . '- Charles Bluth, 869 Lakeshore Blvd., Inlcine Village, Nevada, said that this is the highest IQt in Whispering Pines and gave a brief history of the development. The tanks were an important part of the approval of the development. They have designed the house to surround the water tanks so they would not be visible. There will be no windows on that side of the house facing the water tanks. They would like to move the house back from the slope which would make it less visible from the city and that would also reduCBany intrusion to the neighbors below. The private driveway is only used by the neighbor to the south. He distributed photos of the water tanks. The house can be designed to meet all city codes and can be constructed. They are asking for this modification so that the house can sit further back to provide additional courtyard area and landscaping for the new homeowner. This will also help to buffer the house, since it is the highest house in the development. The tanks cannot be moved but can be made less visible by providing dense landscaping. The view from the house would be looking to the soUth and the west. This is a unique lot. The easterly portion of the lot is virtually unusable due to the tanks. He is trying to get additional landscape area by moving the house back to allow for more garden area. . Commissioner Baderian asked how would the Planning Commission's denial would affect the proposal? Mr. Bluth replied that it would not impact the development of the house. It would only mean that the yard area would be smaller. They are basically sliding the house back. The house meets all code requirements. The house will be constmcted regardless of tonight's Planning Commission's action. The only question is whether they will have a larger yard or not. He said that in his opinion, landscaping is very important. Landscaping will break up the look of the house from the valley. The additional landScaping will help soften the development. He was in agreement with the conditions that were listed in the staff report, if the Planning Commission approved the modification. No one else spoke in favor of orin opposition to this item. Chairman Olson closed.the public hearing; Mr. Nicholson explained that this is a unique lot. The frontage is off of a private access road. He indicated that there is a HomeoWliers.Association for the homes in. this area. Commissioner Baderian understood the basis for staff's recommendation and that projects should comply with code. But, this is a unique situation and it is not a typical development. He felt that staff should review the landscaping plan and possibly have an. addhionai set of criteria to make sure that it . complies. - - - - . . MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Lucas to approve MC 2003-034 subject to all the conditions listed in the staff report, with the understanding that the final landscaping design and criteria must be approved by the Community Developmem Administrator. . Commissioner Hsusaid that he visited the site and given the small pad, flat area and the proximity of the home to the water tanks, a shaded area would be created, if this were approved. He wondered how that Arcadia City Planning Commission 2 6/24103 J.... . '. would affect the neighboring property. From a deSign point of view he said there should be a buffer between the tank and the home. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Baderian, Lucas, Wen, Olson Commissioner Hsu Chairman Olson noted that there is a five working day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by July 2nd. . CONSENT ITEM 3. MINUTES OF 6it012003 RECoMMENDATION: Approve 1\10TION It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to approve the Minutes as revised. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: CommissionersBaderian,Hsu, Lucas, Wen, Olson None MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL None MATTERS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION Commissioner Baderian indicated that he would be absent from the July Sib meeting. Healso commented that Ms. Butler and Mr. Nicholson did an excellent job at the last City Council meeting relative to the appeal at S21 San Vicente. - Chairman Olson said that the Planning Commission's reorganization would be scheduled for the July S'h meeting. MODIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS Chairman Olson suinmarized the Modification Committee actions. MATTERS FROM STAFF 1. CITY COllNClL ACTIONS , 2. UPLANNING COMMISSIONOMING AGENDA ITEMS Arcadia Clly Planning Commission 3 6124103 -_,' . . Ms. Butler said that they will be interviewing for the Senior Planner position and.have narrowed it down to three candidates; She remarked that as depicted.in the project list, planning staff is reviewing many projects. Staff is also working on various projects which will be forthcoming to the Planning Commission fur their review and approval. ADJOURNMENT Arcadia City Planning CQmmission 7:40 p.rn. IslDonna Butler Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission 4 6124103