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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMARCH 9, 2004 @) . MINUTES . Arudia City Planning Commission Tuesday, March 9,2004 7:00 p.m. in the Arudia City Council Chambers PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the Arcadia Council Chanibers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Dr. with Chairman Baderian presiding. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: ABSENT: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Olson, Wen, Baderian None OTHERS ATTENDING Council Member Gail Marshall Community Development Administrator Donna Butler Associate Planner Joseph Lambert Assistant Planner TomLi Seniot Administrative Assistant Silva Vergel SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Butler said that the applicant for 1104 Hugo Reid has requested a continuance of the public hearing. 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 1. PUBLIC HEARING MP 2003-046 1104 Hugo Reid Keith Wilson Consideration of modifications to legalize a non-permitted circular driveway including a 20'- 8" distance from the front property line in lieu of 25' and a 44.5% hardscape area in lieu of 40% allowed. The staff report was presented and the public bearing was opened. No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. Ms. Butler indicated that a new public hearing notice would be mailed. . . MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Lucas to continue the public hearing to the April 27th meeting. . ROLL CALL: . AYES: NOES: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Olson, Wen, Baderian None 2. PUBUC HEARING HEARING MP 2004-003 401 W. Walnut Ave. John,Yankosy Consideration of a modification for the construction of a new 2,515 sq. ft. addition to an existing single-family residence. The applicant withdrcw the application. 3. PUBUC HEARING MP 2004-004, TR 2004-004, ADR 2003-041 901 Holly Jack Wang Consideration of modifications, Oak Tree Encroachment Permit, and Architectural Design Review for a 2-unit residential condominium project. The staff report was presented and the public hearing was opened. Kai Chan, 730 Adelyn Dr., San Gabriel, said they are,in agreement with all of the conditions in the staff .report. He believed that this is a good project and will enhance the area. No one else spoke in favor of or in,opposition to this item. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Lucas, seconded by. Commissioner Hsu to close the public hearing: -The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Olson, Wen, Baderian None MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to approve MP 2004- 004, TR 2004-004, ADR 2003-041 subject to the conditions listed in the staff report. Arcadia City Planriing CommiSsion 2 3/914 . . ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Hsll, Lucas, Olson, Wen, Baderian None Chairman Baderian noted that there is a five working day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by March 16. 4. PUBLIC HEARING HEARING SADR 2004-008 2633 S. Baldwin Ave. Renee Ho Consideration. of an appeal of staff's denial of the architectural design review for a neon design element that was installed on the office building without approval. The staff report was presented. In answer to a question by Commissioner Lucas, Mr. Lambert indicated that the decision was based upon the design of the building and the use. In answer to a question by Commissioner Hsu, Mr. Lambert said the two reasons given for the basis for denial are in the architectural design review regulations. There is nothing in the code that addresses neon signs. Ms. Butler interjected that the architectural design revie-wguidelines were approved by Planning Commission and adopted by the City Council in February 2002. The main concern is that this is not an integral part of the design of the building. There have been some requests for neon type lighting that have been approved but it is dependent upon the design of the building and use of the buildings. These' have been typiClllly on retail buildings or restaurants. Neon bands have never been approved on an office building. This neon lighting is an attention-attracting device and not appropriate for this building, especially in light of how it has been designed. It is not compatible with the original design of the building. Sbe went on to say that staff is concerned with the neon element. She thought they could have used a less obtrusive type of lighting, such as up lighting to achieve a softer look. Staff is concerned with the aesthetics of the neon element. This type of lighting has, not been encouraged in the past and does not enhanCe the building, rather it becomes a focal point and this could be their reasoning for installing it but staff feels it is inappropriate. The Long Dragon sign was approved through architectural design review. . - . The public hearing was opened. Ny Ran, 436 Catalpa, spoke on behalf of the o~ers. He distributed an information packet, which included pictures of the building and showed the neon lights at night. He indicated that this is a procedural violation and they would not mind just paying, a fine, and be able to keep the neon element and move forward. When they hired their contractor, they figured that he would obtain the necessary approvals needed and did not feel that they should be punished for the contractor's mistake. He discussed each photo and explained the view frOJ.l1 each one and how it would be visible. He also compared the neon lights on the building with the other commercial buildings in the area, sucb as EI Arnadia City PlanningCnmmission 3 319/4 . . Polio LoCQ, which also has a band of neon around the building. Based upon the pictures, he indicated that the neon is compatible because there are others already existing in the immediate area. He went on to say that the neon actually enhances the look of the building and the area and disagreed with staff's opinion that the neon is inappropriate. Although, this is categorized as an office building, it is situated on a C-2 zoned property. Also, due to the existing business there, Long Dragon Realty which he classified as a retail business, they have many clients that visit them at various times of the day. The neon attracts customers and markets the building. The neon does not contradict architectural design review regulations. He explained the reasons for having the neoo is to provide additional security for their employees and customers. Recently, there have been a rash of crimes committed against realtors while they are working late in the office. Their working hours vary, some work late into the evening because that is the time that their clients are available to meet. The neon illuminates the building and provides additional security. They have already installed some security lighting in the parking area and the neon is just one more security measure. They are concerned abo~t the safety of their customers and employees. Tbey have had a great relationship with the city and would like to continue it and asked for Plaiming Commission's consideration with this regard. In answer to' a question by the Commission, Mr. Han indicated that the Long Dragon sign has beeo there for many years. He indicated that they moved into this building in 1998 from across the street, where they were located before. The neon will brighten their parking lot and provide security. In reply to a question by Chairman Baderian, Mr. Ran said that.they relied on their contractor to pull the necessary permits and found out about the violation after the neon was installed. Philip Hsu, 606 Walnut Ave. said that he is a concerned realtor, He wouid like to be proactive and emphasize security and crime prevention. He submitted and read a letter from Doug Meyer, Manager for Coldwell Banker, George Realty, which in part stated that during FebTUaIy one of their female realtors was a victim of an attempted mugging and in another incident a man approached one of their male agents with a knife. Both of these indicate the need for additional security and that a well lit parking lot will reduce crime. They are concerned about'the safety of their realtors and customers. He noted that staff does no~ live in the area and does not have a vested interest, whereas, they are the community; the residents and business owners; and very concerned witb what goes on in their neighborhood. They, the business owners and residents, feel that this would be a plus and will improve the area. According to code, there are exceptions as to when neon could be used, and he felt that,this would fall into that category. Their neon tubing would be compatible withEI Pollo Loco which has a similar band of orange neon around its building. It would be visually harmonious. Nancy Chao, 217 Sharon Rd., said she drives iothis area all the time and it was a dark comer before the restaurants came in and now the comer is lit up and looks nice. Before, this was a dangerous comer, especially because a lot of people walk there. This comer is a gateway into the City and it is nice thatit is lit up because a dark comer does not do justice to the city. She thought the neon would greatly increase security and as far as aesthetics it would be compatible with the other comers of the intersection. She suggested solving the code violation by talking and compromising with the property owner. Chairman Baderian asked Mr. Ran if they ever contacted the Police Dept. informing them of their concerns about safety and lack of lighting? Also, they have been in this building since 1998, why are they requesting this now? Arcadia city Planning Cnmmiuion 4 319/4 . . In reply, Mr. Shu said that he discussed the matter today with the Police Department and they felt that additional lighting would be a good idea because it would provide security and be another crime prevention tool. In fact, they encouraged other buildings to do the same. They are requesting this now due to the recent crimes that was committed in realty offices. As mentioned, they have erihanced the lighting in the parking lot and the walkways and this is just another added security measure. No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Wen to close the public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Olson, Wen, Baderian None Commissioner Wen felt that any type oflighting is good and will impact the neighborhood. He viewed this with the perspective of encouraging businesses. In fact, the racetrack, after being in business for so many years, added illuminated signs at several key corners to attract business. As an electrical engineer he likes to see buildings illuminated. He liked lighting up the skeleton of the building. With regard to whether it is appropriate or not, he said that looking at this corner, there is a gas station and other commercial uses that are well lit. This light is very typical of Chinese structure and culture and it high lights the Asian realty company. There is nothing wrong with it. The color matches and the building stands out. Looking at how a business would view this, they are looking to enlarge their exposure. Although, he thought they should have gotten permission before installing the lights. In answer to a question by Commissioner Olson, Ms. Butler indicated that if Arco wanted to redo their signs, they would be required to have a monument sign. The new guidelines that were recently adopted by City Council encourage monument signs, although, it. is not specified in the code. When the City Council adopted the new gUidelines, it was their desire to encourage monument style signs, so staff is trying to encourage that and feels that would be compatible with the design guidelines and sign regulations. Commissioner Olson felt they should be looking at.thisas if-it does not exist, It was put-up without any review or approval, therefore, in his opinion, this does not exist and that is how they should review it. This was installed without permits and is this what they want in the city? Is this what they want the city to look like and do they want this in Arcadia? If they were concerned about vandalism and crime, would this be the sign that they should approve to address their concerns? He was not sure that would be the way to go. But, what this sign does for the property owner is illuminate the building and help the business. The city does have specific regulations for signs on buildings and he was troubled that the applicant referred to this violation as "procedural". Had they approached the city, they would not be here right now. Staff has reviewed this and even though it was ,reviewed after the fact, it still does not comply. This is not a question of allowing the property owner to pay a fme but allowing him to keep an illegally installed element, it is what is appropriate in the city and what is not. Again, they should Amadin City Planning Commissinn 5 31914 . . review this as if it is not there, This is not a financial hardship issue but uniformity of development and compatibility. Ms. Butler said that the neon lighting is not considered as a sign but is considered a design element. Staff reviewed it based on compatibility with building and the surrounding area. Staff is also objecting to the Greek style design proposed. Commissioner Olson further stated that if the issues are to reduce crime and provide security, then the applicant should provide additional lighting in the parking and walkway areas. There are different ways of accenting and providing additional lighting for security. They should look at this as if it is not there and would tbeyapprove it based on current regulations and he thought they would deny it. Commissioner Lucas said in his opinion the applicant is advocating that this is a form of lighting, whereas, staff is saying that it is a design iSsue. He agreed with Commissioner Olson~s comments. He did not think this was appropriate lighting for the building. He did not know whether this was the best answer to provide additional security. He feltthat this is a design issue'andthe only reason that security issue has been discussed is because the applicant brought it up. Commissioner Hsu said he drove by the area last night and saw the lighting. He did not feel that it enhances the building, nor did hefmd it objectionable. In absence of specific regulations, he could not see how they could prohibit this type of lighting. In reply to a question by Cbairman Baderian, Ms. Butler stated that they look at this as an office building and not a commercial use or the zoning,ofthe property. Neon lighting is not encouraged, only on rare occasions for restaurants or service stations but never on office buildings. There are many ways and techniques to illuminate a building such as down lighting. Many hours were spent reviewing this. MOTION:, It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Lucas to deny the appeal of SADR 2004-008 and to uphold staff's denial based on inconsistency with the City's architectural Design Review Guidelines. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Lucas, Olson, Baderian NOES' --Commissioners Hsu, Wen Chairman Baderian noted that there is a five working day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by March 16. 5. PUBLIC HEARING TA 2004-005 Consideration of a text amendment revising the City's commercial and industrial parking regulations. The staff report was presented Arnadia city Pbmning Commission 6 319(4 . . Commissioner Lucas felt that industrial and commercial zones should have one set of regulations. Commissioner Hsu said that if they take away compact spaces, they would be reducing the number of parking spaces. He thought the width of a stall is more important than its length. Ms. Butler commented that it is important to note that compact cars are not the only cars that park in compact spaces. There are many large SUVs that will park in those spaces. The City's traffic engineer has reviewed the proposed regulations and is comfortable with what has been proposed. The Planning Commission can recommend to the City Council to explore this but staff feels that 20' is appropriate. She pointed out that the proposed regulations would not affect existing parking lots and that this would be applied to,a11 new situations. Chairman Baderian said that there have been many requests on the agendas dealing with parking modifications for tutoring schools and other uses, will these new regulations reduce the number of modification requests? Ms. Butler stated that it might. Again, if the parking lot is new it would probably reduce the number of requested modifications but it may not reduce the modification requests for older lots. Staff will also recommend. eliminating the shared parking in the CBD zone, because no one wants to give up their parking. She explained the definition of a workout area in a health club, explained the regulations on childcare and tutoring centers and how the banking industry is changing and not requiring as many parking spaces. Chairman Baderian remarked that this is an excellent document an~ that it really grasps the transportation and the mobility of the community. It appears that there was a thorough analysis and was pleased that bicycling and landscape were take into consideration. Commissioner Olson agreed regarding the compact spaces and said that he always sees large cars parked there. There are no regulations mandating what size car can park in the type of a space. He tbought it was a good idea to have the regulations for bicycles. He wondered if the parking requirements would change.for banks that are located in grocery stores and Ms. Butler replied that it would not because iUs an incidental use to the grocery store. Commissioner Hsu felt that compact spaces create a congested feeling. The public hearing was opened. No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Olson to close the public hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting. ROLLCALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Hsu,.Lucas, Olson, Wen, Baderian None Arcadia City Planning C<nnmission 7 319/4 . . MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to recommend approval ofTA 2003-005 to the City Council. ROLL CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Olson, Wen, Baderian None CONSENT ITEM 6. MINUTES OF 2/10/4 RECOMMENDATION: Approve MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Olson, seconded by Commissioner Lucas to approve the Minutes of February 10, 2004 as published. ROLL. CALL: AYES: NOES: Commissioners Hsu, Lucas, Olson, Wen, Baderian None MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL Council Member Marsball discussed actions taken by City Council. She said an 8th grader suggested to her that any new street in the City should be named after famous horses that raced in Santa Anita and since she thought this was a great idea, she took it to City Council and they directed staff to look into it. She commented that the City Council has suggested to get "together with staff and set aSIde several hours to discuss issues of concern and prioritize them and implement them as funds become available. In answer to a question by Chairman Baderian, Ms. Butler indicated that the zone change for the drug store on Foothill Blvd. was tabled by City Coimcil so staff would have time to discuss it with the consultant. - MATTERS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION Possible topics of discussion at joint study session with City Council. Chairman Baderian said that Ms. Butler had e-mailed discussion topics to them and any additions or comments should be e-mailed to her. Arcadia City Planning Commissinn 8 31914 . . MODIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS Commissioner Olson summarized the Modification Committee actions. He also made corrections to the agenda. MATTERS FROM STAFF 1. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS 2. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA ITEMS Ms. Butler reminded the Planning Commission about the invitation from the COG. ADJOURNMENT 8:40 p.m. IslDonna Butler Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission Arcadia City: PJanning Commission 9 31914