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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJUNE 12, 2007 , . .~ MINUTES ARCADIA CITY PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, June 12, 2007, 7:00 P.M. Arcadia City Council Chambers The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met.in regular session on Tuesday, June 12, at 7:00 p.m., in the Arcadia Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W. Huntington Drive, With Chairman Olson presiding. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL: PRESENT: ABSENT: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Hsu, Parrilleand Olson None OTHERS ATfENDING Councilman Peter Amundson CommUnity Development Administrator Jason Kruckeberg Planning Services Manager Corkran Nicholson Associate Planner Jim Kasama Associate Planner Tom Li Senior Administrative Assistant Billie Tone SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Kruckeberg introduced two additional items related to agenda item I. They were a memo from the City Attorney modifying condition no. 7 and an emailfrom a neighbor. Commissioner Beranek said he might have a conflict on the first case as his office shares parking with the applicant. Mr. Kruckeberg said that would probably not be a conflict but that the applicant will be asked before the item is heard.ifthere is any objection to his participation in the hearing. Commissioner Parrille said thafhe lives within 150 feet of the Baldwin Avenue site in item 2. Since this does create a conflict, he said he would abstain from participating in the hearing of item 2. TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON-PUBLIC HEARING MATIERS - Five-minute time limit per person None . . ~ PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS 1. PUBLIC HEARING CUP 07-04 AND ADR 07-05 21 E. HuntingtonDr. Bedros Darkjian Becb:os Darkjian has submitted an application for a Conditional Use Permit and Architectural Design Review to remodel and expand the existing restaurant by remodeling the front fa~e, fully utilizing the 2,600 square-foot first floor for restaurant use, Converting the 2,600 square-foot second floor office area into a dining and service area, expanding the ground floor outdoor dining area by ~OO square feet with a:parking Modification to remove the tWo. (2) on-site. parking spaces, and adding an 865 square-foot second floor deCk for additional outdoor dining space. The proposed total seating is for 270 people and the proposed business hours are 11 :00 a.in. to 1 :00 am. daily. The staff report was presented by Associate Planner fun Kasama. CommissionerParrille aSked if the application were approved as submitted, with the elimination of tWo parking spaces, would that reduction in parking spaces become permanent? Mr. Kasama said that as long as the site is used as a restaurant, yes, the reduction would be permanent. He further explained that if the use changes the number of parking spaces required woUld change too. Commissioner Hsu pointed out that one of the. spaces to be eliminated. is a handicap accessible space. Mr. KaAAma explained that even so, the applicantstillhas.thecorrect proportionate number of handicapped spaces. Thepilblic hearing was opened. Chairman Olson asked the applicant; aedrOS Darkjian, ifhe would prefer that Commissioner Beranek was excused from the hearing since his office shares parking with the subject business. Mr. Darkjian, 527 TancanyonRoad, said that would not be necessary. He also thanked Mr. Kasamaand the Planning Department for their assistance with the project. Mr. Darkjian explained.that the first floor of the building was previously used asa restaurant and the second floor as storage. He said hewants to convertthe restaUrant to Mediterranean style which traditionally includes outdoor orpiltio dining. Therefore, he would'like to create a second floor outdoor balcony for use by small parties. Mr. Darkjian said that he consulted with the Building Department on the plans for the balcony and also to verify that the reduction in handicapped parking is legal. He described his plans to.replace the awning and change the sign. In conclusion, Mr. Darkjian asked the Commissioners to approve the application as submitted. Commissioner Baderian asked Mr..Darkjian if he had read thestaffreport and conditions of approval and was in agreement with them and Mr. Darkjian replied that he had, except for the revised condition no. 7, Commissioner Baderian asked if the project will go forward even if the outdoor seating is denied and Mr. Darkjian replied that it would. He PC MINUrES 6-12.07 Page 2 - ----- ----~ - - -~~- .... . noted, however~tthe outdoor seating would be important to the success of the business. Commissioner Parrille asked if the Cafe Lily, previously at this location, had outdoor dining and Mr. Darkjian said they used about 400 to 500 square feet in the rear of the building for outdoor dining but he had never seen it in operation. With regard to bar seating, Chairman Olson noted that the amount of seating would remain the same but the configuration would b.e different. Commissioner Beranek expressed concern about visibility for the alley parking. Mr. Darkjian said he didn't see a problem with that as the same parking situation exists at 37Huntington Drive without causing any trouble. Chairman Olson asked if anyone else wanted to speak in favor or opposition to the application. Kathleen Gazarian., PO Box 181, Sierra Madre, CA 91025, the oWDerofthe business next door to the project site,said that the property in question is narrow and limited to three parking spaces. The proposed wall to the street will eliminate one space which is inconvenient since most people Come and go by the rear entrance. She said she is afraid that her business will be so enclosed by the proposed wall that it will notbe seen and she is also concerned about the loss of parking. She mentioned that several businesses have come and gone at this address and suggested enclosing only the existing patio at this point or using an archway a1ongthe.east wall. This would allow the applicant to wait until the business grows to build a permanent addition. Mr. Darkjian said if the Commission appr~ves the project as submitted, allowing the second floor use; they will work with staff and the neighboring business to reach a comprorilise. Commissioner Parrille asked to verify the location of the site and Mr. Darkjian confirmed thatit.is on the east side of Claro's Deli. MOTION: It was moved. by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Beranek, to close the public hearing. Without objection the public hearing was closed. Mr. Kasama assured the Commissioners that the applicant's seating plan conformed.to the Building Code. Commissioner Parrille said he welcomes the use of the property as a restaurant but has reservations about the loss of two parking spaces and, therefore, can't support the proposed project. Commissioner Hsu agreed and added his concerns about backing into the alley and the blind spot that would be created by the proposed wall. Chairman Olson asked City Engineer Wray for his opinion. PC MINUTES 6-12.M Page 3 . . ~ Mr. Wray said that an alleyway is different from a public street in thatit iscorrimon to see walls, garages, etc. built right up to the property line. He noted that the speed limit in an alley isl5 miles per hour because alleys usually have limited vision. Mr. Kasama stated that.instaff's opinion, the parking isadeq]Jate. He noted thatby 6:00 pm most of the lot is empty and that there are plenty of spaces at lunch time too because they are vacated by employees who go out to lunch. Commissioner Baderian saidhe,would like to see this project go forward but it appears that more work is needed. He Suggested continuing this item to a future meeting. Mr. Kruckeberg said staffwill meet with the applicant and try to work out a plan that would be acceptable and could be ready to present this item at the July 10 meeting. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to continue Conditional Use Permit 07-04 and Architectural Design Review 07-05 to Juiy ]0,2007. AYES: NOES: CommissioDerSBaderian, Beranek, Hsu, Parrille and Olson None , 2. PUBLIC HEARING MP 07~01 AND.SF ADR 07-14 1808 S.Baldwin Ave, (also known as 661 W. Lemon Ave.) Eva Neumann (property owner) Eva Neumann has submitted applications for the following modifications and Architectural Design Review fOT a proposed 4,600 square foot, two-story single family residence: I. A front yard setback of 25'-0" in lieu of the 38'-0" average of the two nearest developed lots; 2. A street side yard setback of 25' -0" for the first floor and 30'-0" for the second floor in lieu of the 40'-0" special setback along Baldwin Avenue; and 3. A 60'-4" long flat expanse of building wall facing the street side yard along Baldwin Avenue without the requried minimum 2'-0" deep by 6'-0" wide architectural articulation for each 25' -0" long wall. The staff,report was presented by Associate Planner Tom Li. The applicant, Eva Neumann, asked the Commissioners to approve her application as submitted. Chairnian Olson explained to Ms. Neumann that Commissioner Parrille would abstain from the vote on this item because of a conflict and he asked Ms. Neumann if she would consent to have the Commissioner present during the deliberations. Ms. Neumann said she had no objections to Commissioner Parrille's'presence; PC MlNUfES 6-12:07 Page 4 .' Kathy (did nott last name), 657 W. Lemon, asked if! would be notified if the applicant decided to build a new wall between their properties. Mr. Li explained that since it is a shared wall she would be notified. She also asked if the applicant would be able to view her backyard from their house and why they were not required to .adhere to the code. Mr. Kruckeberg explained that is the purpose of the hearing, i,e., to determine if the applicant should be permitted to deviate from the code. Mary Ann Golf, 1810 S. Baldwin, another neighbor, expressed concern about the size of the proposed house. She said that all the other properties nearby are setback further and she feels that standard.should be maintained. Ms. Neumann 'said that the house is 4600 square feet. and 1000 square feet ofit is basement so she feels that the house is really not that large. She also explained that the configuration of the lot makes the reduced setback necessary. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Beranek, to close the public hearing. Without objection the public hearing was closed. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to approve Modification Application MP 07-01 and Single Family Architectural Design Review 07-14 as recommended by staff, subject to the conditions in the,staffreport AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: Commissioners Baderian, Beranek, Hsu, and Olson None Parrille CONSENT ITEMS 3. PLANNING COMMISSION DETERMINATION Finding that the proposed Capital Improvement Program for 2007-2008 is consistent with the General Pian. Mr. Kruckeberg explained that each year the types of projects that are within the Capital Improvement Program, i.e., street improvements, right of way projects, building maintenance, water projects, landscaping, etc., as listed in the attachment to the report, are.reviewed by the Planning Commission for a recommendation to the City Council.. The Capital Improvement Program, along with the rest of the budget, will be on the agenda for the next City Council meeting. PC MINUTES ("lM7 Page S Commissioner B~ansaid that'he reviewed and supportae.recommendations and that the list of projects will benefit the entire community. He asked if the possible withdrawal of the Rusnak auto dealership from the city would have a negative impact on these projects. Mr. Kruckeberg said that although none of the projects are tied to a specific source of funding, the possible Rusnak withdrawal could have an impact and would have to be evaluated along with other factors. ColIlIl1issionerBeranekasked aboutthe proposed 1.5 million dollar gym at. Foothills Middle School. Mr. Kruckeberg explained that the facility would be available to other users in the city in the evening and on weekends through the Parks and Recreation Department. Councilman Amundson noted that federal and state grant money would be used on the project too. Commissioner Baderian noted that the city has limited recreation facilities aild the addition oftllls facility for use after school bours and in the summer would benefit the entire city. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Beranek to find that the Capital Improvement Plan is in conformance with the General.Plan. Without objection, the Capital Improvement Plan was approved as submitted. 4. MINUTES OF 4-24-07 RECOMMENDATION: Approve MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Parrille to recommend approval of the Minutes of April 24, 2007, as submitted. Without objection, the minutes were approved as submitted. MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION Councilman AmundooD told the Commissioners that the Council members were surprised to get the press release about the possible Rusnak move. They are still awaiting. a final decision from Rusnak. Mr. Amundson said that Westfield has filed two lawsuits against the city regarding The Shops at Santa Anita project. Caruso Affiliated is funding the defense of the project. Although it could take six to nine months to hear these cases; Caruso is proceeding with their plans for The Shops at Santa Anita. PC MINUTES 6-12'{)7 Page6 ---- ------ ------ - .' . . MODIFICATION COMMI'ITEE MEETING ACTIONS Chairman Olson reported that there were two items on the agenda for the Modification Committee meeting this morning and both items were approved. MATTERS FROM STAFF Mr. Kruckeberg noted that there are a couple of items of particular interest on the budget. There is a proposed GeneralPlail project and a proposed downtown project funded by the Redevelopment Agency. A CalPoly class is gathering data for the downtown project. ADJOURNMENT 8:12o.m. Is/Jason Kruckeber~ Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission PC MINUTES 6-12-07 Page 7 i;~ PUBLIC COMMENTS SPEAKER REQUEST FORM PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING If you wish to speak at the Planning Commission meeting, please PRINT YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS below. This will allow the Planning Secretary to . correctly list your name and address in the minutes of this meeting. Please return this card to the Planning Secretary prior to the start of the meeting. Thank you. Name: ~/6,lll-YIrt.'i.,J GA2AQ{A~ Address: I PO )75' II Stfi2J2.A mflD1e, cA 9'/ 0 2~ - , . ~ MEMORANDUM Development Services. Departm<:mt June 12, 2007 TO: FROM: Arcadia Planning Commission Jason Kruckeberg, Community Development Administrator By: Jim Kasama, Associate Planner SUBJECT: CUP 07-04 -21 E. Huntington Dr. - Additionallnfonnation For CUP 07"04, the City Attomey has revised the recommended condition no. 7, as follows: 7. A trash enclosure shall be provided on-site, the design and location shall be subject to review and approval by the Development Services Director. This requirement may be waived if an adjoining property owner is in agreement to allow the sharing of a trash enclosure. The trash enclosure to be shared must be in compliance with the applicable trash enclosure standards; The agreement to share a trash enclosure shall be subject to the approval of the Development Services Director and maintained at all times during the effective period of this Conditional Use permit, in writing on file in the Community Development Division. And~ the attached e-mail was received from the owner of the property at 23 E. Huntington Drive. Attachment .' . ~ Jim Kasama From: Sent: To: Subject: kathy GAZARIAN [hyendaneek@msn.com] Tuesday, June 12, .20078:29 AM Jim Kasama 21 E. t:luntfngton Dr. RE: 21 E. Huntington Dr Arcadia Dear Mr. Kasama: I spoke with you yesterday regarding the proposed plan to extend the Building length and add a second story patio to the existing building. The addition of the building's east wall out to the alley will not only cut off vis~al sight of my tenant's business, it will definitely cut out at least one of their parking spaces (which are rninirnalto begin with). Additionally, in order to leave the parking area one would need to back out blindly into the alley. Since the -rear entrance supports the majority of their business, I am concerned about their continued ability to perform. It is my understanding that AIcadia is encouraging outdoor dining spaces. To allow an addition of this extent without an ESTABLISHED business and clientele is premature 'and should be reconsidered in the future. After all, over the years how many restaurants have come and gone from this site. The p.ermit for this patio and building will last forever and make an impact on any tenant I have. Of courSe it is my best w~shes for the new tenant's success at his endeavor. All improvements in 'business on this' street have a positive effect on ea'ch and every business. His.. success may indirectly benefit my tenant' s bus~ness. But at the end of the day, it is my obligation to protect my tenant and interests. I am hopeful to attend the meeting later tonight but wanted to be sure my thoughts are expressed. Sincerely, Kathleen Gazarian (owner of 23 E. Huntington DR) 1