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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNOVEMBER 25, 2008 . . . MINUTES ARCADIA.PLANNING COMMISSION Tuesday, November 25, 2008, 7:00 P.M. Arcadia City Council Chambers The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, November. 25, 2008 at 7:00 p,m" in the Council Chambers of the City of Arcadia, at 240 W, Huntington Drive, with Chairman Beranek presiding, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Chairman Beranek ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu, Parrille and Beranek ABSENT: None OTIlERS ATIENDING City Councilman Gary Kovacic City Engineer Phil Wray Community Development Administrator Jim Kasarna Senior Planner Lisa Flores AssociateP\anner Tom Li Assistant Planner Steven Lee Senior Administrative Assistant Billie Tone MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seeonded by Commissioner Parrille, to read the Resolutions by title only and waive reading the full text of the Resolutions, The motion passed by voice vote with none dissenting, SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Mr, Kasama directed the Commissioners' attention to letters of opposition to items 4 and 5, and information on the public hearing notification distancesforitems Ithrough 5, TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN TIlE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON-PUBLIC HEARING MATfERS - Five-minute time limit per person None . . PUBLIC IlEARINGS 1. MODIFICATION NO. MC 08-42 715 S. First Ave.l57 Alice St, Twen Ma (Architect) The applicant is requesting a Modification for 34 on-site commercial parking spaces in lieu of 38 spaces required to allow a 2,550 square-foot dental office in a general office space within a newly constnJctedmixed-use building, Associate Planner Thomas Li presented the staff report, The public hearing was opened, Mr, Twen Ma, the architect for the prospective tenant, presented alternative parking requirement calculations, and distributed copies of his methodologies to each of the Commissioners, Commissioner Baderian asked Mr, Ma if staff had seen these calculations prior to them being presented at the meeting, and Mr, Ma said no. William and Judy Chiang, the property owners, explained that they have had a great deal of difficulty finding tenants for this building, They said they had to sell their house to pay back the construction loans, and have moved into one of the units in the building, They stated that they may face .foreclosure if this application is denied and the tenant is not allowed to move in, Chainnan Beranek asked if there was anyone else who wanted to speak in favor of the application. There was not, Chairman Beranek asked if anyone would like to speak in opposition to the project, There was not. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to close the public hearing, Without objection the public hearing was closed, Commissioner Baderian said that he is reluctant to proceed without staff's analysis of the figures provided by Mr, Ma and he asked Mr, Kasama if staff would bave enough time to review the material if the item was continued to the December 9 meeting, Mr, Kasama said they would, PC MINUI'ES 1I-2~ Page 2 MOTION: . . It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Parri1Ie, to continue Modification No. MC 08-42 to December 9, 2008. ROLL CALL: AYES: ColDDlissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu, Parrille and Beranek NOES: None 2. MODIFICATION NO. MP 08-07 AND OAK TREE PERMIT NO. TR 08-35 1445 Rancho Road Robert Tong The applicant is requesting the following Modification and Oak Tree Encroachment Permit for a new 9,798 square-foot, two-story residence and an attached 946 square-foot, four-car garage: 1. A 65'-0" front yard setback in lieu of 80'-6" required, and 2, To permit the new residence, driveway and irrigation lines for the new front yard landscape to encroach within the driplines of thirteen (13) oak trees. Senior Planner, Lisa Flores presented the staff report. The public hearing was opened. Mr, Robert Tong, representing the owners, said that they are willing to comply with all conditions of approval and he offered to answer questions on the project, Chairman Beranek asked if there was anyone else who wanted to spelik:in favor of the application, There was not Chairman Beranek asked if anyone would Iiketo speak in opposition to the project, and there was not.. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to close the public hearing, Without objection the public hearing was. closed. Commissioner Parrille noted that the proposed house is three times the size of the current house and he expressed concern that the existing inftastructure may not be able to support this type of improvement. Commissioner Parrille suggested that the Commission should take these factors into consideration on future projects. PC.MINtITES 1l-2~8 Page 3 MOTION: . . It was mo:ved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Baerg, to approve Modification No, MP 08-07and Oak Tree Permit No, TR 08-35 subject to the conditions of approval in the staff report, ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu, ParriJle and Beranek NOES: None There is a five working day appeal period from the date of the decision, Appeals are to be filed by 5:30 p.m, on Thursday, December 4, 2008. 3. CONDmONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 08-05 643 W, Duarte Road Boba Tea Zone, Inc. and Pingo Yogurt The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit and parking modification for a 2,390 square-foot cafe and yogurt shop to have seating for 18 patrons, The staff report was presented by Assistant Planner, Steven Lee, The public hearing was opened, Mr, Joseph Lee, the applicant, said that his business has eXisted at the present site for the last five years with tables and chairs and there has never been II problem, He noted, that. since he has been told to remove the tables and chairs his business has fallen by fifty percent. Mr, Joseph Lee said that he feels since the tables and chairs have not been a problem in the last five years it is not reasonable to force him to remove them now, In addition, Mr. Joseph Lee said he personally conducted a parking survey and that there were always 20"10 of the spaces available, Commissioner Baderian asked the applicant if he would comply with the recommendations in the staff report, and Mr, Joseph Lee said that he is not sure of the meaning of recommendation 2. Assistant Planner, Mr, Steven Lee explained that staff is recommending denial of this project, However, should the Commission decide to approve the project, item 2 states that the parking modification is approved along with the project, The applicant said he concurred with the recommended conditions, Commissioner Baerg asked the applicant how many chairs he had been using at the restaurant. The applicant said they used to have twelve chairs but they have all been removed. Beranek asked if there was anyone else who wanted to speak in favor of the application, There was not, PC MINUTES 11-2~8 Page 4 Chairman Be~sked if an;one would like to speak .ppositiOn to the projeet. There was none, MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Baderian, to close the public hearing. Without objection the public hearing was closed, Commissioner Baderian asked if the original business license included approval for tables and chairs, Assistant Planner Lee explained that the original business license was issued with the condition that there would not be any tables or chairs. Commissioner Baerg pointed out that the applicant says that his business is suffering significantly without the tables and chairs and that to approve the application would only maintain the status quo, Commissioner Hsu noted that similar proposals were denied in the recent past, Commissioner Parrille said that traffic congestion, along with parking, is a problem at the center and that the tables and chairs have probably exacerbated.the problem. Commissioner Baderian said that it is important to remain consiStent with past deeisions, In addition, he noted that the center is already deficient by at least 100 parking spaces, Chairman Beranek said that the center has serious parking deficiencies and if this application is approved it will encourage other takl>-Out eating establishments to apply for a Conditional Use Permit to add seating, MOTION: It was moved by Comrnissioner.Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Parrille, to deny Conditional Use Permit No, CUP 08-05, ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Hsu, Parrille and Beranek NOES: Commissioner Baerg A Resolution reflecting the decision of the Planning Commission will be presented for adoption at the next Commission meeting, There is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution, 4. CONDmONAL USE PERMIT. NO. CUP 08-11 1201 s.Baldwin Avenue Bao Kim Coleman (on behalf of Huntington Learning Center) PC MINUTES II-U08 Page' The applicant is eesting a Co~ditional Use Permit and Lg modification for a 3,505 square-foot learning center with a maximum enrollment of60 students (1" through 12th grades), The staff report was .presented by Assistant Planner, Steven Lee and the Commission was reminded of the letter of opposition that. was distributed prior to the meeting, Commissioner Baderian asked how the parking will be monitored since the clients of the Center win have to drop students off in the upper level parking lot, Mr. Lee explained that the Learning Center staff will instruct their clients on parking procedures and city staff can monitor parking as well, The public hearing was opened. Mr. BaoKim Coleman, representing the Huntington Learning Center, said they would comply with all conditions and offered to answer. questions about their operation, Commissioner Baderian asked if the center would be in operation year round and Mr, Coleman said they would. Commissioner Baderian asked how Huntington planned to monitor parking, Mr, Coleman explained that the clients will be required to sign a contract with the school and one of the conditions of the contract will be the use of the upper level parking lot. Commissioner Hsu asked why the Learning Center would open at 9:00 a,m. when the students can't attend until after regular school hours, Mr. Coleman explained that the staff did administrative work before the students arrived, Commissioner Baderian noted that the staff report said that no more than 60 students were expected per school year and he asked about summer activity. Mr. Coleman said that they can work with only 60 students at a time because the programs are customized for the individuals. He further explained that the operation would continue through the summer to allow the students to prepare for the fall session at their regular school. Commissioner Parrille questioned the age range of the students and Mr. Coleman said they would be from first through twelfth grades. Chairman Beranek asked if there was anyone else who wanted to speak in favor of the application, There was not. Chairman Beranek asked if anyone would Iike.to speak in opposition to the project, There was not. MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Baderian, to close the public hearing, Without objection the public hearing was closed, PC MINUTES 1I'2'~8 Pogc6 Commissioner lAte said he 'is very concerned abo~c congestion in this center and asked if staff ~Jr;:eviewthe situation in six months and report back to the Commission. He further suggested adding a separate condition on the requirement for upper level parking, Mr, Lee asked if the Commission wanted to add a condition restricting the number of students to no more than 60 at any given time to account for the summer time, Commissioner Baderian pointed out that requiring a status report after six months might not provide an accurate picture of the traffic and parking situation because the new fitness center will not yet be in operation. Commissioners Baderian and Hsu proposed amending the condition to require the applicant to work with staff on a traffic mllnllgement plan, MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Parrille, seconded by Commissioner Baderian, to approve Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 08-11 subject to the conditions of approval in the staff report with the Commissions' additions and changes ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu, Parrille NOES- Chairman Beranek A Resolution reflecting the decision of the Planning Commission will be presented for adoption at the next Commission meeting, There is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the Resolution, 5. CONDmONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 08-14 160E, Duarte Rd., Unit D Manohar Singh (Lessee) The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit and parking modification for a l,020 square-foot sandwich shop (dbaSubway) with a maximum of 24 seats, Hours of operation are 7:00 a,m, to 10:00 p.m" seven days a week. RESOLUTION NO. 1783 A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, approving Conditional Use Permit No, CUP 08-14for a 1,020 sq. ft, eating establishment (dba Subway) with 24 seats at 160 E. Duarte Road, Unit D. The staff report was presented by Associate Planner Tom Li, and the Commission was reminded of the letter of opposition distributed prior to the meeting.. The public hearing was opened. PC MJNUI'ES 1l-2S.oS Page 7 . Mr, Manohar SirAthe appli~t, said that he has read ~report and will comply with all the condition~T approval. Chairman Beranek asked if there was anyone else who wanted to speak in favor of the application. There was not. Chairman Beranek asked if anyone would like to speak in opposition to the projeet. There was not. MOTION: It was moved by Chairman Beranek, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to close the public hearing. Without objection the public hearing was closed, Commissioner Parrille said that he is troubled by the lack of adequate parking, Chairman Beranak pointed out that other tenants in the center were previously approved without the recommended number of parking spaces, MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to approve Conditional Use Permit No, CUP 08-14 subject to the conditions of approval in the staff report and to adopt Resolution No, 1783, ROLL CALL: AYES: ComDlissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu, and Beranek NOES: COIllll1issioner Parrille 6. TEXT AMENDMENT NO. TA 08-05 Citywide Staff is proposing to amend the City's Architectural Design Review Regulations and update the Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines, The staff repon was presented by Senior Planner, Lisa Flores and Assistant Planner, Steven Lee, Commissioner Baderian commended Ms. Flores and Mr, Lee on the excellent report, He also asked if the Homeowners' Associations had been given a deadline for comments. Ms, Flores said they were informed of the meeting. Chairman Beranek noted some inconsistencies in the page numbering, and asked if there was anyone who wanted to speak in favor of the application, Mr. Robert Tong, a local designer, said that he hopes that staff will continue to review proposals with an open mind and consider each one on anindividuaJ basis, PC MINUTES 1I-2S:OS !'agog . . Commissioner Baderian asked if the proposed administrative review process would require additional staff time. Mr, Kasamaresponded that it is intended to save staff time in the processing of minor improvements. Commissioner Parrille said that he was please to see that the Guidelines included resource conservation measures, such as water saving features, Commissioner Baderian asked if this item could be continued until the Homeowners' Associations' comments are received, Mr, Kasama agreed to remind the Associations that the Commission is awaiting their input, MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu, to continue Text Amendment No,. T A 08-05 to the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting, Without objection the motion was approved, CONSENT ITEMS 7. RESOLUTION NO. 1782 - for review A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, approving Conditional Use Permit No, CUP 08-13 for an existing restaurant (Zapata Vive Mexican Restaurant) to provide live entertainment for private social and civic functions at 101 South First Avenue. Commissioner Baerg commented that the additional wording does clarify that dancing is allowed at the private functions, MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Parrille, to approve the additional wording for Resolution No. 1782, Without objection the Resolution was approved as presented, (Resolution No, 1782 had been adopted at the October 28, 2008 meeting, subject to the addition of wording to clarify a condition of approval,) 8. MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28,2008 MOTION: It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Parrille, to approve the minutes as presented, Without objection the minutes were approved by voice vote as presented, PC MINUTES 11'2''()8 !'ago 9 , . , . MAITERS FROM jIk. COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION Councilman Kovacic, referring back to Commissioner Parrille's water conservation comment said the City has instituted a voluntary conservation program, and that the City is proud of its water quality and supply system. Chairman Beranek mentioned that the City has purchased water from the Metropolitan Water District to supplement service. Councilman Kovacic said thatheis pleased that the Single-Family Residential Guidelines are in use, He Iloted.that there was a lot of emphasis on parking at the meeting and said that he hopes these.concerns are being forwarded to the General Plan Advisory Committee. Councilman Kovacic mentioned the concert series at the Library, and said that volunteer opportunities are available at the Arcadia Historic Society and FoothiiI Unity Center, He mentioned the recent article showing Arcadia as the best city in Southern California to raise a family, Councilman Kovacic said the City Council has extended a moratorium on massage licenses, He noted that over the last three years the city has issued over 700 such licenses and that the Police Department is questioning the legitimacy of some of them, Councilman Kovacic said that ata breakfast. meeting on October 29, Supervisor Antonovich discussed the Santa Anita Dam sediment removal project and that the proposal is to have the sediment removed by conveyer belt instead of trucks to reduce the number of truck trips through residential neighborhoods, He also said that the County is in the process of upgrading the median strip on Rosemead Boulevard, Councilman Kovacic said the design to upgrade the Bek:ins Building (Arcadia Self-Storage) has been approved. The building, a portion of which will be used by Rusnak, has commercial spaces in the front which will be upgraded to attract new tenants, and that the church is to be relocated, MODIFICATION COMMlITEE MEETING ACTIONS Chairman Beranek reported that all three items on the agenda were approved, FURTIIER MAITERS FROM STAFF Mr. Kasama distributed and reviewed a list of upcoming agenda items and project updates and said that the December 23 Planning Commission meeting should be canceled because there is nothing pending for that agenda and that he will advise the Commission about the upcoming Modification Committee meetings. Chairman Beranek mentioned that he will be out of town and unable to'attend the January 13, 2009 meeting, ADJOURNED 9:05 o,m Is/Jim Kasama Secretary, Arcadia Planning Commission PC MINUTES 11-25-08 Page 10