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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFEBRUARY 8, 1955 . . Council Chamber, City Hall Arcadia, California February 8, 1955, 8~OO p.m. TO: ALL CIrY COUNCILI,IL!:N P~ND PLi.J'lNING COMUISSIONERS SUBJECT: PU.N:UNG COIilf.!ISSION lliINUTES The City Planning Commission met in regular meeting with Chairman Balser presiding. PRESJ:N'T: Commissioners Balser, Pratt, Robertson,. Sorenson and Vachon ABSENT: Commissioners Acker and Daly OTH~RS PRESENT: Forbes, Mansur, McGlasson and Talley. Mr. Nicklin entered the meeting at 9:15 p.m. The Secretary informed the Chairman that he had received a phone call from ~ir. Porter of the Los Angeies County Flood Control District, requesting that the minutes of the meeting of January 25, 1955, be amended to show that Mr. Laverty read a portion of a let- ter, dated April 21, 1952, wherein the Flood Control District requested ac'cess to their property through Do'shier Avenue. Mr. Por- terstated that a written request for such amendment Ylould be forthcoming. The Ohairman.ordered that approval of the minutes of January 25 be deleyed pending receipt of such request from the Flood Control District. . Pursuant to notice given, a public hearing was held on the ap- plication of .Ralph r. Merriam and Flora E. Merriam for a zone vari- ance to allow the construction of medical and professional offices, including a prOfessional pharmacy on Lots 12 and 13, Tract No. 2828, being located west of 540 "est Huntington Boulevard. A pro- posed floor plan and elevation of the proposed building wf1:s sub- mitted with the application. The application was signed by fourteen property owners in the area favoring the variance. Mr. Merriam addressed the, Commission stating that no objection had been encountered during the time the petition had been circu- lated. He stated that three lots had been purchased for the purpose of erecting medical and professional offices before such use had been eliminated from Zone R-3 and that the building had been completed on one lot only. Also, that the pharmacy would be strictly a prescription pharmacy rather than a drug store in its commonly accepted meaning and would allow all services in one area. Dr. Ambler addressed the Commission and stated that he was a tenant in the existing building and that he favored the addition to the facilities including the phannacy. No other person desired to be heard and the hearing was declared closed. Mr. Mansur gave a verbal report on the matter, stating that he favored the granting of the application for the medical offices but questioned the inclusion of a pharmacy on the ground that it would encourage other requests for similar commercial variances. A lengthy discussion was held concerning the inclusion of the phar- macy and also its location In the building on the grounds that if located in the central or rear port.ion of the building ratre r than the front, it mi(;ht tend to confine the business to patients of the doctors on tne site. Mr. ;\ierriam stated that there would probably !'lot be enough business from the doc tors on the site to support such a pbarmacy and that it would need to draw trade from surrounding areas. Mr. Robertson stated that the Commission now has under con- sideration the possible rezoning of Huntington Drive ,to limited - 1 - 2/8/55 r ?,5 3b . . commercial uses and that the matter of the pharmacy should be con- sidered in the overall zoning rather than this individual variance. Motion by Mr. Robertson that the City Attorney be requested to draw a resolution recommending the granting of the petition for a zone variance to allow medical and professional offices. but ex- cluding the requested professional pharmacy use. Said mot ion was seconded by &~. Vachon and carried by the fpllowing vote: AYESI Commissioners Balser, Pratt, Robert'son, Sorenson and Vachon I'l"OES: None ABSENT: Commissione;rs Acker and Daly The request of Vaughn '~ilson, 431 I.est Foothill Boulevard, to divide property was reported on by Mr. Sorenson and Mr. Vachon. This division affected a small triangular parcel to be divided from Lot 58, 'rract No. 14'656, and sold to the adjoining neighbor on Lot 57. A report from the City ~ngineer stated that if the appli- cation were granted, a map prepared by an engineer should be sub- mitted. Motion by !\Ir. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Sorenson and carried, that the request to divide that portion of Lot 58, Tract No. 14656, beginning at the northwest corner of said lot,thenc'e north 79013'25'" east 20 feet and south 504'33" east 147.05 feet. thence north 12053'18" west 146.42.feet to beginning be recommended for approval subject to the filing of a final map prepared by a registered engineer. The request of Charlotte L. Sutton to divide property at 303 East Longden Avenue was reported on by hw. Sorenson and h~. Vachon. They reported that the measurements to an existing dwelling shown on the map do not correspond to actual conditions on the prC:l'!lerty. A report from the City Jilngineer stated that if the requested divi- sion were allowed a final map prepared by an engineer should be submitted. a sewer lateral to the new lot should be provided and a recreation fee of $25.00 paid. Motion by Mr. Sorenson, seconded by hw. Vachon and carried, that the matter be held for further investi- ga tion as to the location of the existing dwelling. Tentative map of fract No. 21455, located on Third Avenue north of Longden Avenue was considered. A report from the City Engineer called attention to Lots 7, 8 and 9 being shown as 71 feet in width, that a two-foot lot should be provided at the northerly end of Third Avenue and dedicated to the City and that improve- ments should be as required by ordinance. A report from the Plan- ning Consultant stated that the tract complied with the street plan adopted by the City and that the lots conformed in size and area to other lots in the vicinity. Motion by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Vachon and carried, that tentat~ve map of Tract No. 21455 be reoommended for approval, including Lot 7. 8 and 9, which conform to the majority of lots in the surrounding area and subject to the recommendation of the City Engineer Tentative map of Tract No. 21200, located on Coyle Avenue east of Third Avenue was considered. A report from the City Engineer called attention to the fact that all lots shown had frontages less than that required but had area in excess of 7500 square f&et and would have a width of from 60 to 75 feet at the building line. Also that the ,approved plan of streets showed Coyle Avenue to ex- tend through to Fifth Avenue. He recommended that if the 50-foot wide street is approved, a 5-foot planting and sidewalk easement be required along with standard improvements and fees. A report from the Planning Consultant stated that in his opinion a require- ment to extend Coyle Avenue into Fifth Avenue would injure two parcels of property now facIng Fifth Avenue and would be an unneces- sary expense in the development of this tract. The 110-foot wide parcel of iand on the south side of Coyle Avenue and west of this tract was discussed especially as to the - 2 - 2/8/55 .' ',' . . possibility of a future request for lot split and also the neces- sity of acquiring a 5-foot easement for planting ~nd sidewalk pur- poses. It was suggested to Mrs. SUtton, Subdivider, that a portion of the nO-foot 10,t, preferably 20 feet wide, be acquired and added to the lots in the present tract and that the above mentioned easement be acquired. Motion by I\Ir. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Pratt and carried, that the tentative map as submitted be held for reconsideration at the next meeting. Tentative map of Tract No. 21454, located west of Sixth Avenue and south of Leda Lane was considered. A communication from Alfred Allen, Subdivider. pointed out that while Lots 2 and 3 had unusually small frontages, the subdivision provided for the construction of five new dwellings with access through a public street and that such dwellings could now be constructed on the same parcel of ground without public access. A report from the City Engineer sug- gested the possibility of rearranging lot lines to provide more frontage for Lots 2 and 3. Also that if the tract were approved, a 5-foot planting and sidewalk easement should be provided along both sides of the street and that standard improvements and fees would be required. A report from the Planning Consultant stated that while the subdivision did not meet the requirements of the ordinance, in his opinion it was preferable to the construction of additional houses wit~out the filing ofa subdivision map. Communications from A. R. Patten, 510 Leda Lane. and R. F. Woods, 516 Leda Lane, urged the approval of the subdiviSion on the ground that it would require the removal of old sheds and would be an improvement in the neigh- borhood. Motion by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Pratt and carried, that tentative map of Tract No. 21454 be recommended for approval subject to the following conditions: 1. ~hat Lots 1, 4 and 5 be reduced in area to 7500 square feet or more; 2. That lot lines be adjusted to provide more width in Lots 2 and 3; 3. That a 5-foot planting and sidewalk easement be provided on both sides of the street; 4. That all improvements and fees required by the subdivision ordinance be provided; 5. That the map as revised be submitted to the Subdivision Committee for approval before submission to the City Council. The Commission considered a decision in the matter of the pro- posed change of zone on Duarte Road between First Avenue and Second Avenue to Zones R-2, C-O or C-l. Communication from G. L. Robbins, requesting a copy of the Planning Consultant's recommendation and requesting permission of property owners to meet with the Commis- sion to consider the matter was read. A ~opy of the Planning Con- sultiant's recommendation had previously geen furnished Mr. Robbins. A lengthy discussion was held on the matter. All Commissioners agreed that, there was not need for as much C-O Zone as the area would provide and that there had been no need shown for Zone C-l. It was mentioned that possibly in the future need could be shown for Zone C-2 on this property but that at the present t1me there appeared to be sufficient vacant property and vacant bulldi'lgs now zoned C-2. Motion by Mr. Pratt that th,: City Attorney be reqU?3t:,~ to pre- pare a reso:ution ~ecomn:ending t}:lat no change be made at tb;. present t1me in the zoning on Duarte Road between First Avenue .snd S':lcond AvenUe. Said motion was seconded by b~. Sorenson and carried by the following vote: - 3 - 2/8/55 , . ." . t . . AYESI Commissioners Balser, Pratt, Robertson, Sorenson and Vachon NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Acker and Daly The Commission considered a decision in the matter of the nro- posed change of zone on Huntington Boulevard between Mlch.illinda Avenue and Holly Avenue from Zone R-"& to Zones C-O or C-l. A com- munication from A. Ii. Haubelt, 630 \'vest'Huntington Boulevard, was read. He pointed out that in his opinion the need far a general rezaning of this are~ had not been shawn and that any zaning to C-O or C-l wauld be detrimental to the present residential develop- ment. A report from the Planning Cansultant called attention to the fact that aut .of a total of 60 parcels of ground, .only .12 .of the .owners appeared before the Cammissian and that .of the ones wha appeared, there was strang oppasition ta any rezoning. It was the cansensus .of the Commission that there had been na need shown far any extensive rezaning and that any change at the present time would be premature. Mo.tion by Mr. Robertsan, seconded by Mr. Sorenson and carried, that the City Attorney be instructed to pre- pare a resolutien recemmending that na change in the zaning of Huntington Boulevard be made at this tlme. ~e Cemmissien considered a decision in the matter .of a re- quest of the Los Angeles County Flood Cantrol District ta .open Doshier Avenue east from Highland Oaks Drive. A communicat.ion from the City Engineer transmitted information received from Mr. Laventy of the Flood Control District, stating that the tatal amount .of space availa~le for filling in the Santa Anita Wash amounted to abaut 1,000,000 cubic yards of which abaut 200,000 cubic yards would be served through the Doshier Avenue extensien. Repar ts from the C'1ty Engine,er and Planning, C,onsultant, dated Nov.ember 23, 1954, were reread and considered. Mr. Rabertsan stated that in his opinion it wauld be paar planning to allow a truck raute through this highly develaped and well cared for residential area. Mr. Pratt stated that he felt the granting of this request would not bekeepplg gaed faith wIth the subdivider because the future dedicatian of Doshier Avenue had been requested primarily for access to a future recreational area and that if the Flood Cantrol District required more access to its property, it should .have been included in the candemnation of the praperty. It was the consensus of .opinion .of the Commissien that the City desired ta caeperate in every way with the Flaad Central District but that it had nat been shown that any great saving .of time or .of expense wauld be made by allawing this access and that passibly the widening .of the existing one-way raad on the Floed Centrol property south from Elkins Avenue could be done at a rea- senable figure not much in excess .of the cost of opening Doshier Avenue. Motian by Mr. Pratt that the request of the Flood Contral District to open Doshier Avenue be recommended far denial. Said matian was seconded by Mr. Sorensan and carried by the fallawing vo te: AYES I Cammissianers Balser, Vachan NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Acker and Daly Pratt, Robinson, Sarensen and / ( The Commissian cansidered the county area west .of Baldwin Avenue and what area might be favared for annexation if and when such annexation 1s requested. A :'eport from the Planning Con- sultant stated that it wauld be desirable to have the frontage on the west side ot Baldwin Avenue annexed to the citYi that a proper line for the future westerly city baundary would be a line 660 feet west .of the center line of Baldwin Avenue and that there were very - 4 - 2/8/55 r / . . few land uses in this area that might cause future problems. It was the consensus ot opinion that annexation of the territory might be desirable to ~ive control of zoning, building and l~d use prob- lems. The City Attorney explained the annexation procedure ~hich would be required in this populated area. The matter was held for further consideration and the Chairman requested that copies of' the Planning Consu~tant's report be submitted to each Commissioner. The Planning Consultant submitted a draf't of a proposed architectural design zone which might be added to the zoning ordi- nance to control the design of' buildings in certain selected areas. The matter was briefly discussed and the Chairman requested that copies be furnished to each Commissioner f'or further study. The request of D. C. Wheeler, 228 East Sycamore Avenue to divide property was referred to ~r. Pratt and &w. Robertson for investigation and report. Mr. Joe Earll addressed the Commission stating that he repre- sented ~ames Slemons, owner of , property at the northwest corner of' Duarte Road and Second Avenue, who desired to establish some busi- ness use. He was instructed that he should ap~ly for a zone vari- ance with a particular use in mind. ~. Odie Finley and M. W. Finley addressed t~e Commission relative to Tract No. 20642, located. south of Foothill Boule.vard and east of San Carlos Road, which had been recommended for approval by the Commission and denied by the City Council with the request that more access be provided to the tract. They stated that everything reasonably possible had been done but that suitable access could not be secured. The Chairman requested that the mat- ter be placed on the agenda for the next lIBeting for further con- sideration, that the Commission be supplied with a copy of the Council minutes with reference ~o the matter, also a copy ot the report submitted by the Saf'ety Committee concerning the tract, and that the City Engineer be requested to submit a report giving positive recommendations ot how additional access should be pro- vided. Mr. Pratt suggested that possibly some way should be arranged to prOVide better liason between the Planning Commission and the City Council, so that the Council would be better informed on the reasons back ot recommendations made by the Commission. 'fhe Chair_ man stated that he would discuss the matter with Councilman Camp- house. . The Planning Consultant stated that he would submit a report on possible rezoning of Live Oak Avenue within the next 30 days. The Planning Consultant reoorted that two pending senate bills should have the consideration of the Commission. Bill No. 277, Which would probably make illegal the ~25.00 per lot recreation fee and Bill No. 281 which would limit requirements for street improve- ment to that required by the tract only. He stated that a meeting wO'.lld be held in Oakland on February 23 and 24 and that any reoom- mendations should be madeto Senator Breed and Senator Gibson prior to .that time. Motion by Mr. Robertson, aecended by Mr.. Pratt and carried, that the City Attor~ey be requestedt.o draft letters to the abovo named senators, exp~esBing the opposition of this Com- mission to the proposed bills,s'.4ch letters to be submitted to Chairman Ha:i.sar fc.r signatu:!',::~ i'hm:'<: :~"'!:'lg;).1) furth;"r bll~i;j 188, the meeting adjour:::ec:. iYv'v VJ\Q..J~ L. M. TALLEY .1 LMT:acb Secretary v - 5 - 2/8/55