HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 26, 1955
.
.
Council Chamber, City Hall
Arcadia, California
April 26, 1955, 8:00 p.m.
TO: ALL CITY COUNCILMEN AND PLANNING COMMISSIONERS
SUBJECT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
The City Planning Commission met in regular meeting with
Chairman Balser preSiding.
PRESENT: Commissioners ACker, Balser, Daly, Robertson, Soren-
son and Vachon
ABSENT: Commissioner Pratt
OTHERS PRESENT: Mansur, Nicklin, Rogers, McGlasson and Talley
The minutes of the meeting of April 12, 1955, and the minutes
of the Modification Committee meeting of April 11, 1955, were ap-
proved as written and mailed.
Pursuant to notice given, a public hearing was held on the ap-
plication of,~euben V._S~r and others for a change of zone from
Zone 0-2 to Zone M-l on property located on the north side of Live
Oak Avenue from Arcadia Wash to Las Tunas' Drive. Attorney Ardene
Boller represented the petitioners and stated that the present ap-
plication for only the property facing Live Oak Avenue was made in
lieu of a former application which included all the property in
order that the present C-2 zoning on Las Tunas Drive would 'not be
disturbed and would act as a buffer between the presentR-3 zoning
On the north side of Las TUnas Drive and the requested M-l zoning.
He called attention to the uses presently located on the south side
of Live Oak Avenue in county territory, stating that they were
similar to M-l uses.
Mr.L. A.Zima, owner of property at 136 West Las Tunas Drive,
stated that it was impossible to sell property on Live Oak Avenue
because of the present C-2 zone. He also said that the lack of
foot traffic on Live Oak Avenue made a C-2 use impractical. Pro-
test petitions signed by 19 residents of Sandra Avenue and 14 resi-
dents on Las Tunas Drive were presented and read. They stated that
M-l uses in the Vicinity of Live Oak Avenue would be detrimental to
surrounding residential property. Mr. John Godfrey, 111 West Las
Tunas Drive, stated that in his opinion the granting of M-l zoning
on Live Oak Avenue would be an opening wedge to future requests
for M-l on Las Tunas Drive also. .
Mr. Duke Westland, 201 West Las Tunas Drive, and Mr. Dollinger
addressed the Commission registering verbal 'protests on the ground
that M-l zoning would be detrimental to the surround~ng territory.
Mr. Acker asked if the petitioners had any particular M-l use in
mind and Mr. Bo.ller stated that they did not have. Mr. Vachon ex-
pressed the opinion that a bad situation in county area would not
be corrected by the creation of an M-l zone within the city. No
other person deSired to be heard. The Chairman declared the hear-
ing closed and requested all Commissioners to again view the prop-
erty. He requested a report from the Planning Consultant and from
the City Engineer and stated that the matter would be discussed at
the next meeting.
Pursuant to notice given, a public hearing was held on the ap-
plication of Pearle M. Nash for a zone var1ance to allow a medical
building at 514 West Huntfngton Boulevard. The petition was signed
by the majority of property owners in the surrounding area as being
in favor of the variance. Mr. J. W. Spichtig, 508 West Huntington,
spoke in favor of the variance stating that it would be an improve-
ment to the neighborhood~ Mrs. G.. B. Jackson, 481 Fairview Avenue,
/
4/26/55
protested the granting of the variance stating that the entire
neighborhood should maintain the residential character. No other
person desired to be heard and the Chairman declar~d the hearing
closed and requested that reports be submitted by the Planning Con-
sultant and the City Engineer for consideration at the next meeting.
Pursuant to notice given. a pUblic hearing was held on the ap-
plication of H. N. Berger for a zone variance to allow medical
buildings at III East Live Oak Avenue. The p~tition was signed by
five adjacent property owners favoring the granting o~ the variance.
The applicant stated that he had owned the property since it was
used for farming and that the present commercial uses on the south
side of the street and the dust and litter from such uses and the
heavy traffic on Live Oak Avenue made it impractical to use the
property ~der its present R-3 zoning. He also stated that the
property included in the application was not deed restricted. No
other person desired to be heard and the Chairman declared the
hearing closed and requested a report from the Planning Consultant
and stated tnat the matter would be again considered at the next
meeting.
Dr. Norvell R. Dice. Superintendent of the Arcadia Unified
School District, addressed. the Commission informally concerning the
usage of property at 305 North Santa Anita Avenue 'recently acquired
by the District. He stated that the District would not require the
use of all the property and that portions of it would be disposed
of at auction. He submitted a plot plan showing the proposed use
of the property indicating a 30-foot dedicated street running west
from Santa Anita to prOVide access to the portion Proposed to be
used by the District and f~ve proposed iots adjacent to the proposed
street to be disposed of for M-~ uses. The' City Engineer stated
that he should have time to study the map in regard to drainage
and the location of utilities. It was the consensus of opinion of
the Commission that the street should be a minimum of 40 feet in
width and entirely paved. possibly with rolled type curb.
Request of Stephen H. Shattles. 806 Arcadia Avenue. to divide
property was reported on b~r:-Daly and Mr. Balser. This division
wO,uld create two 70-foot lots c'ontorming to other-lots in the area.
A report from the City Engineer was read. Motion by Mr. Daly,
seconded by Mr. Balser and carried. that the request to divide Lot
118, Tract No. 2731, into two TO-foot lots berecommanded for ap-
proval subject to the following conditions:
L Filing a finai map, prepared by an engineer or surveyor;
2. Providing sewer lateral for the new parcel;
3. Payment of $25.00 recreation fee.
,~ Request of Thoma~__G. RRkker, 4g~ West Camino Real. to divide
property was reporE"ed upon by Mr. Acker and Mr. Balser. The re-
v! quested division would create a lot 47 feet by 113 feet containing
5311 square feet in Zone R-l where surrounding lots are predomi-
r) nantly 92 feet in width. A report from the City Engineer was read
~~ stating that if the division were allowed the usual conditions
would be required. .Motion by Mr. Acker, seconded by Mr. Balser
and carried. that in view of the fact that the requested division
was below minimum requirements and not in keeping with surrounding
property that the request be recommended for denial.
.~
.
r
1\
44
'lie
.
.
I
The request of Donald .~ ~_ Loobey,. 1010 alld 101?,_Alta Vista Ave-
nue to divide property was reported upon by Mr. Acker and Mr. Soren-
son. The requested division would create two lots. one having a
frontage of 53 feet and the other one of 54.5 feet each with an
area in excess of 15000 squa.re feet in Zone R-l. Each portion now
contains an existing residence complying with the yard requirements.
Other properties in the vic~nity and immediately across the street
from this property now have similar widths. A report from the City
Engineer was read. Motion by Mr. Sorenson, seconded by Mr. Acker
and unanimously carried by roll call vote. that because of similar
sized lots in the vicinity. the request to divide the South 107.5
feet of Lot 17, F. A. Geier Tract. into two lots bei~ the North .
- 2 -
4/26/55
, '
j
I
.
.
53 feet and the South 54.5 feet of the above parcel be ,reommended
for approval subject to the following conditions:
1. Filing of a final map prepared by an engineer or surveyor;
2. Providing sewer lateral for the new parcel;
3, Payment of $25.06 recreation fee.
The reqllest of LeWis J. Smith, 11 West Las Flores Avenue, for
a change of setback on Santa Anita Avenue from 50 feet to 30 feet
was reported on by Mr. Sor~nson. The tot on which the change was
requested has a frontage of 101 feet on Santa Anita Avenue and a
depth of 117 feet on Las Flores Avenue. The present setback re-
quirements are 50 feet on Santa Anita Avenue by ordinance and 30
feet on Las Flores Avenue by deed restriction. The area available
for building amounts to approximately 3700 square feet. It was the
opinion of Mr. Sorenson that the change of setback on Santa Anita
would be detrimental to the neighboring property. Motion by Mr.
Sorenson, seconded by Mr. Daly and carried, that the request be
recommended for denial.
A petition f,rom. residents of El Sur Avenue protesting the ap-
proval of Tract No. 21714 was consIdered by the Commission. Verbal
protests were registered by Henry Farrell, 1119 El Sur, Mr. and
Mrs. Herbert Miller, 1025 El Sur, and Mrs. L. B. Larimer, 1111 El
Sur stating that the creatioQ of a new north-south street draining
into El Sur Avenue would be detrimental because of the flat grade
of El Sur and the lack of curbs, gutters and paved shoulders. Also
that present lots on El Sur were larger than those proposed in the
new tract. A revised map of the tract had been filed with the
Secretary too late to be forwarded to the Subdivision Committee.
The revised map contained more lots than the original map and pro-
vided for some additional street width by easement for sidewalk
and planting purposes.
Alfred Allen, Subdivider, addressed the Commission stating
some of the difficulti~s encountered in preparing a new subdivi-
sion. He stated that existing dwellings on property purchased for
the new street outlet into El Sur would have to be moved or de-
molished and that lot sizes of this property must be maintained
sufficiently to permit two houses in order to make the proposition
financially sound. Also that he felt lot sizes shown on the tract
map conformed to the neighborhood and that the new homes to be
erected would be definitely upgrading the surrounding property.
He stated he would be willing to open the street into Mayflower
Avenue instead of El Sur if the surrounding property owners wished
to pay the additional cost and would also be willing to sell the
property already acquired and abandon the subdivision entirely.
The revised subdivision map was referred to the Subdivision Com-
mittee for report with the request that they bear in mind the pro-
tests of the surrounding property owners.
Final map of Tract No. 20211, located north of Elkins Avenue,
was considered; also the location of a proposed reservoir with an
access road leading to it from Canyon Road. It was proposed that
the access road be given by easement at the present time but to be
dedicated and included in a future subdivision of property lying
north of Tract No. 20211. Reports from the ,City Engineer and
Water Superintendent were read. It was agreed that land lying
north of Lot 19, extending to the drainage channel from Elkins Ave-
nue, should be added to Lot 19 and included in the tract and that
a portion of Lot 90, being the drainage channel, be excluded trom
the tract and that the final map be so corrected and approved by
the City Engineer before being submitted to the City Council.
Motion by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Vachon and carried, that
the location of the road leading to the reservoir site be recom-
mended for approval in accordance with the requirements set out
in the letter of April 26, 1955, signed by the Water Superintendent
and the City Engineer and that final map of Tract No. 20211 be
recommended for approval subject to the follOWing conditions:
1. That a water system satisfactory to the Water Superinten-
dent and conforming to the agreement between the Camden-Wilshire
- 3 -
4/26/55
j
.
.
J
Company and the City of Arcadia dated November 10. 1954. be in-
stalled.
2. That flood control works shall be installed to eliminate
flood hazards in the s~bdivision as determined by the Flood Control
District and the City of Arcadia. Elkins Canyon shall have an ade-
quate head works and a concrete lined channel to carry off debris
and storm water. Lots 19 to 26. inclusive. shall be graded in suc'h
a manner that the building sites are a minimum of two feet above the
top of the channel. Plans and profiles of the future extension of
Canyon Road and the access road and channel construction shall be
submitted to the City Engineer for approval. The drainage northerly
of Lot 18 shall be handled in a manner satisfactory to the City
Engineer. The Flood Control channel shall be extended 1n Elkins
Canyon above the cros~ing of the extension of Canyon Road. Catch
basins connecting to Lannan Canyon storm drain shall be provided at
Canyon Road and Highland Oaks Drive. A ten-foot wide easement for
storm drain purposes shall be prOVided along the northerly side of
Elkins Avenue. The City shall be given an easement over the Elkins
Channel construction.
3. The subdivider shall agree to the use of the adjacent
Flood Control District property ,for recreational uses. in accordance
with the conditions prescribed by the Council minutes of November
16. The access to the Flood Control District's property to be
used for recreational purposes in the rear of Lots 26 to 31. inclu-
sive. shall be prOVided from a public street fn a manner acceptable
to the City. Preferably, this access should be along the westerly
boundary of the Flood Control District property north from Elkins
Avenue.
4. A cut and fill deed restriction to be approved by the City
Attorney as to form and the City Engineer as to content shall be
placed of record coincidental with the filing of the final maP.
The subdivider shall also provide a grading plan for the subdivi-
sion acceptable to the City of Arcadia.
5. Water. sewer and gas laterals shall be installed to all
lots including the future lots on the easterly side of Highland
Oaks Drive prior to the paving of streets. The names of White Oak
Drive. Highland Oaks. Drive shall be changed to avoid confusion in
house numbering.
6. The street improvements shall be satisfactory to the City
Engineer and in accordance with applicable city ordinances. Paving
shall be a minimum of 42 pounds per square foot of plant mix paving.
7. Street lights. street name signs and street trees. recrea-
tiqn fees. and other improvements shall be prOVided in accordance
with Or>dinance No. 860. and other conditions of Ordinance No. 860
shall be complied with.
Final map of Tract No. 21186. located on Anita Crest Drive
south of Grandview Avenue was considered. Report from the City
Engineer was read. Motion by Mr. Robertson. seconded by Mr. Vachon
and carried. that final map of Tract No. 21186 be recommended for
approval subject to the payment of the follOWing fees:
31 street trees at ~5.00 each $155.00
2 street name sign units at $25.00 50.00
5 steel street light pOles at f145.00 each 725.00
Recreation fee for 17 lots at ~25.00 each 425.00
Final maps of Trac,ts No. 18820 and 21122. located on Eighth
Avenue south of Longden Avenue. were c.onsidered. A report from
the City Engineer was read. The City Attorney advised the Commis-
sion that approval of the tracts could not be given until the
final approval of an annexation ofa portion of the tracts to the
City of Arcadia. Motion by Mr. Robertson. seconded by Mr. Vachon
and carried. that this Commission go on record as indicating its
intention to recommend approval of the above tracts when the annexa-
tion proceedings are completed and that the matter be held on the
pending agenda.
Two studies of tentative map of Tract No. l8241J located on
Encino Avenue south of Duarte Road were considered. Reports from
the City Engineer and Planning Consultant were read. Mr. Robbins
- 4 -
4/26/55
.
.
stated that the Ryan property wa~ in probate and that no definite
commitment as to it being part of the tract could be given but that
the o~er had informally stated-that the property would be sold and
included as a part of the tract. A large number of people in the
audience stood to indicate their approval of the tract. Mr. W. H.
McCauley, 1136 South Sixth Avenue and Mr. M. J. Clayman. 1206 South
Sixth Avenue, each stated. that in his opinion the tract should in-
clude all of the land to the Camino Grove School thereby eliminat-
ing four poultry ranches. Harry Robinson, Subdivider. stated that
he would prefer to see the street extended and that if the owners
to the south would pay their fair share of the street, he would be
glad to work with tpem but could not pay a premium for chiclcens on
the property. Mr. Robertson stated that the Subdivision Committee
had not had sufficient time to study and report on the tract. The
Chairman ordered the matter referred to the SubdiviSion Committee
to report at the next meeting.
Request of Ford Litho Company, 14 Morlan Place, for permiSSion
to ~xpand its operation to include magazine and book binding was
read. The Chairman requested the Secretary to obtain more infor-
mation as to whether the binding operations would be limited
strictly to printing done on the premises'.
The matter of the proposed rezoning of Live Oak Avenue between
Santa Anita Avenue and Sixth Avenue was aga~n considered. The
Secretary presented an overlay map showing the present land use of
the property under consideration and pointing out the difficulty
of securing dedicated alleys at the rear of the property. Con-
siderable discussion waa held as to the advisability of any re-
zoning of a large area as compared to considering ione variances
for individual parcels,. It was finally decided that in view of
the fact that medical uses had been eliminated from the present
R-3 zoning that a public hearing should be held to c.onsider the
advisability of rezoning the area to C-O or C-l.
Application of Ruth Kully for a modification to permit the
erection of a carport for seven automobiles and the elimination of
a required open parking space on property at 624 Sunset Boulevard
was referred to the Commission without recommendation by the
Modification Committee. The applicant stated that other income
properties inilllediately adjacent had been construe.ted prior to the
amendment of the ordinance requiring additional offstreet parking
and that the size of the lot made it impractical to comply with
the present requirements. The Planning Consultant recommended
that offstreet parking space be shown at the rear of the proposed
apartment in the 29-foot paved area between the apartment and the
carport. Motion by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Daly and carried,
that the application for modification showing the stalls in the
carport to be less than 8 feet be approved subject to placing on
the plan a parking space for an eighth car at the rear of the
apartment.
Tentative map of Tract No. 21765, located on Fairview Avenue
east of Muscatel Avenue in county territory, was .submitted by the
Regional Planning Commission for recommendation. The tract pro-
posed lots as amall as 60 feet bY 86 feet and street width of 42
feet. Motion by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Sorenson and car-
ried, that the tract be recommended for disapproval because lot
sizes and street widths are substandard for this area.
, The request of RObert A. Casey for division of property at
31~L314 East Huntington Drive was referred to Mr. Vachon and Mr.
Acker for investigation and report.
The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 186 instituting
proceedings for the consideration of and making recommendations
concerning the reclassification from ZonesR-3 and C-2 to Zones
c-o or C-l of certain property located on Live Oak Avenue between
Santa Anita Avenue and Sixth Avenue. Motion by Mr. Robertson,
seconded by Mr. Vachon and carried that the reading of the body
- 5 -
4/26/55
. .
.
.
of the resolution be waived. Motion by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr.
Sorenson and carried, that Resolution No. 186 be adopted.
The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 187 instituting
p~oceedings for considering and making recommendations concerning
the amendment of Sections 4 and 5 of Ordinance No. 760 with par-
ticular reference 1;0 sign regulations.. Motion by Mr. Acker.
seconded by Mr. Daly and carried, that the reading of the body of
the resolution be waived. Motion by Mr. Daly, seconded by Mr.
Acker and carried. that Resolution No. 187 be adopted.
The City AttOrney presented Resolution No. 188. recommending
the classifioation of the storage of draying equipment as a use
permissible in Zone M-l. Motion by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr.
Robertson and carried. that the reading of the body of the resolu-
tion be waived. Motion by Mr. Robertson. seconded by Mr. Vaohon
and oarried, that Resolution No. 188 be adopted.
There being no further business~ the meeting adjourned.
fVYv,1\~
L. M. TALLEY. C
Secretary
LMT:acb
- 6 .
4/26/55
..' . .
.
.
of the resolution be waived. Motion by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr.
Sorenson and carried, that Resolution No. 186 be adopted.
The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 187 instituting
proceedings for considering and making recommendations concerning
the amendment of Sections 4 and 5 of Ordinance No. 760 withpar~
ticu1ar reference to sign regulations. Motion by Mr. Acker,
seconded by Mr. Daly and carried, that the reading of the body of
the resolution be waived. Motion by Mr. Daly, seconded by Mr.
Acker and carried, that Resolution No. 187 be adopted.
The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 188, recommending
the classification of the storage of draying equipment as a use
permissible in Zone M-1. Motion by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr.
Robertson and carried, that the reading of the body of the resolu-
tion be waived. Motion by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Vachon
and carried, that ~eso1ution No. 188 be adopted.
There being no ,further business, the meeting' adjourned.
~r::TA~~
Secretary .
LMT:acb
- 6 -
4/26/55