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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMAY 14, 1957 ..,.' r- /--~ Council Ch;:unber. City Hall, Arcadia, California Msy 14, 1957, 8:00 P. M. TO: ALL CITY COUNCILMEN AND PLANNING COMMISSIONERS SUB.JECT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES The City Planning Commission met in regular meeting with Chairman Robertson presiding. PRESENT: CODDllisBioners Balser, Daly, Davison, Robertson and Vachon. ABSENT: CODDllissioners Acker and Pratt. OTHERS PRESENT: Mansur, Nicklin, Phillips, McGlasson and Talley. The minutes of the meeting of April 23, 1957, were approved as written and mailed. Pursuant to notice given, a public hearing was held on the application of the Arcadia Church of Christ for e zone variance to permit the erection of an addition to the present building thus eliminating all parking space on the lot. The Secretary read the applicetion and displayed a plot plan of the proposed change. A copy of a letter from Safeway Stores, lI!c., to Reverend Cheeves was reed. In this letter, Safew&y gave permission to use their parking lot for park- ing purposes during church services and meetings for the duration of their lease, which Reverend Cheeves stated was for 99 years. He addressed the CoDDllission in favor of the proposed variance. He stated thet, in general, residents in the area are agreeable to the proposed expansion 6Dd feel that it is an asset to the area. There was no one else who desired to be heard. The ,Chairman declared the public hearing closed. . Mr. Balser pointed out that only 8 spaces were to be eliminated. He stated that since there was, adequate parking area elsewhere, he is in favor of the variance. Mr. Daly and Mr. Vachon concurred with Mr. Balser. Mutton by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Daly and carried that the City Attorney be instructed to draw the necessary resolution recommending that the request for a zone variance to permit the erection of an addition to the church building at 1027 South First Avenue and eliDinating all parking space on the lot be granted. Pursuant to notice given, a public hearing was held on the proposed establishment of Zone D (Architectural Design Zone) on property located on the nortb side of Las Tunas Drive between EI Monte Avenue and the Arcadia Wash Channel es contemplated by Resolution No. 250. There was no one who desired to be heard, The Cba1.rman declared the public bearing closed. Mr. Vacbon stated tbat he favored establishment of a D Zone in this area in order to control future develoPlllent. Mr. Balssr pointed out that the conditions would include construction of a 6 foot wall along El Monte Avenue. The City Attorney suggested that since the next item on tbe agenda was for amendment of the ordinance to substitute specific regulatioDs in a D Zone, this matter sbould be held until a decision is renched on tbe amendment. After the discuss ion on the amendment, tbere was a IIIOtion by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Daly and carried tbet the City Attorney be inst~ucted to draw tbe necessary resolutior. recommending that Zone D be establi~~ed on property located OD the nortb side of Las ~jnas Drive between 81 Monte Avenue and the Arcadia Wash Channel as contemplated by Resolution No. 250, to inclQde the regulations recolIIIMnded April 9, 1957, and also to include the eleven ttems submitted by tbe Staff regulating the development of property in a D Zone.. Pursuant to notic~ given, a public bearing was held on the proposed amendment of Section 12.1 of Ordinance No. 760 by amending subsection B to substi- tute specific regulations applicable to properties and structures in Zone D and to amend or eltminate subsections C and D thereof, as contemplated by Resolution No. 251. The Secretary read tbe suggested regulations. He also read from ResoluUon No. 242, ,in which a speci&! provision is made for tbe D Zone in connection with Zone C-2 and CoM in the Trimgle. There was no one who desired , 5-14-57 to be heard. The Chairman declared the public hearing closed. The C1ty Engineer stated that the Commission should be careful in ssttine up general standard requirements for a D Zone, so as. to simplify the aciminist.ation thereof. He stated that they should establish workable requirements applicable to all uses in the same zone. The City Attorney steted that certain general standards should apply to all zones with additional specific conditions applicable to the individual zones. He suggested that the Modification Committee could be authorized to . consider variances from these requirements. The Planning Consultant stated that he had recollllllended the 1) Zone overlay. He stated that it would be difficult to enforce the indefinite standards of the existing D Zone ordinance. It was decided that the matter should be held under advisement unt~l the Staff and the City Attorney can report on the specific restrictions for different C Zones. The proposed change of zone from Zone &-3 to Cone C-O and Zone 1) on property located at 722 and 728 West Huntington Boulevard and at 400 to 650 West Huntington Boulevard as contemplated by Resolution No 246, was considered. A map was displayed showing the location of the numerous property owners who have protested. The Secretary' pointed out the location of the extstingmedical buildings. The Secretary stated that he had received letters of protest from the following persons: Dr. C. H. Wilcox, 728 West Huntington Boulevard; Mr. Ralph M. Merriam, 600 West Huntington Boulevard; Mr. P. Wesley Davies (Rancho Santa Anita), 1045 West Huntington Drive; Mr. and Mrs. Z. Achilles, 434 West Huntington Boulevard; Mr. and Mrs. Dennis E. Warren, 528 West Huntington Boulevard; Mr. A. W. Haubelt, 630 West Huntington Boulevard; Shirley B. and Myrtle M. Knorr, 620 A West Huntington Boulevard. The Secretary mentioned that a petition of protest had been filed. This petition contained 15 signatures, 4 of which are included in the letters of protest'mentioned previously. The report of the. .,. Planning Consultant was read. Mr. Robertson stated that the intent of the pro- posed zone change was to eliminate the need for spot zoning and to fulfill tbe need for a C-O Zone on Huntington Boulevard. He stated that, in his opinion, a c-o Zone with a 50 foot setback would satisfy a definite need in the City. Mr. Balser concurred. He further stated thet he thought it would not cause much raise in taxes. Be pointed out llhlll: doctors' offices were once ,allowed in Zone R-3. Mr. Vachon stated that this zone change would el1m1nate the need for grant- ing variances or spot zoning elong Huntington Boulevard. He pointed out that it would concentrate profeSSional offices in a small area rather than being scattered through an R-3 area. He further stated that this zone change would not eliminate multiple dwellings in the area. Mr. Daly and Mr. Davison concurred. The Secretary reread the allowable uses in Zone C-O. Mr. Robertson inquired about the setback. The Secretary informed him that it would remain 50 feet unless modified by the ColllDli.ssion. Motion by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Balser that the City Attorney be instructed to draw the necessary resolution recommending that the property located at 722 and 728 West Huntington Boulevard and at 400 to 650 West Huntington Boulevard be rezoned from Zone R-3 to Zone c-o and Zone D, subject to retention of the 50 foot setback and dedication of a 30 foot alley at the time of epplicetion for a c-o use. The matter of the alley dedication was discussed at length. With the consent of Mr. Balser, ,Mr. , Vachon :withdrew hiS motion. The Chairman :,recommended that the pr.oposed ,80ne change be held for study by the Staff. All Commissioners agreed and the matter was referred to the Staff for study and report. The proposal to establish minimum floor a~eas in Zone a-o and Zone R-l and to govern the construction of more than one dwp.lling on a lot in Zone R-l as contemplated by Resolution No.. 247 was conside!'sd. The Secretary read a letter from F. Wesley Davies representing the Rancho Santa Anita, Inc., favoring the establishment of strict regulatioD5. The report of the Planning Co~sultant was read. The Planning Consultant's r~port of October 9, 1956, listing conditions under which additional dwellings could be allowed, was read. Mr. Phillips raised the question of ellowing a 10 foot rear ,ard for a second or third dwelling on an R-l lot when 25 feet is required for a single dwelling. Mr. Balser stated that the 25 foot rear yard requirement should be considered for both conditions. The Commission discussed the condition which would allow additional dwellings to be constructed in conformity with the development of 60% of the lots in the block. Mr. Robertson stated that a 25 foot, yard should be required behind second or third dwellings. He also stated that the minilDUlD floor area requiremtnt was a step in the right direction toward controlling floor area of additional dwellings OD a lot. The City Engineer stated that the average floor area in the San Gabriel - 2 - 5-14-57 , . ~ Valley is 1,150 square feet. The Secretary stated that Arcadia averages 1,300 to 1,500 square feet. Mr. Davison suggested that there be a minimum of 1,200 square feet in Zone R-O and 1,000 square feet in Zone R-l. Motion by Mr. Balser, seconded by Mr. Davison and carried that the City Attorney be instructed to pre- pare a resolution recommending that the conditions as outlined in the Planning Consultant's report of October 9, 1956. be established, and further that a minimum floor area requirement of 1,000 square feet in Zone R-l and 1,200 square feet in Zone R-O, exclusive of porChes, garages, entries, patios, and basements, be established, and that the rear yard of all dwellings shall be 25% of the lot depth but need not exceed 25 feet. The proposed annexation west of Baldwi.n Avenue and south of Duarte Road was held over for further study. The proposed annexation east of Arcadia near Jeffries Road was considered. The report of the Planning Consultant was read. Mr. Vachon brought up the problem of the irregular boundary line and also the existlng dairy in the area. He stated that this would bring complaints over which the City would have no control, He stated that the City wOuld be required to provide school facilities, c~bs and gutters, and the extension of Mayflower Avenue at considerable expense with a relatively small additional tax return. He stated that the committee, appointed at the last meeting to study the annexation, was not in favor of it. Mr. Balser and Mr. Robertson concurred. Motion by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Balser and unanimously carried by roll call vote. that a recommendation be made to the City Council not to consider the proposed annexation of the area east of Arcadia near Jeffries Road for the reasons set forth by Mr.. Vachon and the Planning Consultant. Lot split No. 152, being the request of Ray L. Scull to divide property at 231 East Longden Avenue, was considered. The report of the City Engineer was read. Motlonby Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Balser and carried that the request to divide the northerly 80 feet of the southerly 185 feet of the easterly 100 feet of the westerly 4/.0.92 feet of lot 106, Arcadia Acreage Tract. be recommended for approval. subject to the followi.ng conditions: 1. File a final map with the City Engineer; 2. Install a sewer lateral for parcel 2; 3, Pay $25.00 recreation fee. Lot split No. 153, being the request of William B. Paul to divide property at 1810 South Santa Anita Avenue, was considered. The report of the City Engineer was read. Mr. Davison stated that due to the setback requirements there would be very little room to construct a house on the new parcel. He expressed the opinion that this would not be a good lot split. Mr. Vachon stated that granting.. this split would set a bad precedent in an area of good homes. Mr. Balser asked if the removal of the existing building would help the situation. Motion by Mr. Davison. seconded by Mr. Vachon and carried that the request to divide a portion of lot 33, Arcadia Acreage Tract, be recommended for denial. Lot spltt No. 154, being the request of B. B. liaynard to divide property',.at 912 South Second Avenue, was considered. The report of the City Engineer was \ read. Mr. Vachon pointed out that splitting the lot would allow a business use on Second Avenue. He stated that this is not a good arrangement. Mr. Davison concurred. Mr. Maynard inquired about the possibility of building on the 50 foot portion of the lot north of the alley. He was informed that he could not unless it had access through the service station property. Motion by Mr. Davison, seconded by Mr. Vachon and carried that the request to divide the northerly 50 feet of the southerly 150 feet of the easterly 108.46 feet of the westerly 120.46 feet of lot 33, Tract No. 808, be recommended for denial. Lot split No. 155. being the request of Dell Marie Dodge to divide property at 23 West Norman Avenue, was considered. The report of the City Engineer was read. Mr. Robertson asked the Secretary to explain the background of this property. The Secretary stated that the house was moved from school property to this lot and had been practically wreckedi~ setting it down on the new founda- tion. Consequently, he stated, the owner had never beer. able to finish the - 3 - 5-14-57 , . /"~. building. He stated that the owner is now requesting 2 feet from tbe adjacent lot in order to cIearan ea:i!lting~ouse on the west side. Motion by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Vachon and carried that tbe request to divide the westerly 2 feet of lot 4, Tract No. 4357, be recollllllended for approval subject to the following conditions; 1. That a final map be filed with tbe City Engineer; 2. That 3 feet be removed from the service porch of the dwelling on lot 5; 3. That the. existing dwelling and garage be removed from lot 4; 4. That It new driveway and garage be constructed for the ,dwelling on lot S. The tentative map of Tract No. 23948 located on Lorena Avenue, said tract containing 12 lots, was considered. The City Engineer gave a verbal report. Mr. Vachon pointed out that the lots are small. He also stated that it would be better to hold approval of the tract until the wash is completed. The City Engineer suggested thet shortening the cul-de-sac on Baven Avenue would help to enlarge lots 3 and 4.. He stated that the triangular area adjacent to the east should be included in the tract in order to prevent its becoming land-locked. Motion by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Davison and carried that the tentative map of Tract No. 23948 be recommended for denial without prejudice, with the sue.gestion that the subdivider acquire the triangular area to the Bast to be included in the subdivision, and then resubmit. Mr. W. L. Hoffeditz, engineer for the subdividon, stated that Mr. Ellis had been unable to purchase this property at a reasonable price. He discussed draiDa.ge problems and stated that they could be worked out with the Engineering Department. He expressed the opinion that the cul-de-sac on Haven Avenue could be shortened to provide DIOre lot area. Mr. Vachon stated again that the tract should be resubmitted. The final map of Tract No. 23143 located on Highland Oaks Drive, containing 43 lots, was considered., The City Engineer presented a verbal report. He explained that tbe tract hed been designed to save the oak trees. He stated that tbe lots and padS thereon are to be graded and drained to the wash channel or to the streets. Mr. Vachon stated that the map is in substantial compliance with the approved tentative map. Mr. Tegart, engineer for the subdivision, asked that the setback be allowed at 25 feet rather thaD 30 feet, because of the steep banks at the front of the lots. He stated that it would be better to bave 5 feet additional recreation area at the rear than at the front. He pointed out that garages could be con- structed at 25 feet from the front with tbe houses furtber back. Mr. Vachon and Mr. Balser stated thet they had no objection to a 25 foot setback. The City Engineer requested that control of drainage be written into the deed restrictions. Mr. Neuhoff read the statement regarding drainage which will apply to all three tracts. The City Engineer stated that this provision should be made as strict as possible, with any changes subject to the approval of all property owners involved and tbe subdivider. Mr. Davison suggested that it would be better for these cbanges to be subject to the approval of the City Engineer rather than the property owners. The City Engineer stated that the decision should rest with the property owners and the subdivider, as well as the City Engineer. Motion by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Balser and carried thet the final map of Tract No. 23143 be recollllllended for approval subject to the follOWing conditions; 1. That one foot wide lots at the end of Highland Oaks Drive and Highland Vista Drive to control future extension of the streets be deeded in fee to the City; 2. That a clause be included in the deed restrictions to prohibit any change in the direction of the flow of the drainage from the lots; 3. That the necessary bond be posted to' guarantee the improvement of aq streets as required by ordinance; - 4 - 5-14-57 , . ---" 4. That the following fees and deposits be paid: 127 street trees @ $ 5.00 $ 635.00 14 steel street light poles @ 145.00 2,030.00 4 street name signs @ 25.00 100.00 43 lots - recreation fee @ 25.00 1.075.00 $3,840.00 The revised tentative map of Tract No. 23145 located on Canyon Road, said tract containing 58 lots, was considered. The City Engineer gave a verbal report. He stated that most of the recommendations made previously had been complied with. He discussed the items reviewed by the .Subdivision Committee, and particularly the design of the debris basin. Mr. Robertson stated that there was .st11l much work to be done on the map, and that it should be resubmitted. Mr~ Tegart requested that tentative approval be given. Motion by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Balser and carried that the revised tentative map of Tract No. 23145 be recommended :or approval subject to the following conditions: ./ 1. The property between Canyon Road and the road easement at the rear of lots 1, 2 and 3 to be deeded to the City; ..,/ 2. The property between the reservoir site and the easement for access thereto to be deeded to the City; /' 3. A portion of the reservoir site at the, top of the cut bank to be returned to the subdivider and included in lot 55; 4. Dedicate the debris basin adjacent to lots 46 and 47 to the City with an easement for access over a 15 foot paved roadway, which would also 'serve as a driveway to lots 46 and 47; y '" 5. Adjust lot lines so that the rear portion of lot 40 becomes a part of lot 37; .; 6. Divide lot 36 so that it becomes part of lots 23 to 28 of Tract No. 23144; 7 . Make every effort to secure land so that the entrance to lot 6 will be across the north portion of lot 19, Tract No. 20211; 8. Correct the tentative map to show the above conditions before submitting the tract to the City Council. The report of the Planning Consultant on limiting dwellings in Zones CoM; M-l and M-2 was held over for consideration at a future time. L.)t split No. 156, being the request of Betty St,. Clair to divide 'property at 501 West Norman Avenue, was assigned to Mr. Balser and Mr. Daly to investigate. The revised map of Tract No. 19029, located in the City of Monrovia, south of Duarte Road and east of Alta Vista Avenue, was considered. The Commission had no objection but recommended that there be an outlet provided to efther Alta Vista Avenue or Duarte Road. Mr. Robertson suggested that as a matter of procedure, public hAarings be closed by a motion from one of the Commissioners,rather than by order of the Chairman. The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 254 recommending the reclassifi- cation from Zone R-3 to Zone CoO and Zone D of property located on the north side of Las Tunas Drive between El Monte Avenue and ttle Arcadia Wash Channel. Motion by Mr. Daly, seconded by Mr. Vachon and carried that the roeding of the body of the resolution be waived. Motion by Mr. Daly, seconded by Mr. Vachon and carried that Resolution No. 254 be adopted. - 5 - 5-14-57 -' , .. /-- '--_/' Motion by Mr. Balser, seconded by Mr. Daly and carried that a recommendation be made to the City CO\lncil that Ordinance No. 257 establishing a 40 foot setback on Las Tunas Drive be amended to eliminate such setback on the north dele of Las .Tunas Drive between El Monte Avenue and the Arcadia Wash. Channel. The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 253 recommending the granting of a aone variance to pe~t property located at 530 West Las Tunas Drive to con- tinue to be used as a children's day nursery for not over 20 children for a period of five years. Motion by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Daly and carried that the reading of the body of tbe resolution be waived. Motion by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Daly and carried that Resolution No. 253 be adopted. The Planning Consultant requested that he be excused from the meeting of June II, 1957, in order to attend a meeting in Little Rock. There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned. \1) lJ (/i1'1 :;:' ". Y'\-C " IA( L. M. TALLEY Secretary - 6 - 5;'14-57