HomeMy WebLinkAboutJANUARY 28, 1958
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ROLL CALL
HtNUTBS
MORTUARY
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MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
REGULAR MEETING
January 28, 1958
The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular
session in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, at 8:00 o'clock
P.M., January 28, 1958,with Chairman Vachon presiding.
PRESENT: Commissioner Acker, Pratt, Robertson, and Vachon
ABSENT:' Commissioners Davison, Forman, and Michler.
O'ltIERS PRESENT: Councilmen Reibold, Nicklin, Carozza" Cook,
Talley and Mrs. Andrews.
The minutes of January 14, 1958 were approved as written and
mailed.
The Commission considered a decision on the application of Johanna
M. Wenz for a variance to allow apartments over a proposed
mortuary at 611 W. Duarte Road, and approval of final plans.
Report from the Zoning Committee was read stating that the
application is for a variance to allow the erection of apartments
for the owner and employees over a portion of the proposed
mortuary for which a variance was gr~nted by Resolution No. 2887,
and also for approval of the final plans of the building. In the
opinion of the Committee it is usual pxactice, even if not required,
that some employee live on the premises. This could be done in
the existing dwelling on the lot, but tbe Committee sees no objection
to providing quarters for more than one employee. The plan provides
for about nineteen hundred square feet of living quarters over
What would'otnerwise be single story but the building is attractively
designed and the roof over tbe two-story portion of the building
is about five feet below the roof over the one-story chap~l section.
The apartment section is about 135 feet back 'from the present
property line and behind the existing dwelling. The floor plan
of the building has been altered to some extent and now provides
only one chapel instead of the two originally shown. Provisions
have been made for the addition of anotber chapel at some future
time. The exterior elevation of the building is substantially
in compliance with the original plan submitted. The Committee
recommended that the Commission adopt a. Resolution recommending
the approval of the final plans including the apartments.
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CommiSSioner Robertson felt that despite the objections that were
raised at tbe public hearing that the addition of livi~g quarters
appurtenant to a mortuary is in common sense and essential.
Despite the chenge in the original plan of not using the dwelling
only tbat was submitted in the original variance request, he felt
that the amended request is in strict compliance with the intent
of the variance and he moved thet the epplication of Johanna M.
Wenz for a variance to allow the apartments over a mortuary located
at 611 W. Duarte Road be recommended for approval and that the
final plans as submitted be approved.
It was brought up by Commissioner Pratt that there was nothing in
the report about remodeling the existing dwelling.
January 28, 195c.
Page One'
ZONE C-O
HUNTINGTON
, BOULEVARD
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Mr. Talley stated tbat be had cbecked on tbis with Freeman Campbell
who drew the plans and be said that bis contract included the
plans for remodeling the dwelling to make it correspond in archi-
tecture to the mortuary, As soon as the mortuary plans were
complete and construction started he would commence' on the plens
for the dwelling and the intent was to make it conform in archi-
tecture.
Commissioner Pratt felt that the dwelling was a part of the final
approval of the plans and it should be included in the final
approval.
The Chairman stated that there had been considerable delay, and
rather than hold up the approval of the mortuary plans, that tbe
owner file a letter of intent to assure that the existing dwelling
would be remodeled to conform in architecture.
Mr. Robertson amended his motion as follows: Moved that the
application of Johanna M. Wenz for a variance to anow apartments
over a proposed mortuary at 611 W. Duarte Road be rec01lllDSneled
for approval, and that the final plans of the mortuary be approved
subject to the applicant submitting a letter stating their intent
to remodel the existing dwelling to conform in architectural
appearanee, and that plans of the remodeling be submitted for
approval before final in&pection is givan on the mortuary building.
Said motion was seconded by Mr. Pratt and carried.
The Commission considered a decision on rezoning a portion of
Huntington Boulevard to Zone C-O and Zone D as contemplated by
Reaolution No. 246. This action has been pending for some time.
Maps were shown arid explained that it was proposed to change the
lots fronting on Hunttngton Boulevard to ZoneC-Oand Zone D between
Rolly Avenue and tbe cmilme..:cial It.Joe at Baldwin Avenue and
including two lots west of Baldwin Avenue. Thepro"erty on
Fairview to the south is zoned &-3 all the way through except at
Baldwin Avenue which is c01lllDSrcial, and property continuing on to
the west from Baldwin is zoned R-3.
Repo,rt from the Zoning Committee stated that on March 26, 1957,
by Resolution No. 246 the Planning CommiSSion instituted t~e
proceedings to consider changing the zone on portions of
Huntington Drive from Zone R-3 to Zone c-o and Zone D. A
public hearing on the matter wils held on April 23, 1957; 31
parcels of property were involved of which the owners of 13 parcels
protested, principallY for the reason that there was no urgent
need for this 8IDOunt of C-O zone, and that it would cause an
increase in the taxes of the property. This property has been
in zone R-3 for a number of years and until the adoption of
Ordinance No. 900 in December, 1954, medical offices were a
permitted use. In October, 1956, Ordinance No. 967 was adopted
eliminating real estate and insurance offices in Zone C-O. It
was after this that the present proceedings were started. During
the proceedings it was decided that an alley should be dedicated
at the rear of the deep lots, or at least the land should be
kept available for alley use at some future time. Consequently,
the proceedings were baIted while Ordinance No. 1001, chan~g
the rear yard requirements of Zone C-O was being processed and
adopted. Land in Zone C-O may still be used for R-3 purposes and
the recommended regulations in Zone Dwill not be effective if
the land is used for R-3 purposes. Therefore, no added restric-
tions are imposed unless the owner wishes to take advantage of the
c-o uses. Zone C-O replaces, with some additions, the uses which
were removed from Zone &-3 by Ordinance No. 900. The Committee
January 28, 1958
Page Two
LOT SPLIT
NO. 192
LOT SPLIT
NO. 193
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believes that the placing of this property in Zone CwO will tend
to channel future medical buildings into this area near the
hospital, rather than to seele otber locations by variance. The
Commission recommends that the lots facing the south side of
Huntington Boulevard between Holly Avenue and the C-2 Zone at
BaldWin Avenue and including two parcels west of the C-2 zone at
Baldwin Avenue, as shown on the map, be placed in Zone CwO and
ZOne D and that the regulation for Zone D be the same as
recommended by Resolution No. 254. It was pointed out that the
Illinimum front yard in Zone CwO is ten feet. ,'Bowe'lier. ~th1s portion
of Huntington Boulevard has an existing setback of 50 feet
established by Ordinance No. 257 which is still in force and will
Kemain. so unless repealed. It was recommended that the 50 foot
setback remain in effect in this area so that new buildings for
CwO uses will be in the line with the existing residential
buildings. .
Moved by Mr. Acker, seconded by Mr. Robertson, and carried that the
City Attorney be instructed to prepare a Resolution recommending
that the R-3 zone on Huntington Boulevard between Bolly Avenue,
and the C-2 zone at Baldwin Avenue and including" two lots west
of the C-2 zone on Baldwin Avenue be changed to zone CwO with
a 1)-overlay, as outlined in the Zoning Co1lDllittee's report of
January 24, 1958.
No. 192 - Edna M. perkinson, 1301 S. Mayflow~r Avenue; referred to __
Mr. Davison and Mr. Pratt. The City Engineer's report was read.
This split had previously been d~nlhd by the Planning Collllllission
and City Council but was filadfor reconsideration. Mr. .Pratt
inspected tbeproperty and the property north of Bl Sur. On tbe
east side of the street there are a number of lots on which two
houses have been built. The property south of El Sur is
developed nicely and all the lots are wide. If a lot split of this
nature were allowed it would degrade the ne~ghborhood rather than
build it up.
John McLaughlin, representing this property, wanted to know if
the Commission would allow two houses on this lot.
The Commissioners stated that that was a matter for the
Modification Committee as to whether or not they allow two homes
in anyone given area under the Ordinance.
Commissioner Vachon said that all around the area there were nice
homes. and felt. it was not good planning to recommend two small
lots in the area.
Moved by Mr. Pratt, seconded by Mr. Acker, and carried that lot
split No. 192, Edna M. Perkinson, 1301 Mayflower Avenue, be
recommended for denial.
No. 193 - hed L. Tingley, 29 W. Camino Real Avenue; I'eferred to
Mr. Forman and Mr. Vachon.
The City Engineer's report was read.
This is to cut off 18 feet of the rear of the lot to be added on
to a lot in the new subdivision to the north. Mr. Vachon felt that
this was e good split and it makes a much better lot by taleing
18 feet off of parcel I, and he would recommend it for approval.
Mr. Carozza stated that if it be recommended for approval it
should be subject to this lot becoming a part of the lot that is
on the 'new street.
Moved by Mr. Vachon, seconded by Mr. Robe~tson, and carried that
Lot Split No. 193, Fred L. Tingley, 29 W. Camino Real Avenue be
recommended for approval subject to the following recommendations
of the City Engineer and that a covenant be executed making parcel
No. 2 of this lot split a part of Lot 10, Tract No. 24031:
January 28. 1958
Page Three
TRACT NO.
24311
./
1. Pile a final map with the City Engineer.
2. Record a covenant to provide tbat parcel 2 shall be
used with lot 10, Tract No. 24031.
Request of Max A. Dav1.B for change in condttions of approval of
Tract No. 24311 located east of Eighth Avenue and south of Duarte
Road.
Mr. Talley stated that on "A" Street running from Eighth Avenue
to Ninth Avenue, (50 foot street), a five foot planting easement
On tbe south side had been requested. The Subdividers are
asking for a modification.
Communication from Mr. Davia: Stated that he had not been able
to acquire the easement from the present property owner.
Communication from Mrs. Ruth Brockstedt, 926 S. Eightb Avenue,
stated that no payment had been offered for the easement; that
reducing the 150 foot lot by 5 feet would interfere with a future
lot split; and'that the curb on the new street would be too close
to her property.
Mr. Carozza said that part of this area is in the City of Monrovia
and the City Engineer of Monrovia did not concur in a recommendation
tbat Ni~th Avenue should continue to Duarte Road. The grade of
the bridge over Santa Anita Wash is high and it makes for very low
visibility and short sight distance along Duarte Road whether it
:I.s widened to 100 feet or left at its present width. One known
,factor is that in the processing of the channel improvement for
Santa Anita Wasb, tbe City of Monrovia is not removing the bridge
or paying for tbe cost of the betterment to lower it. Wbetberor not
w1~:Il: js.........""Plated . at some future date is not known. To open
up Ninth Street to Duarte Road at, tbis location witb tbe volume of
tbe flow of traffic both east and west makes for a very htgh
traffic hazard because of the poor sight visibility ,in the area.
It was felt that the whole general plan of the tract was well
worked out and the Commission had agreed on the location of a' ohange
of city boundary. They agreed to approve the 50 foot street o~
the basis tbat it be paved to the full Width with a five foot
planting easement.
Max Davis, the subdivider, said that the City of Monrovia very
clearly stated that there was nothing under consideration in the
near future as to the lowering of the bridge and they were not
in favor of the Duarte entrance. !he 36 foot curb to curb paving
was changed to forty feet on proposed "A" Street. In regard to
Mrs. Brockstedt's letter, he was at a loss to understand the attack.
Mr. Beckwitb called on ber when this question came up to ask her
'about the easement and she refused to grant i~, and she was correct
in saying that no money was offered, and she added that if she
were offered $40,000 at that moment she would still not consider
an easement and she would not consider tbe sale of it.
Mrs. Brockstedt has i50 foot frontage of which they are buying the
rear 270 feet, and there will be two 75 foot lots, on either side
of Ninth Avenue.
Mr. Carozza stated that the City of Monrovia requested a forty
,foot improvement, whereas our Subdiv1.Bion Committee had requested
normal street installations on a fift~ foot street which would
have been 36 feet of pavement.
January 28, 1958
Page Four
TRACT NO.
23948
TRACT NO.
20463
There is no easement required on the Monrovia side for sidewalk
purposes. Monrovia standard for subdivision development requires
s1dewallca. which is a standard Arcadia does not have.
Commissioner Vachon stated that in view of the conditions and with
the assurance of the City Engineer that the five foot easement
could be noted on a map as a condition so thst in the future a
lot split on this particular corner is requested it can be a matter
of record. Tha Subdivision Committee would recommend the modifi-
cation of tbat portion of the approval on Tract No. 24311.
Moved by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Pratt. and carried that the
request of Max Davis for a change in conditions of approval of
Tract No. 24311 deleting the five foot planting easement Oil tbe
south side of "A" Street. except along lot 29. Tract No. 24311.
be recommended for approval. and that records be made to insure the
granting of tbis easement if and when an application for a lot
split is made for tbis property.
Pinal map of Tract No. 23948 located on Lorena Avenue. Mr.
Robertson stated tbat it was the recommendation of the Subdivision
Committee that tbe final map of Tract No. 23948 as submitted be
recommended for approval.
Moved by Mr. Robertson. seconded by Mr. Pratt. and carried. that
the final map of Tract No. 23948 located on Lorena Avenue be re-
commended for approval. subject to tbe following conditions:
1. Install all street improvements. including drainage
structures, as required by tbe subdivision ordinance.
2. Pay all fees and deposits required by the subdivision
ordinance, including street lights" street trees. street
name signs and recreation fees.
3. Provide all necessary rear line easements for utilities.
Revised map of Tract No. 20463 located on Louise Avenue south of
Longden Avenue.
Mr. Carozza stated that tbe Commission and the Subdivision Committee
bad asked that a study be made of what could be designed to make
a better land use,in this particular area. Studies were made of
the possibility of tbe extension of the northerly line of this
subdivision north a few feet. It, is possible to pick, up some
additional area on these lots. This could result witb '7 lots,
(tbe original subdivision had 5), by turning tbfs street west and
picking up tbe back end of areas to tbe west.
In working a subdivision into certain areas oftentimes it looks
like a pbysical or financial impossibility to obtain additional
properties yet a land use study indicates that unless the properties
are considered at the time the subdivision is approved tbere is
a problem of tbese rear YB2ds. Witb the min~ requirements of
the City of Arcadia at tb~ present time of 7500 square feet, many
times tbe subdivider, in declaring property for subdivisions, will
come ,in witb the minimum, without any regard to further land use
of an area. As far as tbe Subdivision Committee is concerned. when
a subdivision is filed. they desire to make a complete land use
study of the area and see if all of the property can be acquired
in order to completely take up the vacant property in the rear of
these lots. This is a study and it has resulted in the possible
acquisition of two additional lots.
Leonard GoWdy, Civil Engineer. 2113 Huntington Drive, san Marino.
stated the first plan is way beyond the minimum and he felt that he
had done a professional job. He did not like minimum aize lots
shown in the study and would rather have lots over the minimum. He
did not like the shallowness of tbe revised plan. The original plan
is simple and easy to get around.
January 28, 1958
Page Pive
.. . . .
Commissioner Robertson stated that Mr. Gowdy should be complimented
on having larger lots; that the north line of the study made by
the Staff could be moved north further and actually 8 lots could be
worked out and still have more than minimum lots. He would like,
to have more studies made. He questioned whether or not it ahould
be denied without prejudice or if the Subdivider would waive the
time ltmi~, tbe matter could then Le beld open until further study
is made.
Mr. Williams stated that Mr. Talley presented him with a plan
similar to the one presented there, consisting of 7 lots. This
is a blind cul-de-sac street and is ,dangerous.
Before the Planning Commission denied it, or postponed it for further
study, they should consider that the proper~y is in escEOw and
the buyer did not approve of extending the time specified.
Commissioner Pratt stated tbat because some particular person won't
aell property does not constitute approval of a subdivision whicb
will forever deny that property from being developed. In the
overall planning of a City land cannot be blocked and while it is
difficult at times to get everyone together he felt for good
planning of the City of Arcadia the Planning Commission should not
recommend anytbing for approval that could be improved upon.
Commissioner Robertson said be thought it should be clearly under-
stood that the sketch that the City Engineer has drawn up is not
'a subdivision map, and assucb, it should not be so construed. The
arrangement of the cuI de sac was simply one person's idea of
how a piece of property could be developed.
It was stated that it was not the objective of the Commission to
submit a tentative map on a aubdivision. They are simply in the
position of trying to make a recommendation for a certain land use
in a certain area. This sketch is not a recommendation. They
aaked the Staff for a study of the property that was left in this
area, and this is what the Staff had prepared for the use of the
Planning Commission and the Subdivision Committee. It is not an
alternative.
It was suggested that the subdivider waive the time limit until
the FebrUary 11 meeting and a decision would be presented at that
time. The Commission is making a very determined effort, through
land use study maps, to develop that portion of the property which,
in the past, through either errors in planning or in subdivisions,
has not been properly considered. '
Mr. E. C. Harvey, 1070 Fallen Leaf Road stated he could not hold tbe
escrow open longer than February i.
Commissioner Robertson stated he would not make a recommendation
until all possible means have been exhausted to determine that the
back'end of the two lots cannot be acquited and brought ,into this
subdivision.
~. Carozza asked if the Commission would consider a recommendation
that before the matter goes to the City Council the developer
brings in a letter from each of the other two property owners,
stating their position. If there was some evidence that the
other two property owners do not 'wish to become a part of this tract,
it was thought that the Planning Commission would probably approve
the map as submitted.
Moved by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Pratt, that revised map of
Tract No. 20463, located on Louise Avenue south of Longden be
denied without prejudice.
!tOLL CALL:
In favor:
Commissioners Acker, Pratt, Robertson, and
Vachon.
None
Commissioners Davison, Forman, and Michler.
Opposed:
Abaent:
January 28, 1958
Page Six
. . . .
ZONE CHANGE
LAS TUNAS
DRIVE
Stollsdill
LOT SPLIT
NO. 194
RESOLU-
TION
NO. 271
RESOLU-
TION
NO. 27,3
RESOLU~ - .
TION
NO. 274
SIGNS
ZONE C-l
LAND USE
MAPS
The Secretary advised that he had received an application for a
zone change on property on Las Tunas Drive, Baldwin Avenue. Workman
Avenue and Woodruff Avenue to Zone R-3. The southeast corner
is now zoned C-l. A discussion followed as .to the information
contained in the application. Mr. Stogsdill also stated what
they are attempting to do in this area. Mr. Robertson was opposed
to this area being considered as a spot zone rather than the
conSideration of the whole development in the area. He stated
that this area is one being considered under the land use study
and that he would recommend that the entire area be held until
this study is completed. The Secretary was instructed to hold
this application until after the Baldwin Avenue area had been
studied.
:James J. Cecke. 1414 S.Tenth Avenue. assigned to Mr. Michler
and Mr. Acker to investigate.
Mr. Nicklin introduced the following Resolutions:
Resolution No. 272. entitled, A Resolution of the City Planning
Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, recommending the
classification of the business of wholesale automobile engine
rebuilding as a use permisaible in Zone M-l under Ordinance No.
760 of said City.
Moved by Mr. Acker,. aeconded by Mr. Pratt end carried the reading
of the body of Resolution No. 272 be waived.
Moved by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Acker and carried that
Resolution No. 272 be adopted.
Resolution No. 273, entitled A Resolution of the City Planning
Commission of the City of Arcadia, California recommending the
denial of a zone variance to permit the erection of a sign at
600 W. Las Tunas Drive.
Moved by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Pratt and cerried that
the reading of the body of Resolution No. 273 be waived.
Moved by Mr. Acker. seconded by Mr. Pratt, and carried that
Resol~tion No. 273 be,-adopted.
Resolution No. 274, entitled A Resolution of the City Planning
Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, making certain
findings and recommendations relative to the proposed amendment
of Section 11 and 17 of Ordinance No. 760 of the City of Arcadia.
Moved by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Pratt, and carried' that
the reading of the body of Resolution No. 274 be waived.
Moved by Mr. Acker, seconded by Mr. Pratt. and carried that
Resolution No. 274 be adopted.
Mr. Acker requested that the Commission review the sign regulations
of Zone C-l. The Commission had previously established a policy
to grant modifications to allow post signs for identification of
filling stations. Other requests had been received and warranted
consideration. The matter was referred to the Zoning Committee.
It was agreed to hold a special study session meeting on February
13. 1958, to consider the land use maps prepared by the Planning
Division.
There being no further business the .meeting adjourned.
\_'-1' .....,. C\., II
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v<', r 'iv' . A....-^/'..........V
L. M. TALLEY -1
Planning Secretary
January 28, 1958
Page Seven