HomeMy WebLinkAboutMARCH 11, 1958
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ROLL CALL
HINUTES
VARIANCE
Margolin
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HINUTBS
PLANNING COMMISSION OF THB CITY OF ARCADIA
REGULAR HBBTING
MARCH 11. 1958
The Planning COlIDDission of the City of Arcadia met in regular
seasion in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, 'at 8:00 o'clock
P.H., March 11, 1958, with Chairman Vachon presiding.
PRESENT: Commissioners Acker, Davison. Forman, Michler, Pratt,
Robertson, and Vachon.
ABSENT:
Noaa: .'
0THIlRS PRESENT: Councilman Reibold, Nicllin, Carozza, Cook, Talley,
and Mrs. Andrews. .
The minutes of February 25,1958 were approved as written ~d
mailed,
The ColIDDission considered a decision on the application of Vivian
J, Margolin for a zone variance to allow C-3 uses and automobile
parking on property at the northwest corner of Santa Anita Avenue
and Las Tunas Drive.
A letter from Mrs. A. J. Clark, 109 Sandra Avenue was read, in regard
to the Margolin property. She would like to have it on record as
being definately in favor of Sandra Avenue being left a dead end
and the wall and turn around being constructed to safeguard her
privecy, health, and welfare. She would prefer not to. have
Sandra Avenue extended to Las Tunas Dri.ve.
Communication from David S. Clart. 103 Sandra Avenue, stated
he believed that a buffer strip of at least ten feet in width
bordering the eastern side of hia lot, was vital to the protection
of its residential privacy and value.' The proposed road from the
east end of Sandra Avenue BOuth to Las Tunlls Drive would act as a
satisfactory buffer for the residents at 102 Sandra Avenue and
103 Las Tunas Drive, but would do nothing to protect his hODl6 at
103 Sandra Avenue. The bedrooms of his house are lea a than 25 feet
from the present boundary line, beyond which is proposed commercial
parking. A wall alone would not keep the car lights and noises
from disturbing the privacy of his home. He requested the right to
purchase. at a nominal p'rice, a strip of land bordering the east
side of his lot. not less than 10 feet wide, to give him a protec-
tive buffer area. In this area, be can plant protective foliage
tbat will help obliterate objectionable noises and lights.
Anotber letter from H. B. Dawson, 84 Sandra Avenue stated that be
has felt secure in the fact that he lives on a quiet dead end
street., His wife and he both feel that the Commission has two
choices to consider: 1. Let Sandra Avenue remain a dead end. with
a turn around at the end of tbe street, or 2. Continue Sandra
Avenue straight through to Santa Anita Avenue in accord with other
streets travelling east and west.. He cannot see tbe reason for
funnelling Las Tunas taaffic directly into Sandra Avenue.
Donald O. !trag. from a law office in Alhambra, wrote that the Arcadia
Collgregational Church, a. client of his office, had requested that
tbey notify tbe Commission that in determining any conditiolls which
they might wisb to prescribe for the 806ing and/or building on the
Margolin property, it should be conSidered that the Arcadia Congre-
gational Church has an easement for a pipeline ruuning in a general
east-west direction along the northerly portion of tbe subject pro-
perty, and from said land's abuttment with Sante Anita Avenue and
March 11.. 1958
Page one
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running approximately as far as tbe rear of tbe present building
now situated on the adjacent land owned by the Congregational
Church. The actual location of this easement cannot be presently
described in the latter, but they would supply tha exact location
upon the Commission's request. Should any construction of buildings,
walls, paving, or any work or improvement be cOlllpleted, these would
have to be clone so as not to interfere with the church's right
of easement.
The report of the Zoning Committee was read.
Chairman Vachon felt that in view of the letter they had received
relative to Arcadia Congregational Church, that another stipulation
ubould be put into the conditions, that the two property owners
involved resolve the problem of water line easeme.nt if one exists.
Commissioner Robertson asked if the alley to Santa Anita Avenue,
which was termed a service alley, would have access to the parking
area.
The Secretary replied that it would. Mr. Margolin had planned one
way traffic for delivery to the stores; coming in off of Santa
Anita Avenue, unloading at the Stores, and going out through the
parking lot.
Mr. Robertson questioned heavy trucks turning in off of Santa Anita
Avenue without creating a problem. He did not feel that with a
twenty foot dedicated all~y, and the present width of Santa Anita
Avenue., that heavy trucks could pull into the alley without diffi-
culty.
Mr. Michler said that this was discussed at the Zontng Committee
meeting and he agreed that a hazard would exist.
The Secretary aaid that he had talked with Mr. Margolin, and he said.
that he waa going to try to work out a mutual arrangement with the
service station so that customers could enter and park mutually
over the grounde.
Commissioner Pratt questioned the available parking and stated that
the preferred ratio at Sears is 7 to 1; and this is less than 1 to
1.
It was pointed out that the total number of cars that can be parked
in the area provided on the ground and elevated is 1,033.
.
The Secretary stated tbat Mr. Margolin has more than the area re-
quired by ordinance; his floor area is bui:lt up by the three story
building, therefore calling for mere parking area. The, ordinance
states that in C-3 zones one balf the area of the land shall be
used for parking, which would be 293,000 square feet, and he has
255,00(\ counting the upper parking.
Mr. Carozza stated that it is common knowledge that as time goes
on, the center island of Santa Anita Avenue, will be reduced to
provide two full lanes of traffic flow in eech direction with a
paeking lane on each side. He also stated that at alleya near
Huntington Drive the center parkway had been opened to provide
access to the alley and that it was a possibility to open up
Santa Anita Avenue near this proposed alley.
Mr. Nicklin asked if the Commission desired to make any recommenda-
tion concerning the claimed easement for the pipe line. He stated
that normally the Planning Commission does' not enter into the field
of the private rights of the parties involved. His only concern
here is if there is an ea_nt at that location and the CommissiOn
is approving a plot plan which would propose to cover that ease-
ment, and the pipe line is not relocated there is going to be
oonfusion. He believed that there was no recorded easement, but
thatdoe!l not mean that there cannot be one by implied reservation.
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March 11, 1958
Page Two
Lor SPLIT
NO. 196
Lor SPLIT
NO. 197
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The pipeUne is in fact on the property someplace and it would
appear to him that plsnniftg Would require the removal of the pipe-
line from an area which is going to be almost a dedicated alley.
Commissioner Davison suggested that they add that the easement be
resolved between the two interested parties.
Moved by Mr. lUchler, seconded by Mr. Forman, that the appUcation
of Vivian J, Margolin for a zone variance to allow C-3 uses and
automobile parking on property at the northwest corner of Santa
Anita Avenue lIIld Las Tunas Drive be recommended for approval subject
to the conditions as specified by the Zoning Committee report with
the additional request that the involved parties resolve the sit-
uation of a pipeline easement.
~id motion WQs carried by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Acker, Davison, Forman, Michler, Pratt, Robert-
son, and Vachon,
NOES: None
No. 196 - I!mIIllI K. Brammeier, 1216 S. First Avenue; referred to Mr.
Aeker and Hr. Michler. This split 18 to divide a small strip 7.75
feet wide to be used with a larger parcel to the south which
eventually will be included in the subdivision on the extension of
Greenfield Avenue.
The City Engineer's Report was read.
Hr. Acker inspected the property and he felt that the small piece
of 7.75 feet c:ould only be used with the parcel to the south, and
the lot split was agreeable with him,
Moved by Mr. Acker, seconded by Mr, Michler, and carried that lot
split No, 196, Emma K. Brammeier, 1216 5. First AV8Due be re-
commended for approval, aubject to the following conditions:
1. File a final map with the City Engineer.
2. Record a covenant to guarantee that the 7.7 S foot parcel
will not be used as a separate building site and will be
held under the same ownership with the north 138.75 feet of
the east 157 feet of lot 7, Tract No. 808.
No, 197 - Holger A. Valentine, 211 E. Live Oak Avenue, referred to
Mr. Acker and Mr, Michler, This property has a servtce station
on parcell and there is a block wall built along the south line
of parcel 4. It is proposed to divide parcel 4 nort~ of the block
wall and add it to lot 13, to the north, which is zoned R-3, Parcel
2 is under lease to the oil company, but, the owner hae the right of
ingress through to the rear of parcel 3, which faces on Live Oak
Avenue.
The City Engineer's report was read.
The Secretary added that under a previous st~dy on Live Oak Avenue
there was consideration of an alley at the rear of all of this
property, This split would eliminate any alley but possibly there
is no call for it because to the east, on lots l-and 2 there is
now a church c:onatructed.
Neither Mr. Ac:ker or Mr. Michler saw any need of an alley in this
location under the circumstances.
The Chairman questioned whether parcel 2 ahould be a separate parcel
because it would create a 27 foot lot, actually subdivided as far as
the C~ty is concerned, as a separate parcel in C-2 zoning, on which
a building could be built. .
Mar.ch 11, 1958
Page Three
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c.--
TRACT NO.
18568
USB CLASSI~
~ICATION
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Mr. Hege, representing Mr. Valentine on this. Illli.tter, stated that
Parcel No. 2 is an easement granted to the teneral Petroleum
Corporation. He was under tbe impression that it was a lease with
an easement back to Mr. Valentine. however. it 18 an easement from
Mr. Valentine to General Petroleum Corporation; He added tl1at
Parcel No. 2 would either have to be made, a separate parcel or
included with Parcel No.3, which is the portion that is being re~
tained by Mr. Valentine and he will went the right of ingress and
egress over that approximately 20 foot area. He also added that a
covenant filed against Parcel No. 2 that it shall not be used for
building purposes would be acceptable. He was sure that Mr.
Valentine loIOuld be glad to record such a covenant., and also with
reference to the Bngineer's report, he certainly had no objections
to the change of zoning on ,Parcel No. 4 from C-l to ,R-3, because
it is the whole intention of this to get sufficient area on Lot
13 with which to build an apartment.
M:lved by Mr. Michler, seconded by Mr. Acker, and carried that Lot
Split No. 191, Holger 1". Valentine, 211 E. Live Oak Avenue be
re.c:ommended for approval subject to the folldlwing conditions:
1. File a final map with tbe City Engineer.
2. Provide a sewer lateral for Parcel No, 3.
3. Dedicate 12 feet from Lot 13 for widening Second Avenue.
4. Pay $25.00 recreation fee for Parcel No.3.
..;- 5. Record a covenant to insure that no building will be
constructed on Parcel No.2.
M:lved by Mr. Michler, seconded by Mr. Acker and carried that the
Co~ission institute proceedings to change the zone of Parcel
No. 4 of above Lot Split No. 197 from Zone C-l to Zone R-3 to
conform to the zomllng of Lot 13,Tract No. 12565.
Communication from W,L. Hoffeditz, engineer, requesting an extension
of one year on Tract No. 18568 located north of Longden Avenue
between Santa Anita Avenue and Second Avenue, approved by the
Co~ission on March 12, 1957 and by the City Council on March 19,
1957. He had been unable to proceed with the project heretofore
because of one of the eleven property owners had been unable to
complete necessary refinancing. He requeated that an extension of
one year be given in order to complete installation of street
improvements; no changes have been made on the tentative map aince
it was approved by the City Council,
Moved by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Acker, and carried that the
request for the extension of one year on Tract No, 18568 Ikocated
north of Longden Avenue between Sante Anita Avenue and Second Avenue
be recommended for approval, subject to the same conditions that
applied to the original approval.
Request of Randolph Weltner that the busineas of aroll.er skating
rink be classified as a use permiSSible in Zone C-2.
Letter from Mr. Waltner requesting that the classification of the
C-2 lot for uae as a roller skating rink and building in which shott
religiOUS and spiritual programs may be held for young people;
in connection with the operation of said roller skating rink, h8
would like to have a snack bar to serve light refreslllllents and
soft drinks. He expectad to cater mainly to church groups which,
during the courae of an evening, would have a devotional period.
The property would be used mainly in the late afternoons and evening
and Saturday and not during the regular business day, except during
school vacations. The grauting of permission to use this property
for a roller skating rink will not be detrimental to the public
health or welfare, but will be an asset to the entire c01lllDUllity and
its young people, Various young people's groups and church groups
will be invited to partic:ipate on an appointment basb. On oc:casion,
tbe rink will also be thrown open to the general public and at suc:h
time as it is also anticipated that ~ short devotional period will
be held. The property is being purc:hased for use as a roller skating
Marc:h n, 1958
Page Four
SIGN IN
ZONE C-l
BOWLING
ALLEY
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rink and unless it can so be used, he will receive no benefit from
its ownership. The use of this property for a roller skating rink
will not interfere with the use of other property in the neighbor-
hood. There are several empty lots surrounding it, and the erec-
tion of the rink will build up the neighborhood. ;
The subject property is lot 16, Block 82, the second lot north of
La Porte .Street on the west side of First Avenue. It is SOxlSl
and is zoned C-2. .
The Chairman stated that he had discussed this matte.r with the
Zoning Committee and felt that a roller skating rink and a bowling
alley were similar, and a bowling alley is permitted to operate
in a C-2 zone. Ordinance No. 823 states that a skating rink is on8'
of those uses that takea a special permit from the Clty Council
regardless of the zoning,
Moved by Mr, Robertson, seconded by Mr. Michler, and canied that.
the City Attorney be requested to draw a resolution classifying
a roller skating rink as a use permissible in Zone C-2.
A decision of t~e application of Francis L. Cook for a ~ost sign
in Zone C-l at 123 8. Duarte Road was considered. It was referred
to the Commission by the MOdification Committee.
It was felt that since a variance for a sign had previously been
granted to the restaurant on Las Tunas Drive by the City Council,
that it would only be fair to grant this application.
The application is for a sign 23" wide, and IS feet high erected
on a pole. The lower end to be 8' minimuDJ from the ground; the
pole to be set back from the existing curb 2S' along the westerly
property line,
Moved by Mr. Michler, seconded by Mr, Pratt, that the application
of Francis L. Coo~ for a post sign in Zone C-l at 123 8. Duarte
Road be approved subject, to the specifications as outlined in the
application.
Said motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioner Acker, Davison, Forman, Michler. Pratt and
Vachon.
NOES: Commissioner Robertson
The final plans. for the bowling alley on Las Tunas Drive in Zone D
were considered, The plot plan submitted was in conflict with the
Zone D requirements of Resolution No. 2888 in the following
matters:
Item 7 requires a wall or screen type .landscaping to separate
automobile parking from the street. Landscaping of a portion
of the street parkway was' proposed as an alternate.
Item 10 requires a 10 foot setback from the street. The
footings for the arches of tbe front entrance were shown to
encroach slightly into the setback area.
Item 13 requires a 6 foot high masonry wall along the east
property line of El llIDnte Avenue. Tbe plan proposed a 4 foot
high wall.
MOved by Mr. Michler, seconded by Mr. Acker, and carried that final
plans for the bowling alley on Las Tunas Drive in Zone D be
approved as submitted except that the wall along 81 Monte Avenue
shall be six feet high.
March 11, 1958
Page Five
FREBWAY
ZONE
CHANGES
LEAGuE OF
WOBBN
VOTERS
ORDI1VANCB
NO. 990
RESOLUTION
NO. 218
Report of the City Engineer on th~ ~form8tional freeway meeting
held in Azusa, on rebruary 27, 19.58 was presented. '
Mr. Carozza stated that the Commission had been aUppUed with copies
of thl!. report merely to keep them informed as to the latest informa-
tion applying to the freeway.
The Sectetary was instrbcted to proceed with setting a' date for
hearing on the pending application for a chenge of zone to Zone
R-3 on property near Las TUnas Drive and' Baldwin Avenue.
The City Attorney was requested to prepare the necessary resolution
t~ institute proceedings on the pending application for a change to
Zone R-3 on Duarte Road west of Holly Avenue and including additional
property to the west. to include all the property between Holly
Avenue and th~ present commercial zone east of Baldwin Avenue.
The Secretary read a no.te t.o the Planning Commission inviting them
to attend the League of Women Voters Candidates Meeting on Tuesday,
March 25. at the Rolly Avenue School AuditoriUlll from 8 to 10 P.M.
It was pointed out that this was a regular CODllDission Meating date.
The Commission conSidered a decision and recommendation concerning
Ordinance No. 990. Mr. Carozza'read his report of the study which
had been made by the Planning Division. The Committee which had
met with citizens had previously met and conSidered and discussed
the report. It was their opinion that Ordinance No, 990 was a sound
ordinance and that any relief indicated for individual lots should
be by means other than amendment of the ordinance.
The matter of creating a new residential zone to cover certain areas
of deep lots was discussed. It was felt that the lots that migbt
fall into such a catagory were not of sufficient nUlllber and might
be too widely separated to warrant auall a zone.
The matter of zone variances for these cases was considered. It was
agreed that some method of expediting the proceedings to shorten
the time required for such a procedure should be studied. Also
that it migbt be necessary to make some change in the length of
time in which a variance IIlUst be used.
Mr, Cain questioned some of the statements of the City Engineer's
report. He also thought that deep lots where it is possible to
subdivide the rear portion, should be considered the same as those
where the subdivision has been accomplished. except that the extreme
rear portion of the lot should be denied any buildings until it
is subdivided.
Upon questioning by Mr. Nicklin, Mr. Cain stated that a period of
one year or two years instead of the present six months period in
which to exercise a variance would help alleviate tbe problem.
Moved by Mr. Pratt, seconded by Mr. Robertson, and carried that the
report of the City Engineer be approved and recommended for approval
by the City Council. Also that the matter of processing of variances
should be studied for a method of expediting the procedure and
reducing the'time required for processing such applications.
Mr. Nicklin introduced Resolution No. 218, entitled a "Resolution of
the City Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California,
recommending the granting of a variance to pemmit an addition at the
rear of an existing professional office building; the establishment
and operation of a pharmacy therein, and the erection and msintainance
of a sign at 600 West Huntington Boulevard~'
The resolution. as aubmitted, proposed a limit on t.he 8IDOunt of
show case which would be allowed in the professional pharmacy. The
Commission felt that this limitation would not be needed. and the
item waa eliminated.
March 11, 1958
Page Six
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Moved by Mr. Acker, seconded by Mr. Porman, and carried that the
reading of the full body of Resolution No. 278 be waived.
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Moved by Mr. Robertaon, seconded by Mr. Pratt, and carried that
Resolution No. 278 as amended be adopted.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
'f.}J1., . Vn~
L. M. TALLEY ,.
Planning Secretary
March 11, 1958
Page Seven