HomeMy WebLinkAboutMAY 12, 1959
i,
ROLL CALL
MINUTES
VACHON
RESIGNATION
ZONE VARIANCE
(Mad inge r)
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 12, 1959
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., May 12,
1959, with Chairman Acker presiding.
PRESENT: Commiss ioners Acker, Davison, Forman, Michler, Robertson
and Stout.
ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT; Nicklin, Lortz, Talley and Gardner
The minutes of the meeting held April 28, 1959 were approved as wrieten
and mailed.
The Secretary read the resignation of Commissioner FrankVachoD, who has
been appointed to the newly created City Water Board. The Chairman asked
the Secretary to write a letter of appreciation to Mr. Vachon, commend-
ing him on his six years of faithful service to the Commission and the
City.
Pursuant to notice given, a public hearing was held on the application
of Earl H. and Edna V. Madinger, for a zone variance to allow the
construction of an additional dwelling at 910 South Foux.th Avenue in
Zone R-1.
The. lot is 1l0feet wide, fronting on Fourth Avenue by 93.85 feet
deep, containing 10323 square feet. It is the key lot, located back
of a lot 140 feet deep facing Duarte Road, and is in Zone R-l.
In 1947, before the city had a regulation on the division of lots, the
lot was split into two 55 foot lots. In 1948 the applicant purchased
the property, and, according to a report from the title company, it was
purchased as one 110 foot lot.
For several years it has been assessed as two lots for tax purposes,
and was assessed as two lots for the construction of the sewer system.
The existing house is located on the: northerly portion of the property,
and is set back 25 feet from the front of the lot. The applicant
requests that the new house also be at a 25 foot building line. The
house on ,the lot next door south, l.s 49 feet from the front lot line.
The setback required by ordinance on Fourth Avenue is 35 feet. If the
proposed new house is permitted and placed at the 35 foot building line
as required by ordinance, the rear yard will be about 5'6" less than
required.
The plan as submitted shows the house to have an area of 999 square
feet exclusive of porches and garage.
Six of the nearest neighbors have signed the petition favoring the
variance.
A communication from the Madingers was read reflecting the history of
the lot and the request to build thereon.
1.
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ZONE VARIANCE
(Roseman)
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There being no furthe~ written communication, the Chairman declareQ the
public hearing open and ordered those in favor of the variance to st.ate
their opinions.
Mr. Earl H. Madinger, 910 South Fourth Avenue, felt that the present
condition s on the lo.t justified a second dwelling and had ,nothing
more to add to the application.
Mr. Wm. Molnar, 919 South Fourth Avenue, stated that the erection of
the proposed dwelling would be a definite improvement to the neighborhood
and would add tax money to the City.
Mr. Robert Rourke, 330 E. Duarte Road,felt that the addition of a second
house would enhance the appearance of the entire area.
There being no opposition to the variance request, the Chairman declared
the hearing closed.
Mr. Robertson recommended favorable consideration of the variance
inasmuch,as the lot in question is a key lot that abuts future commercial
zoning on Duarte Road.
Mr. Stout stated that a variance ,on the subject lot would tend to Bet a
precedent for future requests of this nature.
Mr. Nicklin again repeated the lot history and advised the Commission
that the lot should be considered as one building parcel.
A general discussion foliowed and it was moved by Mr. Robertson, seconded
by Mr. Michler, that the attorney be instructed to draw the necessary
resolution recommending approval of the variance under the following
conditions:
1. The proposed dwelling be erected at the required 35 foot front
setback line.
2. Proposed dwelling to be not less than 1000 square feet exclusive
of porches and garage.
3. That the applicant submit a revised plot plan to be approved
by the Planning Commission.
Said motion carried by roll call vote as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
Acker, Davison, Forman, Michler and Robertson
Stout
Pursuant to notice given, a public hearing was held on the application
of Morris Roseman, 1203 South Eighth Avenue, for a zone variance to allow
an addition to and the conversion of an existing building into a third
dwelling.
The staff report as read by the Secretary indicated that the' property
now is a commercial chicken ranch, with chickens on the rear of the
property near Encino Avenue. There are two dwellings on the front
portion of the lot.
The subject building was built in 1953 as a feed room. It was
constructed and placed on the lot so that it could be converted to a
dwelling use, as three dwellings were a permissible use at that time.
For some unknown time the applicant has been using a portion of the
building as temporary living quarters. The buildings are spaced so
that each is on a site not less than 7500 square feet in area.
The subject building now has an area of 504 square feet. It is
proposed to add two bedrooms and a bath, bringing it up to 1015 square
feet.
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5-12- 59
SPECIAL USE
(Mortuary)
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There are 18 lots in the block on the west side of Eighth Avenue. Of
these, 10 have two houses and 3 have three houses.
The application implies that if the request
chicken ranch will be immediately removed.
this should be one. of the condit'ions.
is granted the commercial
If the request is granted
Thirteen property owners in the area had signed a petition in favor
of the conversion and addition.
The Chairman asked if the applicant had ever indicated a future con-
version of the feed room into a separate dwelling. The Secretary.
stated that he had advised Mr. Roseman to locate his feed room and
build in accordance with residential requirements at that time.
The hearing was opened and Mr. A. O. Knutsen, 366 Beechworth Drive,
Monrovia, representing the applicant, spoke in favor of the request.
Mr. Knutsen stated that he had personally contacted several property
owners in the immediate neighborhood and had found no opposition to the
variance request. It was pointed out that there are some lots with three
dwellings in existence.
Mr. Knutsen informed the Commission that he is planning to extend
Encino Avenue south to Camino Grove Avenue, and will subdivide the
rear portions of the lots in that alignment.
The Chairman asked if there were protestants. None appeared.
The Chairman then stated that the hearing would be continued ,until the
next regular meeting pending a report from the Staff and Zoning
Committee.
Consideration was given the application ,of Albert J. Miller for a zone
variance and/or special use permit to allow an addition to an existing
mortuary at 500 South First Avenue in Zone C-2.
The Planning Secretary read a co~nication from the applicant wherein
Mr. Miller advised the Commission that he had purchased the R-3
property at 116 El Dorado Street, which is ~ocated immediately behind and
adjacent to the mortuary. The letter further stipulated that he
intended to develop the property at 116 El Dorado Street for parking
purposes not later than June, 1960.
The Zoning Committee report pointed out. that changes in the zoning
ordinance have made this operation non-conforming, both as to use
and as to off-street parking, and changes in the fire zones have made
the building non-conforming.
The planned addition will add to the service and convenience of the
business, but will not affect the general seating capacity of the
building.
The Committee sees no objection to the granting of the special use
peraut to allow the addition, but feel that some effort should be
made to make the use conform as to parking requirements.
The applicant is the owner of the key lot adjoining the east side
of the mortuary site, and has indicated that he plans in the not too
distant future to establish some parking on it.
The Committee recommends that the application be rec?mmended for
approval, subject to the recording of a covenant stipulating that:
1. No further buildings be erected on Lot 33, Block 63-1/2,
Tract No. 866, unless and until approved by the Planning Com-
mission.
3.
5-12- 59
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LOT SPLIT
No. 243
LOT SPLIT
No. 245
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2. That within, two years after the granting of the special
use permit the applicant will remove buildings and establish
off-street parking on the above mentioned lot.
3. That plans for the parking area, showing the proposed
layout, number of spaces and access to the lot shall be
submitted to and be approved by the Planning Commission
before construction is started.
Mr. Talley further added that the applicant intended to remove the
existing structure on Lot 33, provide off"street parking thereon for
the mortuary and construct a garage and a two-unit apartment over the
garage. The parking requirement, for the mortuary at present would be
20 stalls and on similar parking lots in the city as many as 32 cars
can be accommodated. The apartment and garage construction on the lot
could create a turning problem, and' it was advised that a plan showing
the general location of the buildings and parking layout be submitted
to the Planning Commission for approval.
The Commission was also informed that a petition had been filed with
the City Council to establish a one-hour parking zone on First Avenue
in the vicinity of the mortuary. The applicant had signed this
petition in favor of restricting street parking on First Avenue.
Motion by Mr. Michler, se.conded by Mr. Robertson and carried that the
City Attorney prepare the necessary resolution recommending approval of
the application of Albert J. Miller as modified, to allow an addition
to the existing mortuary at 500 South First Avenue, subject to the
recording of a covenant stipulating:
1. No further buildings be erected on Lot 33, Block 63-1/2,
Tract No. 866, unless and until approved by the Planning
Commission.
2. That within two years after the granting of the special use
permit the applicant will remove buildings and establish off-street
parking on the above mentioned lot; such parking to conform with
the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
3. The plans for the parking area, showing the proposed layout,
number of, spaces and access to the lot, with apartments, if any,
shall be submitted to and approved by the Planning Commission
before any construction is started on the addition to the
mortuary.
George Fisher, 474 West Walnut Avenue.
The Secretary read the Engineer's report and a general discussion
followed. Mr. Stout felt that the split conformed with the prevailing
lots in the neighborhood and so moved for its approval. Seconded by
Mr. Michler and carried that Lot Split No. 243 be recommended for
approval, subject to the following':
1. File a final map prepared by a registered Engineer or
Licensed Land Surveyor"
2. Provide a sewer lateral for Parcel No.2.
3. Pay $25.00 recreation fee.
William Hovanitz, 1140 West Orange Grove Avenue.
The Engineer's report was read. The Secretary informed the Commission
that this particular lot' split had been sold and was in violation of
4.
5-12-59
, ,
TRACT
No. 19065
FINAL TRACT
No. 20952
,
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the lot split ordinance, and further that Mr. Hovanitz, had been
advised to file the necessary application.
Mr. Robertson stated that the split itself was not objectionable, but
that he is concerned with the future planning of the parcel. He added
that future use of the lot at 1140 Orange Grove Avenue and the
70.63' x 115' acquired parcel might be developed jointly in a
subdivision at a later date upon expiration of a present deed
restriction.
Therefore moved by Mr. Davison, seconded by Mr. Robertson that Lot Split
No. ?45 be recommended for approval subject to the following:
1. File a final map by a Registered Engineer or Licensed Land
Surveyor.
2. Remove the six foot concrete block wall located in the parkway
on Michillinda Avenue.
3. Record.a covenant to guarantee that the Parcel No.2 will be
used only with the property located at 1140 West Orange Grove Avenue.
S.aid motion carried by the following toll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Davison, Forman, Michler, Robertson and Stout
Acker
Communication from Park Investment Co., Inc. dated May 6, 1959 was
presented, requesting that their tentative tract map No. 19065 be re~
moved from the agenda until a later date.
Motion by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Stout and carried to approve
the removal of tentative tract map No. 19065 from the Planning Commis-
sion agenda pending further notice from Park Investment Co.,Inc.
The Secretary presented Final Tra"ct Map No. 20952 and stated that the map
was identical to the Revised Tentative approved at a previous date. One
of the conditions of the revised tentative map was that a trust be
imposed on Lot 13 in order to control future access onto Magna Vista
Avenue. The amount of the trust was established at $1011.83. If at
any time the property to the north of Lot 13 wishes to use the street
(Magna Vista Avenue) they would have to pay a proportional share of the
present cost of the improvement of the street.
Mr. Jack P. Morgan, owner of property north of Lot 13, had been
notified of the trust and did not appear before the Planning Commission.
Motion by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr. Forman and carried that final
map of Tract No. 20952 be recommended, for approval, subject to the
fonowing conditions:
1. Provide an easement for the sewer and street drainage into
Le Roy Avenue, to be approved by the City Engineer.
2. The City should abandon the present drainage easement and
the subdivider remove the structures.
3. The subdivider shall install all street improvements required
by the subdivision ordinance.
4. The subdivider shall pay all fees and deposits required by the
subdivision ordinance, as follows:
4 street lights at $150.00
11 lots recreation fee at $25.00
23 street trees at $5.00
$600.00
275.00
115.00
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5-12-59
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5. The subdivider shall deposit a proportional share of the
estimated cost of opening a future street into Le Roy Avenue,
in the amount of $6,872.00. In the event that Magna Vista
Avenue is extended to Le Roy Avenue with the use of other funds,
other than those acquired from abutting properties, or if the
street is not constructed to Le Roy Avenue within the next ten
years (April 7, 1969), the deposit shall be returned to
Robinson Brothers, their heirs or assignees, without interest.
6. Provide all necessary rear line utility easements.
7. Lots numbered 12 and 14 shaH be deeded in fee to the City.
8. The City shall dedicate for street, purposes lot 12 of Tract
No. 19656 at the present end of Magna Vista Avenue.
9. Lot 13 may be deeded in trust to a trust company, and a
condition imposed that ,the amount of $1,OH.83 be paid to the
subdivider to reimburse him for atreet construction if the
adjoining property elects to use the street. The form of the
trust to be approved by the City Attorney. If such a trust is
not created, the lot shall be deeded in fee to the City.
BUSINESS The secretary read a communication from the W. D. Long Packaging Co.,
CLASSIFICATION 157 Santa Clara 'Street, reque~ing that the business of packaging and
(packaging Co. )shipping small parts, be classified as a C-2 use. The text of the letter
indicated thar the company does not manufacture any product for direct
sale; that the company specializes in small parts packaging and
approximately 90% of the business is for shipment to the Armed Services;
that the majority of items are packed for shipment in fibreboard
containers; that it is a service type operation and relatively quiet.
The letter further stated the business would not warrant the crating of
large heavy components., Parcel Post would be used extensively.
A letter from the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce requested favorable action
be taken in the ,pro~osedC-2 classification.
Mr. W. D. Long spoke on the matter of classification of his business.
He declared that the largest package for shipment is around 200 lbs.
Raw lumber used in crating is limited to about six sheets of plywood
and fibreboard is used almost exclusively. Forklifts are not
contemplated. On occasion 40 foot trailers are utilized in shipping
and receiving operations.
Mr. Stout questioned the business asa cOllllllercial venture and felt it
likened itself more to an M-l classification.
Motion by Mr. Michler, seconded by Mr. Stout and carried to refer the
classification of packaging small parts to the Zoning Committee for a
committee and staff report at the next regular meeting.
PRIVATE
CHAPEL
(464 West
Huntington
Dr! ve)
Correspondence from the Medical Building Company of America was read,
indicating their request for the construction of a 22' x 33' private
chapel on the grounds of the proposed convalescent home at 464 West
Huntington Drive. The request spelled out the following reasons why
such a chapel should be a'Howed:
1. It allows patients to attend services with a minimum of
preparation and travel.
2. It can be used as a center for physical therapy.
3. It provides a destination for patients, thereby increasing
their desire to move about on the premises.
6.
5-12- 59
.... I . to
REAR YARDS
PROPOSED
SUBDIVISION
(Couo ty
Territory)
LAND USE
STUDY
(Annexed
Ax'ea)
LIAISON
OFFICER
ADJOtfflNMENT
Mr. Jack Hoyle, representing the Medical Building Company of A'Ilerica,
st:ated that the chapel would accollllllodate between 30 and 40 patient,s
and their guests.
It ~as pointed out by the Secretary that churches are a permissible
use in Zone CoO and that this chapel, being a private place of
worship, should be clarifiec .s to its acceptance in this zone.
A general discussion followed.
Motion by Mr. Davison, seconded by Mr. Michler and carried that: the
private chapel for the convalescent home located at 464 West Huntington
Drive be approved.
The, Secretary requested that the consideration of the proposal t:o llIIlend
rear yard requirements, as contemplated by Resolution No. 321, be
continued until the regular meeting held on June 9, 1959. Chairman
Acker so ordered.
Proposed Tract No. 24997 in County territo1:)', west of the newly
annexed territory, located south of Camino Real Avenue, some 900' west
of Baldwin Avenue, was submitted from the Regional Planning COllllllission.
The proposed subdivision called for a six lot tract servi.ced by a
16 foot driveway.
The Chai:tman directed the Secretary to file a letter of protest with
the Connnission, stating that the proposed tract is far below Arcadia
standards.
Chairman Acker requested that a land use study be initiated in the area
covered by Annexation No. l7-A. This study would necessarily precede
any rezone hearings for the area.
The Director of Public Works then stated that the entire annexed
territory would be covered in the very near future.
The Chairman appointed Mr. Stout as new liaison officer to the City
Council. This appointment fills the vacancy created by Mr. Vachon's
resignation.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned.
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L. M. TALLEY
Planning Secretary
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5-12- 59