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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJULY 14, 1959 - -. ROLL CALL MINUTES ZONE VARIANCE G. H, Braun MINUTES .PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA REGULAR MEETING JULY 14, 1959 Tpe Planning Commission of the City of Arcadis met in regular session in the Co~cil Chamber of the City Hall at 8:00 o'clock.P,M., July 14, 1959, with Chsirman Acker presiding. PRESENT: Commissioner's Acker, Dsvison, Michler, Norton, Stout and Wallin ABSENT: Commissioner. Forman OTHERS PRESENT: Councilman Balser, Nicklin, Lortz, Gardner snd Maroshek. Merle Gardner scted as secretary in the absence of the regular Secretary, The minutes of the meeting held June 23, 1959 were approved as written and mailed. Chairman Acker introduced the two new Planning Commissioners, Mr. James M. Wallin and Mr. Ralph Norton, and welcomed them to the Commission, The chairman opened the public hearing on the application of G. H, Braun and Loretta F. Braun for a zone variance to allow the erection of a third dwelling at 236 W. Foothill Boulevard. The Secretsry read the application which was accompanied with support- ing signaturesj the staff report as read by the Secretary indica-ted: The parcel is approximately 793 feet deep (average) by 150 feet wide and abuts the A.T, & S.F. R.R. along its rear PI].... At present. there is swimming pool cabana, snd a s.ingle family residence set back from the front pIL 445 feet and 526 feet respectively. On the rear of the lot, about 150 feet behind the front dwelling, there is a gardener's cottage, equipped with kitchen facilities. A sanitation e.ssement near the resr property line provides sewage outlet for the existing improvements. As presently contemplated, the proposed route of the Foothill Freeway would necessitate the acquisition of the southerly 230 feet of the sub- ject property, thereby removing the existing dwelling, gardener's cot- tage and sewer line. The applicant has submitted plans for a dwelling over 2500 square feet to be situated 341 feet from the front property line. Between the pro- posed dwelling and the freeway R/w line there. is approximately 192 feet; while the pool cabana would clear the R/W by 60 feet. There being no other communications, the Chairman declared the public hearing open. Mr. G, H. Braun, the applicant, 236 W. Foothill Boulevard stated that the present house in which they are residing, as well as the gardener's cottage and the swimming pool will be taken by the proposed freeway, and that if the zone varisnce is grsnted he will remove .the kitchen facili- ties in the present dwelling, Those opposing the variance were then requested to present their views, No one desired to be heard. Page One July 14, 1959 ZONE VARIANCE D. C. Ryder The Chairman declared the hearing continued until the next regular meeting for the purpose of receiving reports from. the staff and Zoning COIDlll~ t tees,. The Chairman opened the public hearing on the application of David C. and Dorothy M, Ryder for a zone .variance to allow the erection of an sdditional dwelling at 903 N. Second Avenue. The Secretary read the staff report which indicated: The lot is ;5' x 286,67' or 15,766 square feet and backs up to an L shaped lot that has frontage on Laurel Avenue. As proposed, the second dwelling sets 'on its own site of 7500 square feet and is located properly as to required yards. It has a floor area of 1036 square feet with an attached carpor't.' The applicants plan to utilize the existing driveway for both garages. There are eight residential lots 'thst face on Second Avenue on the west side of the street,. The remaining frontage is city owne4 pro- perty, Of the eight lots, two have s two dwelling development or 25%, There are no lots fronting on Second Avenue on the east side of the street. Seventeen property owners in the area .have recoIDlllended approval of the application. Fifteen of these owners sre within s 300 foot radius. Additional petitions have been received revising the results to 32 who have recoIDlllended approval with 28 of them residing within the 300 foot limit, There being no further cOIDlllunications, the Chairman declared the public hearing in aession. The Chairman requested that those in favor of the variance .step forwa~d and state their position. Mr. David C. Ryder., 903 N, Second Avenue, stated that he was in favor of' the var,iance because a 286 foo't lot is s handicap to keep clean; that a second dwelling would help to overcome tax problems, bringing in new revenue. Mr. Michler asked how Mr. Ryder would get back to the new dwelling; whether he would use the sSl1le driveway. Mr. Stout wished to clarify whether there would be s circulsr drive or a straight one back to the proposed dwelling. The applicant answered thst there would 'be no circular driveway, but the present drivewsy would go straight on back, and the carport would be. on the right side of the property. Mr. Stout asked if this application was 'made under the provisions of the new or the old ordinance. The Secretary answered that it was applied for under the old'ordinance, which required 60 per cent of the lots to be developed with two houses; this lot doean't qualify under the neW ordin- ance, bec?use the rear of the lot has not been subdivided since 1949. The new ordinance is not yet in effect. Mr. Nicklin sdvised that this wouldn't qualify under the old ordinance automatically; that's why the variance was filed. Those opposing the variance were then requested to present their views. No one desired to behesrd, The Chainnan declared the hearing continued until the next regular meet- ing for the purpose of receiving'reports from the staff snd Zoning COIDlllittees. Page Two July 14, 1959 SPECIAL USE (Master T.V. Antenna) Pursuant to notice. given a public hearing. was held an the applicatian of Camden-Wilshire Company and the Sauthern California Fringe T.V." Com- pany far a' special use permit ta allaw the installatlon and use of a 14' high Master Television Antenna at 2122 Canyon Road in Zone R-l. The Secretary read the application, which stated that the prapasal is ta. construct a master antenna sppraximately 14 feet high on the slope of th.is lot between the existing service road snd Csnyon Drive. This master antenna will be used to receive tetevision signals for transmission to various homes in the area; that there sre exceptianal or extra- .ordinary circumstances. Var10us lots in Tract Na; 23143 and 23144, 23145 and 20211 da not have satisfactary television reception. The proposed master antenna will make it possible ~or residents ta have such service. Mr. Nicklin advised that at this time the commission was considering the application for a special uSe permit ta all .ow' the erection of a commercial T. V. master antenna. inasmuch as , such a use .has been class, ified as a special use, and must' be processed under the regulations governing variances and/arspecial use permits. There were no cammunications; the Chairman requested those in favar to step farward and state their position, Mr.. Leo Arronaga and Mr. Herbert Rose, representing the Southern California Fringe T. V. Campanyand Mr. Matt Hunt, representing Camden- Wilshire Campany, supported their request for a special use permit, Mr. Hunt described the need for a more adequate T.V. reception .system in the Foothill area. He stated that he had been sesrching for about 2 years to find the logical company to furnish high grade service I and felt that the right campany had been. chasen; that the antenns wauld be an asset ta the area, and wauld nat detract from the beauty .of the vicinity, Mr, Hunt described the antenna as 14 feet high with a. circumference .of 25 feet.The antenna mast will bebelaw the present service raad that services three lats. The lats themselves sre narth .of the antenna site, and will be'placed dawn slape and aut .of sight .of the three dwelling sites. Mr. Staut asked if the site wauld be landscaped; it is presently landscaped with banans grass., and scsping is nat necessary. Mr. Hunt snswered that that additianal land- Discussian cantinued relating ta utility pales snd ather factars; Mr. Hunt ssid that there wauld be na antennas atap the various hauses. He stated further that there would be na pessible hazard te children. In answer te Mr. Lartz' questian regarding excavatian, he explained that there wauld .be 'ne need fer excessive excavatien, and that the mast weuld be sttached te the hillside by a concrete feundatien, Mr, Rese explained the antenna weuld use the veltage .of an average heuse; ne high veltage is cencerned. Mr, Hunt stated tnat Camden-Wilshire Cempany has a centract with the Seuthern Califernia Fringe Televisian Service, at a cest .of $4.50 per menth aud an installatien fee .of $90.00, and that each subscriber weuld be billed separately each menth, The business permit has already been applied fer. Mr'. Hunt expressed tlte desire fer immediate actien if the special use permit is te be granted. Page Three July 14, 1959 ,j ZONE R-3 6< REAR YARD CHANGES , ,---j The Chairman then asked for those opposed to step forward. Mr, John Fee, 8l0-A N. Fil'st, the' owner of Lot 9 which adjoins the pro- posed site of the antenna merely appeared to get a closer look at the planned antenna to get an idea of the appearance. It was explained that it is merely a receiving' antenna and not a transmitting instru- ment. Mr. Fee also wished to know if this antenna would constitute an attractive nuissnce. Mr. Hunt replied that from a legal standpoint, no; that even if a"per- son were to get near the device there would be no inherent danger. Mr. Fee also asked if the antenna would be fenced. It was discussed further and establishe~ that a fence might very well attract children sooner than a free area would. Motion by Mr. Davison, seconded by Mr. Stout and carried that the application of Camden-Wilshire Company for a special use permit to allow the erection of a master T.V. antenna at 2122 Canyon Road be recommended for approval, and to instruct the City Attorney to pre- pare the necessary resolution, ROLL CALL AYES: Mr.. Acker, Davison, Michler, Norton, Sto.ut and Wallin NOES: None ABSENT: NT. Forman The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 338, entitled: itA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNUlG COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE GRANTING OF A VARIANCE ANDloR SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE INSTAL- LAT.ION AND USE OF A 14 FOOT HIGH COMNERCIAL MASTER TELE- VISION ANTENNA." Moved by Mr. Michler, seconded by Mr. Dsvison and carried to waive the resdingof the full body of Resolution No. 338 Motion by Mr. Michler, seconded by Mr, Davison and carried to adopt Resolution No. 338. ROLL CALL AYES: Mr. Acker, Davison, Michler, Norton, Stout and Wallin NOES: None ABSENT: Mr. Forman Mr. MiChler was asked to give a report on considering a decision. on the proposed changes in Zone R-3 requi~ements as contemplated by Resolution No, 330 (continued from Nay 26, 1959) and proposal to amend rear yard requirements as contemplated by Resolution No. 321 (continued from June 9, 1959). Mr. Michler stated that this matter has been before the Planning Commi- ssion for ssme time, due to the shortage of o.ne man on the Connnission, until recently; and more recently two men. A meeting has been set for July 23, 1959 at which all thoughts and idess will be brought together, and from this meeting a full report should be complete for the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission. Mr. Acker added that this change in R-3 is quite an important one, snd a great deal of time has been spent to collect data from other communi- ties and from architectural firms regarding the proper spproach to Page Four July 14, 1959 LOT SPLIT .No. 254 LOT SPLIT No. 255 modern R-3 zoning; and a full Connnission is needed in order to present the correct decision to the Counnission and to the Council at the next regular meeting; the rear yard requiremen.ts ties into this decision also, inssmuch as the R-3 zoning slso requires a rear yard restriction. The special meeting will be held on ~uly 23, at 7:00 P.M, The public hearing on each matter "as ordered continued until July 28, 1959, the next regular Planning Commission meeting, at 8:00 P.M. No, 254 - Vivian MargoHn,. 1431 S. Santa Anita Avenue - reviewed by Mr. Acker and Mr. Michler The Secretary read the report stating that this split would create t,ro very irregular lots, and because there is a 50' setback required on Santa Anita Avenue, special modification would be required to construct a minimum 2 car garage or carport for Parcel No.2. The present dwelling would become non-conforming as to rear yard requirements. Modification may also be necessary for the consttuction of a dwelling for Parcel No. 1 }tr. Nate Margolin, 605 Mountain Drive, Beverly Hills, explained that on Parcel No.. 2 there will be constructed a carport attached to the exising residence \Oitha U shaped drive. He further explained that the reason for the irregularly shaped lot was to maintain the exist ing pool, and dividing it withs wan through the middle of the pool with access from both properties. The Commission, after discussion recormnended that this lot split be held over for further study by the staff with Mr. Margolin to come up with some alternate suggestion. No. 255 - Lynn H. Spafford - 1323 Eighth Avenue, referred to Mr. Acker and Mr' Michler. The applicant plans to remove all the existing structures on the lot; all existing water lines bet,,,een oroperties should be removed. The present driveway approach to Parcel "A" should be improved to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. A separate driveway approach should be constructed for Parcel "B". Mr. Michler stated that after viewing this property he would recommend that it be granted. Moved by No. 255, Mr. Michler, seconded by Mr. Stout ..nd carried that. Lot Split subject to the follo\Oing conditions be granted: 1. File a final map prepared by a Licensed Surveyor or Registered Engineer, 2, Pay $25.00 recreation fee. 3. Remove all structures from both parcels. 4. Sever all \Oater lines between parcels. 5. Improve present drivc\Oay approach to Parcel A. to satisfaction of the City Engineer. 6. Construct a ne" drive\Oay to Parcel B. Page Five July 14, 1959 LOT SPLtT No, 256 LOT SPLIT No. 257 No, 256 - Werner Fuehr - 1001 El Sur Avenue, referred to Mr. Michler and Mr. Stout The Secretary read the report which stated that the spplicant intends to purchase a parcel 7' wide by 112' deep from the property:owner to the north, therby cresting a parcel 67' wide by 112' deep, or 7504 square feet. This split dwellings. severed. would create a 22,506 square foot parcel with three existing All existing water lines between properties should be Mr, Stout ststed that he viewed the property; that it has three modest dwellings' on it, The purchase of this additional footsge would reduce the frontage of. the property to the north to less than 75 feet, which is not in keeping with the width of lots the Commission has striven to maintain. He .further stated that the property would. make an ideal lot split if the frontage were facing .on El Sur, would create two lots approximately 90' wide, Would recommend that this lot split be denied as the application now reads, because it would be detrimental to overall planning in the .ares. Mrs. Fuehr, the owner of the property, declared that she has been living at this address for 15 years. and had been planning at t'ime' of retirement to add income to the property. She felt that the request was within the pattern of the area, inasmuch as up the street there were lots 57' w~de, and some across the street only 40' wide, She stated further that the proper~y is ideally located with plenwof space between the houses; patios .for each house, etc. She claimed that they have put a great deal of effort and ,thought into the construction of the rentals, and would appreciate very much the commission's affirmative consideration of her request. Discussion ensued to determine if allowing the lot. split on El Sur would accomplish the same purpose she is seeking. There ,was some question whether or not she would be able to place a second dwelling on a second lot, if the split were changed to face El Sur. Mr, Michler ssid that the commission would like to do something for this applicant, but did not feel that the proprty lends itself to a lot split st this particular time. Mr. Nicklin suggested that the spplicant submit a revised plan for the lot split, showing the lot split coming in from another street, He added that building a house is another problem; the square footage of the second lot would be appreciably under the requirement for another hous.e. Moved by Mr. stout and seconded by Mr, Michlersnd carried that Lot Split No. 256 be denied, and if the applicant desires to re-submit an appli- cation facing El Sur,. l.t may receive favorable consideration. ROLL CALL AYES: Mr. Acker, Davison, Michler, Norton, Stout and Wallin NOES: None ABSENT: Mr. Forman No. 257. - Bank of America 656 W. Duarte Road, referred to Mr. Acker and Mr. Stout Page Six July 14, 1959 LOT SPLIT No, 258 .The purchaser of Parcel. No.' 2 has agreed to grsnt seHer a 20' easement slong the easterly boundary of subject property for ingress snd egress. Parcel No.1 will not have frottage on a public street. The southerly 30 I of Parcel No.. 1 has been dedicated for alley purpose, but his dedicsted alley has no access toa public street. Applicant does not indicate how Parcel No. 1 will be served with sewer and water lines. If Parcel No. 1 is to remain for the sole purpose of off street park- ing a covenant should be. recorded to that effect. There was considerable discussion on holding this lot split until after the hearing on the re-zoning of West Arcadia, but it was felt since this area is already zoned C-3, the COlIIIDission should consider this lot spli t. Mr, Henry Hege came forward to exp1sin the desirability of,granting this lot split. Mr. Lortz stated he felt it would be materially helpful if a means of entering the landlocked area could be realized from the alley coming off of Baldwin Avenue. Mr. Hege stated that he did not know if the Bank of America has a coutract with the property owner to grant permission to dedicate .such an alley. He further explained that he thought by agreement of the property owners and merchants this lot has been used for parking purposes, Moved by Mr. Da'(ison, seconded by Mr. Norton and carried that Lot Split No, 257 be held, and that no final negative or affirmative action be taken at this time. The applicant will investigate further into the alley dedication and sppear with the results. ' No.. 258- Park Investment Company - 2413 S. S.econd Avenue., referred to Mr. Michler and Mr. Stout. The Secretary read the engineer's report. Mrs, Elaine Park came forward to explain the reasons for this lot split request, She explained that they wish to hold the 25 feet of Parcel 4 for future subdivision purposes, which would allow the planning of another 75 foot lot. She further stated that she owns the property to the north. She also said that she would record a covenant that this 25' foot parcel would not be used for anything other than the future subdivision. Mr. Nicklin explained that the COlIIIDission has frequently allowed these minimum splits for future anticipated developments, with the recording of a covenant that they shall not be used as a separate build- ing site. General discussion followed. The SecI.etary outlined from the l)Iinutes of April 14 thst the tract was recolIIIDended for conditional approval, subject to certain conditions. Mrs. Park explained that the p'roperty involved in this request repre- sents an am.ount of about $30,000.00, and in order to protect this investment it was her hope this request would receive favorable consideration from t.he cOlIIIDission. She felt that this future develop- ment would considerably improve the area. Mr. Nicklin stated that if a covenant should be required for Parcel No. Page Seven July 14, 1959 TRACT NO. 22862 RESOLUTION No. 335 4 it should state. that Parcel No. 4 shall not be used as s separate buil d- ing site, but shall be used only in conjunction with Parcel 3 or any lot in a subdivision to the north approved by the city. Moved by Mr. Stout, seconded by Mr. Michler and carried for the approv- al of Lot Split No. 258, subject to the conditions as stated and the engineer's report. ROLL CALL AYES: Mr.. Acker, Davison, Michler, Norton, Stout and Wsllin NOES: None AIlSENT: Mr. Forman No, 22862 - The Secretary presented the map of Tentative Tract No. 22862, located on' the south side of Orange Grove Avenue. The Secretary read the report from the Subdivision Committee. Discus~ion ensued. Some concern was expressed about the size of the lots in the proposed subdivision. Mr. Reeder, 1444 Oaklawn stated that he was concerned that them were no restrictions as to the .square footage of proposed homes to be built in this subdivision. If lots sre cut down to a minimum size, the t~ndency is to go to a smaller home. Other lots in surrounding areas have high restrictions of 1800 square feet; he would like to see some attention given to the size of homes to be built. TlIe Secretsryread froll) the deed restrictions, which stipulsted single family residence, with a minimum lot area of 15,000 square feet; no Square footage restrictions for construction. Ml:'s. May Schultz, 707 Joaquin Avenue, the representative of Hitchcocl< RQalty in this transaction, stated that the Baldwin heirs hsd negoti- ated s quitclaim to the previous restrictions on properry in this srea, and new restrictions had been established of 15,000 minimum square footage for lots snd 1800 square feet for homes. Mr. Davison stated that he did not 1001< with favor on msl<ing any deci- sion regarding this tentative subdivision without further study. It ~odd be the city's main concern that the character of the area is maintained as far as building is concerned, Ml:'s. Schultz declsred that the property cost a great deal snd that the o~er himself wishes to build s new home vslued at approximstely $62,000, which should be some indication of the developerls intent for future dwellings. Ml:'. Nicklin was asked for his coriunents on this proposed tract. He stated that the city has set up its standatds by the zoning ordinance, r~lating to house size, lot size, frontage, street widths, etc. He .sugges ted that this subdivision as proposed be drawn on the map of the surrounding ares, so that comparable sizes could, be established, Ml:'. Davison suggested that the applicant submit a msp showing the lots as proposed in the area as Mr. Nicklin suggested, Discussion continued. It. was decided that the staff would submit such a map; also that a copy of the Baldwin heirs I quitclaim .should be sub- mitted by the spplicant .or Mrs. Schultz relative to house size, lot size and frontage. No, 335. - The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 335, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARcADIA, CALIFORNIA, INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSIDERING AND MAK.ING RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING Page Eight July 14, 1959 RESOLUTION No. 336 COMMUNICATION (Bridge Lot L, _ Tr. 23145) (r_ ~j --, .'--.J THE RECLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY IN SAID CITY FROM ZONE R-l,TO ZONES C-3 AND D,~FROM ZONER-2 TO ZONES C-3 AND D, AND FROM ZOIm'R-2 TO ZONE C-2, AND FIXING THE DATE, HOUR AND PLACE OF A PUBLIC HEAR1ljG FOR SUCH PURPOSE. Motion by Mr. Davison, seconded by Mr, Michler and- carried to waive the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 335. Motion by Mr. Michler, seconded by Mr. .Davison to adopt Resolution No.. 335. ROLL CALL AYES: Mr. Acker, Davison, Michler, Norton, Stout and Wallin NOES: None ABSENT: Mr, Forman No. 336 - the City Attorney presented Resolution No. 336. Before read- ing the title Mr, Nicklin asked that Mr. Wallin and Mr. Norton, the new members of the Planning Commission please abstain from voting on this Resoluti/:m on account of the fact that they have not been active in the previous meetings. The title of the Resolution was resd as. follows: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF TIlE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE DENIAL OF A ZONE VARIANCE: TO PERMIT THE PROPERTY AT 290 WEST FOOTHILL BOULEVARD TO BE USED FOR CHURCH PURPOSES," Moved by Mr. Stout, seconded by Mi' Michler and carried to waive the reading of the full body. of the resolution. Moved .by Mr, Davison, seconded by Mr. Michler and carried to adopt Resolution No. 336 . ROLL CALL AYES: Mr. Acker, Davison, Michler, Norton, Stout and Wallin NOES: None ABSENT: Mr. Forman ABStAIN:. Mr. Norton and Mr. Wallin A communication from Anthony M, and Marcia A. Wynn, 285 Arbolads Drive, Arcadia, was read by the Secretary, In brief, the letter requested permission to construct s bridge over .the city drainage essement into Lot 1, Tract 23145. At present there is no ingress and egress provision for Lot 1 and the Camden-Wilshire Company, present owner of the lot-, is responsible for the construction and maintenance of such a bridge, Mr. and Mrs, Wynn prospective. purchasers of Lot 1, Tract No, 23145 agree to construct and mslntain the necessary bridge and also agree to erect it in compliance with city s.tandards and regulations. Moved by Mr. Stout and seconded by Mr. Michler and carried that the condition that the Camden-Wilshire Compsny construct the necessary bridge across the city easement to Lot i, Tract No. 23145 be modi- fied to allow the purchaser of Lot 1, Tract No. 23145 to assume such resp'onsibility. Page Nine. JulY 14, 1959 ...,,, . .- SUBDIVISION Tentative in Nonrovia ELECTION OF OFFICERS ADJOURN ROLL CALL AYES: Mr. Acker, Davison, Nichler, Norton, Stout and Wallin NOES: None ABSENT:. Mr. Forman. A connnunicat.ion from the Ci'tyof Honrovia requesting City of Arcadia report. and reconunendation of Tract No, 21589. '~he Secretary pointed out that this subdivision lies on the continuation of Alamitos Street in Monrovis, which would be the extension of our Tenth Avenue. The trac't lies between. the Santa Anita Wash and Alamitos, south of the Sant& Fe Railway tract, There are eight lots, Mr, Nicklin stated that some adjustments have been made in adjacent conununities from conunents as to requirements; but that if the lot sizes in this area are compatible with the properties surrounding the tract, then it isn't particularly'.detrimental to us, The chair.mati requested the Secretary to advise the City o.f Honrovia thst the lots do not meet Arcadia minimum. standards. Chairman Acker declared that th~re will be an election .for the officers and a chairman sometime this month. In the interim, he appointed Mr. Wallin to the Subdivision Committee with Mr. Stout and Hr, Forman, and Mr. Ralph Norton to the Zoning Conunittee with Mr, Michler, the Chairman and Mr.. Davison. There being no further business the meeting adjourned, ~~~ M. G. GARDNER Planning Secretary Pro Tern