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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDECEMBER 22, 1959 ,. ROLL CALL MINUTES ZONE VARIANCE Holy Angels r.. /' ", , "'- MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 22, 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., Decem- ber 22, 1959. In the absence of Chairman Acker, Mr. Forman, the Vice- chairman presided. PRESENT: Commissioners Davison, Forman, Michler, Norton, Stout and Wallin ABSENT: Commissioner Acker OTHERS PRESENT: City Councilman Jess Balser: City Attorney James A. Nicklin: Director of Public Works C. E. Lortz: Planning Secretary L. M. Talley. The minutes of the meeting held December 8, 1959 were approved as written and mailed. The commission considered a decision on the application of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles for a zone variance to allow the property at 910 and 924 Holly Avenue to be used for parochial school playground, church parking and related facilities. The Planning Secretary read a communication from Howser, Coughlin and Schmitt, Attorneys, signed by Mr'., W. J. Schmitt, which stated briefly, that the applicant felt Mr. Erickson's tract is a matter between the City of Arcadia and the subdivider; and should not effect the grant- ing or denying of their request for zone variance. The letter stated further that through the attorney for Mr. Erickson, they had been advised if the applicant would give Mr. Erickson the south 50 feet of the property at 924 S. Holly that they would with- draw all objections to the requested zone variance. The Chairman reopened the public hearing asking those in favor to come forward. Mr. Wilfred Schmitt, Attorney for the applicant, stated he would like to have his client's petition heard on its merits as originally pre- sented. He did not feel his client should have to wait until an accep- table plan is submitted for the proposed tract. Commissioner Michler stated even though there is not at the present time a plan before the commission on Mr.. Erickson's proposed tract, it was the sincere hope of the commission that some agreement could be reached between the two interested' parties. The commission has been constantly criticized for not rendering its decisions with the future in mind. There are very deep lots on Holly Avenue, and Com- missioner Michler had hoped that by agreement this problem could be alleviated. ' Page One December 22, 1959 ...._1 -" " ~.. :.( Mr. Schmitt repeated he felt the only two parties involved in the decision of this request are the applicant and the City of Arcadia. As stated in the letter read at the meeting, Mr. Erickson's attorney made the offer that if Holy Angels church would give 50 feet of the property for the development of the tract, all objections to. this variance would be withdrawn. The Planning Secretary pointed out on the proposed plan the lots which could be developed if this tract were approved. There are 4 lots on the south side of Fairview Avenue, and 8 lots on the north side. If the street can come through, it would eliminate any cul de sac; the cul de sac, as proposed in the original tentative map, would be roughly about 1100 feet. j Mr. Sch~tt stated he could not see why Fairview should not be extended through where it comes in from the west side of Holly Avenue, rather than to plan a street with a jog. The Planning Secretary explained that in order to bring Fairview Ave- nue straight through condemnation proceedings would be necessary against two lots, or by swinging the street down through just one lot, which is 75 feet wide. Connnissioner Stout stated the applicant is not interested in the sub- division; it just happens to be a mere coincidence that a proposed sub- division lies behind it, which should not have an effect on this zone variance request. He felt the problem of the proposed tract should be met when the matter is actually brought before the connnission for analysis and decision. Mr. Dale Castle ton, Attorney for Mr. Nelson and Mr. Houghton,owners of property innnediately south of the proposed zone variance, reiterated the objections made at the earlier hearing; he referred to the possi- bility of the remaining residence at 924 S. Holly Avenue being used for social club activities; there was no plot plan submitted with the application and no signatures of surrounding property owners were obtained. The Planning Secretary stated that signatures are not required for a zone variance; they are desirable, but not necessary. Normally, a plot plan is required, but since this request involved only parking and playground facilities, and no buildings were proposed, that he had advised Mr. Schmitt he did not need a plot plan. I Commissioner Davison stated he would like to see all landlocked areas opened up throughout the city. He thought that perhaps in the future Fairview Avenue. might be able to come straight through. Connnissioner Norton believed that if a wall were required as a buffer between parking and residential property; if lighting were directed away from adjacent dwellings, that due to the parking problem on the street he would be in favor of reconnnending the granting of this variance. Connnissioner Stout stated anyone who drives by Duarte Road or Hunting- ton Drive and Holly Avenue on a Sunday, certainly must be aware of the severe traffic conditions resulting from the inadequate parking faci- lities of the church, and he would strongly reconnnend the granting of this variance. Connnissioner Michler wished to vote against reconnnending the granting Page Two December 22, 1959 . ZONE CHANGE Foothill Blvd. ,. .' -\ ,J of this variance due to the effect on the landlocked area to the rear of this property. He emphasized he was casting his "no" vote, with- out prejudice, and wished this to be especially noted in the record. Commissioner Wallin stated he is in favor of recommending the grant- ing of this variance due to the parking problem and its effect on traffic. Commissioner Forman wished to express a negative vote because of the hindrance to the possible development of the tract to the rear of the Holly Avenue property. Moved by Comm~ssioner Wallin, seconded by Commissioner Stout, recom- mending the granting of a zone variace to allow the property at 910 and 924 Holly Avenue to be used for parochial school playground, church parking and related facilities. The City Attorney called to the commission's attention that in grant- ing a variance, the minutes should reflect the findings necessary under Paragraph 5, Section 16, of Zoning Ordinance No. 760. Such in- formation will assist the attorney immeasurably in drawing up his res- olution. ' Mr. Schmitt was asked to clari'fy the intended uses of the house at 924 S. Holly Avenue, which will not be removed. ' Mr. Schmitt stated the house will only be used for church activities, such as men's organizations and P.T.A. meetings, etc., entirely r,estric- ted to adult activities, there WDuld be no dances or social functions. The City Attorney explained he raised this question, because the con- ditions contained in the adopted resolution at the City Council level are to be adhered to, and there are no further controls enforceable at a later date. After considerable discussion, it was decided to include in the resol- ution the assurance that the house at 924 S. Holly Avenue ~ill only be used in connection with adult church activity meetings. ROLL CALL AYES: Davison, Norton, Stout and Wallin NOES: Forman and Michler ABSENT: Acker Reconsider a decision on the application of Elvin'T. Wayment and others for a zone change at the northeast corner of Foothill Boulevard and Second Avenue (Ralph's Grocery). The Planning Secretary introduced a revised plot plan which had just been submitted for the review of the commission, This plan shows the building altered in shape and moved forward with 30 foot clearance between the building and the rear lot line, 30 feet east and west at the jog, and 40 feet north and south at the easterly portion of the building and 20 feet from the lot line along the east side. The Sec- retary added it is his understanding the ,applicant is acquiring addi- tional property to the east. It was explained by Mr. Donald Warren, the Designer of the proposed market that loading and reloading will be done along the rear of the proposed market building. Page Three December 22, 1959 r '- Mr. Warren went on to say that theappl icant is negotiating to secure additional property to the east to be used for increased parking. The chief problems faced in planning the market involved adequate parking area and avoiding the possibility of a blind corner. He did not see the feasibility 'If providing for a future alley, because there would be several jogs in such an alley. The City Attorney explained that the commission has the alternative of adopting the resolution in accordance with the motion originally made, or amending the original motion in any manner that they see fit; and adopting a resolution in accordance with such amended motion. He advised that perhaps it would be desirable to amend the prior motion, which is only indicative to the staff as to the type of resolution desired. The resolution itself will be the commission's final action. The City Attorney added that this is the last regular meeting of the commission in which they may take action within the 35 day time limit, which will expire prior to the next regular meeting; if the commission does not take action on the matter tonight, it would go to Council with- out any recommendation. Commissioner Norton stated he had made' the original motion recollDllending denial of the zone change request; he would like to comment by express- ing his personal thanks for the cooperation displayed by Ralph's Grocery. Company. He felt the new plan showing the location of the proposed building was in compliance with the desires of the commission; it pro- vides the buffer for the residential property to the north, as well as assuring good light and air circulation to future residences. to the rear of the structure. He is in favor of the new proposal. The City Attorney advised that the motion, from the standpoint of par- liamentary procedure, be one to reconsider. Moved by Mr. Norton, seconded by Mr. Davison and carried to reconsider the decision of November 24, 1959 on the application of Elvin T. Wayment and others for a zone change at the northeast corner of Foot- hill Boulevard and Second Avenue (Ralph's Grocery). The Planning Secretary read the D zone requirements as outlined in the staff report dated, November 24, 1959: 1. The building height shall be limited to one story and not more than 20' high at the north wall. 2. No signs to be placed on the north wall of the build- ing, except identification signs at the rear doors of the shops in the east wing. 3. The parking lot to be separated from residential prop- erty by a masonry wall. 4. All exterior lighting to be directed away from resi- dential property. 5. All storage of crates, bottles, trash, etc., to be within the building. 6. All air conditioning equipment to be within the build- ing. COllDllissioner Davison suggested that Item No. 2 would have to be reworded. It was decided to el iminate the words "east wing" from the item. Page Four December 22, 1959 ( '''---- , . '_/ The City Attorney suggested, for identification purposes, that the original plan be labeled Exhibit "A", the elevations Exhibit "B", and the revised plot plan, Exhibit 'C". He suggested as a motion that the application of Elvin T. Wayment for a change of zone from PR-l to Zone C-2 and D be recommended for approval; that the staff recommendations for the conditions to be imposed under the D overlay be approved with the deletion of the words "east wing" from Item No.2, and that the improvanents of the property be made and maintained in accordance with the elevations shown on Ex- hibit "B" and the revised plot plan shown on Exhibit "C"; that any additional improvements shall first be submitted to and approved by the Planning Commission. Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Michler that the application of Elvin T. Wayment and others for a change of zone from PR-l to Zone C-2 and D be recommended for approval, subject to the conditions outlined by the. City Attorney. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Davison, Forman, Michler, Norton, Stout and Wallin NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Acker No. 274 - Mrs. Gertrud A. Wagner, 1527 S. Santa Anita Avenue, referred I to Commissioners Stout and Forman. LOT SPL IT Commissioner Stout stated he had viewed this property, and the lot split results in two fine .iots, and he would recommend this lot split for approval, subject to the conditions imposed by the Director of Public Works. Moved by Commissioner Stout, seconded by Commissioner Davison and carried that Lot Split No. 274 be recommended for approval. subject to the following conditions: 1. File a final map with the City Engineer. 2. Provide'a sewer lateral for parcel No.2. 3. Dedicate a 15 foot radius cutoff at the corner of Santa Anita Avenue and Camino Real. 4. Pay $25.00 recreation fee. 5. Remove all the present buildings from both parcels. TRACT NO. 22034 Located on Doolittle Avenue and Tenth Avenue, containing 11 lots. The Planning Secretary read the report which stated at present Doolittle Avenue is a dead end street 1350 feet long with entrance from County ter~itory only. This proposed extension will eliminate the dead end. Both streets are shown as standard 60 foot width. Lot widths and areas exceed the minimum requirements. The tract includes 30 feet of land covered by easement for the Santa Anita Wash. The subdivider states that the Los Angeles County Flood Page Five December 22, 1959 Control District will cooperate in returning this excess land for sub- division. The tract is recommended for approval, subject to the following con- ditions: 1. Remove all buildings within the tract except the house on Lot 1. 2. Remove all trees within the street right of way. 3. Provide necessary rear line utility easements. 4. Install all street improvements required by the 'Sub- division Ordinance. 5. Pay the following fees and deposits: 24 Street trees @ $ 8.50 $ 204.00 4 Street 1 ights @ 135.00 540.00 4 Street name signs @ 35.00 140.00 11 Lots recreation fee @ 25.00 225.00 $1,109.00 6. The city shall dedicate Lot 7, Tract No. 21033 for street purposes. 7. The flood control easement covering, the west 30 feet Lots 4 to 7 inclusive shall be released by the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. Commissioner Davison asked if there was any question of securing the Flood Control release of property making this proposed subdivision acceptable., The Planning Secretary stated that Mr. Bauman, the subdivider, assured him there would 'be no 'difficu1.ty from the flood control property. Commis'sioner Stout stated he felt this property is very attractive for future development, and would be in favor of recommending it. Moved by Commissioner Stout, seconded by Commissioner Wallin and carried to recommend the approval of Tract No..22034, subject to the following conditions: 1. Remove all buildings within the tract ,except the house on Lot 1. 2. Remove all trees within the street right of way. 3. Provide necessary rear line utility easements. 4. Install all street improvements required by the Sub- division Ordinance. 5. Pay the following fees and deposits: 24 Street trees @ $ 8.50 $ 204.00 4 Street lights @ 135.00 540.00 4 Street name signs @ 35.00 140.00 11 Lots recreation fee @ 25.00 225.00 $1,109.00 6. The city shall dedicate Lot 7, Tract No. 21033 for street purposes. Page Six December 22, 1~59 .... . . SHOPPING CENTER Margolin RESOLUTIONS The commission considered approval of the proposed shopping center at Live oak Avenue and Santa Anita Avenue. The Planning Secretary presented the plans for the complete project of the Lucky Market and surrounding shops to be constructed on the north- west corner of Live Oak and Santa Anita Avenues. He explained there are shopping stores upstairs and that parking on a portio.n of the roof is planned; with the access ramp coming up at the west end. The Secretary added that on the plans submitted to the Building Dep- artment, awaiting approval, there is a sign facing Santa Anita Ave- nue, while there is no such sign shown on the plan before the commission tonight. The Planning Secretary continued that one of the conditions of the original variance was that there should be a 6 foot parapet wall to conceal the cars which may be parked on the roof of the building, and to prevent the lights. of the cars from shining on any of the adjacent proper,ty. Commissioner Michler stated he had no objections to the sign as pro- posed on the front of the market, because the sign across the street at Ralph I s is considerably higher'; however, he would object to the sign on Santa Anita Avenue, because Santa Anita is considered primar- ily a residential street. Mr,. Margolin stated that he plans to connnence construction of the mar- ket in January, which should be completed in 6 months; the second sec- tion should be comp1eted'within 9 months and the entire project to be completed within 1 year. After considerable discussion, it was moved by Mr. Michler" seconded by Mr. Davison to approve the complete plans of the proposed shopping center at Live Oak Avenue and Santa Anita Avenue, subject to the fol- lowing conditions: 1. The market sign facing Las Tunas Drive not to exceed 33 feet in height above the ground. 2. No sign to be placed facing Santa Anita Avenue. ROLL CALL AYES: Commisstoners Davison, Forman, Michler, Norton, Stout and Wallin. NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Acker No. 356-A - The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 356-A, enti.t1ed: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE GRANTING OF A REQUESTED ZONE RECLASSIFICATION FROM ZONE PR-1 TO ZONES C-2 AND D OF CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED NEAR THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF FOOTHn.L BOULEVARD AND SECOND AVENUE IN SAID CITY." Moved by Commissioner Stout, seconded by Connn1ss.ioner Michler and carried to waive the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 356-A. Page Seven December 22, 1959 . , ~' Moved by Commissioner Stout, seconded by Commissioner Norton for the adoption of Resolution No. 356-A. ROLL CALL AYES: Davison, Forman, Michler, Norton, Stout and Wallin NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Acker No. 357 - The City Attorney. presented Rcsolution No. 357, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA RECOMMENDING THE AMENDMENT OF ORDINANCE NO. 760 OF SAID CITY BY ADDING THERETO A NEW SECTION G.5 "R-3-R RESTRICTED MULTIPLE-FAMILY ZONE." After considerable discussion, it was decided to change the wording of the resolution, Item No. 3 under Paragraph A to read "Accessory Buildings and uses customarily incident to any of the above uses, when located on the same lot and not involving the conduct of any other business." This amended wording eliminated the words "Servants Quarters" entirely. Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Wallin to waive the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 357. Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Wallin for the adoption of Resolution No. 357, with the amendment of Section A-3 by the insertion of the 'words "any other business" and the elimination of the balance of t4e subsection. ROLLCALL AYES: Commissioners Forman, Michler, Norton, Stout and Wallin NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Acker and Davison (NOTE) Commissioner Davison left the meeting at 9: 30 P. M. TRACT NO. 19065 Located on Lee Avenue, extension to Longden Avenue. The Planning Secretary explained that this new proposed tentative map ~aried from prior maps by the inclusion of Lots 19, 20, 21 and 22 on the east side of Lee Avenue,. Lot 22 takes 25 feet of the lot split which had been previously granted on the lot which shows a swimming pool. The Planning Secretary read the report which stated, this tract is located on the northerly extension of Lee Avenue to Longden Avenue, and consists of 22 lots. A portion of the property on the east side of the street is not a part of the subdivision, and will come in as future lot splits. This tract was considered by the commission on April 14, 1959, and referred back to the Subdivision Committee. On May 12, 1959, at the request of the sub9ivider, the matter was removed from the agenda. On November 24, 1959, it was resubmitted with the proposal to develop in three units. After considerable discussion, the matter was held to allow time for various owners to attempt to reach a mutually satisfac- Page Eight December 22, 1959 " , i '-J tory solution. The Staff has been infor~d that at least some of the problems have been solved. This present plan meets all the requirements of the Subdivision Committee, stipulated at two conferences with the subdivi- der. Lots 13 to 16, inclusive, are shown as 66 feet wide, but con- form with other lots in this vicinity on Longden Avenue and Second Avenue. Lots 17 and 18 are less than 75 feet wide, but: all of the narrow lots are more than the required lot area. The development of this tract will eliminate the dead end of Lee Avenue, which is now more than 1100 feet. This tract should provide for future access to the rear of the deep properties facIng Longden Avenue, and to eliminate the long dead end of Greenfield Avenue. Lot 21 is shown as being offered for dedica- tion as a future street. To give the city full control of the future street the lot should be deeded in fee to the city, along with the dedication of an easemen,t of 5 .feet on each side for planting and sidewalk purposes. Tweive feet should be dedicated for widening Second Avenue along all the property of which any part is included in the tract. If this tract is approved., the conditions applicable should be as follows: 1. Dedicate Lee Avenue 59 feet wide, with the east one foot along Lot 2, Tract No. 9493 to be deeded in fee to the city to assure satisfactory lot splits. 2. Dedicate 12 feet for widening Second Avenue along Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, Tract No. 9493, and Lot 9 and the south 67.70 feet of Lot 8, Tract No. 9173, being the pro- perty from 2225 to 2407, inclusive, South Second Avenue. 3. Remove all buildings within the tract, except those approved by the commission, after inspection and report by the staff. 4. The city shall dedicate for street purposes the barrier at the present end of Lee Avenue. 5. Provide all necessary rear line utility easements. 6. Install all street improvements required by the Sub- division Ordinance. 7. Pay all fees and deposits required by the Subdivision Ordinance as follows: 2 9 64 20 Street name signs Steel s.tree t ligh t Street trees Lots recreation fee @ posts @ @ @ $ 35.00 135.00 8.50 25.00 $ 70.00 1,215.00 544.00 500.00 $2,329.00 8. These conditions are based on the entire tract being developed as one'unit. Mrs. Park, the developer, informed the commission that all of the houses shown on Lots 16 and 17 are going to be removed; these were the only ones that could definitely be planned on now for removal. She Page Nine December 22, 1959 '. '. .. .., also requested that the dedication for Second Avenue from Lot 2 Tract 9493, not be required now, but be acquired if and when a lot split is requested. Moved by Commissioner Stout, seconded by Commissioner Wallin to recommend the approval of the tentative map of Tract No. 19065, sub- ject to the following conditions: 1. Dedicate Lee Avenue 59 feet wide, with the east one foot along Lot 2, Tract No. 9493 to be deeded in fee to the city to assure satisfactory lot splits. :2. Dedicate 12 feet for widening Second Avenue along Lots 1, 3, 4 and 5, Tract No. 9493, and Lot 9 and the south 67.70 feet of Lot 8, Tract No. 9173, being the property from 2225 to 2407" inclusive, South Second Avenue. 3. Remove all buildings within the tract, except those approved by the commission, after inspection and report by the staff. 4. The city shall dedicate for street purposes the bsrrier at the pres.ent end of Lee Avenue', 5. Provide all necessary rear line utility easements. 6. Install all street improvements required by the Sub- division Ordinance. 7. Pay all fees and deposits required by the Subdivision Ordinance as follows: 2 Street name s.igns @ $ 35.00 $ 70.00 9 Steel street light pos ts @ 135.00 1,215.00 64 Street trees @ 8.50 544.00 20 Lots recreation fee @ 25.00 500.00 $2,329.00 8. These conditions are based on the, entire tract being developed as one unit,. R-3 ZONE REQUEST The Planning Secretary brought up another matter before the commis- Doubrowa sion regarding a request for zoning from Mrs. Doubrowa. Her pro- perty is located on the corner of Longden and Baldwin Avenues; the property was part of Annexation 17-A, and she had sent to the City Council a letter dated December 19, 1959, requesting that this property be zoned R-3,b.ut was too late for the decision for general zoning made by the CounciL The Planning Secretary fur- nished copies of the letter to each commissioner for study. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the commission the meeting adjourned at 11:00 P.M. 'ti1u. L. M. TALLEY ~lanning Secretar Page Ten December 22, 1959