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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 12, 1960 . , ROLL CALL MINUTES ZONE VARIANCE -" -' MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA REGULAR MEETING APRIL 12, 1960 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., April 12, 1960. PRESENT: Commissioners Acker, Forman, Golisch, Michler and Norton ABSENT: Commissioners Davison and Stout OTHERS PRESENT: City Councilman Jess Balser: City Manager Harold K. Schone: City Attorney James A. Nicklin: Director of Public Works C. E. Lortz: Planning Secretary L. M Talley The minutes of the meeting of March 22, 1960 were approved as written and mailed. The commission held a public hearing on the application of William A. Behrens for a zone variance to allow automobile storage at 151 A~ta Street. The Planning Secretary read from the appl'ication which outlined briefly that the applicant was requesting this variance due 'to the cancellation of a lease on the property which he now uses to operate his business. The applicant has been in business in Arcadia for many years, and in order to remain in business he desires to- construct on lots 23 and 24 a new building for car sales and repairs. The request was for a use variance to permit new car storage on pro- pertywhich is now zoned P-R-3. The Planning Secretary read the staff report which stated this is the application of William A. Behrens for a zone variance to permit the property at 151 Alta Street to be used for the storage of new automo- biles and a variance from the wall requirements. The lot is 50 feet by 160 feet and is Zone PR-3. The present zoning would allow a public parking lot. The request is to store new cars. If it were used as a public parking lot" the ordinance would require a masonry wall along the east and west s'ide but not necessarily along the street frontage. The request is to build a 4 foot high masonry wall along the street with landscaping in front of the wall and to construct chain link fencing along the sides instead of the required masonry wall. The reason for requesting chain link fencing is that the lot on either side could legally be converted to parking lots. In that case no fence or wall would be required on this lot. The chain link would ,Page One April 12, 1960 '\ /~~ have a salvage value in the future. The wall and landscaping along the front would present a better appearance to the property across the street than would be required from a public parking lot. Other lots near First Avenue, are being, used as parking lots. If this application is approved, the following requirements should be considered: 1. Remove the existing buildings from the lot. 2. Construct a 4 foot high ornamental concrete block wall across the front of the lot, set back not less than 5 feet from the front property line. 3. Landscape and maintain the portion of the lot in front of the wall and also the parkway in Alta Street. 4. Construct new curb on Alta Street at the present driveway. 5. Construct a chain link fence along the e,ast and west lines of the lot. Said fence to be 4 feet high in front of the building line and 6 feet high on the balance of the lot. 6. Pave the iot and conduct the drainage to the alley or the street. The Planning Secretary read a communication signed by Richard S. Carlson. Vice President of the United States ,National Bank. The letter stated briefly that in order for Mr. Behrens to continue oper- ating his business, it is extremely important that he have the use of his lot on Alta Street for parking and storage of automobiles. The letter was written in favor of the granting of this zone variance re- quest. The Planning Secretary then read a series of protest letters which stated generally the reason for opposing the request was that it would tend to devaluate the surrounding property, and would open the door to future zone variances which would alter the comprehensive plan. The letters of protest were, signed by the following people: Arnold Ayers, 143 & 145 Alta Street Mrs. Nelle M. Nickel, 162 and 166 Alt& Street Mr. & Mr's. George T. Angelos, 150 Alta Street S. H. Beaudette, 152 Alta Street Mrs. Florence Mulcahy, 144 Alta Street Mr.. & Mrs. E. C. Crump, 158 Alta Street Mr. Oscar Klein, 132-1/2 Alta Street Mrs.. Jessie O. Stewart, 138 Alta Street The Planning Secretary also read a petition of protest containing 23 signatures of nearby property owners. The Chairman announced the time and place for public hearing and asked for those in favor of the zone variance request to please come forward. Page two April 12, 1960 \_- / Mr. Behrens, the applicant, stated that the application adequately expressed his reasons for requesting the variance. The Chairman asked for those opposed 'to the variance to please come forward. Mrs. Nelle Nickel, 16'2 and l66, AHa Street, stated that the granting of this variance would be de,trimental to the property values of the owners on Alta Street, and would create more parking difficulties on the street. Mr. & Mrs. Beaudette, 152 Alta S'treet; wished to record their oppos- ition to the granting of the variance. Mrs. Angelos, 150 Alta Street, wished to add to what she stated in her letter" that if the cOlIDDission were to recommend the granting of this variance it would be guilty of 'in'consistency with the zoning of the area. Mr. Mulcahy, 144 Alta Street, who also submitted a written communica- tion, Wished to state that 'the use of this land for storing automobiles would result in an eyesore to the neighborhood. The Chairman, announced that in view of the many protests which had been registered to the granting of this variance, the public hearing would be continued until the next regular Planning COlIDDission meeting to allow further study of the matter. ZONE CHANGE R-3 The commission held a public hearing on the application of Lillian Moriarty and others for a change of zone from Zone R-l to Zone R-3 at l602 and 1616 S. Baldwin Avenue. The Planning Secretary read from the application and then presented the staff report which stated this is the application of Lillian Ann Moriarty and others for a change of zone from Zone R-l to Zone R-3 on property at 1602-1616 S. Baldwin Avenue. There is now a fine single family dwelling at 1616 S. BaldWin Avenue With an older, smaller house at 1602. Three lots to the north are now zoned R-3 with two C-2 lots extending, to Camino Real. All of the lots east and south of the subject pro- perty are zoned R-l. Across the street, on the west side of Baldwin. Avenue, the cOlIDDission has recolIDDended the property be zoned R~3, with a further recolIDDenda- tion that may allow it to become Zone C-l. Both properties are unusually large, being 54,670 square feet at 1602 and 30,940 square feet at 1616 S. Baldwin Avenue. Many of the surrounding neighbors have signed the application favoring its approval. If this zone change is recolIDDended it should be after first dedicat- ,ing 25 feet for the future widening of BaldWin Avenue. The Chairman announced' that this was th~ time and place for the pub- lic hearing and asked for those speaking in favor of the granting of this variance to come forward. Mr. Henry W. Shatford, 410 Drake Road, Arcadia, represents the appli- cant in tliis case, stated he felt this is the simplest zone change page Three April l2, 1960 /-~ "-. ' case ,he has brought before the commission in some time. This pro- perty is adjacent to 'R-3 property, and the lots would lend them- selves very well to R-3 development. He handed a cOllUDUnication to the Planning Secretary with additional signatures of people who were, in favor of granting this zone change. Commissioner Norton suggested the possibility that this property might, be considered for the new restricted R-3-R, rather than straight R-3 zone. Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Michler to re- commend the approval of the application of Lil,lian Ann Moriarty and others for a change of zone from Zone R-l to Zone R-3 at 1602 and 1616 S. Baldwin Avenue, as outlined in the staff report. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Acker, Forman, Golisch, Michler and Norton NOES: None ABSENT: Commis&ioners Davison and Stout LOT SPLIT No. 290 - Rudolf R. Roesis, 2525 S. Second Avenue, continued from March 22, 1960.. The Planning Secretary stated that he visited the site and met with Mr. Roesis, who agreed to include an additional 1-5 feet of depth on the south side by 55 feet wide; this is just about all the land that is available without interfering with his swimming pool; this would result in a depth on the south side of 82 feet, and would add roughly about 750 feet to the area of the lot, and would conform pretty well with other lot splits in the area. TRACTS Moved by -Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Michler and carried ,for the approval of lot split No. 290, subject to the follow- ing conditions: 1. File a final map with the City Engineer. 2. Dedicate 12 feet for widening Second Avenue. 3. Pay $25.00 recreation ,fee. 4. Move the swimming pool drain toa legal location. 5. Remove the building on parcel 2. 6. Remove the fence on Lee Avenue, or cut it down to a legal height. 7. Provide any necessary utUity easements. 8. The city shall dedicate a par.t of lot 10, Tract No. 19707 for street purposes. The commission considered the revised tentative map of Tract No. 25439, located on Winnie Way and Eighth Avenue containing 20 lots. The Planning Secretary read the Subdivision Committee and staff report which stated this tract was approved by the commission on November 24, 1959. Since that time the subdivider has acquired aU of the lot adjacent to Eighth Avenue and intends to remove the existing house and provide two new lots. The depth of the lots on the south side of Winnie ,Way has been increased from 106.12 feet to 112.25 feet. The staff suggests a slight revision of lot lines at the rear cornera of lots 2, 3 and 4. The tract is recommended for approval, subject to the following condi- tions: Page Four April 12, 1960 \ ....J 1. Pay the trust established by Tract No. 22279. 2. Remove all buildings within the tract. 3. Provide all necessary rear line utility easements. 4,. Install all street improvements required by the Subdivision Ordinance. 5. Pay all fees and deposits required by the Subdivi- sion'Ordinance. 6. The city shall release the covenant recorded against the property at 706 E. Camino Real. 7. The city shall dedicate the present barrier at Eighth Avenue for street purposes. Commissioner Forman stated he felt this development would be a good use of the land; the commission always 'looks to larger lots, but where there is not enough land available we have to go along with what can be worked out. Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Norton to recomm- end the approval of' tentative map of Tract No. 25439. subject to the following conditions: 1. Pay the trust established by Tract No. 22279. 2. Remove all buildings with in the tract. 3. Provide all necessary rear line utility easements. 4.. InstaU all street improvements required by the Sub- division Ordinance. 5. Pay all fees and deposits required by the Subdivi- sion Ordinance. ( 6. The city shall release the covenant recorded against the property at 706 E. Camino Real. 7. The city shall dedicate the present barrier at Eighth Avenue for street purposes. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Acker, Forman, Golisch, Michler and Norton NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Davison and Stout. TRACT NO. 25803 The commission considered the tenta,tive map of Tract No. 25803, located on Santa Anita Terrace. containing 16 lots. The Planning Secretary read the Subdivision Committee and staff report which stated this tentative map contemplates the opening of Santa Anita Terrace from Camino Real north and east and consists of 16 lots. The present subdivision lacks about 300 feet of connecting to the pre- sent west end of Santa Anita Terrace. The subdivider is attempting to secure this land to include in the final map. Lots 1, 2 and 16 do not meet the minimum depth requirement. Lots 3 and 4 do not meet minimum width at the building line. However, they Page Five April 12, 1960 are well above minimum area and will provide good building sites. The subdivider has acquired 40 feet of property not included in the tract, and has left sufficient area to the east to provide standard lots to connect with the existing subdivision and must of necessity fit the other lots to the available area. The land is comparatively flat and grade of the street and sewer may present some problems. The present tract will create a cul de sac 800 feet long. Santa Anita Terrace west from Santa Anita Avenue is about 1100 feet long. The future 300 foot connection will eliminate both of these dead ends. If this tract is approved, the following items should be considered: 1. Dedicate and improve Santa Anita Terrace 39 feet further east. 2. Dedicate 1 foot in fee to the city along the north, south and east sides of this extension. 3. Dedicate a 10 foot wide drainage easement instead of the proposed 6 foot easement. 4. Remove all buildings within the tract and any trees within the street right of way. 5. Provide all necessary rear line utility easements. 6. Install all street improvements, including drainage facilities, required by the Subdivision Ordinance in accordance with plans and to grades to be approved by the City Engineer. 7. Pay all fees and deposits required by the Subdivision Ordinance. 8. File a covelU!-nt to guarantee that the two 40 foot parcels east of the tract will not be used for building purposes unti~ they are made a part of an approved lot. The Planning Secretary explained to the cOl!IIDission that there was only one member of the Subdivision Committee at the meetingwnich con- sidered this map and assisted in devising the report. The Planning Secretary stated, that since the report was written he had spoken to the subdivider, and, he would like to make a request. He displayed on the map the north-south portion marked "A" street which was shown as 60 feet wide, and he would like to dedicate that as 55 feet wide with a 5 foot planting ,and sidewalk easement, which would give 5 feet additional depth to lots 1 and 2. Commissioner Forman stated that this is a good subdivision, and will eventually tie the existing subdivision to the east with this one, thus eliminating a long cul de sac. He stated he had one objection to the plan in relation to the straightening of the street line on Lot 16. The Planning Secretary explained it was his understanding that the subdivider had contacted 'the owner to the south, but he has not been able to' secure additional lard to straighten the jog in the street. Page Six April 12, 1960 Conmiissioner Forman felt tla t the dedication of a 55 foot street would be acceptable, and that this tentative map shows a good use of the land in an area which is rather difficult to develop, with the flood control coming so close to the property line. Mr. Bauman, the subdivider. addressed the commission and explained that he had been trying ,0 obtain the land to the east which would make it possible to eliminate the long cuI de sac. COllDl1issi:oner Norton expressed concern about the appr,oval of thi:s map because of the unknown possibility of the improvement of the balance of the property to the east to connect the street. After considerable discus~ion, it was moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Michler to recommend the approval of tentative tract No. 25803, subject to the conditions of the report. , ROLL CALL AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Commissioners Acker, Forman and Michler Commissioners Golisch and Norton Commissioners Davison and Stout The Planning Secretary infor~ed the cOllDl1ission that no decision had been realized, because the affirmative "three" \tIt,e was not sufficient to carry the motion. The Chairman deClared that the matter would be continued and would be referred back to the Subdivision Committee and staff for review. TRACT NO. 25782 The commission considered tentative map of Tract No. 25782, located on Sandra Avenue, west of Sixth Avenue containing II lots. The Planning Secretary read the Subdivision Committee and staff report which stated this tentative tract is located on Sandra Avenue west from Sixth Avenue and Lenta Lane and consists of II lots. A possible future extension of Lenta Lane would contain 4 or 5 more lots. The tract as presented would create a cul de sac about 800 feet long, which would be eliminated by the future extension. The map shows a portion of Sandra Avenue to be dedicated 43 feet wide with a possible future dedication of 7 feet. The balance of Sandra Avenue and Lenta Lane are shown as 50 fee.t wide,. All of the lots, except 5. 6 and n, are less than required width, but are well over minimum depth and area. According to information shown on the map a minimum grade of .40%. on the street will require a fill of about 1-1/2 feet at the west end of Sandra Avenue. The subdivider has requested that a subdivision trust be established at the north end of .Lenta Lane to recover a portion of the entrance cost into the tract. To our knowledge such a trust at the end of a street has not previously been approved. It is our understanding that one of the conditions of the purchase of the property for entrance from Sixth Avenue is changing the zone on the balance of the lot from Zone R-2 to Zone R-3. The lot at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Live Oak Avenue is zoned and used as C-2. The two 50 foot lots to the north are Zoned R-3. The proposed chenge Page Seven Apr,u 12, 1960 'J from Zone R~2 to Zone R~3 might be reasonable, as the street would then provide the buffer from the R-l zoning to the north. If this tract is approved the following Hems should be considered: 1. Secure additional land to make each lot a minimum of 75 feet wide at the building line. 2. Dedicate or provide a guarantee of future dedication in a form approved by the City Attorney to make all of the street a minimum of 50 foot right of way with an a4ditional 5 foot planting and sidewalk easement on each side. 3. Provide all necessary rear line utility easements. 4. Install all street improvements required by the Subdiv- ision Ordinance in accordance with plans and grades to be approved by the City Engineer. 5. Pay all fees and deposits required by the Subdivtsion Ordinance. 6. Consider the establishment of the north end of Lenta Lane. lished, dedicate one foot in a subdivision trust If the trust is not fee to the city. at estab- The Planning Secreta~y explained that at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Live Oak there is one lot that is zoned C-2, and is being used for a filling station. North of that there are two 50 foot lots that are zonedR-3, then a 100 foot lot which is zone R-2. The proposal is to use a part of that 100 feet for a street, and to rezone the rest of it south of the street to R-3. Commissioner Forman stated that his main objection to the proposed tract ,is the minimum sized widths. Mr. Alfred Allen, the subdivider, wished to acquaint the commission with the details of the proposed tract. He stated that it is impos- sible for him t,o secure the additional footage from propf!rty owre r" Mr. Sorenson in order to make the lots 75 feet wide. He added that Lenta Lane to the north with which this street would tie in is a 50 foot street. The reason for requesting'50 foot wide street was to attempt to keep as much ground as possible in the two lots which he hopes to have rezoned to R-3. Mr. Allen went on to say that if they lost two lots from this tract he would have to subtract $16,400.00 from the price of the land, and it positively could not be done. Mr. Sorenson stated that the reason.:he is not giving any more land to the east for the proposed tract is that it would be detrimental to hts interests for the future development of his property. Commissioner Acker, the chairman, stated that since the tract has .so many facets that are non-conforming, he would reconnnend that this tract map be referred back to the Subdivision Committee in a meeting which would include the subdivider to see if a solution can be reached. Page Eight April 12. 1960 .. . . ZONING ORDINANCE amendment COUNTY TRACT Lower Azusa Rd. RESOLUTIONS Moved by Commissioner Michler, seconded by Commissioner Norton and carried to refer tract No. 25782 back to the Subdivision Committee to meet with the subdivider and work out the problems involved. The commission considered the proposed amendment to the zoning Ord- inance to assist development of older business property referred to the commission by the City Council. , , The Planning Secretary expiained that the City Council referr~d' this matter to the ~ommission for the purpose of'instituting proceedings, holding a hearing and making recommendations on the proposed amend- ments. The City Attorney stated that there have been times when the commis- sion had instituted proceedings to amend the ordinance textwise to consider and recommend a precise amendment to the City Council. He would question whether this matter is so refined at present, or will be until the commission has explored it thOroughly and in the course of public hearings that the commission would want to confine itself precisely to the field of exploration and recommendation. The Chairman suggested that, a meeting be set up of the entire commis- sion at a later date in order to 'commence study of this situation be- fore setting u~ a public ~earing. The City Manager informed the commission that he believed it was the hope of the City Council that a date might be 'set for public hearing at the earliest possible Planning Commission meeting, if possible. In the interim, the committee ,could get together prior to the hearing. The City Manager added he believed the idea was to bring the matter to the business people in the area affected, With the intention of obtain- ing some new thoughts which had not occurred to members of the committee and staff. This matter affects several pieces of property, and some of the business men are particularly anxious to commence with improvements as soon as possible. The City Attorney suggested that a 10 minute recess be called during which time he could meet with the Planning Secretary and others to draw up a resolution for adoption tonight in order to institute pro- ceedings and set up a public hearing for the next regular Planning Commission meeting, April 26, 1960. It was decided to continue with the other items on the agenda before the drawing and adoption of this resolution. The Planning Secretary displayed a map of a proposed tract in County territory,. This is on Lower Azusa Road across 'from the city property within the city limits. although not city-owned. The lots vary from 50 feet, 53 feet in width; 100 feet in depth; a typical County subdiv- ision to County standards. Streets vary in width from 42 feet wide to 60 feet wide. The Planning Secretary was instructed to send the usual letter which states that the' subdivision does not'meet Arcadia subdivision stan- dards. No. 368 - The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 368, entitled: Page Nine April 12, 1960 '. .. "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TIlE DENIAL OF A ZONE VARIANCE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A 16 UNIT, TWO-STORY APARTMENT HOUSE AT 633-637 SOUTH BALDWIN A VENUE IN SAID CITY." Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Forman and carried to waive the reading of the full 'body of Resolution No. 368. Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Forman for the adoption of Resolution No. 368. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Acker, Forman, Golisch, Michler and Norton NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Davison and Stout No. 369 - The City Attorney pr~sented Resolution No. 369, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA" CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE DENIAL OF A ZONE VARIANCE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF A TRAMPOLINE CENTER AT 910-912 SOUTH SANTA ANITA AVENUE." Moved by Commissioner Michler, seconded by Commissioner Golisch, and carried to waive the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 369. Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Golisch for the adoption of Resolution No. 369. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Acker, Forman, Golisch, Michler and Norton NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Davison and Stout No. 370 - The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 370, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TIlE DENIAL OF A ZONE VARIANCE AND/OR SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A FIFTY-SEVEN BED CONVALESCENT. HOME. " Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Golisch and carried to waive the reading of the full body of Resoiution No. 370. Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Golisch for the adoption of Resolution No. 370. AYES: CommiSSioners Acker, Forman, Golisch. Michler and Nor,ton NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Davison and Stout Page Ten April 12, 1960 " ... ;0. No. 37l - The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 37l, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE CLA.SSI- FICATION OF THE BUSINESS OF CONSTRUCTING. MAINTAINING AND OPERATING A DEMONSTRATION HOME AS A USE PERMISSIBLE IN ZONE CoM UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 760 OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA." Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Michler and carried to waive the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 371. Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Michler for the adoption of Resolution No. 371. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Acker, Forman, Golisch, Michler and Norton NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Davison and Stout No. 372 - The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 37,2, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITcY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO INSTITUTE PROCEEDINGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSID" ERING AND MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE AMEND- MENT OF ORDINANCE NO. 760 BY AMENDING SECTIONS lS AND 16 THEREOF AND ANY OTHER PERTINENT SECTIONS TO PERMIT STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS OF AND ADDITIONS TO NON-CONFOR- MING BUILDINGS UNDER SPECIFIED CONDITIONS AND TO PER- MIT THE MODIFICATION COMMITTEE TO GRANT MINOR MODIFI- CATIONS OF THE PARKING REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE THERETO." The City Attorney proceeded to read the full body of the resolution. Moved by Commissioner Michler, seconded by Commissioner Forman for the adoption of Resol~tion No. 372. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Acker, Forman, Golisch, Michler and Norton NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Davison and Stout ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Planning CommiS- sion, the meeting' was adjourned. L. M. TALLEY Planning Secretary '~/2~ By M. 'G. GARDNER Planning Technician