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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJULY 12, 1960 . .. I , I ROLL CALL MINUTES ZONE VARIANCE Convalescent Home ZONE CHANGE Annexation No. 14 ... y' "-' .. ~.... MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA REGULAR MEETING JULY 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., July 12, 1960, with Chairman Acker presiding. PRESENT: Commissioners Acker, Forman, Golisch, Norton and Stout ABSENT: Commissioner Michler OTHERS PRESENT: City Councilman Edward L. Butterworth City Attorney James A. Nicklin Director of Public Works C. E. Lortz Planning Secretary L. M. Talley The minutes of the meeting of June 28, 1960 were approved as written and mailed. The commission after discussion decided to hold simultaneous public hearings on two related matters which were the applica~1on of Orlando Clarizio for a zone variance to allow a 66 bed convalescent home at 1601 S. Baldwin Avenue and a hearing on the zoning to be made applic- able to territory within Annexation No. 14. located on the west side of Baldwin Avenue from Camino Real to Callita Street The City Attorney stated, after being questioned, that the hearings could be conducted simultaneously and the evidence presented for both hearings; it would only result in repetition of the same testimony if the commission attempted to hold a separate hearing on each item. The P.lanning Secretary read from the application of Orlando Clarizio for the zone variance to allow a 66 bed convalescent home at 1601 S. Baldwin Avenue which stated that this property is exceptional and extraordinary in size; that the type of convalescent home the appli- cant will operate will not be detrimental to the public health or wel- fare; that the applicant desires to construct a convalescent home for elderly, smbulatory and slightly ambulatory people; said convalescent home to be restricted in that there will be no narcotic, alcoholic or mental cases. The Planning Secretary then read the report for this variance which stated this is the third application for a convalescent home at this location. Previous requests were denied on November 10, 1959 by Res- olution No. 350 and on April 12, 1960 by Resolution No. 370.. The plans have been revised in an attempt to comply with specific ob- jections of the commission and the surrounding property owners. The present plans provide for a one-story building placed 25 feet from the so.uth property line and 13 feet from the nor,th line. Along the south portion of the lot the owner proposes a 6 foot concrete block wall; a 10 foot wide continuous landscaped buffer strip, and an 11 foot paved driveway to a parking area at the rear. Page One July 12, 190.0 ~ I J I I , r-'-. , '~ L..,,, Along the north side is another 11 foot driveway, thus providing ade- quate access to the tear parking. A total of 54 parking spaces are provided in the front and rea,r; well over the minimum .required by the Zoning Ordinance. This application .is somewhat different from the previous ones in that the use of the land on either side of the subject property is being considered simultaneously. The Planning Secretary stated that he had no communications on this application... The Planning Sec~etary then stated that the matter on Annexation No. 14 was instituted by the commission and then read the staff report which stated the subject property is located generally on the west side of Baldwin Avenue between Camino Real and Call ita Street. The area was annexed to the City of Arcadia on December 20, 1955. On April 3, 1956, by Ordinance No. 954, it was given tentative zoning of R-1iPR-3 and C-l, subject to the prior fulfillment of certain require- ments of street and alley dedications and the filing of certain speci- fied covenants. Because of the long time lapse and because none of the conditions were fulfilled, the commission restudied the area in connection with Annex- ation No. 17-A. By Resolution No. 362, dated February 23, 1960, it was recommended that the area be zoned R-l and R-3, but, if within one year cer,tain specified conditions were fulfilled, then the area should be zoned as outlined in Ordinance No. 954. Due to more recent developments, the City Council referred the matter back to the commission for additional study. The owners now propose certain definite improvements of the area and have submitted concrete plans. At the southwest corner of Baldwin Avenue and Camino Real, on a par- cel being approximately 214 feet by 300 feet, the owners propose two one-story commercial buildings and a service station. This develop- ment would require either Zone C-2 or Zone C-3. At 1601-1609 S. Baldwin Avenue, being a parcel 204 feet by 630 feet, the owner requests a special use permit to allow a 66 bed, one-story convslescent home. .This use should have a basic zoning of C-O or C-l. It is proposed that the westerly '150 feet of the parcel be reserved for R-l use. At the northwest corner of Baldwin Avenue and Callita Street on a parcel about 103 feet by 170 feet, the owners propose a one-story office bUilding and request Zone C-l. On the southwest corner of the same streets., on a parcel about 134 feet by 170 feet, the same owners propose a two-story professional office building and request Zone C-O. None o,f the above mentioned uses propose the opening of the alley con- templated by Ordinance No. 954, but all have been designed to comply with the street widening requirements. The Planning Secretary then stated that he had received a communica- tion from Mr. J. W. Bernard which, briefly outlined, stated the letter was presented in behalf of the three property owners of the southwest corner of Baldwin Avenue and Camino Real in West Arcadia. The letter requested that the plot plan presented under separate cover by their cus.tomer, Page Two July 12, 1960 .' '..1' -- Richfield Oil Corporation, as well as the coordinat~on of property use with the development of the Clarizio and the Robinson proper- ties be accepted by the commission and that the zoning necessary to implement this development be recommended to the City Council for approval. The Planning Secretary explained that Mr. Bernard was called to Chicago today, and had submitted the letter in his absence. The Planning Secretary presented three plot plans of proposed devel- opments for the property contained in Annexation No. 14. Starting at the corner of Camino Real and Baldwin Avenue, the northern part of Annexation 14, a filling station is proposed on the northeast cor- ner of the property; a commercial building of 6300 square feet at the northwest corner of the property; and a commercial building of 16,000 square feet near the south line of the lot with a 5 foot yard south of this building, between the building and Clarizio property to the south. Bo.th buildings face the parking spaces at the center of the lot with entrance off Baldwin Avenue and Camino Real into the shopping center and entrance off Baldwin Avenue' and Camino Real into the ser- vice station. On the Clarizio property to the south a convalescent home is proposed to be built in aU-shape, 25 feet from the south line, which is the rear line of the lots facing the north side of CallHa 'Street; thexe would be the concrete block wall on the line; just north of the block wall a 10 foot planting strip, then an llfoot driveway, with parking at the rear and also parking in the front. The office portion of the building is the nearest to Baldwin Avenue, and that is set back '85 feet from Baldwin Avenue after the dedication for widening. South of the Clarizio property there is the Robinson property at Baldwin Avenue and Cal1ita Street, both the northwest and the southwest cor- ners of this intersection. On the northwest corner there is proposed a one story office building with requested Zone C-l; parking at the rear and along the north line; entrance off of Call ita Street and off of Baldwin Avenue. At the southwest corner a two-story building is proposed with requested Zone C-O; parking to be at the west and south of the build- ing; with entrance off of Baldwin Avenue and' off of Callita Street. ~he Planning Secretary addeo that there is no alley contemplated in the developments as presented tonight. In answer to the chairman's request the City Attorney reviewed the background of Annexation 14 which has resulted in this latest hearing. The Chairman announced the time and place for public hearing asking for those in favor of either of or both of, these applications to please come forward. Mr. Dexter Jones, 38 E. Huntington Drive, Attorney representing Orlando Clarizio stated that he and his client have been before the commission on this matter twice, and he felt that at the time of denial the commission's objections were well taken. They now felt that they had a plan which would meet with the commission's approval. The plans ss submitted call for a 66 bed nursing and convalescent home, each room consisting of one and two beds. There is an 85 foot setback from the front property line to the office after dedica- tion of 20 feet for the widening of Baldwin Avenue. There is a 152 Page Three July 12, 1960 ,--" -~ '-. \ foot setback to the main building. The new plan provides for two 11 foot driveways from Baldwin Avenue, one along each side. The .rear of the property .is reserved for three residences facing west; altering the previous plan to place parking right up to the residences on Call1ta Street; and the square footage of these residential lots will be in excess of 9000 square feet. There is a side buffer on the south side which consists of a 10 foot planting strip and wall with a 25 foot minimum distance from the building itself to the side of the property. Mr. Jones wished to emphasize that the operation would not be the type which would include narcotic, alcoholic or mental cases. The need for the convalescent home, he believed has been well established; there were experts present at the last hearing, hence none at this one. The California State Department of Public Health in their bulletin on hospitals of 1959 state that the determination of need shall'be estimated on the basis of 3 beds per thousand population; based on this statement the City of Arcadia would need at least 126 beds. Mr. Jones continued saying that he would like ~o'place the petition which was submitted with an earlier application on this same mstter as a part of these proceedings. The petition was written in support of this proposed convalescent home and signed by 74 local doctors. Mr. Jones spoke also on behalf of Annexation No. 14, stating that he felt the plans submitted tonight for this property were good plans, because he felt that Baldwin Avenue in this location should be dev- eloped commercially. He felt that there should be some sort of a buffer zone between the comme~cial and residential property in that area. Commissioner Forman asked if 80% was considered capacity for conyalescenthomesj and he wished to vacancy factor in surrounding convalescent homes. normally as full know what is the Mr. Jones answered that the vacancy factor is about 20%, which is considered to be a good occupancy. The Chairman asked for those opposed to either of these two items to please come forward and give their names. Mr. Walter Routery, 716 W. Call ita Street, stated he lives next to the proposed two story professional building. In regard to the con- val~scent home; if this seems to be the best use of this property, and by eliminating the delivery up and down Call ita Street, it is something that warr.ants consideration. Now that the applicant has additional frontage of 66 feet by having purchased the south pro- perty, it seems more feasible. Mr. Routery's primary concern was the southwest corner of Call ita Street and Baldwin Avenue. When he moved. in on his property he was informed that someone was to butld a home on lot 1 and the same on lot 17 across the street. He would not hsve bought a house adjacent to s commercial corner if he had been aware the intention was to improve the corner in this manner. According to the plan presented tonight, there will be a driveway immediately adjacent to his pro- perty line. He would not object to a one story professional build- ing, but would stro~gly oppose a two story building. He would pre- fer a one story professta>al building adjacent to his property rather than a two story apartment. Page Four July 12, 1960 ZONE VARIANCE Warehouse '''--' [' ,Mr. Charles Fields, 717 W. Callita Street, stated he was very much in accord with the thinking of Mr. Routery, as he lives directly across the street, and he would be faced with the same situation. He would object greatly to a two story building adjacentto his pro- perty. Mr.. Lamar Robinson, 220 E. Longden Avenue, stated that lots 1 and 17, to which Mr. Routery referred to earlier, had always been planned to be used commercially, and were not restricted in the tract. Mr. Bill Williams, Realtor, 906 S. Baldwin Avenue, stated that as a reaitor in business for over 14 years, he would have to relist pro- perties adjoining the proposed rest home at from $3,.000.00 to $5,000.00 less. The public, as particular as they are in purchasing property, do not like to reside next to this type of development. He also wished to take exception to the statement made by Mr. Dexter Jones regarding the vacancy factor in nearby convalescent homes. The home on Huntington Drive is operating at a 50% Vacancy factor; the one on Oak and Camino Real is operating at a capacity of 60%, so he did not believe this would substantiate any need for another home in the City of Arcadia. . Mr. Williams felt that the solution offered regarding Annexation No. 14 was a good one, with perhaps a few modifications. Mr. Kelly, 725 Call ita Street, stated that a resolution was psssed some time ago regarding Annexation No. 14 giving the property owners s year in which to comply with the conditions to secure tentative zoning previously established. These property owners' have had 5 years in which to comply after the original annexation, and cannot want the development very badly to have waited so long. He wished to see more than just a plot plan for the development of the con- valescent home; he wished 'to know who is going to operate it; per- sonally, he felt that there is enough property involved in this area to result in a fine subdivision for which there is a crying need in the City of Arcadia; which would be in keeping with the surround- ing area. There are enough apartments in the city now; this is sup- posed to be a city of homes, yet more and more things are being pianned to eliminate this idea. The Chairman announced that these two public hearings, the rest home application and the proposed uses of property contained in Annexation No. 14 will be continued for a decision and a report from the Zoning Committee and the staff at the next regular meeting. The commission held a public hearing on the application of Indus- trial Brush Company for a zone variance to allow a warehouse with office space in the front, at 214 N. First Avenue. 'The Planning Secretary read from the application whlc h stated the request was for construction of building and use of such building for warehouse purposes with provision for offices in front portion of building. The application stated the present use of the property in question. The property is in an area in which M-l and CoM uses are extensive. The proposed use would be a quiet warehousing operation to service an existing manufacturing activity on adjacent property. The Plan- ning Secretary pointed out to the commission the location of the lot in relation to surrounding property and photographs and other exhibits submitted with the application to the commissioners. The Planning Secretary then read the staff report which stated this is the application of the Industrial Brush Company, 114 St. Joseph Street, to construct and use a building at 214 N. First Avenue for warehouse and office purposes. Page Five July 12, 1960 ~~--'. , / The applicant is operating under aut~o~ity of a zone variance granted May 16, 1950, by Resolution No. 2028 and extensions granted August 5, 1952, by Resolution No. 2277, and May 4, 1954, by Resol- ution No. 2495, Which requires that the subject property be main- tained as a parking lot. The present application proposes that parking will be established on lot 1, Block 79 at the northeast corner of First Avenue and Santa Clara Street and on lot 2, Block 81, on First Avenue north of St. Joseph Street. The plan submitted shows the building to be one-story masonry con- struction of approximately 5200 square feet area. The front por- tion of approximately 1400 square feet is devoted to office space and the rear of approximately 3800 square feet to warehouse use. The rear 40 feet of the lot is re.served for open loading area. Property on First Avenue in this area is zoned C-2. Property on Santa Clara Street at the rear of the subject property is zoned M-l. This property lies between the Santa Fe Railway and the proposed free- way in the area which the Planning Commission proposes to restudy as to its future use. The Planning Secretary in answer to questions stated that there are offices shown in the front portion of the proposed building. He added that east of the property on St. Joseph the property is zoned R-3; most of the property on Santa Clara Street is zoned M-l and is used as such. Commissioner Stout asked if there were any reasons why this variance request could not wait until the freeway study is complete. The Planning Secretary stated that there is no room for the applicant to expand, unless they go to the east on which is now zone R-3. The Chairman declared that this was the time and place for the public hearing on the application of the Industrial Brush Company. Mr. Richard English, Vice President of the Industrial Brush Company stated there is a need for expanded warehouse activities; the raw material turnover is quite high in this business, and the space re- quired for it .is considerable. The applicant explained further the planned use of the expansion, and he explained that the parking needed was primarily for empJ~es, rather- than .for the publ'ic. After considerable discussion the Chairman asked for those opposed to the granting of this variance request to please come forward. No one responded. The Planning Secretary explained to the copJinission the proposed loca- tion of the freeway route in relation to the property involved in this vsriance request. There is now a mixture of manufacturing, can- mercial and R-3 and R-l zo~ing in the immediate vicinity of the free- way at this location. The Director of Public Works stated in answer to the question of whether Second Avenue will continue through or not, that this has not been determined as yet. This matter is under study before the Division of Highways.. Page Six July 12, 1960 ZONE CHANGE R-3 /----" , , Commissioner Norton stated that he wondered if it would not be desirable to deny the request for variance because of the plan- ned study of the property adjacent to the proposed Foothill Free- way. Commissioner Forman concurred with Commissioner, Norton, stating he was very reluctant to draw a zoning picture prior to a definite study of the entire area near the freeway. He was in sympathy with the applicant's needs, however, many more applications might result fran the commission's granting this variance now, resulting in a hodge- podge of zoning for the area. Commissioner Stout stated that he would. hate to have this matter denied without having an opportuni~y of studying the matter a little, and he thought the Chairman acted a little hastily. in closing the hearing. Commissioner Forman stated he did not remember a motion to close the public hearing on this matter, and therefore the hearing is still open. The applicant stated that he has been in business since before the adopt~on of a zoning ordinance in the City of Arcadia; in view of the developments that already exist in the immediate area, he did not feel that by grant.ing his request then! could result a hodge podge of zon- ing. The Director of Public Works explained tbe time element involved in making the proposed freeway study and stated that the study could not be completed within 5 months, because no planning consultants have been interviewed as yet; the City Manager is currently in process of setting up a meeting whereby the subject of master planning will be under consideration, and it would be his guess that it would be at least six months, and probably closer to a year before such infor- mation would be available. Moved by Commissioner Stout, seconded by Commissioner Forman and carried to continue the public hearing on this matter to the next regular meeting pending a report from,~ Zoning COmmittee and the staff . The commission held appublic hearing on the application of Earl R. Wragg for a zone change from Zone R-2 to Zone R-3 on property at 2515 S. Sixth Avenue. The Planning Secretary pointed out on the map the location of the property concerned in this request for zone change. The rear 100 feet of this property is now zoned R-3, and the front is zoned R-2. The Planning Secretary read the Staff report which stated this is the application of Earl R. Wragg for a zone change from Zone R-2 to Zone R-oJ on property at 2515 S. Six!;h Avenue. Lot 6 at the northwest corner of Live Oak Avenue and Sixth Avenue is Zoned C-2 and developed With a service station. Lot 7 to the north of the corner is zoned R-3. Lot 8. of which the subject property is a part, is zoned R-2. Lot 9 and other property to the north is Zoned R-l. Thus, this property has acted ss buffer zoning. On May 17, 1960, the tentative map of Tract No. 25782 was approved. A portion of lot 8 will be used as an access street to the tract, and if this application 'is approved, will also act as the buffer between the R-3 zone on the south side of the street and the R-l zone on the north of the street. Page Seven July 12, 1960 ZONE VARIANCE Holy Angels /--", The northerly 100 feet of lot 4, urider the same ownership as the sub- ject parcel, is Zoned R-3. The granting of the request will make the entire ownership Zone R-3, and will make all of the property be- twe.en Live Oak Avenue and Sandra Avenue, except the service station uniform zoning. After the Planning Secretary stated he had no further communications the Chairman announced the time and place for public hearing asking for those in favor of the application to please come forward.. Mr. Alfred Allen, 1045 W. Huntington Drive, submitted a.map and stated that at the present time all of the R~l owners within the 300 feet have been contacted, and there 'have been no protests to this request. By making the street only 44 feet wide instead of 50 feet, lesving a 56 foot lot; that by designing the proper type of R-3 im- provement. with everything facing the mountains and the new street, the result would be architecturally tied in with what is being done to the rear in the new tract. Mr. Allen explained that the street will have 36 foot of psving area with a 7 foot parkway and a five foot planting easement on the south side and a covenant would be placed on the property to the north. If this property should ever change hands the sidewalk and planting ease- ment will automatically come into existence, which would result in a full 50 foot street. The Chairman then asked for those opposed to the granting of this zone change request to come forward and give their names. No one responded. Moved by Commissioner 'Stout, seconded by Commissioner Norton and csrried to continue this public hearing until the next regular meet- ing pending a report from the Zoning Committee and the staff. The commission held a public hearing on the application of the Holy Angels Church for a zone variance to permit moving the residence now at 924 Holly Avenue to the rear of the property at 330 W. Huntington Place to be used as a school library and remedial reading room. The Planning Secretary informed the commission that Mr. Schmitt, Attorney for the applicant, called him this afternoon to tell him that Monsignor O'Keeffe had been called to Ireland because of death in his family" and Mr. Schmitt had serious sickness in his own fam- ily, consequently no one was present to speak in favor of the request. The Planning Secretary read from the application and the staff report which stated this is the application of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles for a zone variance to allow the dwelling presently located at 924 Holly Avenue to be moved to the rear portion of the property at 330 W. Huntington Place and to be used as a school library and remedial reading room. The basic zoning of the subject property is R-l. On January 3, 1950, by Resolution No. 1971, a zone variance was granted to use the pro- perty for convent purposes. This present request is to add the additional library and reading room use. The building is now located on Holly Avenue on property owned by the church and which is proposed to be used for street purposes. By var- iance granted March 1, 1960, by Resolution No. 3226, the applicant has the right to use the building for library purposes.. Page Eight July 12, 1960 It appears to be the desire of the applicant to reserve all of their recently acquired property for school playground and parking purposes. The dedication of' a ,portion of the property for street purposes makes this reservation more necessary. The Planning Secretary explained from the map on view the actual existing conditions and how the effect of the request would be on the property. The Chairman announced the time and place for the public hearing asking for those in favor of the request to come forward and give their names. Mr. Alfred Allen, 1045 W. Huntington Drive, stated' that if this zone variance is not granted he will not have a subdivision. Except for the signature of the owners of the church property he would have his final ..., a already for signature by the next Planning Com- mission meeting. The Chairman asked for those opposed to the granting of this variance to come forward. No one responded. Moved by COllBlliss.ioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Golisch and carried to close the public hearing on this ;matter. Commissioner Forman stated that he felt having the library located close to the point where it would be used should be more advantageous. He would also recommend its granting because of the dependence of the subdivision to the south on its approval. Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Golisch to recommend the approval of the granting of this request for variance. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Acker, Forman, Golisch, Norton and Stout NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Michler The Planning Secretary explained in .answer to Commissioner Forman's question as to the time when moving of this building would be realized that first a contract must be signed between Mr. Allen and the church to actually do the work in a certain manner. Mr. Schmitt, the Attorney for Holy Angel's Church, stated that he would expedite the completion of the contract to the best of his ability; he did not think that Monsignor O'Keeffe would be in Ireland long; but if it were going to be. extensive, he would contact him by air mail in order to keep this transaction moving. ZONE CHANGE to C-l The Planning Commission considered a decision on the application of D.A.R. Industrial Leasing for a change of zone from Zone R-2 to Zone C-l on property at 208 E. Duarte Road. The Planning Secretary pointed out the property in relation to sur- rounding properties for the commission's information. The subject lot is 100 feet wide, the west half, of it is now zoned C-l, the east half is zoned R-2, there is a 20 foot dedicated alley across the Page Nine July 12, 1960 ~ i .....' property toward the rear portion; there is an 80 foot depth of lot south of the alley that is all zoned R-2. Since the public hearing the applicant stated that it would serve his purpose well to lesve the property south of the alley R-2 and have a P overlay because he intends to use the property for parking anyway. He does want the property to the north of the alley to be zoned C-l. The Planning Secretary continued regarding the problem of the alley; as this alley starts extending to the east, Duarte Road is further and further awsy on account of the angle; there is also a proposed subdivisim in the making to extend Third Avenue north into Duarte Road with a pattern of cul de sac streets on each side. Whether or not the improvement would be realized at one time is problematical. Both the spplicant and the subdivider are willing to rearrange the alley so that it could become a reality. The alley would then be developed running in a northeasterly direction rather than being at right angles. The Planning Secretary told the commission of the poss'ib.ility of a large shopping center being developed in Monrovia at Sixth Avenue and Duarte Road by this same applicant. It has left sbout two blocks of .residential zone on Duarte Road between commercial in Arcadia and commercial in Monrovis. The Planning Secretary explained that an ordinance was adopted in approximately 1954 that property on both sides of Dusrte Road from the commercial at First Avenue to Second Avenue would be zoned commercial upon certain dedications. Part of the dedications have been made. The applicant,Mr. Hermanson, addressed the cODDlJission stating that the commercial building planned for this property will bea one story office building. They are in need of office space for themselves, and the remainder of the' building would be rented. Commissioner Stout stated that he would like to direct the commission's attention back to a request for rezoning of the north side of Duarte Road to commercial, west of Baldwin Avenue, which was submitted to the commission some months ago. This body in its best judgment saw fit to deny this request, and now the commission is confronted with a situation very much like the earlier request. This would once more be an example of spot zoning; he could not see how the commission could recommend the granting of this request after denying the earlier application. If these pel1ple are entitled to rezoning then he could certainly not see how the people on the north side of Duarte Road, adjacent to commercial property west of Baldwin Avenue. should not also have it. Commissioner Norton ststed that in the best interests of all this matter should be referred back to the Zoning Committee for reanaly- sis and a report. CommissiOner Golisch stated that there also had been discussion at the first public hearing on this request to place a restriction on this to require a limitation of just an office building. If the commission should conside.r any type of commercial development it should definitely be restricted to an office building. Commissioner Forman agreed with Commissioner Stout in his concern about granting this zone change'; however, he was not sure that this situation was exactly parallel to the earlier request. This property is only 3 blocks removed from a proposed shopping area, which may change the entire complexion of the area. This situation did not PalJl Ten July 12, 1960 exist on the west side of Baldwin Avenue; the alley alignment, although it has been tentatively planned should be more definite before a final decision is made by the commission. Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Stout and carried to continue this public hearing until the next regular meeting pending a report from the Zoning Committee and staff. LOT SPLITS No. 295 - Charles L. White, 309 E. Las Flores Avenue. These two lots on Las Flores Avenue originally were 72.76 and 72.72 feet. The house on the lot at 315 was built too close to the lot line; the driveway is actually encroaching on this lot for which there is an application. There is a concrete block wall on the 1 ine of the proposed split. They wish to take 2.76 fee.t off of the lot at 309 and add it to the lot at 315 so that the driveway is on its own property. Moved by COmmissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Stout and carried to recommend the approval of Lot Split No. 295, subject to the following condition: 1. Fi~e a final map with the City Engineer. No. 296 - Ruth C. Decker, 816 S. Santa Anita Avenue. The Planning Secretary explained the proposed split on the map. This request is to divide the south 7.5 feet of lot 4 to sell, along with lot 5, to the owner of lot 6. The new line would be at a party wall between a public garage and a combination office and dwelling unit. None of the buildings comply with the building code. It was suggested that if the split. is allowed, that a covenant be required stipulating that the office portion of the building now vacant, not. be further occupied, and that when the present tenant of the dwelling unit vacates the premises that the entire building be demolished. The office building has been occupied in the past at various times, though it is vacant right now. Moved by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Forman and carried to recommend the approval of lot split No. 296, subject to the following conditions.: 1. File a final map with the City Engineer. .2. Execute and record a covenant stipulating that the office portion of the building, now vacant, not be further occupied, and that when the present tenant of the dwelling unit vscates the premises that the entire building be demolished. Also, that the south 7.5 feet of lot 4 be held under the same ownership with lot 5. No. 297 - R. G. Harris Company, 312 E. Live Oak Avenue. The Plan- ning Secretary explained the location and conditions of this lot split which was a request to divide 110 feet from a parcel of acreage. The property ism Zone C-Mand a manufacturing building is nearing completion.. Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Norton and carried to recommend the approval of Lot Split No. 297, subject to the following conditions: Page Eleven July 12, 1960 . I , . 1. File a final map with the Ci.ty Engineer. 2. Install' a sew!i!r lateral for parcel 2. 3. Pay $25.00 recreation fee. TRACT NO. 26055 The commission considered the tentative map of Tract No. 26055 located on the northerly extension of Greenfield Avenue, south of Duarte Road, containing 7 lots. The Planning Secretar~ explained to the commission the location of the proposed tract. 'There is another subdivision about to be filed which will extend Greenfield Avenue on down to connect with Pamela Road, and eliminate all the dead end which now exists. The Planning Secretary read the staff report which stated this is the tentative map of Tract No. 26055 located on the north extension of Greenfield Avenue south of Duarte Road, containing 7 lots. Other property to the east may add 2 lots in the future. Greenfield Avenue is now'a dead end street 432 feet long. This addi- tion will result in a cul de sac about 630 feet long. The street lay- out is similar to that approved in 1954 prior to the establishment of the 500 foot maximum length. The northerly 162 feet of Greenfield Avenue is now only half width. This portion should be made a full width street, either by inclusion in the tract or by condemnation. Along this portion of Greenfield Avenue there is a subdivision trust which was established in 1954 tn connection with Tract No. 19712. The amount of the trust is $822.79, which must be paid. The new portion of Greenfield Avenue is shown 60 feet wide. The new east-west street is shown as 50 feet wide, which will require a 5 foot planting and sidewalk easement on each side. The turn around is shown as 40 foot radius. To be consistent with prior approvals, this might be reduced to 35 feet. This would 'give a uniform 7 foot parkway plus the 5 foot planting and sidewalk easement. All lots contain more than minimum area. Lots 1. and 4 are 91 feet deep at the turn around curve". All 'lots are more than minimum width at the building line. This tract is recommended for approval, subject to the follOWing con- ditions: 1. Make Greenfield Avenue, south of the tract, 60 feet wide either by inclusion in the tract or by condemnation pro- ceedings to be at the expense of the subdivider. 2. Pay the subdivision trust in the amount of $822.79 created in conne~tion with Tract No. 19712. 3. Dedicate a 5 foot planting and sidewalk easement on each side of the 50 foot street. 4. Dedicate lot 8 in fee to the city. 5. Provide all necessary rear line utility easements. 6. Install all street improvements required by the subdivision ordinance, including the widening of Greenfield Avenue, acco~ding to plans and. to grades to be approved by the City Engineer. Page Twelve July 12, i960 . . . " 7. Pay the required fees and deposits as follows: 2 Steel street lights @ $135.00 $270.00 20 Street trees @ 8.50 170.00 1 Street name signs @ 35.00 35.00 7 Lots recreation fee @ 25.00 175.00 $650.00 8. The city shall dedicate lots 24 and 25, Tract No. . 19712, for street purposes. Commissioner Stout stated that the Subdivision Committee had a meeting with the subdivider and reviewed the proposed subdivision rather thoroughly, taking into consideration that the lots are a little shallower than is deSirable; however., this does solve a landlocked situation, in a manner that is. both economical and com- patible with surrounding territory. He felt it would be well for the commission to discuss the alley immediately to the rear of this residential property. The Planning Secretary explained the status of and the possibility of developing such an alley. Mr. Allen, the subdivider, stated that he had asked for a subdiv- ision trust for the property at the ea~t end of the subdivision. This would not force anyone to do anything with their property if thE!y did not desire to. But if improvements were brought to that property, and someone wished to take advantage of these improvements at a later date, then they should be compelled to pay for the right to use those improvements. Mr,. Allen continued that all he was aSking was not that the pext pro- perty join the subdivision and pay its share, but that a trust be created so that those facilities which the subdivider.',s money is financing will not be used to another's advantage. At the time the improvements are used, and at that,:,time only would the amount of the subdivision trust be chargeable. The City Attorney stated the City Council and the Planning Commission established this polic': s,ome 'time ago with this type of situation in mind, namely, a person who does not care to join a subdivision at the time the subdivision was being formed, would not realize the ad- vantages of the improvements at the sole expense of someone else.' The Planning Secretary stated the amount of the trust would be a figure approved by the Planning Commission from a recommendation of the City Engineer. The only way it would effect this property would be when the owner wished to connect to the sewer, water and street, which had been brought to his side l,ine, then he must pay his share of the cost of ~ the improvements to his lot. If he did not wish to connect he would never pay. The trust lasts for 20 years. ,If in 20 years he has not availed himself of that improvement, then the trust ceases to exist, and that piece of land is deeded back in fee to the city. Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Golisch to recommend the tentative approval of Tract No. 26055, subject..to the conditions as outlined in the report from the planning staff of July 12, 1960, with the alteration of condition No. 4 to read: 4. Dedicate lot 8 in fee to ,the city, or establish a subdivision trust. Page Thirteen July 12, 1960 ,. " ~ ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Agker, Forman, Golisch, Norton and Stout NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Michler MOD IF ICATlON Appeal The Planning Secretary presented to the commission for its consid- eration an appeal of the Security First National Bank from denial of their modification No. 60-43 for a sign above the height limit. The Planning Secretary explained that at 630 W. Duarte Road there is a four story building under construction, and this application is a request to put the sign displayed before the commission on the roof of the four-story building. Ordinance No. 968, the sign ordi- nance, states that no roof sign shall project more than 50 feet above the curb line of the street. The top of this particular sign would be about 65 feet from the curb line. The Modification Com- mittee denied this request. The Planning Secretary then read a communication from Security First Natiaal Bank which briefly outlined stated ,that the modification committee's r,eason for denying this request was tha't the result might be several oth~applications for signs mounted on top of the build- ing, and the lease contract between the property owner and the Sec- urity First Nat~onal Bank gives the bank exlusive rights to place ,a sign on the building; the letter stated that the sign is an architec- turally designed, illuminated sign in keeping with the design and aecor of the building now under construction. In complying with the requirements of application for modification all .equired signa- tures of adjacent property owners were obtained signifying their approval of the installation. The letter concluded appealing to the Planning Commission to review and give further consideration to their request for permission to install a roof sign as set out in their exhibits on file in the PlanningDiv~sion office. Commissioner Forman stated he was not as concerned about a forest of neon signs on top of that one building as much as the applicant believed; he thought the commission llhould look a little further than that and consider the whole West Arcadia area. If a roof sign of this height were allowed on the new four story building, it could eventually include Hinshaw's, the Hub Shopping area, Nash's etc., and all the rest to come in and apply for the same type of sign. Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Norton for the denial of this appeal of the modification decision from;the Security First National Bank for a sign variance. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Acker, .Forman, Golisch, Norton and Stout NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Michler Page Fourteen July 12, 1960 .'. .. - -, ~ JEWISH CENTER The Planning Secretary read a communication from the Foothill Jewish Community Center, which briefly outlined, requested that their request for variance be relinquished with pfEljudice so thst they may reopen the matter at a later date. They had encountered some problems that they had not anticipated, and which they had not been able to surmount. The matter was ordered filed. ELECTION The Planning Secretary stated this was the time for the election of a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year. Commissioner Stout stated that he had a nomination he would wish to make that would be rather unique in Planning Commission history, because of the fact that over the years this committee hss had the privilege of having a man in the chair who is calm and collected; able to find a happy meeting ground for most of the people who appear before the com- mission; this man has provided the commission and the community with unstinted service; his attendance has been' most regular, and in view of all of these attributes he would like to nominate for a third term Mr. Harold Acker. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Norton. Commissioner Forman moved that this nomination be made unanimous, and that other nominations be closed. Chairman Acker stated that the nominations had been closed and the motion to nominate him for a third time was ,carried unanimously. Chairman Acker expressed his thanks for the nomination and accepted. Commissioner Stout nominated Commissioner Forman as Vice-chairman and the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Planning Commission the meeting was adjourned. 'f. VVv, L. M. TALLEY Planning Secretary Page Fifteen July 12, 1960