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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOCTOBER 25, 1960 . ROLL CALL MINUTES ZONE VARIANCE Schoof /-. C ' MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 25, 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., October 25, 1960, with Chairman Acker presiding. PRESENT: Commissioners Acker, Ferguson, Golisch and Michler ABSENT: Commissioners Forman, Norton and Rutherford OTHERS PRESENT: City Councilman Edward L. Butterworth Director of Public Works C. E. Lortz Planning Secretary L. M. Talley The minutes of the meeting of October 11, 1960 were approved as written and mailed. The Planning Commission continued the public hearing on the application of Albert H. Schoof for a zone variance to permit a second dwelling at 1218 S. Second Avenue. The Planning Secretary read the Zoning Committee and Staff report dated October 6, 1960 which had been presented to the commission at the regular meeting of October 11, 1960. The report stated this is the application of Albert H. Schoof for a zone variance to permit a second dwell,ing on the front portion of the lot at 1218 S. Second Avenue in Zone R-l. This lot complies with the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance for two houses on a lot, except that the lot is 1595 square feet short of the required area of 18,750 square feet. The Planning Commission has been consistent in attempting to follow the ordinance requirements. At least a part of the committee feel that 1595 feet of area, amounting to about 8.5% of the required area, is too much at variance to be warranted. However, we feel that if the owner desires a new house, and is willing to convert the present house to the status of a guest house, it would not be objectionable. We, therefore, See no objection to the granting of the variance subject to the folloWing conditions: 1. Remove the kitchen facilities convert, it to a guest house. that the guest house will not quarters. in the existing dwelling and Record a covenant to guarantee be used as separate living Page One October 25, 1960 ~ ZONING Duarte Road 2. Dedicate 12 feet for the widening of Second Avenue. Commissioner Golisch stated that after reviewing the minutes of the last meeting, he felt that the minimum requirements of the applicable ordinance have been compromises as a result of much study and pub- lic hearings; probably ,the very minimum square footage that could be arrived at to make up the ordinance. He felt that the Planning Com- mission would be remiss in its responsibilities if it were to recom- mend the granting of this variance. Commissioner Michler stated that he had expressed his view quite def- initely at the last meeting, and he had no inclination to change his mind. He agreed with Mr. Golisch in essence, however, several times reference had been made to setting a precedent by granting such vari- ances.. He thought that every time something new comes before the com- mission, there seems to be danger of an Arcadia precedent being set. He viewed this situation from the standpoint of the area involved. The property~is not going to get any better until the commission makes a sustained effort to make it better. Adding the front house should i~ prove the entire area; leaving the property as it is wo'uld not permit this or any other owner who comes into the picture to put another house on that piece of property. He would take a different view at some other location in the city. Commissioner Ferguson stated that he viewed this property for a second time, and his opinion was the same as that of Commissioner Golisch in that the lot area which is lacking is approximately 8-1/2% less than is. required; and he would be reticent to support such a big change. Commissioner Golisch stated that for another reason, the limiting of the density of population, which has been the hue and cry among the city populace, the commission should consider seriously variances of this type which would tend towards increasing the population. The Chairman expressed his view and was in accord with Commissioner Golisch, because it would not be in accordance with Ordinance No. 1070. He suggested that in view of the limited amount of commissioners present tonight, it might be advisable not to take any action on this matter until later on in the evening on the possibility that one of the other commissioners may arrive. It was agreed to set aside the matter until later on in the evening, and to include item No.2, Lot Split No. 312, as well, for later consideration. The Planning Secretary presented an informal petition to the Planning Commission requesting Zone R-3-R on the north side of Duarte Road from Holly Avenue to La Cadena Avenue and Zone R-3 on the south side of Duarte Road from the Methodist Church to Lovell Avenue., The Planning Secretary displayed a map for the commission's information; on the north side of Duar,te Road from Holly Avenue to La Cadena there are six parcels that signed in favor of zone R-3-R, and there are three parcels with frontage on Duarte Road that did not sign; there are three parcels along La Cadena that should also b~ changed, and one parcel on Holly Avenue. All the property on Fairview Avenue is zoned R-3; on Duarte Road it is all R-l, with the exception of the Methodist and Lutheran churches; any zone changes which are made in this location should be that full half block. He explained that the hearings should consider more than the properties included in the peti- tion; it should take in all the property between the two churches and should also take the corners of Lovell Avenue on the south side; on the north side in the block west of La Cadena there are two owners who signed for R-3; Page Two October 25, 1960 but anything to be cons,idered should extend at least up to the mortuary. The Chairman stated that there will be on the ballot an item for the people of Arcadia to determine Whether the city should spend the money to develop a master plan; this area would be quite an important one which should be considered as part of a master plan should it be authorized; he thought it would be better to wait for the outcome of the election November 8, 1960. Commissioner Golisch stated that he felt that for the commission to avoid spot zoning it should look at all of Duarte Road and all of Baldwin Avenue and make a decision as to What the overall zoning should be and stick to it. City Councilman Butterworth stated that he did not see how the commis- sion could consider these areas any other way, and he thoughtit was a big job and not something that could be done in a couple of weeks; he wondered, for one thing, if R-l living is unsatisfactory in this vici- ty of Duarte Road. R-3 with its resulting density problem is not always desirable, and commercial all along Duarte Road would be some- thing the commission would want to think about. Commissioner Golisch stated that he felt there were a lot of very fine residences along Duarte Road, east of Baldwin, and he did not consider it a blighted area at all. Commissioner Michler stated that even if the Master Plan should be adopted by the voters' the city would not realize a master plan for a couple of years. A MasterPlan does not take care of zoning problems forever and ever; it is not designed to freeze a particular locality. The Chair.man deClared he though it would be in the best interests of everyone conceru~d if the matter were to be held until after the election of November 8, 1960. CODE AMENDMENT The Planning Commission considered the proposed code amendment relat- ing to lot splits referred by the City Council. The Planning Secretary commenced reading sections of the proposed or.dinance beginning on page 2, Section 9122.5.1 - APPEAL AND REVIEW, which contemplates that lot splits will be approved or denied by the Planning Commission rather than going on to the City Council, and in some instances approved by the staff. After reading this section the Planning Secretary ,explained that after the Planning Commission had taken action to approve or deny a lot split application or to modify and approve it, then the applicant hi~ self may appeal to the City Council or the council on their own, may take it under review. He then read Section 9122.6 - SUMMARY PROCEDURE, which is the procedure for approval by the staff. The Planning Secretary read Section 9122.6.1 * REQUIRE~~NTS, which are set out for the staff for their consideration and approval. After discussion it was moved by Commissioner Michler, seconded by Commissioner Golisch and carried to recommend the adoption of proposed Ordinance No. 1105 to the City Council. Page Three October 25, 1960 STREET NAME CHANGE The Planning Commission considered proposals for changing the name of Huntington Place. The Planning Secretary then read names which were submitted to the Arcadia Tribune and also through the mail. Approximately 40 names had been suggested. After considerable dis- cussion, Commissioners Golisch and Ferguson were named as members of a committee to recommend a new name for this street. RESOLUTION No. 390 - The Planning Secretary, in the absence of the City Attorney, presented Resolution No. 390, entitled': "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CAL.IFORNL'. RECOMMENDING THE GRANT- ING OF A REQUESTED ZONE RECLASSIFICATION FROM ZONE PR-2 TO ZONE C-2 OF PROPERTY AT THE REAR OF ll04 AND II 08 SOUTH BALDWIN AVENUE." The Planning Secretary then read the resolution in full. Moved by Commissioner Hichler, seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and unanimously carried for the adoption of Resolution No. 390. TRACT NO, 24144 No. 24144 - The Planning Secretary presented to the Planning Commission the revised tentative map of Tract No. 24144 located on Las Flores Avenue west of Santa Anita Avenue containing 8 lots. The Planning Secretary referred to the slight curve right edge of the street, which necessitated moving one house. posed now to move the entrance street further to the east it straight into the tract removing a different house. at the west It is pro- and bring After considerable discussion Commissioner Golisch stated that he con- sidered this a distinct improvement over the plan previously presented. Moved by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Michler and carried to recommend the approval of the revised ten~ive map of Tract No. 24144, subject to the following conditions: 1. Remove all buildings and all trees from the street right of way. 2. Remove all buildings from the tract with the exception of the dwelling on Lot 1 and the rumpus room garage on lot 2. 3. Dedicate a 5 foot planting and sidewalk easement along each s ide of "A" s 'reet. 4. Dedicate lots '9 and 10 ,in fee to the city. 5. Install all street improvements required by the Sub- division Ordinance including drainage facilities, according to plans and grades approved by the City Engineer. 6. Dedicate the drainage and sewer easements to the city. 7. Pay the following fees and deposits: 4 Steel street lights @ $135.00 $540.00 24 Street trees @ 8.50 204.00 4 Street name signs @ 35.00 140.00 6 Lots recreation fee @ 25,00 150.00 $1034.00 Page Four October 25, 1960 . " . COUNTY REZONE ZONE VARIANCE 1218 S. Second LOT SPLIT \, 9. File a covenant to prohibit the excess land east of lots 5 and 6 being used as building sites until it is included in an approved lot. The Planning Secretary presented a 'notice from the Regional Planning Commission to change four corners of Rosemead Boulevard and Duarte Road to Zone R-'3, which included details of the location of property affected and the date of public hearing. Because Duarte Road in the City of Arcadia is zoned R-l, the communica-' tion was ordered filed. The Planning Commission considered the application of Albert H. Schoof for a zone variance to permtt a second dwelling at 1218 S. Second Ave- nue, which was the first item on the agenda, on which decision had been delayed until later in the evening in the hope that additional com- missioners might arrive. Moved by Commissioner Michler ,seconded by Commissiore r Golisch and unanimously carried to close the public hearing on this matter. Commissioner Golisch stated that in view of the discussion which had been held earlier, and for the reasons expressed at that time he would move that this request for zone variance be recommended for denial. The motion lost for lack of a second. Motion by Commissioner Ferguson that the variance be recommended for approval, subject to the conditions of the Zoning Committee and staff report. The mot,ion was seconded by Commissioner Acker. ROLL CALL AYES: Commissioners Acker, Ferguson and Golisch NOES: Commissioner Michler ABSENT: Commissioners Forman Norton and Rutherford. Because there was no four vote, there was no action, and so the matter was held until the next regular Planning Commission meeting. No. 312 - Ralph H. Madden; 431 Genoa Street, referred to Mr. Rutherford and Mr. Acker, continued from October 11, 1960. This lot contains, a total area of l2,564 squar,e feet on the corner of GEnoa and Fifth Avenue; there are two houses on the property now, one facing Genoa and one facing Fifth. The request is to divide the pro- perty and to leave the lot on the corner 60 x 125, 7500 square feet facing Genoa, and the portion facing Fifth Avenue would be an 84 foot frontage and 60 feet deep with a total of 5064 square feet. Considerable discussion ensued on this matter, and it was decided that due to the minimum amount of square footage on the smaller parcel it was the opinion of the commission that this would not make good divi- sion of land. Moved by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissiorer Page Five October 25, 1960 . .. . ~. ( '--j Golisch and carried to recommend the denial of Lot Split No. 312. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before. the commission tonight the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 P.M. The Planning Secretary explained that the commission should adjourn until 8:00 P.M., October 26, 1960 to conduct a special public hearing on Annexations no. 15. 20 and 21. 'f?-vvv, ~A~/ L. M. TALLEY- ~ -7 Planning Secretary Page Six October 25, 1960