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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMARCH 14, 1961 , , ROLl. CALL MINUTES REZONE 747 W, Camino !. '. MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA kEGULAR MEETING MARCH 14, 1961 The Planning Commission of the City of Arcad~. met in regular session in the Council-Chamber of the City Hall at 8:00 o'clock P,M., March 14, 1961. In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-chairman, Mr, George Forman presided. PkESENT: Commissioners Ferguson, Forman, Golisch, Michler, Norton and Rutherford ABSENT: Commissioner Acker 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 Planning Commission approved the minutes of the regular meeting of February 28, 1961. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the application of ,Henry F. Cordelius for a change qf zone from Zone R-2 to Zone R-3 for property located at 747 to 803 W. Camino Real. The Planning Secretary read from the application, which, among other things, stated that the easterly ten feet of the subject property is already zoned R-3, and adjoins property now used for commercial purposes, The application stated that there is a growing demand for the type of multiple development the applicant intends to develop. There were several signatures on the application favoring the zone change; 18 lots ,being represented, The Planning Secretary read one communicafion from Elizabeth K. Douglas, 800 W. Naomi Avenue, urging approval of the application of Henry F. Cordelius, The reasons stated were that the development of business property in West Arcadia warrants the requested change of zone. The letter concluded that the signer intends to apply for a change of zone to R-3 in the near futur~. The Planning Secretary then read the staff report which stated this is the application of Henry F. Cordelius for a change of zone from Zone R-2 to Zone R-3 on two lots located at 747 to 803 W. Camino Real. Property located north, west, east and southeast of the subject proper- ty is presently zoned R-2. Property to the southwest is zoned R-l. Property east of the rear portion of the subject property is Zoned R-3, but a variance was granted by Resolution No. 3317 to allow the erection and operation of a customer service building for Hinshaw's. The subject property is presently developed with single family dwell- ings, There are five dwellings on the east 90 foot lot and one on Page One March 14, 1961 the west 66 foot lot. Some of the dwellings are less than 750 square feet area and are nearer than 15 feet apart. The easterly lot contains 28,239 square feet of area. Under Zone R-3 it would allow 18 dwelling units. The westerly lot contains 19,800 square feet of area and would allow 13 dwelling units. Under the present R-2 zone the easterly lot would permit 6 units, although there does not appear to be space to place an additional unit. The westerly parcel would pennit 4 units. The Planning Secretary pointed out the property under discussion at the map, and explained that the property colored in green depicted properties which had signed in favor of the granting of the zone change. The Chairman declared that this was the time and place for the public hearing, and requested those in favor of the zone change to please come forward and state their position. Mr. Henry Cordelius, the applicant, stated that the application ex- pressed his views in support of his request, He advised the commission that if the zone change were granted he would not develop the property with two stories, but would limit the dwellings to one story. ,His present multiple dwellings are always rented indicating the demand for this type of multi-dwellings, . The Chairman requested those who desired to oppose the request to please come forward; no one responded. Motion by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Golisch and unanimously carried to close the public hearing on this request for zone change, Commissioner Norton stated that this particular property is close to commercial on Baldwin, and that from the point of a good location for apartments this area probably would be good. However, on the other side of the picture; here again the commission finds itself required to grant or deny an additional R-3 request without the adequate tools of information with which to reach a proper decision, Commissioner Golisch concurred with Commissioner Norton, adding that he felt the economic interests of the people in the area were ade- quately served by an R-2 zone, He felt that if the commission granted an R-3 zoning at this location there would be an influx of R-3 zoning requests from other property owners in the vicinity. Even though Mr, Cordelius assures the commission that he would improve the property with one-story units, other properties in the area, if granted R-3, would not necessarily adhere to this restriction. Commissioner Michler concurred with the comments of the other commis- sioners, stating his main concern of other applications resulting in more R-3 in the area. He recognized that in the future the whole area might be rezoned R-3, but he believed that such a Dove would be pre- mature at this time, In traveling out Huntington Drive he observed the abundance of vacancies in the many apartments along that street, Commissioner Forman stated that he had personally viewed the property under discussion, and Mr. Cordelius has a very fine development now existing on the one lot. There is a lack of single home rentals such as the type Mr. Cordelius has developed on his easterly lot, and would Page Two March 14, 1961 --, J develop on the property being considered for rezoning. There seems to be a great demand for single rentals affording a certain amount of privacy to the tenant for older couples, particularly if the rentals are close to shopping centers such as this one is, He was in accord with the statements made by the other commissioners in connection with additional R-3 in the city. Commissioner Norton addressed the commission concerning the possibil- ity of such problem areas being developed into senior citizen's pro- jects. He spoke of this type of improvement which he had observed in Arizona recently by which he was very favorably impressed. The applicant, Mr. Cordelius, addressed the commission once more, emphasizing the desirability of the type of proposed development he would improve for older couples who desire to be near shopping centers. Many of these tenants do not have a car and appreciate locations where they are able to walk for shopping and transportation needs, The Planning Secretary suggested to the commission that if the easterly and westerly lots were combined as one parcel of ground by a covenant tying them together, there is a total of 48,000 square feet; and under Zone R-2, if they could be placed at proper spacing, would allow a total of 12 units; \Oith the five Mt, Cordeliua now has he could possibly add 7 more. The Chairman stated that with a little more investigation on the part of Mt, Cordelius into developing this property as R-2 he was certain, with the Planning Secretary's help, that some solution could be reached. Motion by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Norton and carried unanimously to recommend the denial of the zone change of Mr. Henry Cordelius at 744 W. Camino Real, and to instruct the City Attorney to draw up a resolution accordingly. LOT SPLIT No. 327 - Keith R. Vollentine, 2311 Longley Way, referred to Mr. Forman and Mr. Ferguson. The Planning Secretary read the engineer's report which stated that if the split is allowed it would result in one of the smallest lots in the area, although it would contain 11,000 square feet of area, The building on parcel 1 would have a non-conforming rear yard, The sewer line is 2-1/2 feet south of the north property line of Live Oak well out from underneath any pavement, so that no lateral would be required. There are deed restrictions in that tract which call for a minimum sized lot of 11,.000 square feet. Also there is a reference that might or might not mean that only one dwelling per lot could be erected. The Planning Secretary read a copy of a communication from Harold J. Hurley, Associate Counsel of the Title Insurance and Trust Company, which stated that they would issue a title insurance policy on the deed restrictions for the new lot, providing there is 11,000 square feet, and the setbacks are maintained, etc. Commissioner Ferguson stated that in viewing the property the only thing that would occur to him was the storage shed at the rear of the garage being less than two (2) feet to the proposed property line; however, it appeared to be a fairly nice lot. Commissioner Forman concurred with Commissioner Ferguson and felt that this \Oould be a good lot split; that this particular lot had an unusual feature which would permit a good spli.t. Page Three March 14, 1961 Motion by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Rutherford and carried unanimously to grant tentative approval of Lot Split No. 327, subject to the following conditions: 1. File a final map with the City Engineer. 2, Pay $25.00 recreation fee, PLOT PLAN APPROVAL The Planning Secretary presented a communication from James H. Sorg, 455 W. Duarte Road, presenting the proposed development of his property. The Planning Secretary explained from a sketch at the board that there were two instances where Mr. Sorg's improvements would not meet the conditions of the recently granted zone variance to pro- perties on Duarte Road in that location. He would not meet the requirement of a 20 foot driveway, nor the 45 foot rear yard with no structures allowed. The Planning Secretary read the communication which requested per- mission to build two houses on the front half of the property at 455 W. Duarte Road, on the north side of Duarte Road. The lot is 71' x 380 '. The first house will be 1260 square feet. and the second house will be 850 square feet, He was requesting special approval for the project because he would not comply with the conditions in two ways, The Planning Secretary made reference to Item L which stated: "That the Planning Commission shall retain authority, without the necessity of further notice or proceedings, to make minor modifications in any of the foregoing conditions or regulations if such modifica- tions are necessary and desirable and will nevertheless accomplish substantially the same results as will the strict adherence to the conditions and regulations herein set forth." Mr. James Sorg, the applicant, addressed the commission stating that he built the houS!s on the rear in 1956. He would like to build two additional houses allowing for individual privacy for the tenants for which there seems to be a great demand in Arcadia. The Planning Commissioners expressed more serious concern about the limited driveway width thltJ. the encroachment into the 45 foot rear yard. Commissioner Norton suggested that it might be a wise move to hold this matter pending a decision at the next meeting, This would pro- vide the commission with the information needed from the Fire Depart- ment about the proposed new fire apparatus. Commissioner Michler recommended that the matter be placed in the hands of the Modific~tion Committee for investigation and a report to the Planning Commission. Mr. Dick Libich, proposed contractor for the new development, spoke on behalf of Mr.'Sorg, stating that the existing improvements shoald not jeopardize Mr. Sorg's opportunity to improve his property further. Further discussion followed, and the matter was held for 'study and a report from the Modification Committee. Page Four March 14, 1961 , . REPORTS The Planning Secretary presented a report from the Zoning Committee and staff on proposed change of driveway requirements in Zones R-3-R and R-3. The report stated the Zoning Committee and staff have studied the matter of driveway widths in relation to the recommenda- tion of the ,Fire Chie'f for sufficient clearance to allow the place- ment of apparatus at fires. The Fire Chief has stated that the Fire Department equipment requires a minimum of 12 feet horizontal clearance and 13 feet vertical clear- ance. In order to afford the best fire protection to the occupants of the buildings, the committee recommends that the Municipal Code be amended to require that driveways in Zones R-3-R and R-3 be 12 feet 6 inches wide,with minimum of 12 feet horizontal clearance and 13 feet vertical clearance, If the driveway serves more than 12 required parking spaces or is more than 125 feet in length, then two such driveways should be required. In lieu of the two driveways, one 20 foot driveway in accordance with present requirements should be allowed. The committee also recommends that the code be amended to authorize the Modification Committee to make minor modifications in driveway requirements. TheY,also recommend that the commission consider the advisability of requiring that signs be posted to prohibit automobile parking in re- quired driveways. Commissioner Michler stated that the Zoning Committee and staff went over this matter thoroughly and he thought the report encompassed their thoughts quite accurately. Commissioner Norton asked if there were any driveway requirements in Zone R-2, and when told there were not, suggested that perhaps in reviewing this in relation to R-3 and R-3~R, it would also be well to include R-2. The Commissioners concurred and it was decided to incorporate this in the reSolution instituting proceedings for the hearings. The Director of Public Works brought up a matter for the commission's attention, during an interim. In some of the very deep properties there seems to be a desire on the part of the property owners to have the public utilities establish a pole, maybe halfway back on the property, Most of these poles are 18 or 16 inches in diameter. The power companies are experiencing some difficulties along these lines as well. He felt that this is one condition that the commis- sion should keep abreast of, and ~ither require something in the way of space for the pole or require underground service, so as to provide fully clear space for the driveway. REPORT Shopping Center The Planning Secretary presented a report on the status of the pro- posed shopping center at Las Tunas Drive and Santa Anita Avenue~ He made reference to a communication from Mr. Nate Margolin, the developer, which stated that the changes in the building plans requested by the Thrifty Drug, Lucky Market, etc., ,have caused repeated delays in the construction, Newberry has held them up by not finalizing their Page F,ive Marth 14, 1961 , 1'. . . ) plan; they have had the plan in their possession for sometime now. He stated that he hoped to start construction on April 6, 1961. In answer to Commissioner Norton's question the Planning Secretary explained that the matter has been delayed now for three years; the variance will expire in June, 1961, The Director of Public Works stated he felt the man is apparently making considerable effort to commence with the construction of the project, but is being stymied by some of his constituents. Discussion followed, and the commission concluded that if substantial construction was not under way by the expiration date in June, 1961, the variance would not be gr~ted an extension of time. REPORT ON CO~LAINT The Planning Secretary advised the commission in reference to the complaint of Mr. Retzer about the junk and broken and waste materials on the Montgomery lot split at 1331 Greenfield Avenue; he stated that the junk was being cleaned off today and the new house should be under construction in a week, RESOLUTION No. 405 - The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 405, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSIDERING AND MAKING RECOMMENDA- TIONS CONCERNING THE AMENDMENT OF SECTIONS 9254.2.9, 9255.2.10 AijD 9284.1.1 AND OTHER PERTINENT SECTIONS OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE BY ALTERING THE DRIVE- WAY REGULATIONS PRESENTLY APPLICABLE IN ZONES R-2, R-3-R AND R-3, BY PROHIBITING AUTOMOBILE PARKING IN THE DRIVEWAYS REQUIRED IN SUCH ZONES AND REQUIRING SIGN POSTING TO SUCH EFFECT; AND AMENDING SECTION 9292.1,5 OF SAID CODE TO EXPAND THE AUTHORITY OF THE MODIFICATION COMMITTEE TO INCLUDE MINOR MODIFICATIONS OF DRIVEWAY REQUIREMENTS GENERALLY." Motion by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Michler and carried unanimously to waive the reading of the full body of Resol- ution No. 405. MOtion by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Michler for the adoption of Resolution No. 405. LOt SPLIT No, 314 - Thomas English, 351 W. Duarte Road, a lot facing on Fairview Avenue extension. The Planning Secretary explained that the original application was approved after dedication on Fairview Avenue at 188 feet deep, with a 310 foot depth on the Duarte Road portion. "There is an existing lot to the east of this which has a greater depth from Fairview by 31 feet, They would like to increase the depth of the lot on Fair- view to make the lot uniform with the present lot line which is established to the east. They would then have a total lot depth of 220 feet instead of 188 and on Duarte about 270 which would more nearly equalize the sizes. Motion by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and unanimously carried to approve the revision in lot split No. 314, 351 W. Duarte Road. Page Six March 14, 1961 . ..~ . ., . COUNC IL LIAISON the Chairman requested Commissioner Golisch to report to the Planning Commission the action of the previous Council meeting. Commissioner Golisch explained that the rezone matter on Syca- more Avenue from R-l to R-3 was recommended for denial upholding the Planning Commission's decision. He added that it was interesting because there was no audience participation either for or against the application. Commissioner Golisch discussed the council's vote in regards to the annexation of the property south of Live Oak, He described the various councilmen's reasons for voting in favor of the annexation. .;. Councilman Butterworth discussed some of the reasoning behind the favorable vote towards annexation of this property; Due to the annexation of the south side of Live Oak, being, so to speak , the cream from the bottle, the city seemed somewhat compelled to encourage the annexation of the people to the south. Also, that the annexation of the area would give the city some control as to the future development in upgrading of the area. Councilman Butterworth also expressed his general support of Planning Commission decisions, stating that he would place the burden of proof on those wishing the council to reverse these deci- sions, However, he would limit this support to matters which ,fall particularly within the jurisdiction of the Planning Commisaion's scope, namely zoning matters, subdivisions and the like. He felt that the matter of the annexation was more of a policy-making matter, and therefore, he did not fe'el that the council had neces- sarily not supported the Planning Commission in this particular situation. Considerable discussion followed about the area under consideration for annexation south of Live Oak Ave, ADJOURN There being no further business presented to the Planning Commission the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 P.M. cf Yvv . L. M. TALLEY Planning Secretary Page Seven March 14, 1961