Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUGUST 8, 1961 ~ ROLL CALL MINUTES ZONING 1167 W. DuaJ:te Rd. ,,~ ",1' I ..:.. ) ~--_... MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 8, 1961 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., August 8, 1961, with Chairman Acker presiding. PRESENT: Commissioners Ferguson, Forman, Michler, Rutherford and Acker ABSENT: Commissioners Go1isch and Norton OTHERS PRESENT: City Councilman Elton Phillips City Attorney James A. Nicklin Director of Public Works C. E. Lortz Planning Director William Phelps Planning Secretary L. M. Talley The minutes of the meeting of July 25, 1961 were approve~ as written and maUed. The Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider the zoning to apply to property at 1167 W. Duarte Road, proposed to be annexed to the city. The property consists of one lot on the north side of Duarte Road immediately west of the west city limits. The Planning Secretary read a report from the Zoning Committee, dated June 22, 1961 which stated the' committee considered the request of Dr. J. Kendall McBane for annexation of his property at 1167 W. Duarte Road. This property consists of one lot, approximately 130 feet by 350 feet .and adjoins the westerly Arcadia City boundary on the north side of Duarte Road. We understand that the property is presently in Zone R-1-5000 under county regulations, and that the applicant has stated he desires Zone R-3 claSSi- fication. Adjacent property within Arcadia and with corresponding lot sizes is now classified ,in Zone R-3. We see no objection to the annexation and recommend that necessary pro- ceedings be taken to classify it as Zone R-3 concurrent with the annexation. The Planning Secretary then read a report which had been forwarded to the City CouncU, dated June 28, 1961, recommending the annexation and stating that if the proceedings were to continue then the commission would establish the appropriate zoning. The Chairman announced the time and place for public hearing and requested that those who wished to speak in favor to come forward and give their name and address. No one responde9. The Chairman then requested that those who may be opposed to the zoning please come forward and so s'tate their position. Page One August 8, 1961 ..... .:" .. - '"r- Mr. Frank Slocum, 9412 E. Duarte Road, the owner of the property almost directly across the street from Dr. McBane" s property objected because the area has one apartment house, and he considered this apartment house a detriment to the area. His property is located in the County of Los Angeles, not in the City of Arcadia. Mr. Joe R. Baer, 9411 E. Duarte Road. wished to go on record as being very much opposed to annexation and Zone R-3 because it would tend to lessen the value of the surrounding property. Mr,. Lonny R. Galloway, 9416 E. Duarte Road, lives directly across the street from the proposed annexation, and directly adjacent to the recently completed apartment bun ding, which he stated was nothing more. than a glorified motel. He believed that the area as it is developed is very nice, well landscaped with trees and shrubs, which would be removed if R-3 development became a reality. Mrs. Betty requested. cars. Ryder, 9156 Greenwood, was very much opposed to the zoning She was concerned that her' street would be parked solidly with Mr,. Morris Hagy, 9418 E. Duarte Road, does not wish apartment development near their residences. Mr. Philbrook, 9161 E. Duarte Road, was also opposed to apartments coming any closer to his property than they are already. Mrs. Helen Eldred, spoke for her mother, 9408 Duarte Road, and she as well as her mother were opposed to the R-3 zoning. Mr. Henry Hege, Attorney for the applicant, stated that the zoning in the county at present is R-l.5000; the only equivalent zoning in the City of Arc;adia would be R-l. In R-1-5000 a parly would be able to build a house for every 5000 square feet of lot area. On some of' the property one could almost build a subdivision, which is presently going on west of this property. He fel t that to zone this property other. than R- 3 would be an abusive discretion since property to the east in the City of Arcadia is already zoned R-3. The Chairman of the Planning Commission recommended that the hearing be continued pending a report fro~ the staff and the Zoning Committee. Motion by Commissioner Michler, seconded by Commissioner Forman and carried unanimously to continue this public hearing for a Zoning Committee and staff report at the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission, Augus t 22, 1961. LOT SPLITS No. 340 - Myrtle W. Null, 1202 S. Eighth Avenue, referred to Commissioners Ferguson and Forman. The Planning Secretary presented the Engineer's report outlining the requirements for approval of the lot split. Commissioner Forman reported that there is an old house on the property although it seems to be a substantial dwelling. The building has been inspected by the Building Department and found to be up to code, which means that it could be moved. He stated that he was contacted by an interested party, and was shown a house which had been remodelled, in the manner that the existing house would be remodelled should this lot split be granted. However, he could not make any recommendation due to the fact that the split would result in a narrow lot, which is contrary to the Page Two August 8, 1961 ~ LOT SPLIT TRACT NO. 26655 .. -". ~. ...--"\ .--.. general policy of the commission, and he wished other members of the commission to voice their opinion on thispar,ticular application. Commissioner Ferguson felt the same as Commissioner Forman, and 'felt that whatever might be accomplished by the split would certainly seem to be an improve~ent of the area. The plan is to move the existing house to one side and build a new house on the new lot. Considerable discussion followed: Commissioner Forman added that he felt that this is an important decision to be made, and he wondered if the remainder of the commissioners would wish to render a decision until they have personally inspected the property themselves. He did not wish to 'vote in favor of the split if it: would set a precedent to be followed right up the street. He did wish the commissioners who investigate this property in the field to also see the house at 1419 S. Fourth Avenue which has been remodelled. The matter was held and the Planning Secretary instructed to assign it to two different commissioners to investigate. No. 341 - George Needham, 453 W. Walnut Avenue, also referred to Commis- sioners Fe~guson and Forman. The Planning Secretary read the Engineer's report which outlined the requirements. Commissioner Ferguson stated that the only problem existing in this .pro- posed lot aplit is the existing garage which is in violation of the ordinance which requires that it be 3 feet from the building line and 30 inches from the roof eave; it should be moved. Motion by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Forman and car- ried unani~ously to approve Lot Split No. 341 subject to the following conditions: 1. FUeFinal map with the City Engineer. 2. Provide sewer lateral for Parcel 2. 3. Pay $25.0b recreation fee. 4. Water Service to comply with the Uniform Plumbing Code. ,.." 5. Remove all structures from the property except the dwelling garage and patio on Parcel i. ./ 6. Garage which is located 1'6" from the proposed new lot line should be made to conform with the ordinance; 3 feet from property line or 30 inches from the roof eave. No. 26655 ~ The tentative map of Tract No. 26655, located on the west side of Holly Avenue between Lemon Avenue and Longden Avenue, containing 14 lots was presented to the Planning Commission for consideration. The Planning Secretary presented the report from the Subdivision Committee and staff which stated this tract. proposes the opening of Wistaria Avenue west from !lolly Avenue. It lacks about 261 feet of connecting with the presently improved portion of Wistaria Avenue west of this location. It contains 14 lots, two of which are presently improved with residences. Page Three August 8, 1961 .. '". ''--- -j In 1957, a similar tract for this same area was submitted by the same subdivider but not carried to completion. Some of' the requirements of that time have been corrected but not all of them. As proposed, the length of the cuI de sac street is in excess of 600 feet. Ordinance requirements are 500 feet. It seems desirable to require the extension to connect with Wistaria Avenue near Bella Vista Drive. Bradford Drive is shown as 50 feet wide. It should be widened to 60 feet. Bradford Drive should be shortened to leave 10 feet between the end of the street and the south tract line to control access from property lying south of the tract. The north line of the tract is very irregular and would cause extreme difficulty in placing utility pole lines. Lots .5, 8 and 13 have less than the required 100 feet depth. Lots 6 and 14 have less than the required 75 feet width. Lot 9 has less than 75 feet width at the building line. The lot line between lots 12 and 13 should be straightened. If this tract is approved', the following conditions should be considered: 1. Widen Bradford Drive to 60 feet, with a 40 foot radius turn around. Shorten the street to provide 10 feet clear from the south tract line. 2. Dedicate a 15 foot radius at the northeast corner of Lot 14. 3. Dedicate a one foot lot at the west end of Wistaria Avenue in fee to the city. 4. Reconstruct the driveway on Lot 14 to provide access from Wistaria Avenue and eliminate the driveway entrance conflict with the new curb return. 5. Remove all trees from the street right of way. buildings and concrete slabs within the tract, houses and garages shown on Lots 1 and 14. Remove all except the 6. Provide all necessary rear line utility easements. 7. All water services to comply with the Uniform Building Code. 8. Install all street improvements required by the Subdivision Ordinance in accordance with plans and to grades satisfactory to the Director of Public Works. Minimum street grade to be 0.4X. 9. Pay the following fees and deposits: 6 Steel street, light posts @ $115.00 $690.00 4 Street name signs @ 35.00 140.00 28 Street trees @ 8.50 238.00 14 Lots recreation fee @ 25.00 350.00 $1418.00 10. Submit a new tract map showing all the re~uired corrections before the map is presented to the Ci ty Council. Commissioner Forman stated that there are a great many problems connected with this tentative subdivision. Two of the problems concerned him the IDOst; the lack of a 60 footstr.eet at the cuI de sac, and even more Page Four August 8, 1961 VARIANCE EXTENSION ,~ '~, important the irregular lot line at the rear of Lots 1 to 6. The pro- blems which might result from attempting to bring utility poles into this tract with these irregular rear lines would be quite serious.. Mr. Adashek, the subdivider, explained at length the difficulties he encountered in tryin'g to put this subdivision together. He had extreme difficulty in obtaining the necessary footage for this tract, and stated it would be quite difficult to obtain any more property. Considerable discussion followed, concerning the problems of this tentative map. It was the general concensus ..among the connnissioners that there were too many deficiencies in the map for acceptance. The commissioners advised Mr. Adashek that there have been subdivisions presented which require many months of study and reviewing before finally an acceptable map was proposed. Connnissioner Michler assured the subdivider that the staff and the Subdivision Connnittee would be happy to work with him and his engineer in the hope of establishing a satis- factory plan for the proposed subdivision. Connnissioner Ferguson stated that he did not fea that a tract with as many defects as indicated by the engineering report should be considered favorably. Connnissioner Forman stated he sincerely hoped that some of the less desirable features of the tract could 'be rectified because the Planning Connnission was certainly interested in seeing good subdivisions come into the city. Motion by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Rutherford and carried unanimously reconnnending the denial of Tract No. 26655, in accord with the reconnnendations contained in the Subdivision and staff report. It was concluded that the commission and staff would be very happy to assist Mr. Adashek in presenting an acceptable plan. The Planning Commission reconsidered the request of Nate Margolin for an extension of time of the variance at Santa Anita Avenue and Live Oak Avenue. The City Attorney stated that there had been presented today a corporate surety bond in the amount of $25,000.00 executed by General Insurance Company, conditioned upon the performance of the agreement for liquidated damages discussed at the last commission meeting., Mr. Margolin likewise submitted in his. behalf a letter from Mf.1e> C. Babcock stating that this is to inform you that as of las.t Thursday, August 3, Mr. Margolin has deposited a standby fee with the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company as required by their loan committee. With this deposit in hand, I expect to obtain a firm commitment for him as soon as possible for the connnbee to act. Signed, sincerely, /S/ Miles C. Babcock. The City Attorney explained that regardless of how long it takes Mr. Margolin to resolve the details of the loan, the completion d~tes on phase one and two are already established by the terms of the agreement executed two weeks ago, and those dates are not extended by any further time required to complete financing arrangements. The City Attorney explained that the purpose of the, standby fee is to asce.rtain that the 'person is really serious about finaiizing his loan and is not merely shopping. Page Five August 8, 1961 , :r---- ,~ Moti~n by Conunissioner Ferguson, seconded by COllllDissioner'Formanthat th~ variance heretofore granted on June 17, 1958' with respect to the property located at the northwest corner of Santa Anita Avenue and Las Tunas Drive be extended in accordance with the terms of that certain Agreement For Liquidated Damages for Inexcusable Delay in construction Program dated July 24, 1961 on the condition that Phase 1 of the improvements contemplated thereby be completed on or before Ausust 31, 1962 and the balance thereof completed on or before January 31, 1963 and upon the further condition that the liquidated damages provided for in aforesaid agreement be paid in accordance with the terms thereof, which agreement is hereby approved. ROl.L CALL AYES: Commissioners Ferguson, Forman, Michler, Rutherford and Acker NOIlS: None ABSENT: Conunissioners Golisch and Norton RESOLUTIONS No. 415 - The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 415, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PlANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE GRANTING OF A ZONE VARIANCE TO PERMIT THE USE OF PROPERTY AT 745 AND 751 NAOMI AVENUE I~ SAID CITY AS A PUBLIC AUTOMOBILE PARKING AREA. II Commissioner Ferguson suggested that some proviSion should be made in the resolution regar.ding the trees and landscaping. The City Attorney advised that if the commission is not satisfied with the resolution as it iswr~tten it would be in order to amend it. Motion by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Forman and carried unanimously to amend Resolution No. 415 to read "that tree planting and landscaping be maintained in conformity with the balance of the existing parking lot." The City Attorney suggested that for clarity's sake inasmuch as this is a variance perhaps an additional provision should be considered "that in all other respects the parking lot shall be constructed and maintained in conformance with the applicable provisions of the Municipal Code with respect to public parking areas." Motion by Commissioner Michler" seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and carried to amend Resolution No. 415 as outlined above by the City Attorney. Motion by Commissioner Michler, seconded by Commissioner Fergusn and carried unanimously to waive the full reading of the body of Resolution No. 415 as amended. Motion by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and carried unanimously for the adoption of Resolution No. 415 as amended. No. 416 - The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 416 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE DENIAL OF A ZONE VARIANCE TO ALLOW PROPERTY AT 39 AND 43 CHRISTINA STREET TO BE USED AS A HOME FOR PAYING GUESTS OVER 65 YEARS OF AGE". Page Six August 8, 1961 , , .'~. I ,~_.// ,--j Motion by Commissioner Michler, seconded by Commissioner Forman and carried to waive the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 416 Motion by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Rutherford and carried unanimously for the adoption of Resolution No. 416. No. 417 - Before the presentation of Resolution No. 417 'by the City Attorney, the Planning Secretary displayed a revised plot plan of the structure under consideration in this resolution. He described the changes in parking realized by a modification of the floor plan. Motion by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and carried to approve the. ,revised plot plan as presented tonight. The City Attorney then presented Resolution No. 417 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE APPROVAL OF A ZONE VARIANCE TO ALLOW PROPERTY AT 720-728 WEST CAMINO REAL TO BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF A HOTEL-RESIDENCE FOR RETIRED PERSONS." Motion by Commissioner Michler, seconded by Commissioner Rutherford and carried unanimously to waive the reading of the full body of Resolution No. 417. Motion by Commissioner Michler, seconded by Commissioner Rutherford and carried unanimously for the adoption of Resolution No. 417 LOT SPLIT No. 342 - Albert Martinek, 1163 Hampton Road. The Planning Secretary read the Engineer's report which outlined the conditions. Commissioner Forman stated that he felt this would make a good lot split in spite of the narrowness at the rear of the lot. Discussion followed: Commissioner Ferguson stated that the only concern he had about the lot split was the irregularity of the lot line, the area of lot is satisfactory and in compliance with tract restrictions. Motion by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Forman and carried for the approval of Lot Split No. 342, subject to the follo.wing conditions: 1. File a final map with the City Engineer. 2. Pay $25.00 recreation fee. 3. Water services to comply with the Uniform. Plumbing Code. Separate the water system at the new lot line. 4. Provide anew driv~way access to Michillinda Avenue for Lot 5. 5. Trim all parkway shrubs to eliminate extending beyond curb line. Remove shrubbery at corner of Hampton and Michillinda to provide sight distance satisfactory to the Director of Public Works. Page Seven August 8, 1961 , ,_/ MODIFICATION Appeal The Planning Secretary presented a map to the commission concerning an appeal of a decision of the Modification Committee. This property is at the southwest corner of Third Avenue and El Dorado Street. The lot is 53.41 feet wide by 144 feet long and is in Zone R-2. There is presently a single family dwelling on the property and a one car garage. The applicant, Mr. Ed Wilcox requested permission to build an addi- tional dwelling at the .rear of the lot. The lot area under Zone R-2 allows a duplex or 2 dwellings. The present dwelling and garage is slightly off the location required; it is 34 feet back from Third Avenue instead of 35 feet. It is 9'4" back of E1 Dorado Street instead of 10 feet, which required it to come to the Modification Committee. The Modification Committee met July 25, 1961 and held a hearing on this. It was protested by Mr. Aasand at 218 El Dorado Street who owns' the key lot at the back. His house is back 37 feet from the property line. It was proposed to locate this new house 10 feet from property line; which is required by ordinance. The committee approved, the modification, subject to the new house being 19 feet from the property line. The Planning Secretary read a letter of protest received today (August 8, 1961) which, briefly, stated a protest against the building of a house on the property at 501 Third Avenue. The protestant stated the proposed residence would be located only 10 feet from El Dorado Street. His home, located at 218 El Dorado Street is 35 feet from the street. He felt this would reduce the value of his home. The letter referred to crowded conditions and the lack of sufficient room for children to play. Discussion followed: The City Attorney asked if notice had been given to the applicant or the appellant that this appeal would be presented to the Planning Commission tonight? The answer was negative. The City Attorney advised that it would appear to him an adequate notice should be given as is required for the hearing before the Modification Committee. The ordinance does not require it, but it would seem that some reasonable notice other than mere assumption should be given. It was decided to hold decision on this matter until proper notice was sent to the applicant and the appellant involved in this modifica- tion, and that this matter be heard on August 22, 1961. COUNCIL Liaison In the absence of the CoUncil Liaison, Commissioner Goltsch, City Councilman Elton Phillips described the action of the City Council at their regular meeting, concerning planning matters. Two of the items were direct. recommendations for approval from the Planning Commission, and they were both approved in accordance with these recommendations. The first one allowed two duplexes at 920 S. Second and the other was for the subdivision at Santa Anita Avenue and Palin Drive. In regards to the hearing for the extension of a variance of 5 addi-' tional years for the nursery school on S. Tenth; it has 5 years yet 'to run, but they were asking for 5 more years, and this request was denied without prejudice to determine at a later date if they would take care of the property a little better than had been observed in the past. Page Eight August 8, 1961 ~ /"'\ -.." Councilman Phillips reported that the annexation south of Live Oak was denied by a 3 to 2 vote, which he thought were the highlights in which the commission might be interested. PLANNING DIRECTOR The Planning Director presented an informal verbal report for the purpose of ac~uainting the Planning Commission with what is being accomplished and what is hoped to be accomplished in the Planning Department. The field work for the land use. survey, authorized by the City Council, has been completed; .he explained that the results of the survey were being plotted on a.map the same scale as the present zoning map, and this project is just about completed. The Planning Director recommended that many areas in the city are in need of. study and it was his recommendation that a priority list be established with the Planning Commission and the Planning staff cooperating to determine what goals should be established. One of the great needs of this community is to have a major street and highway plan adopted by the Planning Commission to be used as a guide, so those concerned may' know where the thoroughfarm are today, where they may be tomorrow, how much traffic is anticipated, etc. It would be desirable to be in a position to forecast the number of people the' City of Arcadia may have some time in the future, as well as the composition of the population. The land use survey, the major street plan and the population study would place the city in a position to be able to develop a community facilIties plan. In addItion, there are some problems which are of immediate concern, specifically the impact that the Foothill Freeway will have on the community; the West Arcadia area is also an important location for study; the downtown area needs serious review with the idea in mind of upgrading that location as much as possible. The Planning Director referred to ,mapping which should be accomplished in cooperation with some of the other departments of the city; there are also some studies which should be made on the Municipal Code, e. g. the house moving ordinance. He stated that he had corresponded with about 25 other communities in Southern California, and had received copies of' ord:Lnances dealing with this subject and o,thers. Off street parking studies. need to be initiated to establish some standards in parking. requirements; it would seem to him that whether an automobile is stored at the home, the office or at an apartment house the size of the stall should have uniform measurements. After some of these goals have been identified, the city should slowly but surely make progress and upgrade some of the development standards, so they can be realized. The purpose of this discussio.n was not to enter into great detail, but rather to point out that he would like to reach some kind of administrative agreement, a workable program to be brought to the Planning Commission, to voice their opinion to the priority given to the vari.ous points discussed. The Planning Director made reference to the rezoning of six lots on the north side of Naomi Avenue by the City Council; to C-3 with a D Page Nine August 8, 1961 . . : , . ~~\ ,----/ overlay. In connection with this the City Council requested that the Planning Department provide a definitive plan showing the boundar~es of the area, with the intention of holding some hearin~ on a possible rezoning. He requested that the Planning Commission help him determdne specifically what area is under consideration; what would be the scope of the plan as far as the total area is con- cerned; once this is established it would be easier to come back to the commission so that hearings can be held. There are possibly two kin~of approaches. By using the information already on hand and by drawing on the talents oJ the Planning Commissioners themselves some progress cun be realized. The Planning Director presented a colored map showing the area in West Arcadia. The properties now zoned for a particular classifica- tion are now being used as such. He discussed the possibility of commercial zoning being extended from the Naomi Avenue properties; however, he emphasized that it is for the Planning Commission to say to him what they wish to be done; shall the areabe enlarged7 shall the areabe restricted7 These are some of the considerations before them. The, Chairman suggested that some of these subjects could be discussed at a meeting with the commissioners at a later date. It was decided that a meeting should be arranged between the Planning Commissioners and the Planning Staff to delve into the detaUs of the Planning Director's outline more thoroughly. ELECTION OF OFFICERS The Planning Commission proceeded with the election of officers for the coming year. A secret ballot was cast, and the results were as follows: There was a unanimous 5 votes cas~ for Ervin Golisch to be Chairman of the Planning Commission; and a unanimous 5 votes cast for Ralph Norton to be Vice-chairman. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Planning Commis- sion the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 P.M. t~. C1\ L. M. TALLEY Planning Secretary Page Ten August 8, 1961