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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUGUST 22, 1961 , ROLL CALL: MINUTES: ZONING 1167 W. Duarte Rd. MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA REGULAR MEETING August 22, 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 22, 1961, with Chairman Golisch presiding. PRESENT: Commissioners Ferguson, Michler, Norton and Golisch ABSENT: Commissioners Acker, Forman and Rutherford. OTHERS PRESENT: City Councilman Erton Phillips, City Attorney James A. Nicklin, Director of Public Works' C. E. Lortz, Planning Director William Phelps, and Planning Secretary L. M. Talley The minutes of the meeting of August 8, 1961 were approved as written and mailed. The public hearing on the matter of the zoning to apply to the property of Dr. J. Kendall McBane, at U67 W. .Duarte Road, which is under consideration for annexation was again considered. The Chairman requested any in favor to so signify. Mr. Henry Hege, 651 W. Duarte Road was present as attorney for Dr. McBane, but did not wish to add to his remarks at the last meeting. The Secretary read the Staff report as follows: "The City has received a request from Dr.. J. Kendall McBane for annexation of his property at 1167 West Duarte Road and that it be placed in Zone R-3. On June 27, 1961, a public hearing was held on the matter of zoning. At that time seven residents of the area protested the R-3 zoning, principally because of the increased density of population and the increased traffic. They also protested the all night parking of cars at the curb, and the removal of trees required by the construction of apartment houses. The subject property is approximately 130 feet by 350 feet and is now used for a single family dwelling. It is now zoned R-1-5000 in the County. All of .the surrounding property in the County, extending almost to Rosemead Boulevard, is Zone R~1~5000. Applications have been made for R-3 zoning on Duarte Road, but were denied by t~e County, apparently because of protest from at'least a part of the owners. The corners of Duarte Road and Rosemead Boule- vard are Zone C-l. The R-1-5000 property-in the County is primarily used for single family dwellings. Some of the large lots have more than one dwelling. Two tlew houses are being constructed at the southwest corner of Duarte Road and Oak Avenue. Five new houses are being constructed on a new private street west of 9071 W. Duarte Road. If the property is annexed and automatically becomes Zone R-I, no additional dwelling units would be permitted except by an approved subdivision; also, it would be the only R-l lot in that 'portionof the City. ", August 22, 1961 Page, One , " Greenwood Avenue dead ends at the west side of the subject property. It is dedicated 40 feet wide and is 26 feet wide between curbs. If the property is zoned R-3 and access is allowed fr,ODl Greenwood .Avenue, a bad 'trsffic con- dition would be created. If the property is to be recommended for R-3 zoning, the Commission should consider the advisability of recommending some limitations, either by requir- ing a covenant to be filed or placing the property in Zone D. Some of the limiting conditions that might be considered are: 1. Prohibit access from Greenwood Avenue. 2.. Require a setback and landscaped area along the west property line. 3.. Limit the improvements to one-story, as was done on Baldwin Avenue north of Huntington Drive. 4. If either item 2 or 3 is recommended, determin~ the land area per unit to be allowed. 5. Establish the front yard requirement. Those opposed were requested to present their objections. The following persons spoke against the proposed zoning: Frank Slocum, 9412 W. Duarte Road Lonny Galloway, 9416 W. Duarte Road, and Lawrence Atkinson, 9163 Ave. Mr. Slocum presented a petition ~igned by 45 residents in the area, protest- ing the proposed zoning. The general oppostion concerned the fact that surrounding properties are zoned R-1-5000. R-3 with a large number of units would be detrimental to the surrounding properties. The traffic caused by a multiple dwelling would cauae additional hazard and would be s nuisance. Judging by the present R-3 units at 1164 W. Duarte Road, an additional large apartment would be detrimental. There are many children in the R-l area which is county; but the entire area is concerned with further develop- ment of a multiple nature. They felt the narrow street of Greenwood Avenue would be used as access in the development of the property. Discussion followed. The CommisSioners were of the opinion that if the property is annexed, the only logical zoning for the area would be R-3. It is a question as to whether the City of Arcadia furnishes' a buffer for the R-l area in the County, or if the County will later provide the buffer. Some consideration should be ~iven to the_traffic on Greenwood Ave. The City Attorney advised that it would be-difficult to entirely prohibit the use of a public street. The legal description for the proposed annexation has been submitted to the Boundary Commission and approved. The resolution instituting the annexation is now prepared and will be submitted at tbe next City Council meeting. The protest hearing is tentatively set for October 17, 1961. The City Attorney further stated it is a matter of judgment as to any zoning to be placed on the property. Were it to come in as R-l, no doubt, an application would be filed to consider the zoning to R-3 at a later time. The Zone D precedent has been established and the Commission at their discretion could so place architectural restrictions if they so desire. The design ofhthe building could perhaps cut down the use of Greenwood Avenue. He felt that it is difficult to state that a public street could not be used. August 22, 1961 Page Two .. " MODIFICATION APPEAL Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Michler, and unanimously carried that the zoning to be applied to the property at 1167 West Duarte Road- Dr. ~. Kendall McBane - be recommended as Zone R-3 and Zone D, with a one- story type of development; and that the ordinance setbacks required in Zone R-3 be applicable; that a concrete blo'ck wall ,along the west side of the lot be required to prohibit access to Greenwood Avenue. The Chairman announced that this was the time and place for the consideration of the appeal of Arnold Asaand, 218 Eldorado St. from the decision of the Modification Committee approving a second house on the lot owned by D. F. Wilcox, at 501 South Third Avenue. A plot plan was presented and an explanation given showing the present location of the buildings and the location of the proposed new structure. This property is situated in Zone &-2 and were it not for the fact that the present struc,tur.es are not exactly as specified by Ordinance, no modification would have been required. On Third Avenue there is a 35 foot setback and the present house is 34 feet. The side line setback on Eldorado is 10 feet; and the house and garage are each 9 feet 4 inches. There are 7,632 sq. ft. in the lot. This matter was considered by the Modification Committee on July 25, 1961.. The original application called for the proposed house to be 10 feet back from Eldorado St. which is the setback requited by Ordinance. In trying to make the new structure conform as much as possible to the im- provements to the west, the committee approved the application with the new house to be 5 feet from the south lot line, which would leave 19 feet front yard. This would, provide sight distance for the key lot to the west. The Modification Committee approved it on this basis of 19 feet'setback from the street, 10 feet from the west lot line which is the rear line of the lot, and 5 feet from the south lot line. The appeal was made from this decision and notices were mailed to all interested parties advising the date of the public, hearing. No one desir,ed to be heard in favor of the modific.ation. Mr. Arnold Aasand, of 218 Eldorado St. protested for the reason that it would cut off the view of his property, light, and circulation of air; that the neighborhood was too crowded as it was and the additional parking, etc. would be detrimental to this property. Discussion followed. It was determined that the entire area is zoned R-2; if the applicant were to move the present structures to conform to the front setback on Third Ave. and the side setback on Eldorado St. the proposed structure could be Fuilt without modification. It was entirely possible for the applicant to move the present buildings and proceed with the construction of the proposed dwelling. The City Attorney stated the authority under which the Modification Committee approved this application is to permit such modification of the yard, and lot area requirements as may be necessary to secure an appropriate improvement of the lot and prevent unreasonable hardship or to promote uniformity of improvement. It is probably true the area is too conjested, but thet no doubt is due to the R-2 and R-3 zoning, rather 'than to any other condition. If the owner wanted to go to the trouble of shifting the present buildings, he could proceed with the construction of the new building and could built it within ten feet from Eldorado St. The decision of the Modification Committee afforded the neighboring property owner the utmost consideration by imposing the present conditions. August 22, 1961 Page Three . . LOT SPLIT No. 340 (Null) vote. PUBLIC PARTICI - PATlON Moved by Co~issioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Ferguson, and unanimously carried that the decision of the Modification C01IIIIIittee, relative to the construction of a second dwelling at 501 South Third Avenue, as appealed by Mr. Arnold Aasand, of 218 Eldorado Street, be upheld. The Planning C01IIIllission considered Lot Split No. 340 - 1202 South Eighth Avenue - referred to Mr. Michler and Mr. Golisch, which had been continued from August 8. 1961. The lot had previously been inspected by Mr. Forman and Mr. Ferguson. The lot is 115.50 ft. wide and the house is located in approx'imately the center of the lot. They propose to move the house to one side and to build a new dwelling on the new lot created. This will create two lots 57.75 feet wide. which is below the required minimum, but the split lots will have 8900 sq. ft. area each. There are other lots in the area below the required 75 sq. ft. frontage. Commissioner Michler stated he had viewed the lots and felt that with the remodeling of the old house and the erection of the new one, it would enhance the area. It was felt that if this lot split were approved other applications may come in for lots smaller than required by the ordinance. The west side of the street is all improved with houses in the center of the lots and the lqts are rather large. The chances for requests for lot splits there seem remote. Mr. Robert Spencer, 1419 South 4th Avenue stated he proposes to remodel the old house. bringing it up to present day standards and erect a new house on the other lot. He had remodelled a house at 1419 Fourth Avenue that was originally built in 1926. The results were exceptional. Because property is permitted to deteriorate' should not be a reaSon for aplitting tbe lot and selling part and gain from a monetary standpoint. Commissioner Norton felt this type of lot split could become infectuous and he would be opposed to divisions such as this. Moved by Commissioner Michler, seconded by C01IIIIIissioner Ferguson, thst lot split No. 340 - Myrtle W. Null. 1202 South Eighth Avenue - be rec01lllllended for approval subject to the conditions of the City Engineer's report. The motion lost by the following vote: AYES: C01IIIIIissioners Michler. Golisch. Commissioner Ferguson voted "yes" with reservations that this type of split is not continued in the area. NOES; Commissioner Norton. ABSENT: Commissioners Acker.. Forman and Rutherford. The matter was continued until the next regular meeting for lack of a majority Mrs. A. L: Wilson, 626 Naomi Avenue addressed the Commission relative 'to the existing conditions surrounding the West Arcadia area. The six lots were rezoned, but nothing had been done relative to the balance of the area. She felt the area was deteriorating and needed a study' and recommendation for improvement at the earliest possible date. She was assured by the Chairman that a meeting would be called in the very near future to study this area so that some recommendation could be made to the City Council. August 22, 1961 Page Four . , ,," COUNCIL LIAISON FREEWAY VOTE OF THANKS WORK PROGRAM AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH COMMITTEES COUNCIL LIAISON .. .. Commissioner Golisch was absent from. the last Council meeting, but Councilman Phillips stated the only issue of real urgency was the ,House Moving Ordinance. Planning Director Phelps stated the work schedule as prepared by him had a completion date of November, 1961, but that he would have some material ready for the next Planning Commission jor presentation and study. Director of Public Works Lortz stated that several meetings had been held with the State Division of Highways relative to the interchanges'. He felt that the decision would be reached in the very near future. The design Section C of the Division of Highways will not give the Right of Way Department the clearance to purchase property until such time as the interchanges are settled. Once the City has reached an agreement on the interchanges they then have to be appr.oved by the Bureau of Public Roads,. Some time yet is needed to get the entire right of way cleared. Commissioner Norton wished to extend a vote of thanks to Chairman Acker for his past work. He felt that an excellent, job had been done. The Chairman announced that the basic work program presented by the Planning Director fndicated considerable ground work to be done to carry out the entire Planning Program. As soon as the results are known of the '~and Use Study" it will be very useful to the Commission; together with the population data. The Planning Secretary stated that an application had been filed by the American Lutheran Church ,for consideration of a zone variance to allow a church at 130 West 'Duarte Road. The area to be considered would be three lots from the property under consideration for purchase by the City. There would also be three large lots on the west side which are Zone R-l. The matter was presented informally so that if the Planning Commission desired. s stucy could be' made of the entire block either at the time ,the variance is discussed for the Church or to be s,et for another date. It was determined that a study should be'made but that the hearing on the zone variance for the Church should be set for September 12, 1961. The Chairman announced the appointment of the following Committees: SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE Kermit Ferguson" Chairman George Forman H. T. Michler ZONING COMMITTEE Ralph Norton, Chairman Harold ACKer ,. E. E. Rutherford MODIFICATION COMMITTEE George Forman The Council liaison member should be William Phelps ,Planning Director, , inasmuch as he win be attending both planning Commission and City Council mee,tings, and would be,' in a position to bring material from the Council to the Commission as the various matters occur. There being no further business to come adjourned at 9 :35 P.,M., before the Commission. the meeting x:~~ Planning Secretary August 22, 1961 Page Five