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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJULY 10, 1962 ROLL CALL MINUTES ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN ZONE VARIANCE 225 Colorado Place . . MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION, CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA REGULAR MEETING JULY 10, 1962 The Plsnning Commission of the City of Arcadia, Cslifornia met in regular session on July 10" 1962, at 8:00p..m., in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, with Chairmsn Golish presiding. PRESENT: Commissioners Ferguson, Forman, Golisch, Michler, Norton, Parker and Rutherford. ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: Councilman Jesse Balser City Attorney James A. Nicklin Planning Director William Phelps Assistant City Engineer Frank Forbes The minutes of the meeting held June 26, 1962 were approved as written and mailed. The Chairmsn introduced the new member, Jsmes Parker, of 1600 Rodeo Road, appointed to Commissioncl' by the City Council. Chairman Golisch stated that the first order of business is to elect a new Chairman and Vice Chairman for the ensuing year and called for ~ominations. Nominations for Chairman were: Commissioners Ferguson, Forman,Golisch, ~chler and Norton. By a unanimous vote Commissioner Forman was elected Chairman. Commissioner Ferguson was nominated as Vice Chairmsn and by a unanimous vote was elected. The Chairman announced that this wss the time and place fixed for the hearing on the application of Paul A. Green and William W. Becker to build a motel contsining 122 units at 225 Colorado Place. STAFF REPORT: The applicants are the optionee's of the prop~rty located at 225 Colorado Place. They are the owners of Motel 6 in Santa Barbara. The plans for the motel to be constructed will have no restaurant or kitchen fscilities. 126 off street parking spaces are provided for the motel. The subject property is located in a'triangle formed by Colorsdo Boulevard on the north, Colorado Place on the west and the Flood Control channel on the east. All of this property is zoned R-3. July 10, 1962 Page One . . Subject property has approximately 315 ft. of frontsge on Colorado Place and backs on to the Flood Control channel for a distance of approximately 476 ft. To the north and northwest it abuts the Church of Religious Science. On the south it is adjacent to the California Thoroughbred Breeder's Association. The property on the other side of the flood control chsnnel which is 40 ft. wide is the rear of the properties which face Santa Rosa Road and is Zoned R-l and all developed with single-family homes in good to excellent condition. The proposed use of this site as a motel is compatible with the surrounding uses. The buildings as shown on the plot plan are laid out so that they would cause a minimum of interference with the existing development. The site plan seems to have resolved most of the problems which could emanate from these types of structures: The structures are two stord.es and 21 ft. high. The The areas along the flood control channel have been designated as planting sreas. If properly planted these areas can effectively reduce vehicular noises and diffuse hesdlights. The activity or play srea consists of one swimming pool which faces Colorado Plsce. If the Commission recommends approval of the application, the following conditions should be made a part of the recommendation: 1. The variance not to be operative until complete plot plans, building plans and elevstions have been submitted to and approved by the Planning Commission, which shall be within one yesr from the date of tentative approval of the project by the City Council. Site work shall not be done until s building permit for the erection of the motel has been issued. Such building permit shall not be issued until the plans have been approved by all interested, City, County snd State Departments. 2. Thst grading and drainage plans be submitted and approved by the Department of Public Works prior to the issuance of a building permit. 3. That water services shall meet with the standards set up in the Uniform Plumbing Code. 4. That all parking lot illuminstion and building illumination shall be scheduled and directed away from the sdjoining properties and shall meet with the approval of the Depsrtment of Public Works. 5. That effective measures be tsken to diffuse or eliminate the light from auto headlights from those properties on the esst side of the flood control chsnnel by dense planting of land- scaped areas or by a solid wall or fence or combination of both. Such measures shall meet with the approval of the Depsrtment of Public Works. 6. The Planning Commission may grant minor modifications, without further public hesrings or notice thereof, of the conditions set out above to the extent necessary to accomplish the purpose of this variance. 7. Install and construct curb, gutter, street lights and sidewalks to the specification and standards to meet the approval of the July 10, 1962 Page IIwo . . Department of Public Works snd the State Division of Highways. 8. Relocate the sewer line and grant necessary essements to the spproval of the Department of Public Works. 9. Increase the width of the driveways to 35 feet. 10. Final plans shall include an interior vehicular traffic cir- culation layout, the location of any proposed signs, and the location of existing trees. Such plans shall meet with the approval of the Department of Public Works. COMMUNICATIONS: One communication had been received from Mr. Charles Eaton owner of Eaton's Restaurant and ~otel requesting continuance of the hearing so that he could appear and voice s protest. A second communication was received from Mr. Gerald J. Murphy of the Ssnta Anita Frontier Motel, 275 Colorado Place, protesting the granting of the application. PROPONENTS: Mr. William Becker stated that the property had been vscant for some time and s survey had been msde to determine the feasibility of this use. There would be no restaurant or kitchen facUities and no liquor would be sold. The establishment would be operated by himself and Mr. Green. Both were engaged in this type of business and that it would be financially sound. There would be enough occupants throughout the year to make it a sound investment. OPPONENTS: Gersld Murphy, Frontier Motel Mr. E. O. Phillips, Board of Directors of the Church of Religious Science, Mr. Joe Hennessey, Santa Anita Motor Inn Mr. Walter Mueller, Westerner Hotel Mr. Tom Bennett, Flamingo Hotel Each expressed concern from the economics of the city as to whether or not another motel could be flnancially successful in the city. It was felt that 60% occupsncy factor was necessary to allow a reasonable profit. It had been stated that the present motels were operating with about 80% capacity but in actuality it was between 60% snd 65%. The motel business wss seasonsl. Usually they were full during the racing season and the summer season, but there were periods when this was not the facts. It was also felt that with thesdvent of the Foothill Freeway the present motels would be more apt to suffer more vacancies. This had been particularly noted since the completion of the San Bernardino Freeway. Motorists now could get to their destination,snticipated/ and more quickly and more direct rather thsn stopping in,;Atcadia. Mr. E. O. Phillips, of the Board of Directors of the Church of Religious Science, stated that the church had anticipated building s Fellowship Hall in connection with their church and this property July 10, 1962 Page Three . . would be ideal for the required parking. The buildings planned would use most of the parking space they now have and they had hoped to acquire the two acres for the additional parking they would need for the expansion of the day school snd for the Fellowship Hall. Mr. Becker was asked as to the type of analysis he had made of the area before applying for the variance. He stated thst he had studied traffic counts, nationsl averages, literature pub- lished by the Chamber of Commerce, and had even ascertained the amount of soiled linen used by the motels in the area and he felt the vacancy fsctor was such that he could well afford to establish himself in the area and it would be a good business venture. HEARING CLOSED Moved by Commissioner Rutherford, seconded by Commissioner Ferguson and unanimously carried that the public hearing be closed. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Michler, seconded by Commissioner Golisch, and unanimously carried that the application for a zone vsriance filed by Paul A. Green and William W. Becker for a motel to be located at 225 Colorado Place be referred to the Zoning Committee and to be reported at the next regular meeting. APPEAL OF MODIFICATION DECISION 936 W. Duarte Road An appeal had been filed on the decision of the Modification Committee on the applicstion of B. M. McKinney for a modification of setback and driveway requirements. Mr. Edward Eastwood appeared for Mr. McKinney. He felt there msy have been some misunderstanding with respect to the access. As it exists now the access is 15 ft., bU,t with the r,emo1.1tng"the?gar,age which is located on the lot, the width of the driveway would be increased to 2~ ft. The problem then was the front setback. Mr. McKinney stated he had applied for a pe~it before the parking spaces were changed but was not granted one because of the number of plans coming into the office prior to the deadline for the space and a half. The loan had been obtained and they were now paying interest on it. In consideration that the street is to be widened he felt that the front setback should be modified. If the requirement is to destroy or move the present house it would be very unprofitable to continue the development. The Chairmsn ststed that this was a public hearing and requested those opposing the modification to come forwsrd. Mrs. W. J. Pool, whose property abuts this to the west and who is in Los Angeles County, stated that she also represents Mr. Burnheim whose building is also to the west of the property in question. Mr. Burnheim feels that this addition would be a hazard to his entering and leaving his property and it would be a sight hazard snd would interfere with the ingress and egress of the occupants of his apsrtments. Mr. George Gaffney, 935 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia, stated that in his opinion it is unfair to the people who have lived on Duarte Road for over forty years on the north side of the street to have a fifty foot setback and then allow the proposed setback on the south side of the street to be less. If that setback had been changed thirty or forty years ago the apartments that are now built on the north side of the street would have the advantage of building six to eight more apartments than they now have. On the south side of the street immediately to the west of this property two apsrtment houses have been built and several others sre contemplated or con- struction hss already been commenced. In two or three instances July 10, 1962 Page Four . . they have moved houses that had an approximate value of $15,000 to $18,000 in order to conform to the ordinances of the City of Arcsdia. He was opposed to any modification in this respect. Mr. Eastwood stated that with the removal of the garage the width of the driveway was no longer a problem, it was one of the required number of spaces and the front setback. He felt that great diligence had been exercised in order to get a permit before the ordinance was changed requiring two spaces and that the Commission should look favorably on the application. MOTION PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED Moved by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Rutherford and unanimously csrried that the public hearing be closed. MO'rltON Moved by Commissioner Michler, seconded by Commissioner Ferguson, snd unanimously csrried that the appeal on the modification decision be referred back to the Zoning Committee to review the revised plan which has been Submitted. TRACT NO. 21997 The Secretary exhibited a map of the srea and resd the staff report recommen~ing approval of the map. If the tract is approved the following conditions should be imposed: 1. Remove all trees from the street right of way. 2. Install all standard street improvements required by the subdivision ordinance. Improvements, grading, grades and drainage shsll be to satisfaction of the Director of Public Works. 3. Provide all necessary rear line overhead utility easements. 4. Dedicate 15' corner cutoff at Fourth Avenue. 5. Remove all structures within and/or across the tract boundsry. The work shall be done in compliance with the uniform Building Code. 6. The following fee will be required: Street tree installations Street light installations Street name sign installations Six lots recreation fee at $25.00 $110.50 230.00 70.00 150.00 Total $560.00 COMMUNICATIONS: A communication was received from Mr. Jos~ph N. Chaffers, 1426 S. Fourth Avenue, the property owner on the north line of this tract. He requests that the subdiliider construct a 6 ft. concrete block wall along the north boundary of this tract. Mr. Alfred Allen, the subdivider stated thst in most case it was customary to construct a wall before the.house is sold as the prospective purchaser desires the privacy. MOTION T~is request ~ss n?t made a condition of approval. Moved by Commisstoner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Michler, and unanimously carried that Tentative Tract No. 21997, be recommended for approval, subject to the conditions set forth in the staff report and fui,ther '.in that a covenant in a form approved by the City Attorney shsll be recorded agreeing that for the purposeS of Article IX of the Arcadia Municipal Code the exterior boundary of ssid tract shall constitute the rear lot line of lots 4 and 5 and a further condition that a subdivision trust be required on the south side of the street July 10, 1962 page Five . . for a distance of 75 ft. from the west line of Lot 6 to pay a proportionate share of the cost of improving the street. TRACT NO. 22314 The Planning Commission considered Tentative tract Map No. 22314. (Winnie Way extension from Andrews Road) containing 7 lots which hsd been referred to the Subdivision Committee at the last meeting. The report of the Subdivison Commission is summarized as follows: The area is part R-O Zone. In this zone the subdivision ordinance requires lots 100 ft. by 125 ft., containing 12,500 sq. ft. Some of these lots do, not comply with this minimum size but all provide generous building sites. The street is 60 ft. wide except adjacent to lot 4. To svoid the difficulties of maintensnce of a half width street it is proposed that the street dedication end at the esst line of lot 4 with future dedicstion and improvement provided for. At the present time lot 4 would have a temporsry driveway access. The subject property is subject to deed restrictions until 1970. There are 33 lots. 3 of them are in the Arcadis Wash channel. 27 of the 30 lot owners have executed a declaration of modification of restrictions so that this new subdivision may be developed. The subdivider hss furnished a copy of a statement by a reputable title company that for the purposes of title insurance the company is willing to insure that the restric- tions have been effectively modified. If the tract is recommended for approval, the following conditions should be imposed: ~. Dedicate Winnie Wsy 60 feet wide to the east line of lot 4. 2. Dedicate 15 feet for widening Andrews Road and a 5 foot planting and sidewalk easement. 1. Tender of deed of dedication for the half street adjscent to lot 4. Such deed not to be recorded at the present time. Execute an irrevocable offer to dedicate and improve this portion of h of the street. Deposit with the City the necessary funds for future improvement of the street. The Bmount of the deposit to be determined by the Director of" Public Works. 4. Dedicate 1 foot in fee to the City along the north prolongation of the west line of lot 3, the south line of lot 4 and the west line of lot 4 across the proposed future street width. 5. Provide sll necessary rear line utility easements. 6. Relocate the garage st 105 Norman Avenue to provide side ysrd clearsnce. No driveway opening will be allowed in the curb return On Norman Avenue. 7. Remove all trees from the street right of way. 8. Install all standard street improvements required by the sub- division ordinance. Improvements, grading, grades and drainage shall be to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works. 9. Pay the following fees: Street tree installation Street light-installation St;eet name sign installation 7 lots recreation..fee @ $25.00 $144.50 460.00 35.00 175.00 Total $814.50 10. Establish a subdivision trust at the west end of the street to pay a proportionate share of the cost of widening Andrews Road. July 10, 1962 Page Six . . A suggestion had been made that the utilities be constructed underground. Mr. Knutsen, the developer, had investigated costs, etc. and inasmuch ss the poles are already established on the constructed portion of the street it was inadvissble to require underground facilities. The Subdivision Committee reported that if the Commission is seriously considering underground construction, the subdividers should be instructed as to this thinking so that they could take the costs into consideration when negotiating for the purchase of the property. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Michler, that Tract No. 22314 be recommended for approval subject to the conditions as outlined in the staff report. Said motion was carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Forman, Fe~guson, Golisch, Michler, Parker and Rutherford. NOES: Commissioner Norton ABSENT: Nolie LOT SPLIT NO. 372 The Planning Commission considered Lot Split No. 372 - Parks Investment - 2215 Lee Avenue, which had been referred to Commissioners Ferguson, Formsn and Michler. The Secretary presented a map and read the staff report that if the lot split were approved, the following would be required: 1. File a final map 2. Provide a sewer lateral to the newly created lot. 3. Pay a recreation fee of $25.00. 4. Provide water services to comply with the Uniform Pluinbing Code. 5. Remove all buildings ,from the lots. The Planning Department presented a report calling attention to the development of the deep lots fronting on Longden Avenue. If this lot split were approved, such spproval would eliminate what appears to be ~he best practical solution to this problem. Denying the . application would still not bring the street into existence. Developers have been unable to get the required land to submit a plan. This area was under consideration when lot split No. 369, Mr. Pat 'Brown, was filed on property fronting on"Longden Avenue. This lot split was denied as requested and is now before the Council on sppeal. The Council had deferred action until such time as the Planning Commission had acted on Lot Spli~ No. 372. Some relaxation of the code might be necessary to provide incentive to developers and to prevent inequities to some of the present owners. Most all of the lots fronting on Longden; ,Lee and Second Avenues have narrow frontages. Greenfield Avenue is about 1900 ft. in length, or about four times the maximum length permitted by code. If the Commission would approve "a subdivision with a 50 ft. street connecting Lee Avenue ~ith Greenfield Avenue and permit lots of 62' x 100' perhsps the area would develop. If the Commission approves this course of action, the subject property could be split 62' x 100' and 50 ft. could be reserved for a street. July 10, 1962 Page Seven . . . . If the Commission should vary the code requirements to the above requirements, the Department recommends that E2 lot splits be approved snd thst action await a tentative msp on the entire area. Mrs. Alene Parks spoke in favor of the application. She felt they should not be penalized because of the past developments in the area. They had tried to layout a subdivision in the ares and had failed. They did not desire to hold the property longer. The Commission's interest is to create the best possible design in the area and not to penalize anyone. They desire to improve the area rather than allow the piece meal development and thereby prevent some of the errors to remain and then create landlocked property. MOTION Moved by Commisaioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Norton, that Lot Split No. 372 - Parks Investment Co. - 2215 Lee Avenue, be denied. Said motion was carried on the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Ferguson, Formsn, Golisch, Michler, Norton, and Parker. NOES: Commissioner Rutherford. ABSENT: None L(Yl' SPLIT NO. 365 The Planning Commission was requested to review this lot split which 'had 'previously been approved. The applicant desired to have a small lath house remain. the matter had been referr.ed to Commissioners Michler, Norton and Acker for review. Commissioner Michler stated he had viewed the property and felt that while the lath house would be in the front setback of the one lot, he felt it would not be detrimental as it would eventually be removed. It was now used as a growing place for orchids, violets, etc. and other latht houses on the lot had been removed in sccordance with the conditions of approval. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Norton, snd unanimously carried that the conditions as imposed in the original hearing be sustained, and the applicant be required to remove the lath house before final approval is given to the lot split. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION No one in the sudience desired to be heard. REPORTS The Planning Director discussed the need for a policy on cul-de-sac streets. He stated there would be many plans filed on the develop- ment of large lots and it would be helpful in the Depsrtment if subdividers could be told some of the~~s in devel?pment, so that corrections could be made before bringing the map to the Commission. The Commission was informed of the following meetings: San Gabriel Valley Planning - Woody snd Eddy's Friday noon Meeting with Planning Commission of Temple City Embers Restaurant - Arcadia July 18, at 6:30 League of California Cities at Hollypark - July 19. The Commission was requested to notify the Department if they desired to attend. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:15 P.:#~~ Secretary