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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJANUARY 22, 1963 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL MINUTES SUBDIVISION REPORT (Cu I-de-Sacs . . MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION, ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA REGULAR MEETING January 22, 1963. The Planning Commissian of the City of Arcadio, California, met in regular session on January 22, 1963 at 8:00 o'clock P.M. in the Cauncil Chamber at the City Hall, Arcadia, California The pledge of allegiance was led by Commissioner Parker. PRESENT: Commissioners Ferguson, Golisch, Kuyper, Parker and Fonnan ABSENT: Commissioners Michler and Norton OTHERS PRESENT: City Councilman Jess Balser City Attorney James A. Nicklin Asst. City Engineer Frank Forbes Plonning Director William Phelps Planning Technician Ernest Mayer, Jr. The minutes of the meeting held December 11, 1962 were approved as written and mailed. This matter was continued from the January 9, 1963 meeting. Commissioner Kuyper presented the Committee Report qs follows: "Two of the three members of the Committee (Mr. Golisch wos unoble to ottend) met with the PlonningDirector for the Committee's monthly meeting. The suggested policies to govern cul-de-soc subdivisions developed by the Committee ot its previous meeting in November and December were reviewed. Complete agreement again was given to these policies. The Cammittee recammends that the Planning Commission formolly approve these policies: I. Maintain a minimum width of 45 feet at the property line. 2. Maintain a minimum width of 75 feet at the building line. 3. Provide a radius of 45 feet in the case of a 50 foot street and 50 feet in the case of a (;JJ foot street. 4. Maintain a minimum lot width for corner lots on a cul-de-sac that intersects an arterial street of 85 feet. 5. Maintain a 20 foot side yard setback on the street side of a cul-de-sac street when intersecting an arterial street. 6. Require the accurate del ineation of properties between the two existing streets. 7. Notify by mail the property owners whose property could be adversely affected (landlocked) in terms of future development if approval were given to a Tentative map. January 22, 1963 Page One . . 8. Prohibit porollel lotting where key lots are created. RALPH NORTON, Chairman Subdiv.ision Committee" Commissioner Ferguson questioned the first three items. By increasing the radius on the cul-de-sac more paved area is provided which would be better if this land were landscoped, etc. rather than paved. The object is to prevent the vary narrow frontages on the street. I t seems that two th ings are be ing done at one time that could be accomplished just as well with one item. Either increase the radius at the cul-de-sac or maintain the 45 feet at the praperty line. Commissioner Kuyper stated that the desire was to.. keep the building line more in line with the ordinance. Mr. Ferguson agreed that the building line should be kept the same as in any normal lot, and a desirable thing is to keep a certain amount of frontage along the street. When these lots are fanned out there could be tremendous parcels of lanci to the rear. Commissioner Golisch stated that cul-de-sac streets were getting down to 20 foot frontages and this was an attempt to clarify Commission policy to assist the Planning Department in checking the maps as they come to determine the irregularities and have them corrected prior to the Commission's review. If there is no standard it is difficult to pass on the various tentative maps. In same layouts there would be a large area to the rear, but this is a question of which is better - large rear yards or narrow frontages. The Planning Director stated that if these pol icies were adopted, and if after a certain length of time they were found to be us',able, it may be well to consider amending the Subdivision Ordinance and at that time include a new definition of a rear line. The Chairman stated that the Commission would hear from some of the developers in the audience. Vernon Jones, of the Hillcrest Engineering Corporation, stated these guide lines were similar to those presented a month ago and the developers were strongly opposed to some of the requirements. These were then referred back .to the Subdivision Committee ond none of the developers were heard pertaining to these in order to make the policy a little more workable. He felt all of the developers had the same objections as they had previously and he felt the matter should go back to the Subdivision Committee and have the developers brought in in an attempt to arrive at something that cauld be workable. The Chairman stated that considerable work had been done by the Staff and the Cammission was trying to formulate something that would assist not only in bringing in something acceptable to the Commission but that would be acceptable to the City as well. Mr. Alfred Allen, 1045 W. Huntington Dr. Arcadia, stated these conditions would be workable if the subdivider has enough ground. In the case of the development of Mr. Robinson's tract on Santa Anita Ave., he had ample ground to ;make the lots 85 feet in width because he did not have enaugh for the extra lot so this was possible. He felt the subdividers should have been called into consultation. That the restric- tions were going to be so high that the total yield of lots would be less, therefore, unworkable. AJ some of the older homes become useless and are being removed, January 22, 1963 Page Two . . there will be a number of the smaller cul-de-sac street subdivisions created. This will be to the benefit of the City as it will clean up a number of backyards that do not benefit anyone. He stated that he hod been working 0 long time on o development that he felt would be doing the community 0 service by cleaning up this area and were he to bring it in at this point under the guide lines set up .he would be turned down. Yet he felt he would be doing the City of Arcadia the greatest service he had ever done through this development. Mr. Allen felt the Ordinance, itself, was stiff now without further restrictions. The subdividers knew within reason what to expect and they did not always expect to get what they were asking for but if it were too restrictive no one would de- velop the property. The difference between cost and resale is becoming so small that every time something more restrictive is place where they lose a lot, they lose 0 subdivision. He felt it should not be necessary to apply for a variance on a new policy. He felt these things could be controlled under the present ordinance; that those who hod spent years in cleaning up the back yards for new developments should be allowed to assist in making policy that would be workable to them as well as to the City, Mr. AI Knutsen, 2636 South Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, concurred with the remarks of Mr. Allen. He felt this matter shauld be referred back to the Subdivision Committee for further study with the developers. Commissioner Kuyper, in the absence of the Chairman of the Subdivision Com- mittee, stated that perhaps it would seem that they are working at two different ends, but this had been referred back to the Subdivision Committee after 0 conference with the developers. Some of the conditions hove been deviated from in some of the recent cul-de-sac developments and it is for this reason that a policy should be established. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Kuyper, seconded by Commissioner Golisch, and unan- imously carried, that the report of the Subdivision Committee, doted January B, 1963, be adopted as 0 matter of policy. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING Z-62-4 Duarte Road This matter was continued from January 8, 1963, for the purpose of permitting the Commissioners to check the property after hearing the testimony presented at the Public Hearing. The Commission were of the opinion that this area is 0 portion which should be studied. It has not developed under the present zoning but spot zoning does not solve the situation. It was agreed that the Stoff should make 0 study of the entire area from Diamond St. on the north (to continue the boundary of the study being mode by Wilsey, Ham and Blair) to Duarte Rood on the south; from Santa Anita Avenue on the west to the east boundary line. With this study the Commis- sion con then determine the proper zoning for the entire area. Mr. Shatford, representing the appl icant, pointed out several reasons why the Commission should approve the appl.ication. MOTION Moved by' Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Porker, ond unanimously carried, that the public hearing be closed. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, that the zone change appl ication of Henry Groemeier for property located on the north- west corner of Fifth Avenue and Duarte Road be recommended for denial; and that the Planning Department be instructed to commence a study of the entire January 22, 1963 Page Three . . area from the south side of Diomond St. to Duarte Rood on the south; from Sonto Anito Avenue on the west to the east boundary I ine of the City. ROLL CAll: AYES: Commissioners Ferguson, Golisch, Kuyper, Porker and Forman NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Michler and Norton JEWISH TEMPLE Zone Variance V-62-12 This matter was considered at the meeting of January 8, and the public hearing was closed. The applicant was to submit renderings of the building on 0 scale drawing showing the height of the building, and also the height of the gymnasium, together with 0 report on the traffic circulation from the Engineering Deportment. A report was mode by the Deportment showing the height of the building on Foothill Boulevord to be 51. 6 feet; the rear gymnasium 34.0 feet with the stoge elevotion and height being 45 feet. The height limit is 45 feet in Zone C-2 and 35 feet in Zone R-l . Mr. August Goebel, Attorney for the applicant, stated that while the public hearing hod been closed, he desired to state thot the requests of the Commission hod been complied with, and corrections hod been mode on the plans at the suggestions of the Publ i c Works _Deportment. It was felt that jf the plans could be rearranged so that the stage area could either be located nearer the sanctuary section; or reduced in height to more nearly conform to the height limit in the R-I zone the pions would be satisfactory. Mr. Frank Ackerman, 629 W. Walnut, president of the Temple Center, outlined the reason for the height of the two buildings. The slf"ctuary itself is but 49 feet. The balance had been added for aesthetic value. With the height of the stage exceeding that allowable in the R-l zone this was done for the purpose of hoving o screen, curtains, etc. The purpose of locating the gymnasium in this place was to care for on overflow meeting in the sanctuary. The s~'p'arating petition could be removed and the overflow accommodoted in this manner. However, if this is 0 matter of not approving the plans, this could be brought nearer to code and they would be willing to do so. Mr. George Seidner, 20 W. Orange Grove, stoted that if this were ollowed, the conditions os discussed would be adhered to. Commissioner Ferguson state.d that he was in favor of such on improvement, but felt that this was not the proper location. He felt there were other areas better suited for this purpose than on 0 major highway, and near the Junior High School. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Porker, that the zone variance of the Foothill Jewish Temple Center for the use of property located on the northwest corner of Second Avenue, between Foothill Boulevard and Sycamore Ave. be recommended for approval, subject to the conditions set forth in the Stoff report and further that the building height in the portion zoned R-l be limited to the allowable height in that zone. January 22, 1963 Page Four RESOlUTION NO. 468 MOTION MOTION PUBLIC HEARING R-3 Zone Changes MOTION RESOLUTION NO. 469 . . The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 46B, entitled: "A RESOlUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THE VARIANCE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPLE AND RELIGIOUS SCHOOL AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF FOOTHILL BOULEVARD AND SECOND AVENUE IN SAID CITY. II Moved by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Parker, and unanimous- ly carried that the reading of the full body of said resolution be waived. Moved by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, that reso- lution No. 468 be adapted. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Golisch, Kuyper, Parker and Farman NOES: Commissioner Ferguson ABSENT: Commissioners Norton and Michler Pljr.suant to published notice, a public hearing an the regulations governing Zone R-3 was opened. A report about the characteristics of existing apartment buildings as well as the characteristics of R-3 lots was made by the Planning Director. Copies of this report are on file in the Planning Department office. Mr. Dan Betsinger, 12 Yorkshire Drive, stated that he was in favor of many of the proposals. That it had been his contention that many of the present lots zoned R-3 were too small in area to accommodate the type of apartment that is being south for the City of Arcadia. There probably were items that should be discussed and studied and he felt this matter should be given thorough study with the various contractors who were doing fine work in Arcadia. Moved by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Golisch, and unanimously carried, that the public hearing on the proposed changes for Zone R-3 be continued to the next regular meeting, February 13, 1963, and that the Zoning Committee study the proposed changes and meet with City officials and builders and report back to the Commission specific recommendations. The City Attorney stated that inasmuch as the public hearing on the R-3 Zone had been instituted on a minute reference, it wos deemed advisable to adopt a resolution. He, therefore, introduced Resolution No. 469, entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE THE OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSIDERING AND MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE AMENDMENT OF PART 8 AND DIVISIONS 4 and 5 of part 5 OF CHAPTER 2 OF ARTICLE IX OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING REGULATIONS AFFECTING PROPERTIES IN ZONES R-3 OR R-3-R. January 2, 1963 Page Five " , . . MOTION Moved by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, and unanimously carried, that the reading of the full body of said resolution be waived. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, that resolution No. 469 be adopte~: R,OLLCALL: AYES: Commissioners Ferguson, Golisch, Kuyper, Parker and Forman NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Michler and Norton LOT SPLIT NO. L-62-29 The application of James K. O'Donnel, 2204 Dudley Street, Pasadena, Califor- nia, for a lot split of the property located at 1231 South Fourth Avenue, was considered. The Staff report recommended denial of this lot split. However, if the Commission opproves the same, the following conditions should apply: I, File 0 final map 2. Provide a sewer laterol to the new parcel 3. Pay a recreation fee of $25.00 4. Provide water services to comply with the Uniform Plumbing Code 5. Close existing curb cut and provide new curb cuts for the new lot. This lot split would create two lots of 57-1/2 feet in width, which is far below the standards of the code and is below the standards of other lots in the area. MOTION Moved by Commissioner Ferguson, seconded by Commissioner Golisch, and unanimously carried that Lot Split No. L-62-29 for a(division of property at 1231 South Fourth Avenue be deniecj. AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH EXTENSION V-61-14 The variance of the American Lutheran Church to build a church at 110-118 West Duarte Road was considered. The expiration date of this variance is February 20, 1963, and an application had been received requesting an extension of time in which to complete the working drawings and obtain a building permit. A plot plan was presented to the Commission. The question raised was that the plot plan as presented does not conform to the plot plan on which the variance was granted. This plan was discussed showing wherein it differed from the original. Mr. John Galbraith, Architect for the American Lutheran Church was present and outlined the various changes. It was felt that the present plans were more desirable and more compatible with the area, but that they were not in sub- stantial confarmance with the original plot plan. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Galisch, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper and unanimously carried that the American Lutheran Church be granted a time extension of six months from February 20, 1963. January 22, 1963 Page Six "t . . MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Parker, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, and unanimously carried that the Planning Department mail notices to the property owners within 300 feet of the proposed church building advising them of the revised plot plan and setting the hearing date for February 13, 1963 to consider this revision. AUDIENCE PARTICI- PATION No one in the audience desired to be heard. REPORTS The Planning Dire ctor advised that the firm of Wilsey, Ham and Blair will make their presentation of the Downtown Study before the members of the Central Landowners Association at the Methodist Hospital Auditorium on Wednesday, January 30, at 8:00.a'clack P. M. A joint meeting of the .Planning Commission of Temple City and the City of Arcadia is scheduled for January 31, 1963 at 6:30 P. M., at the Embers Restaurant. This meeting is being arronged by the Temple City group and the subject of discussion will be R-3 development. ADJOURN- MENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:00 o'clock P. M. ~~~ WILLIAM PHELPS, Planning Secretary January 22, 1963 Page Seven