HomeMy WebLinkAboutJULY 23, 1963
.--- ,.
ROLL CALL
MINUTES
PRE-MEETING
PUBLIC
HEARING
Central Area
Study
-~
M I N U TE S
PLANNING COMMISSION, ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA
REGULAR MEETING
July n, 1963
The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, met in regular sessian
on July 23, 1963, at 8:00 o'clock P. M., in the Council Chamber af the City Hall,
240 W.. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California, with Chairman Fergusan presiding.
The pledge af allegiance was led by Commissioner Norton.
PRESENT: Comm issioners Forman, Gol isch, Hansan, Kuyper, Nortan,
Parker ond Fergusan
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Attorney James A. Nicklin
Assistant City Engineer Frank Forbes
Planning Director William Phelps
Senior Planner Ernest Mayer, Jr.
The minutes of the regular meeting held July 9, 1963 were approved as written and
mailed.
The Chairman announced the appointment of Mr. George Forman as the liaiso" member
of .the Commission to homeowner associations and service clubs. It was also announced
that starting in September one meeting per month would be scheduled for planning
matters and one meeting for zoning, variances, lot splits and subdivisions, etc..
Commissioner Golisch suggested that 0 new form be devised for lot split applications
and that the maps be made clearer.
This is the second public hearing on the proposed general plan for the Central Area
for which publ!shed notice had been given.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Boller, Suttner and Boller, Attorneys at law, representing several property owners in
the area requested a continuance of the hearing so that a conference could be held
with representatives of the industrial area north of Santa Clara and a committee from
the retail businesses on Huntington Drive.
OPPONENTS:
Mr. Richard English, 114 St. Joseph St. of the Industrial Brush Co., representing
the Industrial Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, presented an oral report. The
Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is meeting on Thursday and has not yet
received this report. It has been reviewed by the Industrial Committee and the
Executive Committee of the Chamber and they have approved it.
July 23, 1963
Page One
.
..
14.
i5.
160
17.
18.
An article from the July 15, 1963 issue of the Southern California Business, 0 weekly
publication of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce entitled: "Sub-Committee
Report pinpoints Industrial Development Issue".
The following 01 ternatives were proposed to the plan subm itted by Wilsey, Ham and
Blair;
J.. Yards - 30 foot depth for the front yard is excess ive and recommends that 0
10 ft. front yard be establ ished.
2. Side and Rear Yard. This is satisfactory.
3. Maximum Lot Coverage. This should be conditional upon the arrangement for
offstreet parking. It is suggested that 100% coverage be permitted aher
provisions for off-street parking has been made and after any yard require-
ments and loading space is provided as outl ined in Section 1583 af Ordinance
967. If the offstreet parking is provided other than on the building parcel
'. such as"acro'is..JheralleY'.or'across the street, would mean that the entire
building parcel could be covered after the yard and loading space require-
ments were met.
Landscaping. The 20% requirement is too restrictive in 0 city block situation.
It is recommended that 0 minimum landscaping requirement be not greale'
than the front yard requirements plus the side or rear yard landscaping
required for property adjoining residential zoning. The Committee approves
of the paragraph pertaining to the screening of the activity, in keeping the
appearance neat and orderly.
Signs. This proposal is adequate.
Site plan approval. Some overall control should be applied to assure reasonable
conformance to the intent of the zoning. The proposal to allow the Planning
Director to disapprove the plans not in conformity with the i()tent should be
suitable for this purpose. .If there is also included a specific. stipulation thot
the conditions would be subject to appeal to the City Council. It was
suggested that the landscaping also come under the Planning Director's
direction, subject to the some condition of appeal to the City Council.
Off Street Parking. Recommend I square foot of offstreet parking be required
for each 2 square feet of floor space. They further suggest that the porking
area be provided on the immediate parcel of land or within the 500 feet
distance requirement of the present zoning ordinance.
It was suggested in furthering the landscaping proposal that sidewalks extending
from curb, 0 minimum of 7 feet to the property line be required, with tree
planting by the City in the siclewalk area.
Performance Standards os proposed has been difficult in interpreting. Noise level
requirements was a specific instance. From study with people in the field
they believe this is too restrictive for the area. Because proposed sound levels
ore based on \ Qctave Bond Analysis there is no direct comparison at this
.time. It was learned from consultation with experts from Cal Tech that the
noise factor would be about 55 decibels.
Mr. Engli$h' gave examples of the various sound levels and from consultation
with men in the field felt the recommendations were excessive. They could
not make recommendations at this time.. Later this week this might be possible.
They will run some tests on present activities in Arcadia so they will hove
July 23, 1963
Page Two
~
direct comparison with the proposal.
19. Smoke. This is a difficult item ond instead of the technical requirements that
the regular requirements of the Air Pollution Control District be required.
110. Dust and Dirt. The standards of APCB should be required.
I II. Odors. They were not familiar with the terms used in the report. No alte.native
recommendations were made.
I 12. Vibration, heat and glare. No al ternative recommendations.
I Several plans were suggested for implementation of the plan. The Committee suggests
that with praper zoning and planning private capital would be encouraged to come
into the area and work within the basis of the planning. They recommend that no
state or federal agencies be brought into the picture at the present time.
Copies of the report will be submitted to each of the Commissioners after opproval
by the Chamber Board of Directors to be held on Thursday, July 25.
August Goebel, Attorney at Law, 3935 E. Huntington Drive, Pasadena, spoke on
behalf of various property owners in the Town Center Area - C. M. Mallwork Co"
115 Wheeler Street - occupying this praperty since 1949 with a payroll of $80,000
per year. He felt meetings with comm ittees from the property owners were essential
before any plan could be adopted. He recommended continuance of the public hearing
until such meetings could be held.
Commissioner Norton stated that he felt the public should be advised that it is not
the intention of the City to force anything on the public. The important thing is
that there is a problem in this area. Various citizens' groups have appealed to the
City for assistance in their problems in the Downtown Area. This is. an opportunity
to do something in the area. This should be understood as a basic concept which
may have to be modified, varied, ar tailored to meet specific circumstances and the
majority of the property owners will be considered. The purpose of this plan is to
develop something that will be lasting and fertile for this community and it is not
be ing forced upon anyone.
Mr. Goebel stated they want to work with the City and so long as the City is
desirous of working with ,the property owners there will no great problem.
The Chairman stated this was the desire of the Commission. The public hearings
were held for the express purpose of obtoining information from the property owners.
The recommendotion would then go to the City Council for consideration. The
hearings can be continued until the Commission is assured all pertinent information
has been presented from the publ ic.
Louis J. LeRoy, Industrial A,gentfor the Santa Fe Railroad Company, opposed the
manner of zoning property along both sides of the railroad so that it would prevent
industry from rail service. He felt that Research and Development seldom can fined
its activities purely to this. Manufacturing nearly always followed. He felt that
zoning that would el iminate the present manufacturing properties should not occur.
July 23, 1963
Page Three
t
Mr. Kermit Hartzler, ! 5 East Huntingtan Drive, representing the Central Area Land-
owners Association, requested a continuance of the publ ic hearing so that 'ecommendo-
tions from the committees could be made.
Mr. Robert Moser, 62 W. Woodruff, stated there were questions thot were being
asked that needed answers.
1. What is the Citis actual obi igation. to the proposal if the plan is adopted"
both from the zoning standpoint and alsoi from the financial standpoint?
2. What is the chance for the success of th is plan, being surrounded by the freeway,
the park, the railroad, and the race track:? If city funds ore to be expended
a long look should be made.
3. Also, have any large developments been approached to come into th is area?
4. How are negotiations to be achieved for the property involved.
Mr. Moser felt that the success of the plan would depend upon very tight control by
an, agency.
The City Attorney answered some of the questions.
The initial interest in the revital ization of the Downtown area came from the property
owners themselves. The parking districts were created. The City participated to the
extent of $300.00 for each district. This was advanced to start the proceedings and
was paid back by the property owners.
The property owners again appealed to the City and a ge'leral variance was granted
and some has been accomplished but there is need for still more.
After a series of property owners meetil'lgs, the City Council employed the Plal'lning
Consultants. The plan was expanded to take care of other things that would happen,
the freeway, the ch"ange of traffic patterns, etc. The only cost to the city so far
has been the cost of the plan ,by the Consultan.ts. It is not the spending of money for
the Downtown Area as such but for the City in a stage by stage development for the
entire city. There will be other plans for other areas. The present plan is presented
for consideration and the public hearings were held to find out the !h ink ing of the
people affected and also those not in the immediate area as a:1I wi II be affected. What
is finally adopted may not resemble the plan as presented. The Commission solicits
comments constructive to the planning of the area.
If a plan is ultimately adopted then this plan sets into motion a general plan for
at least that portion of the City. Then certain things follow from there. Variances
will not be so easy. The reclassifications will also not be ecisilyobtained. This,
of course, is assuming a consistent plan is developed.
The City has committed itself to (1) cooperation, (2) there will be public improvements
in the area whether this plan or any plan is adopted, such as street improvement. etc.
Any commitments witl be publ icly made"
July 23. 1963
Page Four
,
I MOTION
PUBLIC
HEARING
Central Area
Zaning
IMOTlON
LIAISON
OFFICEIl'
PUBLIC
HEARING
American
Lutheran Church
Zone Voriance
Appl ication
."
As to the effec t of the odoption of any pion upon property and existen t uses thereon,
there are effects that will occur. There will be zones adopted within the area. This
will be on property that does not conform with the end results. Present buildings will
become non-conforming. There will be certain prohibitions against expansions, etc.
There is a provision for abatement of non-conforming uses. This is seldom used but
there are provisions for such. Much of the concern has resulted from the opinion that
this is final and that the City is only going "through motions". Whether this plan be
ultimately adopted or not, it is not being presented os 0 "take it or leave it" attitude.
There will be some modifications no doubt.
r urther participation by the city is possible to further the plan by going into state
redevelopment or even under a Federal program. Either of those would be the la5t
step, if ever token, and he had his doubts if either would ever be taken. This will
depend on the interest and desires of the people, how much they respond ~a whatever
program or plan is adopted for the oreo; and how th ings progress without ony artificial
or force in the area. The process for state or federal aid is by ordinance and is
subject to referendum, which is a safeguard to people in the City.
Mr. J. A. Wills, 330 N. Santa Anita Avenue, felt From 0 practical nature the
zoning designated for research and development and technical offices is not applicable
to the area involved. He had particular reference to thaT property lying wesT of
Santa Anita Avenue. He felt that if the railroad were not here and were to try to
go through Arcadia, through 0 research and development area it would not be allowed.
He Felt the same thing in reverse is true that if the railroad is located it would be a
mistake to place research and development by the railroad.
Mr. William Littlefield, 1624 Greenfield Avenue, commented on the technical report,
outlining certain errors he felt occurred in the report.
Moved by Commissioner Norton, seconded by Commissioner Parker, and una'1imously
carried, that the public hearing on the. Central Area Plan be continued to the next
regular meeting of the Commission to be held August 13, 1963.
Inasmuch as this matter is concurrent with the consideration of the general plan and
is directly involved it would be impossible to conclude the matter until the pia!"
has been fully considered.
I Moved by Commissioner Formon, seconded by Commissioner Norton, and unanimously
carried, that thi5 motter be continued until the next regulor meeting.
The audience was informed that Commissioner Forman hod been appointed as liaison
officer of the Commission to assist in presenting any information to the people; to
clubs and organizations whenever needed.
Publ ic hearing was held on the variance instituted by the Planning Commission for.
the use of the property on Duarte Road east of the present site.
Stoff report was submitted recommending approval of the pions. A copy of this report
is on file in the Planning Deportment.
The Commission had previously granted 0 zone variance for the church and the pions
hod been approved. It was only because of the desirability of the City to hove the
church locoted to the east that this action was instituted.
July 23, 1963
Page Five
..
,
OPPONENTS.
Mr" Glenn B. Campbell ,55 West Magno Vista Ave!"ue
Mr. J. T. Ramsey, 61 Magno Vista Avenue
Col in D. Becking, 21 West Magno Vista Avenue
All were concerned with the height of the education building, the loss of
privacy in their yards; the improper use of the olley; and the rights from the parking
lot to the reor of the buildings.
lhe Commission considered each of these items.
PROPONENTS:
Rev. W. F. Danneman, Pastor of the American Lutheran Church, stated that
the education building would be used for Sunday School purposes only.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Parker, and
unanimously carried that the publ ic hearing be closed.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Kuyper, seconded by Commissioner Forman. thot the .
variance for the American Lutheran Church to erect a church on property locoted
on Duarte Rood be approved, subject to the conditions in the Stoff Repo.t; a"d
to the further condition that an offer of deqicationbe tendered the City; that
the lights in the parking lot not be higher than six feet and directed away from-
the residential area to the rear; that the windows in the two-story building have
a sill height of not less than six feet.
ROLL CALL:
AY~S: Commissioners Forman, Hanson, Kuyper, Norton and
Ferguson
NOES: Commissioner Gal isch
ABSENT, None
(Commissioner Gal isch stoted that his negative vote was not against the Church
but against the two-story bui Iding).
LOT SPLIT
L-63-21
The Planning Commission considered Lot Spl it No. L-63-21, George A. Dudley,
1150 Fallen Leaf Rood.
Stoff report was presented. A copy of such is on file in the Planning Deportment.
The Commission questioned the width of the lot to the rear; the servants' quarters
which were port of the garage and which cOr>stituted 0 non-conformi'lg building
having 0 15 foot rear yard rather than the 25 foot prescribed by Code.
Mr. William Hoffidetz, Engineer for the ap'plica"t, stated the owner proposed
to sell the lot and the garage and living quarters would probably be attached
to 0 new residence. He hod received approval from the Rancho Committee
and the Title Companyl, and hod also obtained releases from the utilities for 'he
easement across the property.
July 23, 1963
Page Six
.~
.i'
\.....
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Kuyper, seconded by Commissioner Parker, that Lot Split
No. L-63-21 be tentatively approved, subject to the conditions outlined in the
Staff report; and to the further condition that the existing building be brought
up to Code.
ROLL CALL:
A YES: Comm issioners Honson, Kuyper and Parker.
NOES: Commissioners'Golisch, Forman, Norton and Ferguson
ABSENT: None
The lot spl it was denied by lack of a. majority vote.
LOT SPLIT
NO. L-63-23
The Planning Commission considered Lot Split No. L-23-23, R. E. Kuhle, for
property at 369 West Lemon Avenue.
The Staff report was presented, a copy of which is on file with the Planning
Department.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, and unan-
imously carried that Lot Split No. L-63-'23, be approved, subject to the conditions
as outl ined in the Staff Report"'
RESOLUTION
NO. 488
The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 4G8, recommending the amendment
of Arcadia Municipal Code to prohibit construction of more than one dwelling
on R-] lots.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Forman, and unanimously
approved that the reading of the full body be waived.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Forman, and
unanimously approved that the reading of the full body be waived.
MOTION
Moved by Comm.issioner Golisch, seconded by Commissioner Nor~on, that resolution
No. 488 be adopted:
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Forman, Golisch, Hanson, Kuyper,
Norton, Parker and. Ferguson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION
NO. 489
The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 489, instituting proceedings for
consideration of establ ish ing height district zones.
MOTION
Moved by Comm issioner Kuyper, seconded byComm issioner Parker, and \.man-
imously approved that the reading of the full body ofsaid resolution be waived.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, that
Resolution No. 489 be adopted.
July 23, 1963
Page Seven
.
,",
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Formon, Golisch, Honson, Kuyper,
Norton, Parker and Ferguson
NOES: None
ABSENT: 'None
RESOLUTION
NO. 491
The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 491, instituting proceedings for the
purpose of moking recommendotions concerning the granting of a zone variance
for the construction ond mointenance,of a Masonic Temple on property located
on Duarte Road.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, and
unanimously carried that the reading of the full body of said Resolution be waived.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Golisch, that
Resolution No, 491 be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Formon, Golisch, Hanson, Kuyper,
Norton, Parker and Ferguson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION
NO. 492
The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 492, initiating proceedings for the
consideration of recommending the granting of a zone'variance for the construc-
tion of an eight-story .office building on the southwest corner of First Avenue
and Wheeler Street.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Kuyper, seconded by Commissioner Parker, and
unanimously carried, that the reading of the full body of said 'Resolution' be
waived.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Forman, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, that
Resolution No. 492 be adopted.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Forman, Golisch, Hanson, Kuyper
Norton, Parker' and Ferguson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None.
RESOLUTION
NO. 490
The City Attorney presented Resolution No. 49b, granting the voriance of the
American Lutheran Church to construct a church and clciss rooms on property
located on Duarte Road.
July 23, 1963
Page Eight
.
..
""'
'-
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Formon, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, ond
unonimously corriec:i thot the reoding of the full body of soid Resolution be
woived.
MOTION
Moved by Commissioner Formon, seconded by Commissioner Kuyper, thot
Resolution No. 490 be adopted.
I
ROll CAll:
AYES: Commissioners Formon, Hanson, Kuyper, Norton
Porker, ond Ferguson
NOES: Commissioner Golisch
ABSENT: None
AUDIENCE
PARTICI-
PATION
No one in the audience-desired to be heord.
ADJOURN-
MENT
The meeting adjourned ot II: 15 P. M.
~~
WilLIAM PHELPS
Plann ingSecretary
July 23, 1963
Page Nine