HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-14-09GylFOR 14 MINUTES
ARCADIA PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 7:00 P.M.
ea. , , tp• Community Room of the Police Headquarters, City of Arcadia
The Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia met in regular session on Tuesday, July 14, 2009
at 7:00 p.m., in the Community Room of the Police Department Headquarters of the City of
Arcadia, at 250 W. Huntington Drive, with Chairman Parrille presiding.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu, and Parrille
ABSENT: Commissioner Beranek
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner and seconded by Commissioner Hsu to excuse Commissioner
Beranek. Without objection the motion was approved.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Baderian, to read the
Resolutions by title only and waive reading the full text of the Resolutions. The motion passed
by voice vote with none dissenting.
OTHERS ATTENDING
City Engineer Phil Wray
Community Development Administrator Jim Kasama
Associate Planner Tom Li
Assistant Planner Steven Lee
Assistant Planner Tim Schwehr
Business License Officer Silva Vergel
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
Mr. Kasama said that the following items were distributed to the Planning Commission:
1. 2 letters in regard to item no. 5
2. Memorandum clarifying the parking analysis for item no. 7
3. Additional conditions of approval for item no. 6
TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE
PLANNING COMMISSION ON NON-PUBLIC HEARING MATTERS - Five-minute time
limit per person
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. TPM 09-05
754 Fairview Avenue
Grand Pacific Communities, Corp. (Manager for the Property Owner)
A Tentative Parcel Map for a four-unit residential condominium subdivision.
Assistant Planner Steven Lee presented the staff report.
Hank Jong, 11819 Goldring Rd., Civil Engineer, indicated that they have read the staff report
and are in agreement with all of the conditions.
Chairman Parrille asked if anyone wanted to speak in favor or in opposition to this project.
No one else spoke on this item.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to approve TPM 09-
05, subject to the conditions in the staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu and Parrille
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Beranek
There is a ten day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by July 24, 2009.
2. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. TPM 09-06
120 South Second Avenue
Howard Tran (Applicant)
A proposed Tentative Parcel Map for a two-unit residential condominium subdivision.
Assistant Planner Tim Schwehr presented the staff report.
Chairman Parrille asked if anyone wanted to speak in favor or in opposition to this project.
Engles Shen, 1111 Corporate Center Drive, Monterey Park, indicated that they have read the
staff report and are in agreement with all of the conditions. He stated that the access will be
from Bonita. He thought that this was a very creative design and urged the Planning
Commission to approve it.
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No one else spoke in favor of or in opposition to this item.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Baerg to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to approve TPM
2009-06 subject to the conditions in the staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu and Parrille
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Beranek
There is a ten day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by July 24, 2009.
3. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. TPM 09-01
1512 South Santa Anita Avenue
Johnny Ngo (Property Owner)
A proposed Tentative Parcel Map for a two-lot, single-family residential subdivision.
Associate Planner Tom Li presented the staff report.
Chairman Parrille asked if anyone wanted to speak in favor or in opposition of this project.
In response to a question from Chairman Parille, Mr. Li responded that lot 2 has access solely
from Santa Anita Terrace. Lot 1 will be accessed from Santa Anita Ave.
In answer to a question by Commissioner Baerg, Mr. Li stated that there is a driveway that has
direct access from Santa Anita Terrace and that they want to widen the driveway to gain access
to lot 2.
The public hearing was opened.
Hank Jong, 11823 Goldring, indicated that they have been working with Planning and
redesigned the project several times before presenting it to the Planning Commission; which
they will hopefully approve. The applicant indicated that they have read the staff report and are
in agreement with all of the conditions.
Maryann Martin, 1504 Santa Anita Terrace, said that she resides to the north of the subdivision
and heard about it when they were approached to have a cul-de-sac in their backyard. There is
an existing driveway and a planter bed currently in that location and they will need to remove a
fairly large portion of that to gain access. It is under easement, but she thought it was unfair and
commented that she did not want a cul-de-sac in their backyard.
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In rebuttal, Mr. Jong said the cul-de-sac will not be constructed until the subdivision of the
north property is completed. There needs to be a dedication of an easement for the possible
future development of the cul-de-sac. At that time, the new street would need to be designed.
In response to Commissioner Baderian's statement, Mr. Jong said that if in the future they did
not want a cul-de-sac, then they may keep their property as it is without pursuing that option.
No one else spoke in favor or in opposition to this item.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting.
In answer to a question from Commissioner Baerg, Mr. Li said that all property owners within a
300' radius were notified but staff did not receive any concerns from the residents.
In response to Commissioner Baerg's question whether staff has considered a safety issue or
condition for both property owners to have crossways of access; Mr. Kasama stated that there
would be access from a joint driveway at the end of the street; it is similar to having driveways
side by side.
Chairman Parrille asked if it is, in a sense, a flag lot. Mr. Kasama replied that it is in a sense,
and flag lots are not permitted. This is not a flag lot because the access here is through a
driveway, and not past another lot.
In response to a question from Commissioner Baderian, Mr. Kasama said that a cul-de-sac may
only be developed with the approval of property owners of 1504 Santa Anita Terrace.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to approve TPM 09-
01 subject to the conditions in the staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu and Parrille
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Beranek
There is a ten day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by July 24, 2009.
4. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 09-07 & ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
REVIEW NO. ADR 09-02
721 West Lemon Avenue & 1741 South Baldwin Avenue
Hope International Church (Applicant)
A Conditional Use Permit, the related Parking Modification, and Architectural Design Review
for a new 1,273 square-foot, church office building at 721 West Lemon Avenue.
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Assistant Planner Steven Lee presented the staff report.
Commissioner Hsu asked whether staff noted a parking shortage upon inspecting the site, to
which Mr. Lee replied that on weekdays there are only a handful of cars, and that the parking lot
is mostly empty.
Commissioner Baderian felt that it might be best to further limit the hours on Sundays to reduce
any noise impacts on the neighbors and Mr. Lee replied that the Commission can amend the
hours as they wish.
Chairman Parrille asked whether there was any attempt to acquire the lot at 1725 S. Baldwin
and Mr. Kasama stated that it was recently developed with a new single family residence.
Chairman Parrille asked if anyone wanted to speak in favor of this project.
Mr. Quan Lee, representative of Hope Church, said that the proposed plan is for a 1,200 sq. ft.
new office building for church use for a youth leader's office. Their intent is to design a
building that the church leaders can utilize that fits in with the environment while having
minimal noise impact.
In answer to a question from Commission Baderian, Mr. Quan Lee stated that they would like to
have as many hours as possible, which will give them flexibility and allow them to be open
during the busiest times for the church.
Mr. Steven Lee said the recommended condition of approval is to limit the hours of operation
from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., seven days a week. These hours are for office use only and not
intended for general assembly, as other regulations would then apply.
No one else spoke in favor or in opposition to this item.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting.
Commissioner Baderian felt to reduce the noise impact, office hours on Sundays should be from
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to approve CUP 09-
07 and ADR 09-02, subject to amending the hours of operation on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to
7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu and Parrille
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Beranek
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There is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution. The resolution
will be adopted at a future meeting, and appeals are to be filed within five working days of
adoption.
5. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 09-08
67 East Live Oak Avenue, Suite 102
Meiling Lin (Applicant)
A Conditional Use Permit for a 722 square-foot tutoring center with up to ten (10) students on
the ground floor of an existing commercial office building.
Assistant Planner Tim Schwehr presented the staff report.
In answer to a comment and concern by Commission Baderian, Mr. Schwehr said that he could
not confirm whether the office use there closes at 5:00 p.m. He said that there could be some
overlapping of time but the hours are normal office hours.
Chairman Parrille asked if anyone wanted to speak in favor or in opposition of this project.
Chris Chu, 1431 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, representing the applicant and a former student
of the school spoke in favor of the proposed use. He stated that there are a number of past and
present students and parents in the audience who are here to support and confirm the owner's
dedication and to ask Ms. Lin to proceed with helping Arcadia students. He went on to say that
the Engineering Division has reviewed this request and found no congestion. If it is determined
that there are any concerns, they have the option of implementing various conditions to address
any potential issues. The applicant indicated that while the program can begin 30 minutes later
to alleviate any congestion, they will have to extend it 30 minutes, which would only make it
that much later for students.
Frank Chu, 67 E. Live Oak, #201, said that most days they conclude their day by 5:00 p.m. He
stated that the tenants on the 1 st floor generally leave by 5:00 p.m. and by that time the only
about half of the parking spaces are occupied. His daughters also attend this school, which
helped them enormously.
Willi Lo, no address listed, who has two daughters that attend the school, said that she has never
experienced traffic congestion while dropping off or picking up her children and that there has
always been ample parking.
Regina Wang, no address listed, but a resident of Arcadia, said that Ms. Li is a good teacher.
She helps kids and they appreciate all her assistance. Regarding the traffic and parking, she has
never experienced a problem with parking.
No one else spoke in favor or in opposition to this item.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Baerg to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting.
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In response to Commissioner Hsu's question, Mr. Schwehr responded that they have not
obtained business license to operate at this site and did not know how long this business has
been in operation at this location. They came in for a business license and were informed that
they needed a conditional use permit.
Mr. Kasama stated that tutoring centers that are one on one do not need a conditional use
permit; only a business license. If they are providing group lessons then a conditional use
permit is required.
In reply to a question by Commissioner Baderian, Mr. Schwehr remarked that he visited the site
on several occasions and did not see any problems on El Capitan. He did not think there would
be any issues, unless people go down El Capitan and turn around. He added. that in addition to
the on-site parking, there is also street parking available.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Baerg to approve CUP 09-08
subject to the conditions listed in the staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu and Parrille
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Beranek
There is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution. The resolution
will be adopted at a future meeting, and appeals are to be filed within five working days of
adoption.
6. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. TPM 09-04
1431 South Santa Anita Avenue
Dexter Pamela, LLC (Property Owner)
A proposed Tentative Parcel Map for a two-lot, single-family residential subdivision
Associate Planner Tom Li presented the staff report
Mr. Li stated one of the conditions of approval from Engineering is that access from lot 2 has to
be from Pamela Rd. instead of Santa Anita. No access shall be granted from Santa Anita.
Chairman Parrille asked if anyone wanted to speak in favor or in opposition of this project.
Hank Jong, 11823 Goldring, indicated that they have read the staff report and are in agreement
with all of the conditions. He said they will comply with the City's conditions except condition
1 of Engineering, which refers to the preservation of the oak tree. He noted that they will
preserve as many trees as possible but it is possible that some may be in the way of the
foundation or the driveway and will need to be removed. They will submit a Tree Preservation
plan to the City and will comply with the City's replacement plans.
In response to Commissioner Baderian's question, Mr. Kasama indicated that staff's condition
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no. 1 in the staff report is contradicting with Engineering's condition with regard to trees. The
developer would be required to submit a tree preservation plan as well as an arborist's report to
determine the health of the trees. Mr. Kasama said that based on the map that was submitted, it
appears that the oak tree could be in the public right-of-way.
Mr. Wray, City Engineer, said that Engineering will defer to the Planning conditions and said
they will remove that condition.
Mr. Jong indicated that with the removal of Engineering's condition they were in agreement
with the remainder of the conditions.
No one else spoke in favor or in opposition to this item.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting.
Mr. Kasama said that Engineering's conditions will be incorporated with Planning's conditions.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian seconded by Commissioner Hsu to approve TPM
2009-04 subject to the conditions in the staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu and Parrille
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Beranek
There is a ten day appeal period. Appeals are to be filed by July 24, 2009.
7. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 09-13
1228 South Golden West Avenue (President Square Shopping Center)
Caroline Yang (Prospective Tenant)
A Conditional Use Permit and the related Parking Modification to convert an existing 1,224
square-foot retail unit into a restaurant with seating for 53 persons.
Assistant Planner Steven Lee presented the staff report.
Assistant Planner Steven Lee explained a memo which was distributed to the Planning
Commission that notes an inaccuracy in the parking analysis in the staff report. The site is
currently deficient by 33 parking spaces - not 2 as noted in the report. Approval of CUP 09-13
would increase the deficiency to 39 spaces. However, staff was still recommending approval of
the application.
In response to a question by Commissioner Parrille, Mr. Lee indicated that originally the
application showed seating for 53 but it was later amended to 48 and as a result the parking
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requirement; which is based on floor area and not the number of seats, was changed
accordingly.
Chairman Parrille asked if anyone wanted to speak in favor or in opposition of this project.
Caroline Yang, 1228 S. Golden West Avenue, said that they will be open during lunch time so
they do not anticipate a parking problem. She commented that there is another similar type of a
restaurant but theirs is Japanese style, where as the other one is Chinese. She was not too
concerned that these two establishments are very similar and that could hurt their business.
No one else spoke in favor or in opposition to this item.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Baderian to close the public
hearing. The motion passed by voice vote with no one dissenting.
Commissioners Baderian and Parrille were concerned about the number of vehicles vs.
available parking.
In response to the question from Commissioner Baerg, Mr. Lee said that a retail use would not
further increase the parking requirement because the requirement would remain the same, but
the proposed use has a higher parking requirement.
Mr. Kasama further stated that the only way the parking requirement would be decreased would
be if an office use occupied the space. The only way to remove the parking deficiency would be
to take away the food court area and the restaurants which have a higher parking requirement.
Commissioner Hsu felt that the two restaurants are very similar and they would both be vying
for the same clientele, which he felt would not significantly increase the parking need.
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Hsu, seconded by Commissioner Baerg to approve CUP 09-13
subject to the conditions listed in the staff report.
ROLL CALL:
AYES:
Commissioners Baerg, Hsu and Parrille
NOES:
Commissioner Baderian
ABSENT:
Commissioner Beranek
There is a five working day appeal period after the adoption of the resolution. The resolution
will be adopted at a future meeting, and appeals are to be filed within five working days of
adoption.
Chairman Parrille asked if there was any objection to acting on the consent items with one
action. There being no objection, Mr. Kasama read the titles of the items.
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8. RESOLUTION NO. 1796
A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, granting
Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 09-12 for a vehicle recovery and storage business comprised
of a 20,301 square-foot automobile storage warehouse and a 16,100 square-foot gated outdoor
automobile storage yard at 5449 Peck Road.
9. RESOLUTION NO. 1797
A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Arcadia, California, denying
Conditional Use Permit Application No. CUP 09-10 to operate a tutoring center with a
maximum of eight (8) students in a 2,000 square-foot commercial unit at 34 E. Huntington
Drive.
10. MINUTES OF JUNE 23, 2009
MOTION:
It was moved by Commissioner Baderian, seconded by Commissioner Hsu to adopt Resolution
Nos. 1796 and 1797, and to approve the Minutes of June 23, 2009.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Baderian, Baerg, Hsu and Parrille
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Beranek
MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION
Commissioners Baderian, Hsu and Parrille indicated that they would not be able to attend the
August 25 meeting.
MODIFICATION COMMITTEE MEETING ACTIONS
Commissioner Parrille summarized the action taken by the Modification Committee.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
Mr. Kasama discussed upcoming agenda items.
ADJOURNED
ATTEST.'~---~
cret ry, Planning Commission
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Chairman, Ylannmg commission