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HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes - 1974/11/12 - RegularPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES . November 12, 1974, . INITIATION: 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Pro Tem Atkins called to order the regular meeting of the IIIPlanning Commission of the City of Temple City at 7:30 p.m., November 12, 1974. PLEDGE. OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Pro Tem Atkins led the Pledge of Allegiance to - the Flag. 3. ROLL CALL • Present: Commissioners Clark, Lawson, Stacy, Atkins Absent: Chairman Breazeal . Also present: City Manager Koski, Asst. City Attorney White, Planning Director Dragicevich and Assistant Planner. Burnham. Commissioner Lawson moved to excuse Chairman Breazeal's absence for cause. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and passed. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting of October 8, 1974 There being no additions or corrections to the minutes, Commissioner Stacy moved they be approved as written. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lawson and passed. 5. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - DETERMINATION OF EXISTENCE OF PUBLIC' NUISANCE 10516 Daines Drive (Case No. 74 -18) The Planning Director reviewed the history of this case, first con- sidered by the Planning Commission at their meeting of January 10, 1974, and continued Rat several meetings since that time to allow the property owner to fulfill the conditions of abatement. Inspection of the property, he continued, on November 12th indicated that the remain- ing work (repainting the house and. reconstruction of the driveway approach) had not been done nor was there any evidence of any preparation to install said driveway. The public hearing was opened. No one came forward to speak. Commis- sioner Lawson moved to close public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Clark, and passed. In closed discussion the Commissioners were unanimous in their opinion that ten months was sufficient time to allow the property owner to abate the nuisance and the Commission has exerted considerable effort to work with the owner. Commissioner Stacy moved to determine the exist- ence of a public nuisance and refer the matter to the City Council for abatement. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lawson and passed. Asst. City Attorney White read title to Resolution 74- 591PC, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY. DETERMINING THE - EXISTENCE OF A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND RECOMMENDING ABATEMENT THEREOF. Com- missioner Stacy moved to waive further reading and adopt, seconded by. Commissioner Clark and the motion carried unanimously. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 1974 PAGE TWO 6. PUBLIC HEARING: RESIDENTIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT CASE NO. 74 -.424 (Precise-Plan) Noel Baldwin - Owner /Applicant 10017 Green Street Temple City, California 1 Site: 10034 and 10040 Olive Street, 5204 North Baldwin Avenue through 5312 Baldwin Avenue., 10017 through 10031 East Green Street, the vacant lot westerly of 5301 N. Zadell Avenue, and approx. the westerly half of 5311 through 5325 N. Zadell Avenue. Director Dragicevich said the applicant requests approval of an RPD Precise Plan relating to the construction of an 87 -unit condominium project. He gave the background data on the project, referred to the plot plan marked Exhibit "A ", to the landscaping plan Exhibit "C ", exhibits showing proposed architectural appearance, elevation and floor plans. He concluded by referring to the staff proposals if the Commis- sion approves the Precise Plan. Asst. City Attorney White informed those present that testimony tonight should be restricted to whether the proposed Precise Plan complies with the approved Provisional Plan, and not whether the project is suitable to the area, etc,, as this has been established already.in previous • . hearings. The public hearing was declared open. 1 • 1 • Mr. Noel Baldwin, 10017 Green. Street, the developer, said he had read the conditions and was in agreement with them. There was no one else to speak in favor of the issue. Mr. P1an1;,5330 Zadell, in opposition, said a petition had been submitted against this project and an initiative to prevent it was in process. He was advised that the Commission is aware of this action. There being no one else to speak to the issue, Commissioner Lawson moved to close public hearing, seconded by Couunissioner Stacy and the motion passed. Commissioner Lawson, in closed discussion, said staff had picked up those items that were in the Commission's original resolution on this development He had no further suggestions. Commissioner Clark concurred, adding that the project plans had improved from what was originally submitted. He asked about the fire hydrants, and was told the developer is required to meet requirements and is in agreement. Chairman Pro Tem Atkins said the precise plan is in conformance with the original provisional plan with all recouauendations from the Planning Commission and City Council taken into consideration. Commissioner Stacy moved`to approve Residential Planned Development Case 74 -424 (Precise Plan) with staff conditions, inasmuch as it complies .: with the Provisional Plan previously submitted and approved. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and carried -with no objections. Asst. City Attorney White read title to Resolution 74- 593PC, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY APPROVING A PRECISE PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT IN RESIDENTIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT CASE NO. 74 -424. Commissioner Lawson moved to waive further reading and adopt, seconded by Commissioner Stacy and the motion carried. City Attorney White informed those present of the right of appeal. Director Dragicevich called the Commission's attention to the Conditions, ,Covenants and Restrictions submitted by the developer for Commission approval as required in Planning Commission approval of the Provisional Plan. The Commissioners said they had all perused them and found them complete and acceptable. They provide continued maintenance of the property, protection for the buyers and would be in effect until the year 2030. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING OF November 12, 1974 .PAGE THREE. 7. PUBLIC HEARING: 1 1 1 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CASE NO, 74 -427 Mr. and Mrs, Christ Cristopoulos - Owners 132 S, Virgil Avenue Los Angeles, Ca. 90004 Mr. Stanley Van Amburgh Applicant 9232 Las Tunas Drive Temple City, Ca. Site: 9133 Las Tunas Drive Director Dragicevich gave the staff report, saying the applicant proposes to construct and operate an automobile repair garage at the site. He explained the plot plan marked Exhibit "A" showing a proposed 3 -bay repair garage and landscaping. He reviewed the staff proposals, and referred to an elevation exhibit of the proposed structure. All exist- ing structures on the property involved would be removed. He concluded by saying a negative declaration of environmental impact was prepared inasmuch as this development will have no adverse effect on the environ- ment as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act. The Public Hearing was declared open. Mr. Stanle Van Amburgh, 9232 Las Tunas Drive, applicant, summarized the istory o is business activities in Temple City, concluding by saying his . present site was too small, inadequate and run- down. If the project is approved, he would route his customers from Las Tunas Drive and exit via the alley. He was in agreement with gates across the rear when the . business is closed, and was considering putting gates across the front to prevent entrance at those times too, although the bays will all be locked during hours of closing. His hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. There will be no parking for his business on the street or in the alley. He felt the project will upgrade the area and will be an improvement over what is on that property presently. He understood the staff conditions and was in favor of them. He will do no body work nor heavy mechanical repair, nor will he be working on heavy diesel trucks or motorcycles. The five parking spaces in the rear of the property will be . for storage of cars awaiting pick -up. The Honda Motorcycle shop will take over his present location when he vacates. In answer to Commissioner Atkins question, Mr. Van Amburgh said he was agree- able to installing a permanent irrigation system in the planters which are part of the landscaping plan. Mr. Jerry Jambazian, 9136 Las Tunas Drive, owner of Wonder Cleaners, was concerned about t e in- and -out driveway approach proposed on Las Tunas Drive. He was informed it was only for entrance, and said he still felt this was a dangerous approach, and in addition, the City would be losing on- street parking. Otherwise, he was in favor of the project and felt it would improve the appearance of the property. Mrs.Frances K, Felon, 9118 Hermosa, speaking in opposition, was concerned about the noise from repair work and racing motors. In rebuttal, Mr. Van Amburgh said the bulk of the work is done in enclosed building, he does not work on racing cars, his cars have mufflers on them, the back portion of the property is for parking and storage of cars. With the wall proposed along the rear of the property and the cars being far forward where the work area is to be located, there should be a minimum of noise. In reply to Mr..Jambazian's concern, only one parking space wil] be lost to the public on Las Tunas Drive, and the approach to this loca- tion will be no more hazardous than to Winchell's or any other business along Las Tunas Drive. 'Commissioner Lawson moved to close public hearing, seconded by Commissions/ Stacy and passed.' PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING OF NOVEMBER. 12, 1974 PAGE FOUR The Commissioners were in agreement that the. proposed project met the require- ments for granting a conditional use permit, the structure was pleasing and well planned, a permanent irrigation system should be required, but the front . gate should be at the discretion of the applicant.. Commissioner Stacy moved to grant Conditional Use Permit in Case No. 74 -4.27 `on the basis that the site is adequate in size, has sufficient access, the use will not have an adverse effect on the enjoyment or. valuation of adjacent properties, and sub= ject to staff proposals and addition of requirement of a permanent irrigation system. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and passed with no objection sst. City Attorney White read title to Resolution 74- 593PC, A RESOLUTION OF HE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY GRANTING CONDITIONAL USE ERMIT IN CASE NO. 74 -427. Commissioner Lawson moved to waive further reading I and adopt, seconded by Commissioner Stacy and the motion carried. Asst. City Attorney White informed those present of the right of appeal. 8. PUBLIC HEARING: ZONE VARIANCE CASE 74 -428 Richard L._Bowen - Owner /Applicant 1620 Melanie Lane Arcadia, Can fr Site:, 9703 Val Street PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: Tentative Parcel Map No. 551 Richard L: Bowen - Owner /Applicant Site: 9703 Val Street Chairman.Pro Tem Atkins said these two agenda items would be heard con- currently:, although the Commissioners will consider them separately in making their decisions. • Director:Dragicevich gave the staff report on the both cases, saying the applicant proposes to divide the subject property into two parcels, each having 50 ft. average lot width instead of the required 60 ft. He reviewed the. plot plan marked Exhibit "A" which shows existing and pro- posed development, reviewed the factual data on the subject property and summarized the staff: :proposals. He added there were a number of mature trees which staff. feels are desirable to save and incorporate into the development, which can be done by realigning the structures. A further condition he suggested was the labeling of the parcels "1" and "2" in- stead of "A" and "B" in compliance with request from the County - .Recorder's office. An Environmental Impact Report was prepared on this project becaus • of the mature trees involved, and the final conclusion was that, although the density was being increased from one to two units, there would be no adverse effect on the environment as defined by the California Environmenta Quality Act. • 1 The pullic hearing was declared open on both agenda items 8 and 9. Mr, Richard Bowen, 1620 Melanie Lane, applicant, said he is proposing two 4- bedroom, 2 -car garage homes on these two lots with 1600 -1700 sq. ft. in each. He was concerned about the prime tree on Lot No. 1, as it is difficult to get the measurements of it and it might prove to be in the way when construction proceeds, • He has discussed saving as many trees as possible by. realigning the structures. The tree superintendent at City Hall inspected the Cedar tree and judged it to be healthy and worth saving. He would like to have vehicular access to the backyardi for motor homes and boats, but the driveway would make the area for struc- tures too limited. Mrs, Thomas B. Bowmar., previous owner of the property, said she inherited the property from her father and it was subdivided once, and it was under- • stood that . the remaining portion would be subdivided into two 50 ft. lots, but in the meantime the City passed an ordinance requiring 60 ft. lot width for residential lots, It is a large parcel and in that area there are many.50 ft,.. parcels and some with less width. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 1974 PAGE FIVE Commissioner Stacy moved to close public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Clark and the motion carried. • Commissioner Lawson moved to certify the Environmental Impact Report as it had been prepared in accordance with State law and that the Planning Com- mission considered it in arriving at their decision. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stacy and carried. In considering the zone variance request, Commissioner Lawson considered splitting the lot and building on it would improve the surrounding area. The existing lots to the rear are all 50 ft. wide, as well as many in the vicinity, and some are smaller. The size of the property is above the minimum 7200.sq. ft. Commissioner Stacy said the project would dispose of something that is somewhat rundown and has reached its full depreciation. The property is unique and large, larger than most of surrounding lots. Without a variance the applicant will be denied privileges enjoyed by other property owners. This request will not be detrimental to public welfare. Commissioner Clark said location of the property on a through street removes some of his objections. Chairman Pro Tem Atkins concurred with the Commis- sioners in their thinking. Commissioner Lawson moved to grant zone variance request in that the property is unique in size, the project will not be detrimental to public welfare nor damaging to neighborhood property or neighborhood, and with staff conditions. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stacy and passed. Asst. City Attorney White read title to Resolution 74- 594PC, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY GRANTING ZONE VARIANCE IN CASE NO.. 74 -428. Commissioner Stacy moved to waive further reading and adopt, seconded by Commissioner Clark and the motion passed.. Asst. City Attorney White informed those present of the right of appeal. ICommissioner. Stacy moved to approve Tentative Tract Map 551 subject to staff conditions, relabeling lots from "A" and "B" to "1" and "2 ". Motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and passed with no objections. Asst. City Attorney White read title to Resolution 74- 5.95PC, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY APPROVING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 551. Commissioner Stacy moved to waive further reading and adopt, seconded by Commissioner Clark and the motion passed unanimously. 10. PLANNING COMMISSION CONSIDERATION: Tentative Tract Map No. 550 Roy M. and Charlotte Almquist 10117 La Rosa Drive Temple City 91780 1 1 Site: Rosevale and Green Streets Director Dragicevich said applicant proposes to approve a lot line ad- justment for three existing parcels. He proceeded to explain the plot plan marked Exhibit "A" which shows existing and proposed parcels. Par- cels 2 and 3 are vacant. He reviewed the factual data.on the subject property, and summarized the staff proposals if the request is granted.. Applicant is anxious to put in public works improvements as proposed on Green Street. No Environmental Impact Report is required on this proposal, Mr. Roy Almquist, 10117 La Rosa Drive, said he agrees with staff condi- tions very much. The Commissioners were in agreement that they had no objections; the proposal would be a realignment resulting in increasing the size of a very small lot and making it a lot suitable to build a home with some open space. While the alignment will still be odd - shaped, -it is an improvement over what is there. Commissioner Lawsom moved to approve: Tentative Parcel Map No. 550 with staff conditions. .Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stacy and passed. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 1974 PAGE'~ SIX Asst. City Attorney White read title to Resolution 74- 596PC, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY APPROVING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 550. Commissioner Lawson moved to waive further reading and adopt, 41reconded by Commissioner Clark and the motion passed. Chairman Pro Tem Atkins called a recess at 9:05, and recnnvened the meeting at 9:15 p.m. I1. PLANNING COMMISSION. CONSIDERATION: Tentative Tract Map No.. 31002 Frost Development, Inc. — Applicant 650 West Duarte Road Arcadia, Ca. 1 Site: 5323 and. 5329 Santa Anita Avenue Director Dragicevich gave the staff report, saying the applicant proposes to construct a condominium project consisting of 11 two - bedroom units. He referred to Exhibit "A" showing the plot plan of the proposed development project. Proposed are 10 two -story and one single story two- bedroom condominium units in 2, 3 and 4 unit structures arranged on both sides of a central drive. He called attention to Exhibit "B ", the elevation plan, and Exhibit "C ", the floor plan, reviewed the factual data and briefly summarized the staff proposals. In conclusion he said the applicant had prepared. an Environmental Impact Report concluding that, if the project is approved,, there will be a slight increase in the demand for municipal services, etc. However, the General Plan Map shows this area as suitable for low - medium density. Developer will attempt to save as many mature, healthy trees as possible,and fences and /or walls will be erected appropriately around the project. The public hearing was declared open. Mr, W. D. Frost, 650 West Duarte Road, said he has.worked closely with. the City staff in developing a suitable plan for presentation to the Coivaission, redesigning the project several times, and meeting three times with the. Los Angeles County Subdivision Committee over the past eight months. He was familiar. with the conditions of approval being proposed and was willing to comply with all of them. -.He reaffirmed his intention to save all possible existing trees.: Regarding the fence on the north side, he had talked with the owner on several occasions and they had reached an agreement as to the nature and type of construction of the wall to be built between that owner's property and the condominium. In answer to Commissioner Clark's question about fencing around the.pool. • area, Mr. Frost said there would be a 6 ft. high block wall around the outside of the area and a 5 ft, fence inside the project around that area, with a self - locking and self- latching gate to.meet the requirements. It will be landscaped to shield it from view from Santa Anita Avenue. Responding to question from Commissioner Stacy, Mr. Frost said the en- trances into the units will be from the walkway on the north and south property lines. Further, the front yard area is 15 ft. as required. There is a 42" non -view obscuring wall with a trellis structure in the front of Unit 11 which, not being roofed, was not considered by staff as an encroachment_ This. item was questioned by the City Manager and it was determined to resolve this matter through further investigation. Mr. John Provines, 5329 Santa Anita Avenue, was in favor of a project with higher density, but considered this project well planned and spoke in favor of it. He is anxious to dispose of his property which is .one of the two lots on which the development will be built.- 1 Mr. John Phillips, 5323 Santa Anita Avenue, owner-of the second piece of property in the proposed development, said the project would up- grade Temple City and he favored it: - PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 1974 PAGE SEVEN Mr: Pat Owens, 5341 Santa Anita, spoke in favor of the project, but said. he had concerns about the fence which would separate it from his property on the north. However, he and the developer had agreed on this item prior to the meeting. He had five slides which he showed to the Com- mission showing fencing between multiple -unit projects and private properties, where walls had been required but never.were built. He. expressed concern about the wall proposed on the north side obscuring view of drivers backing out of his driveway (he has two units on. his ,property besides his residence), and it was explained the wall would be required to.be stepped down to 42" toward the front property line. Mrs. Roland R. Lanzi, 5316 Farago, asked if the wall behind them will e broug t up to 6 t. in height, and was told it would be, also that her apricot tree would be saved if possible. The patios of the proposed development would be facing her property, but would have beam trellis work to protect privacy. The room facing her property in each of the units on that side of.the project would be . the living room. Mr. Roland Lanzi, 5316 Farago, questioned if the wall to be increased to 6 ft. was steel enforced, and whether it would tolerate the height increase. The Asst, Planner replied that the wall was built as a re- tainer and according to the builders it had been built: :with required footings. and steel reinforcements. Mr. Lanzi concluded that he favored the project as that property is. a jungle and run -down. Mrs. Vernnica Taft, 5326 Farago, asked from which point the wall between her property would be measured to the height of 6 ft. as she will be bordering the pool area and was concerned about her children being able • to scale the wall. There is a grade difference between the properties. It was pointed out the wall would be measured 6 ft. from the project side. She was in favor of the project, and asked that all trees possible be saved. There being no one else to speak to the issue, Commissioner Stacy moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Clark and the ,motion passed. In closed discussion Commissioner Lawson said the project meets the City 'requirements except for the question of the wall with a trellis in the front yard which may require a zone variance or remove the trellis work and reduce the height of the 42" wall With staff conditions imposed this request would result in a proper development for these properties. Commissioner Stacy was very much in favor of the project. The access route was different and he liked.it. He concurred with Commissioner Lawson about the trellis work and the 42" wall. Commissioner Clark concurred, saying the project will be good for Temple City. He felt an agreement could be reached about the trellis work. He congratulated the architect on a good plan. Chairman Pro Tem Atkins was also impressed by the architect's plans and ideas in spacing the structure and breaking up the concrete area. 'The project will improve the neighborhood.' The developer has made every effort to be a good neighbor and cooperate with adjoining property owners. He, too, would like to save the trellis work and said a zone variance bears consideration. Commissioner Lawson moved. to certify that the Environmental Impact Report had been prepared in accord with State law and that the Planning Commissioi considered it in arriving at their decision. Motion was seconded by . Commissioner Stacy and passed, Commissioner Lawson moved to approve Tentative Tract Map No. 31002 as it complies with all applicable regulations, with staff proposals with revised Exhibit "A" to reflect the changes in the walls. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stacy and passed. Asst.. City Attorney White read title to Resolution 74- 597PC, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY APPROVING TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 31002. Commissioner Lawson moved to waive further reading and adopt, seconded by Commissioner Stacy and the motion passed. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES .MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 1974 PAGE EIGHT 12. COMMUNICATIONS - There were none. 0 13. TIME FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO SPEAK - No one came forward. . 14. MATTERS-FROM CITY OFFICIALS 1 • 1 • 115. ADJOURNMENT (a) Director Dragicevich brought to the Planning Commission attention a proposed ordinance re Display of Merchandise on Public Sidewalks in Front of any Building in all Commercial Zones. The Commissioners were of the opinion they would like to study this item prior to setting public hearing. (b) Set Public Hearing to Consider Amendment of the Municipal Code re. Change of Zone from R-4 to R-2 on Lower Azusa Road from Willmonte to Glickman Avenues. Commissioner Stacy moved to set this item for public hearing on December 10, 1974. Commissioner Clark seconded the motiork and it passed. (c) Permit for Garage, Lawn and Patio Sales The Commissioners were in agreement to include this item on their first study session. (d) Director Dragicevich announced that Asst. Planner Burnham is leav- ing the City employ to assume duties as Associate Planner with the City of. Whittier. He. said Mr. Burnham had been with the City for seven years and that he has been a good addition to the staff and will be missed. The Commission wished him well and agreed he will be missed by all of them. (e) Asst. Planner Burnham referred to letter from the Sierra. Madres Girl Scout Council regarding permit to purchase a building in an R-1 zone for a Girl Scout House. The Commission put this into study session to be held this month. (f) Chairman Pro Tem Atkins asked what. procedure is followed to see that conditions of approval are fulfilled on projects .approved by the Commission, and Asst. Planner Burnham explained the procedure of the-. City, that 2 copies of the approved plot plan Exhibit 7A", plus two copies of the resolution are sent to the Building Dept., and a final approval by the Building Inspector is to include checking that all . conditions have been met. (g) Chairman Pro Tem Atkins asked staff to investigate the property at the northwest corner of Daines and El Monte where a hot-rod run is developing in the front yard. He also referred to the property at 10945 Freer Street, Asst. Planner Burnham said the front house has been fixed up, and staff is allowing the property owner time to accumulate funds to improve the rear house. The middle house was repainted and restuccoed recently. In view of the owner's past per- formance in upgrading the property, the staff was not pursuing a property nuisance against the owner. There being to the next seconded by ATTEST: no further business, Com.tissioner Lawson moved to adjourn regular meeting of the Planning Commission. Motion was Commissioner Clark and the meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m. Chairman