HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes - 1978/12/12 - RegularPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
December 12, 1978
(INITIATION
1. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of
Temple City was called to order at 7:30 p.m., December 12, 1978,
by Chairman Lawson.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Lawson led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
3. ROLL CALL
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Present: Commissioners Abraham, Seibert, Stacy, Lawson
Absent: Commissioner Breazeal
Also present: City Manager Koski, City Attorney Martin, Planning
Director Dragicevich and Planning /Engineering Aide Alexanian.
Commissioner Seibert moved to excuse Commissioner Breazeal's absence
for cause, seconded by Commissioner Abraham, and the motion carried.
. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Meeting of November 28, 1978
There being no additions or corrections to the minutes, Commissioner
Seibert moved they be approved as written, seconded by Commissioner
Abraham and the motion carried.
5. PUBLIC HEARING: DETERMINATION OF EXISTENCE OF PUBLIC NUISANCE
6051 Reno Avenue (Case 78 -45)
Temple City, Ca.
Director Dragicevich gave the staff report, saying that the property
had an accumulation of weeds, waste paper, litter and debris creat-
ing a fire hazard and causing a detriment to neighboring properties
and property values, and an inoperative vehicle in the public view,
which conditions had prompted the property to be brought before the
Planning Commission as a possible public nuisance. Inspection by
staff that day had revealed that significant improvement had been
made to clean up the property, removing the miscellaneous items and
removing the inoperative vehicle. The new owner indicated he intends
to do additional work to clean the property. The Director passed to
the Commissioners pictures taken that day of the property, showing
the progress made. He concluded by saying staff recommends either
a 30 -day continuance of the case or termination.
The Public Hearing was declared open.
Mr. Bruce Carson, 6043 Reno Avenue, immediately south of the subject
property, asked for continuance of the case until the property is
brought up to the City's Codes. He referred to the barn -like struc-
ture in the rear yard for which he was unable to locate any building
permits. The plot plan on file with the Building Dept. shows 5'
setbacks around that structure, but roof overhangs a portion of
the roof of the rear house. The fireplace has no flue,no proper
clearance or metal flashing. The barn is termite infested in a couple
places. The rear house has power feeder lines from the pole to the
house, and power lines lay on the roof of the house. The new owner
intends to rent this property, and Mr. Carson expressed concern how
the barn structure might be used, with an absentee owner.
There was no one else to speak to the issue, therefore Commissioner
Seibert moved to close public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Abraham
and carried.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF DECEMBER 12, 1978 PAGE TWO
Director Dragicevich said he checked the house numbering maps which
indicate two residences at the subject location. The Fire Department
and Health Department had inspected the property, but not the Building
Department. The City was not in receipt of any complaints of building
violations.
Commissioner Stacy moved to continue the case for 30 days to make
inspections and see that the property owner follows through with
required corrections, and instructed staff to follow through with
any building violations that may exist on the property, Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Seibert and carried.
6. PUBLIC HEARING: DETERMINATION OF EXISTENCE OF PUBLIC NUISANCE
9044 Olive Street (Case No. 78 -46)
Temple City, Ca,
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The Planning Director gave the staff report, saying that an accumulation
of bricks, lumber, pipes and scrap metals in the yard areas open to view
from a public street, causing depreciation of nearby property,had prompted
staff to bring this matter before the Planning Commission. The property
owner had not responded in any manner to letters from staff to correct
the objectionable situation. Re- examination on this afternoon revealed
no progress had been made on the property. Photographs taken at that
inspection were presented to the Commissioners for their perusal.
The public hearing was declared open. No one came forward to speak to the
issue, therefore Commissioner Seibert moved to close public hearing, seconded
by Commissioner Stacy and the motion carried.
Commissioner Stacy moved to determine the existence of a public nuisance
at 9044 Olive Street. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Seibert and
carried.
City Attorney Martin read title to Resolution No. 78- 826PC, 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 Abraham, and the motion carried.
7. PUBLIC HEARING: DETERMINATION OF EXISTENCE OF PUBLIC NUISANCE
9445 Las Tunas Drive (Case No, 78 -47)
Temple City, Ca.
The Planning Director, in giving the staff report, said an accumulation
of weeds, dead trees, debris and loose gravel scattered about the park-
ing lot on the subject property, causing an unsightly appearance and a
detriment to nearby property and property values had prompted this case.
Field inspection this afternoon revealed a significant improvement in
the appearance of the property. Debris had been removed and the parking
lot had been swept, The planter areas were yet to be landscaped. He
presented photographs of the present condition on the site.
The public hearing was declared open.
Mr. Kent Pettee, Manager of the facility at the subject address, said
99% of the weeds are gone, the lot is cleaned up, his organization has
contracted with a landscaper to plant the bare areas by the streets, and
to maintain the site once a week every week. With this landscaping ser-
vice, the site should be kept in good condition. He has been the manager
for only five and one -half months, and was trying to maintain the property
with the help of the facility's employees, but that proved inadequate.
Headquarters for the business (Rustler's Steak House) is in Pennsylvania,
and the officials there did not feel the conditions on the property were
a problem. He also passed pictures of the site which he had taken.
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PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF DECEMBER 12, 1978 PAGE THREE
There being no one else to speak to the issue, Commissioner Seibert moved
So close public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Stacy, and the motion
arried.
Chairman Lawson expressed an opinion that he was in favor of continuing
the hearing for thirty days to ascertain the progress in landscaping and
maintaining the property. Commissioner Seibert so moved, seconded by
Commissioner Abraham and the motion' carried.
8. PUBLIC HEARING: TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 35584
John H. Duncan - Owner
6351 Temple City Boulevard
Temple City, Ca.
J. H. Hedrick & Co. - Applicant
900 South San Gabriel Boulevard
San Gabriel, Ca.
Site: 6351 Temple City Boulevard
Zone: R -2, Light Multiple residential
In giving the staff report, the Planning Director said applicant is re-
uesting approval of a tentative tract for an 8 -unit condominium project
in an R -2 zone. He referred to the plot plan marked Exhibit "A" showing
existing and proposed development. There is presently a single- family
house on the property, facing Temple City Boulevard, which will remain,
and proposed are seven new dwellings. Each new unit will be two stories
high, and will have a 2 -car garage. He gave the factual data on the
subject property and surrounding area, the zoning history, and continued
saying the proposed project is consistent with the General Plan of the
City which depicts the subject area as suitable for medium residential
density, and this development will meet the criteria set for this density.
Based on the Initial Study prepared by staff, the proposed development
did not reveal any adverse impact upon the environment, and therefore, a
Negative Declaration was prepared pursuant to the California Environmental
Quality Act of 1970, as amended. Comments were received from the school
district, Fire Department and water company that indicated no environ-
mental impact would result from the proposed development.
The Director continued by referring to Exhibits "A -1 ", "B" and "C ", which
depict the architectural appearance of the proposed project.
The Public Hearing was declared open.
Mr. Ken Beideman, architect, 900 So. San Gabriel Boulevard, San Gabriel,
representing the applicant, said he had read all conditions and there
were no objections. The houses are only 1250 sq. ft. in size, but the
trend is toward smaller houses by the buying public.
There was no one else to speak in favor of the project.
Mr. Ken Walker, 6350 Trelawney, speaking in opposition, said he represented
a number of home owners in the area, and was requesting a full environ-
mental impact report study. He was concerned about the density impact,
vehicular traffic on Temple City Boulevard and the safety of children,
property devaluation directly affecting six of his neighbors and himself,
,the noise, the financial impact'upon his property value. He was con-
cerned about the direction Temple City is going. He moved into the City
because of the schools and the single family residences.
Commissioner Seibert asked on what did Mr. Walker base his concern
about property devaluation, and Mr. Walker responded it was on the deter-
mination of his attorney. The two -story windows of the project will be
Sfacing his property and his neighbors' backyards and their property, and
this will constitute an invasion of privacy. In response to questions from
Commissioner Abraham, Mr. Walker said he has lived at the present address
for five years. He was not aware that the property was zoned R -2 since
1964.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF DECEMBER 12, 1978 . PAGE FOUR
Mr. Frank Bucaccio, 6345 Temple City Boulevard, also expressed concern
that Temple City is changing, with the condominium project on the
northeast corner, the widening of Temple City Boulevard, and now this
request. He was concerned about the many loads of dirt deposited on
the subject site, affecting neighboring pools. He contacted the City
Engineer who knew nothing of this action. He was concerned about the
drainage of water when it rains, which will be onto his property. He
was unhappy about the location of the trash bins on the proposed
project, which will be adjacent to his property.
Mr. Edward Borzi, 6341 Temple City Blvd., also expressed concern about
the drainage from the subject site when it rains, because of the way
the dirt has been dumped there.
City Attorney Martin said there is sufficient controversy to justify a
full environmental impact report, and suggested the Commissioners vacate
the Negative Declaration of environmental impact prepared by staff and
reschedule the matter at a later date with the consent of the developer.
Mr. Beideman, speaking for the developer, agreed. Commissioner Stacy
moved to annul Negative Declaration and require a full environmental
impact report. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Abraham and carried.
The City Attorney informed the public that the procedures and preparation
for a full environmental impact report will take from 30 to 60 days, and
that they will be renotified when the hearing will be before the Planning
Commission again.
9. PUBLIC HEARING: TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 35986
J. B. Weber Development Co. - Owner /Applicant
5926 Temple City Boulevard
Temple City, Ca.
Site: 9704 and 9710 Longden Avenue
Zone: R -2, Light Multiple residential
Director Dragicevich said applicant is requesting approval of tentative
tract to construct an 8 -unit condominium project in an R -2 zone. He
referred to the plot plan marked Exhibit "A" showing the proposed project
and gave the factual data on the subject property and adjacent area. He
said the proposed development is consistent with the General Plan which
designates the subject property as medium density. Based on the Initial
Study prepared by staff, the proposed development did not reveal any ad-
verse impact upon the environment and therefore, a Negative Declaration
has been prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act of
1970, as amended.
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The Director then reviewed the staff proposals, referring to Condition
No. 20, that the accessory structures (garages) shall be constructed to
have a 10 ft. side setback, to provide more open space, and this change
would also preclude the owners of the units from leaving their cars out-
side rather than putting them in the garage. Also, open parking spaces
Nos. 1, 2 and 3 would be shifted 5 ft. toward the side property line.
This would slightly reduce the open space but it would improve circulation.
Commissioner Stacy asked,in' reducing the open space between Units 2 and 3,
and 7 and 6,is that space intended for the benefit of all or only these
units. The Director responded legally it is for all,'but technically it
affects only the adjacent units.
There being no further questions, the public hearing was declared open.
Mr. Jack Weber, 5926 Temple City Boulevard, developer, said he would prefer
the 5 ft .side yard for the garages should remain as this set-mallows people
pulling into their garages to park a car without its projecting into the
driveway. With reference to increasing the open space, it has been his
experience that people who buy this type unit do not want a lot of yard IIP
area. Regarding moving the open parking spaces east and west, he is
trying to get as much green space as possible.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF DECEMBER 12, 1978 PAGE FIVE
The Commissioners, in the discussion that followed, were in favor of
leaving the garages as presented by the developer.
Mr. Weber continued that he had read all the conditions, and found none
objectionable. He added that he has no final report on flow requirements
and doesn't know if he will be able to meet them. There is a 2" line and
there will be sufficient water pressure for the development. He is also
negotiating with the Mormon Church for an easement going out to Kauffman,
but if that fails, he has other alternatives, and the drainage will be
provided to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
Mr. Morris Finley, 1047 E. Las Tunas Drive, said one possibility of provid-
ing drainage was to install a storm drain under the sidewalk to Kauffman,
and he asked the Planning Commission's indulgence to modify the require-
ment if they are unable to acquire the easement from the Church. The
developer would provide a sump pump and pump the drainage back up to Longden
Avenue if necessary. Mr. Finley was referring to Conditions 12 and 15 of
the staff report.
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The Planning Director, in referring to Condition 27 regarding fire flow,
said the water company believes that they have adequate supply but the
fire flow is to be determined by the Fire Dept., and the Fire Dept. re-
quested 2000 gal /min. Mr. Weber said the Fire Dept. keeps updating and
increasing their requirements, but the water companies are not keeping
pace to meet these requirements. He said there are two hydrants near
the development, 175 ft. to the west and 275 ft. to the east.
Mr. John Peot, 6230 Kauffman Ave., whose property is immediately south
of the subject site, had concern about the drainage across the parking
lot, and how it would affect his property. Mr. Finley went into detail
how the drainage would be accomplished. Mr. Peot asked whether the units
would be owner- occupied, or rented, and was told owner occupancy is
generally required for a certain period of time by the loan companies.
Commissioner Seibert moved to close public hearing, seconded by Commissioner
Abraham, and the motion carried.
Commissioner Seibert moved to approve filing of a Negative Declaration of
Environmental Impact as the Initial Study, prepared by the Planning Depart-
ment, failed to disclose any significant adverse impacts which cannot be
mitigated substantially. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stacy and
carried. ,
In closed discussion, the Commissioners were in favor of eliminating Condi-
tion 12, and rewording Condition 15 to read that the approved drainage
plan shall be submitted to the City Engineer for approval prior to obtain-
ing a building permit, and eliminate Condition 20 requiring the garages
to be constructed with a 10 ft. side setback. Commissioner Stacy moved to
approve Tentative Tract No. 35986 with conditions as modified, seconded
by Commissioner Seibert and the motion carried.
City Attorney Martin read title to Resolution No. 78- 827PC, A RESOLUTION
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMPLE CITY APPROVING TENTATIVE
TRACT NO. 35986. Commissioner Stacy moved to waive further reading and
adopt, seconded by Commissioner Seibert and the motion carried.
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10. COMMUNICATIONS - There were none.
11. TIME FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO SPEAK - No one came forward.
12. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS
(a) Environmental Quality and Code
Enforcement Program Report
Commissioner Seibert, in reviewing the report, asked if the number of
complaints was decreasing. Director Dragicevich said that, at this
time of year, with the holidays, and the early evening darkness, and
with residents spending more time indoors, it is customary to have a
decrease in complaints. Also, the recent rains had an impact on the
number of complaints received. The report was received and filed.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 1978 PAGE SIX
(b) Request for Time Extension
Parcel Map 6146
Director Dragicevich referred to letter from George Bernharth of Sea-
board Engineering Company requesting a one -year extension for Parcel
Map 6146 located in the CRA area. The only engineering work that re-
mains to be completed is the resetting of the monuments on the subject
property and verification to be made by the Los Angeles County Engineer-
ing Dept. Staff is recommending an extension only to January 31, 1979,
for completion of this Parcel Map. Commissioner Stacy so moved, seconded
' by Commissioner Seibert and the motion carried.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Commissioner Seibert made a motion,
seconded by Commissioner Stacy, and carried, to adjourn. Time of ad-
journment was 9:00 p.m.
ATTEST: