HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes - 1994/08/23 - RegularPLANNING COMMISSION
TEMPLE CITY, CALIFORNIA
AUGUST 23, 1994
INITIATION:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Evans, Larson, Seibert and
Griffiths
Absent: Vice - Chairman Muto
Also Present: City Manager Riley, Community Development
Director Dawson, Associate Planner Kates,
Assistant Planner Turner
Commissioner Seibert moved to excuse the absence of Commis-
sioner Muto, seconded by Commissioner Evans and unanimously
carried.
4. TIME FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO SPEAK: NONE
5. CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Meeting of August
Commissioner Seibert moved to approve
written, seconded by Commissioner Larson
carried.
6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE
7. NEW BUSINESS:
A.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Site:
Owner /Applicant:
9, 1994
the Minutes as
and unanimously
MINOR ZONING MODIFICATION 94 -1209
4923 SERENO DRIVE
TOM & DIANE MELVIN
4923 SERENO DRIVE
TEMPLE CITY, CALIFORNIA 91780
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P l a n n i n g C o m m i s s i o n M i n u t e s P a g e 2
D a t e o f H e a r i n g : A u g u s t 2 3 , 1 9 9 4
R e q u e s t : A m i n o r z o n i n g m o d i f i c a t i o n t o
m a i n t a i n a n d e x t e n d a 4 f o o t 8 i n c h
s i d e y a r d s e t b a c k r a t h e r t h a n t h e
r e q u i r e d 5 f o o t s i d e y a r d s e t b a c k
f o r t h e f i r s t s t o r y o f a n e w 1 , 8 3 3
s q u a r e f o o t t w o - s t o r y a d d i t i o n t o a n
e x i s t i n g 7 9 2 s q u a r e f o o t s i n g l e
s t o r y d w e l l i n g i n t h e M e d i u m D e n s i t y
( R - 2 ) R e s i d e n t i a l Z o n e .
C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t D i r e c t o r D a w s o n s t a t e d t h a t a
n o t i c e w a s m a i l e d t o r e s i d e n t s w i t h i n 3 0 0 f e e t o f t h e
s u b j e c t s i t e . T h e r e q u i r e d n o t i f i c a t i o n p r o c e d u r e
r e l a t i n g t o a m i n o r z o n i n g m o d i f i c a t i o n i s t o s e n d a
n o t i c e o n l y t o t h e i m m e d i a t e n e i g h b o r i n g p r o p e r t i e s .
D i r e c t o r D a w s o n g a v e t h e b a c k g r o u n d i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a i n e d
i n t h e s t a f f r e p o r t d a t e d A u g u s t 2 3 , 1 9 9 4 a n d t h e v i d e o
w a s s h o w n .
D i r e c t o r D a w s o n s t a t e d i t w o u l d b e p e r m i s s i b l e t o
c o n s t r u c t a s e c o n d d w e l l i n g o n t h i s R - 2 z o n e d 1 2 , 1 3 0
s q u a r e f o o t p r o p e r t y w h i c h i s b o r d e r e d b y R - 1 a n d R - 2
p r o p e r t i e s . T h e a p p l i c a n t i s , h o w e v e r , r e q u e s t i n g t o a d d
o n t o t h e e x i s t i n g d w e l l i n g a n d i s r e q u e s t i n g a 4 f o o t 8
i n c h s i d e y a r d s e t b a c k r a t h e r t h a n t h e r e q u i r e d 5 f o o t
s i d e y a r d s e t b a c k f o r t h e f i r s t s t o r y . S t a f f h a s p l a c e d
f o u r c o n d i t i o n s o f a p p r o v a l o n t h i s p r o j e c t . S t a f f h a s
a l s o r e c e i v e d c o m m e n t s f r o m n e i g h b o r s r e q u e s t i n g t h a t
c o n s t r u c t i o n b e p r o h i b i t e d o n S u n d a y s a n d t h e P l a n n i n g
C o m m i s s i o n m a y w i s h t o a d d t h i s a s a f i f t h c o n d i t i o n .
T h e r e b e i n g n o q u e s t i o n s f r o m t h e C o m m i s s i o n , C h a i r m a n
G r i f f i t h s o p e n e d t h e p u b l i c h e a r i n g . T h o s e i n f a v o r w e r e
i n v i t e d t o s p e a k .
K u r t V o n H a t t e n , 1 1 1 N . V e r m o n t A v e n u e ( u n k n o w n c i t y ) ,
s t a t e d h e i s t h e a r c h i t e c t a n d b u i l d i n g d e s i g n e r f o r t h e
p r o j e c t . T h e a p p l i c a n t i s r e q u e s t i n g a s m a l l v a r i a n c e s o
t h a t a n e x i s t i n g w a l l c a n b e k e p t s t r a i g h t , a n d t h e y w i l l
k e e p t h e s e c o n d s t o r y b a c k i n t h e f r o n t a n d t h e s i d e t o
n o t i m p o s e o n t h e s t y l e o f n e i g h b o r i n g p r o p e r t i e s .
E d w a r d D o d g e , 4 9 1 7 S e r e n o D r i v e , l i v e s n e x t d o o r t o t h e
p r o j e c t . H e a s k e d t h a t n o c o n s t r u c t i o n t a k e p l a c e o n
S u n d a y s a n d o t h e r w i s e h a d n o o b j e c t i o n t o t h e p r o j e c t .
C h a i r m a n G r i f f i t h s i n v i t e d t h o s e a g a i n s t t h e p r o j e c t t o
s p e a k . N o o n e c a m e f o r w a r d .
"
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411 Planning Commission Minutes Page 3
Date of Hearing: August 23, 1994
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There being no one else to speak for or against,
Commissioner Larson moved to close the public hearing,
seconded by Commissioner Evans and unanimously carried.
Commissioner Evans could make the findings to approve
this project.
Commissioner Larson asked if the driveway is partially on
the neighbor's property. He could make the findings to
approve this project.
Mr. Melvin stated that the existing driveway is between
18" to 3 feet into the neighbor's property. His
improvement plans show that five feet of the existing
house will be demolished so as to adjust the new driveway
placement. This will greatly improve an existing
driveway configuration problem.
Commissioner Seibert stated this application requests a
minor allowance and will be an improvement to the
neighborhood. He asked that the applicant consider no
construction on Sunday.
Mr. Melvin stated that he will be required to do some
construction work on Sunday as he works during the week.
He could agree not to use the skill saw, keep pounding to
a minimum and work only from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on
Sundays. He hopes to complete this project in a minimum
amount of time.
Mr. Dodge felt that it would be unreasonable for Mr.
Melvin to work on Sundays. Mrs. Dodge asked that, at
least, no work be continued after 12:00 noon.
Commissioner Seibert asked if Mr. Melvin has previously
caused construction noise problems or if it was other
neighbors.
Mrs. Dodge said Mr. Melvin and other neighbors have been
constructing over the years.
Chairman Griffiths was concerned that the proposal would
not fit into this property. A field check proved that . it
will fit, however, the legal description on the
applicant's plans does not show the north (or front) line
of the property and should be more accurate.
Mr. Melvin agreed.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 4
Date of Hearing: August 23, 1994
Mrs. Dodge stated that Mr. and Mrs. Melvin have added
higher fencing for one and one -half years to block the
view. Now they are adding a second story and Mr. and
Mrs. Dodge will not have their privacy. Perhaps windows
can be placed in positions to consider their privacy.
She also raised discussion regarding the requirements of
any new and updated sewer pipes.
Chairman Griffiths stated a second story is permissible
in any zone. Conditions can be applied in regards to
privacy, etc. The City Codes do not stop homeowners from
doing construction on Sunday.
Commissioner Larson asked how long this project will take
to complete.
Mr. Melvin approximated three to four months.
Commissioner Evans moved that the Planning Commission
adopt a resolution approving Minor Zoning Modification
94 -1209, with an added condition stating that Sunday work
hours are from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., seconded by
Commissioner Seibert and unanimously carried.
Chairman Griffiths stated that there is a 10 -day period
in which anyone may appeal the decision of the Planning
Commission to the City Council.
B. PUBLIC HEARING: MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT, 72 -375 AND
ZONE VARIANCE 94 -1208
Site: 9425 LAS TUNAS DRIVE
Owner: CHEVRON USA
1300 S. BEACH BOULEVARD
LA HABRA, CALIFORNIA 90632
Applicant: R.E.M. ENGINEERING CO., INC.
253 N. SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91107
Tenant /Lessee: RAY YOUMANS CHEVRON
9425 LAS TUNAS DRIVE
TEMPLE CITY, CALIFORNIA 91780
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Planning Commission Minutes Page 5
Date of Hearing: August 23, 1994
Request: A modification of conditional use
permit to allow the remodeling of
the Chevron Service Station and a
zone variance to construct a new 20
foot high ground mounted sign rather
than an 8 foot high sign above grade
or 6 foot high sign above a planter
or landscaped berm in the West
Commercial (WC) District of the
Downtown Specific Plan area.
Community Development Director Dawson stated that notices
were mailed to property owners within 500 feet of the
subject site. Director Dawson gave the background
information contained in the staff report dated August
23, 1994.
Director Dawson stated this property is in the West
Commercial Downtown Specific Plan Area. The property is
28,980 square feet in size. A new cashier center will be
constructed inside the present office area and a new 20.
foot high sign will be installed with the Chevron company
logo at the southwest corner of the site. Staff has
placed four conditions on this project, with the fourth
condition being that Chevron explore the possibility of
offering methanol or other alternative fuel for sale to
assist improving air quality.
There being no questions from the Commission, Chairman
Griffiths opened the public hearing. Those in favor were
invited to speak.
Ronald Matingee, engineer for Chevron, stated the sign
will be replacing light for light. The new brand
identification 20 foot sign will face Oak and Las Tunas
Drive and will provide easy view for motorists. He added
that the existing restroom facilities will be upgraded to
meet current ADA standards. The removal of the kiosk
will improve customer safety and concentrate all money
transactions inside. Chevron has experimented with
alternative methanol fuel programs in seventy locations.
It requires different tanks and Chevron has completed
their methanol fuel program.
Commissioner Seibert asked why a 20 foot tall sign would
be more readily seen than an 8 foot sign.
411 Mr. Matingee answered the larger sign is more desirable
by the Chevron company.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 6
Date of Hearing: August 23, 1994
Associate Planner Kates stated the Exxon and Chevron
stations on Rosemead Boulevard have ground mounted signs
that are approximately 5 -8 feet in height. This height
also accommodates the price listings.
Rosemarie Sparks, 9425 Las Tunas Drive, Ray Youmans
Chevron, stated that drivers can only see the 20 foot
sign from up to 3 blocks away. The station will also
update the landscaping. The perimeter block wall was
built by the northerly property owner, however, Youmans
agrees with the condition that it should be painted.
Commissioner Larson asked if this Chevron site would be
feasible to contain an alternate fuel facility.
Mr. Matingee answered that Chevron is no longer pursuing
this program.
Ms. Sparks stated she will discuss this at a meeting on
August 24, 1994 and will forward comments to staff.
Chairman Griffiths invited those against the project to
speak. No one came forward.
There being no one else to speak for or against,
Commissioner Seibert moved to close the public hearing,
seconded by Commissioner Evans and unanimously carried.
Commissioner Seibert could not make the findings for a
zone variance to install a 20 foot high sign and felt
that an 8 foot high sign would be sufficient. The
majority of the City's existing tall signs are non-
conforming and this request does not meet the Downtown
Specific Plan criteria. This application is an
opportunity to bring the sign into compliance and the
Chevron company has the means to meet the City's
requirements.
Commissioner Evans agreed with the overall plan, but was
concerned regarding the sign issue.
Director Dawson stated the City is in the process of
upgrading all signage in the Downtown Specific Area. At
some point in time, many of the downtown commercial signs
will require upgrading.
Chairman Griffiths stated there are no objections to this
project, except for the sign height issue. The sign
should be changed to meet the ordinance.
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S Planning Commission Minutes Page 7
Date of Hearing: August 23, 1994
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Commissioner Seibert moved that the Planning Commission
adopt a resolution approving Modification to Conditional
Permit 72 -375 with an added condition that a monument
sign be constructed according to the Specific Plan
requirements; and denying Zone Variance 94 -1208 regarding
the proposed 20 foot high sign, seconded by Commissioner
Larson and unanimously carried.
Chairman Griffiths stated that there is a 10 -day period
in which anyone may appeal the decision of the Planning
Commission to the City Council.
8. COMMUNICATIONS: NONE
9. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS:
A. Director Dawson informed the Planning Commissioners that
the City Council, at their meeting of August 16, 1994,
approved two separate zone variances for properties to
construct a fifth bedroom without providing a three -car
garage. These were recommended for approval by the
Planning Commission and thereafter appealed by the City
Council. Additionally, a requested zone change at 4809-
4820 Halifax Road and 4810 -4821 Doreen Avenue from R -1 to
R -2 Zone, recommended for approval by the Planning
Commission, was denied by the City Council. These twelve
lots will remain R -1.
B. Councilmember Wilson introduced the new City Manager Hugh
Riley. Mr. Riley stated he has a Planning background and
has worked in other cities with several Planning
Commissions, Building Departments, Redevelopment
Departments, etc. The Planning Commissioners welcomed
Mr. Riley to Temple City.
C. Councilmember Wilson invited the Planning Commissioners
to attend the City- sponsored Chamber Mixer on Wednesday,
August 24, 1994.
Planning Commission Minutes
Date of Hearing: August 23, 1994
10. ADJOURNMENT
Page 8
There being no further business, Chairman Griffiths adjourned
the meeting at 8:35 p.m. The next regular meeting of the
Planning Commission will be held on Tuesday, September 13,
1994, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 5938 Kauffman
Avenue, Temple City.
ATTEST:
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