HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes - 1995/08/22 - Regular"
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P L A N N I N G C O M M I S S I O N
T E M P L E . C I T Y , C A L I F O R N I A
M I N U T E S
A U G U S T 2 2 , 1 9 9 5
I N I T I A T I O N :
1 . C A L L T O O R D E R
2 . P L E D G E O F A L L E G I A N C E T O T H E F L A G
3 . R O L L C A L L :
P r e s e n t :
C o m m i s s i o n e r s B r o o k , G r i f f i t h s a n d S e i b e r t
( C o m m i s s i o n e r L a r s o n a r r i v e d a t a p p r o x i m a t e l y ,
7 : 3 2 p . m . )
A b s e n t : C o m m i s s i o n e r M u t o
A l s o P r e s e n t : C i t y M a n a g e r R i l e y , C i t y A t t o r n e y M a r t i n ,
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 ,
A s s o c i a t e P l a n n e r T u r n e r
C o m m i s s i o n e r G r i f f i t h s m o v e d t o e x c u s e C o m m i s s i o n e r M u t o f o r
c a u s e , s e c o n d e d b y C o m m i s s i o n e r B r o o k a n d u n a n i m o u s l y c a r r i e d .
4 . T I M E F O R T H O S E I N T H E A U D I E N C E W H O W I S H T O S P E A K : N O N E
5 . C O N S E N T C A L E N D A R :
A . A P P R O V A L O F M I N U T E S - M e e t i n g o f A u g u s t 8 , 1 9 9 5
C h a i r m a n S e i b e r t m o v e d t o a p p r o v e t h e m i n u t e s a s w r i t t e n .
V i c e - C h a i r m a n G r i f f i t h s a n d C o m m i s s i o n e r B r o o k w e r e n o t
i n a t t e n d a n c e o n A u g u s t 8 t h , s o t h e m o t i o n c o u l d n o t b e
s e c o n d e d .
6 . U N F I N I S H E D B U S I N E S S : N O N E
7 . N E W B U S I N E S S :
A . P U B L I C H E A R I N G :
S i t e :
A p p l i c a n t :
Z O N I N G C O D E A M E N D M E N T T O C L A R I F Y
A N D R E V I S E R E G U L A T I O N S F O R
D R I V E W A Y D E S I G N I N R E S I D E N T I A L
Z O N E S
R - 1 , R - 2 A N D R - 3 Z O N E S
C I T Y O F T E M P L E C I T Y
Planning Commission Minutes Page 2
Date of Hearing: August 22, 1995
Request:
A zoning code amendment to
clarify and revise regulations
for driveway design in
residential zones.
Community Development Director Dawson stated that a
notice was duly published in a local newspaper and gave
the background information contained in the staff report
dated August 22, 1995.
Director Dawson stated this matter was first addressed by
the City Council. The Planning Commission was requested
to study the problem of illegally expanded driveways to
possibly make changes that would clarify the code. The
intent of the code amendment will be to establish a
stronger enforcement mechanism for addressing illegal
front yard parking. Staff prepared a draft resolution
and driveway illustrations (Exhibits A -F) to show
examples of what is permissible and what is not
permissible in driveway design. The illustrations could
be incorporated into the code, if approved.
Driveway illustrations showing acceptable and
unacceptable cases were reviewed. Director Dawson stated
that a front yard is defined as the entire width of the
lot between the street and the 20 foot setback. The rear
yard setback is 15 feet.
Chairman Seibert stated that some property owners also
have filled in concrete along the side of the yard or
outside a curved front yard driveway next to the garage.
City Attorney Martin asked if the code amendment would be
retroactive.
Director Dawson answered yes, however, enforcement would
be on a case -by -case complaint basis only.
Vice - Chairman Griffiths stated that Exhibit D could be
more deeply accented with extended driveway for
illustration purposes. Only Exhibit C shows parking in
the front yard.
Chairman Seibert stated that the code now states that no
parking shall be in a location which does not lead
directly to a legal parking area or garage. He felt that
this statement is already clear.
Director Dawson said a section of the Code states that
rear yard parking is acceptable when blocked by a 6 foot
high fence.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 3
Date of Hearing: August 22, 1995
Chairman Seibert believed that the Commission already
discussed situations of RV parking inside a rear yard
with a 6 foot high view - obscuring fence and gate.
There being no further questions from the Commission,
Chairman Seibert opened the public hearing and invited
those in favor of this application to speak.
Henry Ransons, 9147 Wedqewood Avenue, asked if there are
existing legitimate restrictions regarding certain
vehicles being parked on a driveway. His property has a
large side yard and he asked for consideration to park an
RV in this area.
Director Dawson asked what parking area Mr. Ransons
utilizes.
Mr. Ransons answered that the front house has sufficient
parking, however, the rear dwelling does not. He needs
to utilize adequate available parking areas in order to
not park on the street. He stated that if parking does
not occur within the 20 foot setback, he would agree.
Director Dawson confirmed the Commission's feeling that
parking in a yard area other than the front yard area
which is view - obscured would be agreeable.
Chairman Seibert added that the Commission is simply
clarifying what already exists in the Zoning Code.
Chairman Seibert invited those against this amendment to
speak. No one came forward.
Commissioner Griffiths moved to close the public hearing,
seconded by Commissioner Brook and unanimously carried.
Commissioner Brook concurred with the staff resolution
and illustrations, with the concrete pad being
accentuated on Exhibit F.
Commissioner Larson stated that in cases where neighbors
do not get along, staff may be inundated with complaints.
Chairman Seibert agreed but stated that enforcement could
occur on a continual, hour - intensive basis also.
Vice- Chairman Griffiths could make the findings and moved
40 to recommend an amendment for City Council consideration.
Planning Commission Minutes Page 4
Date of Hearing: August 22, 1995
Chairman Seibert felt that the driveway illustrations
should not be made a part of the code but were
appropriate hand -out examples.
City Attorney Martin suggested the illustrations be used
as guidelines and not part of the Zoning Code amendment.
He felt the illustrations should show the entire front
yard as hatch -lines so as to suit any case.
Vice - Chairman Griffiths moved to adopt a resolution to
amend the zoning code to clarify driveway regulations in
residential zones as stated above by City Attorney
Martin, seconded by Commissioner Larson and unanimously
carried.
Chairman Seibert stated that this matter would be
considered by the City Council.
B. PUBLIC HEARING:
MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT
RELATIVE TO PUBLIC RIGHT -OF -WAY
ENCROACHMENTS
Site: CITY -WIDE
Applicant: CITY OF TEMPLE CITY
Request: A municipal code amendment to
define the allowable
encroachments in the public
right -of -way and to establish a
procedure for permitting said
encroachments.
Community Development Director Dawson stated that a
notice was duly published in a local newspaper and gave
the background information contained in the staff report
dated August 22, 1995.
Director Dawson stated that a draft resolution was
prepared which would add a section on encroachments to
the Municipal Code. The new section would provide a
definition for an encroachment as well as the sidewalk
right -of -way. It also would provide an application
procedure for processing encroachment permit
applications. An applicant would be required to show
that there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances
to warrant the need for the encroachment; that the
encroachment would be compatible with neighboring
properties; and that no adverse impacts would be
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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 5
D a t e o f H e a r i n g : A u g u s t 2 2 , 1 9 9 5
a s s o c i a t e d w i t h t h e e n c r o a c h m e n t . T h 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 w o u l d m a k e a d e c i s i o n w i t h i n t e n
d a y s o f a p e r m i t s u b m i t t a l a n d d e n i a l s w o u l d b e
a p p e a l a b l e t o t h e P l a n n i n g C o m m i s s i o n a n d C i t y C o u n c i l .
S t a f f a l s o i n c l u d e d a c l a u s e w h i c h a l l o w s t h e C i t y t o
r e v o k e o r t e r m i n a t e a n e n c r o a c h m e n t p e r m i t a f t e r a 6 0 - d a y
n o t i c e t o t h e p r o p e r t y o w n e r .
D i r e c t o r D a w s o n s t a t e d t h a t m a n y t i m e s , d u r i n g f i e l d
i n v e s t i g a t i o n o f a c o m p l a i n t , t h e i n v o l v e d p r o p e r t y o w n e r
w i l l m a k e a s e c o n d a r y c o m p l a i n t r e g a r d i n g a n e i g h b o r w h o
a l s o h a s e n c r o a c h m e n t s i n t h e r i g h t - o f - w a y .
D i r e c t o r D a w s o n s t a t e d t h e s t a f f r e s o l u t i o n s h o u l d b e
c o r r e c t e d t o r e a d n e w S e c t i o n s # 3 4 7 0 , 3 4 7 1 , 3 4 7 2 , 3 4 7 3 ,
3 4 7 4 i n s t e a d o f S e c t i o n 3 7 0 0 .
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
S e i b e r t o p e n e d t h e p u b l i c h e a r i n g a n d i n v i t e d t h o s e i n
f a v o r o f t h i s a m e n d m e n t t o s p e a k .
M r . . R a n s o n s a s k e d i f t h e m a t t e r r e g a r d s c l e a r w a l k i n g
a r e a f o r p e d e s t r i a n s , e t c .
C h a i r m a n S e i b e r t a n s w e r e d a f f i r m a t i v e .
C h a i r m a n S e i b e r t i n v i t e d t h o s e a g a i n s t t h i s a m e n d m e n t t o
s p e a k . N o . o n e c a m e f o r w a r d .
C o m m i s s i o n e r L a r s o n m o v e d t o c l o s e t h e p u b l i c h e a r i n g ,
s e c o n d e d b y C o m m i s s i o n e r B r o o k a n d u n a n i m o u s l y c a r r i e d .
V i c e - C h a i r m a n G r i f f i t h s c o u l d a g r e e w i t h t h i s c o d e
a m e n d m e n t , h o w e v e r , h e n o t e d t h a t o c c a s i o n a l l y a p l a n t i n g
a n d f e n c e s b l o c k v i e w f o r t r a f f i c a n d p e d e s t r i a n s a n d
c a u s e a s a f e t y h a z a r d .
C o m m i s s i o n e r L a r s o n c o n c u r r e d .
C o m m i s s i o n e r B r o o k s t a t e d t h a t i f a p e r m i t i s n o t
a l l o w e d , t h e p r o p e r t y o w n e r ' s c a s e w o u l d b e v e r y c u t a n d
d r y . W o u l d a p r o p e r t y o w n e r b e r e q u i r e d t o c o m p l y
c o m p l e t e l y ?
C h a i r m a n S e i b e r t a n s w e r e d t h a t t h e C i t y h a s n o t p e r m i t t e d
t h i s h i s t o r i c a l l y a n d h e f e l t t h a t a r e s i d e n t s h o u l d n o t
b e o f f e r e d a n e n c r o a c h m e n t p e r m i t a f t e r s o m e t h i n g i s
i n s t a l l e d w h i c h w a s n o t l e g a l t o b e g i n w i t h . V i c e -
C h a i r m a n G r i f f i t h s s t a t e d t h e r e s o l u t i o n a p p e a r s t o s a y
Planning Commission Minutes Page 6
Date of Hearing: August 22, 1995
that the City understands the encroachment is not legal,
but staff could assist the property owner to see if the
encroachment could be altered in such a way to be made
legal.
Chairman Seibert related a right -of -way problem at a
property during the past years with shrubs, hedges, etc.
planted in the public right -of -way which have created a
hazard.
Director Dawson stated the Code Enforcement Officer sees
many additional cases of right -of -way non - compliance when
viewing one reported case.
Commissioner Larson asked what harm could occur when an
encroachment exists.
Chairman Seibert answered that very often, pedestrians or
traffic visibility is limited or impeded in such
situations.
Commissioner Larson asked the City Attorney what
liability the City would incur if an encroachment was
allowed by permit and an accident later occurred.
City Attorney Martin stated that it would definitely
create a City liability. He suggested that perhaps
Sections #3470 and 3471 be recommended to define and
prohibit obstructions in the right -of -way and that
sections #3472 -3474 relating to a permit procedure be
stricken out.
Chairman Seibert could not approve a permit which would
condone an illegal action and felt that enforcement
should occur on a complaint basis only.
City Attorney Martin stated possible resolution verbiage
for recommendation to the City Council.
Commissioner Larson moved to recommend an amendment to
the Municipal Code to add Sections #3470 and #3471 only
and elimination of the remaining sections, seconded by
Commissioner Brook and unanimously carried.
Chairman Seibert stated that this matter would be
considered by the City Council.
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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 7
D a t e o f H e a r i n g : A u g u s t 2 2 , 1 9 9 5 ,
C . D I S C U S S I O N I T E M : S E C U R I T Y F E N C E S A N D G A T E S I N
R E S I D E N T I A L Z O N E S
S i t e : R - 1 , R - 2 A N D R - 3 Z O N E S
A p p l i c a n t : C I T Y O F - T E M P L E C I T Y
R e q u e s t : D i s c u s s i n s t a n c e s , o f r e q u e s t s
f r o m p r o p e r t y o w n e r s a n d
h o m e o w n e r a s s o c i a t i o n ' s
r e g a r d i n g s e c u r i t y g a t e s o n
c o n d o m i n i u m a n d . a p a r t m e n t
c o m p l e x e s .
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 i s m a t t e r
i s b e i n g r a i s e d t o s o l i c i t t h e P l a n n i n g C o m m i s s i o n ' s ,
i n p u t a n d , c l a r i f i c a t i o n r e g a r d i n g o c c a s i o n a l r e q u e s t s
f r o m p r o p e r t y o w n e r s a n d . h o m e o w n e r a s s o c i a t i o n s f o r
i n s t a l l a t i o n o f s e c u r i t y g a t e s o r s e c u r i t y a n d a s a c r i m e
d e t e r r e n t . T h e Z o n i n g C o d e n o w a d d r e s s e s t h e
i n s t a l l a t i o n o f f e n c e s i n r e s i d e n t i a l z o n e s , h o w e v e r ,
d o e s n o t m e n t i o n s e c u r i t y g a t e s .
D i r e c t o r D a w s o n s t a t e d t h a t s u c h g a t e s o f t e n t i m e s c r e a t e
a l i m i t e d t u r n a r o u n d s p a c e o n t h e p r e m i s e s . , S o m e c a s e s
a p p e a r . t o h a v e b e e n i n s t a l l e d a p p r o p r i a t e l y b u t h a v e n o t
b e e n . i s s u e d a b u i l d i n g p e r m i t . .
C i t y A t t o r n e y M a r t i n a s k e d t h e d o w n s i d e o f s u c h g a t e s .
D i r e c t o r D a w s o n a n s w e r e d t h a t e m e r g e n c y c r e w s m a y h a v e
d i f f i c u l t y e n t e r i n g t h e p r e m i s e s .
C h a i r m a n S e i b e r t i n d i c a t e d t h a t a r e m o t e c o n t r o l m a y
o c c a s i o n a l l y o p e r a t e t h e g a t e a t s u c h a s l o w r a t e t h a t a
w a i t i n g v e h i c l e w o u l d b l o c k t r a f f i c o n t h e s t r e e t .
V i c e - C h a i r m a n G r i f f i t h s f e l t t h a t a p r o p e r t y o w n e r s h o u l d
b e a l l o w e d t o p r o t e c t t h e m s e l v e s w i t h a s e c u r i t y g a t e a n d
t h a t p r i v a c y i s t h e i r o w n b u s i n e s s . ,
D i r e c t o r D a w s o n s t a t e d t h a t o n e p a r t i c u l a r c o d e
e n f o r c e m e n t c a s e i n v o l v e d a s e c u r i t y g a t e w h i c h d e t e r r e d
s t a f f f r o m e n t e r i n g t h e p r e m i s e s f o r i n s p e c t i o n .
T h e C o m m i s s i o n e r s u n a n i m o u s l y a g r e e d t h a t s e c u r i t y g a t e s
s h o u l d b e a l l o w e d .
Planning Commission Minutes Page 8
Date of Hearing: August 22, 1995
8. COMMUNICATIONS:
A. PLANNING COMMISSIONERS WORKSHOP
The Planning Commission received a registration flyer
from the American Planning Association for a workshop to
be held on Saturday September 16, 1995. The
Commissioners were asked to contact the secretary for
reservations.
9. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS:
A. Director Dawson stated that a minor zoning modification
application was received for a driveway which would be 2
inches less than required. The Zoning Modification
Committee approved this request, unless there is an
objection from the full Commission.
The Commissioners concurred with the action and did not
object to approval.
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairman Seibert adjourned
the meeting at 8:30 p.m. The next regular meeting of the
Planning Commission will be held on Tuesday, September 12,
1995, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 5938 Kauffman
Avenue, Temple City.
ATTEST:
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