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HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes - 2005/07/12 - Regularlk INITIATION: 1. CALL TO ORDER • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 12, 2005 Pursuant to the Agenda posted July 7, 2005, Chairman Griffiths called the meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2005. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG 3. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners: Le Berthon, Blum, Yu, Griffiths, Seibert Absent: None Also Present: City Attorney Martin, Community Development Director Dawson, Senior Planner Lambert, and Assistant Planner Gulick 4. REORGANIZATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION A. Director Dawson called for nominations for a new Chairman. Commissioner Seibert nominated Vice - Chairman Blum, seconded by Commissioner Le Berthon. As there was no objection, motion carried. B. Chairman Blum called for nominations for new Vice - Chairman. Commissioner Griffiths nominated Commissioner Yu as Vice - Chairman, seconded by Commissioner Le Berthon. As there was no objection, motion carried. 5. TIME FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO SPEAK: 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 14, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Director requested continuing approval until the next meeting, as the Department Secretary has been on vacation and was unable to fine -tune the minutes. Chairman Blum - Asked if anyone would like to make a motion to approve or modify the minutes. Planning Commission July 12, 2005 Page 2 Commissioner Seiberl — Stated that he was absent from the last meeting and therefore, wished to abstain from the vote. Commissioner Griffiths — Made a motion to continue approval of the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Le Berthon and carried by a vote of the remaining four Commissioners who were present at the meeting of June 14, 2005. 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None 8. NEW BUSINESS: A. PUBLIC HEARING: A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND ZONE VARIANCE TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION AND MODIFICATION OF AN EXISTING RESTAURANT USE; THE EXISTING 2,335 SQUARE FOOT BUILDING (INCLUDING A 605 SQUARE FOOT MEZZANINE) WOULD BE EXPANDED ADDING 292 SQUARE FEET OF SPACE TO ACCOMMODATE A NEW WALK -IN COOLER & FREEZER. THE REMODELED RESTAURANT PROPOSES TO SERVE BEER AND WINE FOR ON- PREMISES CONSUMPTION. A ZONE VARIANCE IS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE SUBJECT SITE CONTAINS TWENTY (20) PARKING SPACES, INSTEAD OF THE REQUIRED 27 SPACES; THE ZONING CODE REQUIRES FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROVIDE ONE (1) PARKING SPACE FOR EVERY 100 SQUARE FEET OF GROSS FLOOR AREA. THE SUBJECT SITE IS LOCATED IN THE LAS TUNAS WEST COMMERCIAL (WC) DISTRICT OF THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN. SITE: CASE NO.: APPLICANT/ BUSINESS OWNER: 9202 LAS TUNAS DRIVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 05 -1620 ZONE VARIANCE 05 -1621 JOSEPHINE CHENG 1323 ALTA VISTA DR. SUITE D MONROVIA, CALIFORNIA 91016 N: \Word \Department \CDD \MINS \PC MINUTES 2005 \PC MINUTES July 12 2005.doc " " Planning Commission July 12, 2005 Page 3 DESIGNER: PROPERTY OWNER: DESIGN FOR RESTAURANT PLUS, INC. 119 S. ATLANTIC BLVD. SUITE 228 MONTEREY PARK, CALIFORNIA 91754 BILL NIKOLOPOVOS 750 S. OAK TREE DR. COVINA, CALIFORNIA 91723 RECOMMENDATION: 1) HEAR STAFF REPORT 2) HEAR THOSE FOR AND AGAINST 3) NEGATIVE DECLARATION 4) ADOPT RESOLUTION Director Dawson  Read the Staff Report dated July 12, 2005, gave a brief summary and requested that Senior Planner Lambert elaborate on the proposed project. Senior Planner Lambert  Gave a PowerPoint presentation. Chairman Blum  Asked if there were any questions of Staff. Vice - Chairman Yu  Asked if there have been any parking problems while the previous owners operated the restaurant. Director Dawson  Said that there have not been any complaints. Said that there is not likely to be a parking problem with the amount of spaces being provided. Commissioner Seibert  Asked if there would be about 1,700 square feet of seating area, without the storage area being counted or the new addition. Senior Planner Lambert  Stated that was correct. Chairman Blum  Asked if there were any other questions of Staff and opened the Public Hearing. Josephine Chang, 1223 Alta Vista Drive, Monrovia  Stated that she is the applicant and asked if her partner could represent her. Kent I Bung, 424 W. Roses, San Gabriel, CA  Stated that the restaurant is an international franchise originating from Japan. Stated that in order to accommodate the restaurant they require a larger cooler and freezer and that they are asking approval of the project so they can progress in opening their restaurant. Director Dawson  Asked if the applicant has read the conditions of approval, including the hours of operation. N: \Word \Department \CDD \MINS \PC MINUTES 2005 \PC MINUTES July 12 2005.doc Planning Commission July 12, 2005 Page 4 Kent Leung, 424 W. Roses, San Gabriel, CA — Stated that they have read the conditions and can comply with them. Director Dawson — Asked what type of alcohol would be served on the premises. Josephine Chang — Stated that it would be saki and beer. Chairman Blum — Asked if anyone wanted to speak for or against the project. Jimmy Zhang, 119 S. Atlantic Blvd., #228, Monterey Park — Stated that was in favor of the project. Chairman Blum - Asked if anyone else wanted to speak in favor or opposition to the project. Commissioner Seibert — Made a motion to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Vice - Chairman Yu. Chairman Blum — There being no objection, the Public Hearing was closed. Commissioner I e Berthon — Stated that he did not see a problem approving the project, especially since the seating capacity will not increase. Stated that he could approve the project. Commissioner Seibert — Stated that he agreed and did not think that the storage area should be counted as square footage. Stated that he did not see a problem approving the project. Commissioner Griffiths — Stated that he concurred with approving the project. Vice - Chairman Yu — Stated that he also concurred. Chairman Blum — Stated that he also supported the project. Commissioner I e Berthon — Made a motion to approve Conditional Use Permit 05 -1620 and Zone Variance 05 -1621 and adopt the negative declaration and also adopt the draft resolution, seconded by Commissioner Seibert and unanimously carried. Chairman Blum — Stated that the matter has been approved and is subject to a 15 -day appeal /review period. N: \Word \Department \CDD \MINS \PC MINUTES 2005 \PC MINUTES July 12 2005.doc Planning Commission July 12, 2005 Page 5 • B. PUBLIC HEARING: A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP TO ALLOW A FLAG LOT SUBDIVISION. THE SUBJECT PROPERTY IS LOCATED IN THE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R -1) ZONE AND DESIGNATED AS LOW RESIDENTIAL DENSITY ON THE CITY'S GENERAL PLAN MAP • • SITE: 5428 PAL MAL AVENUE CASE NO.: TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 61060 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 04 -1569 PROPERTY OWNER/ APPLICANT ENGINEER: JOHN CALVERT 8903 EMPEROR AVENUE TEMPLE CITY, CA 91775 TRITECH ASSOCIATES 135 N. SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD SAN GABRIEL, CALIFORNIA 91775 RECOMMENDATION: 1) HEAR STAFF REPORT 2) HEAR THOSE FOR AND AGAINST 3) NEGATIVE DECLARATION 4) ADOPT RESOLUTION Vice - Chairman Yu — Asked to be recused from this item because he lives within the 300 foot mailing radius Director Dawson - Stated for the record that Vice - Chairman Yu recused himself because he lives within the notification area for this project. Read the staff report dated July 12, 2005. Senior Planner Lambert - Stated that at this time the applicant has applied for the subdivision only; there are no plans submitted for architectural review. Chairman Blum — Asked if there were any questions of Staff Commissioner 1 e Berthon — Asked if there would be any potential sewer problems in the area. Asked at what time does the Planning Commission want to address the issue of sewer impacts? Director Dawson — Stated that about five years ago the City completed a Sewer Master Plan, which indicated areas of potential future deficiencies. Stated that Staff is currently determining the appropriate charges for sewer impact fees. N: \Word \Department \CDD \MINS \PC MINUTES 2005 \PC MINUTES July 12 2005.doc Planning Commission July 12, 2005 Page 6 Chairman Blum — Asked about condition two on page two. Asked Director Dawson if we wanted trees on both sides of the driveway. Director Dawson — Stated that the idea is to have some kind of landscaping in that area even if it is shrubbery or vines. Chairman Blum — State a solution might be to require landscaping rather than fast growing tall shrubbery. Director Dawson — Stated the condition could be modified. Chairman BI um — Asked if there were any other questions of Staff. Opened the Public Hearing. Asked if John Calvert was present and if he would like to speak. Tom Cao with Tritech Associates — Stated that he was representing Mr. Calvert. Stated that he was in support of the project and gave the particulars of the project. Stated that the owner is willing to accept all of the conditions of approval. Director Dawson — Asked why it took so long for the drainage concept plan to be approved by the County. Tom Cao with Tritech Associates — Stated that the County is very particular and makes many inspections and site visits and that it takes a while to get approval. Director Dawson — Asked if the applicant had a problem with complying with the condition that there be no more than 12 inches of fill. Tom Cao with Tritech Associates — Stated that they can comply. Chairman BI um — Stated that was not consistent with the plans that were submitted. Tom Cao with Tritech Associates — Stated that the building has to be elevated according to the Building Code. Stated that in this case there is about 1.2 feet of fill at the highest point, which is normal. Commissioner Griffi hs — Stated that the Tentative Parcel Map and the Drainage Concept Plan are in conflict. Chairman Blum — Stated that one of the concerns is that a home can be built considerably higher than a neighboring home. Asked if anyone else wanted to speak in favor or against of the project. Pak Tong, 5429 Pal Mal Avenue — Stated that the area is zoned R -1. Stated that once the property is subdivided, then the population will increase. Stated that he was concerned about the parking in that area. Stated that he was against the project. N: \Word \Department \CDD \MINS \PC MINUTES 2005 \PC MINUTES July 12 2005.doc • • • " Planning Commission July 12, 2005 Page 7 Chairman Blum  Stated that as long as you can meet the 7,200 square foot minimum lot size then you could create new lots in an R -1 zone. Stated that these do meet the zoning requirements of the City. Jason h n, 5423 Pal Mal Ave.  Stated that he was speaking on behalf of his father. Stated that his concern was similar to the other speaker and that he was concerned about the density and sewer system. Stated that if all R -1 properties had a guesthouse or second unit that would double the population. Vincent Yu, 5445 Pal Mal  Stated that he expresses the same concerns as his neighbors. Stated that he felt flag lots reduce the value of properties Stated that he felt that there were too many flag lots on the street. Chairman Blum  Asked if there was anyone else who wanted to speak on the matter. Asked if the applicant would like to make any additional comments. Tom Cao with Tritech Associates  Stated that he understands the concerns of the neighbors. Stated that flag lots are not unusual to this area. Stated that he understands the concerns about the fill but there are guidelines for that and they will be followed. Chairman Blum Stated that the Public Hearing is still open but there is some " discussion. Commissioner Griffiths  Stated that he did not want to approve the parcel map without the drainage concept plan. Commissioner Si .b .rt  Stated that he felt that the problem was that the maps do not agree. Commissioner Griffiths  Stated that there are some questions regarding walls and contributory drainage. Chairman Blum  Asked Commissioner Griffiths if he would like to continue the item. Commissioner Griffiths  Stated that he would like to continue the matter until the engineer can come up with some details that indicate that the plan will actually work. City Attorney Martin  Asked if there would be a problem with continuing the matter. Director Dawson  Stated that the matter could be continued for two weeks or any additional time needed to resolve the problem. Commissioner Griffiths  Made a motion to continue the public hearing, seconded by " Commissioner Seibert. There being no objection, the motion to continue the public hearing was passed. N: \Word \Department \CDD \MINS \PC MINUTES 2005 \PC MINUTES July 12 2005.doc Planning Commission July 12, 2005 Page 8 Chairman Blum — Stated that item 8b has been continued to the next regular Planning Commission meeting. Vice - Chairman Yu — resumed his role as a Planning Commissioner. C. DISCUSSION SITE: RECOMMENDATION: PARKING OF 3 -TON TRUCKS AND STORAGE OF MOTOR HOMES WITHIN FRONT YARD AREAS OF 'R' ZONED PROPERTIES CITYWIDE 1) REVIEW STAFF MEMORANDUM RELATIVE TO PARKING OF 3 -TON TRUCKS AND STORAGE OF MOTOR HOMES WITHIN FRONT YARD AREAS OF 'R' ZONED PROPERTIES. 2) PROVIDE STAFF DIRECTION Director Dawson — Asked the Senior Planner to present the report. Senior Planner I amhert — Gave a presentation regarding motor homes and 3 -ton trucks in front yards. Asked should the current standards be revised or should they stay the same. Talked about neighboring cities and what they are doing to address the issue. Chairman Blum — Stated that it sounds as thought there are two major items, one having to do with commercial trucks and one with motor homes. States that we might want to separate those concerns. City Attorney Martin — Stated that the RV's and motor homes are much larger than they used to be. Stated that it may be time to set rules and regulations. Stated that the purpose of the study session is to decide if anything should be done at this time. Stated that the Planning Commission could give some direction to the City Council. Chairman Blum — Stated that he wanted to discuss the 3 -ton trucks first. At present we prohibit the parking of those vehicles in the R -1 zone. City Attorney Martin — Stated on any private R -1 property such trucks cannot be on the street, other than for loading or unloading. Vice - Chairman Ytt — Stated that some of the larger SUV's are over 6,000 lbs. Commissioner Seibert — Stated that the concerns are commercial trucks and that they should not be parked on residential property. N: \Word \Department \CDD \MINS \PC MINUTES 2005 \PC MINUTES July 12 2005.doc • Planning Commission July 12, 2005 Page 9 • Chairman Blum — Stated that currently they are not allowed and that the question is if the ordinance should be changed. Vice - Chairman Yu — Asked about commercial passenger vans that seat 10 to 14 passengers. City Attorney Martin— Asked if they have commercial license plate. Commissioner Seibert — Stated that he doesn't have a problem with those vans as opposed to the bobtail trucks. City Attorney Martin— Stated that he wanted to clarify that the existing ordinance applies to trucks with commercial plates. Asked if there is a motion. Commissioner Seibert — Stated that he would like to make the motion to retain the existing ordinances relative to commercial vehicles of three tons or greater, seconded by Commissioner Le Berthon and unanimously carried. Chairman Blum — Stated that the discussion would now be regarding motor homes and R.V.'s. The City Council has given some suggestions that they be allowed. • City Attorney Martin — Stated that the specific ordinance says you can park in the front yard but not for unreasonable periods and not if it depreciates neighboring properties. Stated that both definitions are vague and probably unenforceable. Commissioner Seibert — Stated that he would like to take some time to review the Staff Report. Sommissioner Griffiths — Stated he agreed and would like to put it on the agenda for the next meeting. Stated that he would like to continue a discussion so that Staff could do some research. Director Dawson — Stated that there are areas of ambiguity in the Zoning Code. Stated that in terms of zoning, there are no separate regulations for R.V. parking, so an R.V. can be parked anywhere that a car can be parked; perhaps that should be modified. Commission .r Le Berthon — Asked if there were a number of current R.V. owners in the City. City Attorney Martin — Stated that there is an estimate of a little over 400 R.V. owners. Vice - Chairman Yu — Asked if they are usually parked on the front yard. • City Attorney Martin — Stated that they are parked on private residential property. N: \Word \Department \CDD \MINS \PC MINUTES 2005 \PC MINUTES July 12 2005.doc Planning Commission July 12, 2005 Page 10 Commissioner riffiths — Asked if the R.V. designation included motor homes as well as trailers. Chairman Blum — Stated that the City just spent a considerable amount of time addressing design guidelines because people were saying they do not like the type of buildings; but is that any different than some of the "in your face" R.V. parking. Vice- Chairman Yu — Asked what types and sizes they typically come in. Commissioner Seibert — Stated that the maximum is 40 feet long and 8 feet wide. Chairman Blum — Stated that there are different types of vehicles and knowing this information would be helpful. Director Dawson — Stated that there are some innocuous R.V.'s that are moderate in size and are not intrusive to the neighbors. Vice - Chairman Yit — Stated that there is also an issue of traffic safety when someone tries to exit his or her driveway and an R.V. is blocking the view. Director Dawson — Stated that the Staff would compile information and have some drawings for discussion. Chairman Blum — Stated that another issue is the time limit for loading and unloading. Commissioner Griffiths — Stated that the Codes do need some investigating but at this time more information is needed, as well as more time. Chairman Blum — Stated that once the discussion is finished, then something will be formulated and a public hearing will be set. Question from audience — Asked about the issue of boats. Chairman Blum — Stated that boats would also be addressed. Question from audience — Stated that one of the concerns is how long can you have people stay in a motor home when it is used as a guesthouse. Stated that there should be some limits as to how long people can stay in a motor home. Chairman BI tm — Stated that once you have people living in motor homes, it is an entirely different issue. • • City Attorney Martin — Stated that it would be on the next agenda as a continuing study ID session item. N: \Word \Department \CDD \MINS \PC MINUTES 2005 \PC MINUTES July 12 2005.doc " " Planning Commission July 12, 2005 Page 11 9. COMMUNICATIONS: NONE 10. MATTERS FROM CITY OFFICIALS: Chairman Blum  Stated that he wanted to mention the importance of knowing the ultimate build -out of the City and the sewer capacity. Commissioner Le Berthon  Stated that we should address or at least look at the neighboring entities. Chairman Blum  Stated that we should have the discussion at this level because as the subdivisions come in, they affect the sewers. Commissioner Griffiths.  Stated that we should take some position of leadership and get something started that will eventually lead to a solution. Chairman Blum  Stated that the last item he wanted to discuss was the General Plan. The last update was in 1987 and the last Housing Element was in 1992 and a lot has happened in the City since then. He would like to see a comprehensive General Plan update. 11. ADJOURNMENT f.hairman Blum adjourned the meeting at 9:10 PM. Secretary Chairman N: \Word \Department \CDD \MINS \PC MINUTES 2005 \PC MINUTES July 12 2005.doc