PC 05-13-96CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 777-3308
AMENDED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON MAY 13, 1996
ORDER OF BUSINESS
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Austin, Mahoney, Harris, Chairman R~oberts,
Commissioner absent: Doyle
Staffpresent: Ciddy Wordell, City Planner; Colin Jung, Associate Planner; Carmen
Lynaugh, Public Works; Vera Gil, Associate Planner; Tom Wiles,
Planning Intern.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the April 22, 1996 meeting:
The following changes were made to the April 22, 1996 meeting:
Page 3, 2nd last line on page: Change to rea~l: "Commission act as an umbrella to examine the
issues involving planning. The ASAC was disbanded for that"
Page 8, 8th Paragraph: Delete paragraph and replace with "Ms. Bjurman explained the process
followed in Los Gates, Los Altos, Palo Alto, and Santa Clara, cities that were certified.
She said that they had extensive public information progran~ in the cemmunities with
publications available to the public."
Page 9, 3rd Paragraph from bottom, second line: Change to read: "given, rehabilitation has been
referred to as the middle of thc road, but actually is the least"
Page 9, 3rd Paragraph from bottom, third line: Add the word "as" before "they"
Page 15, 4th Paragraph, second line: "billed" should read "built"
Page 19, line 1: Change street name to "Balustrnl Ct."
MOTION:
SECOND:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
VOTE:
Com. Austin Harris moved to approve the April 22, 1996 minutes as amended.
Chairman Roberts
Corns. Harris
Com. Doyle
Passed 3-0-1
Planning Commission Minutes 2
May 13, 1996
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: Chairman Roberts noted correspondence pertaining to Item
3; a revised staff report on Item 4; and a letter pertaining to Item 5.
POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR: None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
PUBLIC HEARING
Application No.:
Applicant:
Property Owner:
Location:
1-V-96 (Appeal)
Dan Askorinam
Same
10496 Byme Avenue
Public hearing to consider appeal of Director of Community Development decision to approve a
modification of Application No. 1-V-96. Appeal was filed by the applicant, Dan Askorinam.
Application No. 1-V-96 requested a variance to construct a 3,095 sq. ft. single family residence
with a floor area ratio of .55 versus .45 for 10496 Byme Avenue. The Director of Community
Development approved a variance to allow a 2,700 SCl. ft. residence or a .48 FAR, whichever is
less.
ENVIRONIVIENTAL DETERMINATION: Categorically Exempt
TENTATIVE CITY COUNCIL HEARING DATE: May 20, 1996
Staff vresentation: Mr. Colin lung, Associate Planner, explained that the application waz an
appeal of variance modified and approved by the Director of Community Development. Mr. Jung
reviewed the background of the application as outlined in the attached staff report.
Mr. Jung explained that the three state mandated variance findings required to grant a variance are:
(1) That there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances applying to the property which do
not generally apply to other properties ia the districts. The Director of Community Development
found that the size of the dedication itself and that two 10-foot dedications required construed a
unique dedication of land. (2) That the granting of the application is necessary for the preservation
and enjoyment of substantial property right. The Director found that an additional entitlement
above the .45 FAR was a reasonable grant of an additional entitlement to the property owner. The
Director granted a FAR as if it were a 6,000 sq. ft. lot. (3) That the granting of such application
will not affect the health and safety of residents or workers ia the district or will not be detrimental
to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in said neighborhood. The
Director of Community Development found that the granting of the application would not
materially or adversely affect the health, safety or residence of workers ia the District or be
detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements, in that the applicant
was able to demonstrate through some conceptual site plans that he was able to construct a 3,000
square foot house; and thus a 2,700 sq. ft. house that met all the setbacks, floor coverage, height
requirements of the district, although not meeting the FAR requirement.
Plann/ng Commission Minutes 3 May 13, t996
Mr. Jung stated that the Director of Community Development granted the variance for the 2,700
sq. fi. house. The applicant is appealing the request, stating that he n~ts the 3,095 sq. ft. house in
order to make the development of the property workable.
Mr. Jung presented Exhibit A, the applicant's appeal of the variance granted. Staff reoommends
that the Director of Community Development's decision be upheld.
In response to Chairman Roberts' question about options available, Mr. Jung explained that the
Planning Commission is the recommending body to the City Council and is able to hear the appeal
as if no variance was granted on the application. The Planning Commission has the right to
modify, deny the application, or uphold the decision. There are no constraints in the deliberations
of the recommendation.
Referring to the county assessor parcel maps, Mr. Jung illustrated the lot arrangements and
discussed the various sizes of the neighboring lots. He pointed out that County development
practices do not have FARs for their housing projects.
Com. Harris noted that the request was for a 10% increase in FAR, but in reality it is a 20%
increase in square footage.
Chairman Roberts questioned what the net lot area would be if, instead of a 10 foot setback on
Byme Avenue, the dedication was only 5 feet? Mr. Jung said that the plan for Monta Vista was
devised 10 or 15 years ago and the road widths were established in the past; and exactly how wide
they wanted them in the future when these properties did come into the City. He said that any
astute buyer who was looking to redeveloping the property should have come to the City to find out
in advance exactly how much area would be taken in roadway dedication; it would not be recorded
with the title.
Mr. Morey Nelson, civil engineer, representing Mr. Askorinam, stated that the applicant meets the
requirements of the three findings listed in the code, and noted that they are exceptional conditions
not applied to properties in the same district.
Mr. Nelson addressed the first finding, noting that the parcel was located on the northeast comer of
the intersection of McClellan Road and Byme Avenue. In order to construct a new structure on the
parcel, a dedication for public fight of way would be required on the frontage of both streets ns
discussed earlier. The dedication of 1,844 sq. ft. results in a significant 25% reduction of the
parcel's area. Other parcels in the area front only on one street and if the dedication were limited
to a strip of land 10 feet wide on Byme Avenue, the reduction in the area would only be 10%.
Relative to the second finding, Mr. Nelson stated that the granting of the application is necessary
for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property fight and to prevent unreasonable
property loss or uunecessary hardship since the applicant is already yielding 25% of his property
for a public dedieatien. With the price of land in the area at a premium, the only way he could
preserve the property values would be to construct a residence with a floor area of 3,095 sq. ft. He
noted that Mr. Askorinam is not asking for a variance to the setback requirements, nor the
allowable lot coverage of 40% of the net lot area; therefore there would be room for yard area and
landscaping. The third finding, the granting of the application will not be detrimental or injurious
to the properly in the vicinity and would not be detrimental to the public health, safety and general
welfare, nor convenience, since the applicant intends to apply with the setback in lot coverage
requirements. All construction would meet the government building codes, it would be connected
Planning Commission M/nut~ 4 May 13, 1996
to the Cupertino Sanitary Sewerage District facilities and to the Cupertino water system.
Replacement of the existing structure would be an enhancement to the area.
Mr. Nelson asked that the Planning Commission consider the responses to the findings and approve
Mr. Askorinam's request.
Mr. D. Askorinam, 10496 Byme Avenue, stated that before anyone purchased the property, the
dedications are not included or excluded, when the property is'purchased it would be a 7,500 sq. f~.
lot, not a 5,600 sq. ft. lot which means a substantial loss, and the only way to recoup it is to build
a bigger house. He submitted a hst of eight homes on Byme Avenue and Delores, whose square
footage exceeded 3,000 square feet. He pointed out that his proposed home would not be much
larger and because it is within the setbacks, it would not be outside the parameters.
In response to Com. Harris' questions, Mr. Askorinam stated that the house was a 5 bedroom,
2-1/2 bath home with a 2 car garage. He said it would be difl~calt to fit a 5 bedroom home in the
square footage the Planning Commission recommended. He stated that he had submitted
preliminary floor plans for the proposed home, and he felt it would be an enhancement to the site.
There was a brief discussion regarding the neighboring lots on Byrne Avenue wherein Mr.
Askorinam answered questions about the square footage of the lots.
Mr. Jung stated that the proposed home would be larger than most of the existing homes in the
neighborhood, noting that the existing homes were older homes. He said that the homes listed on
Mr. Askorinam's list included homes within the city and also in the county; but none of the homes
within the city jurisdiction had requested a floor area ratio variance.
Chairman Roberts asked if Mr. Askorinam had checked at City Hall about the dedication
requirements before he purchased the home. Mr. Askorinam responded that he was aware of the
dedication but after the purchase he realized the difference in the FAR.
Clmirman Roberts pointed out that according to the map, them were properties on McClellan and
Byrne where the l0 foot dedication was already carried through. He referred to Exhibit E where
there were several properties shown on the map from which 10 feet has already been taken off.
Referring to the map, Mr. Jung explained that annexation in the Monta Vista area is done on an
incremental basis. He illustrated two properties that had a requirement of a 10 foot dedication.
Chairman Roberts opened the public hearing for public comment. As there was no public input,
the public input portion of the hearing was closed.
Com. Austin stated that the 45 FAR was reasonable; the dedication was known well in advance
and she was in favor of upholding the Director of Community Development's decision to grant a
.48 FAR.
Com. Mahoney explained that when the request was first presented at .55 he was concerned; but
when it came back with a no response, and as a .48 he was reassured. He said that he felt the .48
was reasonable.
PlannJn~ Commi.~ion M~nutcs $ May 13, 1996
Com. Harris said that the .45 is a little low, especially in light of the dedications, but if the
Director's variance is considered, the 2,700 square feet less the typical 450 square foot garage,
tber¢ would be a 2,250 square foot house which would accommodate 3 or 4 bedrooms, which is
relatively typical and appropriate, and not a detriment to the substantial use of thc property to have
2,250 square foot of living area. She said she was in favor of the Di~ctor's approved maximum
building area of.4g FAR or 2,700 square feet, whichever is less.
Chairman Roberts concurred; stating that as a further consideration that the allowance of 2,700
square feet was more or less what would have been obtained if the dedication on Byme had only
been 5 feet and if we were to apply the .45 FAR. It is not an unreasonable constraint and does not
preclude reasonable use of the property.
MOTION:
SECOND:
ABSENT:
VOTE:
Com. Harris endorsed that. the Planning Commission recommend to the City
Council thc approval of thc Planning Director's variance to .48 FAR or 2,700
square feet, whichever is less
Com. Austin
Com. Doyle
Passed 4-0-0
Chairman Roberts explained to Mr. Ask0rinam that the Planning Commission supports the
decision of the Director of Community Development and recommends to the City Council the .48
FAR or 2,700 square feet, whichever is less.
Application No.:
Applicant:
Property Owner:
Location:
1 -TM-96
Donald Bald
Frank Graham
22366 Hartman Drive
Tentative Map to subdivide a .69 acre parcel into two lots.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Categorically Exempt
PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED
Staff presentation: Mr. Jung reviewed the application to subdivide a 0.69 -acre parcel into two
lots, ns outlined in the attached staff report. Referring to the tentative map, he pointed out that the
lots were slightly larger than normally found in a R1-7.5 zone primarily because of PG&E right-
of-way along the back of the property. He illustrated the PG&E right-of-way on the tentative map.
Mr. June pointed out that the architect attempted to design a two story home which fits within the
triangular developable portion of tbe lot. Staff recommends approval of application for the two lot
subdivision in accordance with the model resolution.
Com. Harris questioned the response letter from PG&E which indicated that the required
horizontal clearance was insufficient.
Mr. Jung responded that PG&E had initially required the right-of-ways for their electrical
transmission corridor in 1943 and 1953 which was 13 years after construction of the subdivision
and probably before the subdivision was constructed and afar the electrical lines were in; and now
they are saying that because of certain PUC requirements, there has to be a certain distance
PlanningCommissinnMiantes 6 May 13, 1996
requirement that is placed betweefi the electrical conductors and the house itself which is outside of
the easement lines they have acquired. What they are asking 'for is an additional clearance outside
their easement line in order to meet safety coneems. Mr. Jang said he has been talking to PO&E,
as well as Mr. Bahl talking to them about the issue and asked that discussion be withheld until Mr.
Bahl can provide his perspective on this particular issue.
Mr. Donald Bahl, Bahl Homes, said that he was the original developer of the property in 1966. Mr.
Bahl explained that the power lines came through in 1943 and were the premier tower lines about
60 feet tall. What PG&E is claiming, and is a result of the storms last winter, is that they did
some calculations and if there was a 56 mph wind and the temperature of the conductor was 60
degrees that it is possible that the conductor or what are called the power lines, could sway outside
of their easement line and therefore they need a horizontal cleanmce. They do not mention about a
vertical clearance; the maximum height to build a home in the city is 28 feet from the pad elevation
and that is to the peak of the roof and the power lines are up at least 50 feet. He said he felt the 22
foot vertical clearance was sufficient to satisfy the 6 foot horizontal clearance they were
requesting.. The other question raised with them is that it is 1100 feet to the next tower;'the next
tower sits on Alpine; the mid span is 550 feet. It is true in the center that the power line might
swing outside the easement, but the lines are attached to those towers and there is no way that the
line is going to deflect that much at 117 feet and if it does, he said he could not imagine how far
outside the easement it is at 550 feet at the mid span.
Mr. Bahl said that he and Mr. Jung agreed that they will aUempt to resolve the issue with PG&E.
They are discussing it with their transmission people and are also looking at what rights they have
outside their easement line.
Com. Harris asked if they were specifically referring to a California PUC rule, and if Mr. Bahl
was hoping to get a variance from that ruling a change in the ruling.
Mr. Bahl said he was attempting to get a reasonable ruling. He said he felt PG&E was asking for
something thatbeyond their rights. It is not a safety problem; it is such a significant difference
between the conductor height and the very peak of the building itself. He said he was willing to go
ahead and allow the condition in the resolution and to resolve it with PG&E. In response to Mr.
Bald's request for furtber discussion on the park fee, Ms. Wordell indicated it would have to go
through the City Council for a ruling on park fees.
Chairman Robcrts pointed out that the City Attorney would probably advise against making legal
decisions if asked to comment on thc validity of this particular claim.
Mr. Jung pointed out that staff's primary concern with the subdivision is that it is done in a safe
maaner; that it meets PG&E standards for a safe separation between building site and the electrical
transmission lines. That is why the condition was put in, and Mr. Bahl has agreed to work it out
with PG&E. Mr. Bahl is also pursuing a separate vacation of public land along the front of his
property and if he obtains that it would increase his building area.
Chairman Roberts opened the meeting for public input. As there was no public input, the public
input portion of the meeting was closed.
Com. Harris said she did not want to create a non-buildable lot that may result in the need to build
on because the Planning Commission created it, and she stated that every lot has to be able to be
Planning Commission Minutes 7 May 13, 1996
used. She said resolution with PG&E is necessary; there is a negotiation with PG&E relative to it
being outside the easement and it is apparently a safety issue to PG&E. If it is a safety issue it
becomes a Planning Commission issue, and she said she would be willing to look at the issue once
it has been resolved. She said it was a significant issue and did not want to approve a subdivision
that that has caveats in it. Com. Harris said she was not comfortable approving this as written
until the PG&E issue is resolved. She said she did not want to put herself in a position of
evaluating whether PG&E is wrong; they have roles and laws they apply consistently and once they
make their decision on the appeal that is before them she would gladly act on it.
Com. Maboney said he concurred with Com. Hams in many aspects, except the difference between
a 4.3 foot clearance and a 6.0 clearance. He said that as long as the applicant is proceeding
knowing that this is the lot size and these are the constraints at this point in time, he was willing to
go along with approval consistent with that. He said it was buildable with something smaller.
MOTION:
SECOND:
ABSENT:
AYES:
NOES:
VOTE:
Com. Austin moved to approve Application 1-TM-96 according to the model
resolution.
Com. Maboney
Com. Doyle
Com. Austin, Mahoney
Com. Harris, Chairman Roberts
Failed 2-24)
There was a discussion about whether to continue the application as opposed to a denial of
application.
Ms. Carmen Lynaugh, Public Works, explained that the procedure is that if approved by Public
Works and all public utilities, it would go to City Council to order the vacation; then it has to go
to one more meeting, and the time couM possibly be shortened.
Chairman Roberts pointed out that from his perspective, a majority of the Planning Commission is
in favor of approving the subdivision if the question of the public right-of-way vacating is decided
favorably.
There was a brief discussion about whether or not the item could be continued after the motion to
deny the application was made and voted upon. There was consensus to rescind the vote on the
previous motion and act on a new motion.
Mr. Bald said that he would prefer a continuance until the issue was resolved with PG&E.
MOTION:
SECOND:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
VOTE:
Com. Austin moved to rescind previous denial of application I-TM-96 and to
continue the application to a future date when applicant can resolve the issue with
PG&E.
Com. Mahoney
Corns. Austin, Harris and Mahoney
Chairman Roberts
Com. Doyle
Passed 3 - 14)
Planning Commission Minutes g May 13, 1996
Application No.:
Applicant:
Property Owner:
Location:
2-TM-96
Emily Chen
Ruby Mae Cole
21901 Dolores Avenue
Tentative Map to subdivide a .45 acm parcel into one lot and one remainder lot.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Categorically Exempt
PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED
Staff presentation: Mr. Vera Gil, Planner II, reviewed the application to subdivide a .45 acm
parcel into one 11,470 sq. ft. flag lot and one 8,401.25 sq. ft. remainder lot, as outlined in the
attached staff report.
Mr. Gil explained that the subdivision has a major drainage problem. In order to achieve adequate
drainage for this parcel since there is no storm drain on Delores Avenue, the rear of the property
needed to be elevated in order to achieve the drainage to the front of the property. The proposed
building pad needed to be elevated to allow the property to drain to the rear into the front of the
proposed pad into a concrete swill which comes around and out to Delores Avenue and the runoff
goes onto Byrne Avenue. The problem that it poses, in order to achieve the drainage, the elevation
is higher in the rear of the property resulting in a retaining wall of 4 feet with a six foot fence atop
the retaining wall. Because of the elevation of the building pad, there will be some loss of privacy
for the property owners in the rear. Staffhas suggested that in order to eliminate the need for the
4 foot retaining wall, applicant explore obtaining a drainage easement on the rear property where
part of the lot would drain to the front onto Dolores and part of the rear of the lot would drain back
through to Alc~-~r. The rear property owner who would have the drainage easement on their
property would have an unsightly concrete swill through their property. Staff has discussed with
Public Works some ways of covering that and possibly requiring a grate to be placed on top of it.
It would be noticeable through their property.
The applicant has agreed to explore the possibility of obtaining a drainage easement from the rear
property owner, and possibly providing some landscaping so that it won't be as noticeable. It is
one of the conditions of approval that the applicant will explore and report back to staff.
Ms. Gil reviewed the engineer's comments which have not yet been addressed on the tentative map.
Applicant has stated the comments will be addressed by them prior to the final map. They are all
covered under the Public Works conditions of approval. Some of the engineer's comments
include: relocation oftbe water meter, design of the retaining wall, removal of the telephone pole,
etc.
Staff feels that the drainage problem is not significant enough to deny the subdivision, and
recommends approval of the application.
Responding to questions from Com. Mahoney, staff explained that the lot drains to the rear comer
of the lot. Ms. Lynaugh stated that a pump is not an acceptable solution because during storms,
power outages cause more problems.
Ms. Emily Chen, applicant, explained that the property owner was unable to attend the meeting.
She said that she had discussed the drainage problem with the engineer, and ifa retaining wall was
Planning Comm/ssion Minut~ ~ May 13~ 1~96
built it would not be 4 feet high. She said she was also going to try and negotiate an easement
with the neighbor in the back. Ms. Chen said two other possibilities existed: a service drain and
an underneath pipe, depending upon what the difference is between the two lots. Appropriate
landscaping could also be utilized. She reiterated that. the drainage is a major problem with the
subdivision. She pointed out that the water meter had to be relocated also because of its small size.
A brief discussion ensued regarding thc correspondence received from thc neighbors. Ms. Chen
said she was aware they were not happy with a 4 foot retaining wall and that it probably could be
reduced to less than 3 feet. Another alternative to discuss with the neighbors is putting pressure
treated wood fence in combination with the concrete block retaining wall. She also discussed thc
building pad.
Chairman Roberts opened the meeting for public input.
Ms. Liling Fuag, 21900 Alc~,~r Avenue, said she was the owner of the property behind the
subject lot. She expressed concern about the drainage problem because according to their proposed
plan they want to elevate the building pad by 4 feet. She said she did not want the landscape
destroyed because of the neighbor's subdivision and didn't feel they should be the victim of the
developer's plan. Also, according to the recommendations of the Planning Commission, the
applicant had not contacted her, so she felt she could not trust the applicant about what the future
plans would be. She recommended that the application be denied until the drainage problem was
resolved. She said a further concern was that the division of land on the neighbor's side may cause
flooding on her side eventually, beeanse if the neighbor's land was higher, her side would be
lower. Ms. Fung said she felt the applicant was insensitive to the neighboring residents. The
drainage problem should be resolved in a more sensible way but not at the cost of the neighbor's
interest and the destruction of the original landscape.
In response to a comment contained in Ms. Fung's letter, Com. Mahoney asked if there was a map
with the pattern of development indicated. Ms. Fang referred to Exhibit A, the Assessor's Map,
and said she was concerned with the method of lot division. She said she felt the lot division would
render a poor image for the whole area. She suggested building the drainage system for Delores
Avenue to alleviate the reoccurring problem every time development occurs.
Chairman Roberts asked staff if there was a plan for general drainage improvements in this
neighborhood, and if it was the general pattern that all of the streets drain on the surface over to
Byme and that there are storm sewers on Byme.
Ms. Lynaugh responded that the City did not have the funds for installing drainage systems along
those streets. She said that on Delores and Alc~Tar there are high points in the middle of the length
between Orange and Byme which causes the drainage to go both ways. She said she did not think
that there were substantial storm facilities such as the master drainage in this area.
Discussion continued regarding the drainage problems, wherein staff answered Commissioners'
questions.
Chairman Roberts closed the public input portion of the meeting.
There was a brief discussion about flag lots. Ms. Gil referred to Exhibit A and reviewed the
background of the property and answered Commissioners' questions.
Planning Commission Minutes 10 May 13, 1996
Com. Maboney remarked that even though the Planning Commission doesn't like flag lots, they
~ntinue to be approved.
Com. Harris said she had no comment.
Chairman Roberts noted that there was a pattern of flag lots subdivision in the area. He questioned
if the drainage was particalar to this property.
Ms. Gil said that staff has examined other subdivisions in the area and discovered that there are
none with such a high retaining wall, most of the others are resolved with very small retaining
walls of one to two feet or other drainage solutions utilized.
Com. Harris said she felt it was beneficial for people to be able to subdivide their property
appropriately, but the neighbors should not have to bear the burden of it. She said she felt she was
not prepared to approve the application until the drainage problem has been resolved in such a way
that will keep the neighbors whole, and not with a ten foot fence and retaining wall. She stated that
she would have to see the details worked out before she could approve the subdivision.
Com. Harris said that whatever decision is made would apply to the next two lots and it needs to be
considered a community event. Hopefully Public Works will be willing to work on solutions that
are attractive, aesthetic, functional and not just practical. She recommended a solution be reached
where everyone can be a winner.
Coins. Mahoney and Austin concurred with Com. Harris.
In response to Com. Austin's question about the zoning which indicated the applicant had
erroneously listed it as R1-75, Ms. Gil said it did not affect the application as the applicant would
make the correction. She said that although flag lots were thought to be discouraged, it appeared
that more would be approved, and she felt that it was not an ideal situation.
Ms. Wordell explained that where a flag lot pattern already existed, as did in Monta Vista, the
pattern was permitted to continue. She said that when there is no pattern, staff has not
recommended creating flag lots. Discussion continued about flag lots wherein Ms. Wordell
answered questions.
Chairman Roberts said he was skeptical about flag lots, and that there is flag lot development in
this particular neighborhood. Where the creation of the flag lot exacerbates some existing
problem, and drainage is a problem in that area, it is an argument against permitting the flag lots.
Chairman Roberts said that until such time as the drainage problem can be solved in a satisfactory
manner to all parties, he would not approve the subdivision. The alternative is to continue the
item until the drainage problem is solved or deny the application.
Following a brief discussion, Ms. Chen requested the application be continued for one month.
MOTION:
SECOND:
ABSENT:
VOTE:
Com. Harris moved to continue Application No. 2-TM-96 to the June 10, 1996
Planing Commission meeting
Com. Mahoney
Com. Doyle
Passed 4-0-0
Plannin~ Commission Minules Il May 13, 1996
Com. Harris said if staff had more information on thc other lots, she would like to have it to get a
broader picture of what is occurring in the micro community.
Application No.:
Applicant:
Property Owner:
Location:
45-U-87 (Mod.)
Womar, Inc.
Womar, Inc.
20680 Homestead Road
Use Permit modification to locate a play structure at an existing fast food restaurant.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Categorically Exempt
PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED
Staffvresentation: Mr. Tom Wiles, Planning Intern, discussed the application for the addition of a
play structure at Carl's Jr. restaurant located at 20680 Homestead Road. He reviewed the site
location, scope of the project, parking, and the impact on the residential area, as outlined in the
attached staff report.
Mr. Wiles pointed out that concerns raised by the Central Fire District in their May 6 letter would
be complied with before any issuance of the building permit. The applicant has talked with Mr.
George Barnes of the Central Fire District, and Mr. Barnes and the applicant have agreed to those
tern. An acceptable landscape plan will also be completed for the site before the issuance of a
building permit.
Mr. Wiles said that parking will not be affected unless seating is installed in the play area. If
installed, it must be in accordance with the city's parking regulations.
Staff recommends approval of the modification to the conditional use permit 45-U-87 subject t6 the
model resolution.
In response to Com. Harris' question, Mr. Wiles confirmed that the conditions listed in the Central
Fire District's letter of May 6 were listed in the revised model resolution.
Com. Roberts expressed concern that the addition of the play area would contribute to a parking
problem of too few sites for the restaurant. Mr. Wiles responded that the present site meets the
parking regulations and the owner does not plan to put any additional seating in, which would not
increase the demand for parking, ffthey do plan to put in additional parking, an agreement would
have to be re, ached with the shopping center owner to allow the use of additional spaces. Com.
Mahoney indicated that he has not experienced a parking problem for the establishment.
Mr. Ken Pastmff, Lab Analysis Associates, agent for the applicant, said that he concurred with
Mr. Wiles' presentation, and that the applicant agrees with ail specified conditions including the
Central Fire District conditions.
Chairman Roberts opened thc meeting for public input. As there was none, the public input
portion of the meeting was closed.
PlaaningCommissionMinutes 12 May 13,1996
Com. Harris said she approved of children's play'facilit/es and that it helped the city's parks use
and is a wholesome activity for children. She sa/d if a parking problem surfaced, it is a large
parking lot and it could have shared use with other parking, such as building C. Com. Harris said
that she supported the proposal.
Corns. Austin and Mahoney concurred with Com. Harris.
Chairman Roberts said that he also concurred, as long as parking was not a problem.
MOTION:
SECOND:
ABSENT:
VOTE:
Com. Mahon~y moved to approve Application 45-U-87 according to the model
resolution.
Com. Austin
Com. Doyle
Passed 4-0-0
Application No.(s):
Applicant:
Property Owner:
Location:
33-U-87 (Mod.) and 7-EA-96
Bethel Lutheran Church
Bethel Lutheran Church
10181 Finch Avenue
Use Permit modification to construct a 3,653 sq. ff. classroom addition to an existing church and
school.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Negative Declaration Recommended
PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION FINAL UNLESS APPEALED
Staffo~sentation: Ms. Wordell reviewed the application for aa addition to the existing school site
as prescnt~ in the attached staff report. Referring to the site plan, she discussed the surrounding
building uses.
Ms. Wordetl discussed the issues staff identifie~l, which included moving the stage area, and
relocation of trash container. Staffis recommending approval of the application.
In response to Com. Harris' question about ~placement of the magnolia trees, Ms. Wordell said
that there, was no plan to replace the trees.
Following a bricf discussion, them was consensus that mfe~nce to the maximum student
enrollment be included as a Condition 5 in Section IH of thc resolution.
Mr. Roger Griffin, Paragon Design Group, representing Bethel Lutheran Church, referred to the
site plan and discussed the relocation of the trash receptacle. He said that a purple leaf plum tree
would be relocated in order to allow for the trash receptacle relocation. He noted that the
proposed location for the stage area was not known, and it would be presented at a later date, if it
was to be moved onto the site. He requested approval for relocation of the trash receptacle and
also approval of the modifications and additions to the building.
discussion ensued regarding the recommended condition relative to student enrollment.
Planning Commission Minutes 13 May 13, 1996
Mr~ Davis Fields, Bethel Lutheran School, discussed the enrollment numbers in the school. -He
stated that there were 217 full time students enrolled in the school, fi-om preschool through sixth
grade. He illustrated how the fencing would be rearranged to create more space fxom the parking
lot for the play yard. He noted that the parking lot was closed offduring school hours.
In response to Com. Harris' question, Mr. Griffin explained that the magnolia trees which would
be removed because of the building addition, would be replaced. He said that the trees would not
be relocated to the area where the new addition would be located. Staffwill be consulted regarding
the location of the replacement trees. Ms. Wordell indicated that landscaping along the new
addition was not practical.
Chairman Roberts opened the meeting for public input. As there was none, the public input
portion was closed.
Chairman Roberts noted correspondence received fi-om residents at 10197 Finch Avenue
registering concerns about the proposed addition. A brief discussion ensued regarding the concerns
addressed in the letter. It was noted that the first concern was addressed; the second one applicant
will return for; the third concern could be dealt with at the time the application for the stage is
presented; the fourth concern is City policy. Ms, Wordell explained that the requirement for
construction to be halted at 5 p.m. would not be required by City policy.
There was consensus to amend Condition 3 to indicate the trash container would be located in the
southwest comer of the property with specific design and landscaping designs included, approved
at the building permit level. A fifth condition will be added to include reference to previous
conditions.
Com. Austin said she was in favor of the application. She said she wns in favor of restricting the
construction times during the week fi'om 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and not before 9 a.m. on Saturday,
stopping at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Ms. Wordell pointed out that specified hours might be a problem
because most of the workers were volunteer workers and would be working at the later hours.
Com. Austin revised the stoppage hours to 8 p.m. to accommodate volunteer workers.
Com. Mahoney said he approved the application under the current conditions.
Com. I-~rris said she was in favor the application, provided the previous conditions were carried
forth. Chairman Roberts concurred.
MOTION:
SECOND:
ABSENT:
VOTE:
Com. Ma,honey moved to approve the Negative Declaration on Application
33-U-87 (M)
Com. Austin
Com. Doyle
Passed 4-0-0
MOTION:
SECOND:
ABSENT:
VOTE:
Com. Austin moved to approve Application 33-U-87 (M) with conditions as
amended.
Com. Mahoney
Com. Doyle
Passed 4-0-0
Planning Commission Minutes 14 May 13, 1996
Com. Harris requested that staff remind the Planning Commission when the request to move the
stage is submitted, rather than submit it too far in advance so that the resident's concern could be
addressed.
OLD BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS - None
REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION - None
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
Ms. Wordell provided a brief ulxlate on the RHS Ordinance Amendment as outlined in the attached
report form.
There was a brief discussion about the housing mitigation for office/industrial uses being revisited
during the annual General Plan review. In response to Com. Harris' question, Ms. Wordell stated
that staffwould present the options to the Council.
Ms. Wordell reported that the Historic Preservation ordinance would be presented this week.
DISCUSSION OF NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS - None
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. to the regular Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday,
May 28, 1996.
Approved as amended: June 24, 1996
Respectfully Submitted,
Elizabeth Ellis
Recording Secretary