Loading...
02-01-2005 - Summary of Actions - Regular Meeting of Planning Commission - 01/11/05City of West Covina Memorandum AGENDA ITEM NO. DATE: February 1, 2005 SUMMARY OF ACTIONS REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF WEST COVINA JANUARY 11, 2005 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: ABSENT: CITY STAFF PRESENT: APPROVAL OF MINUTES: York, Roe, Warshaw, Rozatti Lane ' McIsaac, Yauchzee, Anderson, Hernandez, de Zara Regular Meeting, November 23, 2004 Regular Meeting, December 14, 2004 Roe requested clarification in the November 23, 2005 minutes that the Commission was opposed to the demolition of the historical home at Citrus and Cameron. Further, he requested that it be stated clearly that there were no guarantees that the Commission would approve any redesign of the project. ELECTION OF INTERIM VICE-CHAIRMAN Motion by Warshaw, seconded by Rozatti, to nominate Roe as Interim Vice -Chairman. Motion carried 3-0-1 (Lane absent, Roe abstained). Motion by Warshaw, seconded by Rozatti, to close nominations and elect Roe as Interim Vice -Chairman of the Planning Commission. Motion carried 3-0-1 (Lane absent, Roe abstained). A. OTHER MATTERS OR ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None B. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. FORTHCOMING PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS AND PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE 2. EXTENSION OF TIME CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.03-11 APPLICANT: Ernesto Siezar LOCATION: 1016 West Greendale Street The applicant is requesting the first of three one-year extensions of time for the above- referenced item. Motion by Roe, seconded by Warshaw, to approve the items listed. Motion carried 4-0 (Lane absent). ZAPLANCOWSUMACTS\SumActs 2005\1 1105 sum act.doc r Planning Commission Summary of Action Page 2 — January 11, 2005 C. PUBLIC HEARINGS (1) TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO: 61714 CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION APPLICANT: Rene Ortiz LOCATION: End of cul-de-sac at East Rio Verde Drive REQUEST: The project consists of a request for the approval of a tentative parcel map to subdivide one parcel into two. parcels as follows: Parcel 1 (19,594 square feet) and Parcel 2 (20,936 square feet). The project is located in the "Single -Family Residential" (R-1) Zone, Area District II. COMMENTS: Staff recommended that this matter be continued to the January 25, 2005 meeting Motion by Roe, seconded by Warshaw, to continue the consideration of this matter to the January 25, 2005 regular meeting. Motion carried 4-0 (Lane absent). NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS (2) CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 04-33 CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION APPLICANT: Ru-Kuen and David Chou LOCATION: 1025 South Glendora Avenue Grand Dragon Restaurant (Hong Kong Plaza) REQUEST: The project consists of a conditional use permit to allow the on -sale service of beer and wine within an existing 2,300- square foot restaurant. The project is located in the "Neighborhood Commercial" (N-C) Zone. COMMENTS: No one addressed the Commission regarding this matter. It was the consensus of the Commission that the granting of this, conditional use permit would enhance the business and was consistent with the applicable findings. Motion by Warshaw, seconded by Roe, to adopt findings as recommended by staff. Motion carried 4-0. - Motion by Warshaw, seconded by Roe, to waive further reading of the body of the resolution and adopt Resolution No. 05-4992, approving Conditional Use Permit No. 04-33. Motion carried 4-0 (Lane absent). (3) TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 61495 CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION APPLICANT: Yuchung Fon LOCATION:. 1828 East Merced Avenue REQUEST: The project consists of a request for the approval of a tentative parcel map to subdivide one parcel into two parcels as follows: Parcel 1 (20,060 square feet) and Parcel 2 (21,016 square feet). The project is located in the "Single -Family Residential" (R-1) Zone, Area District IIA. Z:\PLANCOM\SUMACTS\SumActs 2005\1 1105 sum act.doc 4 . • P Planning Commission Summary of Action Page 3 — January 11, 2005 COMMENTS: Frank Yeh, architect representing the applicant, and Mark Kay spoke in favor of the project. Joanne Wilner, Bob Ratliff, Joe Gras, Royall Brown, Mrs. Hector Quintana, David Sornoso and Judy Coronel spoke in opposition. Mr. Yeh testified that the applicant wanted to subdivide the lot so that he could build a house for his adult children to live in. Mr. Kay stated that he would prefer a flag lot rather than two narrow lots, side by side. He added that the flag lot would make the second home less noticeable. The opponents cited their concerns with additional traffic in the area, loss of privacy for the residents and the proposed two-story home. In addition, they all stated their belief that the flag lot would not be in character with the existing neighborhood and might set a precedent that would allow other such subdivisions. There was a discussion by the Commission in which they concurred that the flag lot was not in character with the surrounding area. Further, it was the consensus of the Commission that they did not want to set a precedent to allow this type of development because it would have a negative impact on the area, infringe upon the privacy of the residents and cause. additional traffic and parking problems in the area. Motion by Warshaw, seconded by Roe, to adopt findings as recommended by staff. Motion carried 4-0 (Lane absent). Motion by Warshaw, seconded by Roe, to waive further reading of the body of the resolution and adopt Resolution No. 05-4993, denying Tentative Parcel Map No. 61495. Motion carried 4-0 (Lane absent). D. NON -HEARING ITEMS (1) LANDSCAPE CONCEPT REVIEW APPLICANT: Henry Melendez LOCATION: Northwest Corner of Civic Center The Planning Department is currently reviewing a General Plan amendment, zone change, parcel map, and precise plan to allow a 143,000-square foot office complex. The site is located on the northwesterly corner of the Civic Center (north of the library). The applicant has requested to present their landscaping concept to the Commission to allow for input prior to the public hearing. COMMENTS: Applicant Henry Melendez introduced Wayne Romanek; landscape architect, and Johann Wang to answer questions regarding the landscaping to be incorporated into the exterior and interior of the proposed building. Mr. Romanek spoke regarding the types of trees that would be used and, Mr. Wang explained how landscaping would be incorporated into the interior of the building and on the terraces. In addition, Mr. Wang explained how landscaping would be used to enhance a planned water feature and interior garden area. There was a discussion by the Commission regarding the possible use of existing trees and the types of businesses that might occupy the commercial space. Mr. Romanek advised against transplanting trees since that might compromise the health of the trees. Mr. Melendez stated that he hoped to have a bank and possibly a legal firm established in the building in addition to the restaurants. ZAPLANCOM\SUMACTS\SumActs 2005\1 1105 sum act.doc Planning Commission Summary of Action Page 4 — January 11, 2005 Mr. McIsaac informed the Commission that a traffic study would have to be reviewed by staff prior to scheduling this for public hearing. Mr. Melendez indicated that, once the approvals are secured, he intended to have the project completed within 18 to 20 months. (2) EXTENSION OF TIME PRECISE PLAN NO.636, REVISION 2 APPLICANT: Foothill Transit LOCATION: 301 South Glendora Avenue Review a revision. to a precise plan that allowed the joint use of off-street parking facilities at the Wickes Furniture Store at 301 South Glendora Avenue. The joint use was approved on August 22, 2000, for a three-year period. On September 28, 2004, an extension was approved for.120 days, expiring January 28, 2005. Foothill Transit is requesting an additional extension until March 1, 2005. Mr. Doran Barnes of Foothill Transit spoke in favor of the requested extension. He indicated to the Commission that this would be the last extension requested for this site, since the park and ride at Wickes was scheduled to close on March 1, 2005. Mr. Barnes also addressed the Commission regarding tentative plans to build a permanent park and ride on the Faith Community Church property. He explained that the parking structure would be used by Foothill Transit riders during the week and the church on the weekends. John Scheuplein also addressed the Commission and encouraged Foothill Transit to implement an identification system for their riders. It was the consensus of the Commission to grant the extension and allow Foothill Transit to proceed with the closure of the park and ride facility at Wickes. Motion by Warshaw, seconded by Roe, to approve an extension for Precise Plan No.. 636, Revision 2, through March 1, 2005. Motion carried 4-0 (Lane absent). E. - OTHER MATTERS OR ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None F. COMMISSION REPORTS/COMMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Rozatti - regarding coordination of the. historic preservation program in West Covina by Miriam Tennant. York — regarding further information on the Mills Act and the status of the project at Citrus and Cameron Avenues. {1) CITY COUNCIL ACTION: December 21, 2004 City Council Meeting: -Zone Change 04-04 - approved for the Farmer's Market. Z:\PLANCOM\SUMACTS\SumActs 2005\1 11 05 sum act.doc Planning Commission Summary of Action Page 5 — January 11, 2005 January 18, 2005 City Council Meeting: -Code Amendment 03-03, Recreational Vehicles'— scheduled to be reconsidered. -Appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of Tentative Parcel Map No. 60602 and Variance No. 04-06 — scheduled to be considered. -Status report on the progress at the Quail Ridge Shopping Center. (2) PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT: a.) Annual Report and Summary of Subcommittee Review Update on the annexation agreement for the annexation of Nogales High School. G. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Roe, seconded by Rozatti, to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m. Motion carried 4-0 (Lane absent). Z:\PLANCOM\SUMACTS\SumActs 2005\1 1105 sum act.doc A City of West Covina Memorandum AGENDA ITEM NO. D-1 d DATE: February 1, 2005 SUMMARY OF ACTIONS REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF WEST COVINA January 25, 2005 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: York, Roe, Lane, Warshaw and Rozatti ABSENT: None CITY STAFF PRESENT: Mclsaac; Yauchzee, Anderson, Hitz, de Zara APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular meeting, January 11, 2005 Warshaw requested an amendment to the vote for Vice Chairman from 3-1-1 (Roe abstain, Lane absent) to 3-0-1 (Lane absent). The minutes were approved as amended. A. OTHER MATTERS OR ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Royall Brown — regarding BKK article in the January 25, 2005 San Gabriel Valley Tribune. John Scheuplein — regarding death of Gene Jacobs and the need for affordable housing in West Covina. B. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. FORTHCOMING PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS AND PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE 2. EXTENSION OF TIME CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.03-19 APPLICANT: Hector Magana LOCATION: 3209 East Cortez Street The applicant is requesting the first of three one-year extensions of time for the above- referenced item. Motion by Roe, secondedby Warshaw, to approve the items listed. Motion carried 5-0. C. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARINGS (1) TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO.61714 CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION APPLICANT: Rene Ortiz LOCATION:. End of cul-de-sac at East Rio Verde Drive REQUEST: The project consists of a request for the approval of a tentative parcel map to subdivide one parcel into two parcels as follows: Parcel 1 (19,594 square feet) and Parcel a ZAPLANCOM\SUMACTS\SumActs 2005\1 25 05 sum act.doc I A Planning Commission Summary of Action Page 2 — January 25, 2005 2 (20,936 square feet). The project is located in the "Single -Family Residential" (R-1) Zone, Area District II. COMMENTS: Rene Ortiz, applicant, was present to answer any questions by the Commission. Mr. Ortiz also indicated his willingness to redesign the project with a joint driveway as recommended by staff. John Scheuplein and Joanne Wilner spoke in favor of the development of this property. Mr. Scheuplein expressed his concern regarding the drainage of the property, adding that the drainage may have been damaged by people who ride motorcycles on the property. Mrs. Wilner expressed her concern regarding two-story homes in areas that are predominantly single story. She also expressed her desire to see the entrance to Cortez Park kept open. The Commission expressed their support of the subdivision and the development of this vacant parcel of land, since development of the lot would enhance the neighborhood. Motion by Warshaw, seconded by Lane, to. adopt findings as recommended by staff. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Warshaw, seconded by Lane, to waive further reading of the body of the resolution and adopt Resolution No. 05-4995, approving Tentative Parcel Map No. 61714. Motion carried 5-0. NEW PUBLIC HEARING (2) ADMINISTRATIVE USE PERMIT NO.04-41 CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION APPLICANT: Tung Vo LOCATION: 1526 East Thelborn Street REQUEST: The applicant is requesting approval of a 355-square foot second -story deck as a part of a 633-square foot first -floor addition, 366-square foot patio and a 528-square foot second floor addition to an existing 1,661- square foot home at 1526 East Thelborn Street. COMMENTS: Michael Thanh, representing the applicant, spoke in favor of the project. Steve Green, Shirley Hargrave, Rose Garofalo, Edward Chinen, Maria Mak, Della M. Perry, Charles Savage, William J. Jensen, Joanne Wilner and' John Scheuplein spoke in opposition. The opponents addressed the Commission regarding their desire to see the neighborhood maintained as a single -story neighborhood. They also stated that the second -story addition could possibly block their view of the mountains and infringe on their privacy. Mr. Thanh. assured the Commission that only the applicant's family would reside in the home and that the applicant wanted to expand the size of the home because his family was growing and needed additional space. There was a discussion by the Commission regarding the concerns expressed by the opponents. It was the consensus of the Commission that since the existing neighborhood was predominantly single -story homes, and there was such strong uniform opposition from neighbors, that the proposed second -story addition would not be appropriate. Consideration was also given to the possible redesign Z:\PLANCOM\SUMACTS\SumActs 2005\1 25 05 sum act.doc Planning Commission Summary of Action Page 3 — January 25, 2005 uniform opposition from neighbors, that the proposed second -story addition would not be appropriate. Consideration was also given to the possible redesign of the proposed addition. The Commission concurred that this request should be denied and that the applicant should continue to work with staff to redesign the addition in a way that would not require the addition of a second story. Motion by Warshaw, seconded by Roe, to continue this matter to February 8, 2005 for the adoption of a resolution denying this request. Motion carried 5-0. D. NON -HEARING ITEMS None E. OTHER MATTERS OR ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Joanne Wilner - regarding expansion of homes making them unaffordable and the need for greater communication between the City and real estate agents. F. COMMISSION REPORTS/COMMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Warshaw — regarding a possible a code amendment for garages. Roe — regarding comments made about the closure of the City Hall park and ride. �1) CITY COUNCIL ACTION: January 18, 2005 regular meeting: .Tentative Parcel Map No. 60602, Monte Verde Drive — Planning Commission decision to deny was upheld. Code Amendment No. 03-03 — Staff directed to draft an ordinance for adoption, possibly at February 15, 2005 regular meeting. (2) PLANNING DIRECTORS REPORT: -Planners Institute in Pasadena. -Joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting scheduled for March 29, 2005. -Confirmation that reorganization will take place at the May 10, 2005 regular meeting. G. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Roe, seconded by Warshaw to adjourn the meeting in memory of Gene Jacobs at 8:43 p.m. Motion carried 5-0. Z:\PLANCOM\SUMACTS\SumActs 2005\1 25 05 sum act.doc.