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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1959-03-16 PC MINS MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA March a6, 1959 An adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Chula Vista was held on the above date in Council Chambers at Civic Center, with the following members present: Stevenson, Sparling' Calkins, Stewart, Harmstead, Adams and Culnan. Absent: none. Also Present: Director of Planning Fretz, Planning Consultant Whitnall' City Attorney Kugler and Principal Engineer Harshman. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was moved by Member Calkins, seconded by Member Adams and unanimously carried -that the minutes of the meeting of March 2, 1959 be approved, copies having been mailed to each member. COMMUNICATIONS George. Kenworthy - 276 11K11 Street A letter was read from Mr. Kenworthy asking permission to cover a lath house built ' for use in connection with a variance granted allowing him to sell flowers from the residential property. It was explained to Mr. Kenworthy that the variance granted did not specify construction of a lath house and that any improvements to the property for the purpose of selling flowers, other than maintenance of a portable stand, would not be permitted unless another variance is approved. T. P. Huntington - 311 Del Mar A letter was read from Mr. T. P. Huntington requesting that the Planning Commission consider at this meeting a zone variance which had been continued from March 2nd to April 6th, because he is of the opinion that information desired by the Commission is available. City Attorney Kugler said that the hearing was continued to April 6th and that the Planning Commission cannot consider the matter at this meeting, for the reason that adequate notice of the hearing has not been given. It was moved by Member Adams, seconded by Member Culnan and unanimously carried that the item remain on the agenda for the April 6th meeting, Warren F. Thomas - 500 Block t1H" Street A letter was read from Nor. Warren F. Thomas requesting that he be granted permission to develop his R-3 property in the 500 Block of t1H" Street near Woodlawn and Oaklawn with a parking lot, to assist in solving the parking problem in ,the area and to allow him a reasonable property use. A petition, signed by 25 persons, was read requesting that the Commission grant variance for such a use. The Commission directed that Mr. Thomas be informed that the Commission cannot act upon the request until an application has been filed. San D12Lo County Planning Commission - Coordinating Master Plans for Entire County A letter was read from the San Diego County Planning Commission asking for cooperation in a program which will endeavor to coordinate master planning in the county, and asking that the city support their request for additional professional personnel to be responsible for the program, if they feel it is a worthwhile program. It was moved by Member Culnan, seconded by member Calkins and unanimously carried that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that a letter be written to the Board of Supervisors endorsing the program outlined and supporting the request of the County Planning Department for additional professional personnel to supervise such a program. Daniel Norris - 1055 Del Mar A letter was read from Ms. Daniel Norris urging that the Planning Commission proceed as quickly as possible to establish procedures for zoning lands as they are annexed, as authorized by the new Prezoning Ordinance,, The Commission directed that Mr. Norris be thanked for his interest and informed that such procedures will be established as rapidly as possible. REZONING PUBLIC HEARING - Zoning of Newly Annexed Lands Director of Planning Fretz located these annexations in relation to existing developments and explained that because they are all developed or will be developed as R-1, and are now interim zoned R-1, permanent R-1 zoning is proposed. This being the time and place as advertised, Chairman Stewart opened the public hearings on the zoning of newly annexed lands. There being no comments, the hearing was closed. PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 113 - Recommending R-1 Zoning for Newly Annexed Lands Stewart Annexation, Hilltop High School Annex- ation, Kile Morgan #2, Kile Morgan #3, "J" Street .School Annexation, Judson Dam School Site Annex- ation, Buford Morris Annexation, Morgan Annex- ation and Morgan-Stanley Annexation. Offered by Member Calkins, passed, adopted and approved, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Members Calkins, Stewart, Harmstead, Adams, Culnan, Stevenson & Sparling NOES: none ABSENT: none PUBLIC HEARING - South Side of "J" Street, East of Broadway - Hobart Investment Co. The application was read, asking that the property presently occupied by the Wilson Trucking Service be rezoned from R-1 to R-3 to allow construction of multiple resi- dential units. This being the time and place as advertised, Chairman Stewart opened the hearing. Mr. Jim Lister, speaking for the applicant, stated that they realize that rezoning to 2 - R-3 does not bind the development to multiple residential use, but that they wish to build one-story duplex units, as shown on plot plan presented. A petition, signed by 60 persons, was submitted by Mr. R. B. Lunsford' 559 James' protesting the zone change for the reasons that the area is surrounded on three sides by single family residential. dwellings and that the property value will go down if the subject property is developed R-3; that the R-3 development will be projected into a single family residence area; that the development will create traffic congestion, and that there is a responsibility to owners of the surrounding properties to maintain R-1 development. Further protests were heard from Robert Bates, 753 Cedar; Merle Foster, 730 Beech; J. Bennesh, 693 Ash and Mrs. R. Lunsford' 559 James. Mr. Paul Miller and Mr. Wilson spoke favoring the granting of the variance with the statement that the proposed development would provide a buffer between C-2 and R-1 and will be an improvement to the property® Planning Director Fretz advised the Commission that the size of the parcel does not lend itself to economical development as R-1. He said the only practical way to develop it as R-1 would be to extend Ash Street through to nJ" Street' which, he feels, would create more traffic on Ash Street, Chairman Stewart stated that the property has been before the Commission three times for rezoning and that the property north, east and south is developed R-1. Mr. Lister stated that he would be willing to assure in writing that the property would be developed as shown on plot plan submitted, if the Commission re- commends the rezoning to Councile PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 114 - Recommending to City Council Rezoning from R-1 to R-3 of Property at the Southeast Corner of B roadway and t'J" Street. Offered by Member Adams, passed, adopted and approved by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Adams, Stevenson, Calkins, Stewart NOES: Members Culnan and Harmstead ABSENT: none ABSTAINING: Member Sparling .SETBACKS Director of Planning Fretz reviewed a request from C, C. Alley for an indication from the Planning Commission as to the appropriate setback for Landis Avenue between "E" and Davidson, and submitted a map showing existing setbacks along the street, The Commission stated that, from information on hand, an application for a minimum 5 foot setback would be appropriate. Mr. Alley stated that an application for reduction in setback would be submitted accordingly. Request for Rezoning - Frank Winicki - South Side of "G", East of Broadway Mr. Winickils application requesting rezoning from R-2 to C-1 of his commercially developed property on the south side of "G" Street, east of Broadway, was read, It was moved by Member Sparling, seconded by Member Harmstead and unanimously carried that a public hearing be set for April 6, 1959 for consideration of the application. Discussion of Rezoning - Block Between Broadway and Smith & "G" and "H" Mr. Fretz submitted a map showing land use in the block under discussion, explaining that it appears that the interior of the block is developed predominantly with res- idential uses and that it is evident that the frontage on IlGfi and "H" is undergoing a change towards commercial developments _ 3 ., It was moved by Member Calkins, seconded by Member Sparling and unanimously carried that a hearing be set for April 20th for consideration of the zoning in the block and that the Planning Director have necessary information at the April 6th meeting so that the Commission may designate the type of zoning to be considered, prior to publication of notice of hearing. Discussion of Zoning - Olivewood Acres Annexation Director of Planning Fretz explained to the Commission that it would be desirable for the Commission to delay any action on zoning of this annexation until such time as the annexation ordinance itself has had at least one reading before the City Council. It was moved by Member Culnan, seconded by Member Harmstead and unanimously carried that the matter be held over until the annexation ordinance had been placed on its first reading. Discussion of Zoning -- Russell Haas Industrial Park Annexation The Commission directed that information necessary to consider zoning be ready for the April 6th meeting so that a public hearing may be called. Request for Rezoning - Troy Homer - North Side of "G", East of Broadway Mr. Homer's application was read requesting commercial zoning for the property on the north side of "G" at Broadway, immediately across the street from other commercial development. It was moved by Member Sparling, seconded by Member Harmstead and unanimously carried that the matter be set for public hearing on April 63 1959. VARIANCES PUBLIC HEARING - Adela Butcher - 667 "F" Street - C-1 Use in R-3 Zone Mrs. Butcher's application was read, requesting permission to operate a beauty parlor in one room of her home, with one operator' as a home occupation. Mr. Fretz explained that the Commission had considered that area previously for rezoning in connection with that of the zone change on "E" Street, but that further action had not been taken. He presented a map showing land use in the area. It was moved by Member Culnan and seconded by Member Harmstead that the application be granted for the following reasons: 1. That the property is practically surrounded by commercial uses and has a railroad siding in front and is no longer desirable for residential use. 2. That, for these reasons, the variance is necessary for the substantial property right of the applicant. 3. The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the neighborhood. The motion failed to carry by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Culnan, Harmstead, and Adams NOES: Members Stevenson, Sperling, Calkins and Stewart ABSENT: none ® 4 The Commission discussed the type of development in this area, noting the proposed commercial zoning west of Woodlawn and north from this property, and the trailer park development east. They noted that the property in this area is not developed in any particular pattern which is caused partially by the manner in which the property is divided. It was moved by Member Sparling, seconded by Member Culnan and unanimously carried that the staff study the area and attempt to work out a program by which the land could be put to better use and its value increased. PUBLIC HEARING - Lee E. Raitt - 561 t'Htt Street Mr. Raitt's application for a variance asking permission to construct a two-story office building on the lot west of his realty office at the corner of Smith and "H" Street-. was read. Mr. Raitt submitted a plot plan showing location of the proposed building and its relation to the existing office building and provision for off-street parking. Mr. Raitt's application also requested a reduction in setback on "H" from 20 to 5 feet and in side yard sbtback from 5 to zero feet. This being the time and place as advertised' Chairman Stewart opened the hearing, Member Adams stated that if, after consideration, this area is recommended to Council for commercial zoning' that a 5 foot setback will be appropriate. There being no further comment' the hearing was closed. It was moved by Member Culnan and seconded by Member Adams that the application be granted and that Mr. Raitt be granted permission to construct a two-story bffice building' with reduction in setback on "Htt from 20 to 5 feet and side yard setbacks from 5 feet to zero, as shown on plot plan submitted' with the condition that off- street parking be provided, as shown on plan. Further, that the variance be based on the following findings of fact: 1. There are' exceptional circumstances in that a portion of the property has already been approved for a similar use and that the tendency of the entire block is towards commercial development for which commercial zoning will be considered in the near future, 2. That the granting of the variance is necessary for the preservation of a substantial property right in that most of the property hasaalready been developed,with a similar use. 3. That the granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to adjacent properties, there being an alley to the rear and commercial de- velopment on the west. The motion carried by the following vote, to merit: AYES: Members Culnan' Stevenson' Sparling, Calkins, Stewart, Harmstead and Adams NOES: none ABSENT: none PUBLIC HEARING - V, J. & Vanetta I. Olinger - 379 Vance Street The application was read requesting reduction in rear yard setback from 15 to 6 feet for the purpose of constructing a second unit on this R-3 lot. Director of Planning Fretz submitted a plot plan of the property showing proposed and existing buildings. - 5 - This being the time and place as advertised' Chairman Stewart opened the hearing. Mr. Olinger spoke favoring the granting of the variance. There being no further comment, the hearing was. closed. It was- explained that the area between the proposed 2 bedroom unit and the existing dwelling would be cut down to 31 feet if the 15 foot rear yard setback has to be maintained. It was moved by Member Sparling and seconded by Member Adams that the reduction in setback be denied for the reason that evidence was not presented indicating a hardhhip and because there appears to be room to build the additional unit and provide off- street parking in the area between dwelling units. SUBDIVISIONS - Cindy Park Subdivision - Final Map Director of Planning Fretz submitted the final map of Cindy Park and reviewed all conditions of the tentative map, explaining that they have been complied with. It was moved by Member Sparling, seconded by Member Harmstead and unanimously carried that the final map of Cindy Park be approved and recommended to the City Council for acceptance® Stardust Subdivision - Final Map. Mr. Fretz submitted the final map of Stardust Subdivision and explained that all the conditions of the tentative map have been complied with. It was moved by Member Sparling., seconded by Member Calkins and unanimously carried that the final map of Stardust Subdivision be approved and recommended to the City Council for acceptance. Sweetwater Valley Subdivision Tentative Map Director of Planning Fretz submitted .the tentative map of Sweetwater Valley Subdivision. A letter was read from the Engineering Department requesting that no action be taken until such time as the engineer of work provides information indicating means of flood control. A letter was also read from the California Water & Telephone Company asking that action not be taken until April 6th so that they can complete studies. Mr. Craig Anderson' representing Trousdale Construction Company, developer' stated that they wish to cooperate with the city during the construction and that information the city might require will be compiled by their engineers and presented to the city. He asked that the Commission consider the map at this time and make their requests in the form ofconditions so that the developer might proceed in securing financing. Chairman Stewart asked the Planning Director for his recommendation. Mr. Fretz stated that he felt the detailed consideration of the map should be withheld until more info- rrration is available on flood control. He said that it may turn out that the improve- ments necessary to alleviate any possibility of flooding would obviate the development of this property for the use proposed. He informed the Commission that he had written the State Division of Water Resources for run-off information for the Valley. The Commission directed that they also be asked what effect the divetti':ng of Paradise Creek into Sweetwater might have. It was moved by Member Sparling, seconded by Member Culnan and unanimously carried that the tentative map of Sweetwater Valley be held over until the Planning Director determines that all information necessary is on hand. - 6 _ MISCELLANEOUS Smith Lane Principal Engineer Harshman explained to the Commission that Smith Lane between "D" and Casselman Street is not a dedicated right-of-way., but has been used over a period of years for public use. He stated that City Attorney Kugler had ruled that the city has a claim on the right-of-way for street purposes because of the public use and because the city has maintained it. Mr. Harshman presented a plot plan showing that one-half of this right-of-way is a portion of Mr. Gene McMillin's property and was included in' plans for development by Mr. McMillin into apartment units. He stated that if Mr. McMillin must dedicate the half of the right-of-way., it will eliminate much of the off-street parking he has supplied for multiple residential construction.9 and cars belonging to residents of the apartments will then be forced to park in the right-of-way. Mr. Harshman stated that the Engineering Department would like an opinion from the Commission as to whether they would approve a variance exempting Mr. McMillin from providing off-street parking as required in the Zoning Ordinance' or whether they would prefer recommending to the City Council that the city abandon Smith Lane., thereby allowing Mr. McMillin to utilize his property as planned. It was moved by Member Sparling. seconded by Member Calkins and unanimously carried that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that the city abandon Smith Lane between T1D" and Casselman Street. Director of Planning Fretz commented to the Commission that there were high school students in the Chambers who had remained throughout the meeting. The boys--Bill Black, Gerald Holmes and David Valdez--explained that they attended the meeting in connection with their Civics class in School and found the meeting interesting. Chairman Stewart commended them for staying throughout the entire proceedings. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned sine die. Respectfully submitted. Audrey S onehouse Secretar