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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1960-08-01 PC MINS MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA August 1, 1960 A regular meeting of the 'Planning Commission of the City of Chula Vista was held on the above date at 7:00 P.M. -in the Council Chamber at Civic Center with the following members present: Stevenson, Weakland, Stewart, Harmstead and Adams. Absent: Members Guyer and Comstock.. Also present: City Attorney Kugler$ Director of Planning Fretz and Principal Engineer Harshman. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved -by Member Stevenson, seconded by Member Weakland and unanimously carried that the minutes of the meeting of July 18, 1960 be approved, copies having been mailed to each member. ELECTION OF CHAIRiylAN AND VICE-CHAIR[;AN It -was moved by Member Adams, seconded by Member_Harmstead and unanimously carried that election of officers be continued to the next meeting when more Commission members are present. ZONING PUBLIC HEARING - Proposed Ordinance Limiting Use of Front and Side Yards Chairman Stewart reviewed the background of the proposed ordinance, stating that the Planning Commission had been requested to study the feasibility of limiting uses of front and side yards .in view of complaints about the parking of trailers, boats, etc. therein, blocking view of adjacent homes. This being the time and place as advertised, Chairman Stewart opened the hearing. The secretary read the proposed amendment. Protests were heard from the following persons: Mr. John Russell, 695 Jefferson; James E. .Thomas, 452 Corte Helena; T. A. Gorman, 366 Hedgeway; Mr. Gordon Hardy, 133 "K" Street; Robert Cole, 202 Church; H. D. McDonald, 718 Glover; Ralph Harold 515 "J"; John Schroeder, 691 Fig; C. A. Morehouse, 110 Brightwood; Matthew Bell, Roamer Coach Sales, 830 Broadway; Louis Klein, 785 Ash; Lucky Miller from San Diego Trailer Club; Elmer Worthy, Glendale, President, from Travel Trailer Clubs of America; Giles Wilbanks of Federal Employees Rod & Reel Club; Mrs. Matthew Bell; D. B. Rowan, 712 Fifth; Mr. Al DeZort, 160 Third Avenue; Mr. Dan Lawson, 701 Fifth; Richard Garrison, 384 Palomar Drive; Mr. Langford, from LaMesa; Charles Russell, National City and Mr. L. Handley, 654 Oaklawn. Their comments were that most of the lots in Chula Vista are not designed so that trailers can be moved through the side yards into the rear yards; that this ordinance would include other things such as clothes lines and childrents gym sets and would prohibit parking of trailers in front yards when they are being loaded for trips; some accessory buildings_ are allowed in side yards which would be just as objectionable as parked trailers and boats; adoption of the ordinance as written would deprive home owners of property rights; the proposed ordinance is too strict; the unsightliness of a few trailers ' should not penalize those persons who keep their trailers in good repair; it would force trailer owners to rent space in a storage yard, if one became available; would destroy the attractiveness of Chula Vista as a residential area because people could not live the way.they want; the average trailer and boat owners are desirable citizens, the kind that Chula Vista wants to attract;. and that_, if such an ordinance is adopted, it will likely spread to other cities. Letters protesting the ordinance and offering constructive criticism were read from Giles Wilbanks, Chairman of Trailer Committee of the Federal Employees Rod & Reel Club and Lucky Miller, governor of the Border District of Travel Trailer Clubs of America. Mr. R. D. Olsen, 354 Palomar Drive' spoke approving the ordinance, stating that trailers parked in front yards are traffic hazards in that they block the view of automobile drivers backing into the street from driveways; that trailers parked in front yards downgrade neighborhoods. Chairman Stewart explained that if the amendment is adopted, in the case of hardship, the ordinance provides the variance procedure for relief. He stated that of course each case would have to be considered individually and that it is not the intention of the Planning Commission to create hardship. He reviewed the purpose of setbacks. The Commission discussed the affect of the ordinance on normal usage of front yards such as Christmas decorations and scenes and the validity of the objections received. Member Adams stated that he approves the purpose of the proposed ordinance but that perhaps it can be improved. It was moved by Member Adams, seconded by Member Harmstead and unanimously carried that the public hearing be continued to September 19 for consideration of protests received and suggestions offered by Mr. Wilbanks. PUBLIC HEARING - Ordinance Providing for Service Stations in C-1 Zones and Automobile Laundries in C-2 Zones with Conditional Use Permits Planning Director Fretz reviewed the proposed ordinance. This being the time and place as advertised, Chairman Stewart opened the hearing. The Commission discussed the feasibility�of limiting the automobile repairs allowed in C-1 zones to minor adjustments.- There being no further comment, the hearing was closed. RESOLUTION NO. 182 - Recommending to City Council Amendment to Ordinance to Allow Service Stations in C-1 Zones and Automobile Laundries in C-2 Zones Upon Granting of Conditional Use Permits Offered by Member Adams, passed, adopted and approved by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Members Adams, Stevenson, Weakland, Stewart and Harmstead NOES: none ABSENT: Guyer and Comstock Request for Rezoning - South Side Naples, East Side Hilltop Drive Near Hilltop Naples Shopping Center - R-1 to R-3 It was. moved by Member Harmstead, seconded by Member Adams and unanimously carried that the matter be set for public hearing on August 15, 1960. - 2 - Request for Rezoning - Approximately 750 Third Avenue - R-1 to C-1-P It was moved by Member Harmstead, seconded by Member Adams and unanimously carried that the matter be set for public hearing on August 15, 1960. VARIANCES PUBLIC HEARING - E. T. and Beatrice Jones - 318 "H" Street - Reduction in Setback . The application was read requesting a reduction in setback along "H" Street from 20 to 5 feet for the purpose of constructing a commercial building. Planning Director Fretz submitted a plot plan showing proposed building and property cuts® This being the time and place as advertised, Chairman Stewart opened the hearing. Mrs. Beatrice Jones spoke favoring the variance and asked if it was possible to waive- the waiting period required by ordinance, after the Commission approves a variance. The purpose of the waiting period was explained and Mrs. Jones was told that clearing the land and grading work can be started prior to the effective date® There being no further comment, the hearing was closed. The Commission discussed the need for changing the setback in commercial areas to conform to commercial uses. It was moved by Member Adams and seconded by Member Harmstead that the application for reduction in front yard setback at 318 11H" Street from 20 to 5 feet be approved and that action be based on the following: 1. There are exceptional circumstances in that the property is zoned commercial - and is entitled to a smaller setback. 2. The variance is necessary for preservation of a substantial property right in that the owner will be deprived of a considerable use of his property. 3. The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental because the adjacent property is zoned for commercial purposes. The motion carried by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Members Adams, Stevenson, Weakland, Stewart and Harmstead NOES: none ABSENT: Members Guyer and Comstock PUBLIC HEARING - K. M. Fanning - 328 Patricia Avenue - Reduction in Setback Planning Director Fretz stated that the applicant was no longer interested in the variance. No action taken. Request for Extension of Time — Doreen Parmely - Northeast Corner First and "KI, Street A letter was read from Tars. Doreen Parmely asking a year's extension of time on the variance granted for reduction in setback for her property at the northeast corner of First Avenue and "K" Street. - 30 It was moved by Member Stevenson' seconded by Member Harmstead and unanimously carried that a ones-year extension of time be granted for use of the variance at the northeast corner of First Avenue and "K" Street for reduction in setback. Request for Extension of Time - Florence Rehfield - Northeast Corner of Fifth Avenue & Flower Street A letter was read from Mrs. Florence Rehfi_eld requesting an extension of time on a variance granted for reduction in setback on the northeast corner of Fifth and Flower. Planning Director Fretz reviewed the background of the request' stating that the variance was granted originally in 1952 and extensions granted since that time. It was moved by Member Harmstead, seconded by Member Stevenson and unanimously carried that the request for extension of time be denied on the basis that circumstances about the property might have changed during the past eight years. Appeal from Planning Commission Denial of Variance - Lively-Henry - Rear of 178 Second Ave, Planning Commission findings were read on denial of a variance for use of R-1 property at the rear of 178 Second Avenue for off-street parking for the apartments located at 215 "H'I Street. Planning Director Fretz 'stated that Mr. Henry had investigated the possibility of dividing the property on Second Avenue into two R-1- lots., which was a, consideration in the denial of the variance. He stated that the property has 110 foot frontage and adequate area for two lots, but the house is constructed in such a manner that the lot cannot be split without removal of the house. The owner values the house at $30,000 and it would not be practical to move or raze it. It was moved by Member Adams, seconded by Member Stevenson and unanimously carried - that the findings be forwarded to the City Council with the appeal. Appeal from Planning Commission Denial of Variance - Jadson, Inc. - "Gfl & "H" Streets at Oaklawn Avenue The findings of the Planning Commission on denial of the variance to Jadson, Inc. for maintenance of advertising signs on Oaklawn Avenue at "G" and "H" Streets were read. The Commission directed that the findings include the statement that the signs are existing and in violation of the Zoning Ordinance, as noted during the public hearing on the variance. It was moved by Member Stevenson, seconded by Member Harmstead and unanimously carried that the findings be forwarded to the City Council with the appeal. SUBDIVISIONS Sweetwater Valley Industrial Park - Revised Final Map Planning Director Fretz reviewed the matter, stating that both the City Council and Planning Commission had approved the final map of. Sweetwater Valley Industrial Park and that it was then discovered that Trousdale Avenue would run through the existing liquor store fronting on Highland Avenue. He stated that the liquor store has a five year lease and the subdividers. have submitted a revised final map .showing a realign- ment of Trousdale Avenue approximately 40 feet below that shown on the approved map. - � r City Attorney Kugler ruled that the Subdivision Ordinance requires that any sub- stantial change on a final map requires submission of a new tentative map. He stated that a tentative and final map could be submitted to the Planning Commission on August 15th and then taker. to the City Council on August loth, with new bonds. covering public improvements. It was moved by Member Harmstead, seconded by Member Adams and unanimously carried that a new tentative and final map be submitted to the Planning Commission on August 15th with new bonds covering public improvements. Further that the subdivider be requested to move the entire right-of-way of Trousdale Avenue south the needed footage, so that the street will not angle to the northeast. STREETS AND HIGM-JAYS Request for Exemption from Construction of Public Improvements - Northwest Corner of Highland Avenue and "C" Street Planning Director Fretz reviewed the matter stating that it had been continued to study the possibility of deferring construction of public improvements at Highland and "C" Street. Principal Engineer Harshman stated that the City Engineer made the' following recommendations: 1. Development of shoulder paving, curb and gutter on "C" Street and curb and gutter on Highland Avenue. 2. Bonds be posted guaranteeing installation of sidewalk on "C" Street when the city deems advisable. 3. Installation of sidewalk be deferred on Highland at this time. City Attorney Kugler stated that bonds would not meet the requirements of the ordinance, but that .a lien could be given the city in the amount of the cost. Mr. William Griffin, representing the developer, stated that they would prefer not to have a lien on the property in view of the fact that it would affect the financing when development of a service station is started on the corner. It was moved by Member Stevenson, and seconded by Member Harmstead that the request for exemption from construction of public improvements at the northwest corner of. Highland Avenue and "C" Street be denied and that the owners meet the following requirements: 1. Curb, gutter and sidewalk be constructed along Highland Avenue, 2. Curb, gutter and shoulder paving be constructed along "C" Street. 3. Construction of sidewalk along trCrl Street be deferred for one year. To guarantee installation of sidewalk at such time as the City deems advisable, the owner shall give the City a cash deposit and an unrecorded lien on the property in amount sufficient to cover cost of installation. (As determined by the City Engineer.) The lien shall be recorded if the cash deposit is withdrawn® The motion carried by the following vote, to wit: - 5 - AYES: Members Stevenson, Weakland, Stewart, Harmstead and Adams NOES: none ABSENT: Members Guyer and Comstock Request for Exemption from Construction of Public Improvements - Trenton Avenue, North of Palomar Street Planning Director Fretz reviewed the letter from Mr. Willis Richardson, requesting that he be permitted to defer construction of public improvements along Trenton Avenue, north of Palomar Street, at the present time. Mr. Richardson stated that he cannot get final inspection on two houses he has moved in until improvements are in and that he cannot get a permit for improvements until the'grade and design for a portion of a cul-de-sac is established. It was moved by Member Adams and seconded by Member Stevenson that the request of Mir. Richardson for deferment of construction of public improvements on Trenton Avenue, north of Palomar Street, be granted for a period of four months; that Mr. Richardson give a lien on the property to the city for the cost of the improvements (as deter- mined by the City Engineer to guarantee construction of improvements at the expiration of four months. Further, that action be based on the fact that it is impractical to install the public improvements at this time because necessary engineering work is not completed. The motion carried by the following vote, 'to wit: AYES: Members Adams, Stevenson, Weakland, Stewart and Harmstead NOES: none ABSENT: Members Guyer and Comstock Request for Extension of Davidson Street - East from Woodlaim Avenue A letter was read from-property owners on the north and south sides of the proposed Davidson Street, asking extension of Davidson Street east from Woodlawn Avenue and its improvement under the 1911 Act. Planning Director Fretz submitted a map showing proposed dedication and stated that it would be desirable for a cul-de-sac to be constructed at its easterly terminus since the street cannot go through to Broadway. ' ' Mr, Tom Griffith, speaking for Robert Stowell, one of the owners, stated .that all the affected property owners have agreed to dedicate the necessary footage. Mr. O. L. McMickel, 653. 11F11 Street, stated that the street is needed for ultimate development of the land-locked property* It was moved by Member Harmstead, seconded by Member Adams and unanimously carried that the Planning Commission recommend to City Council approval of the dedication of the proposed extension of Davidson Street and that provision be made at the easterly terminus of the proposed street for a cul-de-sac adequate for a commercial area. Request for Approval of Church Site - Grace Baptist Church - .300 Block Fifth Avenue A letter was read from Reverend Kenneth Johnson for approval of church site on the east side of Fifth Avenue between Center Street and Parkway. Planning Director Fretz submitted a plot plan of the area, showing existing building to be used for a period of time as the sanctuary and the proposed .off-street parking area He stated that he would prefer the matter be continued to the next-meeting to allow further study of the location and proposed parking. - 6 - It was moved by Member Adams, seconded by Member Stevenson and unanimously carried that the matter be continued to the next meeting for further study. Approval of Location of Church - Seventh Day Adventists - Third and Mankato Planning Director Fretz stated that the Pastor of the Seventh-Day Adventist's Church has requested permission to construct a tent-like structure in a C-1 zone, Third and Mankato, to be used for a series of addresses. Reverend Niermeyer stated that the services to be held are not revival in nature, but rather services similar to those held in the sanctuary. He stated that the structure is plasticized nylon, has the appearance of a tent, but is kept inflated by air pressure rather than having supports. Planning Director Fretz stated that at the last meeting, a resolution was adopted classifying a revival service as a C-2 use because the temporary nature of structures used is comparable to others in a C-2 zone. He stated that the Ordinance allows churches in any zone, upon approval of the site by the Planning Commission and apparently the only difference in what the Adventist's Churhh proposes and any church building is the structure. The Commission discussed the length of time the Church wishes to use the structure and the hours it will be occupied. Reverend Niermeyer stated that the services will not be noisy and all activity will be over by 10:00 P.M., so should not be objectionable to the residents in the area. It was moved by Member Stevenson, seconded by Member Adams and unanimously carried that the request by the Seventh Day Adventist's Church to hold services in a temporary structure at Third and Mankato be approved for a period of two months, with the condition that activity will not last past 10:00 P.M. Classification of Rental Equipment Yard A letter was read from Mrs. H. .D. Burgess, requesting classification of a rental equipment yard. The Commission discussed the possibility of classifying the use as M-1 as being comparable to a contractor's storage yard but concurred that smaller equipment can be rented in hardware and other stores allowed in C-1 zones. Member Adams feels that such a use needs to be in a location where 'it can be seen. Member Stevenson suggested that the use might be classified as M-1 but allowed in a C-2 zone with a conditional use permit. The Commission continued the matter to August 15th, for further study. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Member Harmstead, seconded by Member Adams and unanimously carried that the meeting adjourn to August 15, 1960. Respectfully submitted, AudreyS onehouse Secret y