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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1962-11-19 PC MINS MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA November 19, 1962 A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Chula Vista was held at 7:00 P.M. on the above date in the Council Chamber at Civic Center with the following members present: Stevenson, Stewart, Comstock, Weakland, Willhite, Adams and Guyer. Absent: None. . Also present: Director of Planning Fretz, Assistant Planner Warren and City Attorney Duberg. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Member Guyer, seconded by Member Comstock and unanimously carried that the minutes of October 29, 1962 be approved, copies having been mailed to each member. REZONING PUBLIC HEARING (Cont 'd) - Robert Bean - 277 "L" Street - R-1 to R-3 Planning Director Fretz reviewed the matter for the Commission stating this hearing was postponed until the Supplemental "D" Zone could come into effect. This being the time and place as advertised, Chairman Stevenson opened the hearing. Dr. Robert Bean, 270 "L" Street, the applicant, said because of the large lot and the problem of the drainage ditch, only R-3 zoning here would be logical . Chairman Stevenson asked the applicant if the flow of water would be any problem. Dr. Bean stated it should be no problem - the drainage ditch would be kept open. It was no great engineering problem - just takes money to do this. Member Willhite questioned the applicant about a plot plan and was told that no plan was made as yet, since he did not think it was necessary at this time. Dr. Bean said he was thinking of two-story units. Mr. H. I . Skinner, 262 "L" Street; Mr. Eugene Coleman, 268 Sierra Way, and Mr. Robert Tower, 272 Sierra Way spoke in opposition stating as their reasons: (1) devaluation of their property (2) only two-thirds of the lot is usable because of the ditch (3) apartments create a parking problem and (4) invasion of privacy. There being no further comment, either for or against, the public hearing was closed. Member Guyer asked for the planning staff 's thinking. Planning Director Fretz commented that this is not a normal lot; that the lot 's size (approximately 18,000 square feet) ; its location adjacent to R-3 and C-2 and the drainage ditch all make it unreasonable to ever expect the lot to be developed as it is presently zoned. He added that the staff does not feel that the lot should be zoned strictly R-3 without controls; but it does feel that there is some reasonable apartment use which the Commission could control by imposing restrictions as to number of units, height of buildings, off-street parking, etc. The Commission discussed the transitional use. Vice-Chairman Stewart said this lot was 21 times a normal lot and the fact that y it does abut commercial should lend some validity to an R-3 use. Member Willhite stated that present R-1 zoning would allow a two-story unit here; zoning it R-3 would just increase the number of units. Member Adams said he felt -this was a very good lot for apartments - the only sug- gestion he had-to require that more parking space than normal be required, and all. parking be put in the rear of the buildings; that as he understood it, this could be done if the supplemental "D" zone was added. It was moved by Member Adams and seconded by Vice-Chairman Stewart that the appli- cation of Robert Bean for property located at 277 "L" Street for rezoning of Lot 276 from R-1 to R-3 be approved with the application of the "D" zone - to R-3-D. , Further, action be based on the following findings: 1 . Constitutes good zoning practice because the lot is adjacent to commercial and R-3 zoning on the west. 2. Lot is exceptionally large which makes it unsuitable for R-l . 3. In this location, it is reasonably compatible with the area. The motion failed to carry by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Adams, Stewart and Willhite NOES: Members' Guyer, Comstock, Weakland and Stevenson ABSENT: None PUBLIC HEARING - Bonita Village Annexation. - Prezoning to R-1-B-la , A-P and C-1-P Planning Director Fretz stated that the public hearing for prezoning was set by resolution of intention by the Planning Commission. He pointed out the proposed annexation on the map and explained that the three zones suggested are as near the existing county zoning as possible. He further added that the staff recommends the "D" zone be attached to the whole annexation. This being the time and place as advertised, Chairman Stevenson opened the hearing. Mr. Stephen Gassaway, President of the-Sweetwater Valley Civic Association explained the Association's feeling on the annexation, as follows: A poll was taken to get the people's view on the matter, and though the majority were not in favor of annexation, all felt they would rather annex to the City of Chula Vista .than any other city., Now that the sewer is being put in, the people realize that development is inevitable. The association endorses this annexation subject to the following: 1 . Preliminary meetings with the Fire District be continued with the same attitude as the first meetings. 2. Prezone the area to be annexed as compatibly to the surrounding area as possible. 2 - 3. Strongly recommend that the "D" zone be imposed on the annexation, especially that portion zoned for commercial and apartments. 4. Zoning and annexation map should be altered to accommodate the two people along Otay Lakes Road that are being annexed against their wishes. Planning Director Fretz explained that Mr. Harmon's property on Otay Lakes Road was changed from the proposed R-1 to the Agriculture zone so as to permit him to operate his business of training and keeping horses. Member Comstock questioned whether Mr. Harmon had the necessary tan acres called for under the Agriculture zone and Mr. Fretz said he had not - that this would be nonconforming as to area, not to use. Mr. C. L. Harmon, Otay Lakes Road, explained that he was coming into the Annexation against his wishes. There being no further comment, either for or against, the hearing was declared closed. Vice-Chairman Stewart asked the Planning Director whether any of the proposed zoning was more restrictive than the zoning now in effect in the area. Mr. Fretz pointed out Mr. Harmon 's property. At present it is zoned A-4-1 , which zone requires 4 acres, and with the prezoning would require 10 acres. The river bottom property, west of the bridge, is presently zoned E-1 and it is being changed to C-1 . Chairman Stevenson asked about the"'D" zone, and Mr. Fretz said the reason the "D" zone was rushed was so that it would be available for this prezoning. RESOLUTION NO. 248 - Recommending to City Council that the Bonita Village Annexation prezoning to R-1-B-la, A-P and C-1-P be approved with the "D" Zone attached. Offered by Member Guyer, passed, adopted and approved by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Guyer, Stewart, Comstock, Weakland, Stevenson, Willhite and Adams NOES: None ABSENT: None Further, action be based on the following: 1 . The annexation is predominantly commercial ; therefore, it is necessary for the substantial property right of the businesses established in the area to prezone this, as without this prezoning the annexation would come into the city as interim R-l . 2. The residential portion of the area is now developed with predominantly large lots. The prezoning is necessary for the preservation of the character of the area. 3. By imposing the architectural control , the character already established in the area would be preserved. Planning Director Fretz spoke of the Master Planning Program now underway by the City which will include most of the Bonita area and informed the Commission that the program calls for a "sketch plan" in six months. He said many people from the Valley are serving on our Citizens ' Master Plan Subcommittees. - 3 - Mr. Fretz felt a letter should be written to the County Planning Commission and .� the Board of Supervisors requesting that, in view of the Master Plan preparation, they maintain a six month's "status quo" as far as any further rezoning is concerned. He said this was common practice when a Master Plan is under development. Member Comstock thought it was a good idea and not an unreasonable request to make. Chairman Stevenson, however , felt the word "status quo" was rather strong and felt the letter should just ask that in the event any important rezoning is contemplated in the Valley, the County Planning Commission consult and work with us on the matter. Vice-Chairman Stewart said that in view of our interest in the Valley, any proposed change should be referred to this Commission for suggestions and recommendations. He added that the State Planning Act. recognizes this in allowing the City to include in their Master Plan, a territory of three miles outside their border. It was moved by Member Comstock, seconded by Member Willhite and unanimously carried that the Planning Commission approve the letter to be written to the County° Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. PUBLIC HEARING - Broadway and "H" Street - R-2, C-1 and C-2 to C-1-P and C-2-P Planning Director Fretz explained that the need of off-street parking had been pointed out by some of the property owners in the area. This zoning would not be retroactive, but any new buildings constructed would have to provide parking. This being the time and place as advertised, Chairman Stevenson opened the hearing. Mr. Jack Yamagata, representing the real estate firm on Smith and "H" Street, spoke in favor of the rezoning, stating that the business next door is using their parking lot for their own private use. Mr. Andert, 587 Otis Street; Craig Starkey, Branch Manager of the First Federal Savings and Loan Association; George Gray, Store Manager of MarstonIsChula Vista; John Peacock, Manager of the U. S. National Bank, all spoke in favor of the re- zoning. They stated that it was unfair to the businesses in the area to have to go through considerable expense to put in a parking lot only to have the neighboring business patrons using their lots. Mr. Mike Ellis , "H" Street property owner operating an upholstery shop, spoke in opposition. He feels that lots in front should be free from parking, that all parking should be in the back on adjacent property on Otis Street. Mrs. Stone, speaking also for her mother and brother, stated that they own the property on the corner of "H" Street and Broadway. The present parking facilities for the Mayfair Market are 3 or 32 to 1 . She asked if she would have to provide additional parking for the Market if the store should be enlarged some day. Mr. Fretz told her that as long as she keeps to the 1 to 1 ratio, she would comply with the ordinance as it now exists. Mrs. Stone then asked the Commission if the 100 ' x 190 ' piece of land they own on "H" Street could be omitted. She felt anyone considering buying this piece of property would not be able to develop it with the 1 to 1 ratio for parking. Planning Director Fretz told Mrs. Stone that according to the Ordinance, she could use the parking facilities across the street, on the Mayfair parking lot, since she owns that property or she could allow a prospective purchaser the use of Mayfair - 4 - Market parking so long as the ratio was maintained and evidence submitted showing L that the purchaser had-a continuing right to use this parking. There being no further comment, either for or against, the hearing was declared closed. Chairman Stevenson said this was a normal modern-day request - something that should have been done long ago. Since "H" Street is so heavily trafficked, Mr. Stevenson felt that onsstreet parking should be cut down. RESOLUTION NO. 249 - Rezoning certain property presently zoned R-2, C-1 and C-2, in the area surrounding the intersection of Broadway and "H" Street to C-1-P and C-2-P Offered by Member Guyer, passed, adopted and approved by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Guyer, Stewart, Comstock, Weakland, Stevenson, Willhite and Adams NOES: None ABSENT: None VARIANCES PUBLIC HEARING - Max and Eva Weinstock _ 733 Broadway (C-2 Zone) - Rear Yard Leibi and Sara Lipowsky Setback Reduction - 15 ft. to Zero Planning Director Fretz stated that a representative of the property owner has re- quested that this hearing be continued to the meeting of December 3, 1962. Planning Director Fretz asked that the Tidelands Lease be considered next. MISCELLANEOUS PUBLIC HEARING - Tidelands Lease - San Diego Gas and Electric Company Mr. Frank DeVore, from the San Diego Gas and Electric Company, told the Commission that they have a problem in getting cool water for the power plant. The Company plans to construct an earth-dike to separate intake water from discharge water. This being the time and place as advertised, Chairman Stevenson opened the hearing. "' There being no comment, either for or against, the hearing was declared closed. Planning Director Fretz explained that this land use is in keeping with the Master Plan. RESOLUTION NO. 250 - Tidelands Lease - San Diego Gas and Electric Company Offered by Vice-Chairman Stewart, passed, adopted and approved by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Stewart, Comstock, Weakland, Stevenson, Willhite, Adams and Guyer NOES: None ABSENT: None - 5 - SUBDIVISIONS t _ Henry Pinnegar Subdivision - Tentative Map Planning Director Fretz pointed out the location of the subdivision on the map. He told the Commission this was the first subdivision that neither the Planning nor Engineering Departments have any conditions to impose on it; that the staff recommends approval with no conditions. He indicated that this was the first time that he could recall a situation like this. It was moved by Member Willhite, .seconded by Member Weakland and unanimously carried that the tentative map of the Pinnegar Subdivision be recommended to City Council for approval . COMMUNICATIONS Street Name Changes - Lane Cole, City Engineer Planning Director Fretz read a memo from Mr. Cole regarding the change of street names. Since there were 21 street names tobe changed, one-half of which just required the word ''East'' added to them, the Commission felt a copy should be mailed to each one so that they could study the list, and then have this brought up again at another meeting. Doyle V. McKee - Complaint - Southwest Corner Fourth and Kearney Streets Planning 'Director Fretz read the letter from Mr. McKee complaining about the violations on the vegetable stand near his home. Mr. Fretz said this same complaint was made some time ago and was brought to the City Administrationks attention. City Attorney Duberg asked that the Commission refer this matter to him, for action and report. He will present his findings at the next meeting of the Planning Com- mission - December 3 , 1962. League of California Cities - Monthly Meeting - November 23 , 1962 The next meeting of the League of California Cities will be held at the Town and Country Motel . Planning Director Fretz asked any Commissioner able to attend to submit his name. Members Stewart, Adams and Guyer agreed to attend. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Member Weakland, seconded by Member Guyer and unanimously carried that the meeting adjourn sine die. Respectfully submitted, -e_A, Jennie M. Fulasz / Secretary