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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm min 1969/07/28 MINUTES OF A REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA July 28, 1969 The regular adjourned meeting of the City Planning Commission of Chula Vista, California, was held on the above date beginning at 7 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Civic Center, 276 Guava Avenue, with the following members present: Hyde, Adams, Chandler, Macevicz, Putnam and Stewart. Absent (with previous notification) Member Rice. Also present: Director of Planning Warren, Assistant Planner Lee, Zoning Enforcement Officer Hodge, City Attorney Lindberg and Assistant City Engineer Gesley. Chairman Hyde noted the presence of the Political Science class from South- western College with their instructor, Mr. Pasqua, and welcomed them to the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MSUC (Chandler-Adams) Minutes of the meeting of July 7, 1969 be approved, as mailed. Request for approval of construction on Tidelands - Rohr Corporation Director of Planning Warren indicated on a plot of the Tidelands area the location of a proposed boat construction and launching facility for which Rohr Corporation has requested approval. He observed that this use will be incidental to the existing Rohr industries and the use of land apparently conforms to the Port Master Plan. He suggested that questions be asked of Ken Wood, in atten- dance at the meeting, representing Rohr Corporation. Mr. Ken Wood affirmed that the primary uses of the facility would be boat construction and boat launching, and a secondary use in the future might be as a shipping point. MSUC (Adams-Macevicz) Recommend to the City Council that the request of Rohr Corporation for construction of boat construction and launching facility on Tidelands be approved. Member Chandler abstained from voting on this motion. PUBLIC HEARING - Variance - 261 F Street - C-1 use in R-3 zone - Charles and Helen Henkelmann The applicant is requesting that the front 270 sq. ft. of an existing building in an R-3 zone be used for a watch repair shop and sale of miscellaneous costume jewelry. Director of Planning Warren pointed out the location and enumerated the adjacent uses which include a beauty parlor within this same building, an antique shop at the rear of this lot, and medical offices adjacent to the west. It is anticipated this area may be rezoned to C-O and non-offensive commercial uses will be allowed within that zone. The staff recommends approval subject to conditions applying to signs. -2- 7/28/69 This being the time and place as advertised the public hearing was opened. The applicant was not present and as no one wished to speak, either for or against the request, the public hearing was closed. The Commission discussed the compatibility of this use in the area and Member Stewart recommended that sign proposals be brought to the staff for approval; the staff should make the determination of whether the signs were in keeping with others in the area. MSUC (Chandler-Putnam) Approval of the request for a watch repair shop and sale of miscellaneous costume jewelry at 261 F Street, subject to the following: Any sign to be erected shall first be presented to the Planning Department for approval. All signs to be the same type used by professional offices in the area and, if lighted, it shall be by indirect lighting; maximum size for each sign, 12 square feet. Findings for approval are as follows: a. That the strict application of the zoning regulations or requirements would result in particular difficulties or unnecessary hardships inconsistent with the general purpose and intent of the regulations. The major portion of this building has been used for a similar commercial purpose for 16 years. b. That there are exceptional circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved or to the intended use or development of the property that do not apply generally to other property in the same zone or neighborhood. A zone variance was granted by the City Council for an antique shop directly north of this request. c. That the granting of a variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in such zone or neighborhood in which the property is located. This use will not be detrimental since it is conducted inside a building with stringent sign control. d. That the granting of a variance will not be contrary to the objectives of the General Plan. The General Plan is not affected. Architectural Approval (continued) - 515 H Street - Mother Butler's Pie Shop Architectural Approval (continued) - 521 H Street - Sam's Roast Beef Restaurant Chairman Hyde announced that a telephone call had been received on this date requesting that these requests be withdrawn from the agenda. MSUC (Macevicz-Chandler) Requests for architectural approval for 515 H Street and 521 H Street be filed without action. -3- 7/28/69 PUBLIC HEARING - Variance - 288 F Street - Manufacture of knitted dresses (M-1 use) - St. John Knits, Inc. Director of Planning Warren pointed out that this is the location of the old Westy's Lumber Yard and the applicant is requesting permission to use this facility for a use classified as industrial--knitting dresses with hand operated machines. The request is for six months to one year, while another site is selected and a building is constructed. Member Putnam asked how many employees would be working at this facility and was advised that in the past they had approximately 25 to 30. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. No one wished to speak, either for or against, and the public hearing was declared closed. Member Adams asked if there is assurance that this operation will include enough of the vacant land in the rear to provide parking. Mr. Warren advised there is ample parking space available. MSUC (Macevicz-Chandler) Approval of variance for use of facility at 288 F Street for the manufacture of knitted dresses for a period of one year and with the condition that one parking space for every two employees shall be maintained on the site. Findings of approval are as follows: a. That the strict application of the zoning regulations or requirements would result in particular difficulties or unnecessary hardships inconsistent with the general purpose and intent of the regulations. The building was designed and built for industrial purposes which is what the applicant has requested. b. That there are exceptional circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved or to the intended use or development of the property that do not apply generally to other property in the same zone or neighborhood. The operation as proposed represents a use no more objectionable than the commercial uses allowed within the zone. c. That the granting of a variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in such zone or neighborhood in which the property is located. Both the building and site are of an adequate size to prevent any detri- mental effect to the area. d. That the granting of a variance will not be contrary to the objectives of the General Plan. The General Plan is not affected because of the one year time limit imposed. -4- 7/28/69 PUBLIC HEARING - Variance - West side Third Avenue north of L Street - Reduction of rear yard setback 15' to 0 - Hammarberg & Herman (Longs Drug Store) Director of Planning Warren pointed out the location where it is proposed to construct two new retail stores adjacent to an apartment complex recently approved. Since this is a commercial zone it would require 15' setback, but the reduction of setback would provide a better circulation )attern for the commercial stores on the shallow depth lot. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Mr. Art Herman, representative of Hammarberg & Herman, Inc., 1430 Franklin Street, Oakland, advised that they are the architects for both Longs Drug Store and Vons Market. They do not anticipate building to the property line at a zero setback, but the roof overhang will extend to the property line. T hey have met with the architect for the apartment complex and have agreed on design and materials in order that the shopping center will complement the apartment complex. Mr. E. H. Offret, owner of the property at 327 L Street, requested that it be on record that he wishes a 15 foot setback maintained next to his property. Mr. Herman pointed out that the building will be about 25 feet from the property line adjacent to Mr. Offret's property. ~ There being no further comments,either for or against, the public hearing was declared closed. Member Stewart felt the coordination with the apartment complex, through the Planning Department staff, should be made a condition of approval of this request. MSUC (Chandler-Macevicz) Approval of reduction of rear yard setback for Longs Drug Store subject to the following: 1. Architectural plans shall be coordinated through the Planning Department staff to be compatible with and complementary to the apartment complex on the adjacent westerly lot. 2. A detailed layout shall be submitted and approved by the Planning Department staff for the location of suitable loading areas when building permits are requested. Findings for approval are as follows: a. That the strict application of the zoning regulations or requirements would result in particular difficulties or unnecessary hardships inconsistent with the general purpose and intent of the regulations. Observance of the 15' rear yard would require the commercial building to be placed closer to Third Avenue, thus reducing the maneuvering area for parking. -5- 7/28/69 b. That there are exceptional circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved or to the intended use or development of the property that do not apply generally to other property in the same zone or neighborhood. The 15' setback would serve no purpose in this zone since it abuts a parking area for apartments. c. That the granting of a variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in such zone or neighborhood in which the property is located. No detrimental effects will result since the adjoining owner has consented to the variance. d. That the granting of a variance will not be contrary to the objectives of the General Plan. The General Plan will not be affected. PUBLIC HEARING (Continued) - Amendment to Zoning Ordinance - Establishing an architectural control zone adjacent to Civic Center City Attorney Lindberg advised that the changes in the proposed amendment-- made at the request of the Commission at their meeting of July 7--did not relate to boundaries but were changes in the wording of the "Purpose and Intent" section to spell out the intention to create an area surrounding the Civic Center which will be architecturally harmonious and will carry out the theme of the Center. This would not mean that all buildings would be required to have red tile roof and stucco walls, but only that they would be compatible. This amendment would give the Zoning Administrator authority to approve or disapprove uses within this zone. The Commission discussed a letter designation to identify this proposed zone. Director of Planning Warren enumerated the following three alternatives: 1. To pick any unused letter (not already used in the new Zoning Ordinance). 2. To use the "D" zone. 3. To create a modifying district similar to the parking district. City Attorney Lindberg concurred that the "D" zone could be applied with standards established for that particular area. Members Stewart and Chandler expressed their opinion that a separate designation would provide better control and add additional prestige to the area. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. -6- 7/28/69 Mr. Gene York, 280 K Street, spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment, stating that this particular ordinance goes far beyond what is reasonable to expect of a private developer. He felt that what the Commission is trying to accomplish could not be accomplished by imposing this zone because there are too many existing uses which are not compatible. Mr. York contended the amendment was unreasonable due to the phrase, "to create harmonious, architectural and spatial relationships," since the word "spatial" means that private property could not be developed and use this type of architecture. He stated they had considered the Spanish Mission type of architecture when they started designing their convalescent hospital, but found that style requires too much space if properly done. City Attorney Lindberg commented this ordinance would serve only as a guideline and the City is not trying to impose mission type architecture on all property to be developed, as long as the proposed development is compatible. Mr. York maintained that the burden of proof is on the developer to prove it is compatible. Mr. York made the request that the formation of this district be shelved until the City has brought all of its own buildings in the area into compatibility; he referred to the recreation building and the lack of landscaping on that lot. Mr. Stanley McMains, 234 Guava, questioned why he did not receive notice of this public hearing, contending that his property is within 300 feet of the proposed district. Mr. Warren advised that in this case notices were mailed only to the property owners within the district and not to those lying adjacent since no change in land use is involved. Mr. K. D. Frye, Traffic Manager, San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway Company, stated that his company did not receive notice of this hearing. This oversight occurred due to an error in listing the ownership of the property, which Mr. Frye requested to have corrected. Mr. Frye then read a letter of protest submitted by the railway company which was placed on file. Mr. Milo Berenson, one of the owners of the shopping center complex which extends from Fourth and F Street to Landis, expressed the opinion that true Spanish-Mission architecture requires deep arches, arcades, hand-made tiles and exposed beams. He did not feel this would lend itself to the shopping center, and further contended that modern style architecture can be compatible wi th Spanish architecture. He expressed a willingness to go along with the City in any manner of beautifying their center with shrubbery so it would look like it is part of the area. Director of Planning Warren read a letter of protest from Marjorie Miles which indicated this type of architecture would not be suitable for property located at the corner of Fourth and Center. There being no further comments, either for or against, the public hearing was declared closed. -7- 7/28/69 Member Adams commented that after listening to the discussion from the floor he had misgivings about the wisdom of creating this Civic Center zone. Chairman Hyde called attention to the section of the proposed ordinance entitled "Review of Plans" pointing out the Spanish architecture is not a straight jacket that would be applied to all property; it merely sets the theme for the area. He felt this section provides the discretionary loophole for developers to use any architecture that would be compatible. Chairman Hyde questioned whether there is validity in the statement that Spanish Mission architecture is more costly for developers. Mr. Berenson conceded it is difficult to arrive at why this style would cost more money than a modern style; however, Spanish style buildings should be set back fairly distant from the property line, and this would make it more costly to develop in that larger lots are required. Member Stewart commented that after hearing from the property owners it would seem advisable to use the "D" zone procedure. City Attorney Lindberg suggested that the proposed ordinance be filed and the Commission consider the "D" zone with standards applying to the area around the Civic Center. MSUC (Stewart-Chandler) That the proposed ordinance establishing a Civic Center Design District be filed and the Planning staff and City Attorney be instructed to present a proposal for consideration by the Planning Commission at their August 18 meeting which would incorporate features outlined in this ordinance to be applied in a "D" zone. PUBLIC HEARING - Conditional Use Permit - Northwest corner of Bonita Road and Willow Street - Construction of a service station - American Oil Company Architectural Approval - Service Station - Northwest corner Bonita Road and Willow Director of Planning Warren pointed out on a plot plan the location of the proposed service station and also displayed a photo of a service station in Old Town which utilizes the Spanish architecture proposed for this location. The staff recommends approval of the architecture since it conforms with the Brookside Winery on the adjacent lot. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing on the conditional use permit was opened, Mr. Troy Waltrip, with American Oil Company, 1229 Morena Blvd., San Diego, spoke in support of the requested station and of the Spanish style architecture. There being no further comment, either for or against, the public hearing was declared closed. -8- 7/28/69 Member Chandler expressed his opinion that any development at that corner would cause traffic problems, but he was in favor of the architecture proposed. MSUC (Putnam-Adams) Approval of a conditional use permit for the construction of a service station at the northwest corner of Bonita Road and Willow Street, Bonita, subject to the following conditions: 1. The relocation of utility lines on Willow Street shall be undergrounded unless determined infeasible by the staff as a result of investigation with the utility companies. 2. The applicant shall submit new plot plans, revising the planter areas as recommended by the staff and tree wells spaced 50' apart shall be shown adjacent to the north and west property lines. 3. The applicant shall meet wi th the City's Landscape Architect to determine the most suitable plant materials for the project, prior to the submission of a landscaping plan. 4. Signs shall be restricted to those approved by the staff. Findings for approval are as follows: a. That the proposed use at the particular location is necessary or desirable to provide a service or facility which will contribute to the general well- being of the neighborhood or the community. The station will provide an added service to the area with the unique design adding to general welfare of the area. b. That such use will not, under the circumstances of the particular case, be detrimental to the health, safety or general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity, or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity. The use as proposed will not be detrimental in any way to the area. The intersection is signalized and traffic moves well. c. That the proposed use will comply with the regulations and conditions specified in the Code for such use. All regulations of the Code will be complied with. d. That the granting of this conditional use will not adversely affect the General Plan of the City of Chula Vista or the adopted plan of any governmental agency. The General Plan is not affected by this application. -9- 7/28/69 MSUC (Putnam-Chandler) Approval of architectural plans for service station at the northwest corner of Bonita Road and Willow Street, subject to the following: 1. The support columns for the pump island canopies shall incorporate slumpstone block to match the building exterior. 2. All planter areas shall utilize brown slumpstone, a minimum height of three courses. 3. A design for the proposed fence located on the west and north property lines shall be submitted for staff approval. The design shall incorpor- ate the following: a. Slumpstone pilasters shall be utilized every 20 feet. b. The first 60 feet of fence (extending from the street towards the interior of the lot) shall be constructed with a combination of slumpstone and wrought iton. c. The remaining sections shall be wood or slumpstone. PUBLIC HEARING - Variance - Holiday Estates Unit #5 (Orange Avenue and Connoley Avenue) - Reduction of front setbacks 10' to 5' for construction of fences on four lots and permission to project 5' of roof overhan~ into side yard area 3' - Jafro, Inc. Director of Planning Warren enumerated the requests and recalled that the problem encountered concerning the fencing of corner lots was foreseen at the time the subdivision was approved. Concerning the 3' roof overhang, since it is desired for only a 5 foot section of the roof, this would not obstruct the light and air between structures, and would result in a more balanced appearance. MSUC (Adams-Macevicz) Approval of the request for variance in Holiday Estates Unit #5. Findings for approval are as follows: a. That the strict application of the zoning regulations or requirements would result in particular difficulties or unnecessary hardships inconsistent with the general purpose and intent of the regulations. Fence - Adherence to the 10' setback would not allow the applicant to fence the corner lots and provide access to them. Overhan~ - A zero setback is already existing on one side, so a wide over- hang is needed to architecturally balance the units. b. That there are exceptional circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved or to the intended use or development of the property that do not apply generally to other property in the same zone or neighborhood. Fence - Since the lot area is only 3,500 sq. ft., full utilization of the ~s necessary to provide desirable living area, and a 5' high fence is needed for privacy. -lO- 7/28/69 OverhanQ - The 5' portion of the roof requested represents about 7% of the length of the roof and will not effect the light and air to the units. c. That the granting of a variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in such zone or neighborhood in which the property is located. Fence - The fences will be set back from all intersections a sufficient distance to prevent any detrimental effect from the variance. Overhan9 - The overhang will be limited to less than 10% of total roof area extending into the side yard. d. The General Plan will not be affected. PUBLIC HEARING - Variance - 393 Roosevelt Street - Reduction of front sard setback 20' to 8' for one parkin~ space - R. Bezrutch Director of Planning Warren pointed out on a plot plan the necessity for this variance request in order to accommodate the parking required by the construction of a duplex on a lot with an existing single-family dwelling. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened, but as no one wished to speak, either for or against, the public hearing was declared closed. MSUC (Chandler-Putnam) Approval of the request for variance at 393 Roosevelt Street subject to: 1. A landscaping plan shall be submitted within l0 days, indicating an acceptable method of screening the parking area. 2. An exact plot of the area to be paved shall be submitted prior to paving for the parking space. Findings for approval are as follows: a. That the strict application of the zoning regulations or requirements would result in particular difficulties or unnecessary hardships inconsistent with the general purpose and intent of the regulations. Strict application would force the deletion of one parking space from the plan. b. That there are exceptional circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved or to the intended use or development of the property that do not apply generally to other property in the same zone or neighborhood. The parking space will enjoy the same setback proposed in the new Zoning Ordinance and that existing across Roosevelt. c. That the granting of a variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in such zone or neighborhood in which the property is located. -ll- 7/28/69 The conditions imposed will make this space compatible with the area. d. The General Plan will not be affected. PUBLIC HEARING - Variance - 736 F Street - Reduction of rear ~ard setback 15' to zero - S. Kr~stek Director of Planning Warren stated that this request for reduction of rear yard setback is for construction of a garage for auto repair work. He delineated two conditions for approval recommended by the staff. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. The applicant was present and expressed his agreement with the conditions stipulated. There being no further comment, either for or against, the public hearing was declared closed. MSUC (Macevicz-Chandler) Approval of the variance for reduction of rear yard setback at 736 F Street, subject to the following: 1. No repair work shall be conducted outside of the garage. 2. Storage of parts, materials and equipment shall be limited to the area lying west of the proposed building and shall be completely enclosed by a wall or solid fence. Findings for approval are as follows: a. That the strict application of the zoming regulations or requirements would result in particular difficulties or unnecessary hardships inconsistent with the general purpose and intent of the regulations. The 15' required rear yard setback would represent an unnecessary hardship since the rear yard abuts the side yard of M-1 zoned property which enjoys a zero setback. b. That there are exceptional circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved or to the intended use or development of the property that do not apply generally to other property in the same zone or neighborhood. The uniform building code requires the applicant to maintain a 30' set- back between this building and the existing house. This can only be accomplished by reducing the rear yard setback or demolishing the house. c. That the granting of a variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injqrious to property or improvements in such zone or neighborhood in which the'property is located. d. The General Plan will not be affected. -12- 7/28/69 Request for waiver of installation of under~round utilities - 521 James Street - T. McKinney ' ' Investigation of this request revealed that underground service would require an additional pole to be set adjacent to this parcel, whereas overhead service could be provided from existing poles. The staff, therefore, recommends approval of the request. MSUC (Putnam-Adams) Granting of waiver of installation of underground utilities at 521 James Street. Request for modification of fencin~ requirement - Bonita Cove Apartments Director of Planning Warren displayed a plot plan of this apartment complex which was developed in accordance with requirements of the "D" zone. One of the conditions imposed was that a fence be constructed along the west property line adjacent to R-1 property facing on Eucalyptus Court. The primary concern at that time was to eliminate the possibility of vehicular access from Eucalyp- tus Court to the parking lot at the rear of the apartments. The applicant has not constructed this fence and is requesting a modification to require the fence only at the end of the parking lot and not extending beside the building along the entire west line of property. Mr. Frank Ferreira, 3715 Putter Drive, Bonita, expressed his concern that the 5 foot space between fence and buildings would collect trash, and it was his feeling that eliminating the fence and landscaping the side yard area would present a better appearance. In discussing this matter the Commission felt that omitting the fence would encourage parking on the adjacent R-1 zoned lot with pedestrian access into the apartment complex. It was pointed out by the City Attorney that such use would be a violation to the Zoning Ordinance; this would create a problem that would be difficult to handle. MSUC (Macevicz-Stewart) That the request for modification of fencing require- ment at Bonita Cove Apartments be denied and it be further stipulated that no gate or openings be permitted in the fence. PUBLIC HEARING (Continued) - Amendment to Zonin9 Ordinance - Regulation of the display of outdoor advertising This hearing was continued from the meeting of July 21, 1969, in order that changes recommended by the Commission could be incorporated into the draft of the proposed amendment. Discussion centered on the question of whether the regulation of billboards should apply to any freeway or only to "landscaped freeways". It was felt that construction of new billboards should be prohibited along any freeway and that existing billboards be allowed to remain until a freeway is landscaped. -13- 7/28/69 There was further discussion concerning the amortization rate of existing billboards, and on the proposed spacing between billboards with the concen- sus being that it should be increased from 500 feet to 1000 feet; also on signs maintained by local government and whether a sign of the Chamber of Commerce would be allowed. MSUC (Chandler-Adams) That the public hearing concerning the regulation of the display of outdoor advertising be continued to the meeting of August 4, 1969. PUBLIC HEARING - Amendment to Zoning Ordinance - Increasing permitted lot coverage in the R-3 zones Director of Planning Warren read the proposed amendment which would permit increased lot coverage for enclosed or covered parking for residential development. This being the time and place as advertised the public hearing was opened; but no one wished to speak, ~ither for or against, and the public hearing was declared closed. MSUC (Putnam-Chandler) Recommend to the City Council the adoption of the following amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. Section 33.505 G. Covered or enclosed parking for residential development may be located in required side and rear yards, with the exception of the exterior side yard. To be set for hearing - Proposed revision of General Plan Director of Planning Warren announced that this revision is not yet ready for presentation at a public hearing. Member Stewart commented that a work shop meeting should be held to discuss this revision before a public hearing is set. MSUC (Chandler-Stewart) The staff be directed to set a work shop meeting for discussion of revision of the General Plan. To be set for hearing - Modifications to R-1 and R-2 zoning regu!ations Director of Planning Warren read comments received from the Otay Land Company requesting the availability of 5,000 square foot lots in the R-1 zone. He also requested consideration of a 6,000 square foot lot in the R-2 zone and that the attached single-family dwelling concept be made permissive subject to standards, rather than subject to a Conditional Use Permit. Mr. Warren pointed out that it is not the goal of the department to destroy the character that has been created in Chula Vista; it is desired to maintain open space, but there is a need for diversification of housing types. Chula Vista should provide the tools needed to acco~'lish this. -14- 7/28/69 - MSUC (Stewart-Chandler) Set for hearing on August 18, 1969, modifications to R-1 and R-2 zoning regulations. Appointment of Chairman and Vice-Chairman MS (Chandler-Macevicz) Nomination of M~. Hyde to serve as Chairman for a second year. Moved by Member Stewart that nominations be closed. Mr. Hyde was unanimously approved as Chairman for the year July, 1969, through June, 1970. MS (Adams-Putnam) Nomination of Mr. Rice to serve as Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year. Moved by Member Stewart that nominations be closed. Mr. Rice was unanimously named as Vice-Chairman. Member Hyde extended appreciation to Mr. Pasqua's class for their attendance at this meeting. MSUC (Macevicz-Chandler) The meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Helen S. Mapes ' Acting Secretary