Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm min 1969/03/24 MINUTES OF A REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA March 24, 1969 The regular adjourned meeting of the City Planning Commission 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, Macevicz, Stewart, Chandler, Rice, Adams, and Putnam. Absent: none. Also present: Director of Planning Warren, Assistant Planner Lee, Zoning Enforcement Officer Hodge, City Attorney Lindberg, and Assistant City Engineer Gesley. PUBLIC HEARING (Continued) - Prezoning - North side of Sweetwater Road, west of Bonita Woods Subdivision from County E-1 to R-l-B-12 - Vitek Constructors Oirector of Planning Warren submitted a plot plan noting the location, the adjacent land use and zoning. The area comprises 135 acres of vacant land presently zoned E-1 (one-acre lots) in the County. The applicant is requesting 12,000 sq. ft. lots; the ordinance requires that this be developed at the net basis. He plans to annex this area to the City, but details of the annexation have not been worked out. No subdivision map has been filed on the property. The Sweetwater Valley Planning Committee recommended R-l-15 zoning for this area; however, this was not the unanimous recommendation of the Committee, it was a split vote. The staff is recommending prezoning of 15,000 sq. ft. lots instead of the 12,000 as requested. Director Warren then noted the petition of protest received by the staff signed by over 140 property owners in the area. The General Plan puts this property into a low-density classification (1-3 dwellings for each acre). In working with the Planning Committee, the staff was given a gross density figure for the entire Valley. With so much one-acre zoning in the Valley, this gave the staff the opportunity to increase densities where justified. They have no objection to retaining the one-acre and one-half acre zoning in the Valley where it presently exists or elsewhere justified; however, where the topography is relatively flat the staff feels that an increase in density is justified. The Commission has two alternatives in this case: (1) continue the hearing until April 7 at which time the Commission will make its decision concerning the prezoning of the Sweetwater Valley, of which this is a part; or (2) prezone the area R-l-15 in accordance with the recommendations of both the Sweetwater Valley Planning Committee and staff. Member Stewart suggested consideration of the "D" zone. Member Adams felt the Commission was not equipped to effectuate approval of architecture of the individual homes. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Mr. Alvin Vitek, 5289 Cantebury Drive, San Diego, the applicant, introduced his Civil Engineer, Charles Crull. Mr. Crull remarked that they have attended all meetings on the prezoning of the Valley and on their own particularly property and believe their proposed development will "add a little extra" to the Valley. Mr. Crull discussed the proposed development declaring they will have one-half acre lots on the perimeter of the subdivision that will serve as a buffer to the adjacent residences to the east and west. They will have lots averaging 15,000 sq. ft. in the center of the development, and will provide a bridle path which will be open to the public. In all cases, they will take advantage -2- 3/24/69 of the topography and will have a minimum of cut and filling. Some of the lots will be a little more than one-half acre and on most of these large lots, the houses will be custom-built. They will have underground utilities and sufficient landscaping. Mr. Crull added that they have no objection to the attachment of the "D" zone. In answer to Member Chandler's inquiry, Mr. Crull claimed that the lots will average out to better than 20,000 sq. ft.; this density includes streets. Mr. A1Vitek stated they originally intended to use a few lots in this area for the 12,000 sq. ft. lots. They started off with 303 lots, but then became involved in the buffer zone and now they are down to 204 lots. If it is the desire of the Commission, they will favor using the 15,000 sq. ft. lot. They have 17 different elevations for the subdivision. Member Chandler asked if they would still provide the buffer one-half acre lots if they have to go to the 15,000 sq. ft. lots. iqr. Vitek indicated this would be debatable; it is up to the Commission. Mr. Warren remarked that a subdivision map for this area has not been filed and most of the discussion is revolving around this; the Commission should wait for the map. Mr. Warren noted the private road being proposed as an access road and questioned whether this was available to the developers. Member Rice asked the legality of dedicating the bridle path to the City. City Attorney Lindberg stated he was in no position to answer this at this time. Options would be available if the City desired to incorporate a network of bridle trails. Mr. Paul Miller, real estate broker, 370 E Street, stated the subdivision was a five-year plan and the total amount of the houses would not be built at once, and the homes planned would not devaluate the price of the adjacent homes; in fact, they would upgrade the area. A letter was then read from several of the residents on Orchard Hill protesting the proposed request. Mr. Jack Hillier, Orchard Hill, stated he was one of the residents who signed the letter of protest and questioned where the gross density figure for the Valley came from. Mr. Warren explained that this figure was obtained from the Sweetwater Valley Planning Committee. Mr. Hillier added that he was given a tentative map by Mr. Miller of the proposed subdivision which shows the buffer zone on the east and the west; however, it does not come down to Sweetwater Road on the west. He questioned this aspect and also maintained that going down to 15,000 sq. ft. lots was taking too much away from the area. Mr. Hillier then asked if Mr. Vitek was one of the subdividers of Sweet- water Heights, as they are trying to prevent this same type of development in their area. The City Attorney ruled that the question was irrelevant. -3- 3/24/69 Mr. Hillier remarked that the 20 foot easement was a private road and no indication was given to Mr. Vitek that he could use this road for an access. Other protestants were: Frank Kral, 4816 Butternut Hollow Lane; Albert Marn, 4809 Butternut Hollow Lane; Richard Price, 4825 Bram Avenue; Dale Lawson, Orchard Hill. They stated: (1) there is a 9.2 acre parcel north of Bonita Woods Subdivision known as Bonnie Brae Estates for which the County just denied a request for 15,000 sq. ft. lots, partially because access would come through Bonita Woods--this proposed subdivision would also increase the volume of traffic to the point that it would be hazardous to Bonita Woods; (2) the school problem should be considered--approximately 568 children will come out of this subdivision--that calls for more schools since the present ones are filled to capacity; (3) the topography of this land must be considered--the Valley Planning Committee had a split 50-50 vote to prezone this area to 15,000 sq. ft. lots; (4) providing one access out to Sweetwater Road would be hazardous and cause numerous accidents. Director Warren explained that the staff would require that the main access to the subdivision would come from Sweetwater Road. On the County Major Street Plan, it calls for an interchange of the freeway in that area. Mr. Wesley Ball, part owner of the property, stated that Orchard Hill is a private road but would not be a complete access. He spoke of the taxes he had to pay last year and indicated he could not afford to keep this up. He sold some of his land to Irving Kahn north of the freeway, and Mr. Kahn indicated his willingness to buy this land south of the freeway. Mr. Vitek discussed the buffer zoned lots. He stated he would sell one-acre lots on the perimeter of the subdivision for a period of 6 months, before developing them into the one-half acre lots. As to the private road, he was going to improve the road for their use and the adjacent residents. The general flow of traffic this subdivision will bring in will not be unusual, and schools will have to be built in this area eventually, regardless of who develops it. Mr. Vitek stated he is willing to alter his request and go to 15,000 sq. ft. lots. He will work with every condition the staff recommends. He added that he would like a decision from the Commission tonight. There being no further comment, either for or against, the hearing was declared closed. The Commission discussed continuing the matter to the next meeting. MSC (Stewart-Putnam) Enter into discussion on this item and vote on the request. The motion carried by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Stewart, Putnam, Chandler, Hyde, Adams, and Macevicz NOES: Member Rice ABSENT: None Member Adams asked how they could be assured of getting the one-half acre lots. -4- 3/24/69 - Mr. Warren commented that once they establish the underlying zoning, it could be tied to a subdivision map. City Attorney Lindberg alleged that they could condition the zoning on the filing of a subdivision map. Member Stewart said he realized the desires of the people to retain the large lots in the Valley, butcalled their attention to one proposed subdivision that has been before the Commission three times, and none of the developers have been able to build it because of the larger sized lots. He felt this was unrealistic. Member Putnam agreed, adding that he, too, hates to see the smaller lots coming in, but the costs of developing are getting higher. The Commission discussed the lot sizes, the buffer zone, and bridle path and concurred that the proposed subdivision would not be detrimental to the adjoining properties and would certainly not downgrade the properties. Member Stewart contended that he would still like to see the "D" zone added. MSC (Rice-Adams) Resolution of the City Planning Commission Recommending to the RESOLUTION NO. 564 City Council the Prezoning to R-1-B-15-D and R-1-B-20-D for Property on the North Side of Sweetwater Road, west of Bonita Woods Subdivision _ Findings of fact are as follows: a. The R-1-B-20-D is to be established as a buffer zone on the east and west perimeter of the proposed subdivision. b. The "D'' zone attachment will assure the Commission of proper control in order to make the development compatible with the adjacent areas. c. The prezoning will become effective only upon the approval of a final subdivision map. d. The General Plan designates this area as low density residential (1-3 dwellings per gross acre); the applicant's request is for 3.6 units per gross acre. The R-l-B-15 zoning will more closely conform to the General Plan. e. There is a need for a variety of lot sizes in the Sweetwater Valley and careful subdivision design will assure that compatibility will result between adjacent larger lots and those permitted in this zone. f. The natural topography of the land will be more easily preserved because the developer will be able to more intensely develop the more level land with larger lots occurring on the more rugged terrain. The motion carried by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Rice, Adams, Putnam, Macevicz, Stewart and Hyde NOES: Member Chandler ABSENT: None -5- 3/24/69 PUBLIC HEARINGS: a. Conditional Use Permit - Property south of quintard Street between Hillto~ Drive and First Avenue - Request for attached single-family units on individual lots in R-3-B-3 zone - Robinhood Homes~ Inc. b. Variance - Property south of quintard Street between Hilltop Drive and First Avenue - Request for modification of offstreet parkin~ requirements - Robinhood Homes~ Inc. Chairman Hyde stated that these two matters will be discussed together, but that the vote would be taken separately. Director of Planning Warren submitted a plot plan noting the location, adjacent land use and zoning. Two parcels are involved in this request: one is 10 acres and the other 3 + acres. This is a new application filed for permission to split the lots in this area for a split duplex development. The area is zoned R-3-B-3-D; however, the applicants will be conforming to the ordinance providing 3500 sq. ft. lots. Mr. Warren then discussed the matter of onsite parking stating the ordinance requires two spaces behind the setback area for each unit. The applicant is requesting permission to provide one space within an enclosed garage and one space on the drive- way in the front setback area. Instead of this tandem parking, the staff is recommending that the same parking requirement be conditioned on this development as granted to the similar development south of this project: that is, 50% of the models use two-car garages and 50% single car garages. This would eliminate the complete front yard paving that would occur. Mr. Warren then reviewed the staff's recommendations. Member Macevicz questioned the green-colored parcel on the map. Director Warren explained that this was open space and it would be accessible to the people on the north, and an access way will be provided to this area for the properties to the south. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearings were opened. Mr. Robert Casey, the applicant, stated he agrees with all of the staff's recommenda- tions except the one of onsite parking. If they went into double-car garages, they would have to put in a completely concrete front yard. He added that, as a professional builder, his plans are more pleasing than what the staff proposes. Director Warren asked if Mr. Casey planned to landscape the front of the units. Mr. Casey stated he did. Mr. Stan Merritt of Robinhood Homes, Inc., remarked that the one-car garages would be 12 feet, and if they had to go out another 8 feet, it would cut off all of the open space between the units. The Commission discussed this requirement. Member Rice stated he was against any form of tandem parking. Member Putnam indicated there was no guarantee that the people having the two-car garages would necessarily have two cars--he felt the situ- ation could be worked out. Member Stewart declared that the 50% figure was not an unreasonable one since 50% of the residents would have two cars. The Commission concurred that the requirements of the staff were reasonable. -6- 3/24/69 MSUC (Putnam-Rice) Conditional use permit be approved subject to the following conditions: 1. Site plan and architectural approval by the staff of all building elevations (including fencing) prior to the issuance of a building permit. 2. If the Planning Commission desires a coordinated landscaping plan for the front setback areas of the entire project, approval will be subject to review by the City Landscape Architect. 3. Open space as approved shall be dedicated to the City for park purposes and if such dedication is not accepted a special assessment district shall be established with each lot assessed within the subdivision for maintenance of said open space. Prior to acceptance by the City, subject open space shall be improved by the developer, subject to approval of the Director of Parks and Recreation. 4. Deed restrictions prohibiting the conversion of garages for residential purposes shall be imposed by the developer. Findings be 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 approval of splitting each duplex into separate parcels will provide for single-family ownership at a level available to those in the moderate income groups. It will also provide a diversity of housing types leading toward a more balanced neighborhood. 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. Granting this use will comply with the orderly development of the area. c. That the proposed use will comply with the regulations and conditions specified in the Code for such use. When granted, this conditional use permit will comply with all of the building and zoning regulations now in force in Chula Vista. 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. This conditional use permit will conform to the zoning density established for this area. MSUC (Adams-Chandler) Variance be approved subject to the following conditions: 1. The location of each unit utilizing the tandem parking shall be approved by the staff before building permits are requested; such variances to permit 50% of the units to have one-car garages, the others to have two-car garages. 2. Driveways and parking areas shall be concrete in accordance with standards administered by the City Engineer. -7- 3/24/69 Findings be 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 of zoning regulations would make it impractical to develop units in a lower price range. 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. Exceptional circumstances applicable to the intended use which do not apply to other properties in the neighborhood are that lot widths would make it undesirable or impractical to provide two-car enclosed garages behind the setback for each unit. There is some basis for the assumption that many of the families in the income groups toward which these developments are directed would have only one vehicle. 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. Granting this variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare since space will be available off-street for the parking of at least two vehicles per unit. d. That the granting of a variance will not be contrary to the objectives of the General Plan. Granting this variance would have no effect on the objectives of the General Plan. SUBDIVISIONS - Tentative Map2 - Kin~swood Unit No. 1 and Unit No. 2 Director of Planning Warren submitted the tentative map of the subdivision explaining that Unit No. 1 contains 3.21 acres with 28 lots, and Unit No. 2 contains approxi- mately 10 acres and will be subdivided into 85 lots. The subdivision is located between Tobias Drive and First Avenue, south of Quintard Street. The area will be developed as split duplexes and will have an open space which will be dedicated to the City; the area will comprise 17,300 sq. ft. The staff recommends approval of the subdivision, both units, with several conditions. Mr. Warren reviewed these conditions. Mr. Stan Merritt, representing Robinhood Homes, Inc., briefly discussed their plans for the subdivision, such as the entrance way and the landscaping. MSUC (Chandler-Stewart) Recommend approval of the tentative map subject to the following conditions: -8- 3/24/69 Kingswood Subdivision - Unit No. l: 1. The developer must apply for, pay the necessary fees and obtain the vacation of Tobias Drive adjacent to Lots 1 and 28. If this vacation is not obtained, a revised tentative shall be submitted to the staff. 2. Tentative layouts of each different lot configuration shall be submitted to the Planning staff for approval prior to the filing of a final map to insure that all sites are buildable. Minimum rear yard setback, 15' of level ground (less than 3% slope). 3. The map is approved in accordance with conditional use permit Resolution No. C-69-10. Kingswood Subdivision - Unit No. 2: 1. The sewer manhole in Avenue "C" shall be located in the center of the cul-de-sac. 2. The developer must apply for, pay the necessary fees and obtain the vacation of portions of First Avenue and Tobias Drive within the subdivision. If the necessary vacations are not obtained, a revised tentative map shall be submitted to the staff. 3. The Engineering Division is not necessarily approving the storm drain system as shown because of the lack of engineering data and information. It is the opinion of the engineering division that the storm drain in Avenue "B" may have to be extended to First Avenue and continued nOrtherly along First Avenue to the outlet end of the system. An additional headwall and pipe will have to be installed across Tobias Drive at Avenue "A", along with additional inlets, cleanouts and extensions which may be required in the system. The storm drain system is subject to detailed approval by the City Engineer. 4. Lots 29, 30, and 85 shall be improved with landscaping and a sprinkler system installed by the developer to be approved by the Planning and Parks and Recreation staffs. In addition, the subdivider shall provide a bond in an amount determined to be sufficient to guarantee installation and one-year maintenance of this open space. Subject park shall be dedicated to the City at the end of the one-year maintenance period, unless development is not complete or plantings are not estab- lished. 5. Lot lines along "B" Street shall be readjusted to provide wider lots for #54, #69, and #71. 6. The cul-de-sac at the terminus of "C" Avenue shall be extended south to Lot #55 which will allow a redesign of Lot #28, making it buildable. 7. Tentative layouts of each different lot configuration shall be submitted to the Planning staff for approval prior to the filing of a final map to insure that all sites are buildable. 8. A block retaining wall shall be constructed at the toe of all banks on Lots 29, 30 and 85 subject to a plan submitted to and approved by the Director of Parks and Recreation. Minimum height shall be no less than three courses of block. -9- 3/24/69 Subdivision - Final Map - San Simeon Unit No. 1 Director of Planning Warren submitted the final map noting the location of the subdivision as east of the proposed Interstate 805, bisected by "J" Street. This unit contains 42 lots. The map conforms with the tentative map and the staff recommends approval subject to the conditions imposed by the Division of Engineering. MSUC (Rice-Adams) Recommend approval of the final map subject to the following condition: The final map shall not be submitted for Council action until corrections are made to the map in accordance with the check sheets, all fees are paid and all necessary bonds, agreements, deeds, letters, improvement plans and easements, as required by the City Engineer, have been delivered to the City. PUBLIC HEARING - Variance - 540 Carla Avenue - Reduction of portion of rear yard setback f~O'Neill Oirector of Planning Warren submitted a plot plan noting the location of the property in question and the proposed addition. The applicant's required rear yard is 20 feet; however, the addition will extend 5 feet into this. With the proposed addition, the remaining rear yard usable area would be 50' X 25' on one side and 30' X 33' on the other, which would still assure adequate open space. The staff recommends approval of the request and offers findings. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Mr. John O'Neill, the applicant, stated he was present but had no additional comments to make. There being no further comments, either for or against, the hearing was declared closed. The Commission discussed the request and agreed that the applicant had sufficient usable yard left, after the construction of the addition, which would create no problem. MSUC (Putnam-Rt~e) Approval of the variance request. Findings be 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 primary intent of the 20 foot rear yard requirement is to provide a reasonable separation between neighborhood dwellings to afford the occupants "living space", light and air and a modicum of privacy. The distance between the neighboring rear dwelling and the proposed addition would be 50 feet to 55 feet, a distance which would insure such privacy. -10- 3/24/69 - 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 lot is only 95 feet deep making any addition inflexible by maintaining a 20 foot rear yard. 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. Adequate open space remains in the rear yard since approximately 2200 sq. ft. would exist, when a normal (70' X 20') rear yard contains 1400 sq. ft. d. That the granting of a variance will not be contrary to the objectives of the General Plan. The General Plan would not be affected by this proposal. PUBLIC HEARING - Variance - Northeast corner of Third Avenue and D Street - Reduction of front setback on D Street from 25' to 15' - Gentry and Kiffe Director of Planning Warren submitted the plot plan noting the location of the property, the adjacent land use and zoning. The property is presently zoned R-3 with an existing setback of 15' on Third Avenue and 25' on D Street. Mr. Warren submitted a schematic plan of the proposed development noting that 12 units will be constructed; the building will be two-story. The site slopes to the north, so the owner proposes to locate the building as close to D Street as possible in order to accommodate the majority of the required parking under the building. The staff recommends approval of the request subject to the submission of landscaping and irrigation plans. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Mr. Clarence Kiffe, the applicant, explained that the building will be 65' deep with storage and parking under the building. They are requesting the reduction of setback in order to get good access to the development. Mr. Virgil Livesay, seller of the parcel, spoke in favor of the request stating it was necessary for the applicant to obtain the setback reduction in order to get the building and parking on the property. There being no further comment, either for or against, the hearing was declared closed. MSUC (Adams-Chandler) Approval of the request subject to the following conditions: Elevations and landscaping and irrigation plans shall be submitted to the Director of Planning for approval prior to the issuance of a building permit. Such landscaping and irrigation system shall be installed prior to the final inspection. -11- 3/24/69 Findings be 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. A 25 foot setback would be an unnecessary hardship on this lot since an extra 13 foot parkway is maintained as well. 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. 15 foot setbacks have previously been approved for multiple family uses in recognition that deeper setbacks on local street locations are unnecessary. The topography of the lot makes it impractical to observe the 25 foot setback. 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 apparent detriment to the area by approval of this request is anticipated. This neighborhood will ultimately be redeveloped with R-3 uses which could utilize the same setback under the new ordinance provisions. d. That the granting of a variance will not be contrary to the objectives of the General Plan. The General Plan would not be affected by the approval of this request. PUBLIC HEARING - Variance - 581 Vance Street - Request for R-3 use in R-2 zone - David Livels Mr. Kenneth Lee, Assistant Planner, submitted a plot plan noting the location of the property in question, the adjacent land use and zoning. The applicant proposes to develop two existing dwellings into residential use. The property is zoned R-2 which provides for one duplex on the property; however, the applicant wants to develop it as a multiple use. The existing structures have been on the property for some time, and there is an alley access to the property. The structures which were moved onto the property were originally intended to be used as a dwelling unit and for storage. The staff recommends approval of the request subject to certain conditions. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Mr. David Lively, the applicant, commented on one of the staff's recommendation-- to provide two paved parking spaces with access from the alley. He said he preferred to use this area as a yard instead of the parking as delineated by the staff. The property is in rundown conditions at this time, and he intends to put in $7,000 to $8,000 to remodel the buildings. -12- 3/24/69 The Commission discussed the feasibility of providing the yard area in front of the dwelling rather than the area next to the alley; they felt this should be left for parking purposes. There being no further comment, either for or against, the hearing was declared closed. The Commission discussed the proposed parking and concurred that the recommendations of the staff were reasonable. MSUC (Stewart-Putnam) Request be approved subject to the following conditions: 1. Two paved parking spaces shall be provided with access from the alley subject to staff approval. 2. A drainage plan shall be approved by the Building Department prior to the issuance of a building permit. 3. All work shall be completed within the 6 month time limit in order to satisfy the Chula Vista Building Department's requirements for issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Findings be 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 structures exist on the property; this variance would provide for the completion of 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. The General Plan reflects a high density use and other variances for multiple dwellings have been granted in the past for this area. 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. The property directly north of this site is developed with apartments. The proposed change would be an upgrading of the site. d. That the granting of a variance will not be contrary to the objectives of the General Plan. The proposed use is in conformance with the General Plan. -13- 3/24/69 Request for waiver of underground utility service - 385 K Street - Kuebler Director of Planning Warren submitted a plot plan noting the property in question. This is the site of a 22 unit apartment project for which the Ordinance requires the undergrounding of the utility service unless waived by the Commission. There is a pole on the premises (145' north of K Street), and Mr. Kuebler is requesting permission to use the same pole with this overhead service. The staff recommends approval of the request since it would be unreasonable to require undergrounding of service for the new building which is served by the same pole giving service to an existing apartment building. MSUC (Rice-Stewart) Approval of the request in accordance with Chapter 34, Section 34.2.3 of the City Code. Request for modification of landscapin§ requirements for shopping center at northwest co~n6r o~-Hilltop Driv~ and Naples Street - Jay Pugh et al Director of Planning Warren stated that this matter was resolved this afternoon. A complaint was filed against the applicants and the City Attorney has now requested a three week continuance by the Court. They will be putting in the landscaping; the staff will be sending them a schematic drawing which they allege they will follow up on. They have three weeks in which to comply. The Commission took no action on this matter. Request for architectural a_~p.p_.[9~_al of "Move-In" - 199 Corte Maria - Daniel Green Director of Planning Warren passed around photographs to the Commission shewing the house to be moved and the location. The staff finds the house to be architec- turally compatible with the area and are recommending approval subject to the conditions imposed by the Building Inspection Department, which are quite extensive. Member Rice remarked it was unfortunate that the applicant wouldn't construct another garage onto this dwelling instead of the carport. Mr. Daniel Green, the applicant, stated he now intends to construct a two-car garage instead of the carport as originally planned. MSUC (Putnam-Chandler) Recommend approval of the move-in in accordance with Section 8.21 of the City Code and with the condition that a two-car garage will be constructed; the building will be compatible with the surrounding area based upon the standards delineated in said section. Discussion - Council request for consideration of rezoning from R-3 to R-l, area bounded by Flower ~ D Street Woodlawn & Madison Avenues Director of Planning Warren explained the referral from the Council. The Council left the setbacks in the area as existing, 20' and 25'. The people in the area submitted a petition to the Council and asked that the area be rezoned to R-1. The Council took no action on this request but referred it to the Commission for consideration. -14- 3/24/69 Member Stewart declared that there are a good many homes here in need of redevelop- ment, and there is some R-3 use in the area. There are many people who do not want the change; however, the others want to put up apartments on their lots and there is no reason why they shouldn't be allowed to do it. He is in favor of leaving it R-3. Member Adams agreed, adding that it was a certainty that no further single-family construction will be taking place in this area. The Commission concurred. MSUC (Chandler-Adams Leave the zoning as it presently exists--R-3, based on the following findings: 1. Much of the area is in need of redevelopment, and any change which will take place will be to multiple-family use. 2. The General Plan designates this area in a limited industrial classification. 3. The residents in this area that desire to have their properties changed to the R-1 zone should file applications with the Commission, and their applications would be considered on their own merit. City Attorney Lindberg commented that the people in the area should be notified that they can apply for a rezoning to R-l, if they are interested in doing so. Director Warren indicated he would report this to the City Council along with the findings. Discussion - Modificatien of §ar~e r~uirement in R-1 and R-2 zones Director of Planning Warren stated that this matter was discussed one month ago by the Commission and they asked the staff to submit a report. A field trip was taken to Otay Mesa to view the subdivisions there, in which the Commission viewed the homes having one-car garages and carports. The staff is reiterating their original recommendation--to stay with the two-garages and permit the home owner to convert it with storage and if two parking spaces are available, such conversion to be subject to staff approval. Member Stewart commented that the parking requirements for the split duplex develop- ment taken tonight was a good one and suggested inclusion in this amendment. Director Warren suggested the Commission wait before incorporating this particular provision to see how it works out. The Commission discussed the matter and directed the staff to prepare an ordinance for mailing to the Commission. MSUC (Stewart-Rice) Public hearing on this item be set for April 21, 1969. Aero Awning Company Request for Out__door Display of Merchandise Director Warren noted a requested received by the staff today for approval by the Commission to locate on a temporary basis (one year) a patio cover display adjacent to the entrance of the Big Apple Discount Store on 5th and H Street. There will also be a 2' to 3' high wall around the display area. The C-1 zone prohibits any outdoor -15- 3/24/69 sales or display of merchandise, and the staff feels that, if approved, it would start a precedent here. If approved, we would suggest the location north of the nursery for this display. The Commission discussed this new location realizing it would not give the applicant the exposure he wants. Member Rice commented that this request was contrary to what they envisioned in the D zone. MSUC (Adams-Stewart) Denial of the request. Status Items Chairman Hyde questioned the status on the review of the General Plan. Director Warren remarked that a draft of a revised report was just given to him today by the Associate Planner and as soon as he gets a chance to review it, he will send it to the Commission. Chairman Hyde questioned the status of the sign ordinance. Director Warren stated he wrote a letter to Niek Slijk, Chamber of Commerce, asking for the comments from the Downtown Association and the Broadway Association. He said he would try to get this information to the Commission by the next meeting. Mr. Warren added that a report from the City Attorney will be sent to the Commission relating to billboards. City Attorney Lindberg co~ented he received a call from the State Division of Highways in which they said that they are giving 10 days notice to owners of the billboard just off of L Street which was put up without permission. Chairman Hyde asked about the Fifth Draft of the Zoning Ordinance. Director Warren declared that everything but the provisions regarding signs is being sent to the Council. He will be calling a joint Council-Commission meeting soon to review this ordinance. ADJOURNMENT MSUC (Rice-Chandler) Meeting be adjourned sine die. The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~ Jennie M. Fulasz Secretary