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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm min 1968/07/15 MINUTES OF A REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA July 15, 1968 The regular adjourned meeting of the City Planning Commission of Chula Vista, California was held on the above date at 7 p.m., in the Council Chamber, Civic Center, 276 Guava Avenue, with the following members present: Stewart, Hyde, Gregson, Rice, Adams, Guyer and York. Absent: None. Also present: Director of Planning Warren, Associate Planner Manganelli, Assistant Planner Lee, City Attorney Lindberg and Assistant City Engineer Gesley. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MSUC (Guyer-Adams) Approval of the minutes of June 17 and June 24, 1968, as mailed, and approval of minutes of July 1, 1968 after the following correction is made. On pages 6 and 7 delete conditions 1-12 listed under the motion for approval of conditional use permit for a mobile home park for George Trusty, and insert the following conditions: 1. All unpaved areas shall be permanently landscaped. A landscape and irriga- tion plan shall be submitted to the Director of Planning prior to the issuance of a building permit. 2. New pavement shall consist of 2" AC over a 4" base, unless CBR tests determine that a lesser standard would suffice, and shall be kept in good condition. 3. Plan A shall be effective until the relocation of the frontage road, after which Plan B shall take effect. Also add the following findings of approval: (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. This use provides a needed housing type for the City. (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. Such uses are al ready in existence in the area without any apparent detri- ment. It is an expansion of an existing use. -2- 7/15/68 (c) That the proposed use will comply with the regulations and conditions specified in the Code for such use. Ordinance requirements and the conditions imposed will result in Code compliance. (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. PUBLIC HEARING: Rezoning - Area ~long both sides of Oran§e Avenue approximately 700' west of Hilltop Drive - M-1 t? R-3-B-3 - Jafro~ Inc.; Variance - Same area - Jafro~ Inc.~ Subdivision Tentative Map - Holiday Estates, Units #5 and #6 Director of Planning Warren advised that these items have been continued to this meeting from the June 17, 1968 meeting to give the staff a chance to meet with members of F.H.A. and the San Diego City and County Planning Departments to discuss the matter of appropriate location and guidelines for a development of this type. This meeting was delayed due to the v~¢ations of some officials and although the meeting has now been held the staff has not had sufficient time to evaluate the various points presented and to reach the conclusions ~o present to the Commission. Since the applicants do not object, it is therefore recommended that these items be continued to the meeting of August 5, 1968. MSUC (Adams-Rice) That the hearings on the rezoning, variance and subdivision tentative map be continued to the meeting of August 5, 1968. PUBLIC HEARING: Prezoning (Cont'd) - Property west of Hilltop Drive along both sides of Orange Avenue (Frome Subdivision/ from County R-1-A to R-3-B-3 - Jafro, Inc. PUBLIC HEARING: Prezonin9 - Property at the northwest and southwest corners of Hilltop Drive and the extension of Orange Avenue from County C to C-N Plannin9 Commission initiated Director of Planning Warren stated that a letter has been received from the proponents of this prezoning withdrawing their request for annexation and for prezoning, indicating their intention to develop the property with single family residences in the County. Since this date for a hearing to consider prezoning to C-N had been set by the Commission and publicly advertised, the Commission has the prerogative of going ahead with the consideration of this prezonin9. Although the County has granted commercial zoning to small parcels at both the northwest and southwest corners of Hilltop Drive and the extension of Orange Avenu~ the staff cannot justify the imposition of a service station site on the subdivision proposed at the northwest corner of the intersection and would recommend C-N zoning only for the parcel at the southwest corner of Orange and Hilltop. -3- 7/15/68 This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. No one present wished to testify so the public hearing was closed. The Commission discussed the area and concurred that R-1 zoning would be the most logical for the property prosed for residential development and that the C-N zoning should be confined to the parcel at the southwest corner of the intersection of Orange and Hilltop. MSUC (Guyer-Adams) Resolution of the City Planning Commission Recommending to the RESOLUTION NO. 526 City Council Prezoning Property west of Hilltop Drive along both sides of Orange Avenue (Frome Subdivision) R-1 and Prezoning approximately Two Acres at the Southwest Corner of Hilltop Drive and Orange Avenue C-N Findings of fact are as follows: 1. The R-1 portion is in conformance with the General Plan. 2. The C-N portion is already zoned "C" in the County. The C-N classification would give the City some measure of control to insure compatibility with abutting residential uses. PUBLIC HEARING: Variance - 52 and 54 J Street - Request to create lots for residential purposes on 15' easement Dieterle An application was read which proposes to create two residential lots without street frontage, access to be provided by easements from J Street. Assistant Planner Lee presented a plot plan pointing out the parcel of approxi- mately one acre presently served by a 15' wide paved easement extending 290 feet from J Street. As the division of the two new lots was not clearly indicated on the plot plan submitted with the application, Mrs. Dieterle was called upon to clarify this point and indicated that a parcel 100' X 166' would be divided equally, creating two lots 100' X 83' less the necessary easements. This would require an additional easement 22' wide extending 127' to the first lot, plus another easement 15' wide extending 83' to reach the second lot. Assistant Planner Lee also discussed the conditions which the staff recommends be imposed in connection with this variance. Assistant Engineer Gesley raised an objection to the third proposed condition which dealt with City maintenance of access easements at the expense of the property owner. He felt this is not possible and pointed out that there are a dozen building sites involved for which similar variance requests may be made. He stated the Engineering Division feels a halt should be called to this type of development as it is a good example of "bootleg subdivision." Mr. Gesley further pointed out that plans were developed at the City's expense seven years ago for public improvements in this area, but at that time the people were not interested and did not wish to go ahead and improve the area. As a result the area does not have the same improvements the Engineers strive to approve for the rest of the City. Property owners should be made aware that access easements are not maintained as public Streets. Mr. Gesley recommended deletion of condition No. 3 if the variance is approved. -4- 7/15/68 Planning Director Warren stated that he is in agreement with the elimination of this condition and the maintenance of an easement becomes the responsibility of the property owner with no other alternative than to keep the easement in good repair and presentable condition. Chairman Stewart stated that if the people desire to make the easement into a public street it must be done through the financial support of the residents to be served. If there are other parcels to be divided, the new homes should bear the cost of improving a public street; however, there is no way the City can insist upon putting in a public street. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Mrs. Adolph Dieterle stated that there is no way of getting to the two lots which they wish to create and improve except through the use of easements which they are requesting. She would be in favor of dedicating the land for a public street but the cost of such improvement should be shared by all property owners to be served by the street. As no one spoke in opposition to this variance the hearing was declared closed. Member Adams expressed the opinion that the Commission should not penalize these people by refusing to grant a variance because they cannot get a public street. Member York concurred, adding that if people wished to maintain a rural atmosphere by improving lots without street frontage, under certain circumstances they should be allowed to do so by variance. MSC (Adams-York) Approval of the variance request, with the following conditions attached: 1. A minimum pavement width of 12' shall be required on the proposed 22' wide easement extending 127' along the northerly boundary of parcel #2, with a 15' wide paved easement extending from the north property line of parcel #1 along the easterly property line for a distance of 83'. The remaining area to be landscaped. 2. A minimum of two on site surfaced guest parking spaces shall be accommodated on each lot of parcel #1, in addition to the required two-car garage, when construction of dwellings takes place. 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. Both parcels will exceed the minimum lot size requirements established by the City. (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. Street frontage is not available at this time for development of the lots. -5- 7/~5/68 (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 neigh- borhood in which the property is located. Lots will be comparable in size to many parcels in the area and no significant increase in traffic will be generated. (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 by the approval of this request. The motion carried by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Adams, York, Hyde, Stewart, Guyer NOES: Members Rice, Gregson ABSENT: None PUBLIC HEARING: Variance - 550 First Avenue - Request to create lots for residential purposes on 19' easement - Williams An application was read requesting permission to create and improve a new lot by dividing an existing lot which is served by a 19' easement from First Avenue. Both lots would be served by a common driveway. The newly created lot would also have approximately 40 feet of frontage on Linda Lane, which is not suitable for a driveway because of the topography. Assistant Planner Lee discussed the plot plan pointing out that the new lot would have two different elevations with the upper level containing about 7500 square feet and presently occupied by an existing garage; the lower level would contain about 9200 square feet and would be graded to provide building site for a new dwelling. This would entail realig~:ng an existing 6' diagonal drainage easement to the edge of the property line. Director of Planning Warren stated the department had received petitions of protest signed by 15 property owners and a letter of protest. This being the time and place as advertised the public hearing was opened. Mr. Harry L. Williams, 550 First Avenue, the applicant, stated it is his desire to improve the neighborhood as the present lot is too large to be properly maintained. He maintained that the construction of a dwelling and installation of landscaping would be an attractive improvement to the area. Mrs. George Morrow, 537 Linda Lane, in protesting the variance enumerated her objections as follows: It violates the City Code which the other property owners in this area have abided by. We do not believe the rear site, where the home is proposed, is a desirable location for a home and do not see how it can contribute to the betterment of the neighborhood--cannot imagine anyone wanting to live in an area surrounded by back yards. -6- 7/15/68 In regard to the shape of this proposed lot, there must be some undefined purpose why the narrow strip would be included in the new lot. We think the reason this was included with this parcel was because the owner had no use for the garage--it would be included as a garage for the new building. This brings us to the problem we could not imagine why a garage which would be approximately 100 feet from the house in the rear, would mean a problem of climbing a 12' embankment to get to the garage or walk 220 feet if you do not go up the slope. It is our belief that the garage would eventually be moved and a roadway to Linda Lane constructed. Ten years ago we checked with the City to see what would be done with this area. We were told it did not meet the requirements for a dwelling. Mr. Williams was not interested in building a retaining wall (along Linda Lane frontage), but said if the others wished we could do so. We have landscaped and maintained the bank on Mr. Williams' property. Can see no reason for putting this corridor in with parcel No. 2. Mr. William R. Haneline, 112 Shasta Street, stated that he had mailed a letter of protest, but wished to express the following: When we purchased our home 8 years ago we were told by dealers that because the lot had no street frontage there would be nothing built there. If the lot is built on it will deprive us of privacy. We don't want to look at a fence or incur expense of a fence. Undesirable people might move in. On easement for drain, at the present time it is an open drain diagonally across lot; with 90° turn an open drain will flood over. If it is a covered drain it will take a mighty big pipe--pipe would have to be 10 feet to take care of the water, and with sharp turn there would be stoppage. Realignment of the drainage ditch is detrimental to my lot and other lots facing it. Mr. D. R. Smith, 536 Linda Lane, stated: I believe everything that has been said expresses my thinking in regard to this matter. I don't believe it is a desirable building lot and believe there would be an attempt to open into Linda Lane. Mr. Ayer, 118 Shasta, in opposing the realignment of drainage easement, declared: On the east side the drain is pipe and the diagonal is an open ditch. Where it goes across, the whole field has been flooded. Easement is one foot above the lot. Our lots are below easement. If we are flooded under will the City pay for the damages? The inlet going to the street will not take care of it. Chairman Stewart stated the proper drainage is a matter for the Engineering Department to take care of. Mrs. Ballantyne, 536 First Avenue, is opposed because: Proposed house would be in our back yard. Drainage easement would be at our property line. The front of our lot is level, the back is low. We would be looking into the yard of other lot---cannot imagine anyone wanting to live in that type of lot. We were told there would never be a house back there because it had to have a street frontage. -7- 7/15/68 Chairman Stewart asserted that several people have testified they were promised a house would not be built on that lot. There has always been an ordinance to permit a lot without adequate street frontage to be developed by requesting a variance so the land can be used. Anyone who stated a lot could not be built upon did so in error. Mrs. Ernest Campbell, 560 First Avenue, remarked; All I have to say, are we allowed to cut up Chula Vista and put houses in the middle of the block with a 19' easement? Mrs. Kelly, 542 Linda Lane, declared that Mr. Williams was the builder of four houses on Linda Lane and four on First Avenue, and she questioned why he didn't include these parcels when he built before. Max Lofton, 122 Shasta, stated: We enjoy the privacy that a dead end street allows. An easement creates a problem of traffic. Where we have streets I think we should enforce the present ordinances. You are taking away the privacy people have in their back yards. Chairman Stewart called on Mr. Williams to answer the question raised about the reason for including the corridor in this new lot. Mr. Williams declared there was no particular reason, he felt he could use the garage for storage area if he occupied the new house to be constructed. He further pointed out that most city lots back their yard up to another one, and he could not see that this is different than any other. Director of Planning Warren stated that since the question was raised concerning the configuration of the lot, he would suggest that this item be continued to the next meeting so the staff could meet with the applicant in an attempt to come up with a better configumation on the second parcel. Mr. Williams replied that he would go along with Mr. Warren on anything he wants to say on the configumation of the lot, and reiterated that what he is asking for is a 19' easement for two dwellings, adding that he thinks a residence built down there would be an improvement. When asked if he had developed the other property in the area, Mr. Williams replied that he developed seven lots. City Attorney Lindberg declared that there has been a great deal of discussion which does not concern the issue of whether or not a 19' easement will be approved. The lots constitute a legal definition of building sites and the configuration of the lots does not have any bearing on the variance. Mr. Stewart declared the public hearing closed and stated that action will not be taken until one week from tonight. Jack Farmer, 556 First Avenue, declared that last year in the heavier rain they had two feet of water in their lot, so there is a lot of water coming from Mankato across the lots and into the drainage easement. MSUC (Guyer-Hyde) Continue action on this request for variance until July 22, 1968. -8- 7/15/68 PUBLIC HEARING: Variance - 8 Angela Lane - Request for rear yard reduction from 20' to 16' - Reisweber An application was read which requested the rear yard reduction for the purpose of constructing a 6' X 12' walk-in type closet; the application was signed by 14 neighboring property owners giving their approval and endorsement to the request. The staff has recommended approval of the variance. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Mr. Reisweber stated he had nothing to add to the information in the application. When asked if his next door neighbor had agreed to the request, Mr. Reisweber confirmed that the neighbor had. The public hearing was then declared closed. The Commission could see no objection and Member Hyde remarked that questions like this should be handled by the staff. Planning Director Warren advised that this will be a provision in the new ordinance. MSUC (Hyde-Guyer) Approval of the variance for reduction of rear yard setback. 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. There is only 3' in the rear yard, exclusive of required yards, in which to expand the dwelling. (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. Approximately 70% of the lot is taken up in required yards, thus leaving an inadequate area in which to expand. (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 proposed addition would be 17' away from the property line which is the neighboring property's side lot line to which the neighbor may build as close as 5'. (d) The General Plan would not be affected by the approval of this variance. -9- 7/15/68 PUBLIC HEARING: Variance - 225 and 227 Landis Avenue - R-3 use in C-2 zone - Tesch The application was read requesting permission to convert an existing garage into a studio apartment. Assistant Planner Lee presented a plot plan showing the building in question in relation to the location of two other dwellings on the same tot, also pointing out where offstreet parking spaces can be accommodated. He advised that the staff would recommend extending the driveway through to the alley to facilitate movement of traffic through the lot; also that the applicant should be made aware that approval would be required from the board of appeals and fire department before such conversion could be undertaken. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Mr. Gard Tesch, owner and applicant, stated he felt this would be an improvement in the appearance of the area as the building would be painted and windows installed. He also affirmed that he would have no objection to putting the driveway through to the alley. The public hearing was declared closed. Member Adams expressed opposition to granting the variance as, in his opinion, it would be a very undesirable and economically infeasible method of development. Member Hyde concurred with Mr. Adams, adding that this is encouraging a condit~6n which good zoning practice should discourage--development of residential property in a C-2 zone. He could not visualize any hardship in not approving this request and feels the Commission should not encourage bad zoning practice. Member York concurred with Mr. Hyde's conclusions but not for the same reason. He pointed out that a check of the General Plan shows this is to be developed R-3, and any money spent on this particular development will prolong the day when the area will be upgraded as C-O or R-3. In response to a question Mr. Tesch confirmed that the existing buildings are not new. In five or six years, possibly 10 at the most, it is entirely possible that something else will be done with this property. He asserted that the type of building he is proposing, inasmuch as he proposes to remodel a garage immediately for his own family, it can be seen it is not a permanent type of improvement but a stop gap measure. He estimates the cost of this at $2,200 to $2,500 and states it will look nice. Chairman Stewart stated that he deplores the use of an old structure for conversion to use that may not be up to standard, but he could not agree that this is a basis for denying the request for variance. Member York declared that he had voted for previous requests for variance in this zone but they were for new developments. If the applicant wanted to tear down the building and build an R-3 he would be the first to champion him. -10- 7/15/68 MS (Gregson-Stewart) Approval of request for variance based on findings of the staff. The motion failed to carry by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Gregson, Stewart NOES: Members Rice, Adams, Guyer, York, Hyde ABSENT: None Chairman Stewart advised the applicant the request had been denied and he has ten days in which to appeal this decision to the City Council. PUBLIC HEARING: Variance - Southwest corner of Second Avenue and quintard Street Rgquest for reduction of front yard from 25' to 15' on quintard street and 25' to 10' on Second Avenue Noble The application was read which requests the reduction of setbacks on the corner lot for the purpose of constructing apartments in this R-3 zone. Assistant Planner Lee presented a plan of the area and advised this would be developed along both streets in a monolithic development to the curb with a total distance of 33' from the building to the curb on both streets. He also enumerated conditions which the staff recommends. This being the time and place as advertised the public hearing was opened. There were no comments, either for or against, and the public hearing was declared closed. MSUC (Gregson-Hyde) Approval of the request for variance with the following conditions: 1. A preliminary landscaping plan shall be submitted prior to the issuance of building permit for the area between the building and the sidewalk. A final landscaping plan shall be submitted for staff approval prior to electrical inspection. 2. All proposed signs shall be submitted for staff approval. 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' setback would represent an unnecessary hardship on this lot since a 14.5' 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 to other property in the same zone or neighborhood. There is an existing 15' setback on the east side of Second Avenue. -ll- 7/15/68 (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 reduced setback will not be detrimental to the area since 15' setbacks exist in the area and the proposed setback will be the same as that contemplated for much of the city in multiple-family zones. (d) The general plan will not be affected by the approval of this variance. PUBLIC HEARING: Variance - 547 Glover Avenue - Request for reduction in front yard from 20' to 15' on Glover Avenue and 15' to 10' on Mankato Street - Weimer An application was read in which the request for reduction of setback was made in order to construct and develop a 15 unit apartment complex on this property zoned R-3. Planning Director Warren advised that one letter of protest to this request had been received--mailed from Charleston, South Carolina. Associate Planner Manganelli presented a plot plan indicating the property in question. He also pointed out that Glover is an 80' wide street which functions as a local street. With the setback requested there would be a distance of 35' between the dwelling and the curb on Glover and 21' between building and curb on Mankato. Other uses on Mankato utilize a 5' setback and since this request is less than that on the opposite side of the street, the staff recommends approval. This being the time and place as advertised the public hearing was opened. There being no response, either for or against, the public hearing was closed. MSUC (Guyer-York) Approval of request for variance for reduction of setbacks subject to the following condition: Preliminary landscape 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 of the improvements. 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. On Glover: A 20 foot setback would be an unnecessary hardship on this lot since an extra 13 foot parkway is maintained as well. On Mankato: Exterior side yards of 10 feet are contemplated for the R-3 zone in the proposed new Zoning Ordinance. (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. -12- 7/15/68 On Glover: 15 foot setbacks have previously been approved for n~ltiple family uses in recognition that deeper setbacks on local street locations are unnecessary. On Mankato: The parcel to the east enjoys a zero setback while the parcels on the south si de of Mankato are permitted to utilize a 5 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 neighbor- hood in which the property is located. On Glover: 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 new ordin- ance provisions. On Mankato: Since lesser setbacks are utilized in the immediate vicinity of the property, no detriment would result. (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: Variance - 312 and 314 F Street - Request for C-2 use on C-1 property - E~er An application was read requesting permission to operate a small commercial printing plant, to produce cards, letterhead stationery, envelopes, brochures and labels--no publication or newspaper publishing. Director of Planning Warren discussed the area and the adjoining uses which include a bowling alley and two auto repair shops. He indicated the property would be enhanced by granting this variance as the building is presently vacant and in poor repair. This being the time and place as advertised the public hearing was opened. Robert Fuson, of Fuson's Garage, in the vicinity of this property, testified on behalf of Mr. Eyer's integrity as a businessman and recommended the variance be granted. Member Adams declared he felt the variance should include one condition: That the building be made presentable. Mr. Eyer replied that would be his intention, but he must first rid the building of termites and has contracted with a termite exterminator. He must then have the necessary power installed for operating the equipment. After that he will completely paint and renovate the exterior of the building. The public hearing was then declared closed. -13- 7/15/68 MSUC (Adams-Hyde) Approval of request for permission to operate commercial printing plant subject to the following condition: The exterior of subject building shall be painted and ~enovated to the extent that it will be compatible with other commercial buildings in the area. 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. There are several printing operations presently in use in the C-1 areas and the nature of this operation would not be incompatible with the commercial uses in the immediate vicinity. (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 proposed site has a bowling alley across the alley directly west, and two auto repair garages within 230 feet. The city's proposed new zoning ordinance provides for printing shops within the central business area if the location is compatible. (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 neighbor- hood in which the property is located. Without this variance, the applicant is deprived of the right to conduct a business similar to other printing businesses in this same area and zone. (d) The General Plan would not be affected by the approval of this variance. PUBLIC HEARING: Variance - 315 H Street - Request for reduction in rear yard from 15' to O' - Burni An application was read which requests the reduction of rear yard to zero for the construction of a retail discount store in the C-1 zone. The application points out that since the property will be developed with a structure from property line to property line (no access to rear yard) the rear yard would serve no useful purpose and would restrict the amount of parking space for this particular use. This being the time and place as advertised the public hearing was opened. Mr. Paul Miller, representing Ralph Burni, stated the applicant accepts the conditions as proposed by the Planning Department. Chairman Stewart asked if the diagonal parking as recommended by the staff would allow sufficient parking spaces as required by the square footage of the building. Director of Planning Warren replied this cannot be answered at the present time but will be resolved as plans are developed. -14- 7/15/68 Member York raised a question as to the time the installation of landscaping and irrigation will be required. Director of Planning Warren indicated this would be required prior to final inspection. Discussion ensued. MSUC (Hyde-Gregson) Request for variance be approved subject to the following: 1. The parking layout shall be revised subject to the approval of the staff. Angular parking spaces (60° or less) shall be encouraged. 2. A landscape and irrigation plan shall be submitted to the Department of Planning for approval prior to the issuance of a building permit. Such landscaping and irrigation shall be installed prior to final inspection. 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. Since the property will be developed with a structure from property line to property line (no access to rear yard) this rear yard serves no useful purpose and restricts the amount of parking for this particular use. (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. Rear lot line of this property abuts adjoining side yard of commercial lot to the north which enjoys a zero 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 neighborhod in which the property is located. The property in the rear being commercial, can be built upon with a zero setback. (d) The General Plan would not be affected by the approval of this variance. PUBLIC HEARING: Conditional Use Permit - 395 D Street - Request to construct additions to church - First Assembly of God Church An application was read requesting permission to build an auditorium for church services and to provide Sunday school rooms and offices for the operation of a Church School on Sundays. Assistant Planner Lee presented a plot plan pointing out the location of present buildings and the site of the proposed auditorium, also the area planned for parking. Two R-1 dwellings at the rear of this property will be served by an easement at each side, one with a 12' driveway and the other a 15' driveway from the back of the parking lot. -15- 7/15/68 This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Pastor Ryan expressed his acceptance of the conditions recommended by the staff and his willingness to answer any questions on this proposal. There being no further comments, the hearing was declared closed. MSUC (Rice-Hyde) Approval of a conditional use permit for construction of the church subject to the following: Completed plans shall be submitted to the Planning Department staff for approval, incorporating the following: 1. Elevations of all the proposed buildings, including a color scheme. 2. A maximum seating capacity shall be indicated for the main auditorium with proportionate parking as required by the ordinance. 3. All parkway areas shall be filled with concrete. 4. Locations and renderings of proposed signs. 5. A preliminary landscaping plan--include location and type of all existing trees. 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 this permit will allow the applicant the opportunity to construct a new facility. (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 buildings designed will not be detrimental to health or safety of those persons residing in the area. Adequate steps have been taken to assure proper parking for site. (c) That the proposed use will comply with the regulations and conditions specified in the Code for such use. The buildings will be used for the purpose it is being constructed and all conditions imposed by the city will be observed. (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 use will be compatible with the requirements of the General Plan. -16- 7/15/68 Subdivision - Tentative Map - Princess Manor Unit No. 6 (Reconsideration) Director of Planning Warren reported that a request had been received from the subdivider to continue this matter to the meeting of August 5, 1968. MSUC (Adams-Rice) Continue the consideration of Princess Manor Unit No. 6 tentative map to August 5, 1968. Assistant Engineer Gesley expressed disapproval of this continuance as the subdivider is proceeding with the grading. Planning Director Warren and City Attorney Lindberg both asserted the subdivider has been informed that grading performed prior to approval of the tentative map will not influence the Commission's decision. Recommendation - Proposed condemnation of properties for public purposes - Council referral Director of Planning Warren reported that the City Council had taken action to refer the matter of the proposed condemnation of three parcels of land for public purposes to the Planning Commission for their recommendation as to whether or not these acquisitions conform to the General Plan. One parcel contains 47.76 acres and its acquisition is aparently proposed for the construction of a community hospital. It is felt this area is in excess of the need for a hospital but it may have other functions. The staff finds it difficult to make a recommendation concerning acquisition of the land without full knowledge of the proposed use; however, the General Plan places the area in residential land use and the staff recommends this acquisition for public use would be compatible with the General Plan. City Attorney Lindber9 pointed out that while the proposed use is essentially for hospital purposes, the question of how much land is taken must be based on the cost of condemnation. The City might make application for open space grants. Member York expressed the opinion that in the past the City has been short-sighted in the acquisition of lands, While this is far in excess of the needs for a hospital it will be short-sighted if they don't pick up the rest of the land, as it will not decrease in value if no use is found. MSUC (Guyer-Hyde) The Planning Commission recommends to the City Council that the acquisition of 47.76 acres on the north side of Telegraph Canyon Road for public use is compatible with the General Plan. Member York stepped down from the meeting before the Commission considered the other parcels of land. The parcels referred by the City Council included 2.10 acres at the southeast corner of Fourth Avenue and Center Street and 2.15 acres to the east and adjacent to the other property. Planning Director Warren stated the staff would recommend also including approximately 2/3 of an acre in a triangular shape between the park and the intersection of Third Avenue and Madroma Street. -17- 7/15/68 Member Gregson commented that the City needs space for civic center expansion and the General Plan has indicated use of this property for a convention hall. Member Hyde asked if it could be extended from Madrona to Center Street. Planning Director Warren stated the staff is not ready to recommend that. Chairman Stewart advised that this be taken up at a later date. MSUC (Adams-Hyde) That the Planning Commission reco~ends to the City Council that the acquisition of the two parcels which they have indicated would be in conformance with the General Plan and further recommends the inclusion of the area owned by the railroad be added to the area to be acquired. ADJOURNMENT MSUC (Gregson-Hyde) Meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Helen Mapes Acting Secretary