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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1967.03.27CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION COM41SSIODERS PRESENT Brauner Cistulli Edwards Kindig Minh Norberg Pierce CALL TO ORDER March 27, 1967 COMMISSIONERS ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT None City Attorney Karmel City Planner Mann City Engineer Marr Councilman Diederichsen Councilman Johnson A regular meeting of the Burlingame Planning Comuaission was called to order on the above date at 8:00 p.m., Chairman Pierce presiding. ROLL CALL The Secretary's roll call recorded all members present. OWLEDGMSNTS The Chair acknowledged the presence of Councilman Diederichsen and Councilman Johnson. M .NMSS The minutes of the regular meeting of February 27, 1967, previously sub- mitted to members were approved and adopted. The minutes of the adjourned meeting and study meeting of March 13, 1967, amended to record Com- missioner Kindig's absence was by reason of a prior business commitment outside the city, were approved and adopted. PUBLIC HEARINGS For the benefit of the large group in attendance, Chairman Pierce announces ground rules for the public hearings scheduled on this date, providing for the appellants to present their petitions, to be followed by pro- ponents and opponents from the floor; the Chair requested that each speaker announce name and address for the record. 1. RBSUBDIVISION: LOTS 3 and 4 BLOCK 4 BAST MILLSDALE PARK NOS2 A asap proposing a resubdivision of the above --described properties by deleting the common lot line and establishing a new property line to create Parcel A with frontage on Bayshore Highway and Stanton Road, and Parcel B, fronting Stanton Road, prepared by James J. Breen & Associates for the owners, Asiatic Animal Imports, 1669 Bayshore High- way; Burlingame, was reviewed at the study meeting and scheduled for formal consideration at this time. - 1 - The City Engineer, in reply to the Chair, recalled there were two problems in�the property reviewed at7the study meeting; namely, the - method for providing off-street parking. and a requirement that a temporary wall on the existing building on Parcel A shall be made permanent, constructed for two-hour fire rating. Chairman Pierce recognized Mr. George Day, 1318 E. Poplar Avenue, San Mateo, General Contractor, representing the applicants, who reported that he was issued a building permit earlier in the day for construction of the new wall conforming to building code requirements and that work will start immediately; he stated that some work was commenced upon receipt of the permit. Mr. Day advised that bids have been secured from two paving contractors for the parking lots, that it is intended to solicit a total of three bids, and then award the contract. The City Planner pointed out that the problem in the parking arises as a result of the proposed new lot line, however, the parking plan filed by the applicant appears workable. It was the suggestion of the City Engineer and the City Planner that the Commission approve the resubdivision in principle, but the maps not be signed until the wall construction and parking lots have been completed and accepted by the city. A motion introduced by Commissioner Brauner approved the resubdivision - signatures on the final tracings to be withheld until off-street parking on both parcels meets code requirements and a fire wall in the building on Parcel A is accepted by the Building inspector. The notion was seconded by Commissioner Cistulli and carried unanimously on roll call. 2. RESUBDIVISIONs LOTS IN BLOCK 3, EAST MILLSDALE PARKS NOS. I and.2 A map of properties owned by Bast Millsdale Investment Company, et al, prepared by Charles E. Randlett, Civil Engineer, proposing to change and correct lot lines of several parcels lying between Mitten and Malcolm Roads, northerly of Gilbreth Road, was reviewed at the study meeting and scheduled for formal consideration at this time. Mr. Charles W. Ring, Jr., represented the applicants. The City Engineer, in reply to the Chair, stated there were four parcels involved, that research in his department revealed no conflict with prior resubdivisions on the property and that the tracings before the Commission were satisfactory. Following the Commission's review of the map, statements from the City Engineer and City Planner indicating approval, and no comments from the audience favoring or protesting the application, a motion was introduced by Commission Kindig and seconded by Commissioner Cistulli approving the map on file with the City Engineer. 'The motion was approved unanimously on roll call. 3. REST ISION: M 53, BBLOCK 36 MILLS ESTATE NO, 13 A preliminary map of a proposed resubdivision of the above -described ft -_`property, on Loyola Drive, preparedbythe owner, Mr. Vincent Howell, A.I.A.,=was reviewed at the study meeting and scheduled for formal consideration at this time. A Roof and Plot Plan and Loyola Drive Elevations accompanied the map. Chairman Pierce recognized Mr. Howell who stated that the purpose of the application is to divide an existing large vacant lot into three parcels, comprising 65 feet of frontage to each lot, with the average depth varying from 160 to 170 feet; he pointed out that the rear property lines are somewhat angular causing the difference in depths; lot areas range from a minimum of 8,782 plus square feet to a maximum of ll,655 plus square feet. The City Planner," in reply to the Chair, advised that the resubdivision fulfills code requirements for land area, street frontage and average width. The City Engineer, in reply to Commissioner Brauner's inquiry concerning potential drainage problem, referred to a discussion at the study meeting wherein Der. Howell discussed plans for draining the lots individually. The City Engineer mentioned that the matter would be thoroughly explored at such time that building permits were issued. The City Engineer stated that water service and sewer laterals would be required to be installed where necessary at the owner's expense; he suggested also that the owner confer with the utility companies to determine installations and costs involved for telephone and power services. Mr. Howell, in reply to Commissioner Cistulli, stated that the entrance to the proposed dwellings will be directly from the street - however, a certain amount of grading will be required. Chairman. Pierce invited comments from the audience favoring the applica- tion; there were none. Opponents were invited to speak. Mr. pick L. Elchinoff, 1720 E1 Camino Real, Burlingame, Attorney, stated that he was approached by,a group of homeowners in the area on the previous Friday but due to lack of time had not had an opportunity to thoroughly study the proposal and advise his clients. in behalf of the homeowners, Mr. Elchinoff requested a continuance, pointing out that the notices of hearing were not received by the addressees until Thursday, March 23. Mr. Blehinoff filed a net of five pictures, including two of the subject property and three typical residences in the neighborhood. .In reply to an inquiry from Mrs. T. J. NO irhead, 1808 Montecito Way, whether excavation necessary for the -proposed construction would endanger buildings at the top of the bank, the City Engineer explained that at no time is the city in a position to guarantee against soil erosion on private property. Mr. William Caplan, 2701 Arguello Drive, President, mills Estate improvement -Association, reported that he had inspected the lot in 0response to a telephoned request.from Mr. W. F. McCann, 2601 Frontera Drive, owner of the property immediately adjacent to the subject property and also spoke with Mr. Jack Dovey, Vice -President of the Homeowners Association, who was the project engineer for Trousdale Construction Company, the original subdividers. Mr. -Caplan stated that the property comprises an extremely steep slope area and while the proposed parcels will be of sufficient square footage, the absence of a flat level pad creates a difference in relation to neighboring properties making a compatible improvement unlikely; he stated that he was informed by Mr. Dovey that the single large lot was created inasmuch as the subdividers were dubious that even one satisfactory building site would be possible. Mr. Caplan advised that he learned in a conversation earlier in the day with the City Attorney that from a legal standpoint, the Commission may be powerless to prevent the resubdivision; he suggested that the number of lots could be reduced from three to two and, in conclusion, urged that every possible avenue be explored to prevent, if possible, or control the use of the property. In response to Commissioner Brauner's inquiry whether the Commission may exercise some degree of discretion in resubdivision proposals where all of the code requirements are meet, the City Attorney advised in the negative, citing as an example "Roussey vs. City of Burlingame" in which the city denied the right to subdivide a lot when the subdivision would make two legal lots.out of one; the City Attorney stated that the court held there was no discretion so long as -the applicant met all of the requirements of the ordinance. Following a series of inquiries directed to staff, Commissioners were advised that there are no grading or filling provisions in the Municipal Code, that the proposed resubdivision map was examined and complies with code requirements; that unlike the ten day time limitation for notices of hearing on variances and special permits, the Code does not provide for any timmw- limeitation on resubdivision notices. During a period of discussion, Commissioners indicated no strong objec- tion to the continuance requested by the homeowners and their attorney and following an expression of willingness to cooperate from Mr. Howell, Chairman Pierce declared the hearing continued to the regular meeting, April 24, 1967. The City 8ngineer informed Mr. Howell of the requirement for a proper Final Parcel Map should the Commission approve the application. Chairman Pierce announced a public hearing,.continued from the regular meetings of January 23 and February 27, 1967, on the variance request of Jams Popin, 760 Walnut Avenue for s resubdivision of property resulting in one parcel with less than 50 feet of street frontage and average width less than 50 foot. The Secretary reported that all relative correspondence was read at the prior meetings, with the exception of a petition filed at the onset of the present meeting; the petition in opposition to the variance ,and bearing the signatures of thirty-eight residents of Walnut Avenue )and streets in the immediate vicinity was read. RECESS: A five minute recess was declared at 8:55 p.m. for the City Planner to procure the applicant's plans from his office. The meeting reconvened at 9:00 p.m., with the City Planner, at the Chair's request, giving a brief resume of proceedings to date; he explained that the property consists of two 50 foot lots with the main building located so that the driveway, house portico and garage extend on to the second lots the applicant proposes to divide into two lots in such a way that the present building can remain and the balance of the property to be created into a new lot which does not meet street frontage nor average width requirements. He stated there is no problem in land area as the property is very deep. The City Planner recalled his statement, made during the course of the previous discussions, that since there is a shortage of residential lots it would be good policy for the city to create new lots where postble; however, in the subject appplication, a variance, should be the very minimum to create the closest possible to a legal lot. The City Planner pointed out that the Commission was not satisfied with the applicant's proposal and suggestions were made for caring problems in the property, thereby improving the resubdivision design and creating .mote than a minimum lot. He stated also that it would be impossible to divide into two 50 foot lots without destroying access to the rear of the dwelling because of the location of the driveway at the 50 foot lot line. Chairman Pierce recognised Mr. Popin who reported that a decision was made since the study meeting to remove the portico as it now exists, replace with a canopy and thereby add two feet to the new lot, increasing street frontage to.45 feet. in reply to Commissioner Brauner, Mr. Popin stated that it is now proposed that the lot line shall be 45 feet wide for the full depth up to the garage, where, at that point, there will be a two foot deviation in the line to clear the garage, giving a rear measurement of 43 feet. in response to an inquiry from Commissioner Mink as to the ultimate disposition of the garage, Mr. Popin and Mrs. Popin indicated that they would prefer that the garage remain since it is in satisfactory condition and that the rear lot line be approved at 43 feet; they did concede, however, that if the location of the garage were to became the deciding factor in the application that it would be removed. The City Planner informed the Commission that the existing garage will accommodate one -car; that he was advised by Mrs. Popin that it was not sufficient for theme needs, and by Mr. Popin that he was contemplating building a carport for his truck. .The City Planner pointed out also that the current law requires a two - ear garage where there is a three bedroom dwelling. - 5 - Comments favoring the application were invited from the audience. �1W Lars Z. ilk, 726 walnut Avenue, and Mrs. A. P. Kolonie, 729 Walnut Avenue, approved the application on the basis of a 45 foot wide lot, stating that a now residence would be an acceptable improvement in a neighborhood of older homes. Opponents were requested to speak. Mr. Buell Proffitt, 10 Kinder Lane, Hillsborough, representing We. C. H. Bennett. 926 Walnut Avenue, advised that he was familiar with the property having submitted a bid for its purchase at ons time and maintained that if certain alterations were made to the main building, and a common driveway approved, it would be possible to divide the property into two legal~lots. He stated that the location is one of the finer older residential areas where sub -standard lots should not be permitted. Mrs. Ramona M. Martinez, 709 Walnut Avenue concurred with the previous speaker; Mrs. Edwin J. Marino, 750 Walnut Avenue, requested clarification of the requested variance, stating that it was her understanding that the original application proposed one 60 foot lot and one 40 foot lot and that any proposal differing from the original should require a new application. ?here being no further speakers from the floor, Commissioner* were invited to comment. Commissioner Edwards remarked that approval of the variance will condone a sub -standard lot, .burdened with an illegal garage. Commissioner Brauner referred to an action by the Planning Commission taken apprmimately four years ago in a similar situation where a request to resubdivids a property consisting of three lots, with one lot to have less than the averag4t 50 feet of width, was denied. The Commis- sion found that the applicant failed to meet the conditions requisite to variance grants. He expressed the opinion that the prior action established a precedent closely related to the subject application and the guidelines for the Commission to des -approve sub -standard lots. Commissioner !link stated that the Commission should take cognisance of neighborhood sentiment as evidenced by the petition protesting the variance. Chairman Pierce pointed out that the Commission has never been furnished a concrete proposal of the applicant's intentions for the property. Referring to the drawing presently before the Commission, Chairman Pierce requested a commitment from Mgr. Popin an to whether the drawing represented a specific and accurate plan of what was intended. Mr. Popin stated that if it were necessary, the garage commld be removed and the new lot line at the rear established at 45 feet. There were no farther comments and the hearing was declared closed. A motion was thereafter introduced by Commissioner Cistulli to deny the variance on the basis of the applicant's drawing showing a proposed now - 6 - lot with 45 feet of street frontage and rear measurement of 43 feet. )The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mink and carried unanimously on roll call. The applicant was advised of the right of appeal to the City Council. J&J BACKEME SERVICE STORAGE OP EXCAVATING; NOVIPMEM WEISS WELDING, INC. WELDING SHOP GENE WHITED STORAGE OP EXMVATIM ROUIPMEM Chaismiln Pierce announced public hearings on three requests for variance pertaining to a parcel of acreage owned by Burlingame Shore Land Company at Bayshore Boulevard, Cadillac way and Carolan Avenue, zoned R-4 (fourth residential) said variances proposing commercial use of portions of the property. The City Attorney, in response to Chairman Pierce, confirmed that the individual applications way be consolidated for the purposes of the public hearing but separated for formal action. The City Planner, replying to the Chair's request for a background resume, recalled that the question of commercial use of the property came to the Commission, in the first instance. upon the application of J&J Backhoe Service to engage in the business of outdoor storage at a location identified as 1037 Bayshore Boulevard; at the time of the hearing, a question was raised that other businesses were operating at the location and the Commission requested an investigation to determine the extent of commercial use of a property which had been rezoned from industrial to fourth residential at the request of the property owner. The City Planner advised that the investigation revealed that there were five or six different concerns in business, that letters were sent from the City Attorney's office to the parties concerned requesting their presence in the City Hall to show cause why a recommendation should not be made to the City Council that as action for an injunction be coemeneed to restrain their continuing in business at the address. The City Planner stated that as a result of the personal discussion in the City Hall, applications for variance were filed by Weiss Welding, Inc., to continue in business in the existing building and by Gene Whited to continue to occupy a portion of the property at the rear for storage of equipment, partially indoors and partially outdoors. He reported that there has been no further word from the other parties. The City Planner reported improvements existing as follows: a non -conform- ing single-family residence on Bayshore Boulevard, occupied; immediately to the rear a long shed which has been enclosed and where Weiss Welding operates. He stated that under any conditions the storage areas would require approval of a use permit by the Commission which was never obtained and, if the zoning were M--1, the welding shop would require no more than.a business license; the tenants have mentioned they hold short-term leases with the knowledge that the land can be converted to other uses necessitating their eventual removal. - 7 - Mc. John Purrer, representing J&J Backhoe service, Mr. James C. Pedin, Weiss Welding, Inc., and Mr. Gene Whited wore present. A communication, dated March 6, 1967, from Mr. Pedin reported that he purchased the welding shop in good faith from the prior owner with the assurance there would be no difficulty in securing a business license; the letter stated that application was made for a business license, but that none was issued. In response to the Chair's inquiry, there were no comments from the audience favoring or protesting the applications. Commissioner Edwards pointed out that during the discussion at the study meeting the Commission was informed that the property shove evidences of good housekeeping as the result of Mr. Pedin's efforts; he stated that apparently the businesses bother no one nor infringe on the neighbors in any way, and since the occupancy is on a month -to -month arrangement, he had no objection to the variances. In response to Commissioner Edwards, the City Attorney advised that the variances would be granted to the individuals and not to the property owner. In response to the City Planner's comment that if the variances were approved and the J&J Backhoe Service permitted to use the area in back of the fence on the northerly side of the property, that the driveway in the area should be kept completely free of storage, Mr. Purrer stated his intention to comply. A motion was introduced by commissioner Cistulli to approve the variance request of J&J Backhoe Service to store excavating equipment on the property at 1037 Bayshore Boulevard in the area indicated on the plot plan on file for a period of one year. Motion seconded by Commissioner Edwards and carried unanimously on roll call. A motion was introduced by Commissioner Cistulli approving a variance to Weiss Welding, Inc., 1037 Bayahor+e Boulevard, for a period of one Year, in accordance with the application on file, `►ith the condition that electrical wiring in the building shall be cut off under the inspection of the city electrician to be confined to that portion of the building occupied by the welding operation. Motion seconded by Commissioner Edwards and carried unanimously on roll call. A motion was introduced by Commissioner Edwards and seconded by commis- sioner Mink approving a variance to Gene Whited, 79 La Pr-enda, Millbrae, for a period of one year in accordance with theapplication on file; carried unanimously on roll call. The City Attorney reported that at the time of the citation hearings two other persons appeared - Mr. Blau Manus and Mr. Morris Daley. He stated that Mr. Manes was noncommittal except that he indicated he would like to cease those portions of his operations which were illegal; however, Mr. Manes, in a sense, is a legal tenant on the property since he occupiodthe dwelling,, — �d e The City Attorneystated that the gentlemen were informed that variance applications must be_.filed in time for the Commission's March study meeting and suboequent consideration at the following regular meeting but that neither has complied. He stated that copies of all of the citations were mailed to the property owner, Mr. Oscar Person. T°he City Attorney thereupon recommended, if the city desires control of the property, that the Commission send its recvommendation to the City Council that appropriate legal action be authorized and directed against the owner of the property and any persons so engaged in business there contrary to the city's acdinance. A motion introduced by Commissioner Cistulli concurring in the City Attorney's recommendation was seconded by Commissioner Edwards and carried unanimously on roll call. Mr. Bless Manes, 1039 Bayshore Boulevard, upon recognition by the Chair, identified himself as the occupant of the residence on the property; he reported he has been engaged for some time in attempting to perfect a product of his own invention, that an application for a business license to sell from this location was refusedthat he occupies a small area in the building with Weiss Welding, which is more of a hobby shop than a commercial operation and that he, personally, installed the electricity; apypn advice from the city staff that the electrical installation was illegal and must be removed, he decided not to pursue the variance and has informed the property owner that the operation has ceased. T'he applicants were adviesd that the variance would become effective on April 4, 1967, if not appealed. A recess was declared at 10200 P.M. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was reconvened by Chairman Pierce at 10:10 p.m. �. AR_ & RIMPort caTRAMSS SHOP AND §13SI A6S YARD APPROVED Chairman Pierce annoaneed-a public hearing on the application of.a Anz Pacific Corporation, 1310 Sayshore Highway, Burlingame, for a Special Permit for a contractor's yard and shop on acreage adjacent to Beach Road, Anza Airport Park Subdivision. The applicant's r-cminnication, dated March 7, 1967, and signed by David H. Keyston, Executive Vice President, identified the location.in the southeast corner of the acreagd leased to Syufy Enterprises-for.-othe operation of the drive-in theatres; the communication stated that Anza Pacific Corporation ex to reassemble and erect the shop building previously. located on Bayshore Highway and occupied by Kunz Paving Company, that an existing chain -link fence will be heightened with redwood slats another sic feet to further screen the area and, -in addition,.shrubbery will be planted along the fence both to the south -9- and to the east of the shop area; it is contemplated that there will be a need for the yard for a period of from five to ten years. A plot plan and a detail of building construction were filed. Mr. David Keyston was present and in reply to Commission inquiry, stated there will be no means of access to the yard from the drive-in theatre site. There were no comments favoring or protesting the use from the audience. The City Engineer and the City Planner indicated no objections. On a motion introduced by Commissioner Cistulli, seconded by Commissioner Kindiq_and carried unan3oously on roll call the Special Permit was approved in accordance with the conditions of fencing, landscaping, and location as outlined in the applicant's communication of March 7, 1967. The applicant was advised that the Special Permit would become effective April 4, 1967, if not appealed. An application for variance filed by Schroeder and Waleh, 1322 Marston Road, requested approval to use the area of the P. G. & Z. power line easement in the front of the building at 1334 Marsten Road for outdoor storage. A letter from the applicant dated March 10, 1967, explained that the easement across the front 140 feet of the site prohibits construction of any structure in the area and that there is more than adequate space for normal warehouse and shop parking requirements. The City Planner, in response to the Chair, stated that the lots in the area of the easement are reversed, in the normal sense, as it was necessary to place the buildings at the rear of the properties, he stated that outdoor storage as proposed is not possible without approval of a variance since the Municipal Code limits such storage to the sides and rear of the building, which is completely impossible in the present situation. There were no comments from the audience favoring or protesting the variance. Mr. Waleh, in response to Commission inquiry, stated that approximately 50,000 square feet will be paved to accommodate the tenants in the building for temporary storage of equipment and some materials; a chain -link fence will be installed with space for plantings in front. A motion introduced by Commissioner Edwards approving the variance, conditioned upon the area being paved, fenced and shrubbery planted, was seconded by Commissioner Mink and carried unanimously on roll call. The applicant was advised the variance would become effective on April 4, 1967, if not appealed. -10- 10. SPECIAL PERMIT APPROVED NEW BUILDING. OUR LADY OF ANGELS CHURCH Chairman Pierce announced a public hearing on the application of Our Lady of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Drive, for a Special Permit to construct a multipurpose building on a portion of its property fronting the southwesterly side of Cortez Avenue between Hillside and Easton Drives. Chairman Pierce recognized Mr. Hugh Connolly, Attorney, representing the applicant, who gave a brief resume of the Church°s expansion pro- gram, commencing in 1950 with construction of the new church, followed by several accessory building to serve parish needs. He advised that the proposed new construction will provide a gymnasium and assembly rooms for group meetings and thag in addition, the Church proposes to increase off-street parking by removing an old structure, presently used as a meeting hall, and provide a method to facilitate traffic circulation between Cabrillo and Cortez Avenues. Mr. Connolly introduced Mr. A. Seyranian, Architect, who discussed the preliminary plans on display in the chambers;', -the location of the new building was identified, and a new parking area for 21 cars with access to Cortez Avenue described. He stated that a dwelling owned by the Church on Cabrillo Avenue will be removed to provide other off-street parking and one-way ingress from Cabrillo Avenue to egress at Cortez Avenue. Mr. Seyranian reported a total of 51 new off-street parking spaces to be added to the property. Chairman Pierce invited comments from the audience in favor of the applications There were none. Opponents were invited to speak. Mr. 11. Eastling, 1718 Easton Drive, corner of Easton and Cabrillo Avenue, stated his primary concern with any portion of the project designed to increase traffic on Cabrillo Avenue since the neighborhood is burdened with traffic generated by the Church and the city library to a point where fire department equipment would be seriously handicapped in case of an emergency; egress from his driveway is extremely difficult because of foot traffic from the school and the library. He suggested that the Church file a master plan of its intentions for the property with the City Council as an alternative to the present piecemeal approach. Mr. D. Zabaterro, 1320 Cabrillo Avenue, identified as an owner of one of the remaining three single-family residences on the street, protested that the Church should not be permitted to Encompass the entire area, thereby depreciating property values and gradually destroying the single- family character of the neighborhood, Mrs. H.J. Hustedt, 1324 Cabrillo Avenue, objected that the Notice of Bear-E'ng made no reference to improvements on Cabrillo Avenue; therefore, - the Commission should withhold action until residents were informed of the proposed driveway and parking lot, Mr. Connolly informed the Commission that Reverend Father Kelly, Pastor, has offered to install a gate across the Cabrillo Avenue entrance to be locked during school hours. In response to Mr. H.J. Hustedt, 1324 Cabrillo Avenue, that fences and landscaping on the adjacent properties will increase the hazards of access, Mr. Connolly confirmed that the area will be used for ingress solely. Mrs. T. Martinez, 1321 Cabrillo Avenue, questioned the legality of a public parking lot between two single-family residences and Mr. John Garry, 1704 Easton Drive objected to the use of the city easement for church purposes. Mr. Connolly, in reply to Commissioner Brauner, confirmed that the ingress from Cabrillo Avenue would be locked except during non -school hours; he offered in behalf of the applicant, as an alternative to creating a controversial situation, to forego access and parking at Cabrillo Avenue and improve the site as a basketball court. Commissioner Brauner and Commissioner Norberg, commenting individually, agreed, in the interests of sound planning, that additional off-street parking and improved traffic circulation should not be abandoned. Chairman Pierce stated that the Church with its related buildings and activities must be accepted as a permanent establishment, that if the building were to be built, additional parking should be provided and every effort made to control the traffic situation. The City Planner referred to a comment from the floor concerning the city easement, explaining that there is a 10 foot wide strip for public utility purposes and maintenance thereof, extending from Hillside to Easton Drives at the rear of the properties; he stated there is the possibility that the Church is using a portion of the strip for playground purposes and recalled a situation Wherein another church in the city in a similar situation removed the utilities at its own expense and pur- chased the property for its purposes. He suggested that the applicants in the present instance consider a similar action. The hearing was declared concluded. Commissioner Kindig, commenting that he was cognizant of difficulties confronting the Church in attempting to meet its obligations to the parishioners and to the neighbors, and that apparently the new construc- tion will be an acceptable improvement, introduced a motion to approve the Special Permit in accordance with the plans on file. Motion seconded by Commissioner Norberg and carried unanimously on roll call. The applicant was advised the permit would become effective Tuesday April 4, 196:, if not appealed° (,a�� 4-•-�� `��i7y-� / 11. VARIANCE APPROVED SECOND STORY ADDITION AND SIDE YARD SETBACK, LOS ALTOS DRIVE Chairman Pierce announced a public hearing on the application for variance Bled by Mr. George A. Sporleder, 1509 Los Altos Drive, to construct a second -story room above the existing garage to a side yard setback of three (3) feet where the code requires six (6) feet. -12- A communication from the applicant dated March 10, 1967, explained that the addition will be for the exclusive occupancy of Mrs. Sporleder's `.' mother who requires close supervision for health purposes. Three colored snapshots of the garage area, a site plan and elevations were filed. The City Planner, in response to the Chair, informed the Commission that neither he nor the Building Inspector have any objection to the construction, that the home was built when the side setback was less than present requirements and that there should be no interference with the adjacent property because of the location of the improvements; he suggested approval of the variance. There were no comments from the audience approving or protesting the application. The hearing was declared concluded. On a motion introduced by Commissioner Edwards, seconded by Commissioner Mink and carried unanimously on roll call the variance was approved in accordance with the drawings on files The applicant was informed the variance would become effective Tuesday, April 4, 1967, if not appealed. 12. ANZA PACIFIC CORPORATION REQUEST APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE TO VARY SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS LOCATING A letter dated March 1, 1967 from Anza Pacific Corporation, 1310 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame, and signed by David H. Keyston, Executive Vice President, requested the Commission's consideration to a variance from the subdivision ordinance prohibition to power lines overhead in the street rightmof-way. The communication explained a new system of distributing power in indus- trial areas developed by the Pacific Gas $ Electric Company involving extending normal street light poles above the point where the street lights are attacked and using this area to carry the three primary lines; each pole is -then used not only to support the street lights in both lanes of traffic but to bring the primary down to ground mounted trans- formers from which all services run underground to the various uses throughout the subdivision The communication requested permission for such installation completely throughout the road right-of-way of Airport Boulevard, explaining that installation would be slightly less expensive at the present time and, furthermore, not require two alternate primary sources of electrical supply, thereby eliminating the need for a permanent easement at the west end of the property bordering the city's park lands. Two sets of pictures of a similar installation in a commercial area in the city of Lafayette were filed. Mr. David Keyston was in attendance and informed the Commission that the alternate would be to underground at a much greater cost, or to use the noxmai wooden poles at the rear of the lots. 13- a 10 y The City Engineer indicated no objection from an engineering standpoint but noted that there would not be the aesthetic advantages of the underground installations. In reply to Commissioner Brauner's inquiry whether there would be poles or -wires across the city property, Mr. Keyston replied in the negative. The City Engineer stated that he would prefer that there be an alternate source of power supply, other than just the one, to the pump station proposed in the subdivision. Commissioner Brauner commented that the photographs indicate a more attractive installation than the code permits and thereafter introiiuced.a motion approving the proposal in principle, in accordance with the applicant's letter of March 1, 1967. Motion seconded by Commissioner Cistulli and carried unanimously on roll call. 13. VARIANCE TO OPERATE ROOMING HOUSE IN Ral DISTRICT DEFIED. Chairman Pierce announced a public hearing on the application of Anna Mary Knudsen for a variance to rent rooms to more than three persons in a first residential dwelling at 1538 Burlingame Avenue. The City Planner furnished.a drawing to show the location of the building on the property. Mrs. Knudsen, in reply to Chairman Pierce, requested permission to rent an additional two or three rooms, over and above the code maximum of three. The City Planner reported that he visited the property with the Fire Inspector, that the lot and home are quite large, that a thorough inspec- tion of the building revealed a total of six bedrooms and three baths on the second story and one bedroom and bath on the first floor, and a dining room apparently being used as a bedroom. The City PTahner stated that the building is currently in use as a rooming house, that structurally it is in sound condition and well main- tained; there is a problem in parking as the two -car garage is apparently used for storage; parking is not permitted on Burlingame Avenue and Occidental Avenue is limited to two hours; in addition to the garage, there is a large slab driveway and Mrs. Knudsen has indicated that she can prepare an area between the driveway and the fence for other off- street parking wai0q,,pwith the garage, probably mould park six cars. The City Planner advised that the Fire Inspector has informed Mrs. Knudsen that approval of the use will require installation of a second means of egress from the upper story. Comments were invited from the audience. 4alen 01'Connor, 1549 Burlingame Avenue, urged that the Commission -it the intrusion of rooming houses with related noise, traffic nuisances into a quiet residential neighborhood. -14- �1 Mr. Nixon Elliott, owner of properties at IS18 and 1530 Burlingame Avenue, suggested that a special privilege to one owner in the use of his property should.' be available equally to all other owners on the street. Commissioners Brauner and Kindig commented on the question of precedent, expressing reluctance to approve a business operation in an established residential area. The hearing was declared concluded. A motion introduced by Commissioner Mink to deny the variance was seconded by Commissioner Kindig and carried unanimously on roll call. The applicant was advised of the right of appeal to the City Council. NEW BUSINESS 1. RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL RE: CAROLAN AVENUE EXTENSION. A letter written by Commissioner Norberg suggesting that preliminary studies be made on the feasibility of extending Carolan Avenue north past Broadway to join with the west end of Marsten Road was approved by the Commission for transmittal to the City Council. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was regularly adjourned at 12:25 a.m. Respectfully submitted, John J. Brauner Secretary is- Planning Commission - March 27, 1967 �L7 L CALL Brauner Cistulli Edwards Kindig Mink ,-Norberg Pierce Brauner Cistulli. 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