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Home My WebLink AboutMin - PC - 1970.11.09THE CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Cistulli Jacobs Kindig Mink Norberg Sine Taylor CALL TO ORDER November 9, 1970 COMMISSIONERS ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT None City Planner Mann City Engineer Marr The monthly study meeting of the Burlingame Planning Commission was called to order on the above date at 8:00 p.m., Chairman Sine pre- siding. All members were present. 1. FENCE HEIGHT VARIANCE. A letter dated November 5, 1970, from John R. Skelton, 1916 Broadway, (corner of Broadway and Bernal Avenue) requested a variance to erect a fence 6 feet in height in the front setback where 5 feet is per- mitted. A sketch accompanying the communication showed the proposed fence on the Bernal Avenue frontage, 2 feet back of the sidewalk. Commissioner Jacobs mentioned that he is familiar with the subject property. In response to his observations concerning the location of the fence, the City Planner explained that contrary to popular con- ception the sidewalk is rarely the property line, with the exception of commercial properties, and that the city right of way from the back edge of the sidewalk to the property line varies from 5 to 4-1/2 feet in some areas to 2 feet in others. He pointed out that the applicant has indicated his property line 2 feet from the side- walk. The City Engineer reported that his office will verify precise location of the property line. The Commission was informed that the primary purpose of the excessive height appears to be a desire for privacy in the garden area, that the fence will curve away from the street corner, thereby eliminating cause for concern that a hazard will be created and that there ate a number of existing fences in the immediate vicinity 6 feet in height. Reference was made to the code section providing for applications for fence height variances and the guidelines recited therein for evalua- tion of such applications. The matter was scheduled for formal consideration at the meeting of November 23, 1970. 2. SPECIAL PERMIT - MOTEL, BAYSHORE HIGHWAY. Mr. Cyrus J. Mc.%1illan, Attorney, was present to discuss an application filed by S&J Company, Inc., for motel use of industrial property at the southwest corner of Hinckley Road and Bayshore Highway. A letter from Mr. McMillan dated October 28, 1970, in behalf of S&J Company, stated that the latter has owned the property for several years, that the site, approximately one acre in size, a corner lot, and within the immediate area of Charley Brown and Tia Maria Restau- rants, appears to be suitable for the proposed use. The communication stated further that there will be no public facilities, such as restaurant and cocktail lounge as is the case with Hyatt House and Ramada Inn, and that the developer contemplates a 60-unit facility offering room rent substantially less than other motels in the area. Preliminary plans prepared by Gunther Alberts, Building Designer, and C.A. Johnson, Civil Engineer, were filed. Mr. McMillan stated that the location is the west side of Bayshore Highway, opposite Charley Brown and a Union Oil Company service station, where the Commission previously approved a motel/hotel use for Royal Coach Inns. He stated that there have been offers from three (3) motel chains for the site but that the principal in the corporation that owns the land has decided to develop the property himself. The City Planner explained that motels are a conditional use in the M-1 District, requiring approval of a special permit. During a review of the plans, there were comments from Commissioners suggesting that improvements be made to the building design to cor- rect what would appear to be a "box -like" effect. The City Planner stated that at the proper time, if the Commission decides to approve the use, final action can be withheld for sub- mission of a landscape plan and a drawing to show the actual struc- ture. The application was scheduled for public hearing at the regular meeting of November 23, 1970. 3. VARIANCE: TO PERMIT COMPLETION OF SOCIAL ROOM, 3155 FRONTERA WAY. R. Douglas Pringle, 90 El Camino Real, Burlingame, filed an appli- cation for variance to permit a fourth story on the building at 3155 Frontera Way for purposes of a tenants' recreation area. The applicant's communication dated November 9, 1970, stated that the owners of Skyline Terrace have suffered hardship in that the facilities are unable to compete with Woodlake, San Mateo, because -2- of the lack of a conventional recreation and social area, that a portion of a three -bedroom apartment has been used for social functions for the past three years and that the proposed location near the freeway will solve problems of noise interference with other residents in the complex and neighboring dwellings. Explaining that Mr. Pringle is, in essence, requesting an amendment to a variance granted by the City Council for apartment use in an R-1 District, the City Planner stated that the buildings were approved to a particular set of drawings on a three-story plan and that during the course of construction a member of the city staff discovered a fourth story being added for the purpose of a social area on the roof, which the city ordered removed. Commissioner Cistulli protested that Mr. Pringle should be required to conform to the plans that were approved by the City Council by completing the landscaping. Commissioner Mink noted that the plans include a guest room and bath in addition to the recreation area. Mr. Pringle stated that during the past three years a number of facilities have been provided to satisfy requests of the tenants, including sauna baths and two guest rooms and that the additional guest facility, while not essential, would be desirable. Mr. Pringle stated that there are 340 residents in the complex; their social functions have included wedding receptions, fashion shows and bridge groups; they are not satisfied with the converted apartment that has served as a social room and are asking for better facilities. Mr. Pringle stated that the roof -top social room was a part of the plan for the project from the beginning. Mr. Pringle advised that the proposed room will cover approximately 11% of the roof --with the guest room, 13%. The matter was scheduled for public hearing at the regular meeting on November 23, Mr. Pringle agreeing to have additional sketches prepared. at the Chair's request. 4. PROPOSED RECLASSIFICATION: CORBITT TRACT. City Planner Report The Commission was informed that notices of the public hearing scheduled for November 23 have been mailed to property owners of record in the Corbitt Tract.. There appears to be considerable interest --between 28 and 30 persons attended a meeting called by the property owners and, apparently, most of the people are enthused about a change; some oppose R-3A and want a less restrictive apartment zoning. The notices of the hearing described Corbitt Tract as a whole but, because some of the properties have been resubdivided into rather small lots, particularly along Park Avenue and one block of Oak Grove Avenue where R-3A would be impractical because of lot sizes, the area of reclassification can be reduced by eliminating such lots at the time of the hearing, should the Commission so decide. 3- The matter of considering a higher density--R-3 in lieu of R-3A-- has been referred to the City Attorney for an opinion. His advice will determine whether the hearing shall be confined to considera- tion of R-3A only, despite opposition that may be heard from owners interested in a higher density. In conclusion, the City Planner reported that a petition signed by what appears to be a majority of the property owners has been filed requesting reclassification to allow medium -high density developments; additionally, there are signatures from those opposing change, and some uncommitted. The City Engineer reported that an extensive study was made of the water system to determine adequacy of fire flow and the Board of Fire Underwriters consulted; it would appear that existing instal- lations are considered borderline for R-3A and inadequate for a higher density. He stated that domestic water service is adequate as is the sanitary sewer system. ADJOURNMENT The meeting regularly adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Everett K. Kindig, Secretary CEO