HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1971.07.12THE CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Cistulli
Jacobs
Kindig
Mink
Norbe rg
Sine
Taylor
CALL TO ORDER
July 12, 1971
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT
None
OTHERS PRESENT
City Attorney Karmel
City Planner Mann
City Engineer Marr
An adjourned meeting of the Burlingame Planning Commission, from
the regular meeting of June 28, 1971, was called to order on
the above date at 7:55 p.m., Chairman Sine presiding.
ROLL CALL
The above named members responded to roll call.
HEARINGS
Chairman Sine announced that one hearing, permit for which had been
granted at the public hearing of June 28, was carried over to this
date for the purpose of staff consultation with the applicant and
would be heard at this time.
1. SPECIAL PERMIT, DOLLAR -WISE RENT -A -CAR SYSTEM, 1669 BAYSHORE
HIGHWAY, BURLINGAME.
Chairman Sine explained that this matter was again being heard
in order that definitive plans for vehicle parking, on which staff
and applicant had collaborated since the last regular meeting, might
be finalized at this time. Dollar -Wise Rent -a -Car was again represented
by David. Hellert.
The City Planner stated that he, the City Engineer and the City
Attorney had checked the site. The City Engineer had checked out
the subdivision maps and the area had been measured, with the result
that it was found that there was more property available for parking
along the side of the building than previously thought and that it
could best be utilized by angle parking; thus, the parking could not
interfere with the use of the sidewalk. The City Engineer reported
that the applicant had conferred with him about the parking situation;
that the sidewalk area was 8' rather than 10'; and was in good
condition with the exception of one depression of about 6"-8" which
should be brought up to grade. He assumed there is a catch basin
under the sidewalk.
Commissioner Taylor questioned the area between the suggested parking
strip and the edge of the 8' sidewalk. The City Planner informed him
that there was 101; that a 300 parking angle would enable the applicant
to use the strip without infringing on city property; and the City
Engineer confirmed that the applicant could get his cars in and out.
However, Commissioner Taylor felt that the use of city property
would still be involved by backing the cars out. After further discus-
sion, it was agreed that the parking could be accomplished along the
side of the building. The City Planner brought up another point
which concerned the use of the front of the building, and informed
the Commission that the applicant now wishes to keep this space
open, parking 6 cars on the side and the balance in the rear. Mr.
Hellert confirmed that he is going to continue with landscaping.
Chairman Cistulli questioned the resolution of the wash rack problem,
reminding the Commission that 2 conditions must be met - no surface
storm water should be allowed to get in the sanitary sewer, and a
satisfactory sediment pit must be constructed. Mr. Hellert informed
the Commission that he was already in the process of getting bids on
the sediment pit.
Commissioner Taylor moved that the application for use permit by
Dollar -Wise Rent-A-Car to use the facilities at the premises located
at 1669 Old Bayshore be granted subject to the restriction that the
use of the parking strip alongside the building on the Stanton Road
Side be accomplished at an angle of no more than 300; that the wash
rack be constructed in such a manner as to have a sediment pit and
guard against the introduction of surface water; and.that the number
of cars fdr rental purposes be limited to 25. Commissioner Cistulli
seconded, and the motion carried unanimously on roll call vote,
Commissioner Mink abstaining because of absence from previous meeting.
Chairman Sine informed the applicant that the permit would become
effective July 20, 1971 if'not appealed to the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was regularly adjourned at 8:30 p. m., followed
immediately by the regular monthly study meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Everett K. King, Secretary
PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY MEETING
July 12, 1971
I. CONSIDERATION OF PLANS FOR WHEATLEY-OLIVER APARTMENT BUILDINGS
AT CADI:,LAC WAY, CAROLAN AVENUE, AND BAYSHORE BOULEVARD
It was announced that detailed plans would be considered for this
project. These would fall into three groups: a. parcel map; b. review
of landscape design plan; c. review of architectural plans. Both
Mr. Wheatley and Mr. Oliver were present as representatives.
a. Parcel map. The City Planner gave some of the background on this
property, stating it was necessary to present and record a new parcel
map as part of a substitute agreement to be made by the City with
Burlingame Shore Land.Company. The land was previously divided for
different purposes. It is proposed to divide the area into Parcels 1,
2, and 3. Parcel 1 will incorporate former Parcels A and B, and is the
area upon which the apartments will be built. Parcels 2 and 3 incorporate
most of former Parcel C. The Planning Commission is not presently concerne,
with Parcels 2 and 3 - 2 may contain a restaurant in the future; 3 has
an easement on it for building a parking structure. Wheatley -Oliver may
build a tennis court on Parcel 3 if the restaurant owner has plenty
of parking.
The City Engineer had no comment other than that there were a couple
of minor changes, and that tracings and signatures would be needed
by the next commission meeting.
Chairman Sine announced that the parcel map would be scheduled for the
next regular meeting which would be July 26.
b. Review of landscape design plan. City Planner Mann noted that there
was a requirement that the applicant submit a landscape design plan
to the Commission. Mr. Oliver made a suggestion that since the Council
had put in their minutes that the working drawings be reviewed by the
Council, it might be well if the Commission would look at them first.
He stated that he had turned over the landscaping plan to Mr. Francard,
Park Superintendent, who had approved the plant materials used and the
manner in which they were to be utilized.
The City Planner remarked, regarding the working drawings, that the
complete electrical and plumbing plans were not available, only the
schematics. He noted that the access roads were discussed with the
Fire Department, and the plan now shows the main road from Bayshore to
Carolan across the box culvert on the property. There are two other
means of internal access.Mr. Oliver commented that all working
drawings would be complete this week. Commissioner Kindig stated that
since the matter required a formal action by the Commission, it would
be wise if at the next regular meeting a motion were made to approve
the landscape plans. Chairman Sine considered the landscaping plans to
be in excellent shape. He informed Mr. Oliver that they would be
brought up at the next regular meeting, July:26.
c. Review of architectural plans. Mr. Oliver spoke of his hope
that all phases be approved soon so that contractors would not run
into inclement weather. Commissioner Mink declared that he was well
pleased with the plans he had seen so far. Commissioner Taylor stated
he liked it at the outset and even better now - it looked very
attractive. Commissioners Norberg, Kindig and Cistulli thought the plans
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were well done. Chairman Sine asked why the buildings were covered in
plywood, and Mr. Oliver replied that it was for aesthetic reasons, mainly
because of the location between a freeway and railroad tracks.
2. APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE - LOUIS A. STATES, INSTALLATION OF BATHROOM
WITHIN EXISTING RESIDENCE AT 1355 PALOMA
Chairman Sine announced this application, stating it is for the_
construction of a bathroom within a residence which has been refused
by the Building Inspector because of some illegal construction. Mr.
States and his attorney, Clark A. Barrett, were present. The City
Planner then read a letter from Mr. Barrett to the Commission. Mr.
Barrett spoke of the proposed construction, consisting of a stall shower,
sink and toilet, as being internal only and having no effect on the
exterior itself or upon the allegedly illegal improvements already on
the property. He noted that John Calwell, Chief Building Inspector,
had recently written Mr. States, informing him that no building permit
could be issued on this property since the residence does not have the
proper four foot setback.. The letter then went into the actual
purchasing of the property, stating that the applicants had been told
that the present construction was not illegal because the property line
in question was the rear lot line of the Paloma Avenue property and the
so-called illegal construction did not come within four feet of.the home
at 1305 Grove Avenue. Also they were told that this residence was built
in 1948 and the illegal construction, if such, occurred then. It was
brought out that the kitchen had been remodeled recently at a cost
of $4,000 and that the proposed bathroom would likewise upgrade the
property; also that from an economic point of view this house in its
neighborhood is much less marketable with only a single bath. It was
also stated that the family is going to be increased, and a single
bath would be a personal hardship.
Drawings of the proposed alteration were studied. The City Planner then
O read a letter from Pokrifka Realty setting forth the idea that a house
in this neighborhood with only one bath was definitely less saleable.
The City Planner further stated that the enclosed "patio" had been
added at some time and no building permit had been issued; further that
this was not an "enclosed patio" but an actual addition to the house
and is in violation of the setback ordinance - that the States' had
the alternatives of appealing to the Planning Commission oi� removing 4'
of the so-called "patio."
At this point (8:50) Commissioner Cistulli was excused.
The City Planner went on to state that he had seen a map from the
Assessor's Office dated 2/9/54 showing the building as it was originally,
and the addition apparently was made after 1954 without virtue of a
building permit and contrary to code. Mr. States declared that he had
looked at the house in 1952 and the addition was built then. There was
further discussion of the setback area, with the attorney making the
point that the proposed bathroom was completely within the legal
setback area and should be permitted. The City Planner responded that
the property must be considered as a whole,and a felony would be
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be compounded by allowing a variance for one area when a violation
existed in another. Mr. Barrett questioned the right of the planning
commission to cause the owner to alter an illegal structure, and
Commissioner Mink commented that structural changes must be made only
by law. Commissioner Kindig was of the opinion that a variance might
be given for the bath but not for the illegal room. The City Planner
suggested that all commissioners completely familiarize themselves with
the property before the next regular meeting in order that all legal
points could be ironed out. Chairman Sine announced that this matter
would be heard at the next regular meeting, July 26, in the Council
Chambers.
3. APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL PERMIT, ANZA PACIFIC, FOR AIRPORT PARKING
SERVICE IN ANZA AIRPORT PARK #6.
Anza Pacific, represented by David Keyston, and a member of his firm,
Bob Bratsberg, presented this application. Plans were inspected, and
the City Planner read a letter from Attorney Cyrus McMillan presenting
their justifications, and stating that they wish to install an airport
parking service with 657 parking spaces, with a small office building
and suitable landscaping. The letter states that this usage would be
covered under the ordinance covering the waterfront commercial by
the paragraph which states "other uses which, after a public hearing,
are found desirable and compatible with the purposes of the district."
The City Planner said he had asked Attorney McMillan to prepare
material showing that this usage was compatible with the district,
since this is the point of the request. Commissioner Mink read to the
Commission both the permitted and non -permitted uses, and noted that
outdoor storage is not permitted in the area.
-David Keyston then addressed the Commission. He stated that Anza
Pacific cannot get title insurance on this property and is trying to
e solve a dispute with the State; that a $400,000 bond payment and higher
taxes are making it difficult to manage the property; and his investment
costs in the airport parking service could be amortized in 3 to 5
years. Also, Anza Pacific feels that this will be one of their later
properties to be developed; and that while the proposed usage is not
compatible with waterfront values, it could be closed down as others
have been and hotels, motels, or other more remunerative prcjects'
could take its place. He felt that this could be done in such a way
as not to be detrimental to city zoning in the area. He went into the
details of the proposed operation. The area now is not paved, and an
operation like this would have a first-rate paving job. The customer
would park his car and Anza Pacific's bus would pick him up and take
him to the airport. The lot would be completely lighted and there would
be a.cashier on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If this operation
is approved, Hyatt House would like to combine their airport service
with Anza. This service would provide transportation to the airport
to all people on Old Bayshore. The building is only 30 x 30 and the
setback is 301. Anza Pacific would be willing to do any fencing,
landscaping etc. as required. This project would provide employment,
possibly even to students and part time people, and would encourage
hotels and restaurants in the area. Upon being questioned by Commissioner
Kindig, Mr. Keyston stated that the fence would be 6' high with two or
three strands of barbed wire and planting is proposed near the fence.
The City Planner was interested in whether or not the property was filled
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to the required 8 - 9' elevation. Mr. Keyston told him they were
going to do some additional fill, but not to that elevation, since
with succeeding structures a one -floor underground garage would balance
with the fill that is there. Regarding the required public access strip
along the water, he stated that 25' of its 30' is leased to the city for
$1.00 per year, and Anza Pacific would landscape. The City Planner asked,
since he had indicated he could amortize in 3-5 years, if he would be
willing to accept this time limitation, and Mr. Keyston replied that
he would. Commissioner Kindig noted that with this amount of cars
there would be considerable pedestrian traffic and Mr. Keyston stated
that provisions would be made for this and that a waiting house would
be set up for them; also that Anza Pacific has its own private patrol,
supported by all tenants, which is on duty from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. seven
days a week.
Mr. Keyston stated that they would not object to 15/ landscaping,
and that their fees had not yet been resolved, possibly $1.00 - $2.00
per day. He promised to have a larger scale plan prepared. Chairman
Sine informed him that the matter would be set up for public hearing
at the next regular meeting July 26.
NEW BUSINESS:
There was considerable Commission discussion about illegal structural
work by citizens and methods of controlling it. One case cited was that
of Mrs. Marguerite Welch of 2008 Easton Drive, who, on July 12, 1965
submitted an application for a variance to change a garage into a
family room, with the subsequent necessary addition of a carport. This
was denied by the Commission on August 23, 1965 and not subsequently
appealed to City Council.. However,Mrs. Welch went ahead and converted
the garage anyhow without a permit. The Chief Building Inspector by
letter in 1966 informed the Council of this - that the work done was
illegal and without a permit, but no action was taken. The States
house was also cited as an example of illegal building.
Chairman Sine asked the City Attorney if insurance companies paid off
on illegal structures, and the Attorney thought that they would pay
on anything they insured regardless. There was discussion of other
violations.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting regularly adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Everett K. Kindig
Secretary