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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1971.06.28THE CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Cistulli Jacobs Kindig Norberg Sine Taylor CALL TO O RDE R JUNE 28, 1971 COMMISSIONERS ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT Mink City Planner Mann City Engineer Marr City Attorney Karmel Councilman Mangini A regular meeting of the Burlingame Planning Commission was called to order on the above date at 8:02 P.M., Chairman Sine presiding. ROLL CALL The above -named members were present. Commissioner Mink was excused due to a previous Commitment. MINUTES: The minutes of the regular meeting of May 24 and study meeting of June 14, 1971, submitted to members previously, were approved and adopted. 1. VARIANCE APPLICATION WITHDRAW^7N FOR MODIFICATION OF APARTMENT BUILDING AT 1510 NE WLAND S AVENUE BY CHARLE S D . DENNY Chairman Sine announced the withdrawal of this application by Charles D. Denny. A letter was read from Mr. Denny addressed to the Citv Planner stating that it was with regret that he had decided to withdraw his application due to public opinion against re -zoning this property and the length of time involved to complete the transaction. He thanked the Planning Commission and City Planner for courtesies and consider- ation given. Chairman Sine commented that one of the local newsoaners under date of May 26 had announced that this request for variance had been rejected, ­.rhereas in actuality it had been continued to this meeting pending applicant's resolution of certain building requirements. A motion was introduced by Commissioner Cistulli and seconded by Com- missioner Jacobs that this application be officially withdrawn. This motion passed unanimously by voice vote. 2. APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE BY ARCHIE OFFIELD TO REMODEL OFFICE AREA AT 1214 BURLINGAME AVENUE INTO APARTMENTS. Chairman Sine announced a public hearing on the above variance application by Archie Offield and a letter was read from the applicant, stating in brief, that the second floor at this address had for many years been apartments; that in 1956 two apartments had been remodeled into offices, and it was this area that was contemplated being remodeled, since for the past 4Z years these walk-up offices had been extremely har3 to rent, and prospects are not encouraging; and that apartment usage would not be inappropriate to the area. Upon being invited by the Chair, Mr. Offield stated that there is an existing apartment in the building and has been for many years; and that it has been virtually impossible to rent the other space for offices. He reported that there are private parking facilities in the rear; there are two kitchens, one usable, and two bathrooms. The City Planner reported that while the building was originally set up for apartments, in the time intervening, zoning requirements have changed. A variance will be required to return the space to apartment usage. He noted that walk-up offices are very difficult to rent over stores, and he could no objections to apartments, even though it does pose some problems; that the building does exist and certainly some use should be made of it. There was no response to Chairman Sine's request for audience comment, and the public hearing was declared closed. During the period of Commission discussion, Commissioner Norberg, since he had drawn the original plans, asked the City Attorney's opinion regarding a conflict of interest if he voted. The City Attorney felt that since the Commissioner himself had made the disclosure, the length of time involved should dispel any conflict. Commissioner Norberg then stated that in his opinion there were no objections, since there already are apartments in the building now. Commissioner Jacobs felt that the city would be a lot better off with the building rented and occupied, and Commissioner Taylor had no objections. Commissioner Kindig questioned the City Planner about fire protection in this area, and was informed that it is adequate, although a motion to approve the variance should be conditional to conformance with the fire and building. Commissioner Kindig then commented that if the rear doors were left unlocked, he had no objections. Commissioner Cistulli had no comment, while Chairman Sine commented that access and garbage facilities were in the rear, and there also seemed to be adequate parking in the rear.. Commissioner Jacobs then moved that the by Archie Offield to remodel the office into apartments be approved subject to building codes. Commissioner Cistulli passed unanimously on roll call vote. applicant that this variance would take to the Council. ACKNOWLEDGMENT application for variance area at 1214 Burlingame Avenue conformance with the fire and seconded the motion, and it The Chairman informed the effect on July 7 unless appealed At this point, Chairman Sine acknowledged the presence of Councilman Victor A. Mangini. 3. APPLICATION FOR USE PERMIT, TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH FOR RESIDENCE AT 1248 BALBOA. This application for use permit by the Trinity Lutheran Church was announced for public hearing by Chairman Sine, and a letter from the applicant, represented by George H. Kelly, Treasurer, was read. - 2 - The communication stated that the permit was requested for the purpose of upgrading and converting the residence into a code -conforming Sunday School.structure, necessitating a change of occupancy and some slight structural change. This change was necessitated by the fact that Sunday School enrollment has increased 40/ in the last two years. They further stated that since the building had been previously used for this purpose, it should not noticeably affect the neighborhood, in fact, could better serve the neighborhood in its new capacity. Plans for the building's change were inspected by the Commission. Mr. Kelly, upon being invited by the Chair, stated that this had been a parish assistant's house occasionally, and at other times had been used as a Sunday School; but now more Sunday School space was needed. He said the Church wanted to upgrade the structure in conformance with the code. Chairman Sine asked for comments from the audience in favor of the use permit and Mrs. Dorothy Murray of 1525 Newlands responded. She stated that while she did not live in the neighborhood, she thought there was a great need for more religious activities, and she did not see anything against the project. There was no response to the Chair's request for anyone against the use permit. The public hearing was declared closed. The City Planner mentioned that to the best of his knowledge the church owns two sep-rate properties, and the City has known for some time about the various church acti-,%ities. They are permitted in R-1 Districts, but require Commission approval. He said he had no objection, r,ith the condition that the design work must conform with the various city codes. Commissioner Norberg thought this was a worthwhile and proper locational development. He questioned whether the basement �-,,as to be used for storage or meetings - if for meeting- must have another entrance or exit. Mr. Kelly replied that part of it would be used for sore storage only. Commissioner Jacobs voiced no objections; and Commissioner Taylor said he had none if adequate parking were provided. In bringing up the question of parking and access, Commissioner Kindig asked to whom the alleyway at the rear belonged and if it were public property. The City Planner replied that the City had utilities in there, and he thought there would be no problem if nothing is done interfering with the activities of the City. The City Engineer confirmed this, stating that the alley is not a portion of the church property. Mr. Kelley noted that there was a 10' drive and a 10' easement and at no time would they be closed off. Chairman Sine said he had checked the property over and saw no objections. Commissioner Cistulli also had no objections. Commissioner Taylor moved that the application for use permit by Trinity Lutheran Church for the residence at 1248 Balboa be approved subject to applicable building codes for strictly church -related activities and also subject to agreement that it is not to be leased or rented to other organizations or individuals for any purpose. Commissioner Jacobs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously on - 3 - roll call vote. Chairman. Sine informed the applicant that the use permit would take effect on July 7 if riot in the meantime appealed to the City Council. 4. APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL PERMIT, SANTA FE AIR FREIGHT, 825 HINCKLEY ROAD Chairman Sine announced a public hearing on this application by Santa Fe Air Freight, represented by its District Manager, Gary Heller. A drawing of the design of the building was distributed and an accom- panying letter from Santa Fe read. This communication stated that their pickup and delivery service was contracted to the Pacific Delivery Service of San Bruno, thus eliminating congestion around their own freight operation. The one truck which they do have is parked inside the building. The warehouse is large enough so that trucks can be parked inside should it become necessary to transfer freight from one truck to another. Mr. Heller, upon invitation of Chairman Sine, informed the Commission that with his business being mainly air freight, it is advisable to have this location close to the airport to facilitate their shipments, thus saving on the warehousing of cargo and long distance driving. He also mentioned that their facilities are large enough to get stock into the building. The City Planner queried Mr. Heller if in the future there would be a possibility of more trucks, and secondly, if there was an actual transfer of freight at this location, and if there were enough space on the property for trucks. Mr. Heller replied that they would never have more than two trucks, since if business at that location became too great, it would probably be moved to the company locations at China Basin or Adeline Street. He said that freight could be transhipped to another truck line and there was space for other lines' trucks. There was no response to the Chair's request for either favorable or unfavorable comments. The public hearing was declared closed. During the period of Commission discussion, none of the Commissioners indicated objection to this special permit. Commissioner Cistulli moved that the application for special permit for Santa Fe Air Freight at 825 Hinckley Road be approved. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Kindig and passed unanimously on roll call vote. The Chair informed Mr. Heller that this special permit would be in effect on July 7 if not appealed to the Council. CHARLES DENNY WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE (CONTINUED) At this point Chairman Sine announced that a protest letter regarding this property had been overlooked in the file and requested it be read. It is from Mr. acid Mrs. E. J. Rogers of 1575 Newlands Avenue, dated June 21, 1971, addressed to the Planning Commission, and requesting that the variance for 1510 Newlands be denied. They state as their reasons that 1. Transients, especially now, bring problems, 2. The 6/,-? kl-? I City'should reconsider the Master Plan of 1963, 3. The taxpayer of the area should get first consideration rather than the developers who are interested only -in the money they can make out of the community. Commissioner Cistulli commented the actual date of the General Plan was 1970, and that a planning survey of the area was made in 1963. Commissioner Taylor commented that the Rogers family may be under some sort of misapprehension. Since the building is still there and will be occupied, they may feel that the Planning Commission should recommend abatement proceedings to the City Council. Re stated that the fact of not granting the variance had not accomplished anything, and thought that the Planning Commission should recommend abatement proceedings. 5. APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL PERMIT, AMERFORD INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, 1342 MARSTEN ROAD FOR AIR FREIGHT FORWARDING BUSINESS Chairman Sine announced a public hearing on the above application. Amerford International Corporation was represented by Gordon W. Keats, Regional Manager. A communication from Mr. Keats was read stating in some detail the proposed operation. Upon invitation by the Chair, Mr. Keats explained that their air freight forwarding operation was similar to that of the applicant before him - that he is in the business of transporting freight via air consolidated freight. Freight was assembled and moved to air freight to go on various air lines. It is not a trucking business as such. One truck is leased to move freight to the airport, and the truck well at the site will accommodate only two trucks at one time. The City Planner asked if the 8,400 square feet of parking and trucking area was entirely under their control, and was informed that it was. There'was no response to the Chair'G request for comments from the audience either for or against. The public hearing was declared closed. During a period of Commission discussion, none of the Commissioners voiced objection to the application. Commissioner Cistulli introduced a motion that application for special permit by Amerford International Corporation for air freight forwarding business at 1342 Marsten Road be approved. Commissioner Jacobs seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by roll call vote. The Chair informed the applicant the permit would become effective on July 7 if not appealed to the Council. 6. APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL PERMIT, DOLLAR -WISE RENT -A -CAR SYSTEM FOR CAR RENTAL AGENCY AT 1669 BAYSHORE HIGIFWAY Chairman Sine announced a public hearing for this special permit for Dollar-TVIise Rent-A-Car system, represented by their city manager, David F. Hellert. Received with the application was a letter and a sketch of their proposed site. The communication stated that they operate nine rental agencies in California and Arizona, renting current model cars, and that they desired to move to this location in order to be closer to the airport and hotel facilities. David Hellert addressed the Commission, stating that their business would bring additional income to the City of Burlingame; that the area proposed already has numerous rental car businesses in it, which was one reason they wished to move into the Burlingame area. - 5 - The City Planner questioned the applicant regarding the number of cars to be stored. Mr. Hellert replied that they wanted to handle 25 cars at this location and the side setback area between street and sidewalk would be used for parking, also a large area in the rear could be used for parking. The City Planner asked if the internal space was controlled by the applicant, and suggested that approval be contingent upon the applicant's being willing to dress up the location. Mr. Heller_ stated that they have control of front office space, not of the warehouse. He added they also have had the car washing area visited by Mr. Sullivan of the Building Inspector's staff and have received estimates on changing the drain system. The City Engineer stated that in connection with this matter there is an existing sump in the rear. The applicant had come into his office and discussed the matter. The City Engineer had two requirements (1) the sump must be constructed in such a way as not to receive surface storm water and (2) in such a way as to have a sediment pit to collect sand, grease, etc. and be cleaned occasionally to prevent any debris from entering the sanitary sewer. Commissioner Cistulli queried Mr. Hellert about signs, and was informed that signs would be put up, not on top of building, would be similar to Val-Car's and they would be under the allowable limit. Commissioner Taylor queried the applicant regarding the asphalt on the setback areas, asking if he had changed his views on not taking up the paving. Mr. Hellert replied that they would be willing to install some landscaping. The City Planner remarked that the paving that was done was in the city sidewalk area and a 411' strip behind the sidewalk designed for planting trees. He had no objection to the applicant's using the 10' strip along the property for parking a minimum number of cars and parking the balance in the rear; that the paving there now is not the responsibility of the applicant or his firm. Commissioner Kindig agreed and asked if there were some way to get the owner to take up the black top. There was further discussion of the paving problem with several feeling that without the use of the sidewalk area, the applicant would not have room to park his cars. In relation to this, the City Engineer stated that he believed it was illegal to park cars on a sidewalk area regardless of the material; that the 10' strip is a sidewalk area for the use of pedestrians and landscaping only. The City Attorney stated that the City Engineer's comments were true but this particular matter would have to be examined before it could be stated that it was in violation. In response to the Chair's request for audience favorable consideration a Mr. Brown of 3008 Arguello came forth and said he was in favor but was concerned with adherence to the sign code. There was no one in the audience against, and the public hearing was closed. During Commission discussion, Commissioner Norberg had no comment. Commissioner Jacobs indicated he would like the planter strip restored. Commissioner Taylor felt he could not suppori- an application which requires by its terms that the applicant is free to use city property. Mr. Hellert indicated that possibly 50 cars could be parked in the rear, but the City Planner indicated that this would eliminate adequate tenant parking. Commissioner Kindig felt that it was injurious to the applicant's business, but the City should go in and tak- up the blacktop. Commis^ioner Cistul.li was concerned about the sign, but was assured by the applicant that he would accept a free-standing 20' sign of approximately 72 square feet. In response to the Chair's question as to the cost of taking up the blacktop, the City Engineer stated that this would depend upon the square footage, but a rough estimate for 1,200 square feet would be 2 days work for three men. In his opinion,, the owner should be contacted and requested to do it himself within a reasonable time, otherwise the city should do it. Chairman Sine suggested that this could be done by the applicant and the owner could be billed. He then asked the City Planner for sugges- tions, -ho stated that it seemed unfair to place all of the burden on the applicant and he would suggest th,.t the permit be Approved, that all of the cars be parked in the rgar, and later the problem of the side setback b^ resolved. Mr. Hellert spok^ of their two ye-^r lease, under which, as far as they knew, they had leased all of the property. The City Attorney stated that the owner had no permission to lease out city property. After a lengthy discussion, Commissioner Taylor moved that this application be granted subject to the restriction be done in the front and rear and no parking be permitted along side of property. Commissioner Cistulli seconded the motion and it passed unan- imously on .roll call vote. Chairman Sine announced that the special permit application would become effective July 7 if not appealed to the City Council. RECONVENE: Following a recess at 10:00 p.m. Chairman Sine reconvened the meeting at 10:10. 7. APPLICATION FO? SPECIAL PERMIT, WOODRUFF CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, CONSTRUCTION OF OFFICE BUILDING AT MAHLER AND GILBRETH LOADS Chairman Sine announced the public hearing on this application for special permit by the Woodruff Construction Company, represented by C. Jack Woodruff. Received with the application were letter of application and preliminary drawings, which were distributed to Commission members. The communication, dated June 14, 1971 requested a special permit for the construction of a two-story office building, The site is considered ideal because of proximity to hotels, restaurants and freeways. Upon invitation Mr. Woodruff told the Commission that for the last several months the developer, Kaiser Aetna, had been searching for suitable sites in the Burlingame -San Mateo area and had settled upon this property as most desirable. He said it would be a costly office building with a considerable amount of landscaping, parking is adequate for the building which has air conditioning, is carpeted entirely and has much glass used throughout the building. - 7 - The City Planner commented that within the last couple of years the City had granted three use permits for office buildings on this street and they have improved the appearance of it; that an office complex is definitely an asset to the area. There was no respo-nse to Chairman Sine's request for comments for or against from the audience. The public hearing was declared closed.' Commissioner Norberg thought the plans were quite Sketchy; however they did show the general preliminaries for the main area quite -satis- factorily. Commissioner Jacobs had no comment. Commissioner Kindig was not too happy about the parking on all -sides, but was approving of the fact that there is a 15' planter area beween the building and the road. Mr. Woodruff commented that the parking is according to code which is one parking stall for every 300 feet of floor area. Commissioner Cistulli remarked that he agreed with the City Planner that this type of building is good for this area, but he had driven about and in his -pinion too many office buildings were partially vacant. There were too many "for rent" signs and he wondered ho�•.? many office buildings are going to be put over there. The City Planner replied that at any given time you can find vacancies and there are going to be more office buildings, such as the one of 14 stories which was approved by the City and is now under consideration by B.C.O.C. Commissioner Cistul felt that a building representing such a large investment would not be fair to the other propertyholders in the area since it would be rented first, and he did not think the special permit should be granted at this time. Mr. Woodruff stated that his company had made a survey of the vacancy percentage in the area and it was found to be very low - he mentioned several buildings. He added that the sketchy nature of the preliminary drawings was due to the fact that the land itself was due to be purchased on June 20, and until it was purchased it was felt undesirable to make complete drawings, but that they will be 100/ when -necessary. Commissioner Kindig moved that the application for special permit to construct a two-story office building at the intersection of Mahler and Gilbreth Roads by the Woodruff Construction Company be approved in accordance with the plans provided. Commissioner Taylor seconded the motion, and it carried on the following roll -call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Jacobs, Kindig, Norberg, Taylor, Sine NOES: COMMISSIONERS: Cistulli ABSENT: COMMMISSIONERS: Mink Mr. Woodruff was informed that this special permit would become effective July 7, 1971 if not appealed. 8. APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE BY ANDREW TRIZUTO FOR SALE OF FURNITURE AT 1011 CADILLAC 'STAY This application for variance was announced for public hearing by Chairman Sine, and a letter from Andrew Trizuto was read. This stated that he wished to use this property for the sale of furniture and personal effects of a deceased member of his family for a period of sixty days, that such a short time use of the property for such an extraor- dinary circumstance would not -be detrimental to this property nor to the property of others. Mr. Trizuto was invited to address the Commission, and repeated the facts of the letter,/Agdition that it was his grandmother's property from two houses in San Franciscr) which must be vacated for sale. The City Planner suggested that this application be approved, since in his opinion it was a very good idea especially for only temporary use. He suggested that the two months start with the effective date of the variance. There was no response to the Chair's request for comments either for or against from the au-?ience, and the public hearing was closed. Commission discussion showed that none of the Commissioners has objection to the granting of this variance. Cnmmissioner Taylor introduced the motion that a variance be granted Andrew Trizuto only for the sale of furniture and household goods of his familv, for a period of 60 days at 1011 Cadillac relay, 4»rlingame, this variance not be transferrabl^. This motion �%ras seconded by Commissioner Jacobs and passed unanimously on roll call vote. Chairman Sine informed the applicant that the variance would be effective July 7. if not appealed to Council. V. NEW BUSINESS- -Office Building Heights: Commissioner Taylor, in connection with previous conversation regarding office buildings, asked the height limitations in Burlingame. The City Planner replied that in the industrial and waterfront commercial area there were no limitations, and mentioned certain difficulties with BCDC regarding office buildings - that the plans for one had been throughly checked and approved by the City Council, BCDC is holding it up. City Parking Lots: Commissioner Jacobs asked what progress had been made toward preventing commercial businesses from using city parking lots for a number of their own vehicles, and the City Planner reported that the City Police are still checking it out and he will report on it later. ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Sine announced the adjournment of this regular meeting to July 12 for the purpose of further consideration of the car rental matter, to be followed by the study meeting of that date. The meeting regularly adjourned at 10:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Everett K. Kindig Secretary 1.7