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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1978.09.25CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 25, 1978 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Planning Commission, City of Burlingame was called to order by Chairman Jacobs at 7:34 P.M. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Cistulli, Francard, Jacobs, Kindig, Mink, Sine, Taylor Absent: None Staff Present: John R. Yost, Assistant City Planner; Ralph E. Kirkup, City Engineer; Jerome F. Coleman, City Attorney MINUTES Chairman Jacobs requested the following additions to the September 11, 1978 minutes: Item #1, page 2, the Chairman advised the applicant of appeal procedures; Item #3, page 2, applicant was advised of appeal procedures and that the map would go to City Council for final approval. The September 11, 1978 minutes were then unanimously approved as corrected. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Kindig moved for approval of the agenda. MEETING ITEMS FOR ACTI 1. VARIANCE TO ADD A SECOND STORY TO A HOUSE AT 736 NEUCHATEL AVENUE BY MALCOLM OHL Commissioners Sine and Taylor, who were absent when the public hearing was opened on 9/11/78, confirmed they.had read the minutes of that meeting and had been advised by the City Attorney they were entitled to take part in the balance of the discussion and vote on this item. Assistant City Planner Yost reviewed this item and advised that Mr. Ohl's plans had been changed to conform to the recommendations made by the Commission 9/11/78. Staff now recommended approval with two conditions as listed in the staff report. The applicant had nothing to add. During Commission discussion, concerns were expressed about the possibility of a future "mother-in-law" apartment in the garage, the row of windows on the ground floor of the garage, the question of whether the applicant had proven hardship, and the width, length and appearance of the driveway. Mr. Ohl confirmed he would do everything possible to make the property attractive. Commissioner Mink moved for approval of this variance, with those findings of fact stated at the September 11, 1978 meeting, and with the following conditions: (1) that the house addition be generally consistent with the plans and elevations filed with the City August 28, 1978 and amended September 13, 1978; (2) that the existing garage be remodeled to conform to.the plans and elevations as amended September 13, 1978. Seconded by Commissioner Kindig and approved 4-2, Commissioners Cistulli and Francard dissenting, Commissioner Sine abstaining. Chairman Jacobs advised of the appeal procedures and the effective date of this approval. Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 September 25, 1978 Staff was requested to study and recommend to Commission code amendments to cover requirements for detached garages and other accessory buildings. 2. VARIANCE TO ADD A THIRD BEDROOM TO A HOUSE AT 8 DAVIS COURT BY MR. AND MRS. D. BOYLE Assistant City Planner Yost referred to the public hearing on -this item held 8/28/78; there had been some opposition by neighbors and the item had been tabled to allow time for a redesign. New plans show only one bedroom upstairs, relocated to the front of the house, immediately over the garage; these plans also now show the existing family room which was added by a previous owner. All zoning code requirements are met by this application, with the exception of the 16' width of the existing garage. Staff recommended approval with the two conditions suggested in the staff report. Mr. Yost advised this application had been renoticed to surrounding property owners. Chairman Jacobs reopened the public hearing. Robert H. Markuse, 16 Davis Court, spoke in favor of this application. Mrs. Edna Hoyt, 2232 Davis Drive, spoke in opposition, stating she would lose much of the sun in her back garden and felt her property would deteriorate in value. There were no further public comments and the hearing was closed. Several Commissioners felt the new plans were a substantial improvement and appeared to meet the concerns of the neighbors.. Commissioner Taylor found that the Boyles had demonstrated both exceptional circumstances and their need for this variance; that the application is consistent with the General Plan of :the City of Burlingame and that granting of this variance would not be detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the neighbors. He then moved for approval of the variance with two conditions: (1) that the second floor addition be generally consistent with plans and elevations filed with the City September 6, 1978; (2) that no windows be installed in the east wall of the addition, adjacent to the side property line. Second Commissioner Cistulli and approved unanimously on roll call vote (7-0). Chairman Jacobs advised the applicants that the variance would become effective October 3, 1978, unless appealed. 3. VARIANCES TO CONSTRUCT A DETACHED TWO CAR GARAGE BEHIND THE FRONT PROPERTY LINE AND IN FRONT OF THE EXISTING HOUSE AT 1241 BERNAL AVENUE BY PETER AND JILL GLEYSTEEN Assistant City Planner Yost reviewed the history of this property and explained that it presently has no off-street parking of any type; he noted the City has received numerous complaints regarding excessive on -street parking in this area. The new owners wish to build a full size, two car garage. Staff recommended approval. The public hearing was opened. Henry Wilkinson, 1239 Bernal Avenue, spoke in favor of the application, noting the on -street parking and traffic problems in this area. There were no further comments from the audience and the public hearing was closed. Secretary Kindig read correspondence in favor of the application from the following: Henry and Ranette Bettman, 1249 Bernal Avenue; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Williams, 1238 Bernal Avenue; Stanley and Marie Wilson, 1252 Bernal Avenue. Commissioner Kindig found exceptional circumstances in the natural features of this lot; that the proposed garage is in conformance with the one next door; and that it will not be detrimental to the General Plan of the City nor to the neighbors. He then moved for approval of this variance with the condition that the garage be located and built as shown on the plans and elevations filed with the City September 7, 1978. Second Commissioner Cistulli and approved unanimously (7-0) on roll call vote. Chairman Jacobs noted the application would become effective October 3, 1978, unless appealed. Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 September 25, 1978 4. VARIANCE TO ALLOW A NEW DECK AT 1506 LA MESA DRIVE BY HORST EIFLER Assistant City Planner Yost reviewed this application to add a 10' x 17'-4" exterior deck along a side property line adjacent to La Mesa Lane,.a private street. The Fire Department has no objection to the deck since it will be 9' above grade and there will be full fire access around the house. Staff recommended approval with minor changes in the deck width and location of supporting columns as detailed in the staff report. Mr. Eifler indicated he would be agreeable to an 8' deck width. Chairman Jacobs opened the public hearing. There were no audience comments and the hearing was closed. Commissioner Taylor found there were exceptional circumstances to justify a deck that was safe for the family's use; that the variance was necessary for the applicant's enjoyment of his property; that it would not be injurious to the neighbors and was consistent with objectives of the General Plan of the City. He then moved for approval of the variance application with the following conditions: (1) that the deck width not exceed 8'0"; (2) that supporting columns be set back.not less than 5"-0" from the side property line; (3) that the new deck be generally consistent with plans and elevations filed with the City September 11, 1978 (with the 2 changes specified above); (4) that the existing deck be removed and the existing glass door be replaced. Second Commissioner Francard and approved. unanimously (7-0) on roll call vote. Chairman Jacobs advised the approval would become effective October.3, 1978, unless appealed. BREAK - 8:40-8:50 P.M. 5. SPECIAL PERMIT TO OPERATE A REAL ESTATE SCHOOL AT 875 MAHLER ROAD BY ANTHONY SCHOOLS The application was reviewed by Assistant City Planner Yost, noting the information contained in his staff report and the project assessment form dated 9/21/78. He stated that this proposal by an already well established school to relocate its offices from 833 Mahler to 875 Mahler would upgrade its classroom accommodations and fire safety. Staff recommended approval but had concern about the size of the proposed Tuesday afternoon classes and whether the available on-site parking would be adequate. Reference was made to four recommendations for approval listed in the staff report. Commission determined that the applicant was operating under a franchise and has had a Burlingame business license for the past 11 years. Although there was general consensus this was a well run school, Commission voiced considerable concern about available parking for the afternoon classes. Commissioner Mink suggested a review of the daytime classes when this building reaches 50% occupancy, 80% occupancy, or in two years, whichever occurs first. During discussion the applicant and Phil Girouard, leasing agent for the property owner, advised all student attendance and parking figures presented were estimates. Mr. Girouard indicated 100% occupancy of this building was expected by January 1, 1978. Chairman Jacobs opened the public hearing. There were no comments from the audience and the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Mink noted that the Commission's future review of this school's daytime classes will depend upon accurate car counts giving a true picture of the use of the parking lot at 875 Mahler Road. He then moved for approval of this special permit with the following conditions: (1) that any weekday classes or testing programs be limited to a combined total of 45 people including the school staff; (2) that these weekday classes be subject to Commission's review and possible curtailment, revocation Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 September 25, 1978 or expansion when the occupancy rate at 875 Mahler Road reaches 80%; or when a new office building is constructed on the lot next door (a description of which is found in the staff report); or two years from the approval of this application, whichever occurs first; (3) that evening and weekend classes and testing programs be consistent with materials filed with this application(butnot limited to Tuesday afternoons) and that a combined total of 75 pupils and teachers not be exceeded at any one time during evening and weekend classes; (4) that the permit be approved to Howard C. Goodell of Anthony Schools of San Francisco Peninsula and be nontransferable. Second Second Commissioner Taylor and approved 6-1, Commissioner Francard dissenting. Chairman Jacobs advised the appeal procedures and stated the approval would become effective October 3, 1978, unless appealed. 6. SPECIAL PERMIT TO OPERATE A CAR RENTAL AGENCY AT 1555 BAYSHORE HIGHWAY WITH CAR STORAGE AND SERVICING AT 1876 EL CAMINO REAL BY PAYLESS CAR RENTAL Assistant City Planner Yost reviewed this application to allow Payless Car Rental to continue the car rental agency opened earlier this year without a permit. Project assessment form dated 9/21/78 was referenced as well as details in his staff report. He noted that a negative declaration was posted with the conclusion that this rental agency would have little significant adverse impact; however, in staff's opinion the proposed location and operational details are questionable. 1555 Bayshore Highway has substandard parking, there are lz miles between the leasing office and the storage and servicing facilities, and the present housekeeping at the Union 76 station at 1876 El Camino Real is poor. Staff did not recommend approval but directed Commission's attention to the September 1, 1978 letter from Bruce Fox, president of Payless, in which he asked for a temporary permit until a better location could be found. If Commission finds this a reasonable request, staff recommended several conditions for approval. Bruce Fox addressed Commission, confirming that he was looking for a better location where he could expand his business with integrated facilities. He also confirmed he was agreeable to the suggested conditions of approval. Bob Knops, manager of the Union 76 station, explained his problems with housekeeping and expressed his hope to clean up the station soon. Chairman Jacobs opened the public hearing. There were no comments in favor or opposed and the public hearing was closed. Secretary Kindig read correspondence received: (1) September 22, 1978 letter to Charlie Newton (Burlingame manager of Payless Car Rental) from Association of California School Administrators, 1575 Bayshore Highway, in approval of this application; (2) letter of September 25, 1'978 from Dan Thurston, V&T Investments, owner of the 1555 Bayshore Highway property, stating their pleasure with Payless as a tenant. He also referenced a letter dated September 21, 1978 from Norris, B6ggs & Simpson which indicated strong opposition to the application. There was some Commission concern about the storage/servicing facilities being located such a distance from the rental office; but consensus that this location would not cause a traffic problem. Commissioner Taylor moved for approval of this application with the following conditions: (1) that the operation of this agency shall be consistent with the statements made in the forms and letters filed with the application; (2) that there shall be not more than two employees and one office manager; (3) that there shall be not more than 40 vehicles in the rental fleet, with not more than 4 company cars at 1555 Bayshore Highway, to be parked in those spaces identified A -D on the site plan; Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 September 25, 1978 (4) that there shall be not more than 15 vehicles stored at 1876 E1 Camino Real, to be located as shown on the site plan filed with the application, these spaces to be striped and marked "Payless"; (5) that the permit be approved to Bruce Fox of Care Rent-A-Car (dba Payless Car Rental System) and be non -transferable; (6) that the permit be for a maximum period of 20 months, and then shall expire. Second Commissioner Kindig and approved 4-3 on roll call vote, Commissioners Mink, Sine and Jacobs dissenting. Chairman Jacobs informed the applicant of appeal procedures and effective date of the permit. MEETING ITEM FOR STUDY 7. DRAFT HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN Commissioner Kindig, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee to Recommend a Housing Element to the Burlingame Planning Commission, commented on the responses and corrections received from the Committee after their review of the final draft dated September 6, 1978. It was agreed staff would redraft this element after Commission review, retaining the content and incorporating the majority of:the changes requested by the Housing Committee. The target dates would:be Commission study in October and public hearing in November, 1978. COMMUNICATIONS 8. Letter dated September .15, 1978 from Thomas Leonardini regarding a rent -a -car agency at 1290 Bayshore Highway was reported. Staffwilldraft'a reply advising of Commission and City permits issued to AVCar Rent-A-Car. CITY PLANNER REPORT 9. Home Savi-ngs.and Loan, 1188 E1 Camino Real. Staff advised Commission of unanimous City Council decision that there be no ingress or egress from E1 Camino Real for commercial traffic to the proposed parking lot. 10. True Learning Center, Inc., Washington Elementary School. Staff advised this application had been appealed to City Council. 11. Hart Shadrick, 2500 Hayward Drive. Commission was advised that the City Council declined to' hear Mr. Shadrick�`s appeal. F.,11iI11".9 k1Fskvl The meeting adjourned at 10:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Everett K. Kindig Secretary