HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1979.08.27CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION
AUGUST 27, 1979
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission, City of Burlingame was called to order
by Chairman Jacobs on Monday, August 27, 1979 at 7:33 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Cistulli, Francard, Harvey, Jacobs, Mink,
Sine, Taylor (arrived at 7:40 P.M.)
Absent: None
Staff Present: John R. Yost, City Planner; Ralph E. Kirkup, City Engineer;
Jerome F. Coleman, City Attorney
MINUTES
The minutes of the August 13, 1979 meeting were approved as mailed.
AGENDA - Agenda approved with removal of Item #8 at the request of the applicant.
ITEMS FOR ACTION
1. SPECIAL PERMIT TO OPERATE A MONTESSORI PRE-SCHOOL AT THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE
ASCENSION. 2720 MARIPOSA DRIVE. ZONED R-1. BY ADRIANA LONZARICH AND JUNE WISECARVER
Chm. Jacobs announced the applicant had submitted a written request that this item
be continued to the meeting of September 24, 1979. There was some discussion regarding
procedures between staff, Chm. Jacobs and those members of the public opposed to the
application. CA Coleman advised it was the legal right of the applicant to ask for
a continuance and that it would be inappropriate to commence a public hearing this
evening since Commission was not in possession of all the facts relative to the
application. Item continued to the meeting of September 24, 1979.
2. SPECIAL PERMIT TO ALLOW A RUMPUS ROOM IN A DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDING, AT
792 WILLBOROUGH PLACE. ZONED R-1. BY JOHN M. WARD
CP Yost reviewed this application to remodel a detached storage building in the backyard
into a recreation room with refrigerator, sink and fireplace. Reference staff report
dated 8/21/79; Project Assessment revised 8/21/79; 8/5/79 letter from John M. Ward;
plans date stamped August 6, 1979 and Planning Commission minutes of May 9 and May 25,
1977 covering a previous parcel map application at this location. Three conditions
for Commission review were listed in the staff report including the suggestion that
a resolution be adopted which would identify the limited permitted uses for this
accessory building.
John M. Ward, the applicant was present. Chm. Jacobs noted it had been her impression
the 1977 parcel map was requested in order to allow this accessory building to be used
for storage of garden tools. Mr. Ward explained that this former garage had been used
for storage since May, 1977 and that his long term objective had been to convert its
use to an activity room. Chm. Jacobs opened the public hearing. There were no
audience comments and the hearing was closed.
Page 2
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes August 27, 1979
Commission concerns: possible use of the accessory building as a mother-in-law
apartment by a subsequent owner; and the number of people who might use the proposed
recreational room at any one time. Some Commissioners felt a recorded resolution
would provide the necessary restrictions on this property. Secy. Mink read a letter
from Richard D. McFarland, 1117 Palm Drive in support of the application and a "no
objection" note from Thomas J. and Cordelia Hodge, 789 Willborough Road.
C. Taylor moved to approve this special permit with the following conditions:
(1) that the proposed improvements be consistent with those shown on the plans for an
"activity room" filed with this application and date stamped August 6, 1979;
(2) that the use of this accessory building be consistent with the August 5, 1979
letter from John M. Ward; and (3) that a resolution which identifies the limited
permitted uses of this building be prepared for adoption by the Commission and recording
by the County Recorder. Second C. Mink; motion to approve effectively denied on a
3-4 roll call vote, Cers Cistulli, Francard, Sine and Jacobs dissenting. Appeal
procedures were advised.
3. VARIANCE TO ADD A THIRD BEDROOM TO THE EXISTING HOUSE AT 761 WILLBOROUGH PLACE,
ZONED R-1, BY EDWARD AND LEAH LEAVY
CP Yost reviewed this application to remodel the existing two bedroom one bath house
by adding a third bedroom and attached bath at the second floor level. A variance is
required because the existing garage is less than code dimensions. Reference staff
report dated 8/20/79; applicant's affidavit for variance; August 9, 1979 letter from
Edward R. Leavy; and plans date stamped August 14, 1979. Staff recommended approval
if the requirements of Code Chapter 25.54 were met.
Edward R. Leavy, the applicant was present. Chm. Jacobs opened the public hearing.
There were no comments and the hearing was closed. Secy. Mink noted "no objection"
note from Thomas J. and Cordelia A. Hodge, 789 Willborough Road.
C. Mink then reviewed the findings necessary for approval of this variance with the
applicant. Commission established the following findings: that the lot was unusual
because of its proportions; that the variance was necessary for the preservation of
a property right of the owner; that there was a hardship in that the applicant needed
more space for a larger family; that the aesthetics of the neighborhood would not
be changed; and that approval would not adversely affect the general plan of the city.
C. Mink moved for approval of this variance; second C. Francard and approved 7-0 on
roll call vote. Appeal procedures were advised.
C. Sine introduced his son, Tom Sine, Jr. and grandson who were present in the audience.
4. SPECIAL PERMIT TO PAVE AND STORE RENTAL CARS ON A 0.69 ACRE SITE IMMEDIATELY WEST
OF TRANS RENT -A -CAR PROPERTY AT 1755 BAYSHORE HIGHWAY; ZONED M-1, BY BARRY RAFTER,
ARCHITECT WITH TRANS RENT -A -CAR, APPLICANTS
5. REVIEW OF JUNE 19, 1978 SPECIAL PERMIT TO ALLOW TRANS RENT -A -CAR TO OPERATE A CAR
RENTAL AGENCY IN THE M-1 DISTRICT AT 1755 BAYSHORE HIGHWAY
CP Yost reviewed Item #4 to pave and fence an area at the back of the present Trans
Rent-A-Car property and use this area for storage of their fleet vehicles, which have
increased from previous estimates. Reference staff report dated 8/22/79; Project
Assessment revised 8/22/79; July 10 and August 2, 1979 letters from Barry L. Rafter,
architect; August 21, 1979 memo from the Park Director; Planning Commission minutes
of May 22, 1978; aerial photo of the site; and plans filed with the application.
Staff recommended this new application be approved with two conditions as listed in
the staff report. In reviewing Item #5, CP Yost noted Condition #9 of the 1978
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes
Page 3
August 27, 1979
special permit (that a landscaped mound along the front property line be not less
than 4' high) has.not yet been met and recommended this second item be continued to
September 24, 1979 to allow the applicant to complete the landscaping.
Seymour Furman, secretary/treasurer of Trans Rent-A-Car and Barry Rafter, architect
were present. Mr. Furman advised that the 4' mounding had been installed but was
subsequently removed at his direction because of a safety hazard for exiting traffic.
During discussion it was noted the company had been in business at this location for
only a short time; the present average mound height was determined to be approximately
12" - 18". The code requirement for 10% landscaping in this district was noted.
A concern was expressed about granting more storage space (Item #4) to an applicant
who has not complied with all the conditions of a previous permit. Site and grading
plans were discussed as well as drainage. There was consensus: to continue both items.
The applicant was asked to make,a serious attempt to screen the storage area from the
adjacent properties to the north and west, and present a new landscaping plan.
Commission requested written comments from the Park Director regarding the landscaping
plan and a report from the Traffic Engineer at the time of the hearing. The items
were then continued to September 24, 1979.
Recess 8:40 P.M.; reconvene 8:55 P.M.
6. SPECIAL PERMIT TO OPERATE AN EQUIPMENT AND TRUCK RENTAL BUSINESS AT 1337 MARSTEN
ROAD, ZONED M-1, BY PATRICK SMITH OF MILLBRAE RENTS, INC.
CP Yost reviewed this application to relocate an equipment and truck rental agency
from Millbrae to Burlingame. Reference staff report dated 8/23/79; Project Assessment
revised 8/23/79; August 6, 1979 letter from Patrick T. Smith; site drawing filed
with the application; aerial photo of the site; and August 22, 1979 memo from the
Director of Public Works. There was no objection to approval with seven conditions
as.listed in the staff report.
Robert Smith, president of the company and brother of the applicant, Patrick Smith,
was present and discussed staff concerns with regard to this application. He requested
the second alternative suggested by the Traffic Engineer and DPW be allowed: that
access be permitted from Rollins Road but all traffic exiting the site be required
to use Marsten Road. He was agreeable to all other City conditions.
Commission concerns: the use of the metal building; the adequacy and timing of the
proposed paving. The various types of homeowner rental equipment offered by this
business were discussed. Chm. Jacobs opened the public hearing. There were no comments
and the hearing was closed. There was Commission consensus this was a good use for
this area and that it would fill a community need.
C. Sine then moved to approve this special permit with the following conditions: (1) that
the permit be approved to Patrick T. Smith, presently doing business as Millbrae Rents,
Inc., and be nontransferable; (2) that the use of 1337 Marsten Road be consistent with
Mr. Smith's August 6, 1979 letter filed with this application; (3) that the two
conditions recommended by the Director of Public Works in his August 22, 1979 memo
be satisfied; (4) that the entire site be paved and striped for equipment storage and
customer parking to the satisfaction of the Department of Public Works; (5) that a
wash area be designed and installed to City specifications if equipment and motor
vehicles are regularly cleaned on-site; (6) that all outdoor equipment and material
storage areas be screened from view along Rollins Road; (7) that this permit be subject
to review and possible amendment in six months; and (8) that landscaping and irrigation
plans be approved by the Park Director. Second C. Cistulli and approved 7-0 on roll
call vote. Appeal procedures were advised.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes
Page 4
August 27, 1979
7. AMENDMENT OF OCTOBER 2, 1978 SPECIAL PERMIT TO ALLOW TRUE LEARNING CENTER, INC.
TO INCREASE THEIR PRESENT ENROLLMENT BY 10 STUDENTS TO A MAXIMUM TOTAL ENROLLMENT
OF 50; PROPERTY AT 801 HOWARD AVENUE, ZONED R-1 AND R-3, BY LARRY KRUSEMARK
CP Yost reviewed this request to increase school enrollment by 10 students and noted
conditions of the permit approved in 1978. Staff had no objection to this change
on a trial basis but did have some concern in view of another private school opening
at the site this fall. Reference staff report dated 8/22/79; August 20, 1979 letter
from Larry Krusemark; July 13, 1979 letter from the Burlingame School District to
True Learning Center; and City Council minutes of appeal hearing held October 2, 1978.
Larry Krusemark, the applicant was present. Fire safety requirements were discussed
as well as how long a period of time might be allowed on a trial basis. One Commissioner
suggested the application be rejected at this time and reconsidered in six months
after experience with two private schools operating at the site. It was determined
that no complaints had been received by staff since True Learning Center began operations
there. All neighbors within 300 feet had been notified of the hearing. At least three
Commissioners did not feel a traffic problem would result and it was pointed out that
arrival and departure hours of the private schools did not conflict with those of the
public school.
Chm. Jacobs opened the public hearing. There were no comments and the public hearing
was closed. C. Sine stated he would make a positive motion on this application with
theunderstanding he would vote against his motion (because of an objection to a
commercial enterprise in an R-1 district). C. Sine then moved for approval of this
amendment to the October 2, 1978 special permit. Second C. Harvey; motion to approve
effectively denied on a 4-3 roll call vote, Cers Cistulli, Mink, Sine and Taylor
dissenting. On unanimous voice vote this denial was made without prejudice. Appeal
procedures were advised.
8. SIGN EXCEPTION TO CONSTRUCT A 38' HIGH POLE SIGN WITH 120 SF PER FACE AT THE
CORNER OF HINCKLEY AND GILBRETH ROAD; PROPERTY ZONED M-1, 13Y KENN EDWARDS OF
BURLINGAME RACQUETBALL CLUB, INC., 888 HINCKLEY ROAD
Item removed from the agenda at the request of the applicant in his August 23, 1979
letter.
9. SIGN EXCEPTION TO ALLOW A CHANGE OF COPY ON AN EXISTING 47' HIGH POLE SIGN AT
1565 ADRIAN ROAD, ZONED M-1, BY ROBERT F. EDWARDS, JR. OF PACIFIC POWER EQUIPMENT
COMPANY
CP Yost reviewed this item and noted the three code exceptions required by the application.
Reference staff report dated 8/21/79; August 15, 1979 letter from Robert F. Edwards, Jr.;
Sign Exception application; drawings date stamped August 16, 1979; photographs of the
existing FIAT pole sign; and August 27, 1979 letter from the applicant (distributed
this evening) in response to the City Planner's staff report. Staff recommended the
application be denied.
Robert F. Edwards, Jr., the applicant was present. He discussed his company's activities
in Burlingame since 1956 and contended that Bayshore Freeway frontage is unique and
an asset to both business and the City. Chm. Jacobs opened the public hearing.
There were no comments and the hearing was closed.
Page 5
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes August 27, 1979
During discussion one Commissioner stated his feeling the arguments advanced by
Mr. Edwards were the reason the sign ordinance was adopted, and that one of the
main objectives had been to reduce size of signs in the City. Several other
Commissioners agreed with his statements. It was noted the sign code allows freeway
signs for purposes of identification of a company, but not for advertising.
C. Sine moved to deny this sign exception. Second C. Taylor; application denied 7-0
on roll call vote. Appeal procedures were advised.
10. TENTATIVE AND FINAL PARCEL MAP TO COMBINE LOTS 3, 4 AND PORTION OF 5, BLOCK 1,
EASTON ADDITION NO. 1; PROPERTY AT 1155-1159 CALIFORNIA DRIVE, BY WILLIAM WRIGHT
FOR TERRY MERRITT OF ENCORE PRODUCTIONS
CE Kirkup reviewed this item, noting that the parcel map was a condition of the
variance application approved by the Planning Commission June 11, 1979. This map
erases the lot line under the theater building. Staff recommended approval of both
tentative and final map.
Chm. Jacobs opened the public hearing. There were no comments and the hearing was
closed. C. Mink moved -for approval and recommendation to City Council of this
tentative and final parcel map. Second C. Taylor; all aye voice vote.
11. TENTATIVE AND FINAL PARCEL MAP TO COMBINE LOTS 19 AND 20„ BLOCK 9, MILLSDALE
INDUSTRIAL PARK UNIT NO. 5; PROPERTY AT 1616 ROLLINS ROAD, ZONED M-1, BY LOUIS
ARATA FOR MUNKDALE BROTHERS
CE Kirkup reviewed this item, noting the parcel map was a condition of the special
permit and variance applications approved by the Planning Commission May 14, 1979.
This map would erase the lot line under the existing building. Staff recommended
approval of both tentative and final map.
Chm. Jacobs opened the public hearing. There were no comments: and the hearing was
closed. C. Mink moved for approval and recommendation to City Council of this
tentative and final parcel ma!p. Second C. Taylor; all aye voice vote.
12. REVIEW OF AUGUST 28, 1978 SPECIAL PERMIT TO ALLOW AZTEC RENT -A -CAR AND LEASING,
INC. (LOS ANGELES) TO OPERATE A CAR RENTAL AGENCY IN THE M-1 DISTRICT AT
808 BURLWAY ROAD
CP Yost reviewed Aztec Rent -A -Car's August, 1978 special permit which had been approved
with six conditions, and noted changes which have occurred with the properties and
the company since that time. Reference staff report dated 8/24/79; August 28, 1978
Planning Commission minutes; letter from Vincent N. Poleo, Operations Manager, Aztec,
Los Angeles; and 8/28/78 staff report. The company is presently operating in
violation of the 1978 permit conditions and staff recommended a public hearing be
set to consider revocation of the special permit.
Commission concurred; public hearing to consider revocation of this special permit
set for September 24, 1979.
CITY PLANNER REPORT
CP Yost reviewed August 20, 1979 City Council actions on the following:
13. William O'Brien variance application, 2727 Martinez Drive: variance approved
with conditions.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes
Page 6
August 27, 1979
14. Dynique of San Francisco, 330 Primrose Road: use determination sustained.
15. Holiday Inn, 600 Airport Boulevard: Planning Commission approval has been
appealed and public hearing by Council scheduled for September 4, 1979.
CE Kirkup reported on complaints received about Ajax Rent-A-Car operations and staff
actions in this regard.
a I1. oiIONMI=NT
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Charles W. Mink
Secretary