HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1980.09.22CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 22, 1980
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission, City of Burlingame was called to order by
Chairman Sine on Monday, September 22, 1980 at 7:35 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Cistulli, Harvey, Jacobs, Mink, Sine, Taylor
Absent: None
Staff Present: City Planner John R. Yost; City Attorney Jerome F. Coleman;
City Engineer Frank C. Erbacher
MINUTES - Upon motion of C. Mink, second C. Cistulli the minutes of the September 8,
1980 meeting were approved and adopted.
AGENDA - Upon motion of C. Jacobs, second C. Cistulli order of the agenda approved.
Chm. Sine recognized former Planning Commissioner R. J. Edwards in the audience this
evening. He also expressed regret at the passing of Mrs. Hollis Norberg, widow of
Col. E. L. Norberg, a former Planning Commissioner and Mr. D. A. Stivers, former
Planning Commissioner.
MEETING ITEMS FOR ACTION
1. SPECIAL PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A 214 ROOM MOTEL WHICH ENCROACHES 59' INTO A DESIGN
GUIDELINES SETBACK; PROPERTY AT 777 AIRPORT BOULEVARD IN THE C-4 DISTRICT; FOR
DAYS INN OF AMERICA
CP Yost reviewed this application to construct a five story motel in the Waterfront
Commercial District. Reference staff report dated 9/16/80; Project Application & CEQA
Assessment accepted by staff 7/30/80; Negative Declaration ND -254P posted September 2,
1980; September 12, 1980 letter from the State Clearinghouse, verifying compliance with
CEQA requirements; comments from the following in response to receipt of the Proposed
Negative Declaration, Initial Study and July 28, 1980 Project Assessment for the Proposed
Days Inn Motel prepared by Earth Metrics Incorporated: August 26, 1980 letter from the
State Lands Commission, August 19, 1980 letter from the San Francisco Bay Conservation
and Development Commission and September 3, 1980 letter from the Department of Transporta-
tion, State of California; August 29, 1980 memo from the City Engineer; August 25, 1980
memo from the Chief Building Inspector; August 7, 1980 memo from the Chief Fire
Inspector; August 7, 1980 memo from the Park Director; City Council study meeting
minutes of May 14, 1980 re: design guideline application for the Days Inn project;
and Supplement to Project Assessment for the Proposed Days Inn Motel, prepared by
Blunk Associates, dated July 1, 1980, with attached site plan.
CP discussed three principal issues raised by this application, alternatives to the
proposed design and staff comments. If findings could be made to support the proposed
design, five conditions of approval were recommended in the staff report.
Page 2
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes September 22, 1980
Robert Blunk, architect for the project, was present and introduced Max F. James, C. B.
Day Realty of California, the applicant. Mr. James discussed the "no frills" motel
concept of Days Inn of America and its extensive growth over the past 10 years.
Mr. Blunk displayed a rendering of the proposed motel and discussed the Design Guidelines;
typical zoning requirements for a corner lot; the objectives of this moderately priced
motel chain and their need to get the maximum benefit from the site; economics of the
project; the need for circulation around the motel; Fire and Police access to the site;
the architect's study of the various alternatives; view corridors; and his feeling the
proposed design is the best alternative.
David Keyston, Anza Shareholders' Liquidating Trust spoke in favor of the application.
He discussed his belief the proposed design protects view corridors, noted the City's
designation of this site for hotel/motel use, expressed his approval of the design and
felt this type of motel is an appropriate use for one of the inland sites of the Anza
property. Chm. Sine opened the public hearing. There were no comments and the hearing
was closed. Secy. Harvey noted letter received September 22, 1980 from Mrs. A. Erickson,
221 Arundel Road in opposition to the project.
Concerns: length of the building's "wall" along the proposed new street; building bulk
and density; aesthetics; non-compliance with the Design Guidelines. Discussion included:
the proposed new street and the fact that this property had been acquired by the City
for that purpose; alternatives to the proposed design; staff input with sketches of
alternative designs; the Design Guidelines for the area, and the City Council decision
that they should apply to both the primary and secondary frontages; economics of the
project; location of the elevators and stairs, and reasons for same; landscaped berms
along each street frontage; the fact that the building would be fully fire sprinklered;
a possible second phase building on the adjacent site; parking provided with regard to
the proposed design and some of the alternatives; the 25' easement along the lagoon;
and BCDC (Bay Conservation and Development Commission) review of this project.
The applicant was cautioned that the signage and proposed gasoline station would require
separate permits from the City. Staff assured that if BCDC made more than minor adjust-
ments to the project, the revised plans would be brought back to Commission for review.
After further discussion, C. Mink found substantial advantages to the proposed plan
over the alternatives presented in Earth Metrics' report; that the Design Guidelines
are merely review lines, not definite limits; that the proposed design does provide
view corridors; and that this type of moderately priced motel would serve a need.
C. Mink then moved for approval of this special permit with the following conditions:
(1) that the permit be approved to C. B. Day Realty of California, and be nontransferable;
(2) that all construction and site improvements be consistent with the plans and Project
Assessment filed with this application; (3) that the conditions recommended by the
August 29, 1980 memo from the City Engineer and August 25, 1980 memo from the Chief
Building Inspector be satisfied; (4) that public access be provided between Airport
Boulevard and the lagoon adjacent to the project site, and that the area between this
lagoon and this project's on-site parking be landscaped, provided with a paved pathway
and other amenities consistent with its maximum feasible public use; (5) that prior to
the issuance of a Building Permit by the City of Burlingame the following requirements
be met: (a) all permits required from other responsible agencies be obtained, such
permits to include (but not be limited to) the Bay Conservation and Development
Commission; (b) a parcel map establishing the project site be filed and approved, and
a copy of the recorded map submitted to the City; (c) all landscaping and irrigation
systems be approved by the City, and so designed that the maximum feasible on-site
parking spaces are screened from adjacent public rights-of-way; and (d) a site develop-
ment fee be paid to the City for off-site road and intersection improvements consistent
with the adopted plan for the Anza area. The fee will be $55 per motel room, and is
presently estimated at $11,770.
Page 3
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes September 22, 1980
Second C. Cistulli; motion failed to pass on a 3-3 roll call vote, Cers Harvey, Jacobs
and Sine dissenting. Appeal procedures were advised.
Recess 9:05 P.M.; reconvene 9:22 P.M.
Following the recess C. Harvey advised that during a discussion with the architect
Days Inn had indicated their willingness to modify the building elevation facing Anza
Pacific Boulevard, to mitigate several Commission concerns. C. Taylor then moved that
this matter be reopened for further discussion. Second C. Harvey; motion approved 6-0
on roll call vote. In fairness to the other applicants on the agenda, Chm. Sine
announced this item continued to later in the meeting. (In the interest of continuity,
the subsequent discussion on Item #1 follows.)
Robert Blunk displayed rough sketches of a proposed redesign of the project. He noted
that the original proposal had only one central elevator shaft; two elevator shafts
were now proposed. With these visual columns and two breezeways through the building,
he felt the long line of the design would be softened and be more attractive. Commission
discussed the corridors, roof line, location of rooms and entry to them.
C. Mink then moved for approval subject to the five conditions as listed in the previous
motion with the exception of Condition #2 as follows: (2) that all construction and
site improvements be consistent with the plans and Project Assessment filed with this
application and the amended design sketches presented this evening. (Applicant was asked
to sign and date these sketches.) Second C. Cistulli and approved 4-2 on roll call vote,
Cers Harvey and Jacobs dissenting. Appeal procedures were advised.
2. TENTATIVE AND FINAL PARCEL MAP TO COMBINE LOT 1 AND PORTIONS OF LOTS 2 AND 3,
BLOCK 5, BURLINGAME PARK UNIT 4: PROPERTY AT 1500 WILLOW AVENUE/ ZONED R-3;
FOR JEAN GOROSTIAGUE, ET AL 1519 ARC WAY;
CE Erbacher recommended approval with one condition (ref. CE's memo dated 9/17/80).
Chm. Sine opened the public hearing. There were no comments and the hearing was closed.
C. Jacobs moved that this tentative and final parcel map be approved and recommended to
City Council subject to at least one of the habitable structures on the property being
demolished and removed from the site. Second C. Cistulli and approved unanimously on
voice vote.
3. CONDOMINIUM PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT THE ARC WAY CONDOMINIUMS, AN 18 UNIT PROJECT AT
1500 WILLOW AVENUE, ZONED R-3, BY GEORGE RESCALVO FOR JEAN GOROSTIAGUE, ET AL
CP Yost reviewed this application to construct an 18 unit condominium, 35' high, at
the corner of Willow Avenue and E1 Camino Real. Reference staff report dated 9/17/80;
Project Application & CEQA Assessment accepted by staff 7/17/80; aerial photograph
of the site; and September 17, 1980 memo from the City Engineer. CP compared this
amended design to a previous application for this property in 1979, discussed staff
comments on the present proposal and noted a deficiency in open space provided. In view
of the unusual configuration of the site, staff believed the present design a reasonable
solution and, if approved, recommended three conditions as listed in the staff report.
CA Coleman confirmed that Zev Ben -Simon, who had purchased the property from the owners
shown on the agenda, was entitled to speak as the property owner and applicant.
Mr. Ben -Simon addressed Commission, detailing his consideration in purchasing this
property and project. He discussed the unique site with its inherent problems of
design and confirmed his staff had considered providing general open space inside the
building. This did not seem feasible as any change would require complete redesign of
the structure.
Page 4
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes September 22, 1980
Chm. Sine opened the public hearing. Marilyn Moore McAlpine, 1521 Willow Avenue
expressed concern that adequate off-street parking be provided, noting neighboring
uses that create an on -street parking overload at present. Staff advised the parking
provided meets Burlingame code and would seem to be ample for the 18 families in the
building. There were no further audience comments and the public hearing was closed.
During discussion it was determined that two basement levels of parking were provided
with three living levels above grade, and that it was not possible to install a
security gate at the entrance to both basement parking levels since there was no
exterior guest parking. The problems of providing open space area at grade were
noted. Commission had concern about the absence of general open space for use of the
18 on-site families, but there was consensus the project was well designed for the
unusual site.
C. Taylor moved for approval of the condominium permit with the following conditions:
(1) that the final working drawings for the Arc Way Condominiums be consistent with
the plans filed with this application; (2) that the conditions recommended by the
September 17, 1980 memo from the City Engineer be met to the satisfaction of the Public
Works Department; and (3) that the final landscaping and irrigation plans be approved
by the Park Department prior to the issuance of a building permit. Second C. Cistulli;
motion approved on unanimous roll call vote. Appeal procedures were advised.
4. TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP FOR 18 CONDOMINIUM UNITS AT 1500 WILLOW AVENUE, FOR
JEAN GOROSTIAGUE, ET AL
CE Erbacher recommended approval subject to the applicant's compliance with the
condominium permit conditions. Ref. CE's memo dated 9/17/80. C. Jacobs moved for
approval and recommendation to City Council of this tentative subdivision map. Second
C. Mink; motion approved on unanimous voice vote.
5. CONDOMINIUM PERMIT FOR A 4 UNIT CONDOMINIUM PROJECT AT 27 EL CAMINO REAL, ZONED
R-3, BY BARRY G. SMITH OF D. L. WALKER ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FOR QUALITY
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
CP Yost reviewed this three story condominium project. Reference staff report dated
9/18/80; Project Application & CEQA Assessment accepted by staff 8/22/80; aerial
photograph of the site; memo received September 15, 1980 from the City Engineer;
September 12, 1980 memo from the Chief Building Inspector; 8/29/80 memo from the Park
Director. CP discussed conformance with zoning ordinance requirements and the
Condominium Guidelines as well as staff comments. Approval was recommended with two
conditions as listed in the staff report.
Barry Smith, architect for the project, was present. Chm. Sine opened the public
hearing. There were no comments and the hearing was closed. Discussion: the innovative
design with four units of two floors each and parking at grade; two means of egress
in case of fire.
C. Jacobs moved for approval of this condominium permit with the following conditions:
(1) that the final working drawings for 27 E1 Camino Real be consistent with the plans
filed with this application; and (2) that the final landscaping and irrigation plans be
approved by the Park Director prior to the issuance of a building permit. Second
C. Cistulli and approved unanimously on roll call vote. Appeal procedures were advised.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes
Page 5
September 22, 1980
6. TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP FOR 4 CONDOMINIUM UNITS AT 27 EL CAMINO REAL; FOR
QUALITY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
CE Erbacher recommended approval subject to the applicant's compliance with the conditions
of the condominium permit. Reference CE's memo dated September 17, 1980. C. Jacobs
moved for approval and recommendation to City Council of this tentative subdivision
map. Second C. Mink; approved unanimously on voice vote.
7. TENTATIVE AND FINAL PARCEL MAP TO COMBINE LOT 10, BLOCK 7, BURLINGAME SUBDIVISION
WITH A 10' WIDE STRIP OF LAND ADJACENT TO ITS SOUTHEASTERLY BOUNDARY; PROPERTY
AT 1411 VANCOUVER AVENUE; FOR MARGARET W. MUIRHEAD
At the request of the applicant's engineer, staff recommended this application be dropped
from the agenda -until such time as the necessary title and easement questions are
resolved. Reference 9/18/80 memo from the City Engineer. With approval of Commission,
Chm. Sine announced this item dropped from the agenda.
8. SPECIAL PERMIT TO OPERATE A VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP IN THE M-1 DISTRICT AT 1745 ADRIAN
ROAD, BY STEVE G. GARDNER OF GARDNER'S 4 -WHEEL DRIVE
CP Yost reviewed this application to operate a vehicle repair shop in the M-1 District.
Reference staff report dated 9/18/80; Project Application & CEQA Assessment accepted
by staff 8/25/80; aerial photograph, site development layout and site drawings;
August 13, 1980 letter from Steve G. Gardner; September 12, 1980 memo from the Chief
Building Inspector; September 4, 1980 memo from the Chief Fire Inspector; 9/8/80
memo from the City Engineer; and July 28, 1980 letter to Steve Gardner from the Zoning
Aide, with copy of Business License Application. CP discussed the M-1 District neighbor-
hood, this building in particular and Mr. Gardner's plans. Staff believed this business
would be an inappropriate use at its present location and recommended denial. If
Commission found it a reasonable use, six conditions were recommended as listed in
the staff report.
The applicant, Steve Gardner, was present. He described his repair business which
consists of component repair work, with no vehicles on the site at any time except
for his personal automobile. He questioned Fire Department requirement that the
building be brought to H-4 occupancy regulations. Discussion: clarification of the
exact nature of this business; the type and present useage of the building at 1745 Adrian
Road. It was suggested there be further discussion between staff and the Fire Department
regarding occupancy requirements, and it was noted the business must be approved by
the Fire Department in the business license application process. Chm. Sine opened the
public hearing. There were no comments and the hearing was closed.
C. Jacobs moved for approval of this special permit with the following conditions:
(1) that the permit be approved to Steve G. Gardner dba Gardner's 4 -Wheel Drive, and
be nontransferable; (2) that the permit be approved for vehicle component repairs
only; (3) that no vehicles be brought to the site; (4) that no persons be employed
on this site by Gardner's 4- Wheel Drive; (5) that the hours of operation be limited
to weekday evenings 6:00 - 9:00 P.M. and weekends; (6) that all Fire and Building Code
requirements be satisfied; and (7) that this permit be subject to review and possible
amendment in one year. Second C. Cistulli; approved 6-0 on roll call vote. Appeal
procedures were advised.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes
9. REVOCATION OF SPECIAL PERMIT APPROVED APRIL
DBA CALL -A -CAR RENTAL COMPANY TO OPERATE A
AND DETAILING SERVICES IN THE C-4 DISTRICT
Page 6
September 22, 1980
21, 1980 TO ALLOW DAVID M. KING
RENT -A -CAR AGENCY WITH AUTO REPAIR
AT 1470 BAYSHORE HIGHWAY
CP Yost reviewed the special permit granted by City Council on April 21, 1980, a site
inspection of the property on September 5 and a further inspection September 18, 1980.
Recent improvements were noted and the items not yet corrected. Reference staff
report dated 9/19/80; and Revocation Notice dated September 11, 1980. Given the
improvements over the past two weeks, staff believed Call -A -Car was now in compliance
with the terms of the special permit and recommended the permit be confirmed, with a
further staff report to Commission in April of 1981.
C. Taylor moved that the revocation proceedings against David M. King dba Call -A -Car
Rental Company be dismissed pursuant to the recommendation of the City Planner and
that the April, 1980 permit be confirmed. Second C. Mink; motion approved unanimously
on voice vote.
APPLICATIONS FOR STUDY
The following items were set for public hearing October 15, 1980.
10. SPECIAL PERMIT, CHINESE BIBLE EVANGEL, INC., 2220 SUMMIT DRIVE (HOOVER SCHOOL)
11. SPECIAL PERMIT, HOOVER CHILDRENS' CENTER, 2220 SUMMIT DRIVE (HOOVER SCHOOL)
There was considerable discussion regarding permits for Hoover School. Request: an
in-depth analysis of the parking available related to square footage to be used by
each lessee and numbers of people and vehicles expected on the property throughout the
day for each day of the week. Concerns: parking; use of the playground; the difficulty
of making a decision on these applications on a piecemeal basis when future applications
are expected. Chm. Sine then set these items for hearing October 15, 1980. C. Taylor
wished to go on record that he objected to putting these matters on the next agenda
until there is a complete application for total use of the Hoover School buildings.
OTHER BUSINESS
12. REVIEW OF MARCH 10, 1980 SPECIAL PERMIT TO ALLOW DHL CORPORATION TO OPERATE
A COURIER SERVICE IN THE M-1 DISTRICT AT 865 HINCKLEY ROAD
CP Yost referenced his staff report detailing the March, 1980 special permit approval,
August 18 site inspection and a second inspection on September 18, 1980. Reference
staff report dated 9/19/80; September 19, 1980 letter from Brian Reed, DHL Corporation
with attached landscape plan; September 19, 1980 memo from the Park Director detailing
deficiencies in the submitted plan, with Park Department Minimum Design Standards
attached; and Planning Commission minutes of March 10, 1980.
CP noted there was no representative of DHL Corporation in the audience and advised
that Brian Reed, N. W. Regional Manager would be meeting with him this Thursday to
discuss the required landscaping. Chm. Sine then continued this review to the
meeting of October 15, 1980.
Page 7
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes September 22, 1980
13. DESIGN REVIEW PROCEDURES IN ADJACENT COMMUNITIES
Reference staff report dated 9/15/80 with attached Appendix. CP Yost noted two
alternatives to address design problems in Burlingame neighborhoods, staff work to
date, and advantages and disadvantages to a design review process. Commission comments
were requested. There was Commission consensus to develop more precise code standards
in residential zones rather than establish a design review board. One Commissioner
suggested a resolution procedure, setting guidelines rather than a series of code
amendments.
13a. Chm. Sine requested staff review the section of Rollins Road from Cadillac Way
to the San Mateo city line, and develop suggestions to improve this area of the city.
CITY PLANNER REPORT
14. CP Yost reported on September 15, 1980 City Council hearing on Ordinance No. 1186,
limiting storage of trailers, vehicles, boats and campers in setbacks and yards of
residential areas. Council had denied the proposed ordinance and referred the matter
back to the Planning Commission for revision. Staff will prepare a revised draft.
Commission requested a copy of the September 15, 1980 Council hearing minutes.
15. CONDOMINIUM CONVERSIONS
CP advised that at their study meeting September 17, 1980 Council requested an ordinance
be drafted for introduction at their October 6 meeting.
16. October 4, 1980 breakfast meeting with City Council and Traffic, Safety & Parking
Commission was noted. Reference Study of Burlingame Avenue Area Parking by Traffic,
Safety & Parking Commission dated September 11, 1980 which had been transmitted to
the P.C. in their packet. Planning Commission attendance at this breakfast meeting
was requested.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:22 P.M. in memory of Mr. D. A. Stivers, former Planning
Commissioner.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph E. Harvey
Secretary