HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1981.06.22CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION
JUNE 22, 1981
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission, City of Burlingame was called to order
by Chairman Jacobs on Monday, June 22, 1981 at 7:32 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Cistulli, Garcia, Graham, Harvey, Leahy, Mink, Jacobs
Absent: None
Staff Present: City Planner John R. Yost; City Attorney Jerome F. Coleman;
City Engineer Frank C. Erbacher
MINUTES - The minutes of the June 8, 1981 meeting were unanimously approved and
adopted.
AGENDA - At the request of the applicant, Item #6 continued to the meeting of
July 13, 1981; Study Item 6(a) added; Item 9 added. Order of the agenda
was then unanimously approved.
Chm. Jacobs welcomed Meg Monroe, Planning Consultant, Ironside & Associates, who will
provide temporary planning administration services until a new City Planner is appointed.
a MEETING ITEMS FOR ACTION
1. SPECIAL PERMIT TO APPROVE A 16--6" HIGH GARAGE (RECENTLY CONSTRUCTED WITHOUT
AUTHORIZED PLANS) AT 2409 HILLSIDE DRIVE, BY MR. AND MRS. J. CAMILLERI
CP Yost reviewed this request for a special permit to approve:a recently constructed
16'-6" high garage, with 340 SF of attic storage space, at:the back of the property at
2409 Hillside Drive. Reference staff report for this item; Project Application & CEQA
Assessment accepted by staff 5/29/81; aerial photograph; letter from the applicants
date stamped May 5, 1981; plot plans date stamped May 5, 1981; photographs of the site;
June 10, 1981 memo from the City Attorney, with attachments, giving a history of this
project; 6/8/81 memo from the City Engineer; and 6/2/81 memo from the Chief Fire
Inspector. CP discussed code exceptions requested, history of the project, and CA's
comments. Staff recommended that the application be denied and the garage be modified
to conform to code. If approved, it was suggested the motion should note the specific
violations to which it refers.
Jeffrey Camilleri was present and submitted letters in support of the application from
his immediate neighbors. He also noted his need for additional storage space. There
was considerable discussion about the chronology of this project, communications
between the city and the applicants over the last three years and code changes within
this period.
Chm. Jacobs opened the public hearing. Damir Rados, 2405 Hillside Drive spoke in favor,
noting the upgrading of this property by the applicants. Secy. Harvey read letters in
support from the following neighbors: Robert E. Tarry and Carol DeAnda, 1330 Castillo
Avenue; Audrey M. Page, 2408 Hillside Drive; Derek and Barbara Forman, 1341 Carlos Avenue;
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes
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June 22, 1981
Randolph B. and Vicki Rinker, 2404 Hillside Drive. Another letter in support (enclosed
in the packet) was noted, from Dorothy Benedict, 1331 Carlos Avenue. There were no
letters or comments in opposition and the public hearing was closed.
Further discussion: possibility of a penalty fee; alternatives to mitigate some of the
violations, particularly to bring the roof design within the standards of the code;
problem with normal inspection procedures of the city. One Commissioner expressed:his
opinion that the applicant should not be penalized.
C. Harvey moved to deny this special permit with the condition that abatement of the
structure be delayed for a period of 90 days, during which time the applicant may
submit plans for a revised roof line, limiting the roof height to the code standard
of 14'. Second C. Graham; motion approved 6-1 on roll call vote, C. Cistulli dissenting.
Appeal procedures were advised.
2. VARIANCE TO ADD AN 1,100 SF THIRD FLOOR TO THE EXISTING FIVE UNIT APARTMENT
BUILDING AT 836 EL CAMINO REAL, BY RONALD J. BAHN WITH MRS. INES BAHN
CP Yost reviewed this application to add an 1,100 SF third floor, with family room,
recreation and collection display room, bathroom, bar and deck, over the existing two-
bedroom owner's apartment unit. Reference staff report for this item; Project Applica-
tion & CEQA Assessment accepted by staff 6/1/81; aerial photograph; photographs of the
site; April 13, 1981 letter from Ralph Button, Building Designer; June 10, 1981 memo
from the Chief Building Inspector, "no comments" memo from the City Engineer; June 3,
1981 memo from the Chief Fire Inspector; plans date stamped April 28 and May 29, 1981;
and revised plan for a second exit from the third floor date stamped June 16, 1981.
CP discussed code requirements, staff comments and issues involved. Staff did not
believe the legal requirements for variance approval had been satisfactorily addressed
and recommended denial.
Ralph Button, building designer,represented the applicants who were also present.
Mr. Button discussed this unusual lot and the applicants' need for the addition. He
also briefly addressed the legal requirements for a variance. Determinations (confirmed
by Ronald J. Bahn): they have resided at this location for 20 years; as collectors of
fine art, there is presently a real need for more space. Chm. Jacobs opened the public
hearing; there were no comments and the hearing was closed.
C. Harvey found it unlikely this property owner would be adding:space for another rental
unit at this time; that parking did comply with the code when the building was constructed;
that there were exceptional and extraordinary circumstances in the physical impossibility
to provide additional parking; that the variance is necessary for the preservation of
a property right of the applicants (a need for more space); that it would not be
detrimental to the neighbors; and that it would not adversely affect the comprehensive
zoning plan of the city. C. Harvey then moved for approval of this variance application.
Second C. Graham; motion approved 6-0 on roll call vote, C. Cistulli abstaining
(acquainted with the applicant). Appeal procedures were advised.
3. CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION PERMIT FOR THE EXISTING OFFICE/WAREHOUSE AT 1745 ADRIAN ROAD
CP Yost reviewed this application to subdivide an existing 25,330 SF office/warehouse
into 18 condominium units. Reference staff report for this item, Project Application &
CEQA Assessment accepted by staff 5/27/81; June 15, 1981 memo from the City Engineer;
June 1, 1981 memo from the Chief Fire Inspector; May 27, 1981 memo from Helen Towber,
Zoning Aide listing present tenants on the site; May 10, 1981 evaluation of the proposed
conversion from Ernest S. Ihlen, Registered Civil Engineer; February 13, 1981 letter
with recommendations for sound -rated partitions from Richard B. Rodkin of Charles M.
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Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes June 22, 1981
Salter Associates, Inc.; and architectural plans for the project. CP discussed the
plans for this conversion and staff comments. Approval was recommended with two
conditions as listed in the staff report.
Discussion: the Fire Inspector's requirement that all businesses must be "B" occupancy;
city controls over purchasers, and procedures for approving all new businesses; a
change in suggested condition #2, from only allowing "B" occupancy to any use so long
as the structural modifications of the fire code are met. Robert Kent and Ward Thomas
were present. Mr. Kent stated he had always advised prospective tenants to check with
City Hall; he expected prospective buyers would do the same. Chm. Jacobs opened'the
public hearing; there were no comments and the hearing was closed.
C. Graham moved for approval of this condominium conversion permit with the following
conditions: (1) that the final working drawings for this condominium conversion be
consistent with the plans filed with this application; and (2) that the conditions
recommended by the City Engineer be met. Second C. Mink; motion approved 7-0 on
roll call vote. Appeal procedures were advised.
4. TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP FOR THE 18 UNIT INDUSTRIAL CONDOMINIUM AT 1745 ADRIAN ROAD
Reference June 18, 1981 memo from the City Engineer. CE Erbacher recommended approval.
C. Mink moved for approval and recommendation to City Council of this tentative sub-
division map. Second C. Cistulli; motion approved unanimously on voice vote.
5. SPECIAL PERMIT TO OPERATE A CAR RENTAL AGENCY AT 1300 BAYSHORE HIGHWAY, BY
EXECUTIVE RENT -A -CAR
CP Yost reviewed this application to operate a car rental agency in the C-4 District.
Reference staff report for this item; Project Application & CEQA Assessment accepted by
staff 6/1/81; aerial photograph; May 15 and April 2, 1981 letters from David R. Goldman,
president, Executive Rent-A-Car; site plan, Commercial Lease and Rent-A-Car Questionnaire
received May 20, 1981; June 11, 1981 letter from John V. Sessa, Executive Rent-A-Car
local manager; photographs of the site; petition dated June 4, 1981 from tenants at
1300 Bayshor.e Highway concerning parking problems; June 3, 1981 letter in opposition
from Vincent J. Russo, Manager, The Eggplant restaurant, 1310 Bayshore Highway; June 2,
1981 memo from Helen Towber, Zoning Aide reporting 6/1/81 site inspection, with
attachment indicating on-site parking spaces; May 19, 1981 memo from Helen Towber
detailing the city's request that a special permit be obtained and follow-up actions;
June 9, 1981 memo from the City Engineer; June 2, 1981 memo from the Chief Fire
Inspector; and January 1, 1981 list of Burlingame Car Rental Agencies. CP discussed
details of the application, principal issues, previous permits granted at this site,
and opposition by businesses in the immediate area. Staff recommended the application
be denied. If approved, three conditions as listed in the staff report were suggested.
David Goldman, president of Executive Rent-A-Car discussed the operational details of
his company, primarily a leasing business, and stated he did not believe it would add
to congestion in the area. He was prepared to accept a limit of 25 fleet vehicles,
with only 5 on-site at one time, the remainder at nearby locations.
Concern: the time it took Executive Rent-A-Car to make application subsequent to
learning the city's requirement of a special permit. Discussion: date the company
signed the lease and started operations at this site; number of assigned parking spaces
on site; arrangements for parking fleet vehicles off site; employee vehicles and
employee parking.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes
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June 22, 1981
Chm. Jacobs opened the public hearing. There were no audience comments and the public
hearing was closed. Secy. Harvey read petition and letter (distributed in the packet)
from neighboring businesses in opposition.
Further discussion: the Planning Commission agreement several years ago, because of
economic conditions, to approve car rental agencies as an interim use. Present
congestion in the area hay made this interim use unrealistic; for this reason two
commissioners urged denial of the application. Responding to the tenor of the
discussion, the applicant requested a three month relocation period be granted.
C. Mink moved that this special permit be denied and vacation of the property be
completed by October 1, 1981. Second C. Cistulli; motion to deny approved 7-0 on
roll call vote. Appeal procedures were advised.
6. FENCE EXCEPTION, 740/744 CROSSWAY ROAD
Continued to the meeting of July 13, 1981 at the request of the applicant.
MEETING ITEM FOR STUDY
6(a). SPECIAL PERMIT, 728-730 LAUREL AVENUE
Item set for hearing July 13, 1981.
Recess 9:10 P.M.; reconvene 9:27 P.M.
OTHER BUSINESS
7. PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2-81, AMENDMENT OF CURRENT REGULATIONS,
BURLINGAME AVENUE OFF-STREET PARKING DISTRICT
Reference P.C. Res. 2-81 with attached Exhibit A, Findings and Exhibit B, Attitude
Survey, Downtown Land Use, June 2, 1981 Planning Commission Meeting.
CP Yost discussed this resolution, an attempt to formalize the several meetings and
findings discussed by Commission and Council over the last two months. Following
some discussion, a minor word change in the resolution and the addition of coin
operated laundries as a conditional use in Zone B (services 72-15), C. Mink moved for
adoption of Resolution No. -2-81, with the two changes discussed this evening. Second
C. Harvey; motion approved 6-1, C. Cistulli dissenting (believed the present code should
not be changed). Subsequent procedures for this study were discussed, particularly
receiving public input.
CITY PLANNER REPORT
8. PUBLIC FORUM ON THE MARRIOTT HOTEL AND OFFICE PROJECT AT 1800 BAYSHORE HIGHWAY
Meeting between Marriott and BCDC for discussion of the four alternatives to be included
in the EIR has not yet taken place. Following this meeting notices will be placed in
the three local newspapers to advise of the Planning Commission meeting date for public
input. Target date is July 13, but the forum will not be scheduled until BCDC has
reviewed alternatives.
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Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes June 22, 1981
9. RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION -_JOHN YOST
Secy. Harvey read this resolution which was signed by all Commissioners and presented
to City Planner Yost. Commission extended congratulations and best wishes in his new
position as Planning Director, City of Napa.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph E. Harvey
Secretary