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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1981.01.26CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY 26, 1981 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Planning Commission, City of Burlingame was called to order by Chairman Sine on Monday, January 26, 1981 at 7:32 P.M. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Cistulli, Graham, 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. Jacobs, second C. Cistulli the minutes of the January 12, 1981 meeting were approved with the following correction: change Item 7, Adoption of 1981 Planning Commission Schedule, to read "motion to approve . motion passed on a 4-0 roll call vote, Chm. Sine abstaining because he would not be present after March, 1981". AGENDA - Upon motion of C. Jacobs, second C. Cistulli the order of the agenda was approved unanimously. APPLICATIONS FOR ACTION 1. SPECIAL PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A 21,300 SF OFFICE BUILDING IN THE BURLINGAME AVENUE OFF-STREET PARKING DISTRICT AT 345 LORTON AVENUE, BY D. L. WALKER ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES 2. SPECIAL PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT AN 1,800 SF PENTHOUSE (WITH A ROOF HEIGHT OF 40'-511) ON THE PROPOSED OFFICE BUILDING AT 345 LORTON AVENUE CP Yost reviewed this application to construct a 21,300 SF office building with a fourth floor penthouse which exceeds the 35' review line. Reference staff report dated 1/20/81; Project Application & CEQA Assessment accepted by staff 12/24/80; aerial photograph of the site; December 22, 1980 letter from Tony Carrasco, D. L. Walker Architectural Services; January 5, 1981 memo from the Fire Prevention Chief; January 7, 1981 memo from the Chief Building Inspector; January 7, 1981 memo from the Park Director; 1/22/81 memo from the City Engineer; January 19, 1981 letter from Mark Stephenson, D. L. Walker Architectural Services; project plans date stamped January 6, 1981; and January 23, 1981 letter from Mark Stephenson with attached Penthouse Site Plan and revised Sheet 4 of the plans. CP reviewed code requirements, conformance with code, staff comments and concerns, and discussed the proposed penthouse. Staff recommended approval of both special permits with three conditions as listed in the staff report. Discussion: the revised plans for the driveway; and Parking District regulations in. relation to this property. Mark Stephenson of D. L. Walker Architectural Services was present. He discussed the unusual design of this project in detail and attempts to integrate the building with the existing neighborhood. It was his belief this was a better alternative than a bulky three story building. Chm. Sine opened the public hearing. John Kowalski who owns the building next door (a launderette) approved of the proposed design but expressed concern about the shortage of public parking in the area with the addition of this office building. There were no further comments and the public hearing was closed. Page 2 Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes January 26, 1981 Commission comments and discussion: do we need another office building in downtown Burlingame?; this project will be an attractive building which blends with the neighbor- hood; concern about the 15,000 SF exemption in the Parking District (but since the project meets code, it should be allowed); a fine project which meets or exceeds all City design criteria (with the exception of the penthouse); a feeling that the additional height is mitigated by the additional landscaping; reasons for posting a negative declara- tion for this project; concern about increased parking in downtown Burlingame. Mark Stephenson confirmed all Fire and Building Code regulations would be met as well as State earthquake requirements. C. Jacobs moved for approval of the special permit to construct a four story 21,300 SF office building with the following conditions: (1) that all construction and site improvements be in conformance with the plans date stamped January 6, 1981; (2) that the conditions recommended by the Chief Fire Inspector's January 5, 1981 memo, the Chief Building Inspector's January 7, 1981 memo and the City Engineer's January 22, 1981 memo be met to each department's satisfaction; (3) that prior to the approval of a building permit, a landscape and irrigation plan be prepared to the satisfaction of the Park Director, together with a report on the root system of the existing 36" cypress located at 1209 Bellevue Avenue, with protective measures to be taken during project construction; and (4) that all State earthquake requirements be met. Second C. Cistulli; motion approved unanimously on roll call vote. . Appeal procedures were advised. C. Mink then moved for approval of the special permit to construct an 1,800 SF penthouse (with a roof height of 40'-5") on the proposed office building, with conditions as listed in the previous motion. Second C. Taylor; motion approved unanimously on roll call vote. Appeal procedures were advised. Chm. Sine recognized in the audience this evening Cers Garcia and Leahy whose terms become effective in April, 1981 and former Commissioner Everett Kindig. 3. SPECIAL PERMIT TO OPERATE A COFFEE SHOP IN THE M-1 DISTRICT AT 866 MALCOLM ROAD, BY LEE L. FONG WITH B -S -K ASSOCIATES (PROPERTY OWNER) CP Yost reviewed this application to operate a coffee shop in the M-1 District. Reference staff report dated 1/21/81; Project Application & CEQA Assessment accepted by staff 12/22/80; aerial photograph of the site; Exhibit "A", Malcolm Center, Building Floor Plan; floor plan of the proposed coffee shop; December 14 1980 letter from Lee L. Fong; letter in support dated January 9, 1981 from SP Communications; January 8, 1981 memo from the Chief Fire Inspector; January 9, 1981 memo from the Chief Building Inspector; and drawing indicating coffee shops in the M-1 District as of Ja.nuary, 1981. CP reviewed issues raised, details of the application and staff comments. Staff recommended approval with four conditions as listed in the staff report. CE Erbacher advised that the CBI had met with the applicant subsequent to his January 9, 1981 memo and had withdrawn his recommendation for denial. The applicant, Lee L. Fong was present; he advised he was presently operating a coffee shop at 875 Mahler Road. It was determined this operation was up for sale and that the shop at 866 Malcolm Road was not yet in operation. Chm. Sine opened the public hearing. There were no comments and the hearing was closed. There was no Commission objection to this use at the proposed location. C. Jacobs moved for approval of the special permit with the following conditions: (1) that the permit be approved to Lee L. Fong and be nontransferable; (2) that the size, location and operation of this coffee shop be consistent with the materials filed with this application; (3) that the conditions recommended by the Chief Fire Inspector and Page 3 Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes January 26, 1981 Chief Building Inspector in their respective January 8 and January 9, 1981 memos be met to each department's satisfaction; and (4) that this permit be reviewed in one year, and be subject to possible modification at that time. Second C. Cistulli; motion approved 7-0 on roll call vote. Appeal procedures were advised. 4. SPECIAL PERMIT TO INSTALL 2 GASOLINE PUMPS AT 777 AIRPORT BOULEVARD, BY C. B. DAY REALTY OF CALIFORNIA CP Yost reviewed this application to allow installation of two gasoline pumps for the retail sale of gasoline at 777 Airport Boulevard (Days Inn of America). Reference staff report dated 1/21/81; Project Application & CEQA Assessment accepted by staff 12/18/80; December 9, 1980 letter from Arthur Hansen, Director of Construction, C. B. Day Realty; December 23, 1980 and January 21, 1981 letters from D. Lee Eisner of Blunk Associates; January 9, 1981 memo from the Chief Fire Inspector; January 9, 1981 memo from the Chief Building Inspector; 1/6/81 memo from the City Engineer; and plans date stamped December 30, 1980. CP reviewed City approval for the Days Inn Motel, details of the present application, staff comments and code requirements. Staff had no objection to approval with four conditions as listed in the staff report. It was determined: this would be a 24 hour self-service operation primarily for the convenience of Days Inn customers; the gasoline tanks at the Anza station would be sold to Days Inn, the Anza station to be closed; no parking would be lost by installation of the station; this type of operation is not an unusual adjunct to a motel. Arthur Hansen, Director of Construction, C. B. Day Realty of California, Sacramento was present. He advised this type of installation has worked well for Days Inn across the country and confirmed that the service was provided basically for motel customers only and would be a 24 hour self-service operation. Chm. Sine opened the public hearing. There were no audience comments and the hearing was closed. Responding to the Chairman, Commissioners had no objections. 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 the operation of the gasoline pumps be consistent with the December 9, 1980 letter from Arthur Hansen, C. B. Day Realty of California and the December 23, 1980 letter from D. Lee Eisner, Blunk Associates; (3) that all site improvements be similar to those shown on the plans filed with this application, date stamped December 30, 1980; and (4) that the final working drawings conform to the requirements of the Chief Fire Inspector and Chief Building Inspector as listed in their respective memos dated January 9, 1981. Second C. Graham; motion approved 7-0 on roll call vote. Appeal procedures were advised. 5. TENTATIVE AND FINAL PARCEL MAP TO RESUBDIVIDE LOT 29, BLOCK 38, MILLS ESTATE NO. 13 INTO 3 PARCELS; PROPERTY AT 2720 MARIPOSA DRIVE (WITH THE NEW LOTS AT 1811 AND 1815 MONTECITO WAY); FOR THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION Reference staff report from the City Engineer dated January 20, 1981; parcel map received January 23, 1981; area drawing and aerial photograph of the site; Negative Declaration ND -275E posted January 15, 1981; December 29, 1980 letter from James C. Prendergast, JCP Engineers & Geologists; August 11, 1980 letter from Ronald L. Soroos, Engineering Geologist, Harding -Lawson Associates; January 22, 1981 letter from Earle.Erickson, 2805 Las Piedras Drive; and letter received January 21, 1981 from Harold Cooper, 2809 Las Piedras Drive. CE Erbacher reviewed history of the site, requirements of the Alquist-Priola Special Studies Zone and geologists' reports, and possible development on these lots. Staff found this map technically correct and in conformance with the applicable ordinances. Page 4 Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes January 26, 1981 If recommended for Council's approval, one condition concerning local improvements was suggested, as listed in the staff report. Mr. Erbacher also noted some concern by neighboring property owners regarding height limitations. Discussion followed: the configuration of the proposed lots; possibility of a landlocked lot and future exiting problems; development potential; height of any future.homes built on these sloping lots; code requirements for height; fault lines; setbacks; deed restrictions. Albert Colbourne, Vicar of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension was present. He discussed the reasons for this proposal and for the shape of the proposed lots. During further discussion CA Coleman enumerated criteria for a Commission decision: compatibility of the proposed lots with existing lots in the neighborhood, accessibility of safety services and suitability of proposed grading. Chm. Sine opened the public hearing. There were no comments in favor. Earle Erickson, 2805 Las Piedras Drive, who lives directly across the stheet from the church, expressed concern about possible blockage of views and two story residences being built on these lots. He requested action be taken that would restrict the roof line of any new house to that of the adjacent houses. There were no further comments and the hearing was closed. Discussion: continued. Commission had concern about retaining the continuity of the neighborhood and maintaining views. Code requirements for height were again reviewed as well as alternatives. Vicar Colbourne advised he had no objection to a reasonable limitation being put on the height of any new homes; he confirmed that no commitment had as yet been made regarding sale of the lots. C. Mink found that this subdivision met the requirements of the General Plan of the City and State requirements, and found it satisfactory as presented without any further restrictions. A suggestion was made that the height requirement for any future home be measured from the property line rather than the setback line. C. Taylor then moved that this tentative and final parcel map be approved and recommended to City Council with the following conditions: (1) that at the time of construction on Lots 32 and 33 all sidewalks, curbs and gutters be replaced as directed by the City Engineer; and (2) that the maximum height of new homes on Lots 32 and 33 be limited to 30' above mean grade along the front property line. Second' C. Cistulli; motion approved on a 6-1 roll call vote, C. Graham dissenting. 6. FENCE EXCEPTION - 1427-1433 BURLINGAME AVENUE, BY DR. D. B. BUSCH It was determined the applicant was not present and this item was continued to the meeting of February 9, 1981. OTHER BUSINESS 7. VIOLATION OF EMPLOYEE PARKING REQUIREMENTS BY ARATA HONDA, 1016 CAROLAN AVENUE AND MIKE HARVEY OLDSMOBILE, 1008 CAROLAN AVENUE/1107-1015 ROLLINS ROAD: JANUARY 14, 1981 LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN, TRAFFIC, SAFETY & PARKING COMMISSION Reference January 14, 1981 letter from Rich Foley, Chairman TS&P Commission to Tom Sine, Chairman, Planning Commission; June 25, 1979 letter of action to David James Arata; June 25, 1979 and May 8, 1979 letters of action to Michael R. Harvey. It was noted that each of the above letters of action required a certain number of parking spaces be striped on the property and designated for employee parking. C. P. Yost reviewed this item. David James Arata was not present but it was reported that 10 employee parking spaces had been striped on his property and he was now in compliance with the terms of his special permit. Page 5 Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes January 26, 1981 Mike Harvey was present and discussed mitigating circumstances with respect to employee parking on his property as well as his desire to meet with any complainants to resolve the problem. During discussion Mr. Harvey advised he had recently striped 19 or 20 spaces (44 were required); he asked that this be allowed with perhaps an employee shuttle service from a parking area elsewhere. Commission directed that if the terms of the earlier permits are to be changed, an application should be filed by Mr. Harvey for an amendment to the previous condition that 44 on-site spaces are to be striped and marked for employee parking. Mr. Harvey advised he would file the appropriate application. 8. SPECIFIC AREA PLAN - BURLINGAME BAYFRONT: RECOMMENDED FEBRUARY 9. 1981 PUBLIC HEARING Chm. Sine set this item for public hearing February 9, 1981. CITY PLANNER REPORT 9. CONDOMINIUM PERMIT FOR A 15,000 SF OFFICE BUILDING AT 1424 CHAPIN AVENUE 10. TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP FOR 4 OFFICE CONDOMINIUMS AT 1424 CHAPIN AVENUE CP Yost reported amended plans had been received and circulated to staff for comment. This item will be brought to Commission at its next meeting. CP also reported a contract had been executed with a consultant to prepare an EIR for the Marriott Hotel/Office project at 1800 Bayshore Highway. OTHER C. Graham expressed concern about the lack of off-street parking in the downtown area. He moved that the Planning Commission recommend again to Council that the 15,000 SF review line in the Burlingame Avenue Area Off -Street Parking District Regulations be amended to some lower limit. Second C. Jacobs. After further discussion C. Graham withdrew his motion; there was a general consensus that parking in the downtown area should be restudied by the Commission and new recommendations made to Council. Staff was directed to prepare copies of the Commission's earlier report for consideration at the February 9 meeting, together with a progress report on the implementation of the Traffic, Safety & Parking Commission's programs to increase public parking in the downtown area. AD.lnl IRNMFNT The meeting adjourned at 10:14 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Joseph E. Harvey Secretary