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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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