HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1985.05.28N
CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION
MAY 28, 1985
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission, City of Burlingame was
called to order by Chairman Giomi on Tuesday, May 28, 1985 at 7:33 PM.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Giomi, Graham, Jacobs, Leahy,
Schwalm, Taylor
Absent: Commissioner Garcia
Staff Present: City Planner Margaret Monroe; City Attorney Jerome
Coleman; City Engineer Frank Erbacher
MINUTES - The minutes of the May 13, 1985 meeting were unanimously
approved.
AGENDA - Order of the agenda approved.
ITEMS FOR ACTION
1. SPECIAL PERMIT TO INSTALL A 12' DIAMETER SATELLITE ANTENNA IN
THE REAR YARD AT 2960 DOLORES WAY, ZONED R-1
Reference staff report, 5/28/85, with attachments. CP Monroe reviewed
this proposal: details of the request, staff review, data submitted by
the applicant, study meeting questions. Three conditions were
suggested for consideration at the public hearing. Staff advised no
complaints had been received by letter from residents in the area.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. The applicant, Ernst Mankin and
Kurt Martensen of Coit Communications were present. Photographs of the
site were distributed. Comment: possibility of relocating the dish;
concern it will be visible to the neighborhood; hills in this area are
very visible. Applicant commented new landscaping and the house itself
will shield the dish from neighbors.
There were no audience comments in favor. Leonard Meshover, 2953
Frontera Way spoke in opposition: his backyard overlooks the area where
the dish will be placed, came to Burlingame because of its excellent
schools, reputation of its police department and purchased this home in
the Mills Estate which does not have exposed telephone/electrical
lines; now it appears an exposed satellite dish will be intruding on
the neighborhood; cable TV reception is good, difficult to justify this
blight on the area; it would set a precedent. There were no further
audience comments.
During discussion applicant stated a 12' dish is needed to get clear
reception from older satellites, cable reception is not good at this
location; there is not enough space to install the dish at ground
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Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes May 28, 1985
level without taking up too much of the backyard, at the proposed
location it will not be seen from the street, it will not be seen by
the neighbor above with the swimming pool as his fence will block it;
if the dish is installed too low, reception would be obstructed.
Commissioner comment: proposed location seems to be one which would
impact the property owner the least and his neighbors more. Chm. Giomi
closed the public hearing.
Further Commission discussion: applicant should look at alternative
locations; the city has many hills and approval of this application
will set a precedent for other property owners; the house does block
the dish.from the street; it has not been demonstrated that the dish
will not be seen, it will be a detriment to the neighborhood; approval
of this application would be a major step, future applications for
installation of satellite dishes might be different but essentially
they will all be visible.
C. Taylor moved that this special permit application be denied without
prejudice; second C. Graham. Motion approved on a 6-0 roll call vote,
C. Garcia absent. Appeal procedures were advised.
2. CONDOMINIUM PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT SIX UNITS AT 1437 EL CAMINO
REAL, ZONED R-3, BY MANOU MOVASSATE
3. VARIANCE TO ALLOW BAY WINDOWS AT THE SECOND AND THIRD FLOOR LEVELS
OF THE PROPOSED CONDOMINIUM AT 1437 EL CAMINO REAL TO EXTEND INTO
THE REOUIRED SIDE YARD AREA
Reference staff report, 5/28/85, with attachments. CP Monroe reviewed
these items: details of the request, staff review, applicant's justi-
fication for the variance, study meeting questions. Three conditions
were suggested for consideration at the public hearing.
Discussion: designation of parking spaces, developer must show this on
the condominium map; easement shared by this site and adjacent
property, distance of proposed bay windows from adjacent site; a fence
would not be allowed on the easement, only on the property line.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. The applicant, Manou Movassate,
was present. There were no audience comments and the public hearing
was closed. Commissioner comment: can find nothing exceptional in the
position of the easement to justify the variance.
C. Schwalm found there were exceptional circumstances in that the
easement would act as a buffer and provide adequate side yard and open
space, that the bay windows would improve the appearance of the
project and preserve the property rights of the owner, that it would
not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare nor
adversely affect the zoning plan of the city. C. Schwalm moved to
grant the variance request. Motion died for lack of a second.
C. Taylor moved to deny the variance. Second C. Graham; motion
approved on a 5-1 roll call vote, C. Schwalm dissenting, C. Garcia
absent. Appeal procedures were advised.
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Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes May 28, 1985
C. Graham moved to approve the condominium permit with elimination of
the bay windows and for adoption of Commission Resolution Approving
Condominium Permits with the following conditions: (1) that the
conditions of the Fire Marshal's memo of Aoril 4, 1985, the City
Engineer's memo of May 8, 1985 and the Director of Parks' memo of May
21, 1985 shall be met; (2) that the project built shall be consistent
with the plans submitted to the Planning Department and date stamped
April 15, 1985; and (3) that three parking spaces in the garage be
designated for guest parking and that no security gate which restricts
access to these guest parking spaces shall be installed. Second C.
Leahy; motion approved on a 4-2 roll call vote, Cers Jacobs and Taylor
dissenting, C. Garcia absent. Appeal procedures were advised.
4. TENTATIVE CONDOMINIUM MAP FOR SIX UNITS AT 1437 EL CAMINO REAL
(LOT 11, BLOCK 50. EASTON ADDITION NO. 4)
Reference City Engineer's agenda memo, 5/22/85. CE Erbacher advised
the map is complete subject to removal of the bay windows and the
addition of the following condition: that a 4' access easement for
maintenance of city facilities be granted over that subject property,
adjacent to city's 4' strip of land.
C. Graham moved that this map be forwarded to City Council for approval
with the conditions of the City Engineer. Second C. Schwalm; motion
approved on a 4-2 roll call vote, Cers Jacobs and Taylor dissenting, C.
Garcia absent.
5. TWO VARIANCES FOR A FOUR UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING AT 620 PENINSULA
AVENUE, ZONED R-3, BY MARY DUNLAP FOR ELLIS PIZZI, PROPERTY OWNER
Reference staff report, 5/28/85, with attachments. CP Monroe reviewed
this request to allow chimneys to project 2' into the required setback
and to allow one car to back out into the right-of-way. She discussed
details of the request, staff review, applicant's letter, study meeting
questions. Three conditions were suggested for consideration at the
public hearing.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. Jim Valenti, representing the
applicant, was present. There were no comments in favor. Ioannis
Grivakis, 1601 Ralston Avenue, owner of the apartment building next
door, spoke in opposition: he expressed concern about a fire hazard
with chimneys located too close to existing trees and smoke blowing
into adjacent apartment; he would like to have this vacant lot
developed but without the chimneys. There were no further audience
comments and the public hearing was closed.
Commission discussion: feel the chimneys will add to this project;
difficulty in design with this 45' wide corner lot.
C. Jacobs found there were exceptional circumstances in this narrow lot
located on a corner, that the variance was necessary for the
preservation of a property right of the owner, that the proposal would
not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare and would
not adversely affect the zoning plan of the city. C. Jacobs moved for
approval of the variance to allow chimneys to project 2' into the
required setback with conditions as listed below. Second C. Graham.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes
Page 4
May 28, 1985
Responding to question from the Chair, the Fire Marshal found no
problem with the chimneys and existing trees, fire safety will be
reviewed with the final plans. Motion was approved 6-0 on roll call
vote, C. Garcia absent.
Comment on the second variance: would prefer the parking stall in the
rear yard not be designated "guest parking" since people unfamiliar
with the area might then be backing out rather than a regular tenant.
C. Taylor referenced the applicant's letter as evidence that there are
exceptional circumstances applicable to this property, it is a corner
lot 45' wide which limits the amount of space. Based on the
applicant's justification, C. Taylor moved that the variance to allow
one car to back out into the right-of-way be approved with the
conditions listed below. Second C. Jacobs; motion approved on a 6-0
roll call vote, C. Garcia absent.
Conditions for the two variances follow:
1. that the conditions of the Fire Marshal's April 19, 1985, Chief
Building Inspector's May 8, 1985 and City Engineer's May 8, 1985
memos be met;
2. that the project be built in conformance with the plans submitted
to the Planning Department and date stamped April 9, 1985; and
3. that the final landscape and irrigation plans be submitted and
approved by the Parks Department prior to issuing a buildng
permit.
Appeal procedures were advised.
6. SPECIAL PERMIT TO ALLOW A PRIVATE POST OFFICE SERVICE AT
1199 BROADWAY, ZONED C-1
Reference staff report, 5/28/85, with attachments. CP Monroe reviewed
this request for an 1,100 SF private post office with associated
services. She discussed details of the request, staff review,
applicant's letter, study meeting questions. Four conditions were
suggested for consideration at the public hearing. It was suggested
this permit also be conditioned for review.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. Gerald Colombi, representing
United Mail Offices, discussed the proposed use; he stated it has been
received enthusiastically by all cities and towns in which they are
located. There were no audience comments. Commission discussed the
proposal with the applicant: services offered, application has been
made for state lottery retail, they will have approximately 360 mail
boxes initially (small, medium and large) with facilities to add
another 200, experience has shown most customers are on site no more
than five minutes. Commission expressed concern about the number of
services offered; applicant commented this is a service oriented
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Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes May 28, 1985
business, these services are handled in all their establishments; if
they cannot provide them in Burlingame they would not want the permit;
at other locations all services are performed with two employees;
passport service involves only renewals and Polaroid photos. Chm.
Giomi closed the public hearing.
Further Commission discussion: this operation would use 20% of the
building; it would be open 8:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. six days a week and
would be accessible 24 hours a day, by key only after 6:00 P.M.;
applicant would be responsible for security 24 hours a day. Concerns:
so many services with only two employees; retail of lottery tickets
could cause excessive traffic and parking demand; this is an extremely
intensive use for the amount of square footage and for 'this property.
Further comment: would like the permit conditioned for review; the use
is consistent with the retail use desired for this area, customers
will be short term, with only two employees the business should be self
limiting; if conditioned for review in a specific time and then found
to be in violation of the terms of the permit, revocation proceedings
could be initiated.
C. Jacobs moved for approval of this special permit and for adoption of
Commission Resolution Approving Special Permits with the following
conditions: (1) that this business be limited to an area of about 1,100
SF, be open to the public with no more than two employees and the
business owner on site from 8:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Monday through
Saturday; that only box holding customers will have access to the
locked site 24 hours a day, seven days a week; that between 6:00 P.M.
and 8:30 A.M. the site will be well lit and the business owner
responsible for on-site security at all times; (2) the support uses
permitted on this site will be limited to those listed in Mr. Colombi's
letter of May 15, 1985 and any addition of activities or services will
require an amendment to this use permit; (3) that any signage to be
placed on this site will require a sign permit from the Planning
Department of the City of Burlingame; (4) that an application be made
for a building permit and all landlord improvements affecting this
tenant's area including partition walls and bathroom be completed
before issuing a building permit for tenant improvements to this leased
area; and (5) that this special permit be reviewed in one year after
tenant improvements are completed and finalized by the Building
Department. . Second C. Schwalm; motion approved on a 5-1 roll call
vote, C. Graham dissenting, C. Garcia absent. Appeal procedures were
advised.
Recess 8:55 P.M.; reconvene 9:05 P.M.
7. SPECIAL PERMIT FOR MORE THAN 20% OFFICE SPACE AND AMENDMENT TO
THE SPECIAL PERMIT FOR DHL COURIER SERVICE AT 865 HINCKLEY ROAD,
ZONED M-1
Reference staff report, 5/28/85, with attachments and letter in
opposition (May 22, 1985) from Herman Christensen, Jr., owner of
adjacent property. CP Monroe reviewed this item: details of the
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Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes May 28, 1985
request (office addition and amendment of DHL's special permit), staff
review, DHL Courier letter (8/31/84), study meeting questions and
letter in reply from the applicant, letter from Herman Christensen
(5/22/85), staff's assumptions about sufficient on-site parking and
concern about more intensive use of the site in future. Two conditions
were suggested for consideration of the office addition, four -
conditions for amendment of DHL's use permit.
Comment: this application was made by the property owner; amendment of
DHL's use permit was required because the character of the operation
has changed from the original permit conditions.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. George Avanessian, architect
representing the property owner, stated they are in agreement with
staff's suggested conditions. His comments: of 48 employees, nine are
located next door, only 37 employees park on the 865 Hinckley premises;
the addition of office space will enhance the present structure;
presently 1500 SF of the warehouse space is used for clean storage and
was counted as office space; DHL needs expanded warehouse space and
there is a need to add office area so they can take over some of the
clean rooms; do not believe the addition of 10 DHL vans will upset
traffic circulation in the area; regarding Mr. Christensen's complaint
about 865 Hinckley employees parking in his excess parking spaces, the
applicant was not aware of this and has received no formal complaint.
Discussion/determinations: there is only one tenant (DHL) at 865
Hinckley; DHL is renting office space next door (staff comment: this
would not affect the use permit which was for the courier portion of
their business); DHL's parcels are stored in the clean rooms of the
warehouse; this is not their central office, there are other branches;
can find no request by the property owner in his application for an
amendment to DHL's special permit; staff advised DHL did receive a copy
of the staff report and were aware they were on tonight's agenda; DHL
does need more office space since some of their offices are now used
for parcel storage; it appears the accessory use is the primary use,
would like to have a DHL representative present; concern about office
space being used for storage space, if DHL moved out it could be used
for office. Applicant advised the DHL lease will terminate in March,
1986.
Mr. Avanessian advised if DHL leaves the owner is willing to remove all
clean storage and turn it back into warehouse. Staff noted the
property owner is obligated to let the city know when DHL leaves. Any
new owner would be aware since resolutions approving special permits
with conditions are now recorded in the official records of the county.
The percentage of office space at present is less than 20%, with the
addition it would be 38%. There were no audience comments and the
public hearing was closed.
Further Commission comment: have no problem allowing amendment of the
special permit but increasing office space could create problems, the
city is concerned about parking/traffic impacts in this area; this is
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Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes May 28, 1985
essentially a zoning change, will increase the traffic impact; if DHL
wants a change in their use permit they should be here requesting it;
there is no evidence that this is being requested for DHL's benefit.
C. Schwalm moved that both items be continued to the meeting of June
10, 1985. Second C. Jacobs; motion failed on a 3-3 roll call_vote,
Cers Leahy, Taylor and Giomi dissenting, C. Garcia absent.
C. Leahy moved that the application for more than 20% office space be
denied. Second C. Taylor. Reasons given for this motion: it would be
a change in zoning in the area and would adversely impact traffic
patterns. Roll call vote on the motion was 3-2-1, Cers'Graham and
Schwalm dissenting, C. Jacobs abstaining, C. Garcia absent. Commission
rules require four affirmative votes to pass a motion. This motion
therefore was denied. Since no subsequent motion was made the
application was denied as a matter of law. Appeal procedures were
advised.
C. Graham moved to table DHL's special permit amendment. Second C.
Schwalm. In comment on the motion CA suggested this item be continued
to the June 10 meeting to give DHL an opportunity to present materials
to staff and appear before the Commission. C. Graham withdrew his
motion; C. Schwalm withdrew his second.
C. Graham then moved to continue the amendment of DHL's special use
permit to the meeting of June 10, 1985. Second C. Schwalm; motion
approved on a 5-0 roll call vote, C. Garcia absent. CA advised that
the appeal period on the office addition action would not commence
until action has been taken on the special permit amendment.
9. VARIANCE FROM LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS FOR A SUBDIVISION AT
1480-1510 ROLLINS ROAD, ZONED M-1, BY ROLLINS ROAD COMPANY
8. TENTATIVE AND FINAL PARCEL MAP FOR RESUBDIVISION OF TWO LOTS AT
1480-1510 ROLLINS ROAD (PARCEL C, VOL. 52, PARCEL MAPS)
Reference City Planner's staff report, 5/28/85, with attachments;
City Engineer's agenda memo, 5/22/85 and 5/24/85 letter from Lage E.
Andersen, attorney representing the Rollins Road Company. CP reviewed
the variance: details of the present request, previous actions on these
properties, code requirements, staff review, applicant's letter,
planning staff comment. Four conditions were suggested for
consideration of the variance. CE reviewed the resubdivision request:
previous actions on these sites, storm flow protection, fire safety,
the city's current creek study as it affects the applicant. Four
conditions were suggested in the agenda memo and three additional
conditions were suggested by the CE during his presentation.
Discussion: are city's requirements for storm flow protection essential
or merely desirable; CE stated the berm requirement is essential; CA
advised these required improvements are legal. Commission questioned
why this property owner should be subject to such excessive
requirements; the city's creek study and funding of improvements were
discussed.
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Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes May 28, 1985
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. Secy. Leahy acknowledged receipt
of May 24, 1985 letter from Lage Andersen, attorney representing the
applicant. Mr. Andersen was present and addressed Commission:
applicant wishes to subdivide these two parcels in order to sell one of
them; the creek improvements required by the city are excessive, would
cost over $100,000 and would serve more than just the needs of the
property involved. He contended there is no case under the government
code relating to dedication, no new public needs are being created as a
result of this subdivision; the whole area should be taken into
account, not the imposition of excessive requirements on one landowner
when there are many others who will benefit from the improvements.
These requirements exceed what the city did in its own project on
Easton Creek two years ago, city should not require more improvement
than it does on its own public works projects; an assessment district
should be formed to include all landowners; would object to the add-on
conditions of the CE this evening particularly the access easements.
Howard Hickey, Civil Engineer, discussed the area which would be
affected if the creek flooded, probably 100 property owners, 200-300
acres of property. He commented this drainage facility is serving all
those upereek, all the way to I280; it is a major drainage facility.
Mr. Andersen stated his client is willing to contribute to an
assessment district after the city's creek study has been completed;
the subdivision is necessary now. Responding to Commission question,
the attorney agreed these improvements would protect the applicant's
properties, they would not necessarily increase the value of the
property. As to whether these properties would benefit more, it would
depend upon the type of flood, flooding will not be confined to the
Rollins Road Company property only. Applicant's contribution should be
a pro rata share based on those properties similarly affected.
CE stated the city is concerned with safety aspects and the general
plan addresses this, identifying and reviewing dike levels in the area;
city is trying to protect others who might be buying property. Young
Chang, Coen Company, presented photograhs of the existing landscaping.
His comments: they have always felt landscaping pleases their employees
and visitors, existing landscaping may not meet the code requirement of
10% but they are one of few along Rollins who provide this amenity;
regarding City Planner's suggestion that the four parking stalls in
front of 1480-92 be relocated, from the beginning they had intended to
use this front part for driveway/parking (thus the 25' setback), the
city has pointed out the importance of parking spaces along Rollins
Road. Regarding additional landscaping at the rear, this was created
for outdoor storage as well as parking, question who would see
landscaping there as the area is surrounded by walls. Concerning 1510
Rollins and putting landscaping.along the David Road frontage, this
area is 100 yards away from the office center, access to the office is
from Rollins Road, question if this would benefit employees or
customers. Mr. Chang did not feel the landscaping suggestions of the
City Planner were practical; customers need the parking space in front
of 1480-92, otherwise they would have to park in the rear and walk to
the offices in front.
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Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes May 28, 1985
Temple Voorheis, general partner in Rollins Road Company and chairman
of the tenant, Coen Company commented on the land shown on the map
between the creek and David Road which is under PG&E wires, used for
parking; all buildings back up to this area, no one goes out there.
Cleaning up the dirt fill is a sensible suggestion; David Road has no
traffic, would get no credit for any improvements along David, it is
100 yards from the main building. There were no further audience
comments and the public hearing was closed.
Commission comment: can find no justification for granting the variance
from landscape requirements; have a problem with assessing one
landowner to upgrade one facility which benefits everyone upstream, all
would be affected by flood waters; feel the 1480-92 property should
have more landscaping, just because it has always been this way does
not make it appropriate; think Commission should take staff's
recommendations in this matter; find it unreasonable to ask the
applicant to absorb the costs of protecting the surrounding area.
C. Jacobs found that allowing a 1.2% variance from the required 10%
landscaping would not be detrimental to the area. C. Jacobs moved for
approval of a 1.2% variance from landscape requirements (8.8% required)
for the property at 1480-92 Rollins Road and to require the full 10%
landscaping on the property at 1510 Rollins Road with the following
conditions: (1) that the conditions of the Fire Marshal's memo of April
26, 1985 be met; (2) that it be noted on the face of the parcel map for
1510 Rollins Road that 14,327 SF of landscaping shall be provided on
the site, a minimum of 6,506 SF in the front setback area and the
remainder at the rear of the site or along David Road and that the
required landscaping be installed within 30 days of the filing of the
map and maintained by the property owner; (3) that 4,550 SF of
landscaping be provided and maintained on site (including 640 SF in the
right-of-way) at 1480-92 Rollins Road, 3,125 SF at the front of the
building along Rollins Road and the remainder at the rear within the
parking area; and (4) should the property at 1480-92 Rollins Road ever
be redeveloped or the structure added onto, the full on-site
landscaping requirement of the city must be met. Second C. Leahy;
motion approved on a 6-0 roll call vote, C. Garcia absent. Appeal
procedures were advised.
C. Jacobs moved that the tentative and final parcel map for
resubdivision of 1480-1510 Rollins Road be recommended to City Council
for approval with all the City Engineer's suggested conditions. Second
C. Schwalm. Comment on the motion: cannot vote for this motion, the
conditions are not fair to this applicant until after the city's creek
study is completed and a possible assessment district created; will
vote for the motion, what the applicant is being asked to do will
benefit and protect his property.
C. Taylor moved to amend the motion to delete Conditions 1, 3, 5, 6 and
7 (Conditions 2 and 4 to remain). Second C. Leahy; amendment to the
motion failed on a 3-3 roll call vote, Cers Jacobs, Schwalm and Giomi
dissenting, C. Garcia absent.
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Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes May 28, 1985
A vote was then taken on the original motion. Following roll call the
motion failed on a 3-3 vote, Cers Graham, Leahy and Taylor dissenting,
C. Garcia absent.
C. Taylor moved to recommend to City Council this tentative and final
parcel map for resubdivision subject to the following conditions:
(1) a temporary berm, meeting the City Engineer's approval, shall be
installed along all portions of the site that is adjacent to the creek
bank or which contains the creek. This shall also include the
headwalls of the culvert. This shall be established by no later than
October 15, 1985; (2) prior to October 15, 1985 the drainage easement,
extending from Mills Creek to David Road, shall be cleared of all
debris and earthfill that has been placed without permit. This shall
be bonded and covered by a separate agreement prior to parcel map
recordation; and (3) the recommended fire safety concerns as indicated
in the Fire Marshal's memo of April 26, 1985 be met. Second C. Graham;
motion approved on a 4-2 roll call vote, Cers Jacobs and Giomi
dissenting, C. Garcia absent. Staff will forward this recommendation
to City Council.
10. SIGN EXCEPTION FOR A PROPOSED SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE MARRIOTT
HOTEL, 1800 BAYSHORE HIGHWAY, ZONED C-4
Reference staff report, 5/28/85, with attachments; applicant's letters:
May 8 and 21, 1985. CP Monroe reviewed this item: details of the
proposal, code requirements, staff review, applicant's letters and
justification for the request, Planning staff comments. Three
conditions were suggested for consideration at the public hearing.
CP commented that staff does not consider a pedestrian pathway nor an
airport landing pattern to be a public right-of-way as it has been
defined in the past.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. David Ivester, attorney
reprsenting the applicant, discussed the issue of frontage; it was his
contention that the legally dedicated public right-of-way along the
bayside portion of the site constitutes a frontage on that side of the
hotel, it extends from the water to the door of the hotel, from one end
of the site to the other, it connects at each end to the sidewalk. He
further contented that no distinction is made in the code between a
pedestrian/bicycle right-of-way and a vehicular right-of-way; he did
not believe the ordinance was designed to limit secondary frontage to
vehicular rights-of-way; there is public access parking within the 100'
shoreline band of BCDC's jurisdiction, this is on the east frontage,
probably east and north frontages can be seen from those parking
spaces. It becomes a practical question: if there are going to be
people on the shoreline right-of-way the type of signage reasonable
under the circumstances must be considered.
David Babbidge, Marriott's director of marketing, commented that the
sign on the bay side would be aesthetically pleasing; identification of
the hotel is critical, Marriott is appealing to a different business
mix than their competitors; 60-70% of Marriott's business will be
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Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes May 28, 1985
directly related to airport traffic, they want to identify themselves
to those people, Marriott advertises heavily in airplane magazines. He
was concerned about competition in the future and stated Marriott needs
identification, particularly to airport travelers, to be successful and
a benefit to the city. There were no audience comments.
Discussion followed: applicant is proposing signage on the primary
frontage (Bayshore Highway), the secondary frontage facing the parking
lot to the north and is also requesting Commission establish the south
parapet wall as secondary frontage and the east (bay) parapet wall as
secondary frontages. Marriott's representative stated he believed a
bayside sign would have impact on Marriott's success and again stressed
their need to identify to those flying into SFIA. Commission comment:
seems signage would get more exposure on the other side of the building
than trying to reach people flying in; when directly in front of Sign A
(on the bay side) one would have to look far up or stand in the bay to
see the sign because of the stepped back architecture of the building;
it seems evident the signage proposal is directed to airport traffic.
Chm. Giomi closed the public hearing. One Commissioner commented Sign
A is a modest and pleasing sign and very important to Marriott; another
commented it is an illegal sign by the present sign code.
C. Graham moved for approval of Sign B2, parapet sign over 48' above
established grade and Sign B1, establishing the south parapet wall as
frontage and allowing a sign 48' above established grade; and for
deletion of Sign A (on the bay side). He found special circumstances
exist to grant the sign exceptions for Signs B1 and B2: the height of
the building and the need for identification to establish a viable
hotel on this site. Second C. Leahy; motion approved on a 4-2 roll
call vote, Cers Giomi and Schwalm dissenting, C. Garcia absent. Appeal
procedures were advised.
Recess 11:45 P.M; reconvene 11:50 P.M.
11. SPECIAL PERMIT TO ALLOW THE RETAIL SALE OF REPAIR PARTS AND
RELATED EQUIPMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH A REPAIR SERVICE AT
1722 GILBRETH ROAD, ZONED M-1, BY SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.
Reference staff report, 5/28/85, with attachments. CP Monroe reviewed
details of the request, staff review, applicant's letter. She noted
study meeting questions were addressed in the staff report. Four
conditions were suggested for consideration at the public hearing.
Discussion: CP advised limitations of conditions #2 and #3 would be
verified on a complaint basis; it was suggested a condition be added
for review.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. Tom Perez, representing the
applicant, was present. He told Commission this proposal was similar
to that in Redwood City but much smaller; signage would be the same
size and in the same location as Hoover, the previous tenant.
Concerning part time employees, Sears would start with 15 taking
service calls and others in the evening selling maintenance agreements
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by telephone; part time people work 28-30 hours per week; the operation
would not be open on Sundays. There were no audience comments and the
public hearing was closed.
Discussion: this use is similar to the previous tenant but more
intensive; concern about increase in traffic and impact on the
intersections; appears Hoover had more walk-in traffic but basically
the use is similar.
C. Jacobs moved for approval of this special permit and for adoption of
Commission Resolution Approving Special Permits with the following
conditions: (1) that the conditions in the Fire Marshal's April 18,
1985 and the City Engineer's May 7, 1985 memos be met; (2) that the
business to be operated on site be limited to repair/service facility
with retail sales of parts and accessories from the site directly to
customers visiting the site not to exceed 20% of the gross annual
receipts, the number of employees on site be limited to 25 full time
and 30 part time between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. and five full time and
35 part time after 5:00 P.M. and before 8:00 A.M., and 10 on-site
parking spaces shall be designated for customer parking; (3) that at
least 25% of the employees on any shift shall arrive at work and depart
from work by carpool or public transit; (4) no more than 25 service
vehicles will be operated from and stored on site and parking lot
fencing may be allowed as shown on the diagram dated May 17, 1985; and
in no case may access to the joint access easement be blocked by
fencing or parked cars; and (5) that this permit be reviewed in 12
months time following opening of the business. Second C. Graham.
Commissioner comment: will vote no because of the location and traffic
impact. Motion approved on a 4-2 roll call vote, Cers Giomi and Taylor
dissenting, C. Garcia absent. Appeal procedures were advised.
12. SPECIAL PERMIT TO ALLOW AN EXISTING OFFICE ADDITION TO REMAIN
AT 1728 GILBRETH ROAD WHERE TOTAL OFFICE AREA EXCEEDS 20% OF
THE GROSS FLOOR AREA, ZONED M-1, BY ANNING-JOHNSON COMPANY
13. PARKING VARIANCE FOR THE ABOVE
Reference staff report, 5/28/85, with attachments. CP Monroe reviewed
details of the request, staff review, applicant's letter, Planning
staff comments. Four conditions were suggested for consideration at
the public hearing.
Discussion: suggest a condition be added for review of this
application; 1,400 SF of partitioned storage area is completely
finished and could be easily converted to office use; if the parking
variance were denied the applicant would have to remove 280 SF of
office and 1,400 SF of enclosed storage area.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. Gene Warren, Anning-Johnson
Company, was present. His comments: the majority of the office and
storage space in question was added at the time of major remodeling
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Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes May 28, 1985
in early 1979, only three small storage rooms were added in 1980; total
building is now sprinklered and an alarm system installed;
Anning-Johnson has no intention of further expansion, their lease
requires that they leave the site in a condition which meets current
code;,there has never been a parking problem, they have parked on both
sides and in the rear; they are in the process of moving all heavy
materials stored in the rear yard. He further advised they applied for
building permits for all work done except for recently added storerooms
on the first and second floors about 28 SF each; on-site employees vary
from 17 to 19, field men from 150 to 350 who do not come into the
office; 3 to 4 foremen a day come to the office before 7:00 A.M.
Employees are now parking on both sides of the building and on the
street. Staff advised under today's parking standards the spaces on
the sides of the building would not be legal. Applicant stated his
records show all work was done prior to 1980 with a building permit
except for two small rooms; he confirmed when Anning-Johnson vacates
the site office space will be reduced to conform with the code.
There were no audience comments and the public hearing was closed.
Commission concern was expressed about traffic impacts in the area.
C. Graham moved for approval of the special permit to allow 280 SF of
additional office space and 1,400 SF of enclosed storage area and for
adoption of Commission Resolution Approving Special Permits with the
four conditions listed in the staff report. Reasons given in support
of the motion: majority of improvements were made with a building
permit in 1979 which was prior to the code amendment limiting office
area in the M-1 district. Second C. Schwalm; motion failed on a 3-3
roll call vote, Cers Giomi, Jacobs and Taylor dissenting, C. Garcia
absent.
C. Graham moved for approval of the special permit to allow 280 SF of
additional office space and 1,400 SF of enclosed storage area with
removal of the two small storage areas added subsequent to 1979 without
benefit of a building permit (500-600 SF) and for adoption of
Commission Resolution Approving Special Permits with the following
conditions: (1) that the number of employees working on site shall be
limited to 19 (two of which are part time) and no more than two company
trucks shall be parked in the on-site parking; (2) that all materials
stored in the rear required parking area shall be removed within 30
days and the area cleaned up and pavement striped for 15 parking stalls
dimensioned to current city standards and approved by the City
Engineer; (3) that a building permit be applied for and received for
the 280 SF of office and the 1,400 SF of enclosed storage area; and (4)
that the requirements of the Fire Marshal's April 18, 1985 memo shall
be met. Second C. Leahy; motion approved on a 4-2 roll call vote, Cers
Jacobs and Taylor dissenting, C. Garcia absent. Appeal procedures were
advised.
C. Graham found there were exceptional circumstances in that this
building has not changed substantially since 1979 and the storage area
added without a building permit will be removed. C. Graham moved for
approval of the parking variance with the four conditions listed above
and a fifth condition as follows: (5) that the area in the rear not be
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Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes May 28, 1985
used for outdoor storage. Second C. Schwalm; motion failed on a 3-3
roll call vote, Cers Jacobs, Leahy and Taylor dissenting, C. Garcia
absent.
C. Taylor moved to reconsider the parking variance. Second C. Graham;
motion approved on a 5-1 roll call vote, C. Leahy dissenting, C. Garcia
absent.
Based on previous findings, C. Taylor moved to approve a parking
variance to allow an office addition to remain which does not provide
the amount of on-site parking required for all floor areas. Second
C. Schwalm; motion approved 4-2 on roll call vote, Cers Jacobs and
Leahy dissenting, C. Garcia absent. Appeal procedures were advised.
ITEMS FOR STUDY
14. SPECIAL PERMIT - EXERCISE AND FITNESS CLASSES - 1208 DONNELLY
Requests: list of typical day's activities; will classes be scheduled
or drop-in; precedent set by other classes in the general area, compare
numbers, etc. Set for hearing June 10, 1985.
15. MASTER SIGN PERMIT - 840 MAHLER ROAD
Request: clarify number of signs. Set for hearing June 10, 1985.
16. SPECIAL PERMIT AMENDMENT - FERIAL'S DELI - 840 STANTON ROAD
Requests: what tables and chairs will be used, from inside or fixed
outside, will this increase number of seats used by the deli;
information on existing signage; site plan showing exactly what is
being asked for. Set for hearing June 10, 1985.
17. SPECIAL PERMIT AMENDMENT - DELI OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC -
1730 ROLLINS ROAD
Requests: clarification on number of meals per day, how will the
operation change as a result of this request; when permit was granted
in 1978 was there an assumption of parking requirement for the deli,
what was original parking requirement; detailed layout of available
parking; number of memberships in the club; details on advertising used
for the deli, what signage will be used. Set for hearing June 10,
1985.
PLANNER REPORTS
- CP reviewed Council actions at its May 20, 1985 regular meeting.
- Review of allowed number of maneuvers to access or exit a parking
space (CONTINUED TO THE MEETING OF JUNE 10, 1985).
ADJOURNMENT - The meeting adjourned at 1:05 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert J. Leahy, Secretary