HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1988.04.11CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION
APRIL 11, 1988
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission, City of Burlingame
was called to order by Chairman Giomi on Monday, April 11, 1988 at
7:31 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Ellis, Garcia, Giomi, H. Graham
(arrived 7:35 P.M.), S. Graham (arrived 7:37
P.M.), Harrison, Jacobs
Absent: None
Staff Present: Margaret Monroe, City Planner; Jerome Coleman,
City Attorney; Frank Erbacher, City Engineer; Bill
Reilly, Fire Marshal
MINUTES - The minutes of the March 28, 1988 meeting were
unanimously approved with the following correction:
page 4, item #3, last paragraph, first sentence should
read: . . . . this proposal is too large for the lot
AGENDA - Agenda was reorganized to take the .study items first.
Item #3, action public hearing item,, was continued to
the April 25, 1988 meeting. Order of the agenda was
then unanimously approved.
STUDY ITEMS
12. SPECIAL PERMITS FOR A DETACHED OVERSIZED GARAGE WITH
OFFICE/STORAGE AREA ABOVE AT 1417 BERNAL .AVENUE, ZONED R-1
Requests: clarify proposal which states there will be no plumbing
on the second floor but does include a sink at that location; is
there a home occupation permit for the office use; will people come
to this office; number of people living on the premises, number of
cars, number of employees; why not use bedroom #3 as an office
instead of the second floor of the garage. Item set for public
hearing April 25, 1988.
13. TWO SPECIAL PERMITS AND TWO VARIANCES FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A
GROUP RESIDENTIAL FACILITY FOR THE ELDERLY - 1221 BAYSWATER
AVENUE, ZONED R-4
Requests: explanation of permits originally approved; letter from
applicant discussing what is unique about this property to allow
the variance; is there a need to update the traffic study which was
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 2
April 11, 1988
prepared at the time of the original application. Item set for
public hearing April 25, 1988.
14. SPECIAL PERMIT - RELOCATION AND EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING DRY
CLEANING PLANT - 741 CALIFORNIA DRIVE. ZONED C-2
Requests: how long has the existing business :been in operation;
will there be deliveries to this site from outside establishments;
will applicant have delivery trucks himself:; will there be
wholesaling of cleaning; where is parking for this use; why such a
large increase in square footage; clarify plans showing a
nonbearing wall 4' high at entrance. Item set for public hearing
April 25, 1988.
15. SPECIAL PERMIT FOR INSTALLATION OF A 45' TOWER WITH
SUPPORTING ANTENNA AT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS, 1710 TROUSDALE
DRIVE, ZONED C-3
Requests: what are the immediately adjacent uses on both sides of
the site and how high are those buildings; will this installation
cause transmission interference for facilities at Peninsula
Hospital; will there be an operator on site at all times;
applicant's reason for wanting this installation; statement from
City Attorney clarifying the ordinance regulating such
installations. Item set for public hearing April 25, 1988.
16. SPECIAL PERMIT FOR CONTINUED USE OF THE AIRPORT PARKING
FACILITY AT 615 AIRPORT BOULEVARD, ZONED 'C-4
Director of Parks will submit memo regarding public access
maintenance. Commission requests: general plan use for this area;
how will access across those properties not a part of this
application be attained; reason for only one address (615 Airport
Boulevard). Item set for public hearing April 25, 1988.
17. SIGN EXCEPTION - 1100 CAROLAN AVENUE, ZONED M-1
Requests: status of discussions on auto dealership signage; is pole
sign in front of Mike Harvey Oldsmobile 35' high; why a 50' high
sign at the corner of Broadway and Rollins; Sign F seems to face
into the parking/storage area, why such a large sign to tell people
how to get out of the lot; applicant's statement as to the need for
so many signs, what is his definition of 'adequate'. Item set for
public hearing April 25, 1988.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 3
April 11, 1988
ACTION ITEMS (NO PUBLIC HEARING REOUIREDI
1. REQUEST FOR ONE YEAR TENTATIVE CONDOMINIUM MAP EXTENSION FOR
A FIVE UNIT DEVELOPMENT AT 1105 EL CAMINO REAL, ZONED R-3
(LOT B, BLOCK 19, EASTON ADDITION TO BURLINGAME NO. 2)
Reference City Engineers staff memo, 4/11/88. CE Erbacher advised
this condominium project is under construction; staff recommended
approval. C. Harrison moved for a one year extension of this
tentative condominium map; seconded by C. S.Graham. In comment on
the motion CE advised he prefers a one year extension as opposed to
only six months. Motion was approved unanimously on voice vote.
2. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF A PARKING VARIANCE AT 1209 HOWARD
AVENUE, ZONED C-1, SUB AREA B
Reference staff report, 4/11/88, with attachments. CP Monroe
reviewed this request, history of the site and variance approved in
1987, applicants reason for the request.
C. Garcia moved to approve a one year extension of this parking
variance to April 6, 1989; motion was seconded by C. Harrison.
In comment on the motion it was determined no construction plans
for the project have been received by staff; it Commissioner was
concerned about granting an extension with no idea when
construction might begin. Applicant was not present; it was
suggested the item be tabled.
C. H.Graham moved to table the item until the applicant can be
contacted for information regarding commencement of construction.
Second C. S . Graham. Motion to table the item failed on a 3-4 rol
call vote, Cers Ellis, Garcia, Jacobs and Giomi dissenting.
Motion to grant the request for extension to April 6, 1989 failed
on a 3-4 roll call vote, Cers H.Graham, S.Gra.ham, Harrison and
Jacobs dissenting. A Commissioner commented she did not vote for
the original variance and will not vote yes for the extension.
With the statement he thought Commission should know what the
timetable will be for this project to improve the site, C. H.Graham
moved to grant a six month extension of the parking variance to
October 6, 1988. Motion was seconded by C. Garcia and approved on
a 6-1 roll call vote, C. Jacobs voting no.
ACTION ITEMS (PUBLIC HEARINGS)
3. PARKING VARIANCE - 745 PLYMOUTH WAY - ZONED R-1
Item continued to the meeting of April 25, 1988.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 4
April 11, 1988
4. VARIANCE FOR A DECK TO EXTEND 5' INTO THE REQUIRED 15' REAR
YARD AT 1504 DAVIS DRIVE, ZONED R-1
Reference staff report, 4/11/88, with attachments. CP Monroe
reviewed details of the request, staff review, Planning staff
comment, applicant's comments, findings necessary to grant a
variance. Two conditions were suggested for consideration at the
public hearing.
Responding to Commissioner question, CE discussed Engineering's
concerns about soil moisture under decks and their requirements for
a soils report. Staff advised the square footage of the deck is a
part of the 39% lot coverage.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. Chris Foley, applicant, was
present. She commented that the plans for the house addition have
dors which would access the deck in the back, presently she does
not use the rear property because there is no access except from
the front yard, with the deck and stairs to grade she will get more
use of the back of her property. Responding to Commissioner
question, applicant stated she can see into her neighbor's property
now from her bedroom window; she plans to install some screening on
the deck. Bruce Bolinger, designer, stated the deck was designed
with piers underneath; if further soils information is needed the
CE will advise at building permit stage. There were no audience
comments and the public hearing was closed.
C. Jacobs found there were exceptional circumstances because of the
slope of the lot so that the backyard is unusable, the house is
situated in such a way it is difficult to get around the property,
applicant will install screening for the wind on the neighbor's
side of the deck which will also add privacy for the adjacent
property; this site is next to Peninsula Hospital which has much
vegetation, the project will not be detrimental to the
neighborhood. C. Jacobs moved for approval of the variance with
the following conditions: (1) that the project as built shall be
consistent with the plans submitted to the Planning Department and
date stamped February 29, 1988; and (2) that the conditions of the
City Engineer's March 10, 1988 memo shall be met.
Motion was seconded by C. Harrison and approved unanimously on roll
call vote. Appeal procedures were advised.
5. PARKING VARIANCE FOR A THREE BEDROOM SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE
AT 1133 OXFORD ROAD, ZONED R-1
Reference staff report, 4/11/88, with attachments. CP Monroe
reviewed details of the request, staff review, Planning staff
comment, applicant's letter, findings necessary to grant a
variance. Two conditions were suggested for consideration at the
public hearing.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 5
April 11, 1988
Comment: applicants will be required to build a 201 x 20' garage if
this variance is not approved; possibility of incorporating the
shed at the rear into parking area of the garage.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. Christopher Borgeson,
applicant and George Sinclair, architect were present. Architect
discussed the shed, there is a complete wall between the garage and
the shed, they could possibly break up that wall, they have concern
about care and maintenance of the existing redwood tree,
installation of a new slab in the shed might damage the tree, the
applicants have an immediate need for additional bedrooms but do
not wish to be disruptive to the existing architecture nor affect
the character of the neighborhood; if the redwood tree were lost
the character of the site would be less and it would restrict
amount of rear yard use for family activities; the family has no
plans for additional cars.
Commission/applicant discussion: architect advised the redwood tree
is immediately adjacent to the back of the garage on the property
line, adjacent to the shed; requirement of a two car garage would
result in loss of a heritage tree, loss of usable yard and limit
maneuverability into and out of the garage. The distance between
garage and house is about 241, building a garage to code would
leave little space for landscaping and take away most usable yard
space.
Applicant told Commission a two car garage would cause problems
getting in and out, it is difficult to back a car down the narrow
driveway, with difficult access the garage probably would not be
used for two cars; the driveway is 501+ long, in this case the code
seems to say a two car garage is not required; regarding hardship,
the issue is primarily financial, if required to build a two car
garage they probably will not be able to remodel; with a growing
family they need a three bedroom home; they have had pride in
landscaping and work on the house and stressed to the architect
that he keep the original integrity of the hou:se; with regard to
on -street parking, there is never a problem in the area, there is
always a parking space available, with their long driveway it will
not be a problem. None of his neighbors have objected to his
plans, their concern is only the health of the redwood tree and
character of the neighborhood.
A Commissioner commented this property is very nice, she understood
there is room to park in the driveway, but the problem is the
garage which is not a legal one car garage. Applicant responded
that is true but one car can be parked in the existing garage. He
stated there is a small shed at the rear of the garage and it is a
separate structure.
Richard Birch, 1137 Oxford Road spoke in favor: eight years ago he
added to his house and was required to have two covered parking
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes
April 11, 1988
Page 6
spaces, they do not use the garage for two cars because of the deep
driveway; he felt it would create a hardship upon the applicants to
require a two car garage since then they could not afford the
addition to the house. There were no further audience comments and
the public hearing was closed.
Commission comment/discussion: what is unique about this property,
applicants could park three cars without being seen from the
street, but would like provision of a one carr garage to legal
dimensions, at least in length, think the shed has to go; object to
a two car garage, it would leave only about 10' between the house
and garage and be detrimental to the property, since there is
adequate room in the driveway to park cars would support the
application, would also support getting rid of the shed; this
property, like many others in the area, has at relatively large
front yard and small back yard, a 20, x 20' garage would take up
much of the back yard, not opposed to lengthening the garage to
standard size if it could be done without damage to the redwood
tree, it is a unique situation; also concerned about the tree,
there are exceptional circumstances since it would be impossible to
maneuver a second car into a 20' x 20► garage and it would mean
loss of too much rear yard. Possibility of removing the partition
separating the garage and storage shed was discussed. Architect
advised there isn't a substantial structure underneath the shed to
support an automobile, it would be better to acid to the front of
the garage.
C. H.Graham found there were exceptional circumstances with this
property, the redwood tree, the large front setback and the
placement of the garage on the lot; there is adequate space in the
garage to park one car and with the long driveway space for 2-4
more cars; granting of the variance would not be detrimental to the
neighborhood nor affect the zoning plan of the city. C. H.Graham
moved for approval of this parking variance and for adoption of
Commission Resolution Approving Variance with the following
conditions: (1) that the project as built shall be consistent with
the plans submitted to the Planning Department and date stamped
March 25, 1988; (2) that the requirements of -the Chief Building
Inspector (March 8, 1988 memo) shall be met; and (3) that if the
existing garage ever needs replacement it shall be replaced with a
standard sized one car garage.
Motion was seconded by C. S.Graham with the statement she would
like to get rid of the shed but the expense to add 18" to a garage
does not make sense. Comment on the motion: cannot vote for a
project with this number of bedrooms without a legal one car
garage.
Motion was approved on a 4-2-1 roll call vote, Cers Giomi and
Jacobs dissenting, C. Garcia abstaining. Appeal procedures were
advised.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 7
April 11, 1988
6. PARKING VARIANCE FOR A FIVE BEDROOM SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE
AT 1120 CAMBRIDGE ROAD, ZONED R-1
Reference staff report, 4/11/88, with attachments. CP Monroe
reviewed details of the request, staff review, applicant's letter,
findings necessary to grant a variance. Three conditions were
suggested for consideration at the public hearing.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. Nancy Williamson, applicant,
stated she understood all the suggested conditions of approval and
advised her husband did the work on the house, he is not a
contractor. There were no audience comments and the public hearing
was closed.
C. Jacobs stated she made a site inspection, this is one property
that cannot put a two car garage in the back yard, there is a large
hedge on top of the driveway, applicants have a legal one car
garage, there is a large front yard but a very, small back yard.
With these findings and the statement it would not be detrimental
to the neighbors, C. Jacobs moved for approval of the parking
variance and for adoption of Commission Resolution Approving
Variance with the following conditions: (1) that a retroactive
building permit shall be obtained, all penalty fees paid and the
work done shall be corrected to meet all applicable city codes
including Building and Electrical Code requirements; (2) that the
second story remodel(*)hall be either brought up to all the
cluding standards of the Uniform Building and Uniform Fire Codes or removed
airway and removal inspected by the city within 45 days; and (3) that the
cess requirements of the Chief .Building Inspector (March 21, 1988 memo)
and Fire Marshal (March 29, 1988 memo) shall be met.
Motion was seconded by C. Harrison and approved on a 5-0-2 roll
call vote, Cers Garcia and S.Graham abstaining. Appeal procedures
were advised.
Recess 8:50 P.M., reconvene 9:02 P.M.
7. CONDOMINIUM PERMIT AND SIDE SETBACK VARIANCE FOR A SIX UNIT
RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE AT 113 ANITA ROAD, ;ZONED R-3
Reference staff report, 4/11/88, with attachments. CP Monroe
reviewed details of the request, history of original approval and
permit extension, staff review, applicant's letter, findings
necessary to grant a variance, study meeting questions. Five
conditions were suggested for consideration at the public hearing.
CP advised this is a new application subject to extension
requirements of a new approval. FM explained his; requirement for a
fire alarm system monitored by an approved central station, this
central station would be a private security facility. Plans sent
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 8
April 11, 1988
Commission for review are the same plans of the original approval.
It was noted Condition #3 will eliminate a security gate and
intercom system to individual units.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. Vincent Lee, property owner
and applicant, discussed his purchase of the property, at that time
he did not know the extension would expire, he discovered a
building permit had not been approved and applied for the building
permit; this process took a long time between the Building
Department, his structural engineer and architect; the extension
expired and he is now reapplying. Nothing has been changed in the
plans except to try to improve them; these plans do not have a
security gate, garage doors have been added for secured parking.
Staff advised there is one space at the end for guest parking,
Commission could require the garage door for this space be removed.
There were no audience comments and the public hearing was closed.
C. Jacobs found this application to be very much the same as the
original; the variance is at the third floor level, not ground
level; it will not be detrimental to the neighborhood. C. Jacobs
moved for approval of the condominium permit and variance and for
adoption of Commission Resolution Approving Condominium Permits
with the following conditions: (1) that the conditions of the
Planning Commission's action on this project on January 13, 1986
shall be met; (2) that the conditions of the Fire Marshal's March
8, 1988 memo and the City Engineer's March 10, 1988 memo shall be
met; (3) that the project shall not include a remote controlled
sliding security gate across the driveway or intercom system from
the outside of. the gate to individual units; ( 4 ) that one parking
space at the end shall be designated for guest parking with no
garage door and be marked accordingly; (5) that no property line
fence or wall and fence combination shall exceed the height of 6'
from grade; and (6) that this permit and variance approval shall be
valid for one year or until a building permit is issued and the
project executed.
Motion was seconded by C. H.Graham and approved on a 6-0-1 roll
call vote, C. S.Graham abstaining. Appeal procedures were advised.
8. TENTATIVE CONDOMINIUM MAP AND TENTATIVE AND FINAL PARCEL MAP
FOR A SIX UNIT PROJECT AT 113 ANITA ROAD (LOT 3 AND PTN. LOT
4, BLOCK 20, LYON AND HOAG SUBDIVISION)
Reference CE's memo, 4/11/88. CE Erbacher advised these maps are
complete and may be recommended to Council. C. Harrison moved that
the maps be recommended to City Council for approval. Second C.
H.Graham. Motion was approved 6-0-1 on voice vote, C. S.Graham
abstaining.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 9
April 11, 1988
9. SPECIAL PERMIT FOR TAKE-OUT SERVICE FOR AN EXISTING LIQUOR
STORE AT 224 PRIMROSE ROAD, ZONED C-1, SUP AREA A
Reference staff report, 4/11/88, with attachments. CP Monroe
reviewed details of the request, staff review, applicant's letter,
study meeting questions. Five conditions were suggested for
consideration at the public hearing.
Nick Armanino, representing his father, William Armanino, was
present. He stated they bought the business about a month ago and
are in the process of upgrading the store. They, do not expect the
business to increase to the point it will require 1-1/2 or 2
employees, they are merely improving a service, at their present
business level they do not require another person; regarding
signage, they will meet code requirements with. any new signage;
there are several other businesses nearby which sell sandwiches,
they plan to provide this service at a very competitive price;
there will be an 8' work area behind and an 8' deli counter; they
sell prepackaged foods now, will add a slicer and microwave; the
465 SF loft area is used for storage, there is only one access to
that space now, they would need a front stair if it were used for
sales space. There were no audience comments and the public
hearing was closed.
With the statement she has no objection to this application, it is
not very different from the present use of the site, at this
particular location only two other sandwich places would compete,
there is a nearby parking lot, it would be convenient for workers
and people shopping in this area, C. S.Graham moved for approval of
the special permit and for adoption of Commission Resolution
Approving Special Permits with the following conditions: (1) that
the conditions of the Fire Marshal's March 8, 1988 and Chief
Building Inspector's March 8, 1988 memos shall be met; (2) that the
deli/sandwich/food preparation area shall occupy 60 SF of the
business premise at 224 Primrose Road, be operated seven days a
week from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. with no more than one full time
and no part time employees on site; (3) that food sales shall be
limited to take-out foods and no tables or chairs shall ever be
added for customers; (4) that the deli operator shall provide a
trash receptacle to a standard and at a location in front of the
store acceptable to the City Engineer and shall be responsible for
its daily maintenance; and (5) that if trash or refuse from this
site becomes an identified problem in the Burlingame Avenue area,
or any conditions of this permit are not met, this permit shall be
reviewed for revocation by the Planning Commission.
C. H.Graham seconded the motion, stating he had no objection, there
is a big difference between this use and a restaurant which has
seats. The Chair called applicant's attention to the conditions
limiting hours of operation and number of employees and noted any
change in the conditions would require amendment of the special
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 10
April 11, 1988
permit. A Commissioner also noted the condition regulating trash
control.
Motion was approved on a 7-0 roll call vote. Appeal procedures
were advised.
10. NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND SPECIAL PERMIT FOR USE OF THE
EXISTING SCHOOL FACILITIES FOR EDUCATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS
PURPOSES AT 2220 SUMMIT DRIVE. ZONED R-1
Reference staff report, 4/11/88, with attachments. CP Monroe
reviewed details of the request, history of the site, mitigated
negative declaration ND -404P, staff review, applicants letters,
study meeting questions. Thirteen conditions were suggested for
consideration at the public hearing.
Commission/staff discussed present uses on this site, number of
people living there now and applicant's request to allow three
people of live on site, parking on the Hutnick easement, use of the
amphitheater.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. Lori Wider, attorney
representing Shinnyo-En, California, applicant, addressed
Commission. She noted their letter outlining the proposed use in
detail; regarding the Hutnick easement, generally an easement would
run with the property, she believed Shinnyo-En would have the right
to use that easement; regarding use of the amphitheater, applicants
intend to use it for choir practice three times a year maximum, on
occasion for sketching or contemplation, very rarely would a class
be held there.
Ms. Wider introduced Makoto Kobayashi, secretary of Shinnyo-En,
California as well as the project architect and consultants for the
project. Mr. Kobayashi spoke to Commission: Shinnyo-En,
California, a Buddhist sect, was established. as a nonprofit
corporation in 1980, they have a branch in the ]Marina district of
San Francisco, the parent branch is located in Tokyo, Shinnyo-En
has been recognized by religious leaders around the world; members
come from all over the Bay Area, they are quiet, unassuming,
compassionate citizens of their communities. Shinnyo-En feels
Burlingame would be a good place for their :sect, conveniently
located with a responsive local government; the site itself, a
lovely natural landscape, is suited to their needs. He introduced
several members from the church who were present in the audience.
Comission/applicant discussion: Attorney Wider advised that
basically the use as proposed is for religious and educational
purposes, services are not held on specified weekdays, classes are
held only on weekends twice a month, these include art and flower
arranging with no more than 30 people; the exterior of the building
will not be altered, the grounds will not be altered but rather the
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 11
April 11, 1988
landscaping will be upgraded, the amphitheater will be cleaned up
and the entire property maintained. Church services do not include
a lot of singing, they sing at three services per year; there is no
loud noise, it is similar to a Catholic service, with prayers and
meditation; when the choir does sing they sing only for a few
moments. Mr. Kobayashi confirmed choir use of the amphitheater on
only three occasions during the year was an acceptable condition.
Commission/applicant discussion continued: regarding the nature
trail on the site and continued use by the public, Ms. Wider said
applicants would not want to actively exclude people from the trail
but there would be potential liability of an owner, this use might
be somewhat more limited than it is now, she felt their attorney
might recommend excluding people from the property, particularly
large groups at night, but did not think applicants would take
active measures to exclude people from the nature trail.
Further comments: have no objection to this group, but would prefer
to see the property go back to residential use; would like to see a
residential atmosphere here, no signs, no parking on street, with
the site under private ownership this kind of thing could impact
the area making it look like a public use. Attorney advised the
facility in San Francisco is in a single family home in a
residential area, it is subject to a conditional use permit, they
have good neighbors in the Marina district and she did not believe
the church had any impact on the residential neighborhood, the
church maintained the property and were quiet.
A Commissioner stated he was interested in a subdued use of this
site, attorney assured him it would.be., it might be less intensive
than the childcare center and less noisy; she was not aware of any
complaints from people in the San Francisco neighborhood.
Regarding church services, they will be held on specific days of
the month, it is estimated no more than 30-40 people at the start,
in two years perhaps 40-55 and in five years up to 75 people; since
the San Francisco facility may remain open some members may attend
there rather than come to Burlingame. Responding to a question as
to why such a large site for a relatively small number of people,
Ms. Wider stated Shinnyo-En was shown this site and were very
interested because of its open space character and the natural
vegetation; if they should develop a much larger membership from
another part of the Bay Area they would open another facility in a
community near these people, they do not intend to expand their
operation here, the site is what appeals to them; they will use a
relatively small number of people to maintain the building and
landscaping. Mr. Kobayashi stated they receive financial help from
their headquarters in Tokyo.
Applicant's architect advised the fence on the southerly portion of
the property does run up the hill, he did not know how far; CE
stated it disappears about 100" or so above the parking lot, there
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 12
April 11, 1988
is some private fencing there also; architect commented they are
concentrating on the lower portion of the property which is
actually being used, if there is a problem in the future they will
consider continuing the fence.
There were no audience comments in favor. The following spoke in
opposition. Waldo Perry, 2804 Easton Drive: lie lives below the
site, this site was always for a school, certainly not for a
church, with new homes in the area traffic is increasing, Easton is
becoming an arterial, a church use and a kindergarten bring in more
people which the area doesn't need, three to four homes on the site
would be the best use, this church could grow. George Heckert, 15
Kenmar Way: he lives above the site, not convinced this is a good
use, area is known as 95 dBA canyon, noise would be a real problem,
with this amount of temporary traffic there will be congestion,
could need a traffic light at the intersection, this use would
deteriorate and negatively affect the whole area, when the school
was built it was on the edge of developed Burlingame, now it is
surrounded by homes. There were no further audience comments.
In response Attorney Wider stated one of the conditions required
Shinnyo-En to comply with the mitigation measures proposed by the
transportation planner one of which was to encourage traffic off
Easton and onto Hillside; regarding regular services, a traffic
survey of the San Francisco facility showed 2.5 passengers per car,
carpooling is heavily used, Shinnyo-En does own a van; at the
annual celebration members will be transported from their hotel by
vanpool.
Discussion continued: the San Francisco site is small, a single
family home; there are 30-40 members at present, they project the
same figures for Burlingame; San Francisco is their only location
at present in the Bay Area; it would be the same membership but
with two facilities open. A Commissioner noted the Burlingame site
is a more remote location, in San Francisco members could use mass
transit; encouraging people to use Hillside is somewhat different
than actually doing so. Attorney advised they have no plans to use
street parking, they believe the on-site parking will be more than
adequate and they will use only 20 parking spaces on site.
Shinnyo-En would agree not to use the seven spaces on the Hutnick
easement as a condition of approval, they do not plan on any
significant signage on the property; between services and classes
only the three staff members would be on the site. There were no
further audience comments and the public hearing was closed.
Commission comment: have a concern, normally when public school
propoerty is taken off the public roll it is returned to R-1 and it
should resemble residential area in all respects even if the seven
spaces on the Hutnick easement are legal; this has not been a
school for over eight years, think it would be restrictive to take
away the seven spaces and this is a matter between the applicant
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 13
April 11, 1988
and the property owner of the easement; this is probably the best
use, conditions require maintaining the property and correcting
drainage problems, the property will be better taken care of than
it is now; live near a temple but would never take away their
parking spaces in front, all of us have lived near churches. There
was a concern expressed about the findings in the negative
declaration and the fact that if a parking lot is allowed in a
residential area there is an impact.
Further Commission comment: think this use will be more beneficial
to the neighbors than any other use, it could be developed with a
large number of houses, rock music and noise is a, known quantity in
residential areas, if there are changes in the proposal the special
permit can be reviewed, would like to add a condition for review
one year from date of occupancy; can understand the concern about
parking on the easement, it will have an effect, but can accept the
response in the negative declaration document, have no problem with
the mitigated negative declaration. A Commissioner pointed out
that when the school was there there were always cars parked in the
seven spaces on the easement.
C. Jacobs found that there is no substantial evidence the project
will have a negative environmental effect and moved to recommend
Negative Declaration ND-404P to City Council for approval. Second
C. Garcia; motion was approved on a 6-1 roll call vote, C. H.Graham
dissenting.
C. Jacobs then moved for approval of the special permit and for
adoption of Commission Resolution Approving Special Permits with
the 13 conditions in the staff report and a condition addressing
review in one year. Motion was seconded by C. S.Graham.
In discussion on the motion it was suggested condition #6 be made
more specific to require implementation of a traffic management
program. C. Jacobs accepted a more specific condition #6 as
phrased by the City Planner, this was accepted b;y the seconder, C.
S.Graham. Conditions of approval follow:
1. that the conditions of the Chief Building Inspector's March
21, 1988 and April 4, 1988, Fire Marshal.'s March 21, 1988
and April 4, 1988 and City Engineer's March 10, 1988 and
April 4, 1988 memos shall be met and all. the standards of
the Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Building Code required by
the use and remodeling shall be met;
2. that improvements on the site shall be consistent with the
plans submitted to the Planning Department and date stamped
March 30, 1988;
3. that the Shinnyo-En use shall be consistent with the letters
of their representatives dated March 1, 1988, March 21, 1988
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes
April 11, 1988
Page 14
and March 31, 1988 including that religious services would
occur eight times each month in the hours of 10:00 A.M. to
Noon, 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with
a maximum attendance of 75 people, that classes for a
maximum of 30 members of the religious community shall be
held on weekends two times each month., that an annual
meeting attended by a maximum of 420 people for about two
hours shall be held once each year in the month of July or
August, and that the amphitheater shall be used by the choir
on three occasions during the year during daylight hours
only;
4. that the use permit of Hoover Children's Center shall be
continued on this site as approved on November 4, 1980 until
this type of operation has ceased at this location for six
months;
5. that none of the facilities on the site, including the
amphitheater, shall be leased or rented for use by those
other than Shinnyo-En without an amendment to this use
permit;
6. that Shinnyo-En shall be responsible for preparing and
implementing a traffic management program as approved by the
City Engineer addressing the traffic and parking problems of
the annual meeting and failure to do so will result in
review of this use permit;
7. that the location, soil stabilityp design and sight lines of
the driveway widened to 18' shall be approved by the City
Engineer and the driveway shall be posted as a fire lane
with no parking allowed;
8. that the property owner shall take appropriate action, as
recommended by a licensed soils/hydrolic engineer and
approved by the City Engineer, to correct the drainage
problems on site including those contributing to the
surficial slides, the drainage on the southerly side of the
site in the swale and resulting from the driveway widening,
the property owner shall be responsible for regular long
term maintenance of all of these improvements;
9. that the drainage improvements in the swale area shall be
completed before October 1, 1988;
10. that the property owner shall provide 63 improved and
striped parking spaces on site and shall maintain these
spaces in suitable condition for safe, off-street parking
use;
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes
April 11, 1988
Page 15
11. that the portion of the visitor parking improvements
designated adjacent to the Hutnick property and on the
easement shall be maintained;
12. that a survey by a city approved licensed expert shall be
made of the buildings on the site to identify the presence
of toxic materials, the report should identify the nature of
the problem, the items to be removed consistent with the
legal requirements for the proposed uses within the building
and on the site as approved by the Burlingame Fire
Department, the methods to be used in. removal and the
disposal site, in all of these activities the property owner
shall coordinate with and be approved by the city's Fire
Department;
13.
14.
that any change in the use of facilities or the site beyond
those as described in these conditions shall require an
amendment to this permit; and
that this special permit shall be reviewed for compliance
with its conditions one year following occupancy of the
site.
The Chair spoke to the audience noting Commission is aware of the
concerns of residents; these concerns have been addressed by the
conditions of approval.
Motion was approved on a 6-1 roll call vote, C. H.Graham
dissenting. Appeal procedures were advised.
11. REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL - NEGATIVE
DECLARATION ND -405P FOR A PARKING STRUCTURE ON PUBLIC
PARKING LOT A BETWEEN BELLEVUE AND DONNELLEY AVENUES,
ZONED C-1 AND R-4
Reference staff report, 4/11/88, with attachments. CP Monroe
reviewed her staff memo: Council's study of providing additional
public parking in the Burlingame Avenue commercial area, its recent
examination of alternatives for design of a parking structure on
Lot A and Council's request that an environmental review be
completed. Staff completed an initial study of the environmental
impacts of a parking structure, identified possible areas of
concern and determined there will be no sign'Lficant (negative)
environmental impacts from this project should it be built and a
negative declaration was appropriate. Staff responses to
environmental issues identified are attached to the negative
declaration/initial study. CP advised the Planning Commission
should act this evening on the completeness of the negative
declaration as a disclosure document; the appropriateness of any
project is not an issue at this time.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 16
April 11, 1988
C. S.Graham stated she would abstain from discussion and action
since clients of the law firm in which she works own property
adjacent to the site.
Chm. Giomi opened the public hearing. The following members of the
audience spoke.
Arthur Bredenbeck, resident and president of the homeowners
association of the condominium at 1233 Bellevue Avenue: he stated
his remarks were related solely to the addition of a two deck
parking structure, if the project was only with one deck he would
not be here and the negative declaration was adequate. He
discussed four items in the environmental document which he felt
have not been fully addressed for the two deck alternative:
substantial air emissions, exhaust fumes would carry to properties
to the east; movement of noise to the east through open sides of
the structure; traffic, document should respond to the area around
the traffic circle, there is poor traffic circulation now and the
impact will increase; aesthetics, multifamily units look onto the
parking lot now, seven of these units look across the lot, a two
story structure would block air and light; the walls of a two story
structure would cut off views to the hills to the west.
Carroll Schmitz, 1237 Bellevue Avenue: he lives next door to the
site, an open two deck structure next to the bedrooms in his house
will have extreme noise impact; one plan shows at stairway from the
top deck next to his bedroom, people using the stairway would enter
path of the cars, he thought this stairway should be next to the
library where there is a walkway, the design ignores the
environment of his property. He stated he could accept a one-half
up/one-half below grade plan for this lot but starting at grade
level and going up will impact those living next door; the city
should have chosen for the first parking structure in the city a
lot closer to the businesses which will use it; his lot will lose
all light on that side, his property will be devalued.
Lannis Lewis, 1219 Bellevue Avenue: he was opposed on the basis of
health, effects of carbon monoxide and soot, and thought there
should be an EIR report on the health hazards of carbon monoxide.
There were no further audience comments and the public hearing was
closed.
Commission/staff discussion: hours of operation and management of a
parking structure have not been discussed by Council at this point,
therefore the document does not address this; noise was a concern,
staff asked if Commission wanted additional information on existing
ambient noise levels. Commission comment: this is a residential
neighborhood on one side, feel noise levels should be investigated,
perhaps measured on the lot line in the R-4 areas on Bellevue;
regarding aesthetics, the condominium across the street will be
impacted, with a two deck structure there will be a significant
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 17
April 11, 1988
negative impact; it is difficult to cover a one deck and two deck
structure in one environmental document, some or all of the effects
may be different. Staff commented that each effect was evaluated
for a two deck and one deck alternative, perhaps these could have
been called out more clearly in the organization of the report.
Further comment: have a problem with the design but realize this is
not part of Commission's action this evening, have no problem with
the environmental document as a sufficient disclosure document;
will not vote to recommend the negative declaration to Council, it
might be adequate for a one level structure, riot for a two deck
structure. It was noted air emissions have been identified in the
document and discussed in the responses to environmental issues.
The organization of the negative declaration was discussed briefly
including that the initial study was identification of the
potential issues and the evaluation of each issue identified was in
the pages at the back, together they compose the negative
declaration.
A Commissioner felt a two level structure might have substantial
impact on existing transportation systems and requested that peak
hour impact be addressed.
C. H.Graham found there is no substantial evidence that the project
will have a negative effect on the environment and moved to
recommend ND -405P to City Council for approval. Motion was
seconded by C. Harrison.
Comment on the motion: transportation/circulation is not covered
adequately because traffic volumes for a two story structure are
not clearly addressed and peak hour traffic impact on the Bellevue -
Primrose intersection is not included.
Motion passed on a 4-2-1 roll call vote, Cers Ellis and Jacobs
dissenting, C. S.Graham abstaining.
FROM THE FLOOR
There were no public comments.
PLANNER REPORTS
- REVISION TO PROVISIONS OF THE M-1 DISTRICT REGULATIONS AS THEY
ADDRESS ESTABLISHMENTS FOR THE RETAIL OF FOOD OR BEVERAGES
CP Monroe referred to her staff memo, 4/11/88, with attachments.
CA advised this will clarify the code. C. S.Graham moved to direct
staff to prepare the text of the code change in ordinance form and
forward it to Council. Second C.Ellis. Motion was approved on
unanimous voice vote.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 18
April 11, 1988
C. Ellis reviewed Council actions at its April 4, 1988 regular
meeting.
C. Garcia distributed copies of technical reports received at the
Planning Commissioners Institute in March, 1988.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:23 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry S. Graham, Secretary