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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 1990.04.09CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 9, 1990 CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Planning Commission, City of Burlingame was called to order by Chairman Ellis on Monday, April 9, 1990 at 7:30 P.M. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Deal, Ellis, Giomi, Graham, Jacobs, Kelly, Mink Absent: None Staff Present: Larry Lautenschlager, Zoning Technician; Jerry Coleman, City Attorney; Frank Erbacher, City Engineer; Bill Reilly, Fire Marshal MINUTES - The minutes of the March 26, 1990 meeting were unanimously approved. AGENDA - Order of the agenda approved. ITEMS FOR ACTION 1. SIDE SETBACK VARIANCE FOR A ONE STORY ADDITION AT 471 CUMBERLAND ROAD, ZONED R-1 Reference staff report, 4/9/90, with attachments. ZT Lautenschlager reviewed details of the request, staff review, applicant's letter. Two conditions were suggested for consideration at the public hearing. Chm. Ellis opened the public hearing. John Horgan, applicant, was present. He noted his house is between two other homes on Cumberland both of which extend back 121-151, his house is depressed between them, the proposed first floor addition would follow the line of these homes; two other houses on the street have added up, he i:s proposing a one story addition at the rear; the neighbors immediately to the north would be most affected and they have urged him not to indent the addition. Glenn Mendelson, 475 Cumberland Road spoke in support: he would prefer looking at a straight wall rather than having it inset. There were no further audience comments and the public hearing was closed. C. Giomi made findings: the existing home is two story, the addition will be one story, it will not impact the neighbor to the Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 April 9, 1990 north nor block light to that site; the zoning will not change, it will remain a single family use; the addition will be compatible with and enhance the neighborhood. C. Giomi moved for approval of the side setback variance with the following conditions: (1) that as built the project shall be consistent with the plans submitted to the Planning Department and date stamped March 8, 1990; and (2) that as built the structure shall meet all the requirements of the Uniform Building and Fire Codes as amended by the City of Burlingame. Motion as seconded by C. Graham and approved on a 7-0 roll call vote. Appeal procedures were advised. 2. PARKING VARIANCE FOR AN ADDITION TO THE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AT 815 ACACIA DRIVE, ZONED R-1 Reference staff report, 4/9/90, with attachments. ZT Lautenschlager reviewed details of the request, staff review, Planning staff comment regarding definition of bedroom and staff determination the room designated on the pians as library meets the criteria for bedroom, applicant's letter. Two conditions were suggested for consideration at the public hearing. Staff/Commission discussion: some interior wallpapering and cleaning up have been done; possibility of opening up the wall next to the staircase and some doorways, this could result in the library not being considered a bedroom. Chm. Ellis opened the public hearing. Chris Pockney, applicant, was present. His comments: plans provide one covered parking space and two uncovered spaces are available in the driveway; the house is a two story California bungalow built in 1912, they feel it is important to preserve that part of Burlingame's heritage, they are concerned that the addition fit into the architectural style of the house itself and the neighborhood; most homes in the area have only a one car garage, the property is terraced, in order to put a two car garage at the rear of the lot they would have to bulldoze and regrade extensively and would lose several trees as well as much of their landscaping; there isn't sufficient space in front of the retaining wall to build a tandem garage. Applicant wished to stress there is sufficient off-street parking. Responding to;_ Commissioner questions, applicant stated their objection to opening up the library was mainly the appearance, opening the doorway all the way to the ceiling with other doorways which are not that high would present an odd appearance, also matching finished floors and wallpaper and obtaining appropriate moldings would be difficult. Applicant did not feel a tandem garage would blend with the residence. There were no audience comments and the public hearing was closed. Commission discussion/comment: this is a good sized addition and the lot is more than 5,000 SF, applicant is filling up the front of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 April 9, 1990 the lot, can understand his desire to keep the garden but am concerned about such a large addition, a two car garage would improve this property, think it could be added and still allow a nice garden; applicant could eliminate the need for a two car garage by opening up the wall, otherwise the site is left with a five bedroom house and one car garage; with the slope of the lot it might be difficult to put in a two car garage but think there are ways to open up that one wall; library could be opened up, floors could be redone in that area, if this variance is approved there is still lot coverage available, somebody in the future could add two more bedrooms; speaking from experience, moldings can be replaced, the floor can be matched, do not think this is a real argument. C. Graham moved for denial of the parking variance based on the reasons given in discussion. Motion was seconded by C. Kelly and approved on a 7-0 roll call vote. Appeal procedures were advised. '3. TWO SPECIAL PERMITS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESSORY STRUCTURE IN THE REAR YARD AT 2205 DAVIS DRIVE. ZONED R-1 Reference staff report, 4/9/90, with attachments. ZT Lautenschlager reviewed details of the request, staff review, applicant's letter, study meeting questions. Three conditions were suggested for consideration at the public hearing. Responding to a question, ZT stated the intent of prohibiting windows 51 from property line is for fire safety and for privacy reasons. Chm. Ellis opened the public hearing. Gregory Yu, applicant, was present. During discussion with Commission Mr. Yu stated the rear window was necessary for cross ventilation, a skylight could be subject to leakage, insulation might be a problem with a skylight; it is a prefab structure with some minor modifications, the window is one of these modifications; a couch, T.V. and space heater will be located in the structure. Commissioner comment: it appears this structure will be located in the center of many other lots, all with homes on them, neighbors might be concerned about it. Mr. Yu stated they considered adding a family room but felt a separate structure would be an advantage in separating `-the children from the adults at times, it will not affect view from the street. A petition in opposition signed by 21 neighbors on Davis Drive and Quesada Way was noted. There were no audience comments and the public hearing was closed. Commission comment: this space is just a little larger than a tool shed, concerned that it will have a T.V., the structure itself will have very little noise reduction, am not in favor of having it used for recreational purposes; agree with this statement, the way the lots in the area are situated this structure is located in the middle of all the other back yards. Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 April 9, 1990 =; C. Jacobs moved for denial of the two special permits for the reasons stated in discussion. Motion was seconded by C. Graham. Comment on the motion: it appears from the site plan that applicant might have other alternatives available to him to add on to his house and make a suitable recreational area for his family without impacting the neighbors. Motion to deny was approved on a 7-0 roll call vote. Appeal procedures were advised. 4. TWO SPECIAL PERMITS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESSORY STRUCTURE AT 115 OCCIDENTAL AVENUE, ZONED R-1 Reference staff report, 4/9/90, with attachments. ZT Lautenschlager reviewed details of the request, staff review, applicant's letter, study meeting questions. Three conditions were suggested for consideration at the public hearing. Chm. Ellis opened the public hearing. James Conklin, applicant, was present. It was noted the existing one story garage is rather dilapidated, the proposal will have a three car garage and some workshop/storage area. Applicant stated he is quite willing to pave the driveway and majority of his back yard in order to provide more parking and turnaround space, the garage will serve as a fence for most of the south property line with a length of fence the remaining distance. Mark Pederson, 112 Pepper Avenue, spoke in favor of the application; he is one of the adjacent property owners who might be affected visually, he had no objection, the existing garage should be demolished, the new garage will be close to his property line. There were no further audience comments and the public hearing was closed. C. Graham stated she had no problem with this application and commended the applicant for providing so much parking. C. Graham moved for approval of the two special permits by resolution with the three conditions listed in the staff report. She. noted the adjacent neighbor was in support so the proposal will not be detrimental to the neighbor's property and it appears to be in reasonable conformance with the city's zoning. Motion was seconded by C. Kelly. Comment on the motion: this building is too large, think a two car garage with shop would be adequate, concerned about a 40' structure constructed on 'property line, this is a major infringement on the adjacent property, if it were set back 12" a fence could be placed along the property line which would alleviate the bulk of the building; have a concern about covering so much land with impervious concrete and buildings, that wont serve the general purposes of the city very well, it will increase runoff and could compound the problems the city is concerned about in many areas, it is too much surface coverage. The possibility of placing the r Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 April 9, 1990 garage against the rear property line was discussed. Further comment: would not have as much objection if the garage were moved in and there was room for planting on this property as well as the adjacent property, bulk could be mitigated with good landscaping. Motion for approval was effectively denied on a.3-4 roll call vote, Cers Giomi, Jacobs, Mink and Deal voting no. CA requested an affirmative motion to deny the application. C. Mink moved for denial of the two special permits, seconded by C. Jacobs and approved on a 4-3 roll call vote, Cers Graham, Kelly and Ellis voting no. Appeal procedures were advised. S. RETIREMENT - COMMISSIONER NANNETTE M. GIOMI Chm. Ellis announced C. Giomils retirement from the Commission this evening after eight years of service, the Commission and the City will miss her. He noted her husband, Terry, was in the audience. Councilman Bud Harrison presented a city plaque to the retiring Commissioner in recognition of her service to the city, he expressed Councils appreciation and commended her on her dynamic and well directed leadership. Chm. Ellis read Commission Resolution in Commendation and Appreciation which was adopted unanimously by the Commission. The Chair thanked C. Giomi for her service and stated it has been a pleasure serving with her. C. Giomi thanked city staff for their professional help, past and present Commissioners and Councilmembers. She then introduced friends, neighbors and family who were in the audience this evening with particular thanks to her supportive family. The Chair called a recess at 8:35 P.M. for refreshments in the lobby. The meeting reconvened at 9:05 P.M. with newly appointed Commissioner Michael F. Galligan being seated for the remainder of the meeting. The Chair welcomed C. Galligan. ITEMS FOR STUDY 6. SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A RESTAURANT AT 347 PRIMROSE ROAD, ZONED C-1, SUB AREA A. BURLINGAME AVENUE COMMERCIAL AREA Requests: legal status of this building, could it be demolished and how would this be done; response to the "maybe" in item #10 of the initial study in the negative declaration; why the "no" answer for potential traffic increase (item #12, initial study) when a restaurant has a higher demand for parking than other retail; what would parking requirement be assuming parking would be needed; lunch time parking study (from 11:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.); what exists at 355 Primrose; clarify the interior layout of the dining room, with probable location of tables and chairs; will the trees in front be saved, what about the tree to the rear which is commonly called a strawberry tree, perhaps this should be addressed Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 April 9, 1990 in item #3, initial study, it is rare in San Mateo County. Item set for public hearing April 23, 1990. 7. SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A REAL ESTATE OFFICE USE AT 1412-1416 CHAPIN AVENUE, ZONED C-1, SUB AREA B-1, BURLINGAME AVENUE COMMERCIAL AREA Requests: is applicant's letter of April 2, 1990 legally binding, would like memo on this from the City Attorney; number of parking spaces required for first floor and second floor, is parking provided adequate especially in relation to part time employees and potential use of the second floor; office policy for staff meetings, how often and how many people. Item set for public hearing April 23, 1990. 8. SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR AN AMBULANCE COMPANY IN THE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONE AND SPECIAL PERMIT FOR A DWELLING UNIT IN CONNECTION WITH A BUSINESS AT 1801 ADRIAN ROAD, ZONED M-1 Requests: are there other ambulance companies located in Burlingame, comparison of sizes of the businesses; where is dwelling unit located, why designated as a dwelling unit; landscaping requirement in the M-1 zone. Item set for public hearing April 23, 1990. LAND USE STUDY AND GENERAL PLAN REVIEW FOR THE BROADWAY- ROLLINS-TOYON-CAROLAN PLANNING AREA Item set for public hearing April 23, 1990. ACKNOWLEDGMENT City Attorney memo re: use permits and variances. FRQM THE FLOOR There were no comments from the floor. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Patrick J. Kelly Secretary