HomeMy WebLinkAboutMin - PC - 2005.10.24CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
501 Primrose Road, Burlingame, CA
October 24, 2005
Council Chambers
I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Auran called the October 24, 2005, regular meeting of the Planning
Commission to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Auran, Brownrigg, Cauchi, Deal, Keighran,
Osterling and Vistica
Absent: Commissioners: None
Staff Present: City Planner, Margaret Monroe; Senior Planner, Maureen
Brooks; City Attorney, Larry Anderson.
III. MINUTES The minutes of the October 11, 2005 regular meeting of the Planning
Commission were approved as mailed. The minutes of the January 24, 2005
meeting were amended as follows, item 4, 1453 Balboa, second paragraph
last sentence to read: "Obscure glass will be used in bathroom and by the
stairwell." CP Monroe noted that she had listened to the tapes and the
correction reflects what was said by the applicant at the meeting regarding
which windows would have obscure glass. Commission voted 7-0 on a voice
vote to amend the January 24, 2005 minutes with the correction.
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There were no changes to the agenda.
V. FROM THE FLOOR Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa, continue to hear from the Planning Commission
that they cannot treat spec developers differently from homeowners; suggest
that whenever there is a major remodel or replacement of an existing single
family house that the city prohibit the sale of any such house for three years,
this would be consistent with the maximum time you could extend a building
permit; this requirement would not affect the homeowner who is going to live
in the house anyway and would slow up, and discourage the spec developer
and give the neighborhood time to evaluate and work out the issues with
proposed new houses; also would reduce demands on staff; enforcement
could be for the city to institute a penalty of up to 25% of the difference
between the purchase and sale price of the house. Would like the Planning
Commission to have staff research this idea and have a study session; don't
know if its permissible.
CP Monroe noted that there were a number of letters at the Commissioners'
desks regarding 144 Costa Rica, some of which arrived today. These letters
relate to the home occupation permit and staff will follow up through the
code enforcement process. There are review criteria in the code provisions.
Commission asked that if a letter is sent to the occupant at 144 Costa Rica, a
copy be sent to each of the people who sent in letters expressing concern. It
was noted that one letter was anonymous, feel that such communication is
not helpful since cannot follow up.
City of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes October 24, 2005
-2-
VI. STUDY ITEMS
1. 1511 ROLLINS ROAD, ZONED M-1 – APPLICATION FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND
PARKING VARIANCE FOR A DRIVING SCHOOL IN AN EXISTING TRADE UNION BUILDING
(VICTORIA & MOHAMMAD AZARSHAHY, APPLICANT AND LOCAL 1781 BUILDING
CORPORATION, PROPERTY OWNER) PROJECT PLANNER: RUBEN HURIN
CP Monroe presented a summary of the staff report.
Commissioners asked:
• Clarify the training provided, how does it work between the classroom and behind the wheel, what
are the number of hours for each type of training?
• Application notes that they will be open from Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., is
that only for scheduling appointments, will there be training sessions/classes held during that time,
what other activities, please clarify.
• Of the 111 on-site parking spaces for the trade union use, what percentage of these spaces are now
occupied; how many will be used by this business and how often for each use (on-site employees,
cars of training drivers, storage of training cars, etc)?
• There appears to be a number of existing businesses which operate from this building, please
provide a list of all tenants, the number of employees, the square footage leased and the on-site
parking commitment to each business.
• Previously, there was an issue with recreational vehicles parked at the rear of the property and there
appears to be RV's parked there now, what is the status of these RV's?
• The application notes that if there is overflow, the union members will use parking spaces on the
adjoining site, when does overflows occur, how frequently, is it on weekend or on weekdays?
• Need more documentation regarding what happens with the vehicles used for teaching.
• This business is moving from another location, provide information of how the business operates at
that location, number of employees, number of cars parked on site, number of cars stored on site,
impact on required parking, how the students arrive and depart, etc.
• Staff should check to see if there have been any complaints about the operation of the existing
business at 1300 Bayshore Highway.
C. Osterling made a motion to put this item on the consent calendar when all the questions had been
answered to the satisfaction of staff. The motion was seconded by C. Brownrigg, who withdrew his second.
The second was then made by C. Vistica.
Comment on the motion: concerned about putting this on consent, there are a lot of questions whose
answers could impact approval; think the questions are straightforward, factual, if impact is unacceptable
can put over to action calendar and have a public hearing; consent can be interpreted as a "shoe-in", that is
not the case here; given the comments on the motion, the second revoked his second on the motion, noting
the problem in resolving issues could be with the building owner as well as with the tenant; C. Vistica
agreed to second the motion, because this appears to be a minor parking issue and would like to see this use
here; it was noted that this is a 600 SF use on a site with 111 on-site parking spaces.
Chair Auran called for a voice vote on the motion to set this item on the consent calendar. This item was set
when all the questions have been answered and staff has reviewed them. The motion passed on a 4-3 (Cers.
Brownrigg, Deal and Keighran dissenting) voice vote. This item is not appealable. This item concluded at
7:23 p.m.
City of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes October 24, 2005
-3-
2. 1160 CAPUCHINO AVENUE, ZONED C-1, BROADWAY COMMERCIAL AREA – APPLICATION
FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND PARKING VARIANCE FOR A NEW FOOD
ESTABLISHMENT IN AN EXISTING TENANT SPACE (ALICIA PARNELL, APPLICANT;
CATHERINE NILMEYER, ARCHITECT; AND ANNE & DAVID HINCKLE, PROPERTY OWNERS)
PROJECT PLANNER: RUBEN HURIN
CP Monroe presented a summary of the staff report. Commissioners asked:
• not sure if this use is a food service as envisioned for the Broadway Commercial area, this appears to
be more of a catering business appropriate to the light industrial areas not a retail operation, there are
better places to site food preparation;
• explain how this is a restaurant type business and not a catering operation, the customer base seems
low for a restaurant;
• there is no seating proposed, so don't see how this is an intensification of use, what if the applicant
were to add a couple small tables and chairs, so that it might operate more like a traditional
restaurant;
• suggest that the applicant look into getting an encroachment permit from the Public Works
Department for outside seating if there is enough space on the sidewalk;
• is there a history of this business in another location, how much of the business is retail customers,
please provide a description of what they expect to sell, how a transaction will occur, etc.;
Commission comment: CP noted that this use is similar to a take out business with no seating, these uses
behave like food establishments, so when the code was revised, take-out food businesses are now considered
food establishments; has the potential to have an impact with large turnover of customers. C. Keighran
made a motion that this item be brought back on the regular action calendar when these questions have been
answered and staff has reviewed them. The motion was seconded by C. Osterling.
Chair Auran called for a voice vote on the motion. The motion passed on a 7-0 voice vote. This item
concluded at 7:30 p.m.
VII. ACTION ITEMS
Consent Calendar - Items on the consent calendar are considered to be routine. They are acted on simultaneously unless
separate discussion and/or action is requested by the applicant, a member of the public or a commissioner prior to the time the
commission votes on the motion to adopt.
3A. 214-216 LORTON AVENUE, ZONED C-1, SUBAREA A, BURLINGAME AVENUE
COMMERCIAL AREA – REQUEST FOR A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION FOR AN APPLICATION FOR
COMMERCIAL DESIGN REVIEW TO CONVERT THE GROUND FLOOR OF AN EXISTING TWO-
STORY HOTEL TO RETAIL (LORTON LLC, APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER; MICHAEL
KASTROP, THE KASTROP GROUP INC., ARCHITECT) (42 NOTICED) PROJECT PLANNER:
RUBEN HURIN
Chair Auran asked if anyone in the audience or on the Commission wished to call any item off the consent
calendar. CP Monroe noted that there was a letter at the Commissioner's desks from an engineer confirming
the height of the story poles at 1718 Escalante Way. Commissioner asked a question about where the stone
veneer is on the front of the house, the plans are unclear. The project at 1718 Escalante Way was put over to
the regular action calendar for a public hearing.
C. Brownrigg moved approval of the consent calendar, 214-216 Lorton Avenue, based on the facts in the
City of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes October 24, 2005
-4-
staff report, commissioners comments and the findings in the staff report with recommended conditions in
the staff report and by resolution. The motion was seconded by C. Cauchi.
Chair Auran called for a voice vote on the motion and it passed 7-0-0. Appeal procedures were advised.
This item concluded at 7:35 p.m.
VIII. REGULAR ACTION ITEM
3B. 1718 ESCALANTE WAY, ZONED R-1 – APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW, HILLSIDE
AREA CONSTRUCTION PERMIT AND SPECIAL PERMIT FOR DECLINING HEIGHT
ENVELOPE FOR A FIRST AND SECOND STORY ADDITION (DAVID LUNG, APPLICANT AND
PROPERTY OWNER; PAUL NII, PAUL NII ARCHITECTS, ARCHITECT) (37NOTICED)
PROJECT PLANNER: ERICA STROHMEIER (CONTINUED FROM OCTOBER 11, 2005)
Reference staff report of October 24, 2005, with attachments. SP Brooks presented the report, reviewed the
criteria and staff comments. Ten conditions were suggested for consideration. There were no questions
from the Commission.
Chair Auran opened the public hearing. David Lung, property owner, represented the project. He noted that
the stone would be carried throughout the front in the areas shown on the plans by dark horizontal lines.
Commissioner asked if the stone would be river stone, because the symbol on the plans looks like wood
siding? No the stone will be horizontal flag stone. Commissioner asked if it was correct that the highest
ridge of the roof would be extended 20 feet from where it is now and is that shown with the story poles? Yes
the existing highest ridge is continued north 20 feet at the rear of the house, and that extension was not
included in the story poles, thought you wanted to see the highest point over the garage at the front, did
poles myself, did them incorrectly , fixed the poles and had a professional survey of the highest point over
the garage, don’t know who's view would be blocked by the extension of the highest roof ridge at the rear.
Commissioner noted that the point is that the highest part of the new roof is not represented by the current
story poles. He also noted that the octagonal window over the front door should be centered. Applicant
noted that it could be centered. Commissioner noted that moving the window to the center could affect the
location of the interior walls on the second floor, although it was noted that the affected wall was new and
could be moved a few inches to fit the window so the outside would not be affected; because the extension
of the highest ridge of the roof was not shown by the story poles do not know if the neighbors have a view
issue or not, the code does not address how much view blockage is affected, to install story poles, it says to
put up story poles and determine; applicant noted that if Commission explained what they want him to do he
would do it. Commission noted that they need accurate drawings for the project, the size of the lumber used
for the story poles is not a concern, the accurate outline of all that is new is a concern, should include the
new 20 foot ridgeline, yes; first floor addition as well? yes, the entire outline of the new structure as was
called for in the minutes of the last meeting where the story poles were discussed. There were no further
comments from the floor. The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner comments: story poles are a serious issue, neighbors do not know if there is a potential view
blockage without them accurately documenting what will happen with the new structure, especially in this
case where have not heard from neighbors; agree especially given the kind of out cry Commission receives
when a view is blocked, lesson from this is to be clear in future motions if part of the outline is to be exempt
from story poles; Commission asked for story poles because there may or may not be a view blockage, they
need to be accurate so neighbors know if view will be impacted or not; this item should be set for a date
certain; concerned that this not set a precedent that what is on the site should match what is on the drawings;
could continue this item to the November 14th meeting for installation of the poles outlining all additions
City of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes October 24, 2005
-5-
and notice it so sure that the neighbors are aware.
C. Vistica made a motion to have the applicant install story poles to outline the entire roof of the second
floor, do not feel that the ground floor portion of the addition is an issue, center the octagonal window on the
second floor over the front door with the plans amended to show change, including floor plans and note
clearly on the plans, in all places where it is used, that the stone cladding on the exterior of the house will be
horizontal flag stone. The motion was seconded by C. Cauchi.
Commissioner comment on the motion: OK if the octagonal window changes shape or some in size to fit in,
it is key that it is centered over the front door.
Chair Auran called for a voice vote on the motion to continue this item to the November 14, 2005 meeting
with public notice providing story poles are installed which outline all of the second story portions of this
addition, including the 20 feet at the rear and are properly surveyed, that the window on the second floor
over the front door be centered on the front door allowing for a change to shape or size to make it work with
proper documentation on the plans; that the plans be amended to document that all the stone work on the
outside of the structure will be horizontal flag stone; and that the story poles be installed and their height
documented with proper submittals to staff and the revised plans be submitted in time for staff review and
scheduling for the meeting of November 14, 2005. The motion passed on a 7-0 voice vote. This action is
not appealable. This item concluded at 8:00 p.m.
4. 301 AIRPORT BOULEVARD, ZONED C-4 – APPLICATION FOR A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION FOR THE GRADING AND PLACEMENT OF FILL (RICK JEFFERY, R & B
EQUIPMENT, INC., APPLICANT; JAMES MADDEN, PROJECT MANAGER, 309 ASSOCIATES LLC,
PROPERTY OWNER; AND BOHLEY CONSULTING, CIVIL ENGINEER) (16 NOTICED) PROJECT
PLANNER: MAUREEN BROOKS
Reference staff report October 24, 2005, with attachments. SP Brooks presented the report on the history of
the fill and the Mitigated Negative Declaration, and reviewed required criteria for action. There are 12
mitigations required for the fill project and they will be included with the grading permit. Commissioners
asked about the need for wind barriers for dust control; how will the watering be monitored; what will
happen if it rains? Staff noted that the site would be watered regularly to control dust as required by the
NPDES standards, the city would inspect to insure that these standards were being met and the site was not
becoming over wet. Concerned about condition J and the replanting of the stripped area. Staff noted that
once the site is regraded it will be planted to hold the soil in place, could require that the hydromulch be
done within 30 days. Concerned that soil will not be friendly to hydromulch and will need attention to get
grasses started. Staff noted that maintenance until the plants are established can be required. When will this
grading be done, this is the lower wind season? Staff noted the grading to fill in the low spots using dirt
already on the site will commence as soon as the environmental document is approved and the grading
permit issued. What happened to the surface paving and how will the site drain? Staff noted that storm drain
lines will be placed in the fill and the water pumped to Sanchez Channel as it is now; this fill does not
extend into the portion of the site within BCDC jurisdiction on the north side next to Sanchez Channel and
that is where the pump is located. Will there be a grading permit required? Staff noted yes and it will
include all the requirements for drainage, compaction, seeding, etc. There were no further comments from
the Commission.
Chair Auran opened the public hearing. Rick Jeffery, R and B Equipment, representing the applicant was
present to answer questions. Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa also spoke. Commission asked why the site was
filled? Site is low, the owner agreed to allow him to fill the site to within one foot of the existing street
City of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes October 24, 2005
-6-
level, in the area outside of BCDC jurisdiction along Sanchez Creek; he is a demolition, excavation
contractor and will bring in the remaining fill from elsewhere. How long will you be bringing dirt to this
site? Because entering the rainy season may take 9 to 12 months to finish fill. CP noted that he was not
going to fill the entire site, the area along Sanchez Channel would require a BCDC permit and a
reconstruction of the channel wall; the toe of the slope of this proposed fill would end at the BCDC
jurisdiction line. How much more fill to you estimate to complete this part? He moves about 500,000 cubic
yards of dirt a year, but it will only take about 70,000 cubic yards to complete the work here, about 30,000
will come from 101 Ellsworth. CP noted that in the future no fill would be placed on this site which had not
been tested and approved by the San Mateo County Health Department. No objection to fill, want a
clarification that there will never be any housing on this site; appears that given the location and fill,
liquefaction of soils may affect development in the future; specific plan for this area does not allow health
services, except clinics for employees, would it allow veterinarian hospitals, this would be a better place
than Rollins Road; can it be zoned for veterinary hospitals and not health services? There were no further
comments from the floor. The public hearing was closed.
C. Brownrigg noted that this is a straight forward report and would move its approval by resolution and with
the mitigations included in the Mitigated Negative Declaration to be attached to the grading permit with the
following clarifications to the mitigation measures: 1) Construction staging areas shall be kept clear of all
trash and other debris, etc; construction staging areas shall be located away from Airport Boulevard and
adjacent businesses so they are not visible from public view; 2) During construction, an opaque security
fence approved by the City of Burlingame, shall be placed and maintained around the perimeter of the
project parcel and removed immediately following construction work; 3) Prior to commencement of grading
and/or construction activities, the project sponsor shall submit a dust abatement program for review and
approval by the Burlingame Public Works Department and the City's NPDES inspector. The project sponsor
shall require the construction contractor to implement this dust abatement program; elements of the program
shall include the following: a) Water all active construction areas at least twice daily as determined
necessary to control dust and meet NPDES requirements; b) Cover all trucks hauling soil, sand, and other
loose materials or require all trucks to maintain at least two feet of freeboard (i.e., the minimum required
space between the top of the load and the top of the trailer); c) Pave, apply water three times daily, or apply
(non-toxic) soil stabilizers on all unpaved access roads, parking areas and staging areas at construction sites
as determined necessary and required to meet NPDES requirements; d) Sweep daily (preferably with water
sweepers) all paved access roads, parking areas and staging areas at construction sites; e) If visible soil
material is carried onto adjacent public streets, the streets shall be swept (preferably with water sweepers);
e) Hydroseed or apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers to inactive construction areas (previously graded areas
inactive for ten days or more); f) Enclose, cover, water twice daily or apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers to
exposed stockpiles (dirt, sand, etc.); g) Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour; h) Install
sandbags or other erosion control measures to prevent silt runoff to public roadways; i) Replant vegetation
in disturbed areas as quickly as possible and within 30 days of completing grading and provide necessary
maintenance of replanted area as determined by the City until the plant material is established ; and; j)
Designate a person or persons to oversee the implementation of a comprehensive dust control program and
to increase watering, as necessary; 4) The project applicant shall be required to provide the San Mateo
Health Service Agency (CHS) and City of Burlingame with information describing the origin of future fill to
be imported to the project site. This documentation shall consist of letter(s) certifying the location (site
address and/or Assessor’s Parcel Number) from which soil was excavated for re-use at the project site and
soil laboratory analytical data. One sample shall be collected from every 15 yards of soil to be imported to
the project site. Soil samples shall be sent to a California-certified laboratory for analysis of lead, total
petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), pesticides, California Code of Regulations Title 22 metals, and
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Laboratory analytical reports shall be attached to the letter provided to
CHS and the City of Burlingame. Soil sampling results shall demonstrate that the tested constituents do not
City of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes October 24, 2005
-7-
exceed established Residential and Commercial Environmental Screening Levels (ESLs). In addition, the
project applicant shall provide a written affidavit that no asbestos-containing materials are present at the site
from which fill is being imported, or that asbestos-containing materials at the site have been appropriately
disposed and document that disposed. One letter containing soil sampling data and an asbestos affidavit
shall be provided for each site from which fill will be imported; 5) All site discharge materials created
during and after construction must be in compliance with the City Municipal Code, Stormwater Water
Management and Discharge Control Chapter 15.14 and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) requirements to control pollutants from entering the storm drain system. A Stormwater
Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) shall be required for review and approval by the Public Works
Department. Examples of stormwater pollution prevention controls could include using hay bales at drains,
covering and containing construction site materials, dry sweeping paved surfaces, cleaning up leaks and
spills immediately, and filtering pumped runoff before it enters the storm drain system. Because of the
proximity of this construction site to existing and ongoing active pedestrian activity, best management
practices for dust and mud control will be required to reduce the impact on an ongoing recreation and
businesses in the immediate area; 6) Survey markers shall be established by a licensed engineer and checked
in the field regularly; 7) To reduce construction noise effects, the applicant shall require the construction
contractor to limit noisy construction activities to the least noise-sensitive times of the day and week (i.e.,
Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; none on Sunday and
holidays); 8) The applicant shall require contractors to muffle all equipment used on the site and to maintain
it in good operating condition. All internal combustion engine-driven equipment shall be fitted with intake
and exhaust mufflers that are in good condition. This measure should result in all non-impact tools
generating a maximum noise level of no more than 85dBA when measured at a distance of 50 feet; 9)
Applicant shall require contractors to turn off powered construction equipment when not in use; 10) To the
extent possible, the contractor will schedule truck trips outside of peak commute hours (i.e., outside of 7:00
to 9:00 a.m., and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.); 11) Haul routes minimizing truck traffic on local roadways will be used
to the extent possible; 12) Prior to construction activity, the project sponsor shall submit a construction
management plan for review and approval by the City’s Department of Public Works. This plan shall
include, but is not limited to, the following items: a) Identification of routes for the movements of
construction vehicles that would minimize the effects on vehicular traffic, bicycle and pedestrian circulation
in the area; and b) Provision of traffic control personnel and/or signage near the proposed construction
ingress/egress to direct construction vehicles and alert the general public of construction traffic. The motion
was seconded by C. Deal.
Chair Auran called for a voice vote on the motion to approve the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the
filling of the site located at 301 Airport Boulevard. The motion passed on a 7-0-0. Appeal procedures were
advised. This item concluded at 8:25 p.m.
5. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NORTH BURLINGAME/ROLLINS ROAD SPECIFIC PLAN:
PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ROLLINS ROAD DISTRICT REGULATIONS (NEWSPAPER
NOTICE AND 124 NOTICED) CITY PLANNER: MARGARET MONROE
Reference staff report October 24, 2005, with attachments. CP Monroe presented the report along with the
letters of comment which had been sent to the Planning Commission's attention regarding the regulations for
the Southern Gateway subarea, whether veterinarian hospitals and/or animal boarding should be allowed in
the Rollins Road planning area, and whether the storage containers to provide self-storage should be allowed
in the drainage area under the PG and E lines in the Rollins Road area. Sixteen or so letters, most received
after the packet was delivered in opposition to the proposed zoning change allowing for "doggie day care" in
the Rollins Road corridor were placed at the commissioners' desks, the majority were from property owners
in the Rollins Road area.
City of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes October 24, 2005
-8-
Commissioners asked: is it correct that the city cannot zone a use out by prohibiting it in all zoning
districts? CA responded that is the tendency of the courts, but would extend to uses "reasonable" for this
community to have such as a veterinarian hospital not a nuclear waste plant. Can boarding in a hospital
sense be distinguished from a animal boarding facility? CA noted that it could be. On page 4 item m 3 there
is an error, it says "no sale or service of alcoholic beverages", but that would preclude a wholesaler from
giving tastings or a reception for clients, should it be revised to prohibit only the sale of alcoholic
beverages? CP noted Commission may make that change if they wish. There were no further questions of
staff.
Chair Auran opened the public hearing. John Ward, representing two property owners, 1206-1220 Rollins
Road and 1616 Rollins Road, in the Rollins Road area; David Moutoux, 1400 Rollins Road; Pat Giorni,
1445 Balboa Avenue; Herman Christensen, 1429 Rollins Road; Henry Kuechler, 40-50 Edwards Court;
Albert Guibara, 1400 Rollins and Marsten Roads; Art Michael, Prime Time, Rollins Road, spoke.
Represent property owner in Southern Gateway area, 1206/1220 Rollins Road, three points in letter,
understood in June 2004, when reviewed the draft plan and adjusted FAR to allow additional 1.0 FAR as an
incentive in the Southern Gateway area, that it would be hard to combine parcels and for the incentive to be
effective should either combine parcels or include a gateway feature; regarding land uses want industrial as
well as retail and office in the gateway area to provide more options for redevelopment not make it more
difficult; concerned about the kinds of retail allowed, want the full range pedestrian and auto oriented;
should do this to fulfill objectives and goals of plan adopted in 2004. Concerned about section 25.44.030 (p)
which allows "doggie day care" e.g. the boarding of animals in the RR zone, based on the assumption that
this use is similar to a veterinary hospital and on a determination made by the Planning Commission May 9,
in fact there are no veterinary hospitals in the M-1 zone, there are two in the R-3 and C-3 zones but neither
allows animals to stay overnight or board; feel commission's determination was not well considered before
so should not be a justification for the proposed zoning, should re-examine the proposal since a majority of
the business owners in the area are opposed. Commissioner asked if there is a distinction between
veterinary hospital and boarding of animals? Feel its OK to keep them over night if it is necessary for their
health, all right for sick for a night or two, not boarding. Boarding of animals is OK but opposed to
breeding animals in the RR area; SPCA has a relationship with the county to provide animal control, not
good on Rollins Road should be on Airport Blvd. on property nearer the existing facility, if they need more
money for land could ask the County to help them, SPCA has to go someplace, don't see Burlingame saying
no even if it is temporary, spend a lot of time at Coyote Point, cannot hear or smell the animals at the SPCA
facility there, SPCA is not the same as boarding animals in Burlingame. Oppose an animal boarding
function in Burlingame, it is a use that is incompatible with the area and its development potential and will
not generate revenue for the City, Coyote Point is a great place for this use not our potential auto row.
Tonight is a different issue from the SPCA, current language in zoning says no breed or boarding,
determination cited as reason to broaden and allow boarding but not breeding, not comfortable with the
determination being use in that way; concerned with the city's ability to enforce a conditional use permit,
have business with one across the street and violates conditions all the time; concerned about sewage
generated by SPCA and boarding use, the volume will over load the sewer system, if you allow SPCA to
board animals how will you stop others, city is giving up revenue on $5.2 million for the property taxes and
bearing the burden of higher sewer costs; unclear with boarding how long a dog would stay, this could
become long term. Worked in a sewer treatment plant and sewage is a spurious issue, rate paid would be
based on volume generated, if collection system not sufficient SPCA will have to pay to have it upgraded.
Public comment continued: Represent an owner of about 4 acres in the drainage easement under the PG&E
lines, got a permit to use site for long term airport parking for a local hotel, market went away, now paved
with all required permits, would like zoning to be modified to allow self storage in shipping containers
City of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes October 24, 2005
-9-
elevated above ground 3 feet so the water would circulate under them, would be willing to hold the city
harmless and assume all liability caused by flooding; currently RV storage is allowed in this area and
storage if it is related to immediately adjacent uses, are asking for conceptual acceptance for self storage by
change in zoning so can come forward with specific plan. Commissioners asked: was the auto storage
approved under the PG and E lines, is self storage allowed in the zone? CP noted that it was allowed in the
zone, but this request is for self storage in a drainage easement which needs to act seasonally as a holding
basin. If storage were on pallets would it be allowed? CP noted any storage in any easement requires an
encroachment permit from the Department of Public Works as well as zoning compliance. CA noted that
the uses permitted in the proposed zoning in the drainage area are those which can be moved quickly so that
they are not damaged and do not impede the flow of water in the drain. Maybe trailers could be there if on
wheels? CP noted when did the original Bayfront Plan set aside capacity in the Broadway/Rollins
intersection for development in the Rollins Road industrial area but figured that there would be no use of the
drain; uses allowed in the drain were those which did not increase the intensity of land uses outside of the
drainage area; if the drain is now developed by uses which generate traffic themselves it will have a big
impact on the Rollins/Broadway intersection. Seems that a storage use could come under the proposed
zoning as a "similar to use", with a conditional use permit so access could be limited by timing on gate, etc.
Applicant noted that would have to design for water to flow in drain, don't know now what that would be.
CA noted that there is a $500,000 bill the city just settled regarding water in the drain, Commission could
refer this issue back to staff and the subcommittee. Am an artist and property owner in the area, and think
that the storage facility in South San Francisco where the container are stacked looks terrible, some property
owners in the area have put a lot of money into making their buildings attractive, such storage would be a
deterrent; remember in the past that drain being underwater when it rains and there are high tides. Own 4-5
acres in the drainage area, not now in the auto row overlay, only use is auto storage because of the PG and E
lines, maybe the auto row overlay should be extended to include the drain. There were no further comments
from the floor. The public hearing was closed.
Commission comment: the storage use in the drainage easement should be referred to Public Works and
come back to the commission; this ordinance includes commercial design review, this is an important
regulatory improvement and will affect how any storage would be done in the drainage easement so review
would include both Public Works and aesthetics; there has been a lot of testimony and discussion, should
send back to subcommittee to look at; would like to hear from commissioners what they think; no problem
with storage idea, have difficult design review standards they must meet, use may not be visible, need to
work on a definition of "boarding of animals" see different between SPCA keeping for adoption to benefit
public and private facility for boarding, opposed to private boarding facility, think FAR bonus at gateway
should be and/or, don't feel that the gateway is the place for pedestrian retail, retail OK if associated with
another type of use. Retail could be in multistory, mixed use building. One vision includes the change to
the 101 interchange, this more possible with the end of the Broadway train station, then the north side of
Broadway could become an extension of the Broadway Commercial Area. Agree with mixed use for retail;
not like to see a precedent set for animal boarding facilities in the Rollins Road area, this is not the right
location for kennels; storage facility OK as a conceptual idea, but problems could be hidden. Storage in the
drain should be sent back to Public Works, concerned about veterinary hospitals and SPCA which boards
animals until they are adopted, not want animals walked in area, with veterinary hospital animals are kept
inside and the noise is addressed; the number of animals boarded needs to be regulated; if animals in the
veterinary hospital need to be kept overnight it would fit, if SPCA with larger services and traffic associated
are incompatible, is this where we want it? Storage is possible depending on Department of Public Works
and history of flooding; property may not be available for consolidation of lots so for FAR bonus should be
"or" gateway feature, mixed use would work well in this area, has the potential of being pedestrian friendly
if the interchange includes pedestrian access, but we don't know how soon that will happen; definition of
boarding needs to be clear, has a different impact if it is day care of animals or the SPCA proposed use. To
City of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes October 24, 2005
-10-
determine the SPCA suitability need more information on noise and odor impacts from the environmental
study; density at the gateway should depend upon the amenities provided like the idea of a threshold site
size, so required to combine for FAR bonus if smaller than required site size; storage use in the drain is OK
if the environmental concerns can be addressed.
Discussion continue: would argue that commission make a decision tonight, consensus is good, the bright
line is on boarding of animals and veterinary hospitals, need information from Public Works regarding the
drain, at the southern gateway need to arrive at a minimum parcel size, like to see commission recommend
ordinance to City Council for action with those exceptions; concerned about the veterinary hospital use, size
should be limited; could replace the proposed veterinary hospital/ boarding provision with the current
requirements for veterinary hospital in the M-1 which preclude boarding and breeding on site. CA
suggested that Southern Gateway and drain regulations could be kept as proposed, and revisions brought
back after staff and subcommittee review, auto row revisions to allow conditional use permit exceptions to
performance criteria should be included in what is recommended. Commissioners noted SPCA project
problem is the other things going on there the community education programs and the adoption and care
facility; on page 3 talk about retail building/garden center, how does the 100,000 SF size regulation work?
CP noted that site size constraints would require specific designs/format for such uses in Burlingame. CA
noted that this use is being built at this size in other communities in the Bay Area. What about adding the
area in the drain to the auto row overlay? CA noted could be addressed in the response regarding the use of
the drain.
C. Brownrigg moved to approve the ordinance as submitted with:
• the change to make exceptions to the performance criteria for auto row subject to a conditional use
not a variance;
• the change to the requirements for retail sales and display areas (Page 4, item m (3)) to allow the
service of alcoholic beverages but prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages;
• Leave in current proposal for the drainage area, have the city staff, including the Public Works
department review issues regarding allowing self storage uses in the drainage area under the PG and
E lines in Rollins Road;
• Leave in current proposed FAR wording in the Southern Gateway zoning provision but have the
staff and subcommittee study what an appropriate minimum lot size might be to exempt a developer
from having to both consolidate properties and provide a gateway feature in order to qualify for the
1.0 FAR density bonus;
• Leave in the current proposal and have staff and subcommittee review and make a recommendation
back to the Commission regarding what are appropriate retail uses, including mixed retail and other
uses, for the Southern Gateway area, and whether industrial uses should be allowed on the Southern
Gateway properties as well as retail and office uses; and
• Leave in current M-1 provision for veterinary hospitals and refer this issue to the subcommittee for
further study and to make a recommendation back to the Commission.
The motion was seconded by C. Deal.
Chair Auran called for a voice vote on the motion to recommend the proposed Rollins Road zoning
regulations as amended and revised to the City Council for action. The motion passed on a 7-0 voice vote.
CP Monroe noted that this ordinance would probably go forward to the City Council at their first meeting in
December 2005. CA noted that the issues identified would go back to the subcommittee along with the
other zoning they are discussing for the North Burlingame/Rollins Road Planning area. This item concluded
at 9:50 p.m.
City of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes October 24, 2005
-11-
Chair Auran called for a break so the council chambers could be cleared. The meeting reconvened at 10:05
p.m.
IX. DESIGN REVIEW STUDY ITEMS
6. 2518 HILLSIDE DRIVE, ZONED R-1 – APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AND SPECIAL
PERMIT FOR HEIGHT FOR A FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR ADDITION TO A SINGLE FAMILY
DWELLING (TINA & KEVIN VILLEGIANTE, APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER; JD &
ASSOCIATES, DESIGNER) (56 NOTICED) PROJECT PLANNER: ERIKA LEWIT
C. Deal recused himself from this item because he has a business relationship with the applicant and left the
dais and chambers. SP Brooks briefly presented the project description. There were no questions of staff.
Chair Auran opened the public comment. Randy Whitney, JD & Associates presented the project and was
available for questions.
Commissioner comment: notice garage is one foot from rear and side property lines, leaving only one foot
for maintenance is tight, could that be increased to two feet, yes; in the back corner, a Mayten tree is called
out, this is an invasive species, should consider another type; the roof as proposed is too steep on Spanish
Colonial style with tile, usually see a much gentler slope, when driving down the hill, you will see a lot of
roof; the chimney is the only place where brick veneer is used, could it be carried through to another
element at the front such as at the entryway to provide some linkage; for a corner house it is well articulated,
softening the roof line will help; this is virtually a new house, am comfortable with extending the existing
setback along the side, but it is important that real true divided light windows not simulated are used since
this wall will be so close to the street, although the cost is high should build a house that will look good fifty
years from now, is an important feature for a Spanish Colonial house. There were no other comments from
the floor. The public comment was closed.
C. Osterling made a motion to place this item on the consent calendar at a time when the following revisions
have been made and plan checked.
• Change the pitch on the roof from 6/12 to 4/12 or similar, roof is too steep for the Spanish Colonial
style;
• Add a brick veneer feature either along the base of the house or at the front entry to coordinate with
the brick veneer used on the chimney;
• Increase setback of garage from property line from 1'-0" to 2'-0" so there is enough room for future
maintenance;
• Use a different species of tree selected from the City tree list rather than a Mayten tree at rear corner;
• Encourage owners to consider a one-car garage rather than a two-car garage to preserve more yard
space; and
• Since this is virtually a new house, true divided light windows should be used throughout.
The motion was seconded by C. Cauchi.
Chair Auran called for a vote on the motion to place this item on the consent calendar when plans had been
revised as directed. The motion passed on a voice vote 6-0-1 (C. Deal abstaining). The Planning
Commission's action is advisory and not appealable. This item concluded at 10:20 p.m.
C. Deal returned to his seat on the dais.
7. 21 CLARENDON ROAD, ZONED R-1 – APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW FOR A FIRST AND
City of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes October 24, 2005
-12-
SECOND STORY ADDITION TO A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING (SCOTT KUEHNE, SUAREZ-
KUEHNE ARCHITECTURE, APPLICANT AND ARCHITECT; AND TODD FRIEDMAN & MICHELE
DOYLE FREEDMAN, PROPERTY OWNERS) (60 NOTICED) PROJECT PLANNER: RUBEN HURIN
SP Brooks briefly presented the project description. There were no questions of staff.
Chair Auran opened the public comment. Scott Kuehne, project architect and Todd Friedman, property
owner, and Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa spoke. Applicant noted that the owners have had conversations with
owners on the either side and across the street and they are in support of the project, this project is well
under the allowable floor area, noted change that the windows will be wood clad rather than vinyl clad, all
the windows in the house will be replaced. Commissioners asked if the pediment above the front door will
be replaced? Yes, it is not in best of shape, new one will have same level of detail and be more in scale with
the front elevation. A large second floor deck is proposed close to the property line, even though we can't
control privacy, will look down on neighbors, particularly since it is off the second floor living area which
will have more activity; plans show a privacy screen what material is proposed? The applicant noted that
lattice will be used to provide screening and allow natural light on both sides, took into account where the
deck is placed in relation to neighbors living spaces. Wisteria offers a very nice screen that give light in
winter because it is deciduous and shade in summer when deck will be used, it will give a nice visual screen.
There were no other comments from the floor. The public comment was closed.
C. Vistica made a motion to send this project to a design reviewer with the following comments:
• plans show both casement and double hung windows, choose one style and use throughout taking
into account the possible need to modify windows to meet egress requirements;
• there is a certain look at the front of the building, that is lost on the side elevations, need to carry
through design elements and details that tie the front of the house to the rest;
• need to better integrate the new with the old so it does not look like an addition;
• roof lines on right hand portion of left elevation need work, the roof comes up and stops, it will look
odd when it is built;
• the addition of the window on the front façade helps a lot, gives it a more traditional look;
• concern with the appearance of the deck scupper and drain for the deck along the side elevation,
could it be integrated better into the design;
• consider bringing front porch feature closer to the front property line to add depth and enlarge the
entry, make it more pronounced;
• concerned with deck, need to add more vegetation on left side of deck for screening, as well as on
the right side adjacent to the uncovered parking space; area is narrow, look at the Planning
Department tree list for an appropriate species for the narrow space;
• would like to see screen wall on deck to be fairly solid, tightly woven for privacy;
• provide pictures showing how existing deck in this location addresses privacy of adjacent properties;
• Mayten tree should not be used, it is not a good species for the yard.
This motion was seconded by C. Brownrigg.
Chair Auran called for a vote on the motion to refer this item to a design review consultant with direction
given. The motion passed on a voice vote 7-0-0. The Planning Commission's action is advisory and not
appealable. This item concluded at 10:45 p.m.
8. 1213 MILLS AVENUE, ZONED R-1 – APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW, CONDITIONAL
USE PERMITS FOR DETACHED GARAGE (GARAGE SIZE, PLATE HEIGHT, HEIGHT,
WINDOWS GREATER THAT TEN FEET ABOVE GRADE, PLUMBING CONNECTIONS AND A
City of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes October 24, 2005
-13-
TOILET, AND TO BE USED FOR RECREATION PURPOSES) AND SPECIAL PERMIT FOR
DECLINING HEIGHT ENVELOPE FOR THE GARAGE FOR A NEW, TWO STORY SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING AND DETACHED GARAGE (GRANT & KELLY MOHR, APPLICANT,
PROPERTY OWNER AND DESIGNER) (75 NOTICED) PROJECT PLANNER: ERIKA LEWIT
C. Keighran recused herself from this item because the applicant is on her campaign committee and left the
chambers. CP Monroe briefly presented the project description. There were no questions of staff.
Chair Auran opened the public comment. Grant Mohr, 1213 Mills Avenue, applicant and designer, was
available for questions. He noted that a two-story garage is proposed because the rear and side of the site is
surrounded by two-story walls from adjacent development which tower over the existing garage, the house
was made smaller to allow for the larger garage.
Commissioners asked what type of windows are proposed? The applicant noted that he proposes that vinyl
clad windows be used. Design of main house is very nice, but think vinyl windows will take away from it,
wood window with true divided lights will make it stand out. Commissioners noted that generally don't like
to see the possibility designed in so that a recreation room in an accessory structure can turn into a rental,
did you give consideration to an alternative location for the recreation room, such as a basement room, feel
this is hard to justify with so many exceptions; can't support the two-story garage, although there is a bad
situation with the tall house to the right, that house will be removed someday, to build a tall garage to
compensate is not justified; the accessory structure regulations allow a 15-foot roof ridge which will help
screen the house to the back, having a recreation room on the second floor right at the property line is
inappropriate; concerned with secondary structure, it is too massive, in commentary applicant notes that the
garage structure will be built first to accommodate workers, that is troubling, it will be used as a second unit,
needs to be decreased in size and moved off the property line; resounding "no" on the accessory structure, if
issue is screening from adjacent structures, should start by using landscaping and making that a design
element, in order to accommodate the pool table, the garage could be redesigned on the ground level by
building a one-car garage, with some remaining room to be used for the pool table.
There were no other comments from the floor. The public comment was closed.
C. Deal made a motion to place this item on the regular action calendar at a time when the following
revisions have been made and plan checked.
• Change window type from vinyl clad to real true divided light wood windows;
• make sure the bedroom windows meet the emergency egress requirements;
• the staircase as designed doesn't have enough risers, will take up more room on floor plan than is
shown, need to address in plan revision;
• knee braces are either too little or too few, either make them bigger or add more, could use 6x6 for
knee braces and 3x6 for strut, address in plan revision;
• the saddle bag roofs on the side are a little flat, should have a pitch closer to the main roof, address
in plan revision;
• concern with detail for column and beam as shown on side elevation, not sure how will work out,
show the detail in the plans;
• show detail on fascia board, maybe a shadow reveal with a piece of trim;
• provide a detailed landscape plan which incorporates screening for the adjacent tall buildings;
• redesign garage to eliminate the second floor recreation room;
• need to decrease size of accessory structure;
• increase setback on garage structure from 6" to 2' to allow for maintenance, show on plans;
City of Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes October 24, 2005
-14-
• consider redesigning the ground level of the garage to accommodate the pool table, could be one-car
garage, show changes on plans;
The motion was seconded by C. Brownrigg.
Comment on motion: Commissioners noted that , this is a beautiful design for the main house, the changes
requested to the house are moderate, no need to go to a design review consultant, applicant made a bold
attempt on the garage that didn't pass muster, the garage needs to be redesigned and screening of the yard
achieved by a good landscape plan.
Chair Auran called for a vote on the motion to place this item on the regular action calendar when plans
have been revised as directed and checked by staff. The motion passed on a voice vote 6-0-1 (C. Keighran
abstaining). The Planning Commission's action is advisory and not appealable. This item concluded at
11:05 p.m.
C. Keighran returned to the dais and took her seat.
X. PLANNER REPORTS
Review of City Council regular meeting of October 17, 2005.
CP Monroe reviewed the actions of the Council meeting of October 17, 2005, noting that the Council
adopted the amendments to the TW zoning district for group residential facilities for the elderly,
convalescent care facilities and clarifying the boundaries of the Marco Polo residential area. CP Monroe
noted that the correspondence for the Commission tonight included a letter from Mills Peninsula Health
Services. The Mitigation Panel along with several other issues which conditions require the Commission to
review will be placed on the November 14, 2005, agenda. Commissioner noted that the neighbors who
wrote about 144 Costa Rica should receive a copy of any correspondence sent. Commissioner asked about
whether it would be a good idea to develop a list of well designed houses which have been through the
design review process for interested people to look at as examples. It was noted that this could be used as a
recognition program. Concern was also expressed that such a list might result in all new houses looking
alike. Staff noted that it would be up to the Commission to decide criteria and which houses would be on
any such list. There were no further comments.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Auran adjourned the meeting at 11:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Brownrigg, Secretary
S:\MINUTES\PROTECTED\2005\minutes.10.24.05.doc