HomeMy WebLinkAbout450 Cumberland Drive - ApplicationVAR IANCE
Date filed qII01789
Study meeting 4- n -% $
Public hearing *-Z4.0
Application to the Planning Commission and Action
City Council of the City of Burlingame
1. APPLICANT Sf�1.Ly
A. Name FF\A/UK n CHAMBERS
B. Address 1460 GUM,BLPL.i)/uD RE)
City Zip tj¢O/O Telephone 347- Z.Ce9
2. PROPERTY
A. Address �qsovc
B. Legal Lot 11 Block +
Description: Subdivision oak Erovt Manor No.i
C. Assessor's parcel number (APN) O2q-- 164--110 Zone
D. Existing land use and improvements Ex/S"W& 7-A/O ,6EZ5CW Al O(J�
_,847N HIE'
3. VARIANCE REQUESTED
-KE O UEsT To ADO R 525-,0KOOM A^,W BATH TO &--XiST/NG-
STi2tJG7U E w141CH 14A6 40
4. SITE PLAN
Attach site plan, drawn to scale, showing all existing and proposed major
improvements, located by dimension from property lines and adjacent
structures. Sidewalks and curbs (if any) on public right-of-way should
also be shown. Include building elevations, if relevant.
5. ITEMS SUBMITTED WITH APPLICATION:
Authorization by property owner.
—' Title report showing proof of ownership (except for R-1 & R-2 property).
Affidavit for Variance.
�! Site plans, elevations and exhibits.
i� Fee: (0 for application on R-1 or R-2 property)
(4for other zoning districts)
Receipt No. 0-319 g Received by
hereby certify under penalty of perjury that the '
information given herein is true and correct to the
best of my knowledge an bel'ef.
Signature -l�ti-Pit-Ji Date y- /(1 Z C�
\�
r
APPLICANT'S AFFIDAVIT FOR VARIANCE
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VARIANCE
11. Has applicant read Chapter 25.54 of the City .Ordinance Code?
Yes V No
B. Describe the exceptional circumstances or conditions applicable
to your property which do not generally apply to other properties
in your area, and the extent to which you may deserve special
consideration to which your neighbors are not entitled.
G
C. Describe why the variance is necessary now to preserve the
continued use and enjoyment of the property.
D. at ha Clew— s O
ips would result if your request were denied? ee//
-{.-�1,1,et�.t urPht•. Wf— Ceit ,� nv�da�. 7'�- kt:�L
IS APPLICANT THE LEGAL OWNER OF THE PROPERTY? Yes No
IF NO, INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
A. Owner's name `--'
B. Owner's address
C. Attach signed statement from property owner declaring knowledge of
and agreement to this variance application.
`Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes
Page 5 .
April 24, 1978
Commissioner Jacobs felt that because this is a narrow lot with two trees in the
corners (only one is shown' on plans) the variance would not be detrimental to the
neighborhood; she also felt the applicant would not be able to use his back yard
if the garage were constructed in the rear 30% portion, and the application was
not in conflict with the General Plan; she therefore moved for approval.of the
variance. Commissioner Cistulli felt the consideration of a different door
should be included in the motion and perhaps the size of the window. This was
briefly discussed and Commissioner JA cobs stated she would prefer not to make
specifications as to window sizes. Commissioner Francard seconded the motion
and upon roll call the motion failed to pass, the vote being 3-3, Commissioners
Cistulli, Mink and Sine voting in opposition and Commissioner Kindig absent.
Upon further discussion, Commissioner Jacobs moved for approval subject to
elimination of the sliding glass door with substitution of a single, standard
size, solid core door. Commissioner Francard seconded the motion and upon roll
call the new motion carried 5-1, Commissioner Mink in opposition and Commissioner
Kindig absent. Chairman Taylor noted that in the absence of appeal the effective
date for this approval would be May 2, 1978.
Commissioner Sine spoke with staff about procedures, i.e., properties with a
nonconformity coming to staff for approval of other improvements and .then further
improvements being proposed which then require Commission approval; he felt much
of this could be avoided if applicants are informed at their initial contact with
staff. City Engineer Kirkup explained that in this case a standard garage could
have been constructed, but it was the property owner's decision to have a larger
garage which required the variance; under the circumstances staff had no reason
not to issue a building permit for the previous improvements.
3. VARIANCE FROM CODE SEC. 25.70.030 TO ADD A THIRD BEDROOM TO A HOUSE WITH
A 12'0" WIDE GARAGE; PROPERTY AT 450 CUMBERLAND ROAD (APN 029-164-190),
ZONED R-1, BY FRANK AND SALLY CHAMBERS
Assistant City Planner Yost reviewed the application, noting the home is only
two bedrooms with one bath and a one car garage; since the applicants purchased
it ten years ago their family has grown and the house is now too small. He explained
that the proposal to add a third bedroom, second bath and small study meets code in
every respect, except that the existing garage is only 12' wide and code specifies
20'. Mr. Yost reviewed the ordinance specifications regarding such situations,
one provision of which allows the mandatory second parking space to be provided
on a driveway of sufficient length that this second space can be behind the front
setback. Here, he explained, there is a 33' deep driveway, but only 11' of this
counts toward the code requirement. He concluded that staff has no objection to
the application, as it seems a reasonable addition to a small home. He did note,
however, that findings pertinent to Code Chap. 25.54 are required for approval
and that the applicant and his designer were both present.
There being no further discussion, the public hearing was opened. The neighbor
from 452 Cumberland Road, Al Escoffier, felt the proposal was a good one and would
be an asset to the neighborhood. There being no further speakers, Secretary Sine
noted the following correspondence: (1) a letter dated April 20, 1978 from
Arden D. McGregor, 451 Cumberland Road, in favor of the variance, and noting they
would hate to see the family move because the home is too small; (2) letter dated
April 18, 1978 from John Horgan, 471 Cumberland Road, in favor of the variance,
noting they also would hate to see the family forced to move from the neighborhood.
Page 4
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 1978,
He -noted that Mr. Brisbee has several alternatives: one would be narrowing the
garage and losing the storage space; a second would be pushing the garage to the
back 30% of the lot,where code permits a garage to be constructed to a side
property line; he noted that this second alternative may not be feasible because
there is a large tree which would have to be removed and a new swimming pool
for which plans were recently approved that would have to'be relocated. Mr. Yost
concluded the applicant has provided elevations of the new garage, as per
Commission direction, and as this is.a variance.`application, findings consistent
with Code Chap. 25.54 are required for approval;, -.:He noted the applicant was present.
Robert Brisbee, the applicant,:made.the following points: one, the'property,,is very
narrow (46' in front and 44-1/2' in -the rear) ;;,and,,two.,, a letter from -his neighbor,
John Spicer, 818 Acacia Drive,. -was presented: ..to the'Commission-,which:indicated.
agreement to the variance, and noted thatli,thissprop.erty,would be the one most
directly affected by the proposal. Mr. Brisbee also said a Mr..Brown, another
neighbor, had given verbal support. The applicant went on to explain that.•if the
garage were moved back into the rear 30% of the lot it would block sunlight into
the Spicer's rear yard; as proposed, it only faces -a bedroom window.,-:
Responding to Commissioner Francard's concerns, Mr. Brisbee,:stated the swimming
pool and surrounding fence were being constructed to code and there would be' -a
fence between the garage and the house. There being no further questions of. -,the
applicant at this time, the public hearing was opened:. Joe Brown of 819 Crossway
Road (home across the back fence) --stated he was--in-favor of the application.. There
being no further public input, the hearing was closed.'...
Commissioner Jacobs stated she had visited..the site and.felt"the,applicant,;was doing
a good job of upgrading the property. Cormissioner Mink was concerned.about;_the
proposed sliding glass patio door in the side wall-of,:the garage,.noting with this
glass door the garage could easily be converted to.-a'family/party room, -especially
as the sliding door looks directly onto the.pool area. -.:'The applicant and, -Commissioner
Mink briefly discussed this concern; the applicant,.responding to Commissioner Mink's
questions, indicated there would be electrical utilities in the garage but:not pool
utilities or bathroom facilities. The Commissioner.felt a.garage.meeting minimum
code dimensions could be constructed and a_separate auxiliary,building constructed
for storage purposes in the rear portion of the lot.,
Chairman Taylor felt the garage would not be used as -a family room-, Commissioner Mink
pointed out the garage could.be:converted if there were a change in -ownership.
He felt the minimum garage with a separate storage building was a feasible ,alternative
to the variance. Commissioner Cistulli asked -If something other than a sliding glass
door could be used. Mr. Brisbee stated he would agree to change.Jhp,door if the
variance was contingent on this, but explained the purpose•of the. glass sliding door
was because it matches a similar door on the house and he could easily keep an eye
on the pool area while working in the garage. He stated he has no intention of
using the garage as a party room. Commissioner Cistulli agreed with _;Commissioner
Mink's concerns but felt a different type of door on the side wall of the garage
may be the best answer. This was briefly,discussed by Commission and staff;
Mr. Brisbee reconfirmed that only electrical utilities would be included in the
garage but he did not know the exact specifications. Commissioner Sine noted
there used to be a nonconforming carport on the site.
Page 6
`Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes April 24, 1978
There being no further public input the hearing was._closed. Commissioner Jacobs
stated she had visited the site and-noted-thereare other two-story homes in the
vicinity and the proposed height -would not create -a problem. Chairman Taylor
reviewed the Commission's past policies. about parking and applications with similar
problems, noting the City would prefer to have vehicles park behind the front
setback, however, there are conditions when:Commission has found that approval
of a variance was better for the community as a whole. Commissioner Francard
added that in his neighborhood about..90% of;the cars -seem to park in the street.
Commissioner Jacobs,,stated.,the extraordinary circumstance is the garage situation,
there is room to park cars in front of the existing garage, and the family needs
additibnal'room; she further noted'that;'in view,•of-thetestimony and correspondence
presented at:the hearing; they -proposal would not be -detrimental to the neighborhood.
She therefo'ro"moved for'approval"of the variance'., Commissioner Cistulli seconded
the motion and upon -roll call.it...carried unanimously 6-0, Commissioner Kindig
absent:, Chairman Taylor noted that without appeal the approval would be effective
May 2, 1978.`
4. SPECIAL PERMIT TO OPERATE AJUDO`CLUB.IN-THE M-1:4DISTRICT; PROPERTY AT
1342 ROLLINS ROAD (APN 026-123-080), BY BENJAMIN PALACIO OF KOYUKAN JUDO CLUB
(APPLICANT)•WITH GORDON HAGSTROM (PROPERTY OWNER)(ND-157P POSTED 4/10/78)
Assistant City Planner''Yost reviewed the application, referring to a letter from
the applicant, Ben`-Palacio; dated April 2, 1978, describing the proposed judo
club opeation.. The.letter-states�that it would occupy'.1,900 square feet in an
existing office/warehouse and classes would have about 30 students with the majority
being 6-14 years old; it also states the classes would only be held in the evenings
during=:the` week ,and- this evening .use (classes starting 'at 6:30 P.M.) would allow
the club to'use all ,availabl'e.on-si:te.and on -street parking. Mr. Yost noted the
background material filed with-theiapplicati.on, including a site plan, proposed
floor plan -.and -a, letter',from Victor Fink &!Associates (occupying the space next
door to the proposed judo club) which indicated.support of the proposal. Mr. Yost
further moted-that other supporting letters were available for Commission's
review"and if�approval'is"granted,'the,-following points should be considered:
(1) Daytime classes are not proposed :either during the week or on weekends.
Classes'on-Monday,-Wednesday and Friday evenings are to be from 6:30 P.M. but
could extend over to Tuesday and Thursday if there were adequate demand.
(2) Minimum number of students enrolled is estimated to be 30; however, the
Building and'Fire'Departments advise that permitted occupant load could be as
high as 50 without modification,to the existing building. (3) The club is to
incorporate -as a non-profit organization.. (4) The permit should perhaps be
limited to Mr.'Palacio and not -be transferable. Mr. Yost further noted that a
negative declaration`:was posted for'this project, and concluded that staff has no
objection'to the application.
Ben Palacio;'the applicant, -confirmed for Commissioner Mink that he would agree
to limiting' the hours of his club operation from 6:30 P.M., with a maximum
occupancy of 50'and upon his obtaining non-profit status. City Attorney Coleman
interjected that the non-profit status was not really a concern here; Mr. Yost
explained this was included only because. the applicant had mentioned it, but this
was not the usual procedure in this zone. It was confirmed this use could be
considered a commercial recreational use.
Burlingame Planning Commission Minutes
Page 7
April 24, 1978'
Chairman Taylor opened the public hearing. Betsy Tontini, 228 Clarendon Road
addressed Commission speaking in favor of the application, stating such a club
is desirable for the community. Gary McClellan, 1665 Hunt Drive stated this
would be very beneficial to the youth in Burlingame. Noreen Nicholson supported
the use in the community. Mike Baffico, 1316 Cabrillo spoke briefly in support
of the application. Bill Aven spoke in favor of the application, stating that
such instruction gives children confidence in themselves. It was noted that the
applicant currently teaches judo through the Burlingame Recreation Department
and has an outstanding background and reputation.. There being no further public
input, the hearing was closed.
Chairman Taylor explained that the concern of the Commission was not whether such
a use would be beneficial to the community, but rather whether the proposed location
is'a suitable one. The applicant, responding to Commissioner Mink's inquiries,
confirmed he would operate from 6:30 to 9:30 P.M. and classes would not go beyond
five days a week. City Attorney Coleman stated that.judo is being discouraged in
the Recreation Department because of insurance requirements and added he is glad
to see it continue in the City even though it has been cut back in the Recreation
program.
Commissioner Mink moved the special permit be approved subject to the conditions
that (1) the permit be nontransferable and issued only to Benjamin Palacio,
(2).hours of operation be from 6:30 P.M. to 10:00 P.M., Mondays through Fridays,
and (3) the maximum occupancy be limited to 50 people. Commissioner Cistulli
seconded the motion and upon roll call it carried 6-0, Commissioner Kindig absent.
5. SPECIAL PERMIT TO OPERATE A CAR RENTAL AGENCY IN THE C-4 DISTRICT AT 1300 BAYSHORE
HIGHWAY (APN 026-113-480), BY DAVID KEYSTON OF ANZA SHAREHOLDERS' LIQUIDATING
TRUST (PROPERTY OWNER) WITH BILL BISCOE.OF PAIGE RENT -A -CAR (ND-158P POSTED
4/20/78)
Assistant City Planner Yost briefly reviewed the application, specifically making
reference to a letter dated April 17, 1978 from Bill Biscoe, the applicant, and
a supporting letter dated April 12, 1978 from David Keyston. He referred to
specific statements in those letters describing the operation, including a proposed
fleet of 25 cars (1978 models); washing, waxing and minor servicing at the Mobil
Station on Bayshor2 Highway; operation hours from 6:30 A.M.. - 11:00 P.M. Monday
through Friday, 7:30 A.M. - 7:30 P.M. Saturdays and 8:00 A.M. - 11:00 P.M. Sundays.
It was noted that 10 parking spaces had been allocated in the front of the property
at 1300 Bayshore Highway, and any additional parking would be available at Anza
Airport Parking; delivery of new vehicles would not be made to the Bayshore Highway
location. Mr. Yost then referred to David Keyston's letter which confirmed the
parking requirements would be satisfied by Paige Rent-A-Car taking over the area
previously assigned to Star Rent-A-Car which is no longer in business. Mr. Yost
noted both Mr. Biscoe and Mr. Keyston were present; Mr. Keyston thanked Commission
for considering this item at this meeting.
Commission briefly discussed the details of this application with staff, Mr. Biscoe
and Mr. Keyston; the main concern being the washing facilities at the service
station. City Engineer Kirkup stated he was unaware of a regular car wash at this
station. There being no further discussion at this time, the public hearing was
opened. As there was no public testimony, the hearing was closed.