PC Min 12/11/1990PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF CAMPBELL, CALIFORNIA
7:30 P.M.
CITY HALL, TUESDAY
COUNCIL CHAMBERS DECEMBER 11, 1990
MINUTES
The Planning Commission of the City of Campbell convened this day in
regular session in the City Hall Council Chambers, 70 North First Street,
Campbell, California, and the following proceedings were had to wit:
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Present:
Chairperson Jay Perrine
Commissioner Robert Dougherty
Commissioner David Fox
Commissioner Jane Meyer-Kennedy
Commissioner Alana Higgins
Commissioners Absent:
Commissioner I. (Bud) Alne
Commissioner Mark Wilkinson
Staff Present:
Director of Planning, Steve Piasecki
Planner II, Tim J. Haley
City Attorney, William Seligmann
Associate Engineer, Michelle Quinney
Recording Secretary, Karon Shaban
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
On motion of Commissioner Dougherty, seconded by Commi~ioner Higgins,
the minutes of the Planning Commi~ion meeting of November 27, 1990, were
approved, as submitted.
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS OR POSTPONEMF~NTS
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. GP 90-04/
ZC 90/13/PD 90-08
Bowen, B.
Continued Public Hearing to consider the
application of Mr. Bruce Bowen, on behalf
of Ainsley Development, Inc., for approval
of an amendment to the General Plan changing
a Public/Semi-Public Zoning to Commercial
Zoning District; approval of a Zone Change
from PF (Public Facilities) to PD (Planned
Development) Zoning District; and, approval
of a Planned Development Permit to allow a
14,000 square foot retail center and a 4,000
square foot fast-food, drive-through
restaurant, on property located at the
southwest comer of Hacienda and Winchester
Boulevard (3101 South Winchester
Boulevard).
Planning Commission Minutes -2- December 11, 1990
Chairperson Perrine noted the request from Mr. Bruce Bowen for continuance
of Item No. 1, GP 90-04/ZC 90-13/PD 90-08. He read the application into
the record and asked if anyone wished to address the Commission on the
item. No one wished to speak.
M/S: Fox, Higgins MOTION TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON GP 90-04/ZC
90-13 AND PD 90 -08 TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING OF JANUARY 8, 1991, WAS UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED. (5-0-2) COMMISSIONERS ALNE AND WILKINSON
BEING ABSENT FOR THE VOTE.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Planning Director, Mr. Steve Piasecki informed the Commission that
communications were included in the Commission packets and pertain to items
noted on the agenda. He drew attention to the following:
- The revised Development Schedule for Item No. 4.
- Summarized City Council Agenda.
ORAL REQUESTS
There were no oral requests.
2. UP 90-14 Public Hearing to consider the application
Rezazadeh, F. of Mr. Farshid Rezazadeh for approval of a
Conditional Use Permit to allow an on-sale beer/wine
license in conjunction with an existing pizza
restaurant on property located at 2099 A. South
Bascom Avenue, in a C-2-S (General Commercial)
Zoning District.
The Chairperson read the application into the record.
An aerial map was displayed illustrating the surrounding uses.
Mr. Tim J. Haley, Planner II, presented the Staff Report, discussed Police
Department' s review of the proposal, and noted the following opposition
received from two members of the public relating to the parking lot area,
as follows:
Excessive drinking
Loitering by youth
Throwing bottles/cans over the fence
- Trespassing onto private property
Mr. Haley stated that Staff will recommend approval with the addition of
itions to resolve ~roblems associated with parking lot activities by
Csu°~dm~tt~ng a security i>lan to the Police Chief and the Planning Director's
approval.
Chairperson Perrine declared the Public Hearing open.
Public Comments:
Planning Commission Minutes -3- December 11, 1990
Ms. Debra Nolan, Manager of apartments located at 52 Michael Drive,
addressed the Commission to express concerns relating to:
Loud music in the parking lot at late hours
Cars burning rubber in the parking area
- People throwing beer cans over the fence
- Tenants cars being scratched
She suggested that the fence between the parking area and the apartment be
raised to eliminate trash being thrown over the fence; and prevent people
entering the apartment parking area by climbing over the fence; and, that
better lighting of the parking area be required.
Commissioner Fox asked about the hours of operation and Mr. Haley reported
that the restaurant would not be open later than 10:00 p.m.
Chairperson Perrine asked Ms. Nolan if she believed the disturbances were
coming from patrons of the pizza parlor and Ms. Nolan responded that the
disturbances were caused by young adults drinking beer and wine in the
parking area as late 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning.
Commissioner Higgins suggested that a security gate would help to mitigate
problems occurring at the apartment complex, that the problems are
occurring after the pizza parlor is closed.
Mr. Haley stated that since the problems are associated with improper
lighting and low fences, are inherent with the parking lot area itself, and
attractive to young adults for parking and drinking in the late evenings
and early mornings.
Discussion ensued between Commissioners and Staff regarding the following:
Continuance of the item
Surrounding uses
- Six month review
Mr. John Figueroa, 3404 Ridgemont Drive, Pruneyard Apartment Owner,
discussed the following:
- Height of the fence
- Presented two police reports relating to incidents in the parking
lot, a letter from the Police Chief requesting removal of the
chain link fence, and a letter from a tenant who apprehended a
burglar
- Provided a petition signed by the tenants requesting.improved
security, all night lighting, and raising of the fence m the rear
parking lot area.
Mr. Figueroa requested that the applicant's request be denied until a
security plan is provided.
Commissioner Fox indicated that these problems are with the lot and not
associated with the pizza parlor business.
Chairperson Perrine stated that he would like to see the security plan, and
Commissioners Higgins concurred.
Planning Commission Minutes -4- December 11, 1990
Commissioner Fox stated that he is not interested in placing the entire
burden on the applicant since the problems are relative to the lot.
Further, he asked the applicant if the Commission's continuation of this
application to the January 8, 1991, meeting, would place an unnecessary
hardship on his business operation.
Mr. Razazadeh, the applicant, made the following comments:
- Has experienced violations in the parking lot that required police
intervention
- The proposal is to provide, to the patrons of the restaurant, wine
or beer with the pizza and not as a take out item
- His business has only been in operation for four months, and the
problems have occurred for several years
A billiard hall has existed in the area for several years which
stays open until 2:00 a.m., and is attractive to young adults
- Kids do not come into the Pizzeria to buy beer, adults come into
the restaurant to eat
- Noted the expense to raise the fence and also noted that since
the property owner has no interest in the sale of beer and wine in
conjunction with meals, that the property owner may not be
interested in raising the fence. Further, that the fence does not
belong to him and his business closes at 10:00 p.m., well before
the problems begin.
There are only 7 tables within the restaurant
Chairperson Perrine asked the applicant if he would object to continuing
the application in order to provide staff with time to investigate where
the problems are coming from. Mr. Razazadeh stated he would agree to a
continuance to the January 8, 1991, meeting. Mr. Razazadeh added that
problems will continue to occur whether or not his request is granted.
Mr. Piasecki indicated that additional time would provide Staff with the
opportunity to investigate mitigation measures with the property owner and
discuss Police patrol of the area.
M/S: Fox, Higgins MOTION TO CONTINUE THE APPLICATION TO THE JANUARY 8,
1991, COMMISSION MEETING, PROVIDING ADEQUATE TIME
FOR REVIEW OF SECURITY MEASURES AND TIME TO TALK
WITH THE PROPERTY OWNER, WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED,
5-0-2, COMMISSIONERS ALNE AND WILKINSON BEING
ABSENT.
S 90-09
V 9O-O6
Shemirani, J.
Public Heating to consider the application of Mr.
Jay Shemirani for approval of a Site and
Architectural Application to allow the move-on of
two single-family homes and a variance for a garage
setback from 25 feet to 20 feet on property located
at 50 Catalpa Lane, in an R-l-6 (Single-family
Residential) Zoning District.
Planning Commission Minutes -5- December 11, 1990
The Chairperson read the application into the record.
Site and Architectural Plans were displayed.
Planning Director Steve Piasecki presented the Staff Report providing the
following information:
Location and surrounding neighborhood
- Proposal is consistent with the General Plan and the Zoning
Ordinances
- The property is subdividable under current ordinances
- Application meets all the requirements
- Tentative Map is approved
- Does not exceed density requirements
Mr. Piasecki distributed Chapter 21.42 of the Campbell's Zoning Code
regarding Site and Architectural review. Further, he pointed out that he
has highlighted areas that the Site and Architectural Review Committee is
to consider. Some of these were:
- Character
- Stability
- Integrity
- Silhouette and massing
- Location on the site, relationship to the neighborhood
Exterior design
Bulk
- Street frontage.
Further, Mr. Piasecki stated that there is no substantial issues relating
to the variance request; however, the variance must be tied to the Site
Plan, which is where Staff has concerns. He discussed the following Staff
concerns relating to Staff's recommendation for denial of the Site and
Architectural application:
Compatibility with surrounding homes
Detracts from the appearance of the neighborhood
- Very few lots of this size are subdivided
- Although, Mr. Shemirani has made significant improvements to the
original proposal, his proposal is still not compatible to other
structures in the area.
- Staff suggested that one of the homes could be moved here and that
the second residence be custom built to fit on Parcel B.
Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy presented comments from the Site and
Architectural Review Committee meeting of December 4, 1990. She stated
that the Committee is recommending denial based upon the following:
- Architectural Advisor's comments in opposition of the design and
massing for this area, and,
- Placement of homes of this design would create a substantial
impact on the character and pattern of development in the area.
The Chairperson declared the Public Hearing open.
Planning Commission Minutes -6-
December 11, 1990
Mr. Jay Shemirani requested approval of his proposal and discussed the
following concerns:
- He is being displaced by Highway 85 construction
- His desire to preserve his home and his brothers home
- His attachment to his home
His decision to purchase the property was based upon conversation
with the Planning Department, who expressed support for the
proposal
- The homes will be located at the beginning of the street and have
little visual impact on the adjoining neighbors
- A Dairy Queen is located adjacent to his property on one side, and
a beauty salon on another side
- There is 60 feet of space between the second house and that of Mr.
Martins
That Mr. Martin had requested that the fence behind him be
replaced and noted his intent to do that
There is a vacant lot across the street belonging to the Watsons,
which has recently been subdivided
- Seven different drawings were submitted to the Planning Department
and it was his understanding that he and Staff were working
together for a supportive recommendation. He stated that
mitigation measures were addressed by the following:
- Moving the houses from one place to another
- Changing setbacks
- Changing direction of the two-story element
- Providing trees for screening
- Adding wood siding even though many homes in the area have
stucco siding
He stated that Mr. Piasecki suggested that one of the homes could be saved
and the other would have to be replaced with a custom built home.
Mr. Shemirani affirmed his desire to preserve both homes, one belonging to
himself and the other to his brother, since they are filled with family
memories, which could never be replaced. Further, Mr. Shemirani noted the
following efforts:
- Met with neighbors to discuss their concerns
- That various neighbors signed a petition stating that they had no
problems with the proposal
- That he was told that if he wanted to move his homes there, he
would have to talk with Mrs. Watson and after various attempts to
do so was turned down due to Mrs. Watson's duties as a
Councilperson on the City Council
Mr. Shemirani circulated pictures of the homes he is proposing to move onto
50 Catalpa to demonstrate that they are newer homes in good condition. He
reiterated that the homes have historical meaning to him and he fears that
Cai Trans will destroy them.
Planning Commission Minutes -7- December 11, 1990
Commissioner Fox asked if Cai Trans paid fair market value for the homes
and how long Mr. Shemirani had lived there. In response, Mr. Shemirani
stated that Cai Trans had paid fair market value and that he had lived in
the home for 8 years.
Mr. Robert Finch, representing Mr. Shemirani, addressed the Commission
noting the following:
That Staff neglected to discuss compatibility with the applicant
That all homes in the area should considered when reviewing the
compatibility issue
- Several homes in the area have the same square footage and are two
story
- Several homes in the area are not typical ranch style homes. He
circulated several photographs of homes in the area
- The empty lot across the street that has been subdivided and will
be developed into newer homes
- The proposal will upgrade the area
- Homes should be saved, due to the housing shortages
- The proposed move-on homes have a 25 percent coverage and the
ordinance allows for 40 percent coverage
Public Comments:
Mrs. Kathleen Bull, 70 Catalpa Lane, noted that she would welcome new
neighbors however she opposed the homes because she felt they were too
large for the area, and that existing homes have large back yards and front
yards for children to play.
Mr. Jeffery W. Paleczny, 150 Catalpa Lane, noted his opposition relates to
increased density from what currently exists, since the reason that he
bought the home he now owns is that houses were on larger lots.
Mr. Howard Martin, 54 E1 Caminito Avenue, noted his opposition which was
contained in a letter from Mr. Kent Sargent, 52 Michael Drive, which he
presented to the Commission, and distributed a Track Map and a Covenant
Deed dated April 22, 1941 which contained various restrictions regarding
the use of the land.
Commissioner Dougherty asked the City Attorney how the Track Map and Deed
impacted the City's ability to act on this matter.
Mr. William Seligmann, City Attorney, indicated that deed restrictions are
a civil concern unless the City is a party to the deed, which in this case,
it is not.
Discussion ensued relative to whether the track map includes the subject
property at all.
Chairperson Perrine called for a 10 minute recess at 8:55 p.m, to allow the
applicant and staff to review the documents presented by Mr. Martin.
Planning Commission Minutes -8- December 11, 1990
The Planning Commission meeting reconvened at 9:10 p.m., with all
Commissioners present, except for Commission Alne and Wilkinson.
Mrs. Sally Howe, opposed the proposal due to the loss of open space.
Joanna Danford, 7 E1 Caminto Avenue, expressed opposition. She did not
want the neighborhood to change.
John Madere, 61 E1 Caminito Avenue, expressed opposition to: Large homes with small yards
Impact on the integrity of the neighborhood
- Setting a precedent for new developments.
Mr. John Yamen, owner of the adjoining Dairy Queen, expressed concern that
in the future, Mr. Shemirani may complain about living too close to a
Dairy Queen.
Mr. Finch responded to the following concerns:
-Setting a precedent - the lot is unique in that the size and
shape of it is unlike any other in the area
- Mr. Shemirani would not be in a position to complain about a
business that existed prior to his move-on
Open Space - the homes have a 25 percent lot coverage and a 40
percent lot coverage is allowable.
Mr. Shemirani stated that he was confident about approval of his proposal
since the Planning Department Staff had previously indicated that the lot
could be subdivided for two homes, he met all the zoning and General Plan
requirements; however, he was not prepared Staff's recommendation relating
to the design of his home.
He noted the following:
- Proposal meets all City codes
- The house currently on the lot has 1800 square feet his home is
only 2200 square feet
The homes will be placed at the curve of the road and will be
less visible than other homes in the area.
Commissioner Fox expressed the following concerns that:
The subdivision of this lot creates the smallest lot in the
- Parcel B is about one-half the size of other lots in the area
that have homes of this size,
- The homes are too close together
- Travelling in an easterly direction, the proposed homes would be
very visible, and,
He would prefer placing the homes within a Planned Development
Zoning District which would provide the Commission architectural
control of the design of the homes.
Further, Commissioner Fox concluded that he opposes the applicant
request because of the size of the lots and not because of the size of the
homes.
Planning Commission Minutes -9-
December 11, 1990
M/S:Meyer-Kennedy, Dougherty:MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON S
90.09/V 90-06 WAS UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED.
M/S: Fox, Higgins:
MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2717,
INCORPORATING THE ATTACItF. D FINDINGS AND
DENYING S 90--09 WAS PLACED ON THE FLOOR
FOR DISCUSSION.
Commission Discussion of the Motion:
Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy stated that she would be supporting the motion
based upon recommendations from the Architectural Advisor and the Site and
Architectural Review Committee.
Commissioner Dougherty noted that he would support the motion since
placing large homes on small lots creates discontent between neighbors.
Commissioner Higgins noted her familiarity with the site, and indicated
concurrence with supporting the denial.
Commissioner Fox suggested that this experience provides the Commission
with the opportunity to investigate displacement and relocation of homes
due to the construction of Highway 85.
Further, Commissioner Fox asked if the findings contained within the Staff
Report would support denial of the request for a variance, as well.
Mr. Piasecki suggested the following wording:
Lacking an approved architectural plan, the Commission cannot make the
necessary findings to grant a variance.
The makers of the motion were satisfied that the suggested wording would
be an appropriate amendment to the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE ON MOTION:
MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2716, INCORPORATING THE
ATTACHED FINDINGS, DENYING S 90-09; AND, TO ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2717, DENYING THE REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE,
INCORPORATING STAFF'S RECOMMENDED FINDINGS, WAS
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES: Commissioners: Higgins, Fox, Meyer-Kennedy, Dougherty,
Perrine
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Alne, Wilkinson
MISCELLANEOUS
4. R 90-01 Consider the request for extension of a previously
Dowd, E. approved Planned Development Permit to allow the
EMD Properties construction of 32 townhomes; and Tentative Map
approval, for properties known as 63-190 Page Street
and 56-70 Foote Avenue, in a PD (Planned
Development/Low-Medium Density Residential) Zoning
District.
Planning Commission Minutes -10-
December 11, 1990
Chairperson Perrine read the application into the record.
Mr. Tim J. Haley, Planner II, presented the Staff Report and discussed the
following:
- Staff supports an extension to January 16, 1993.
- The previously approved Tentative Subdivision Map will expire on
May 1, 1992, and,
- The item will be before the City Council on January 2, 1991.
Specific questions relating to construction dates, from Chairperson
Perrine and Commissioner Dougherty, were addressed. Mr. Haley informed
the Commission that approval will provide the applicant with an additional
two years to begin construction.
Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy reported that the Site and Architectural Review
Committee is recommending approval of the requested extension.
Mr. Peter McMorrow, representing Mr. Ed Dowd, EMD Properties, made himself
available for questions.
C0mmi$$i0n Discussion:
Chairperson Perrine asked if the circulation plan is acceptable to Staff,
and Mr. Haley stated that the Planning Department is satisfied with the
report. Further, Michelle Quinney, Associate Engineer, Public Works
Department, concurred that the circulation plans were acceptable.
M/S: Fox, Higglns
MOTION TO RECOMMEND THAT CITY COUNCIL EXTEND ITS
APPROVAL OF THIS PROJECT AND APPROVE THE REVISED
DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE UNTIL JANUARY 16, 1993, WAS
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED (5-0-2, COMMISSIONER ALNE AND
WILKINSON BEING ABSENT.
Mr. Haley noted that the Tentative Subdivision portion of the application
would require approval of the City Council on January 2, 1991.
REPORT OF THE PLANNING DIRECTOR
In response to questions from Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy, Planning
Director Piasecki provided a brief oral review of actions taken at the
City Council meeting of December 11, 1990, as follows:
The project on 1265 and 1271 Burrows Road - 5 Single-Family
Homes - Kurt Anderson - ZC 90-08/PD 90-02: Was pulled from the
Consent Calendar, so that the San Tomas Policy could be
reviewed.
With regard to the San Tomas Policy and planned Study Sessions, the
Commission discussed, the following:
- Street improvements,
- Land Use Element
- Community Design
- Housing Element, and
- Circulation Element of the General Plan
Planning Commission Minutes -11
December 11, 1990
Mr. Piasecki stated that these studies are included in the work program
discussed in the two-year budget.
Further, Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy asked about the referral from Council
relating to the hobby kennel on 948 Crockett Avenue. Mr. Piasecki stated
that the Council noted and filed the report. Commissioner Dougherty added
that Councilmember Burr would like to see the permit revoked.
Chairperson Perrine announced that the changing of the Chairperson and
Vice Chairperson would occur at the January 8, 1991, Planning Commission
meeting.
Mr. Haley announced that there would not be a Site and Architectural
Review Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 1990, due to the
cancellation of the Planning Commission meeting of December 25, 1990.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 9:47 p.m, to its regularly
scheduled Commission meeting of Tuesday, January 8, 1991, at 7:30 P.M.,
in the City Council Chambers, 70 North First Street, Campbell. The
Planning Commission meeting regularly scheduled for December 25, 1990, has
been cancelled.
Respectfully Submitted by: Kax0n Shaban
Reporting Secretary
ATTEST: Steve Piasecki
Secretary
APPROVED BY: Jay R, Pcrrine
Chairperson