PC Min 10/25/1988PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF CAMPBELL, CALIFORNIA
7:30 P.M. MINUTES OCTOBER 25, 1988
The Planning Commission of the City of Campbell convened this day in regular
session in the City Hall Council Chambers, 70 N. First St., Campbell,
California.
ROLL CALL
Present Commissioners: George Kasolas, Robert
Stanton, Jay Perrine, Bruce Olszewski, James
Walker (7:50 p.m.), J. DuWayne Dickson, and
Ronald Christ; Principal Planner Philip
Stafford; Planner II Tim Haley; Engineering
Manager Bill Helms; City Attorney William.
Seligmann; Recording Secretary Linda Dennis.
Absent None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M/S: Perrine, Dickson - That the minutes of the Planning Commission
meeting of October 11, 1988, be approved as
submitted. Motion carried 6-0-1, with
Commission Walker being absent.
COMMUNICATIONS
Principal Planner Stafford noted that communications received pertained to
specific items on the agenda.
ORAL REQUESTS
Chairman Christ asked if anyone wished to address the Commission on an issue
that was not agendized. There being no one, the Chairman proceeded with the
set agenda.
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ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS
M 88-22 Request of Mr. Franklin Wiseman for approval
Wiseman, F. of a modification to a sideyard setback
requirement to allow the construction of a
second story addition to a single family
residence on property known as 577 N. Central
Ave. in an R-1-6 (Single Family Residential)
Zoning District.
Principal Planner Stafford reviewed the Staff Report of October 25, 1988,
noting that Staff is recommending approval of this request. Mr. Stafford also
noted communications (attached hereto) from Mr. Toshihiko Kaneko opposing the
request, and from Celeste Lausten requesting a continuance on behalf of Dr.
Anthony J. Sabatelle. Additionally, there has been another condition added by
the City Attorney requiring the approval of the adjacent property owners.
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Commissioner Olszewski reported that this item was considered by the Site and j
Architectural Review Committee. The Committee is recommending approval based
on the applicant meeting the conditions before the Commission, particularly -~
securing the approval of the adjacent property owners.
Discussion ensued regarding the types of setbacks on adjacent homes; the number
of stories on adjacent properties; how the requirement for approval of the
adjacent property owner came about and whether or not the requirement is
arbitrary and capricious; the possibility of re-designing this particular
project to meet setback requirements; the possibility of making a finding that
approval of the adjacent property owners is not necessary in this case or a
finding that the issue meets all the criteria of a variance; and, structural
reasons for building straight up .from the bearing wall.
Commissioner Kasolas noted that perhaps the Commission should ask the City
Council for an ordinance to remove the requirement for approval of the adjacent
property owner from the Zoning Ordinance.
Chairman Christ opened the public hearing and invited anyone to speak on this
item.
Mr. Toshohiko Kaneko, 221 Hardy Ave. (owner of 565 N. Central Ave.), asked
that the code be followed for the construction of this second story; and,
expressed concern about bedrooms looking over his property; the possible
blockage of sun, air, view, etc.; lack of privacy; and, the potential sale of
his property.
Mrs. Phyllis Wiseman, 577 N. Central Ave., stated that they have lived in the
home for 25 years; they need the room because of the size of their family; and,
they are asking for the modification to the setbacks for the second story so
that the design does not look like a box.
Mr. Franklin Wiseman, 577 N. Central Ave., stated that the request is a result
of both appearance and bearing walls; that he is willing to eliminate windows
and construct afire wall if so directed; and, that the adjacent property owned
by Mr. Kaneko is a rental unit.
City Attorney Seligmann stated that since the issue appears to be at an
impasse, the Commission could ask the Council for an emergency ordinance; or,
the applicant can reapply for a variance.
Commissioner Kasolas stated that he was dismayed that the Commission was in a
position where they cannot make a decision on this issue. He strongly
recommended that the matter be continued and that the Commission ask the
Council to consider adopting an emergency ordinance.
M/S: Kasolas, Dickson - That M 88-22 be continued to the meeting of
November 8, 1988; and, that the City Council
be asked to adopt an emergency ordinance
amending Section 21.08.070 of the Campbell --
Municipal Code.
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Discussion on motion
Commissioner Olszewski opposed the motion, noting that there may be other
possibilities for this large lot; that the two-story could be built to the rear
with a minimum of visual problems in the front; that he felt that the code need
not be changed; and, that the impact should be considered for all properties
equally - not just for the adjacent properties.
Chairman Christ opposed the motion, noting that he is in favor of the ordinance
as it stands; and, that he feels there are other alternatives available to the
applicant.
Vote on motion
Motion carried with the following roll call
vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Kasolas, Stanton, Perrine, Dickson
NOES: Commissioners: Olszewski, Walker, Christ
ABSENT: Commissioners: None.
~c*~
PUBLIC HEARINGS
V 88-06 Continued public hearing to consider the
Leinwetter, P. application of Mr. Paul Leinwetter for a
variance to the side and rear yard setbacks
and a variance to the requirement allowing
only one accessory building over 200 sq.ft.
in size in order to allow the construction of
a detached carport on property known as 1171
E1 Solyo Ave. in an R-1 (Single Family
Residential) Zoning District.
Principal Planner Stafford reviewed the Staff Report of October 25, 1988,
noting that. Staff is recommending denial of this request.
Chairman Christ opened the public hearing and invited anyone to speak on this
item.
Mr. James Hurley, 1143 E1 Solyo Ave., asked how long the applicant would be
given to remove the structure.
City Attorney Seligmann responded that the applicant would have at least ten
days in which to remove the structure because of the appeal period. After the
appeal period of ten days, the City would then proceed through legal channels
which would add time to the process.
Mr. Paul Leinwetter, applicant, stated that he has decided to take the
structure down. Mr. Leinwetter requested that he be allowed the keep the
carport structure until after the rainy season, guaranteeing that it be removed
by the end of April 1981. The applicant noted that he did not have the
financial means to make major modifications to the structure to meet the City's
or the neighbor's requirements.
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M/S: Walker, Perrine -
M/S: Perrine, Kasolas -
Discussion on motion
That the public hearing on V 88-06 be
closed. Motion carried unanimously (7-0-0)
That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution
No. 2561 denying V 88-06; and, that the
sub3ect carport structure be completely and
totally removed within 180 days from this
date (April 25, 1989).
Discussion ensued regarding the applicant adding a roof to the illegal
structure.
Amendment to motion
M/ Walker - That the motion for denial be amended to
stated that the structure cannot be modified
_.. or added to in any way during the 180 day
period. Motion fails for lack of a second.
' Discussion on motion
Commissioner Olszewski opposed the motion, because he felt that allowing the
structure to stand for 180 more days was not desireable.
~I
Commissioner Stanton agreed with Commissioner Olszewski, noting that this issue
has been dragging on for some time. He stated that the structure should
removed at the end of the appeal period.
Vote on motion
Motion for denial and removal of structure
within 180 days carried with the following
roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Kasolas, Perrine, Dickson, Christ
NOES: Commissioners: Stanton, Olszewski, Walker
ABSENT: Commissioners: None.
~~~~
R 88-03 Continued public hearing to consider the
UP 84-04 application of the South Bay Covenant Church
South Bay Covenant for a reinstatement of a previously approved
Use Permit which allowed the establishment of
a church on property known as 1300 Sheffield
Ave. (Dover School) in a P-F (Public
Facilities) Zoning District.
Principal Planner Stafford reviewed the Staff Report of October 25, 1988,
noting that Staff is recommending approval of this reinstatement for a period ~
to expire June 30, 1989. -
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Chairman Christ opened the public hearing and invited anyone to speak on this
item.
m Mrs. Charlotte Wendell, Manchester Ave., thanked the Commission for their help
with the problems at Dover School, and noted that the City must establish a
policy wherein school property is treated as a total entity, rather than on a
piecemeal basis. Additionally, Mrs. Wendell thanked the School District for
meeting with the residents, noting that she hoped to be able to continue
working with them towards resolution at the school sight.
M/S: Perrine, Walker - That the public hearing on R 88-03/UP 84-04
be closed. Motion carried unanimously
(7-0-0).
M/S: Perrine, Stanton - That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution
No. 2566, incorporating findings as indicated
in the Staff Report of October 25, 1988,
approving R 88-03/UP 84-04 for a period
ending June 30, 1989. Motion carried with
the following roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Kasolas, Stanton, Perrine, Olszewski,
Walker, Dickson, Christ
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: None.
Commissioner Dickson asked that the City Council correspond with the School
District regarding multiple use issues at school sites, and that some kind of
dialogue continue between the School District and the City.
Commissioner Kasolas asked if it would be more appropriate to consider what is
allowable under the P-F (Public Facilities) Zoning District when it is taken
from a school use and turned into commercial or quasi-private uses.
Commissioner Walker suggested that Use Permits on school sites might be
coordinated to expire all at the same time.
Commissioner Olszewski noted that the situation is very delicate. He felt it
necessary to continue some type of dialogue between the City and the School
District; and, agreed that the School District should consider a master
development and master plan on school sites to weigh cumulative impacts of the
uses.
Commissioner Dickson noted that Dover School is not the only school site, and
he would like to circumvent future problems if possible.
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MISCELLANEOUS
SA 88-45
Cal-Neon
Planner II Haley reviewed the
Staff is recommending approval
conditions as indicated in the
Signing request - McWhorter's - 295 E.
Hamilton Ave. - C-1-S (Neighborhood
Commercial) Zoning District.
Staff Report of October 25, 1988, noting that
of the applicant's request, subject to the
report.
Commissioner Olszewski reported that this item was before the Site and
Architectural Review Committee. The Committee is recommending approval of the
wall mounted sign reading "McWhorter's", and the freestanding sign reading
"McWhorter's Stationers", as well as the awning sign reading "Hallmark Cards".
Approval is not being recommended for signage reading "Gifts, Furniture, and
Copy Center" - this signage is viewed as excessive signage which would set a
precedent, in that it advertises services.
Mr. Craig Maynard, Cal-Neon Sign Co., asked for reconsideration of signage on
the awnings.at the parking lot elevations. Mr. Maynard indicated that
McWhorter's has become quite diversified, thereby requiring the additional
signage. Also, the signage down the side of the building will help to brighten
up the building. Mr. Maynard noted that there are numerous other signs in the
area which indicate services or products.. McWhorter's is of the opinion that
if their facility is correctly identified from the outside of the building,
they can mitigate the need for unattractive window signage in the future.
City Attorney Seligmann commented that findings must be made for denial of
specific signage.
Chairman Christ stated that he considers "Hallmark" a particular brand, and
"Copy Center", etc., as types of services offered - and, he has voted against
these types of signs in the past.
Commissioner Kasolas referred to signage at the Standard Oil service station on
Bascom & Hamilton Aves., noting that the Commission unanimously disapproved of
the excessive signage at that location; however, there was a policy set for
approval. The signage being requested by McWhorter's is much less than
Standard Oil's.
M/S: Perrine, Walker - That the Planning Commission adopt findings
as indicated in the Staff Report of October
25, 1988, and approve SA 88-45 as follows:
(1) A wall mounted sign reading
"McWhorter's", measuring 4Q.6 sq.ft.; (2) One
awning sign reading "Hallmark Cards"; (3) A
freestanding sign reading "McWhorter's
Stationer's", measuring 48 sq.ft. and a
height of 12'0"; and, that the Planning
Coasaission find that additional signage as
follows are not necessary to identify the --
location of the building, given the approved
signage: (1) Awning signs reading "Gifts,
Furniture, Copy Center". Motion carried -
unanimously (7-0-0).
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
TA 88-04 Continued public hearing to consider a
City-initiated City-initiated amendment to Chapter 21.26 (C3
Central Business District) of the Campbell
Municipal Code to provide development and use
regulations for the downtown area.
Mr. Marty Woodworth, Redevelopment Manager, reviewed the Staff Report of
October 25, 1988, noting that a Negative Declaration has been prepared for this
proposal. Additionally, the City Attorney has proposed some revisions to the
draft and these should be incorporated into the text before it goes to the City
Council.
Discussion ensued regarding the various types of uses allowable in the downtown
area.
Commissioner Kasolas expressed concern with making a list of allowable uses,
noting that there appears to be too many "nos" and more red tape.
Commissioner Perrine asked about provisions for outdoor dining; type of
allowable roof designs; allowing cast bronze or iron metals for signage;
clarification on banners; and acceptable signing designers.
Chairman Christ noted that his major concern was regarding setbacks - with the
proposed lack of setbacks, an alley-like corridor is being created which will
not provide for opportunities for light and shadow or interesting nooks.
Commissioner Olszewski felt that a statement is needed in the text to encourage
architectural diversity to encourage pedestrian use.
Commissioner Walker felt that the district provides for the retention of
historic buildings which insures architectural diversity.
Chairman Christ opened the public hearing and invited anyone to speak on this
item.
Mr. Jim Lyle, Pacific Design Group, agreed very strongly about diversity of
architectural styles. Mr. Lyle continued that he felt that mansard roof should
be not disallowed, but that the choice should be left open to avoid design
boredom.
Commissioner Olszewski agreed with Mr. Lyle, however he felt that the proposed
text amendment was the way in which to proceed.
Mr. Woodworth answered the Commission's questions, and noted that the
regulations are intended as guidelines only. Staff feels that there are a
number of things which give the Commission and City Council the necessary
flexibility.
Chairman Christ felt that a change of wording (ie. using discourage or
encourage) would accomplish to intent of the ordinance, but seem less
restrictive to a developer.
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Commissioner Perrine recommended that the text be changed to say that "mansard
roof are not encouraged, unless..."; and, (Pg. 9) that stained glass be allowed
as well.
M/S: Perrine, Dickson -
That the public hearing on TA 88-04 be
closed. Motion carried unanimously (7-0-0).
M/S: Perrine, Walker -
Discussion on motion
That the Planning Commission recommend that
the City Council accept the Negative
Declaration which has been prepared for this
project; and, that the Planning Commission
adopt Resolution No. 256 2, including the
findings as indicated in the Staff Report of
October 25, 1988, and the revisions as
recommended by the City Attorney in
memorandum of October 24, 1988, recommending
that the City Council approve TA 88-04.
Commissioner Kasolas stated that would be in favor of changing the PD (Planned
Development) Zoning to C3 by resolution - not by ordinance. However, he
thought that many of the provisions in the amendment were too restrictive and
would tend to discourage development; and, he expressed great difficulty in
trying to legislate architectural expression.
Vote on motion
AYES: Commissioners: Stanton, Perrine, Olszewski, Walker,
Dickson, Christ
NOES: Commissioners: Kasolas
ABSENT: Commissioners: None.
~ * ~
The Commission recessed at 9:55 p.m.; the meeting reconvened at 10:05 p.m.
Commissioners Kasolas and Dickson left the meeting at this time.
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GP 88-02 Continued public hearing to consider a
City-initiated General Plan Amendment to the Land Use
Element of the General Plan addressing land
use policies in the downtown area.
Principal Planner Stafford reviewed the Staff Report of October 25, 1988,
noting that Staff is recommending approval of this amendment.
Chairman Christ opened the public hearing and invited anyone to speak on this
item.
M/S: Stanton, Walker - That the public hearing on GP 88-02 be
closed. Motion carried unanimously (5-0-2).
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M/S: Perrine, Olszewski -
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
That the Planning Commission recommend that
the City Council accept the Negative
Declaration which has been prepared for this
item; and, that the Planning Commission adopt
Resolution No. 2563, incorporating findings
as indicated in the Staff Report of October
25, 1988, recommending that the City Council
approve GP 88-02. Motion carried with the
following roll call vote:
Walker
Commissioners: Stanton, Perrine, Olszewski,~D~~~, Christ
Commissioners: None
Commissioners: Kasolas, Dickson.
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ZC 88-04 Continued public hearing to consider the
City-initiated City-initiated zone change from PD (Planned
_.. Development) to C3 (Central Business
District) for properties located within Civic
Center Dr. and Orchard City Dr. (Downtown
Core Area)..
Principal Planner Stafford reviewed the Staff Report of October 25, 1988,
noting that Staff is recommending approval of this zone change.
Chairman Christ opened the public hearing and invited anyone to speak on this
item.
M/S: Stanton, Walker -
M/S: Perrine, Olszewski -
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
That the public hearing on ZC 88-04 be
closed. Motion carried unanimously (5-0-2).
That the Planning Commission recommend that
the City Council accept the Negative
Declaration which has been prepared for this
item; and, that the Planning Commission adopt
Resolution No. 2564, incorporating findings
as indicated in the Staff Report of October
25, 1988, recommending that the City Council
approve ZC 88-04. Motion carried with the
following roll call vote:
Walker
Commissioners: Stanton, Perrine, Olszewski, ~ili~, Christ
Commissioners: None
Commissioners: Kasolas, Dickson.
* * ~
TA 88-06 Public hearing to consider City-initiated
City-initiated amendments to Chapter 21.06 (PD - Planned
Development District) of the Campbell
Municipal Code.
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Principal Planner Stafford reviewed the Staff Report of October 25, 1988.
City Attorney Seligmann noted that if this amendment is approved, decisions of
the Commission and/or Council would not be subject to referendum or
initiatives; and, findings would be required for approval of projects in the
Planned Development Zoning District.
Discussion ensued regarding appeal procedures, tracking procedures, and
noticing procedures.
Commissioner Olszewski felt that the time spent tracking the notices for
Planned Developments could be better spent by Staff in many other ways.
Commissioner Perrine asked if this amendment would affect development
agreements - would the resolution have as much power as an ordinance.
Mr. Seligmann responded that challenging an ordinance requires a slightly
higher standard of reasons for making the decision. With resolutions, it is
only required to show that findings were incorrect - this is a slightly lower
standard of proof. If the findings for approval are in order, the difference
is very small.
Chairman Christ expressed great concern about losing any of the legalities
associated with an ordinance.
M/S: Stanton, Perrine -
M/S: Stanton, Perrine -
AYES: Commissioners:
NOES: Commissioners:
ABSENT: Commissioners:
That the public hearing on TA 88-06 be
closed. Motion carried unanimously (5-0-2).
That the Planning Commission recommend that
the City Council accept the Negative
Declaration which has been prepared for TA
88-06; and, that the Planning Commission
adopt Resolution No. 2565, incorporating
findings as indicated in the Staff Report of
October 25, 1988, recommending that the City
Council adopt Staff Recommendation ~~2 which
reads "Amend Chapter 21.06 so that Planned
Development Permits may be approved by
Resolution rather than by Ordinance, as
indicated in Exhibit A." of TA 88-06. Motion
carried with the following roll call vote:
Walker
Stanton, Perrine, Olszewski, ~~f:1I~1~, Christ
None
Kasolas, Dickson.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Staff Report
Staff Report regarding cancellation of
meeting of December 27, 1988.
M/S: Walker, Stanton -
That the Planning Commission meeting of
December 27, 1988 be cancelled. If, for some
reason, there are a number of applications
filed for this meeting, the Commission can
consider rescheduling the meeting to another
date in December. Motion carried unanimously
(5-0-2).
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SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Subcommittee Report Site & Architectural Review Procedure
Committee; Tree Preservation Committee; Site
& Architectural Review Committee; Dover
School Uses Subcommittee.
Tree Preservation Committee
Commissioner Olszewski commented that this Committee is actually more of a Tree
Conservation Committee; and, that the suggested ordinance only addresses new
developments involving townhome and multiple family developments (not single
family homes).
Commissioner Perrine noted that this might encourage large trees to be
preserved in a development where they would not have enough water, etc. He
felt that design elements were needed and that there were too many
restrictions. The ordinance should address trees that are not healthy or trees
that are not appropriate.
Commissioner Olszewski stated that it is not really the intent of the Committee
to work on the details, but rather to identify or see if a problem existed.
Staff could then address the details.
Commissioner Perrine and Chairman Christ felt that the topography map
requirement should be eliminated when the draft is composed by Staff.
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST: Arthur A. Kee
Secretary
RECORDED: Linda Dennis
Recording Secretary
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There being no further business, the meeting
was adjourned at 10:55 p.m.
APPROVED: Ronald W. Christ
Chairman