Loading...
PC Min 09/20/1977PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF CAMPBELL, CALIFORPIIA TUESDAY, 7:30 P.M. MINUTES SEPTEMBER 20, 1977 The Planning Commission of the City of Campbell convened this day in regular session at the regular meeting place, the Council Chambers of the City Hall, 75 North Central Avenue, Campbell, California. ROLL CALL Commissioners: Hebard, Campos, Vierhus, Samuelson, Lubeckis, Chairman Dickson, PRESENT Secretary Arthur A. Kee; Senior Planner Bruce Powell; Senior Planner Phil Stafford; City Attorney J. Robert Dempster; Engineering Manager Bill Helms; Recording Secretary Stacy Antinelli. ABSENT Commissioners: Pack. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Campos moved that the minutes of the September 6, 1977, meeting be approved, seconded by Commissioner Samuelson and unanimously adopted. COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Kee advised the Commission that he had received a letter from the Planning Director of the City of San Jose regarding the area north of the Ainsley Property. He explained that this was an informational item. ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS "S" 77-37 Application of Mr. Walter L. Crafford for Crafford, W. L. approval of plans to construct a three unit development on property known as 195 W. Rincon Avenue in a P-D (Planned Development/Medium Density Residential) Zoning District. Commissioner Campos reported that the Architectural Review Committee met with the staff and applicant and reviewed the proposed plans. The Architectural Review Committee is recommending approval of this application, subject to the conditions recommended by staff. Mr. Kee stated that the staff is also recommending approval. Commissioner F;ebard moved that "S" 77-37 be approved, subject to the followir~~; conditions: CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - "S" 77-37 Crafford, W. L. The applicant is notified as part of this application that he is required to meet the following conditions in accordance with Ordinances of the City of Campbell. A. All parking and driveway areas to be developed in compliance with Section 21.50 of the Campbell Municipal Code. All parking spaces to be provided with appropriate concrete curbs or bumper guards. B. Underground utilities to be provided as required by Section 20.16.878 of the Campbell Municipal Code. C. Plans submitted to t}ie Building Department for plan check shall indicate clearly the location of all connections for underground utilities, including water, sewer, electric, telephone and television cables, etc. D. Sign application to be submitted in accordance with provisions of the Sign Ordinance for all signs. r1o sign to be installed until application is approved and permit issued by the Building Department. E. Ordinance No. 782 of the Campbell Municipal Code stipulates that any contract for the collection and disposal of refuse, garbage, wet garbage, and rubbish produced within the limits of the City of Campbell shall be made with Green Valley Disposal Company. This requirement applies to all single family dwellings, multiple apartment units, to all commercial, business, industrial, manufacturing, and construction establishments. F. Trash container(s) of a size and quantity necessary to serve the development shall be located in area(s) approved by the Fire Department.. Unless otherwise noted, enclosure(s) shall consist of a concrete floor surrounded by a solid wall or fence and have self-closing doors of a size specified by the Fire Department. All enclosures to be constructed at grade level. G. Applicant shall meet State requirements for the handicapped. FIRE DEPARTMENT H. Provide one 2A-lOBC fire extinguisher in a metal cabinet. I. Locate trash area on plans. The applicant is notified that he shall comply with all applicable Codes or Ordinances of the City of Campbell which pertain to this development and are not herein specified. Motion seconded by Commissioner Lubeckis and unanimously adopted. -2- PUBLIC FiEARIIIGS UP 77-11 This is the time and place for continued Whitney, William public hearing on the application of William Whitney for approval of plans to construct a skateboard park on property known as 2155 South Bascom Avenue in a C-2-S Zoning District. Commissioner Campos reported that the Architectural Review Committee met with the staff and applicant. The committee was going to recommend a continuance of this item due to the fact that the revised plans were received late and the appropriate City Departments were not able to review them. The committee did, however, request that the staff try to route the plans for this item to the other departments for review before the meeting began. The staff did this and have submitted an addendum for the Commission's review. Mr. Kee explained that the staff recommends approval of the Use Permit, subject to the following two conditions: 1. Site and Architectural approval of Site Plans and building elevations by the Planning Commission. 2. Use Permit to expire one year from date of approval unless project is under construction. Commissioner Hebard stated that this was a public hearing and that the people in the audience might want to hear more about the noise report. Mr. Kee stated that the noise report was only received at noon on Monday and the staff was not able to prepare a summary for the Commission. He went on to say that the staff could not foresee any major problems in this area. If the Commission feels that a summary of this report is necessary, a continuance can be recommended until a summary can be made to present to the Commission. Commissioner Vierhus suggested that this item be continued to the next meeting until a summary of the noise report can be presented. Some discussion was held centering around whether a continuance would be needed to acquire new information in order to make a decision at this time. Chairman Dickson asked if the applicant could give a description of his project to the Commission. Mr. William Whitney, applicant, explained that the area will be used to provide a skateboard park for controlled skateboarding. He presented a set of plans for the Commission's review and explained the layout. The park is set up so that it will hold 100 skaters at one time. -3- Chairman Dickson declared the public hearing open and asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak on this item. Mr. Ken Burns, 3200 Payne Avenue, appeared before the Commission to speak in favor of the skateboard park. He explained that there are approximately two million youngsters around the Santa Clara Valley that are riding skateboards and that this activity is banned on streets and sidewalks in most cities. He talked about the popularity of the sport and the need for a controlled area to ride skateboards. Chairman Dickson asked Mr. Burns residents along the outskirts of Mr. Burns stated that the only n~ be if the park played music over Mr. Whitney stated that the park the skateboarders. At this time the Commission took reconvened at 8:05 p.m. about the noise factor for the park. rise that would be bothersome would a PA system. will not be playing music for a short break. The meeting was Commissioner Vierhus moved that the public hearing be closed. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Samuelson and unanimously adopted. Chairman Dickson raised the question whether or not a sound barrier is included on the plans and if so, will it be a six foot high wall. Mr. Kee stated that this is the reason that Site and Architectural approval is being conditioned so that these kinds of matters can be discussed when the plans are reviewed. Chairman Dickson asked if the noise factor is compatible with the provisions in the City's General Plan. Mr. Kee said that it is compatible with the General Plan and asked Senior Planner Phil Stafford to respond in greater detail. Mr. Stafford presented the Noise Element maps of the General Plan and explained the requirements related to this item. Chairman Dickson reminded the Commission that action is being taken on the Use Permit and that the plans will be referred back at a later time. Commissioner Hebard expressed concern that there are few such parks in this area and that Campbell will be an experimental city. He mentioned that we have no other sources to help us determine possible future problems and expressed the opinion that maybe Campbell should wait until such parks are built in other cities. -4- Commissioners Vierhus, Campos, and Samuelson agreed that such action would not be necessary; someone has to be first. Commissioner Samuelson stated that this park should not be treated any different than any other new recreational area built within the City of Campbell (he .gave the example of children's putting courses). Mr. Kee said that the only problem that he could foresee would be with a PA system for music and the applicant has already addressed this matter. RESOLUTION N0. 1637 Commissioner Vierhus moved that the Planning Commission adopt a Resolution approving UP 77-11, application of William E. Whitney, subject to the recommended conditions, seconded by Commissioner Campos and adopted by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners: Campos, Vierhus, Samuelson, Dickson. NOES: Commissioners: Hebard. ABSENT: Commissioners: Pack. ABSTAIN: Commissioners: Lubeckis. UP 77-12 This is the time and place for public hearing Bartell, N. to consider the application of Mr. Norman Elfer, E. Bartell and Mr. Ed Elfer for a use permit and approval of plans to convert an existing residence into an office on property known as 69 E. Hamilton Avenue in a P-0 (Professional Office) Zoning District. Commissioner Campos reported that the Architectural Review Committee met with the staff and applicant and recommends continuance in order that revised plans may be submitted. The committee was concerned about problems with the parking and also the elevations. He explained that the applicant felt that the building has gone through enough changes to satisfy the requirements and would like to know what the Architectural Advisor means by "significant" modifications. Mr. Kee informed the Commission that he has talked with the applicant since the Architectural Review Committee meeting and he has concurred with the committee's recommendation of continuance. Chairman Dickson declared the public hearing open and invited anyone in the audience to speak for or against this item. There was no response from the audience. Commissioner Hebard moved that UP 77-12 be continued to the next regular meeting so that revised plans may be submitted by the applicant. Motion seconded by Commissioner Samuelson and unanimously adopted. -5- UP 77-13 This is the time and place for public Martinez, M. R. hearing to consider the application of Mr. Michael R. Martinez for a use permit and approval of plans to allow construction of a skateboard park on property known as 2885 S. Winchester Blvd., in a C-H (Highway Commercial) Zoning District. Commissioner Campos reported that the Architectural Review Committee met with the staff and applicant and recommends approval, subject to the conditions recommended by staff. Mr. Kee stated that staff recommends approval subject to the listed conditions. One of the conditions requires that the on-site lighting be approved by the Public Works Department and prohibits a PA system. In response to some discussion about elevations and the building, Mr. Kee stated that these items were not presenting any problems. He also added that he received three correspondences on this item: 1. A memo dated September 20, Youth Advisory Commission, skateboard park. 1977, from the chairman of the Ken Podgorsek, in favor of the 2. A letter from Mrs. Charles skateboard park. With her from the Campbell Press. Yarborrough opposing the letter she included an article 3. A list dated September 20, 1977, containing names and addresses of three couples in opposition to the project. All of the above items are filed in the Office of the Planning Department. Chairman Dickson asked if the staff had reviewed the noise report so to make any recommendations. Mr. Kee stated that the noise report was similar to the other report and compatible with the City of Campbell Noise Element. Chairman Dickson asked Mr. Kee if the noise barrier wall was included on the plans. Mr. Kee stated that it was. Chairman Dickson declared the public hearing open and invited anyone in the audience to speak for or against this item. Mr. Michael R. Martinez, applicant, informed the Commission that he had gone to residents along the proposed park asking them if they would sign a letter saying that they don't object to the park being built. This letter is included in the Planning Department files.- Included in the plans is a barrier wall which extends along residences which back up to the skateboard park. He explained that the starting platform for the skateboarders will be built in the middle of the park to decrease any noises. The wheels of the skateboards are plastic so they make little noise against the concrete. -6- Commissioner Lubeckis asked Mr. Martinez if he owns any other existing skateboard parks. Mr. Martinez said that he does not. He mentioned that he has done an extensive amount of research on skateboard parks in California and has put a lot of the good qualities from these parks into his proposed park. He then went on to explain the design of the park. He informed the Commission that he has purchased the land and is not leasing it. He stated that this is an advantage because if the park is not successful, he can change the usage. There was some discussion between Commissioner Lubeckis and Mr. Martinez regarding what constitutes a good versus bad park, the safety aspects of the park, and the dangers of skateboarding. Commissioner Lubeckis agreed with Commissioner Hebard on the idea of reviewing other skateboard parks for some time before the decision is made to allow a park in Campbell. Mr. Stephen Bowman, investor in the skateboard park, explained to the Commission the report given them. He then talked about the safety aspect of controlled parks and stated that the park is designed to handle a wide range of skateboarding levels. He feels the park will be a community and county asset. Plans for the park will be submitted to the insurance company before insurance will be received (will have maximum coverage). He does not feel that City liability will ever become a problem. tFe informed the Commission of a study done by the Huntington Beach Police Department on skate- board parks. Discussion was held between Commissioner Lubeckis and Mr. Bowman regarding the safety of skateboarding and the safety of the park. Commissioner Lubeckis stated that safety was not an item which technically concerns the Planning Commission but he, as an individual, is concerned about the safety factor rather than the noise factor. Commissioner Hebard moved that the public hearing be closed. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Vierhus and unanimously adopted. Commissioner Hebard stated that he felt the Commission should wait so that more information and background could be gained from observing other skateboard parks. RESOLUTION N0. 1638 Commissioner Samuelson moved that the Planning Commission adopt a Resolution approving UP 77-13, application of Michael R. Martinez, subject to the recommended conditions, seconded by Commissioner Vierhus and adopted by the following roll call vote: (Vote contained on the following page). -7- AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Commissioners: Campos, Vierhus, Samuelson, Dickson. Commissioners: Hebard. Commissioners: Pack. Commissioners: Lubeckis. Commissioner Hebard said that the Commission has now approved the use permits for two skateboard parks and he feels that a recommenda- tion should be made to the City Council that they consider handling these parks as they do arcades. The number of parks allowed in the City should be limited or guidelines established governing them. Commissioner Vierhus moved that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that they consider establishing guidelines and limitations on skateboard parks within the City of Campbell. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hebard. The motion carried with Commissioner Samuelson opposing. Chairman Dickson called for a break at 9:00 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:15 p.m. PD 77-24 This is the time and place for continued Bosholm, P. W. public hearing to consider the application of Mr. Paul W. Bosholm for .approval of plans, elevations, and development schedule to allow construction of a 57 unit single- family patio home style subdivision on property known as 701 E1 Patio Drive in a P-D (Planned Development/High Density Residential) Zoning District. Commissioner Campos reported that the Architectural Review Committee met with the staff and applicant and the committee recommended referral to the Planning Commission for consideration. Mr. Kee presented maps of the subject property, explained the proposal, and reviewed the parking layout. He felt that this develop- ment is more desirable than the developments previously approved for this property. The staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution recommending that the City Council approve conceptual plans, elevations, and development schedule subject to the recommended conditions. Chairman Dickson inquired if the application has been referred to the Santa Clara Valley Water District. Mr. Kee stated that the application has been referred to them. Commissioner Hebard requested to see a map that would show the streets located around the property. He asked if the only access would be from Poplar. -8- Mr. Kee stated that all accesses would have to use Poplar Avenue. E1 Patio is a deadend street. Commissioner Hebard mentioned the traffic situation and problems that might result. He asked if there were plans to open up Page Street. Mr. Helms, Engineering Manager, informed the Commission that there were no specific plans at this time to open Page Street to Campbell Avenue. This would be reviewed if the property along the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks were to come before them for redevelopment. Commissioner Hebard mentioned that there could be a problem with traffic funneling down Poplar Avenue to get onto Campbell Avenue and asked if there were any plans to help alleviate what might be a traffic problem. Commissioner Vierhus asked if there could be an access to Salmar Avenue. Mr. Helms said that staff feels that if an access to Salmar Avenue were open, there would be an increase of through traffic and could cause more traffic problems on Poplar Avenue. Mr. Helms also stated that he has held conversations with Southern Pacific and they are not in agreement with this type of circ elation. Commissioner Vierhus commented that whatever development is put into this property, access to Salmar will be a problem. Mr. Helms said that if Salmar were open across the tracks, it is estimated that it would create more traffic for all the housing tracks in that area. Chairman Dickson asked for a forecast of possible impacts that the proposed project might create. Mr. Helms reported that there will be approximately a 50 percent increase in traffic on the two streets. He stated that the additional volume is in the realm with what the two streets can hold. He also suggested that the applicant enter into an agreement to participate in a Local Improvement District for improvement of those streets in the geographical area bounded by Campbell Avenue to the south, S.P.R.R. to the northwest, and Highway 17 to the northeast. There are no plans for improvement of this area as yet. Commissioner Hebard asked if there has been any interest by the neighbors for street improvements. Mr. Helms said that they have not been approached. Chairman Dickson declared the public hearing open and invited anyone in the audience to speak for or against this item. -9- Mr. Means, 175 North Poplar, appeared before the Commission to oppose the proposed development. He felt that it was impossible to have that amount of traffic run through the area. He mentioned that Hawthorne has a lot of children playing along it and Poplar is a very narrow street. He raised the question of whether a fire truck could get down the street with all the, cars parked along the curb. Chairman Dickson asked Mr. Kee what the Fire Department's opinion of this development was. Mr. Kee reported that the only conditions that the Fire Department recommended were regarding fire hydrants for the project and no on-street parking on 20 foot wide streets. Mr. Helms reported that Poplar, Page, and Hawthorne are 50 feet wide. He said that curb widths may vary in streets but he estimated that from curb to curb they may be from 35 feet to 42 feet. fie also mentioned that street improvements may not be necessarily uniform for all streets. Mr. Paul Bosholm, applicant, stated that there is no doubt that this development will increase traffic but that the traffic will not be as high as it would be for the Senior Citizen Housing development which has previously been approved for this property. He feels that they have more than compensated for any overflow parking by providing off-street parking spaces and he reported that the interior streets have been inspected by the Fire Department. He explained a little about the size and layout of the houses and he feels that they are compatible with the neighboring houses. Mrs. Edith Morley, 649 E. E1 Patio, appeared before the Commission and stated that she preferred this development to the Senior Citizen Housing development approved earlier. In her opinion, private property will be kept up better than a community development. She is concerned about the traffic problem but if the streets are improved, it would help. Commissioner Hebard moved that the public hearing be closed, seconded by Commissioner Campos and unanimously adopted. Chairman Dickson asked Mr. Bosholm if the problem with the Santa Clara Valley Water District had been solved. Mr. Bosholm reported that the problem had not been solved yet but explained that they are working with the district on a solution. Commissioner Hebard stated that he finds no fault with the project but would like to ask for a continuance to receive a report from the Public Works Department on the street problems in the area and how the changing of Campbell Avenue might affect the project. Chairman Dickson felt that they would be penalizing the project for something that should be done outside of the project. -10- Commissioner Hebard expressed the feeling that he would like to see a circulation plan. Commissioner Vierhus stated that it would be almost impossible to receive such a report in two weeks so the item would have to be continued for a longer period. Mr. Helms reported that he does not see any changes with the intersection of Poplar and Campbell. He said that recently a no-left-turn island was placed at that location. Commissioner Hebard again spoke of an access to Salmar Avenue. Edith Morley addressed the Commission and asked if possibly a one-way access could be extended across the railroad tracks to Salmar. Mr. Helms mentioned that it might be possible but discussions with Southern Pacific have been discouraging as far as access across the tracks is concerned. Commissioner Vierhus moved for approval with the added condition that the project be referred to the Santa Clara Valley Water District. Motion seconded by Commissioner Samuelson but failed by a 3-3 vote with Commissioner Pack being absent. Commissioner Hebard moved for a continuance of PD 77-24 for two weeks until there is a full Commission and an opportunity for staff to respond to the request for a circulation detail. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lubeckis and unanimously adopted. PD 77-25 This is the time and place for public Ellison, Ira hearing to consider the application of Mr. Ira Ellison for approval of plans, elevations, and development schedule to allow construction of 6 townhouses and 2 condominiums on property known as 507 W. Rincon Avenue in a P-D (Planned Development/Medium Density Residential). Zoning District. Commissioner Campos reported that the Architectural Review Committee met with the staff and applicant and recommends approval, subject to the recommended conditions. He explained that the applicant was agreeable to Condition No. 3 regarding the articulation of the second floor being carried around to the other elevations. Mr. Bruce Powell, Senior Planner, presented plans for the development and explained the details to the Commission. Commissioner Hebard asked if there is a central recreation facility included in the plans. Mr. Powell explained that each unit has its own private, fenced-in recreation area. -11- Chairman Dickson declared the public hearing open and invited anyone in the audience to speak for or against the item. Mr. Roger Griffin, designer of the project, appeared before the Commission and explained some of the features of the project. He mentioned that outside storage space was available for each unit so that the recreation area need not be used for this purpose. Commissioner Hebard moved that the public hearing be closed, seconded by Commissioner Samuelson and unanimously approved. RESOLUTION N0. 1639 Commissioner Vierhus moved that the Planning Commission adopt a Resolution recommending that the City Council adopt an ordinance approving PD 77-25, application of Mr. Ira Ellison, subject to the recommended conditions, seconded by Commissioner Campos and adopted by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners: Hebard, Campos, Vierhus, Lubeckis, Dickson. NOES: Commissioners: Samuelson. ABSENT: Commissioners: Pack. MISCELLANEOUS Staff Report: Staff report concerning the estab7_ishment Los Gatos Creek of a policy pertaining to easements along the Los Gatos Creek. Mr. Kee reviewed for the Commission the background on this item. He stated that as a result of meetings with the Santa Clara Valley ?dater District, they have developed a map of the Los Gatos Creek Area between Bascom Avenue and Campbell Avenue and they are asking the Commission to use this map as a guideline until future plans have been adopted by the Water District. Mr. John Richardson, from the Santa Clara Valley Water District, appeared before the Commission to explain the Water District's program. He explained that right now they are in the process of doing a planning study for the mentioned area of the Los Gatos Creek. When this study is completed, the Board of Directors will consider the proposed plan and monies will then be budgeted to purchase right of way and build the project. Discussion was then held regarding easements and right of way and the City of Campbell's involvement with the guidelines. Commissioner Hebard asked Mr. Richardson if he was correct in understanding that the City of Campbell would be cooperating with the Santa Clara Valley Water District to keep developments along the specified regions of the Los Gatos Creek from occurring because that land would ultimately be bought by the Water District for flood control. -12- Mr. Richardson said that that was correct and mentioned that most cities cooperate with the Water District on this program. Mr. Kee said that staff feels the Commission should accept the map as an interim guideline until the Board of Directors has adopted a development plan. Mr. Dullea, Board of Directors, was introduced and reinforced Mr. Richardson's outline of the proposed guidelines. Commissioner Vierhus stated that it was his understanding that the Water District could not require dedication on a City Project, but that the [dater District does have the ultimate right of eminent domain. Mr. Dullea said that they cannot require anything. All they are asking for is cooperation to avoid extra expenses of purchasing right of way. If this is done, then it could not be possible to finish this project in the time frame estimated. Chairman Dickson referred to the letter that was received from the Santa Clara Valley Water District concerning this item. This letter is on file in the Office of the Planning Department. Commissioner Hebard moved that the Planning Commission adopt a policy supporting the guideline for possible future easements along the Los Gatos Creek. Motion seconded by Commissioner Vierhus and adopted by the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners: Hebard, Campos, Vierhus, Samuelson, Lubeckis, Dickson. NOES: Commissioners: None. ABSENT: Commissioners: Pack. In response to a question by Commissioner Hebard, Mr. Kee stated that if it was the intent of the Commission to forward this to the City Council,a motion should be made. Commissioner Hebard made a motion to forward the guideline on to the City Council for action and ratification. Motion seconded by Commissioner Vierhus and unanimously adopted. T.S. 77-13 Tentative subdivision map for the Lands of Lands of Williams Williams. A.P.N. 405-25-07. Mr. Kee stated that staff recommends approval, subject to the recommended conditions. Commissioner Hebard moved for approval of T.S. 77-13, subject to the recommended conditions. Motion seconded by Commissioner Vierhus and unanimously adopted. -13- T.S. 77-14 Tentative subdivision map for the Lands of Lands of Bay Bay Area Builders. A.P.N. 403-10-45. Area Builders Commissioner Hebard moved that T.S. 77-14 be approved, subject to the recommended conditions. Motion seconded by Commissioner Vierhus and unanimously adopted. Parking at City Mr. Helms reported that at the City Council Hall meeting of September 19, 1977, the City Council approved the plans for additional parking at the City Hall. The Council wanted this matter brought before the Planning Commission for their information. ADJOURNMEPdT Commissioner Samuelson moved that the Planning Commission meeting be adjourned, seconded by Commissioner Vierhus and unanimously adopted. The meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. APPROVED: J. DuWay e Dickson, Chairman ATTEST: Arthur A. Kee, Secretary -14-