HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11/29/1975
October 28, 1975
M I NUT E S
of the regular meeting of the South San Francisco Planning Commission
TIME: 8:00 P.M.
DATE: OCTOBER 28, 1975
PLACE: WEST ORANGE LIBRARY AUDITORIUM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice-Chairman Slade, Commissioners Bertucelli, Goldberg,
Mathewson, Mullin, Teglia and Chairman Hale
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT:
City Planner
David C. Hale
Assistant Planner
Mark Duino
Director of Public Services
Frank J. Addiego
Zoning Administrator
City Engineer
William Costanzo
Robert Yee
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of October 14, 1975
Vice-Chairman Slade stated that on page 3464 undervapproval of previous minutes,
he was listed under both "AYEII and "ABSTAINED,II and that he had abstained.
Commissioner Mullin stated that on page 3466 regarding UP-75-319, his "noll vote
had not been recorded. Commissioner Teglia stated that on the same page, fifth
paragraph, the word lIappropriatell had been left out. The statement should read,
1I...from the lappropriatel property owners...1I She further stated that the word
lIappropriate" had also been left out of the same statement under UP-75-320, page
3467, third paragraph.
Vice-Chairman Slade moved that, with the above corrections, the minutes of the
regular meeting of the South San Francisco Planning Commission of October 14,
1975, be approved. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mullin and was
passed by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Vice-Chairman Slade, Commissioners Goldberg, Mullin, Teglia,
and Chairman Hale
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAINED: Commissioners Bertucelli and Mat~ewson
ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING TAPE RECORDING OF MEETING
Chairman Hale announced that this meeting of the South San Francisco Planning
Commission would be recorded on tape, but that anyone who wished to come before
the Commission to be heard, but who objected to having his or her voice re-
corded in this manner, could request the Chairman to order the tape recorder
turned 1I0ffll for the duration of the time that he or she is speaking or is heard.
October 28, 1975
V-75-l88
V-75-188, a request of Henry Mosqueda for a variance to construct a room
addition in the required rear yard setbac~ at 101 Toyon Avenue.
Secretary Hale presented the staff report. He further read into the record
a letter from Mr. Anthony Reedy, 627 Mayfair, South San F~ancisco, favoring
the application.
Proponent: Mr. James Conn, representing the applicant
103 Toyon
South San Francisco, CA
Opponent: None
There was some discussion on the garages of the homes in that area. Mr. Conn
noted that most garages are in the back of thelfot and are extremely narrow
so that almost no one uses his garage.
Commissioner Mathewson moved that V-75-l88 be approved subject to the conditions
of the staff report. Commissioner Bertucelli seconded the motion and it was
passed unanimously.
REPORTS
R-3 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Secretary Hale presented the staff report.
The Commission requested to know if any develq~~r besides the Brosnans had been
consulted with regard to the proposed R-3 development standards. Secretary
Hale noted that he had contacted Frank Mammini who was not what one might call
exhuberant about the standards but felt they were feasible.
The Commission further requested if Pacifica and Burlingame had open space
standards in thei r apartment zone'i>because these two c it i esweY'e"!;mc~>~i i nc 1 uded
in the staff report survey. Secretary Hale stated that Burlingame is presently
working on their apartment open space standards and that Pacifica was not
contacted.
There was some discussion between staff and the Commission regarding No.5 of
the staff report relating to combining additional parcels to existing parcels
of 50 feet or greater in width to achieve a higher density than that stipulated
in the Zoning Ordinance. Commissioner Bertucelli expressed concern about
ultimate densities in the Urban Core if there were no restrictions. Secretary
Hale stated that a few additional units would be possible but parking and open
space requirements plus economics of construction type wou],d prevent excessive
densities. He further stated that the Urban Core should be used as a support
function for commercial uses and that g~eater densities might be appropriate
in the downtown area.
Commissioner Goldberg noted that with no height limitation, he felt there
could be a traffic problem when the streets are narrow already. Secretary
October 28, 1975
R-3 Standards, contld
Hale indicated that the Use Permit procedures were recommended to avoid such
potential problems.
Commissioner Mathewson requested to know what the requirements of the Build-
ing Division are:~r, Secr'i:tary Hale stated that above three stories, they require
a sprinkler system, two ways of ingress and egress and a different type of
construction.
Commissioner Mullin requested to know the need for such a large private open
space. Secretary Hale stated that there is no absolute figure for the size
of the balconies, but that in most cities, the average size seems to be about
seven feet minimum dimension. Below a certain dimension, a balcony becomes more
an architectural feature than a usable space.
The Commission expressed to staff their feelings that maybe staff was being
too generous with the amount of private open space. Some discussion followed
on the size of private open space. Some of the Commissioners felt that since
private open space should definitely be usable, perhaps a five foot balcony
was too small. There was some discussion on the need for a balcony at all.
Some Commissioners felt that most people do not use the balconies that exist,
especially with the type of climate in South San Francisco. It was noted that
since most developers are not going to retain the apartment complex, they
should be built in a way that would be appealing to a potential buyer. Secre-
tary Hale stated that profit is important, but livability should not be disregarded.
The Commission requested to Know if it would be possible to provide an alterna-
tive to builders by allowing group usable open space in lieu of balconies if
the builder so chooses. Secretary Hale stated that the provision of a balcony
provides architectural variety to the building and private usable open space
for the tenant.
The Commission.suggested th.atr.possibly other contractors in South San Francisco
should be notified of the proposed R-3 standards for their feedback. Secretary
Hale said this could be done.
There ensued some discussion on security problems. Some of the Commissioners
felt that maybe some aesthetics should be given up in order to add more safety
features. Some of the Commissioners agreed that this would be an ideal oppor-
tunity for developers and architects to get involved with this problem and
build accordingly. They felt that there should be some provisions addressing
this problem in the proposed R-3 Standards. Secretary Hale informed the
Commission that a building security ordinance is now being reviewed by the
City Council which will make such requirements mandatory for new construction.
Mr. Tim Brosnan, a developer, expressed his feelings that tenants in South
San Francisco do not want balconies but that he would like to see a survey
done to determine exactly what tenants do want. He further stated that he
has always been security conscious and would like to see garage doors put
in the back for security reasons. He also noted that because rents in South
San Francisco have been kept low, there have never been problems in South
San Francisco with vacancies. Mr. Brosnan noted that he felt rents would be
increasing by $25 within the next year and that higher density is impractical
at this time. Mr. Brosnan felt that there would be no building in South San
Francisco if the proposed R-3 Standards were approved.
- 3473 -
October 28, 1975
R-3 Standards, cont'd
The Commission directed staff to take a survey of a cross section of apart-
ment dwellers in South San Francisco to find out what they would want in terms
of open space. The Commission then asked staff for a reasonable timetable
to complete the survey and to bring the R-3 Standards back to the Commission.
Secretary Hale said that two meetings away would be desirable.
Commissioner Mathewson moved that the matter on the R-3 Standards be tabled
until the survey had been completed and further study done on the matter.
Commi ss i oner Bertuce 11 i seconded the moti on and it was passed uffiainimous ly.
VACATION OF STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY
Staff report recommending that the Planning Commission recommend to City
Council approval of the proposed vacation of a right-of-way for street
and highway purposes on the Housing Authority site at "CII Street.
Secretary Hale presented the staff report.
The Commission requested to know if this was a public hearing. Secretary
Hale stated that no public hearing was necessary on this matter.
The Commission requested to know if the Ponderosa and El Camino signaliza-
tion WOUlt& alleviate the school traffic problem. Secretary Hale said that
the City Engineer and the School District Engineer had determined that it
would.
Director of Public Services Addiego stated to the Commission that the lIe"
Street loop is a public right-of-way and that it will be upgraded to a
proper width. The alternative to these improvements would be to abandon
it as a public right-of-way and make it a private road, but the federal
government rejected that alternative. As for the proposed vacation, the
easement is for road purposes and there is no need for it. According to
State law, there must be a resolution of intention to vacate initiated by
City Council and then brought before the Planning Commission for review
and report before final action is taken by the Council.
Commissioner Bertucelli moved that the Commission recommend to City Council
the approval of the proposed vacation of the right-of-way at IIC" Street.
Commissioner Teglia seconded the motion and it was passed by the following
vote:
AYES: Vice-Chairman Slade, Commissioners Bertucelli, Goldberg,
~ullin, Teglia and Chairman Hale
NOES: Commissioner Mathewson
ABSENT: None
- 3474 -
October 28, 1975
COLMA CREEK FLOOD CONTROL IMPROVEMENT PLANS
Staff report discussing the status of flood control plans for Colma Creek,
downstream from Airport Boulevard (station points 174+30 to 207+70).
Secretary Hale presented the staff report, stating that no action was
mecessary and that the report was presented to the Commission for informa-
tion purposes only.
The Commission requested to know how wide the new channel would be. Secre-
tary Hale said that it would be 148 feet.
GOOD AND WELFARE
Secretary Hale requested that the Commission submit their expense accounts
from the League of California Cities meeting for reimbursement.
The Commission requested an update on the palmistry matter. Secretary Hale
said that this matter could be discussed with the Council at the joint
meeting on October 29, 1975, but that there had been a petition signeci>by
tenants and property owners along Grand Avenue, as we 11 as otherl).pr~plier~y
owners in the City, against the action of the Planning Commission as being
incompatible with other uses along Grand Avenue. A public hearing on this
matter has been scheduled for November 19 by the City Council.
The Commission requested to know the status of the Callan 10 acre site.
Secretary Hale noted that this site has been rezoned to R-l as recommended
by the Commission.
Chairman Hale noted to staff that coming off Westborough Boulevard on the
west off-ramp there was a private dump and requested Mr. Addiego to have
someone pick up this trash.
Commissioner Slade requested a report on the transit system and wondered
why there could not be a stop at Westborough Boulevard and Highway 280.
Secretary Hale stated that since there is no place for people to park in that
area and no place for people to board the bus, a bus stop there would be un-
desirable. He further noted that all the routes are doing extremely well,
with the exception of the Industrial Route.
There being nothing further to be considered under Good and Welfare and no
communications or other matters of interest for the Commission, Chairman Hale
announced that the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission would be
held on November 11, 1975, at 8:00 p.m. at West Orange Library Auditorium.
- 3475 -
October 28, 1975
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Homer V. Hale, Chairman
Planning Commission
City.of South San Francisco
&
.a. c ,,' ft
LL~.J-- ,~,~....
David C. Hale, Secretary
Planning Commission
City of South San Francisco
NOTE:
The entries of this Planning Commission meeting indicate the action taken
by the Planning Commission to dispose of each item. Oral presentations,
arguments, and documents are recorded on tape. The tapes are available in
the Office of the City Planner. Documents related to the items discussed
are on file in the Office of the City Planner and are available for public
inspection.
- 3476 -