HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03/09/1989
March 9, 1989 regular meeting of the South San Francisco Planning
commission
CALL TO ORDER:
(Cassette No.1)
7:00
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Zellmer, Vice-Chairman Mantegani,
commissioners Boblitt, Matteucci*, Terry, and
Warren.
ABSENT:
Commissioner Wendler
ALSO PRESENT:
Planning Division
Jean T. smith
Maureen K. Morton
Dan Christians
Arthur Wong
Robert Ewing
Richard Harmon
Ron Petrocchi
Dave Parenti
Jake wittwer
Acting DCM/City Engineer
Deputy City Attorney
Engineering Division
Police Department
Fire Department
Building Division
*commissioner Matteucci arrived at 7:05.
CHAIRMAN COMMENTS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES of February 9, 1989
Motion-Boblitt/Second Matteucci: To approve the February 9, 1989
Planning Commission minutes as presented. Approved by the following
roll call vote. AYES: Chairman Zellmer, Commissioners Boblitt,
Matteucci and Terry. ABSTAIN: Vice-Chairman Mantegani and
Commissioner Warren. ABSENT: Commissioner Wendler.
AGENDA ITEMS
Terrabav Development. southern slope of San Bruno Mountain
(Administrative Parcel Nos. 2-04 and 2-06)
a) Public compliance hearing, San Bruno Mountain-Habitat
Conservation Plan and Agreement
b) Terrabay Precise Plan, PP-88-18
c) Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map, SA-88-104
Precise plan and tentative subdivision map to allow construction of
Phase I of the Terrabay project including 168 townhome units
(Terrabay Village) and 125 single family homes (Terrabay Park)
located on the southerly slopes of San Bruno Mountain, northerly of
Hillside Boulevard, easterly of Hillside Elementary School.
Continued from the March 2, 1989 Planning Commission meeting.
Chairman Zellmer read into the record a letter received from Mr.
David Schooley, P.O. Box 80, Brisbane (copy attached).
Director smith informed the Commission that at the end of the March 2
meeting Mrs. Diane Keene submitted a question to staff regarding the
6 foot height of the fence surrounding the catch basins. Mr. Ron
Calhoun, engineering consultant, responded in his letter to staff
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AGENDA ITEMS - continued
dated March 9, 1989, that six feet is a common standard and if the
City wished to have this changed the Joint Powers Authority must
concur.
commissioner Terry stated that material recently put in his mail box
at home by the Bay Area Mountain Watch organization was unlawful.
City's consultant:
Robert Yee
Applicant's representative:
John Ochsner
901 Mariner's Blvd.
San Mateo
commissioner Warren was concerned with the visual impact of the water
tank. Mr. Ochsner stated the tank will be softened with landscaping
and is situated so that it will not be seen from most angles. There
was also a concern regarding illegal parking on private streets.
Sergeant Petrocchi responded that the police department has not
experienced any enforcement problems on private streets and foresees
none for Terrabay. with reference to Stonegate he stated that this
project does not have private streets, only driveways.
commissioner Mantegani questioned the amount of landscaping around
playfields and was assured by staff that a recent plan submittal has
shown the amount of landscaping to have doubled.
In response to the repavement of Randolph Avenue, Mr. Yee stated that
this street was not being repaved as part of this development.
Mr. Ochsner stated the parcourse was eliminated because of the
Recreation Department's recommendation through past experience with
problems of maintenance and little use. He further stated that
details of the ballfields and other facilities (i.e. tot lot
apparatuses) are still being discussed with the Recreation
Department.
In response to Commissioner Boblitt's concern regarding the
homeowners' association, Mr. Ochsner stated that the Department of
Real Estate reviews the budget, which can be submitted to the
Commission for review. He also stated that there is a master
association and sub-associations, with total monthly dues being
approximately $150. After discussing the associations'
responsibilities and starting funds, Mr. Ochsner stated that if
corrective work is necessary before the associations have built-up
capital, W. W. Dean will ensure adequate funding. He felt there
should be an element of trust since the company's reputation is at
stake. Director smith informed the Commission the slope will be
monitored by Roger Foott & Assoc., the City's engineering consultant,
and during the first year the developer will still be doing work, so
therefore it remains the developer's responsibility.
commissioner Boblitt felt the homeowner's guideline booklet,
recommended by the Design Review Board, would be beneficial and is an
excellent suggestion. Director smith stated that this type of
booklet would also be used for other planned unit developments.
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AGENDA ITEMS - continued
In reference to Specific Plan Amendment No. 43, Commissioner Terry
stated that the 40 houses in Terrabay Commons earmarked for the
handicapped, should be marketed for more than 60 days, as stipulated.
Director smith said that any change would have to be agreed upon by
both the developer and the City, and since the Commons are part of
Phase II this should be brought up again when that precise plan comes
before the Commission. commissioner Terry also objected to compact
parking spaces, although approved as part of the Specific Plan.
Chairman Zellmer clarified the Commission's roll regarding this issue
and stated ample opportunity was given to the public to speak. He
felt the consultants responded to each concern and all questions were
addressed.
Motion-Mantegani/Second Terry: To adopt a resolution recommending
that the City Council find the Terrabay Precise Plan PP-88-18 and
Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map SA-88-104 in compliance with the
San Bruno Mountain HCPi and adopt a resolution recommending that the
city Council approve Precise Plan PP-88-18 and Tentative Vesting
Subdivision Map SA-88-104 based on the findings and subject to the
conditions contained in the staff report. Unanimously approved by
roll call vote.
AGENDA ITEMS - PUBLIC HEARINGS
Genentech. Inc.. UP-85-734/Mod 2. Neqative Declaration No. 652. 1400
Grandview Drive
continued from the February 9, 1989 Planning Commission meeting.
Use Permit Modification to allow installation of a portable storage
building for solvents and chemicals at the southerly corner of the
Buena vista Business Park.
March 9, 1989 staff report presented.
Applicant's representative:
Andrew Scherer
460 Pt. San Bruno BI.
Mr. Scherer stated the applicant agrees to the conditions as
recommended by staff.
Motion-Terry/Second Warren: To approve Negative Declaration No. 652
and UP-85-734/Mod 2 subject to the conditions and based on the
findings contained in the staff report. Unanimously approved by roll
call vote.
C. L. Yanq. 3963 Callan Boulevard. UP-88-842. Neqative Declaration
No. 646
Use Permit to construct a retail commercial center in the C-1 Zone
District in accordance with provisions of South San Francisco
Municipal Code section 20.22.030.
March 9, 1989 staff report presented.
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AGENDA ITEMS - PUBLIC HEARINGS - continued
Applicant's representative:
Kim Lew
1680 Clay Street
San Francisco
Mr. Lew stated the applicant agrees to the conditions and also
informed the commission that the applicant has obtained the necessary
encroachment permit from the City of Daly City.
(Cassette NO.2)
The Commission discussed with staff the required parking and approved
uses for the site. Staff reiterated that high volume businesses,
such as restaurants and delicatessens, are not allowed.
Motion-Matteucci/Second Warren: Approve Negative Declaration No. 646
and Use Permit UP-88-842 subject to the conditions and based on the
findings contained in the staff report. Unanimously approved by roll
call vote.
Poletti Trust (PG&E. owner). 181-185 Gatewav Boulevard. UP-89-854.
Neqative Declaration No. 659
Use Permit request to allow vehicle parking, sales, and rentals in
the P-C Zone District in accordance with provisions of South San
Francisco Municipal Code Section 20.24.030.
March 9, 1989 staff report presented.
Applicant:
Louis Poletti
333 EI Camino Real
Mr. Poletti stated that he accepts the conditions as presented by
staff. He informed the Commission that he would return for a use
permit modification if an on-site attendant becomes necessary.
Commissioner Mantegani was concerned with inoperable vehicles, auto
repair, and people residing in the RV's. Staff suggested the
following three additional special conditions:
"8. All vehicles stored on this site shall be in operable
condition.
9. There shall be no repair of vehicles on the site.
10. No one shall reside or remain overnight on this site."
Mr. Poletti agreed to the additional conditions.
Motion-Warren/Second Boblitt: To approve Negative Declaration No.
659 and Use Permit UP-89-854 subject to the conditions, including
Special Conditions Nos. 8, 9, and 10, and based on the findings
contained in the staff report. Unanimously approved by roll call
vote.
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AGENDA ITEMS - PUBLIC HEARINGS - continued
Lawrence Calvi. 345 Shaw Road. UP-89-850. Neqative Declaration No.
651
Use Permit to allow an operable vehicle storage facility with a
caretaker's residence in the M-1 Zone District in accordance with
provisions of South San Francisco Municipal Code section 20.30.030.
March 9, 1989 staff report presented. Senior Planner Morton
recommended that Special Condition No. 11 be amended as follows:
"11. Vehicles stored on this site shall be limited to
recreational and passenqer vehicles, as defined in the
South San Francisco Municipal Code. No other storage shall
occur.
Applicant:
Lawrence Calvi
1361 San Mateo Avenue
Mr. Calvi agreed to all the conditions and found them acceptable.
He also stated that he was not interested in a commercial airport
parking facility. Commissioner Terry requested staff investigate if
this use was subject to the airport parking tax.
The Commission asked that special conditions addressing inoperable
vehicles and auto repair be included, as follows:
"13. All vehicles stored on this site shall be in operable
condition.
14. There shall be no repair of vehicles on the site."
Because of possible misinterpretation, Chairman Zellmer asked that
Special Condition No. 12 be clarified as follows:
"12. TaIlor Vehicles in excess of 10' in heiqht shall be limited
to the center and easterly parking areas."
Mr. Calvi agreed to these additional special conditions.
Motion Boblitt/Second Matteucci: To approve Negative Declaration No.
651 and Use Permit UP-89-850 subject to the conditions, including
modification to Special Condition No. 12 and additional Special
Conditions Nos. 13 and 14, and based on the findings contained in the
staff report. Unanimously approved by roll call vote.
Embassy suites. ZA-89-49. Neqative Declaration No. 656
Zoning Amendment to amend South San Francisco Municipal Code section
20.57.200 to allow amusement arcades within hotels in the Gateway
Specific Plan District.
March 9, 1989 staff report presented. Senior Planner Morton
recommended that this provision also be included in the Shearwater
and Terrabay Specific Plan Districts and provisions that regulate the
hotels along South Airport Boulevard.
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AGENDA ITEMS - PUBLIC HEARINGS - continued
Applicant's representative:
Carter Barnes
Embassy suites
250 Gateway Blvd.
Mr. Barnes stated that he agreed to the staff report.
Sergeant Petrocchi reported that there have not been any police
problems associated with arcades and this is attributed to the severe
restrictions imposed by the police and other City departments.
Motion-Vice-Chairman Mantegani/Second Warren: To adopt the
resolution recommending that the city Council approve Negative
Declaration No. 656 and Zoning Amendment ZA-89-49, including the
additional zoning areas. Unanimously approved by roll call vote.
James Elmore. 1051 Airport Boulevard/13 Butler Avenue. UP-88-820
Modification/revocation for cause by the City of South San Francisco
of Use Permit UP-88-820 granted to James Elmore for expansion of a
nonconforming use in the P-C Zone District in accordance with
provisions of South San Francisco Municipal Code section 20.91.030.
March 9, 1989 staff report presented. Deputy City Attorney Ewing
added that the procedure for modifying or revoking any use permit is
that the Planning Commission recommends to the City Council whether
there should be a modification or revocation, and grounds must be
specified as per section 20.91.030.
Property owner:
James Elmore
1051 Airport Blvd.
Mr. Elmore questioned the Commission's authority and felt that
Commissioners Warren and Terry should step down because of past
remarks made about his "track record". Both Commissioners stated
that their decision would be fair and impartial and therefore, they
would remain seated. Mr. Elmore submitted documents to the
Commission, including a copy of the current site plan (dated 11-11-
88) showing a 6' fence along the driveway easement.
The Commission discussed the chronology of events since the May 12,
1988 Planning Commission meeting, and Mr. Elmore's interpretation of
Special Condition No. 5 and staff's intention. After this lengthy
discussion, commissioner Boblitt asked Mr. Elmore whether or not he
would agree to cut the fence back to the allowed 3'. His response
was neither yes or no, but a statement that all conditions imposed by
the Planning Commission have been met.
Chairman Zellmer informed Mr. Elmore that the only way that fence can
be allowed to remain in this circumstance is if a variance is
granted.
The Commission agreed to modify UP-88-820 based on the following
findings:
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AGENDA ITEMS - PUBLIC HEARINGS - continued
section 20.91.030(a)
"(2) That one or more of the conditions upon which such permit
was granted have been violated.
(3) That the use or facility for which the permit was granted
is so conducted or maintained as to be detrimental to the
public health or safety, or as to be a nuisance."
Motion-Mantegani/Second Warren: To recommend that the City council
modify Special Condition No. 5 based on the findings stated above,
and further recommend that thirty days after City Council's approval
the fence be brought into compliance and date be set for revocation
hearing in the event that compliance is not achieved by required
date. Unanimously approved by roll call vote.
ITEMS FROM THE COMMISSION
Chairman Zellmer informed the Commission that a discussion of the
proposed timeline will be scheduled for the March 23 Planning
Commission meeting.
Director smith announced that provisions from the recent "clean-up"
zoning amendment will also be discussed at the March 23 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Zellmer adjourned the meeting at 10:10 p.m. to March 23,
1989, 7:30 p.m.
ean T. Smith, Secretary
Planning Commission
City of South San Francisco
A mer, Chairman
Plann' g Commission
City of South San Francisco
AZ:JTS:sp
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3/9/89 PIC MTG.
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BAY AREA MOUNTAIN WATCH
CitY' of South San Erancisco
Pl.annin<< Commissioners
33 Arrayo Dri va
South San Francisco, CA 94080
March 8, 1989
Dear Chairman Alan Zellmen
ani all Pla~ Commissioners;
.It the last meeti~, lIarch 2, 189, tho~h it was a closed meet~ (and
while in the mean time TeITabay Development members 'Were spea~ and i1-
lust,Ta:t~ material), I did raise Y113' hand.
I raised my hand because I felt frustrated by hall-spoken events am.
misunderstood statements.
The Bay Area Mountain Watch will respond step by etep what we be1ea.Te
are incorrect facts, periods of time and map statemente.proposed by the Ter-
rabay people. If we don't have it done by the next meeting, March 9th, our
responce will ~o also to Kayor Roberta Tet;1ia and Council Members,
In the mean time, I am writt~ this letter as a more personal responce
after my frustrated, impossible attempt to speak ~ the closed p~
Commission meet~o
I liTed for a number of years at Kearney and Hemlock streets, Paradise
Valley, South San Francisco. I learned to 1mow those hills from exploring
and taki~ sohool ~roups, etc.
As I looked at the Terrabay ~s of streets and houses, I realized
that between Kearney st. and the Hillside School a whole hill.as missi~.
As the Terrabay r;entleman was point~ out features for gra~, I realized
that, unspoken and unexpla.ned, TerrabaY' 'Was planni.ng to bench out that hill
rather than just protect~ am shoring-up a steep descent of the South Slope
itself. To bench out a hill rather than just shoring-up an unstable descent
is quite different. This is be~ done to have more space just to build, but
equa.lq caus~ more exposure am. more da~erous instability, rather than
simply to stabilize. The removal of a hill-top was not mentioned. I looked
closer and saw another hill that lrouldbe removed, not for safty but for
~rowth expansion near RalXiolf/Airport Blvd.
The hill near Kearney st. is about 370 feet hi~h. The hill point near
Randolf is approximately 300 feet h~h. Those hills don It need bench~.
To remove sloping hills do need bench~, but in this case, will also ex-
pose and chB.n<<e fault pressure l:ines; more dangerous than if you just leave ...
the hills be.
The other more personal response, from that last meet~, invol'Yed the
Ohlone midden or shell mound near Airport BlTd. One of the Fhnni ~ staff
members spoke out; saying that these middens are garba.?e dumps, like our
garbage dumps and therefore, of no value, indeed, are ne~ative factors.
From the staff member I felt a t~e of dislike, or disgust about "~arbage
middens~
My re sponc e is also simp Ie :
1. A shell mound is a prec olumbian, prehistoric presence of man. It is
where the Californian ChIone Indians lived, worked and died. Little was written
by the Spaniards about the Ohlone ways. All evidence and research are of ~reat
value to learn more about so~ of the most unknown, lea st studied, and the very
first exterpated Indian Tribelet of the San Francisco Bay re~io~
-2-
2. Most of the Bay Area middens are ~one. Hidden from the road by willows,
the South City mounds are in a rlnd-sheltered bowl of the Mtn., only partly
disturbed 8JXi instead, protec ted from de5Ce~ down into the Bay by the first
(1906) train line bay-fill, the Old Bay Shore and Freeway 161. A step away
from anille~al, modem dump, the shell mmmd still has foxes, eagles, owls and
Mission Blue at its edges.
3. 200 years ahead our own ~arbage dumps will be coveted indeed, even
though our dumps are dangerous from chemicals and gasses, 'While Californ.ia-
Indian shell mounds are clean by comparison. Thay were natural composts. Even
better, thay were ChIone "truck gardens~ since the Indians brought all
needed acorms, nuts, seeds,berries toward midden areas. The middens are most
often beside a creek or sprint; and I suspect that before the denuding aDd
fi~ the Bay edges there were willows, buckeyes~ oaks as well as annual
plants .and~rasses brought as seeds, used and dropj; around by the Indians over
thousands of years. 2 of the 4 San Bruno Mtn. middens are still surrounded by
native flora. The lower South City midden can easily be replanted with native
trees and pJants alo~ the creek and springo
4. To add this prehistoric presence to the San Bruno Mtn. Park, just a
step away from a now quiet~ returning wildlife bay lagoon is of great value
for science, anthropology ard. abo'Ye all for people and students learni~ about
where ~ li'Ye, history, earth value, and liTing time flow of local laMo
5 1D: ere 1y J
J)4~~
David Schooley