HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.17.92 Minutes
MINUTES
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING COMMISSION
Regular Meeting of Decenlber 17, 1992
CALL TO ORDER:
(Cassette No.1)
7:32 P.M.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Matteucci, Commissioners Boblitt, Mantegani,
Wendler and Zellmer.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Vice-Chairman Warren and Commissioner DeZordo
ALSO PRESENT:
Planning Division
Steve Solomon
Maureen K. Morton
Steve Padovan
Dick Chiozza
Dennis Chuck
Jeff Baca
Ron Petrocchi
Jim Fitzpatrick
Assistant City Attorney
Engineering Division
Building Division
Police Department
Fire Department
CHAIRMAN COMMENTS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES of November 5, 1992
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
AGENDAITEMS-CONSENTCALENDAR
1200 EI Camino Real. Kaiser Foundation Hospital. UP-92-922
Use Permit to allow the installation of a 35" high tower and two dish antennas on the roof of an
existing hospital in the P-C Zone District in accordance with provisions of SSFMC Section
20.70.020.
Motion-Mantegani/Seconded- Wendler: To continue UP-92-922 to the Planning Commission
meeting of January 21, 1993. It was unanimously approved by voice vote.
Orange Avenueffennis Drive. City of South San Francisco. Engineering Division. Orange
Memorial Park
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PC Meeting of 12/17/92
Final Environmental Impact Report for the Orange Memorial Park Project.
Motion-Mantegani/Seconded- Wendler: To continue the Final Environmental Impact Report off-
calendar. It was unanimously approved by voice vote.
151 South Spruce. Italian American Citizen's Club (Harry Simotas. owner). UP-92-929
Use Permit to allow the establishment of a social club as a community recreation use in an
existing restaurant in the P-C Zone District in accordance with provisions of SSFMC Section
20.24.030(b ).
Motion-Mantegani/Seconded- Wendler: To accept the withdrawal of this application. It was
unanimously approved by voice vote.
AGENDA ITEMS - PUBLIC HEARINGS
128 Hazelwood Drive. Pon Express Food (ARCOlKenwood Co.. owner). UP-92-925
Use Permit to allow the establishment of a Japanese take-out restaurant within an existing
storefront in the C-l Zone District in accordance with provisions of SSFMC Section 20.22.030.
Planner Padovan presented the December 17, 1992 staff report.
Applicant:
Norma Pon
630 45th Avenue
San Francisco
She agreed with the contents of the staff report and the conditions.
Commissioner Boblitt asked how many employees there would be. The applicant answered there
would be a cashier and one cook.
Commissioner Wendler expressed her concern about the traffic impacts. She stated that since
this is a take-out restaurant, there will be people running in and out and it is unlikely that they
will use the parking lot. With Hot n' Hunky, Smart and Final and this restaurant, there will be
a significant traffic impact. She was in favor of waiting for the traffic report from Smart and
Final before voting on this application.
Commissioner Zellmer agreed with Commissioner Wendler. He stated that the Commission
made a strong point to Smart and Final about their parking needs and the traffic impacts of their
proposed business. He felt that the Commission should be consistent by not letting another
business in if Smart and Final had to be continued for parking reasons. He did sympathize with
the sole proprietor for having to be put on hold, but stated that he did lean towards waiting for
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PC Meeting of 12/17/92
the Smart and Final traffic study report.
Commissioner Boblitt did not believe that there would be as great a traffic impact as the Smart
and Final project. She did, however, agree that everybody must be treated fairly and that this
should be continued until after the submittal of the traffic report from Smart and Final.
Commissioner Wendler, attending her last meeting as Planning Commissioner, asked the
Commission to be sure and consider the traffic impact carefully when these cases were brought
before the Commission in January.
Chairman Matteucci asked the applicant if she was willing to continue her application to the
Planning Commission meeting of January 21, 1993 and she agreed.
Commissioner Zellmer explained further to the applicant the reason for the continuance. He
wanted to assure her that there was no problem with their application and that the continuation
was needed in order to assess the availability of parking within the center if the proposed Smart
and Final business locates there.
Motion-Zellmer/Seconded-Boblitt: To continue UP-92-925 to the Planning Commission meeting
of January 21, 1993. It was unanimously approved by voice vote.
2245 Gellert Boulevard. Orchard Supply Hardware (Tom Callan. owner). UP-92-926. Negative
Declaration No. 746
Use Permit, Design Review and environmental determination of same to allow the establishment
of a retail use within 200 feet of a residential zone and for outdoor display (nursery) with related
signs in an existing retail building in the C-l Zone District in accordance with provisions of
SSFMC Section 20.22.030 and 20.22.070( a).
Planner Morton presented the December 17, 1992 staff report.
Representing the applicant:
Richard Sambucetti
Sambucetti, Burns & Sung
6400 Hollis St.,#11
Emeryville
Mr. Sambucetti stated he has worked closely with staff and believed he had provided everything
which was requested. He stated that the handicap parking space which does not conform to ADA
standards could be restriped to conform. He said that a plan to upgrade the irrigation system and
the planting was being developed. Mr. Sambucetti questioned Planning condition #10 which
called for decorative concrete. He eXplained that they planned to use broom finish concrete.
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PC Meeting of 12/17/92
With regard to the additional landscaping which was required on the west side of the building to
soften the elevation (Planning condition #2), the applicant felt that the landscaping proposed
along the ground would be insignificant in softening this massiveness. They would prefer to
provide ornamentation to that building which would be visible from Gellert Boulevard.
With regard to Planning condition #7, the applicant would like to be able to put a banner stating
"Grand Opening" and "Coming Soon." Mr. Sambucetti also asked for a 12-month maintenance
contract instead of an 18-month contract (Planning condition #4).
Representing the applicant:
Harry Fisher
Construction Manager
6450 Via Del Oro
San Jose
Mr. Fisher stated that Orchard Supply Hardware would like the opportunity to open their store
in this community. He also thanked staff for their work. Mr. Fisher stated that he would like
to match the planters that are currently on the site. He said that the building, which is empty
now, is not in good condition. He explained that Orchard Supply Hardware stores are very well
maintained and there will be quite a transformation to this building when it is occupied. Mr.
Fisher said that the landscaping would be rejuvenated and that there would be some welcomed
activity to that site. He stated he was happy to become a member of this community.
Commissioner Boblitt stated that the conditions staff required were for the improvement of this
area. She had been on the committee that studied this site to find ways to improve this area.
She stated that she was aware that it would take time and money to landscape the outside of the
building but that the Commission was as interested in the landscaping as the occupation of the
building. She said an 18-month maintenance contract was desirable and that, with a permit,
Orchard Supply Hardware could put up a banner. Commissioner Boblitt asked staff if they were
comfortable with the traffic issue. Planner Morton eXplained that the Engineering Division and
the Police Department had reviewed the traffic study and that staff was comfortable with it.
Representing the applicant:
Mr. Juergen Fehr
Fehr & Peer Associates
3685 Mt. Diablo Boulevard
Lafayette
Mr. Fehr said that counts had been taken when BEST was at this site and said that Orchard
Supply Hardware probably generates less traffic than a store like BEST. It was believed that both
stores are fairly equivalent at peak traffic times. Mr. Fehr said other Orchard Supply Hardware
stores were not studied because it is difficult to compare different locations.
Commissioner Mantegani asked that the Commission go over each condition that was questioned
by the applicant.
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PC Meeting of 12/17/92
A) It was the consensus of the Commission to keep Planning condition #2 requiring
landscaping to the west elevation to soften the mass of the building.
B) It was the consensus of the Commission to keep Planning condition #10 requiring the area
between the concrete curb and the southwesterly corner of the building to be landscaped or filled
in with decorative concrete to match that which is required in condition #3.
C) It was the consensus of the Commission to require an 18-month maintenance contract
(Planning condition #4). Staff clarified that, if a contractor is changed, the applicant could file
a subsequent contract with staff, as long as the 18-month period was covered.
D) With regard to Planning condition #7, one banner is permitted 30 days per calendar year,
according to the City's Sign Ordinance.
E) With regard to Police Department condition #3, Sgt. Petrocchi said this was a general
condition which goes on all projects. He said he had no problem working with the applicant and
was sure with the cleanup of the site, many of his concerns would be addressed.
Commissioner Zellmer stated he was very glad to see this application. He said he had been in
various Orchard Supply Hardware stores and was impressed with all of them. He said he
supported this application.
Commissioner Wendler asked staff if all Design Review Board concerns had been addressed.
Planner Morton stated that only the issue of the height of the letters on the parapet would be
addressed on the field.
Commissioner Wendler questioned the collection of carts; it could be a major problem. She said
she would like to see a separate condition requiring the pickup of carts at least once each hour.
The Director of the store stated that there were approximately 150 carts per store and said that
they were picked up every half hour. He said they needed to get them back in the store for the
customers.
Mr. Sambucetti talked about the location of the roll-up door on the south end of the building and
staff said, since it could not be relocated, the present location was acceptable.
Motion- Wendler/Seconded-Mantegani: To approve Negative Declaration No. 746. It was
unanimously approved by voice vote.
Motion-Mantegani/Seconded- Wendler: To approve UP-92-926 based on the findings and subject
to modified conditions. A Planning condition was added: Condition 11. Carts shall be collected
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PC Meeting of 12/17/92
from. the parking lot on at least an hourly basis. It was unanimously approved by voice vote.
900 Dubuque Avenue. Levitz Furniture (Corporate Property Investors. owner). UP-92-918.
Negative Declaration No. 740
Use Permit, Design Review and environmental determination to allow outdoor storage, temporary
seasonal outdoor sales, a use generating in excess of 100 vehicle daily trips, Type "c" sign
program to allow relocation of a pole sign and a building facade sign, exterior site and building
modifications to an existing retail/warehouse facility including relocation of the public entry,
screening of the trash compactor, expansion of a non-conforming warehouse constituting
approximately 50 percent of the total gross floor area and modifications to the on-site parking
and circulation and upgrading of the landscaping in the P-C Zone District in accordance with
provisions of SSFMC Section 20.24.070(b).
Motion-Zellmer/Seconded-Boblitt: To continue UP-92-918 to the Planning Commission meeting
of January 21, 1993.
AGENDAITEMS-OTHER
45 Chestnut Avenue
Interpretation of the General Plan regarding the site at 45 Chestnut Avenue.
Attorney for the Applicant:
Robert Lanzone
939 Laurel
San Carlos
Mr. Lanzone stated that he and Neil Martin, Planning Consultant, had been hired to work with
staff and see what might be done with this site. Mr. Lanzone stated that he had asked his client
to clear up the site, which they have done. Mr. Lanzone asked that the Commission interpret the
General Plan so that his client would be able to submit a Use Permit for an auto dealership at
this location.
Representing the applicant:
Neil Martin
1640 Laurel Street
San Carlos
Mr. Martin said he was hired in September and that he has worked with the property owner to
try to clear up the site. Mr. Martin stated that his client wanted to retain ownership and upgrade
the property. He said that the tenant has a signed a lease for an auto repair business on South
Linden and will be moving with 60 days. He eXplained that his task was to consider the property
for several uses which would be economically viable for both his client and the City.
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PC Meeting of 12/17/92
Mr. Martin went on to discuss the difference uses which were considered, one of which was a
sales facility. He discussed this with staff and it was thought that this might be appropriate. Mr.
Martin asked the Commission for favorable consideration that a used car lot would be consistent
with the City's General Plan.
Commissioner Zellmer wanted to make it clear that what was being discussed for this site was
conceptual and in no way an approval of the actual operation. Commissioner Wendler agreed
and stated that if and when this application came before the Commission and if it was approved
and was a successful business, it would be a great relief to the City. The only concern she
expressed was the EI Camino Corridor Redevelopment Plan. Commissioner Boblitt went on to
say that at her first meeting as Commissioner, this site was on the agenda, and that was eight
years ago. She thought this use might be appropriate, and she was hoping that this case could
finally be put to rest.
Chief Planner Solomon stated that given the scale of the project, staff did not feel it had a
significant roll in the outcome of the EI Camino Corridor but that this did not preclude the
Commission from making other policies about uses on this site.
Commissioner Mantegani stated he did not want to see this turn into a storage for cars under the
guise of a used car lot. He further stated that conceptually this might work out but the
Commission would work through the specifics very, very closely.
It was the consensus of the Commission that a used car lot was consistent with the General Plan
and recommended that the applicants apply for a Use Permit.
(Cassette No.2)
Chief Planner Solomon advised the Commission that staff could incorporate findings of
consistency with the General Plan as part of the findings of the Use Permit.
Items from Staff
Chief Planner Solomon advised that the Housing Element had been approved by City Council
with minor changes and that the City expected certification from the State. One change the
Council made that came to mind was a requirement along with energy conservation that new
projects include water conserving measures. He said he would send them a memo advising them
of these changes which were quite insignificant.
He said he also received a statement from the South San Francisco Unified School District
regarding three surplus sites. He advised the City has a right to purchase at least part the
property at a 30% discount of the fair market value. City Council has agreed to look at all three
sites within the next 60 days.
Chief Planner Solomon advised the Commission of the death of Clenny Thierry, Building
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PC Meeting of 12/17/92
Maintenance Supervisor, and asked the Commission to adjourn the meeting in his honor.
Items from Commission
Commissioner Zellmer advised staff that the camera shop in the 300 block of Grand Avenue has
a big yellow banner and wondered if they had a permit.
Commissioner Wendler stated that in reference to a statement made by Smart and Final at the
November 19, 1992 Planning Commission meeting regarding meeting with the homeowner
associations in the area, it did not happen. She also advised staff that Hillside Boulevard looked
wonderful. Commissioner Wendler also advised the Commission that when projects were
presented to them which were in the Brentwood area, to review them very carefully as this area
was already impacted. In regards to the Price Club, she advised staff that it does a good job of
picking up carts but that cardboard boxes were all over the place and asked that they be advised
of this.
Both Commissioner Wendler and Boblitt stated that they were grateful for having the opportunity
to serve this City for the last 8 years and would remember these days as rewarding and thanked
staff for their help.
Commissioner Boblitt welcomed newly appointed Commissioner Leo Padreddii who was sitting
in the audience.
Chairman Matteucci thanked both Commissioners for their service to the City and for the work
they had done on the Commission. He stated that they both had the City at heart and presented
them both with a gift from the Commission.
Motion-Boblitt/Seconded-Wendler: To adjourn the meeting to January 21, 1993. It was
unanimously approved by voice vote.
Chairman Matteucci adjourned the meeting at 9:18 P.M.
Steve olomon, Secretary
Planning Commission
City of South San Francisco
Margaret Warren for
Louis Matteucci, Chairman
Planning Commission
City of South San Francisco
LM:MW:SS:ab
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