HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.05.99 Minutes
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING
33 ARROYO DRIVE
August 5, 1999
TAPE 1
CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL / CHAIRMAN COMMENTS
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Commissioner Baldocchi, Commissioner D' Angelo, Commissioner Meloni,
Commissioner Teglia, Vice Chairman Sim, Chairperson Honan
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Commissioner Romero
STAFF PRESENT:
Planning Division:
Chief Planner Thomas C. Sparks
Senior Planner Kalkin
Consultant Planner Lappen
Marty Van Duyn
Adam Lindgren
Cyrus Kianpour
Richard Harmon
S gt. Mike Massoni
Director of ECD
City Attorney:
Engineering:
Police Dept:
AGENDA REVIEW
Chief Planner Sparks stated that item #2 is scheduled to be continued to September 19th. Staff recommends that it be
continued to September 2nd because the September 19th meeting has a lot of items and the applicant would not be
available on the 19th.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approval of July 1, 1999 Regular Meeting Minutes and July 8, 1999 Special Meeting Minutes.
Motion Teglia/Second Sim to approve July 1, 1999 with corrections. Approved by unanimous voice vote.
Motion Meloni/Second D' An2elo to approve July 8, 1999 with corrections. Approved by majority voice vote with
Commissioner Teglia and Vice Chairperson Sim abstaining.
PUBLIC HEARING - AGENDA ITEMS
2. Shelton International Holdings, Inc Owner
AMB Investment Management, L.P .-Applicant
375-389 Oyster Point Blvd.
UP-99-093 and Categorical Exemption: Class 1, Section 15301
Use Permit allowing off-site and shared par"king at a multi-parcel industrial park at 375-389 Oyster Point Boulevard
and a parking requirement determination for the adjacent marina, in the Planned Industrial (P-I), Planned
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Commercial (P-C) and Open Space (O-S) zone districts, in accordance with SSFMC Chapters 20.24, 20.32, 20.000
and 20.74.
Motion Te2lia / Second Baldocchi to move the item to September 2,1999. Approved by unanimous voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARING - AGENDA ITEMS
3. Hoem-Schurba & Associates, Owner/applicant
PCA -99-041
951 Linden Ave.
Appeal of Chief Planner decision to deny a building permit for an expansion of a building located at 951 Linden
Avenue in the C-l Retail Commercial Zone District.
Senior Planner Kalkin gave the staff report.
Mr. Hoem stated that they have supplied the information requested of them at the June 3rd meeting which was in
regard to the landscaping, facing, and parking the showroom. He stated they have a 14-yard debris box that is serviced
twice a week that will be put inside the building. He added that the parking on the easement has been used for 18 years
and that they have acquired prescriptive easement rights that allows them to continue parking there for an unspecified
amount of time. He stated that there is enough room to back out of the parking area and leave the area. He added that
the door could be relocated closer to make things work better.
Public Hearing opened.
Pedro Gonzalez, 804 Olive Avenue, was against this project because trucks always double park on this busy street.
Public Hearing closed.
Commissioner Teglia stated that the showroom was too small and he thought that the Commission had recommended
a larger size showroom. He stated that the display windows are an important way to break up the warehouse feel of the
front of the building. His was also concerned about the loading dock and that the trucks will be blocking the street
when they drive into the warehouse. He suggested that the loading dock could be reoriented which would allow them
turn inside the property and not cause traffic. Senior Planner Kalkin stated that it could be accommodated but would
cause a significant impact on the building. Commissioner Teglia asked if the easement area was taken into
consideration for the truck movements and asked what the City's position was about the easements
Commissioner Meloni asked if the landscaping would be enhanced. Senior Planner Kalkin stated that in the design
review stage they would make sure that there would be necessary upgrades to the landscaping. Commissioner Meloni
agreed with Commissioner Teglia in regard to the showroom windows breaking up the warehouse feel. Chief Planner
Sparks stated that they could not condition that particular aspect and only could rely on the applicant's promise to have
those display windows.
City Attorney Lindgren stated that if the Commission overrules the determination of the Chief Planner this would be
a permitted use. He added that the Commission would not have any permits to approve and could not attach conditions
to this project. Vice Chairperson Sim was concerned that the frontal elevation of the building was not technical. He
stated that the Commission is trying to create an urban design effect on the street and the application is not going
towards that. He noted that it does not visually fulfill the intent and that it would not return to the Commission.
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Commissioner Teglia stated that it would be dangerous to approve the case as it has been presented to the
Commission. Chairperson Honan was concerned that if the parking on the PG&E easement would not be allowed
there would be parking problems along Linden A venue. Senior Planner Kalkin answered that the parking is above
City requirements. Chairperson Honan asked if there was a way that the area could be designed in order to have the
trucks loading and unloading without causing traffic. Senior Planner Kalkin answered that in order to do this they
would have to have a turnaround area which would be near the addition and that would have a significant impact on the
zonmg.
Commissioner D'Angelo stated to the applicant tried to re-work his plan. He stated that PG&E might allow the
applicant to have parking on that easement. Mr. Hoem stated that part of the traffic situation is partly there
responsibility and the other portion is a freight forwarding business. He stated the primary use of the building is to
generate carpet sales and it not used as a holding facility. He added that there would not be a problem in having
display windows on the front of the building.
Commissioner Sim suggested that the item be continued to see the elevations and the plans a little further in detail.
Commissioner Teglia suggested that they make this a conforming use and that staff relate the Commission's concerns
to the Design Review Board. Commissioner Sim stated that he want to see proportions and see the general look of the
building. Chairperson Honan stated that she does not want to prolong the issue.
Commissioner Sim stated that urban design is a critical matter and it is on Linden A venue, which is a gateway point to
the City. Commissioner Baldocchi stated that the urban designs in the area are bigger than just one project and
suggested that the Design Review Board create some design standards for any future applications.
Chairperson Honan asked the architect if he would have the plans ready for the August 19th Planning Commission
meeting. Mr. Hoem stated that it would take some time to find out what Design Review Board would like. Architect
Chin stated that he has not seen the guidelines and will take a while to get all the information together. He pointed out
that they have added two big windows, a canopy and a glass door entrance. Chief Planner Sparks stated that he
discourages anyone from coming on the August 19th meeting because it is full.
Commissioner Teglia asked if it was in the commission's discretion to give DRB some direction on how the
Commission would like to see them review the case. Chief Planner Sparks he stated that they are appointed by the
Commissioners and they are advisory to the Commission.
Motion Sim to continue the item to September 2, 1999. For lack of a second the motion died.
Motion Te2lia / Second Meloni to make the determination that the use is consistent with the C-l retail commercial
zone district.
Ayes: Commissioner Baldocchi, Commissioner D'Angelo, Commissioner Meloni, Commissioner Teglia, and
Chairperson Honan
Noes: Vice Chairperson Sim
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Commissioner Teglia stated that he has changed his hours to evening hours.
4 Items from Staff
a. General Plan Update Workshop
City of South San Francisco
Citywide
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Workshop to discuss Transportation
Rick Williams gave a presentation
Commissioner Teglia asked if the cost of a land was determined by the zoning and if the higher density zoning would
make the cost go up. Mr. Williams stated that this is what usually happens, unless an applicant wants to change the
zoning. Vice Chairperson Sim asked if this was part studying the transformation of some of the projects. Chief
Planner Sparks stated that the Commission had requested some information on how some higher density projects
could be handled. He noted that pictures were taken of higher density projects in other cities and they would be given
to the Commission later in the month.
. Chapter 4 - Transportation
Consultant Planner Lappen and Jane Beirstedt continued with the presentation.
Recess called at 9: 10 p.m.
Recalled to order at 9:20 p.m.
TAPE 2
Commissioner Teglia asked if there was any consideration of the feasibility of having a ferry terminal in the Oyster
Point area and suggested that the Shearwater area was much more feasible. Consultant Planner Lappen stated that
that would be taken into consideration.
Commissioner Baldocchi asked what the demand for bicycles were as a mode of transportation. Ms. Beirstedt
explained that this would have to be analyzed in a bicycle master plan and noted that there was a plan for a by trail.
Commissioner Baldocchi asked how much the State and Federal funding programs would pay. Mr. Bhatia answered
that 75% would come from State and Federal funding. Angela Rae spoke on behalf of MTSMA. Added that the
employers East of 101 have stated interest in these bike lanes. She noted that they have a bike to work day every year
and that this year there were 100 to 150 cyclists that participated.
Commissioner Teglia recalled receiving a letter encouraging the Commission to rezone the railroad right of ways to
bikeway paths. He noted that the changing these would be amenities to the biotech area. Mr. Bhatia noted that they
have reviewed these railroad areas that are no longer used but they need to be zoned and then the City needs to acquire
the land.
. Public input
Michael Valencia, representing the Golden Produce Terminal, corrected a statement made at the last Planning
Commission study session in regard to the Produce Terminal's position on the extension from Victory to Produce
A venue. He noted that he answered incorrectly because the extension would not be installed unless the intersection on
Highway 101 would be installed and the intersection would not be installed unless the power center is put in that area.
None of this can happen unless the Produce Terminal, Parking Company of America and Park & Fly are no longer at
that site. He noted that if the General Plan is adopted the plan represents the death to the Produce Terminal. He noted
that the Produce Terminal would be there for 20 years or more and that the City should plan on having the Produce
Terminal around for a longer period of time.
Fred Etzel, representing Ted and Keith Simas owners of the Shell gas station on EI Camino and Hickey, noted that
transit oriented development should go in the vicinity of the SSF BART station. He noted that this is what is proposed
for the San Bruno BART station and it should be consistent with the SSF BART station. He stated that the focus
aspect is the development at the Macys warehouse site as a big box retail (Costco) and the proposed General Plan notes
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that retail is not a primary transit oriented use. He added that he would leave a video tape by the Association of Bay
Area Governments, One Way Out Of The Jam Transit Oriented Development. He gave some information on what the
book analyzed. He asked that the Commission leave the existing General Plan and land uses in the vicinity of the Bart
station as they are because they are transit oriented uses. He noted that the proposed GP calls for transit oriented
residential 30-50 dwelling units per acre and high density residential has a zero impact on the City's general fund. He
noted that the Economic and Development section states that Big Box retail generates $30,000 per acre a year to the
City's general fund. He added that hotels generate 4 times as much to the City's fund which is $112,000 per net acre.
He added that this is a natural use for that area because BART goes to the airport and big box retail would not fit in
with the BART station. He mentioned that hotels would generate TOT that the City can keep.
Angela Rae stated that SSF has one of the most competent shuttle systems in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.
She noted that her agency operates three shuttles serving on CalTrain, BART and the northern and southern part of the
business park. She noted that the shuttle service is running 23 hours a day and that SamTrans is covering 75% of the
costs for the shuttle service, which is $650,000 annually.
Chairperson Honan asked how the SamTrans routes run in comparison to the shuttle buses. Angela Rae stated that
SamTrans would be minimizing their bus routes all over San Mateo County because of BART coming into San Mateo
County. She added that SamTrans' goal is to start routing their buses to have them start at CalTrain and take them to
their destination. She added that the employers pay 25% of the shuttle cost and their partnership with SamTrans is
private and public, and the employers have a big say on how the shuttle service runs. She stated that the Planning
Commission and City Council will get an in-depth presentation that was just completed that talks about meeting the
long range needs of SSP. She commended the City in having a parking management policy in the General Plan. She
proposed that the Commission make a change to the language of a policy, which stated that projects that have 25 +
employees were required to provide carpool and vanpool parking. She proposed that they add, "and other TDM
measures that can help to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips."
Commissioner Baldocchi asked if there is more parking available then public transportation is not used as much.
Angela Rae explained that they try to see who bikes, walks or carpool to work. She stated that the theory is when
parking availability goes down then transit uses go up.
Jackie Williams, 242 Longford Drive, stated Winston and Serra are in the General Plan and has not heard how the
residents would be impacted. She added that Longford and Clay streets are hard to get out of and wanted some of the
traffic problems considered. Commissioner D'Angelo asked if Crown Colony had a bus that ran to BART. Ms.
Williams stated that they have some buses that go to BART. She noted that everyone uses two buses. She added that
she would like to see a bike path to get the pedestrians to the BART station. Commissioner D'Angelo asked if staff
has looked at ways to get from different areas to the BART station as an alternative way. Chief Planner Sparks noted
that they have not specifically looked at transportation programs to go to BART from individual neighborhoods. He
added that a lot of communities suggest transit routes and bike routes. Mr. Bhatia explained that SamTrans has a
grant and will be working with the City in preparing a master plan for the South San Francisco BART station area.
Commissioner Teglia stated that in the Sunshine Gardens neighborhood the City could encourage bike paths. Mr.
Bhatia noted that the plans suggests more connections to the BART station.
Commissioner D'Angelo asked what can get people to the BART station other than just the shuttles to the East of
101. Mr. Bhatia stated that the General Plan has a policy that speaks to free shuttle systems from BART to CalTrans.
Ms. Rae stated that the residential pockets lose transportation and hopes that the City pursues some type of alternative
shuttle for these residential areas.
Lou Dell' Angela asked if the land use proposals are still valid around the Produce Terminal and the BART station
areas if the streets cannot be built. He noted that that the proposal is conceptual but there are business owners, that are
going to have buildings go through, and the City should inform these people of what might happen.
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Commissioner Meloni asked if the City could force the Produce terminal out of their area if the General Plan is
adopted. Chief Planner Sparks stated that adjustments are being made to preserve the potential, in the long run, that
would have some sort of access to 101. He added that the Produce Terminal and other uses are allowed to stay in the
area and are not being forced out. Commissioner Teglia asked if the General Plan changes would impact any of the
terminal's needs in the future if the land use remains the same. Chief Planner Sparks stated that there should not be
any impacts on the produce terminal. He added that if it is not put on the map it would not occur.
· Chief Planner Sparks stated that at the Westborough community meeting the primary issue was related to the
traffic impact on Westborough. He added that they informed the community that they had examined possible access
alternatives across 1-280. He noted that other concerns raised were on the Oakmont site, airport noise, general
development on steep slopes, and residential care facilities that are pre-empted from the State. He also mentioned that
the MRF sampling plan has been accepted by the Regional Board. He added that the Jalisco Produce Market is making
some progress. He noted that ECD has been met with conveyor belt companies and they are more expensive than
expected, which is causing a problem.
· Consultant Planner Lappen noted that the sign at the Bahay Kubo site has been removed.
5. Items from Commission - None
6. Items from the Public
Jackie Williams noted that she would like to see more school zones because there are more residential zones and very
little school zones. Chief Planner Sparks encouraged her to attend the rest of the General Plan meetings. Mr.
Rajeev stated that these comments will be responded to in the Final EIR.
7. Adjourn
Motion Sim / Second Baldocchi to adjourn the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
~p
. omas C. Spar s ./ ,
Secretary to the Planning Commission
City of South San Francisco
.~~~
~)l.rth Honan, Chairperson
[,planning Commission
City of South San Francisco
NEXT MEETING:
Special Meeting August 12, 1999, Municipal Services Building, 33 Arroyo Drive, South San
Francisco, CA.
TCS/bh
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