HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-20-2005 Minutes
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MINUTES
January 20, 2005
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
CALL TO ORDER I PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL I CHAIR COMMENTS
TAPE 1
7:30 D.m.
PRESENT:
Commissioner Giusti, Commissioner Honan, Commissioner Sim, Commissioner Romero, Vice
Commissioner Zemke and Chairperson Teglia
ABSENT:
Chairperson Ochsenhirt
STAFF PRESENT:
Planning Division:
Thomas C. Sparks, Chief Planner
Steve Carlson, Senior Planner
Bertha Aguilar, Admin. Asst. II
Kimberly Johnson, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Peter Spoerl, Assistant City Attorney
Dennis Chuck, Traffic Engineer
Mark Raffaelli, Police Chief
Sergeant Alan Normandy, Planning Liaison
Bryan Nisewonger, Acting Assistant Fire Marshall
Tom Carney, Code Enforcement Officer
City Attorney:
Engineering Division:
Police Department:
Fire Prevention.
Vice Chairperson Teglia noted that Chairperson Ochsenhirt was absent due to his father-in-law passing away. He noted
that the meeting would be adjourned in Don Lindsay's honor.
AGENDA REVIEW
No Changes
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Britannia East Grand Master Plan Development Agreement
Britannia East Grand Cherokee San Francisco LLC-owner
Slough Estates-applicant
450 East Grand Ave.-Easterly terminus of East Grand Avenue (former Fuller O'Brien site)
Continue to
February 3, 2005
Britannia East Grand Master Plan Development Agreement 1) Annual review of Development Agreement. 2)
Proposed modifications to Development Agreement to: a) Extend the term of the agreement; b) Extend the
dates for completion of the sewer main and pump station improvements, the child care center, and the public
art; c) Allow issuance of required letter of Credit to be delayed until underlying work is begun.
2. East Jamie Court Office R&D
Alexandria Real Estate Equities - Owner & Applicant
Corner of East Jamie Court & Haskins Way
P02-0042, UP-02-0042 & MND-02-0042
One-year time extension to December 21, 2005 of Use Permit approval to construct a two building office/R&D
complex on a 6.13-acre site adjacent to the San Francisco Bay in accordance with South San Francisco
Municipal Code Section 20.81.090. The project consists of two buildings totaling 133,000 sq. ft.: Bldg 1- two
stories over a parking level (57,700 sq. ft.); and Bldg 2-three stories (75,300 sq. ft.) in the Planned Industrial
(P-I) Zoning District.
Planning Commission Meeting of January 20, 2005
Motion Sim I Second Zemke to approve the Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC HEARING
3. Christy's Bar & Grill
Christina Lee, applicant
Satya Narayan, owner
309 Airport Boulevard
UP-96-090
Continued to
February 3, 2005
Evidentiary Hearing to revoke Use Permit allowing karaoke and live music until1AM at an existing cocktail
lounge in the Downtown Commercial (D-C) Zone in accordance with SSFMC Sections 20.26.060(a),
20.26.030(c) and Chapter 20.91.
Sergeant Normandy read the Staff Report.
Ken Sato, representing his wife - owner of Christy's Bar & Grill, responded to the comments listed in the Staff
Report.
. Assault with a deadly weapon: That is an unfortunate situation which they do not want to occur. They have
had the bar since 2001 and have not had any problems since then. They did have a party that evening and
there was one person, and later found out it was a member of the Cypress gang, who has been in trouble
before. This was his first time there. He struck a guest from out of town that was visiting the bar. The Police
Department and Paramedics went to the bar. He found out who this individual was and the person can no
longer enter the bar nor their friends. They do not want any trouble at their bar. They try to comply with all
the requested requirements. When they got the bar the entertainment license or permit was grandfathered in.
He was not aware of any acoustical testing that should have been done. This was only brought up after the
assault incident in 2003. He noted that they did the acoustical testing without first checking if the acoustical
test had been done. He noted that the Planning Division lost the records for the permit issued in 1996. the
first acoustical study was not acceptable and was told that modifications were necessary to comply. They had
another acoustical study done and it was approved.
. Party in excess of 100 persons: He noted that the event was for February 28, 2004. The customer had
planned a welcome home party for her daughter, a Daly City Police Officer, returning from military duty from
Iraq. They were informed that it would be 30-40 people. They did not do any of the advertising. The client
did it herself and that is when Sergeant Normandy came to us. He told us about the dance hall permit and that
they would be exceeding the 50 persons max capacity. They informed the person in charge of the party that
they would need to apply for a permit if they wanted to have the party. They did apply and it was not
approved.
. Karaoke sign: The sign was up since 2002 and was not recently erected. It was put up by the previous
karaoke operator a couple of years before. He had forgotten the sign was up and when Lieutenant Thane
informed Sergeant Normandy, he was contacted and told to take the sign down which he did do. He does not
know who drove by and said the sign was not taken down but the sign was removed at 4:00 p.m. that day.
. September 25th large crowd in the front of the bar: There were 1- or 15 people outside that were smoking. He
instructed the customers to smoke out on side patio so as not to impede the sidewalk per the Police
Department's request and they continue to instruct their customers this way.
. Cover Charge: He was not aware at the time of the cover charge restrictions. He noted that they were closed
by 2:00 a.m. The only people left in the bar were those cleaning up and moving out the equipment. They
close at 2:00 a.m. and on Thursdays and Fridays they close at 1:30 a.m.
. October 2 incident: The people wanting to throw the activity had lead them to believe that it would be a
karaoke contest. As the evening progressed he realized it was not true and that it was not something his
family wished to entertain. He immediately shut the party down. This is when the officers came to the bar and
helped them disperse everyone. The marijuana smoke may have been one of the reasons the party was shut
down.
They do not want to have any large events where they are required to have a dance hall permit, or will draw
potential problems. He noted that they don't need these problems and neither does the City. They wish to keep
their permit so they may entertain small birthday parties once or twice a month, and continue to provide some
musical activities for the customers from the biotech industry. They like to come in on Thursday or Friday
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afternoon and sing until about 10 p.m. There was confusion on asking Sergeant Normandy on the cover charge.
He added they do have a customer, Leo Padreddi, who has given them advice. They do not mean to disobey or
disrespect any of the regulations that the Use Permit has.
Public Hearing opened.
Mr. Sato showed the Commission a letter sent to Senior Planner Carlson and a copy of the permit number and
description assigned by the Planning Division.
Morris Irving spoke in favor of Christy's bar. He noted that he lives at the site and has not had a problem with the
noise in the one year he has lived there. He added that the freeway and the trucks going by cause more noise
than the music from the bar. He pointed out that Police Department has probably had to respond to the tenants'
homes for violence rather than to the bar for noise.
Assistant City Attorney Spoerl asked that the Commission continue action on the item to allow him to revise the
Findings of Denial and include the testimony received at the meeting. Senior Assistant City Attorney Johnson
added that it is appropriate for the Commission to discuss their feelings on the matter for incorporation in the
Findings of Denial.
Public Hearing closed.
Commissioner Honan noted that she encourages small businesses in the City but if a business owner wants to run
a business, they must understand what the Use Permit entails. She stated that if the owner of the bar wishes to
operate a business in the City of South San Francisco they must understand the Use Permit requirements. She
noted that the applicant stated he did understand the Use Permit when he does not. She further noted that when
an applicant ties the Commission's hands it is difficult to have them keep their business and or use permit.
Vice Chairperson Teglia asked staff to verify that the revocation of the Use Permit would not shut down the bar
but only eliminate the karaoke and live music. Chief Planner Sparks replied that this was correct. Vice
Chairperson Teglia noted that under the circumstances it is difficult for the applicant to operate under the Use
Permit. He asked if the Permit was revoked would the applicant does an opportunity in the future to reapply for
this permit again? Chief Planner Sparks noted that this was not a revocation with prejudice and the applicant could
apply for a Use Permit in the future.
Motion Sim I Second Giusti to continue Evidentiary Hearing to revoke Use Permit UP96-090 to February 3,
2005 to allow the City Attorney's office to revise the Findings of Denial. Approved by unanimous voice vote.
4. Silvestri Family/Owner and Applicant
151 So. Linden Ave.
P04-0138: UP04-0037 & DR04-0080
Use Permit allowing outside storage racks for concrete garden vases and ornaments with a maximum height
of 12 feet and a 12 foot tall fence along South Linden Avenue, Cultural Arts In-lieu Fee Contribution allowing
a landscape area of 2,412 square feet instead of the required minimum of 4,356 square feet and Design
Review of outside storage racks for concrete garden vases and ornaments, a 12 foot tall fence, revised
parking areas and landscaping at 151 South Linden Avenue in the Industrial Zone District (M-I) in
accordance with SSFMC Chapters 20.30 and 20.101.
Senior Planner Carlson presented the staff report.
Bill Mahar, Architect, noted that they are replacing a fire damaged building. He asked the Commission to consider
vertical landscaping along the property to be counted towards the Cultural Arts In-Lieu fee and lower their
contribution.
Public Hearing opened.
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Alfeo Silvestri, owner, noted that their business has been in South San Francisco for 15 years and wants to be able
to reopen for business. He noted that there will be more parking created than is needed on his property because
most of his employees bike to work.
Public Hearing closed.
Commissioner Sim asked if the vertical landscaping could be included as the landscape requirements. He asked if
the applicant was willing to go with staff's recommendation and pay the in-lieu fee. Mr. Mahar noted that they
were in accordance with staff's recommendation. Senior Planner Carlson noted that some jurisdictions have
considered similar standards such as tree canopies toward the landscape requirements but South San Francisco
has not.
Commissioner Giusti asked if the outside storage would be anchored. Mr. Mahar noted that they would be leveled
and anchored for the worst-case scenario.
Commissioner Zemke noted that there is congestion in the area and there is more parking needed.
Motion Sim I Second Giusti to approve P04-0138: UP04-0037 & DR04-0080. Approved by unanimous voice
vote.
Recess called at 8:14 p.m.
Recalled to order at 8:23 p.m.
s. Charles K. Ng/applicant
Charles K. Ng/owner
111 Chestnut Ave.
P02-0020: AHA02-0001, RZ-02-0002, SA02-0001, PUD02-0002 & ND02-0002
Rezoning of the property from Medium Density Residential (R-2-H) to High Density Residential (R-3-L),
Tentative Subdivision Map allowing 8 parcels and common area, Planned Unit Development and Design
Review allowing eight new dwelling units, smaller lots than the minimum requirement of 5,000 sq ft, reduced
minimum required setback and a parking rate of 2.25 per dwelling unit, and an Affordable Housing Agreement
for the property located at 111 Chestnut Avenue in the Medium Density Residential (R-2-H) Zoning District in
accordance with SSFMC Title 19 and Chapters 20.78, 20.85, 20.87 & 20.125
Senior Planner Carlson presented the staff report.
Simon Kwan, architect, noted that they have redesigned the project and took into consideration the concerns of
the neighborhood. He gave a PowerPoint presentation with computer-simulated movie to show the Commission
the design and architecture of the project.
Public Hearing closed. There being no speakers the Public Hearing was closed.
The Commission was concerned with the flat roofs. Mr. Kwan noted that there was a variation of flat and pitched
roofs. Senior Planner Carlson noted that the Commission was previously concerned with the height of the
structure and this is why the pitch was lowered in the new design.
Vice Chairperson Teglia was concerned with the use of the Planned Unit Development application. Senior Planner
Carlson noted that the site is designated high density residential in the General Plan and the developer could put
up to 14 apartments on the site with less parking and a bulkier building. The developer has chosen to propose
only 8 units and increase the parking on the site to 3 spaces per unit. He added that if the developer chose to
return with 14 units there would not be a Planned Unit Development application on the site because they would
not be asking for any exceptions.
Vice Chairperson Teglia asked if a there could be a bedroom removed and therefore reduce the massing of the
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Planning Commission Meeting of January 20, 2005
project. Senior Planner Carlson noted that this was difficult because the ground floor is taken up by the parking
spaces.
Commissioner Honan noted that there is a lack of barrier in the play area and this could cause an accident if
children went beyond the play area. Senior Planner Carlson noted that the Commission could include a Condition
of Approval to have a fence. Commissioner Honan was not comfortable with the project design and felt it was
square and boxy. Mr. Kwan noted that the previous design had more curved elements, which were not well
received by the Commission. He noted that this was the reason for the straight-line approach. He added that they
are exceeding the guest parking and if the Commission would like a larger play area some guest spaces could be
removed.
Commissioner Romero noted that there are two spaces parking per unit. He pointed out that there are no
driveway aprons and there is limited street parking. He was concerned with cars parking in the common area or
on City streets due to lack of parking spaces. Mr. Kwan noted that they have one parking space per bedroom as
per previous discussions with the Commission at prior meetings and have 3 spaces per unit.
Senior Planner Carlson noted that for town home development 4.25 is the required parking but for a small lot s
infill development like this the parking requirement would be that of what an apartment building requirement of
2.25 spaces. He noted that this development is at 3spaces per unit.
Vice Chairperson Teglia pointed out that the parking is going to be difficult because the City also had plans to
eliminate the parking on one side of Chestnut. He asked what the Commission could do if the site was not rezoned
from R-2 zoning to R-3. Senior Planner Carlson noted that the area has been rezoned on a project-by-project basis
but the General Plan does not show a reduced density along the lot frontage of Chestnut. Commissioner Romero
asked which document takes precedent if they are in conflict. Senior Planner Carlson noted that the General Plan
because the zoning code is an implementation measure of the General Plan.
Vice Chairperson Teglia noted that the project is out of character with the neighborhood. He pointed out that the
project is better than what the Commission has seen in previous designs. He noted that the height and parking of
the project are main consideration items. Senior Planner Carlson noted that the developer has to see if they can
have 2 bedroom unit homes and this becomes a marketability issue. Commissioner Honan asked if the box like
design could be changed because it does not fit in the neighborhood.
Commissioner 5im asked that the architect show what he has done to the design to break the box like look. Mr.
Kwan noted that the buildings in the area. Mr. Kwan noted that he buildings in the neighborhood are all plain. He
added that he used a combination of gable and pitch roof to add some design to the buildings. He added that he
prefers this proposal rather than a high-density project.
Commissioner Honan asked that one of the full bathrooms be turned into a half bathroom to prevent too many
people from living in the home. Mr. Kwan noted that this could be included into the Conditions of Approval.
Robert La Rocha pointed out that the tiny tot lot is secluded from the front of the parking area with hedges. He
added that a fence can be included if the Commission felt it was necessary. Commissioner Honan asked that the
tot lot be redesigned.
Commissioner Romero noted that units 4, 5 and 6 are nice but 2 and 3 appear to be miniature apartment
buildings. He added that some improvements have been made to the design and pointed out that tandem parking
can add the extra parking space. He noted that the design and parking need to be addressed by the applicant.
Chief Planner Sparks noted that the Commission still has concerns on the project and asked if they could create a
subcommittee to address some of the Commission's issues.
Chairperson Teglia appointed Commissioner Sim, Commissioner Romero and himself to the 111 Chestnut
subcommittee.
Motion Giusti I Second Zemke to continue the item off calendar.
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Planning Commission Meeting of January 20, 2005
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
6. Items from Staff
Chief Planner Sparks noted that the City Council will be holding a second round of interviews for the boards and
Commissions vacancies on January 25, 2005. He added that he put a hold on the building permit for an addition
on Park Way, which a concerned citizen brought to the attention of the Planning Commission. He pointed out that
the Design Review Board looked at it and the design will undergo some changes.
7. Items from Commission
None
8. Items from the Public
None
9. Adjournment
9:47 P.M.
Motion Zemke I Second Sim to adjourn the meeting in Don Lindsay's honor. Approved by unanimous voice
vote.
o as C. Sparks
Secretary to the Planning Co
City of South San Francisco
(!
,..
Marc C. Teglia, Vice Chair
Planning Commission
City of South San Francisco
NEXT MEETING:
Regular Meeting February 3, 2005, Municipal Services Building, 33 Arroyo Drive, South San
Francisco, CA
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