HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-21MINUTES
September 21, 2006
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
TAPE 1
CALL TO ORDER /PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 7:30 n.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Commissioner Giusti, Commissioner Prouty, Commissioner Romero, Commissioner Sim,
Commissioner Teglia, Vice Chairperson Honan and Chairperson Zemke
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Planning Division: Susy Kalkin, Acting Chief Planner
Steve Carlson, Senior Planner
Bertha Aguilar, Admin. Asst. II
City Attorney: Peter Spoerl, Assistant City Attorney
Engineering Division: Sam Bautista, Senior Civil Engineer
Police Department: Sergeant Alan Normandy, Planning Liaison
Fire Prevention. Bryan Niswonger, Assistant Fire Marshall
City Manager: Marty Van Duyn, Assistant City Manager
CHAIR COMMENTS Chairperson Zemke invited everyone to day in the park on Saturday.
AGENDA REVIEW No Changes
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None
CONSENT CALENDAR None
1. Edna's Ichiban (Ben Ramos)/applicant
American National Ins. Co./owner
2234 & 2236 Westborough Blvd.
P02-0001: UPM05-0005
(Continue to October 5, 2006)
Modification of a Use Permit allowing an expansion of the dining area of an existing restaurant at 2234-A and
2236 Westborough Boulevard, in the Retail Commercial (C-1) Zone District, in accordance with SSFMC Chapters
20.22 and 20.81.
2. Josephine Chetty/applicant
SSF Grand Ave Baptist Church/owner
800 Grand Ave
P05-0119: UP05-0024
One Year Review of Use Permit to allow aday-care facility for a maximum of thirty children in the Medium Density
Residential (R-2-H) Zone District in accordance with SSFMC Chapters 20.18 & 20.81.
3. Malcolm Building
Malcolm Properties/Owner
The Hagman Group/Applicant
200 Oyster Point Blvd
P06-0033: TDM06-0002, VAR06-0002, UP06-0011 & DR06-0032
Planning Commission Meeting of September 21, 2006
Planned Unit Development allowing parking spaces and a trash enclosure in a portion of the minimum required
15 foot deep rear setback. Use Permit & Design Review allowing a 56,300 square foot 4-story office and
building generating in excess of 100 average daily vehicle trips, open at-grade & garage parking for a
minimum of 158 vehicles & landscaping at 200 Oyster Point Blvd in the Planned Commercial (P-C-L) Zone
District in accordance with SSFMC Chapters 20.24, 20.81 & 20.85 Variance to reduce parking to a rate of 2.83
space per 1,000 square feet of floor area instead of the minimum required rate of 3.3 spaces per 1,000 square
feet of floor area in accordance with SSFMC Chapter 20.82 Transportation Demand Management Plan to
reduce traffic impacts and allow a reduction in the minimum required parking in accordance with SSFMC
Chapter 20.120
(Accept withdrawal of application)
4. Diana Barnard/applicant
KSW PROPERTIES/owner
1333-1361 Lowrie Ave (015-115-290 & 015-115-460)
P05-0139: UP05-0027, DR06-0027, VAR05-0002 & TDM05-0005
(Continue to October 5, 2006)
Use Permit allowing re-establishment of warehouse and distribution uses generating in excess of 100 average
daily vehicle trips, outdoor overnight truck storage and 24 hour operation and Design Review of landscaping
upgrades; Cultural Arts Contribution allowing 16,590 square feet of on-site landscaping in-lieu of providing a
minimum landscaping of 26,236 square feet; Variance allowing 95 parking spaces instead of the minimum
requirement of 125 parking spaces and Transportation Demand Management Plan in association with a Variance
reducing parking requirements located at 1331, 1341-1349 Lowrie Avenue in the Planned Industrial Zone District
in accordance with SSFMC Chapters 20.30, 20.81, 20.84, 20.85, 20.101, & 20.120.
5. Genentech Master Plan EIR
Genentech,/Owner
Lisa Sullivan/Applicant
1 DNA Way
P05-0141: MP05-OOOIEIR05-0004
(Continue to October 5, 2006)
Public Hearing to receive comments on the Genentech Master Plan Environmental Impact Report.
Motion Giusti /Second Sim to approve the Consent Calendar.
Commissioner Teglia asked why item number three was being withdrawn. Senior Planner Carlson noted that the
site was sold and the project would not be pursued at this moment.
Approved by unanimous voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARING
6. Michael Nilmeyer/applicant
WELLS ENTERPRISES/owner
202, 212 & 218 Littlefield Ave
P06-0054: UP06-0016, DR06-0043 & TDM06-0004
Use Permit and Design Review allowing a two tenant building comprised of a 10,228 square foot industrial use and
a 17,600 square foot commercial mail distribution center with a 32,000 square foot indoor garage for occupants of
202 and 222 Littlefield Avenue, outdoor parking for twenty-five (25) vehicles and indoor parking garage for up to
eighty-two (82) vehicles, outdoor overnight storage of up to five (5) tractor trailers, and three (30 foot long
s:~MCwutes~~Lwal~zed rnCwutes~2oo~\o9-2i-o6 rzpc.doc Page z of g
Planning Commission Meeting of September 21, 2006
loading docks, generating in excess of one hundred (100) average daily vehicle trips, and twenty-four (24) hour
operation; Transportation Demand Management Plan to reduce traffic associated with the development in the
Planned Industrial (P-I) Zone District in accordance with SSFMC Chapters 20.71, 20.74, 20.81 & 20.85 & 20.120.
Reviewed with item #7.
7. Michael Nilmeyer/applicant
A-M-7 ASSOCIATES/owner
222 Littlefield Ave
P06-0056: UP06-0017, DR06-0044 & TDM06-0005
Use Permit to legalize a commercial postal facility with 24 hour daily operations and generating in excess of 100
average daily vehicle trips, and off-site parking at 202 Littlefield Avenue; Design Review of a new open at-grade
parking lot and landscaping upgrades; Transportation Demand Management Plan to reduce traffic associated with
the development located in the Planned Industrial (P-I) Zone District in accordance with SSFMC Chapters 20.32,
20.74, 20.81, 20.85 & 20.120.
Public Hearings opened.
Senior Planner Carlson presented the staff report and stated that there were changes to the Conditions of
Approval as follows:
• Engineering Division fees condition would be removed because it was found that the project was not subject to
impact fees.
• Engineering Division additional condition with regard to the construction of the sidewalk frontage along 202
through 222 Littlefield.
• Fire Prevention conditions 1 and 2 would be deleted for the 222 Littlefield project.
• Engineering Division Special Condition #2 would be deleted because the applicant resolved the traffic circulation
issues.
Commissioner Teglia asked for clarification on legalizing the use. Senior Planner Carlson noted that the applicant
had taken over another site and made some changes in their operations, such as hours of operations and trailers
stored, which triggered the Use Permit. Staff has been looking into resolving these issues for a year or two.
Michael Nilmeyer, architect, noted that Fed-Ex has a facility at 222 Littlefield site and they had an offsite parking
facility where a shuttle would transport employees back and forth. He noted that 202 Littlefield was looked at as
a potential site for parking. He pointed out that they added landscaping and reconfigured the parking lot. They
are also adding ivy to the chain link fence. He pointed out that there is parking for 26 trailers at 222 Littlefield.
He pointed out that in the building there is only one-way circulation and vehicles enter via a 20 foot right-of way
into the building. He noted that Pat Esquino, Jim Bowman, Joe Marsico and Mike Paccelli are present to answer
any questions the Commission might have.
Senior Planner Carlson noted that the site plan does not show 26 trucks on the site and that it might not meet City
standards.
Public Hearings closed.
Chairperson Zemke noted that the landscaping is going to the railroad spur and was concerned that the Bay Trail
will need to be brought up with the landscaping to make the site and the trail landscaping consistent. Mr.
Nilmeyer noted that on the 202 site there is landscaping in the rear of the building and on the southwest corner
there is a 15 foot wide landscaping area. The Bay Trail has seating and some natural landscaping. Chairperson
Zemke questioned if the Bay Trail was City properly or the applicant's properly. Senior Planner Carlson noted that
the City is responsible for the Bay Trail and the plant types that are out there which is the responsibility of the
City's Public Works Department. Mr. Nilmeyer added that there is no portion of the Bay Trail that is on the Fed-Ex
site.
Vice Chairperson Honan asked that the Fire Marshal explain the recommendation for a Fire Lane. Fire Marshal
s:\M%wutes\~twaltzed M%wutes~2oo6\oy-2i-o6 rPC.doc Page s of 8
Planning Commission Meeting of September 21, 2006
Niswonger noted that the existing site at 202 Littlefield Avenue does not allow a full turnaround for fire vehicles.
He noted that the existing driveway that runs behind both 202 and 212 Littlefield Avenue and that exists onto the
street next top the driveway for 222 Littlefield Avenue that is currently utilized as Fire access is being designated
as a Fire Lane in the condition of approval. He also noted that 222 Littlefield Avenue is also constrained by the site
configuration that little space exists for a full turnaround, but that a hammerhead style turnaround is a possibility.
Commissioner Prouty questioned if the one way traffic flow will be linked to the property. Senior Planner Carlson
noted that the fire lane will be dedicated and an agreement will be recorded with the County Recorder. Fire
Marshall Niswonger noted that they would enforce any conditions or agreements set forth when there is a
violation.
Commissioner Prouty questioned if this Fed-Ex will have independent drivers. Mr. Nilmeyer added that these are
also independent drivers. Commissioner Prouty questioned if the business license issue had been addressed. Pat
Esquino, Federal Express Ground -Senior Manager of Facilities, noted that their counsel is in the process with the
City's counsel to encourage the contractors to take care of the licenses. Commissioner Prouty noted that the
project has been approved for several months and would not like to have staff tracking down each of the
contractors to have this done. Senior Planner Carlson noted that a requirement that all their contractors have
business licenses prior to issuance of any Building Permit can be added to the project approvals. Commissioner
Prouty agreed. Assistant City Attorney Spoerl confirmed that he is working with legal counsel for Fed-Ex regarding
the contractors licenses.
Commissioner Teglia stated that some companies do not allow truckers on site if they do not have their
paperwork. He suggested that Fed-Ex needs to require all contractors that go to that site obtain the proper
permits from the City and if they don't they will not be allowed on the site. Mr. Esquilina noted that they are
doing their best to take care of the issue.
Vice Chairperson Honan questioned how many applicants have applied for the business licenses. Senior Planner
Carlson noted that none had at the time. Mr. Nilmeyer clarified that the contractors at 220 Shaw Road have not
received the letter notifying them that they have to comply with this requirement which is the reason why there
have not been any applications submitted for business licenses. Commissioner Teglia noted that Fed-Ex does not
want to comply with this issue and a facility needs to comply with the Use Permit. He added that Fed-Ex needs to
actively check that their licenses are current. Commissioner Giusti noted that the business license needs to be a
requirement Fed-Ex has in place for their contractors to be able to perform their delivery services.
Commissioner Teglia noted that there may be an opportunity for Fed-Ex to expand in the future and improve the
facility. He felt that the circulation is poor and if there is an expansion in the future he suggested that Fed-Ex
consider a properly designed distribution center at this location. He pointed out that he would like to see a
condition of approval that there be no on-street parking of vans and trailers, and a second condition that any
fences not standing 90 degrees to the ground be repaired within two weeks.
Commissioner Romero questioned if the numbers quoted in the staff report with regard to the trucks are strictly
enforced because it seems that they are estimates. Senior Planner Carlson noted that there are more trailers than
estimated and pointed out that staffs concern is that the site cannot accommodate all the trailers and maintain the
25 foot travel lane. Commissioner Romero questioned if the Engineering Division reviewed this issue. Senior
Planner Carlson noted that it is a question of geometry and trying to fit the trailers on the site.
Mr. Nilmeyer noted that the travel lane can be marked and are identifying the areas where the tractor trailers will
not be able to park. Commissioner Teglia questioned where the doubles will be assembled. Mr. Esquilina noted
that a trailer already is hooked and back to the second trailer.
Vice Chairperson Honan stated that she has not seen where everything is going and added that a better
presentation is needed. Commissioner Sim added that Fed-Ex needs to show a Master Plan for the properties in
ten or fifteen years. Mr. Esquilina noted that they currently don't have more plans in South San Francisco.
Commissioner Romero asked who the distribution facility was going to serve. Mr. Esquilina noted that they will
be servicing the local community. Commissioner Romero asked that Federal Express give the Commission the
s:v~1%wutes\~LwaLCzed r~Cwutes~2oo6\oy-2i-o6 RPC.doc page 4 o f 8
Planning Commission Meeting of September 21, 2006
number of trailers, tractors, and types of vehicles on the site, as well as employee count. He noted that the
business license requirement needs to be incorporated into the service contract that Fed-Ex has with their
contractors.
Mr. Esquilina noted that they would like to return to the Commission and provide the information requested.
Motion Prouty /Second Giusti to continue the item to October 19, 2006. Approved by unanimous voice vote.
Senior Planner Carlson suggested that the Commission continue the 220 Shaw Road review (item #9) to the
October 19"' meeting also and look at the three projects then.
Recess called at 9:09 p.m. Recalled to order at 9:22 p.m.
8. MANDALAY TERRACE - Terrabay Phase III
Mandalay Terrace (PHIII /Bayshore Blvd)
Myers Development Co. LLC /Owner & Applicant
San Bruno Mountain -Bayshore Blvd
P06-0073: PP06-0002, SP06-0001, DR06-0060, ZA06-0001 & EIR04-0002
(Continued from September7, 2006)
Precise Plan, Specific Plan, Design Review, Zoning Text Amendment amending Chapter 20.63 of the SSFMC
and Final Environmental Impact Report with Addendum for a re-entitlement of an existing 665,000 square
feet office building to allow the office square footage to be constructed in two towers and an increase in
commercial uses. The project would consist of: 665,000 square feet of office in two high rise towers, 25,000
square feet of commercial space, a 100-child day care center and a 200 seat performing arts shared with
office space.
Consultant Planner Knapp presented a brief staff report.
Commissioners Romero and Honan expressed concern regarding the continuance from the September 7~' hearing.
Commissioner Romero expressed his belief that such a motion was not in accordance with Roberts Rules of
parliamentary procedure. Assistant City Attorney Spoerl conceded that under a strict interpretation of Roberts
Rules, the motion to continue would have first required a "Motion to Reconsider," and that the motion could only
be made by a member of the prevailing side of the vote. Spoerl noted that the Commission's bylaws provide that
meetings shall be held "in accordance with Roberts Rules of Procedure and parliamentary law," and explained
that more modern parliamentary treatises would allow the motion to continue the matter. Spoerl expressed his
opinion that the motion to continue was thus generally in accordance with the Commission's bylaws. He noted
that four of seven commissioners had voted to continue the matter for re-consideration, and stated his opinion
that recognizing the motion would help to further one of the primary purposes of parliamentary procedure, which
is to enforce the desire of the majority.
Vice Chairperson Honan felt that Assistant City Attorney Spoerl, as the Commission's legal advisor, should tell the
Commission that they are not following parliamentary procedure and felt that this had not been the case in the
past. She pointed out that she refused to vote again because there had been a vote which should have been the
final decision.
Chairperson Zemke noted that after no further comments with regards to the previous meeting's voting process,
the applicant would be allowed to give his presentation and the Commission could make a decision after the
presentation.
Jack Myers, Myers Development, noted that they believe that all the comments of the Commission have been
responded to and allowed Michael Duncan, Cliff Lowe and Craig Hartman to present the changes to the
Commission. The changes were:
• Phase I -the parking garage has been almost completely concealed. They showed a sample of the perforated
luminous steel to be used on the garage.
s:v~t%wutes\~~walLzed M~wutes\2oo6\oy-2s-o61zFC.doc Pagesof g
Planning Commission Meeting of September 21, 2006
• Phase II -the taller office tower was pushed back and into the mountain by 40 feet without losing any of the
square footage in the retail aspect of the project.
• The lobby lost some square footage due to moving back the taller building.
• They presented images of the Mandalay tower and how it would look with the two new towers fully
constructed.
• The plaza was extended and more landscaping added.
• The translucent glass wall was raised by 10 feet.
• They showed examples of the garage material being used in other projects and photomontages of the way the
towers would like at night.
Public Hearing closed.
Commissioner Teglia felt that his concerns on the closeness of the tower to Airport Boulevard had been addressed.
Commissioner Sim noted that there were some renderings that showed a small portion of the garage and
questioned if it could be further screened. Mr. Duncan noted that they can cover those areas with landscaping as
much as possible. Mr. Lowe noted that they will plant poplar trees, which grow fast and will max out at 50 to 60
feet tall
Commissioner Sim questioned if the retaining wall would be completed with the first phase and if it would be
visible during the first phase. Mr. Duncan noted that the finished grade is at 50 feet, and the top of the wall is
another 18 and 20 feet. He pointed out that this is the back wall where the future retail is going to go.
Commissioner Sim noted that the building is beautiful and does not want to lose the wrap around idea. Mr. Myers
noted that they could eliminate the grading for the retaining wall in Phase I or substantially reduce it by changing
the characteristic on the slope. He noted that they could bring the retaining wall down and not just rely on the
landscaping to bring down the impact on the area. Mr. Duncan noted that they could berm up against it and bury
the shorter of the two retaining walls.
Commissioner Prouty noted that moving the building back has a better effect on the area. He added that the
parking structure needs to be further landscaped to stealth it. He questioned if the design of the buildings is
something that could actually be built. Mr. Myers noted that they have checked with Benson Industries, a glazing
manufacturer and has confirmed that this is doable. Commissioner Prouty noted that the building is distinctive
and wants to see the project completed as presented to the Planning Commission. He pointed out that the
economic benefit to the City went from 1.8 million dollars in the 2005 proposal to $700,000 and this is a major
difference. He pointed out that this is not an easy decision.
Chairperson Zemke also complimented the developer on the proposal and for responding to all their needs. He
asked staff how to proceed with the motions.
Assistant City Attorney Spoerl noted that if the Commission recommends approval to the City Council, staff will
make sure that the staff report reflects the earlier (September 7th) motion with the full results of the vote and a
description of the procedural posture of the motion.
Motion Teglia /Second Giusti to approve a resolution recommending that the City Council approve P06-0073:
PP06-0002, SP06-0001, DR06-0060, TDM06-000 and ZA06-0001 subject to the conditions of approval including
the revised conditions submitted by staff; and with the following recommendation of the Planning Commission:
That the Below Market Rate housing be produced prior to a certificate of occupancy for the Phase I
office tower;
That the southern portion of the parking garage be further stealthed with large-box specimen trees
subject to the Chief Planner's approval; and,
That the tallest of the northwestern retaining walls not be constructed during Phase I and that the
second smaller retaining wall either be buried or not constructed in Phase I, if possible, and that this
area be landscaped and remain in a natural state.
Roll Call:
s:~r~~wutes~~Cwa~Czed M%vtutCS\2oo6\o9-2i-o~ R.pc.doc Page ~ of a
Planning Commission Meeting of September 21, 2006
AYES: Commissioner Giusti, Commissioner Prouty, Commissioner Sim, Commissioner Teglia and Chairperson
Zemke
NOES: Commissioner Romero
ABSTAIN: Vice Chairperson Honan*
ABSENT: None
* Commissioner Honan stated for the record that she refused to vote as she felt the continuance was
procedurally improper, and her vote was thus tallied as an abstention.
Commissioner Prouty also stated for the record that he voted in favor because he expects Myers Development to
deliver on the proposal.
Commissioner Sim made it clear that because of the architects' compelling design and the way the detail was
presented he voted in favor and expressed his desire for the developer to deliver on the proposal.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
9. FedEx Distribution Center
Bacon, John W. & Lynn ]./Owner
Michael Nilmeyer/Applicant
220 Shaw Rd.
P05-0064: UP05-0014
Use Permit and Design Review allowing the conversion of a two-story 65,694 square foot industrial building into
commercial postal facility with exterior building improvements, landscaping upgrades and open at-grade parking
accommodating up to 66 parking spaces, loading spaces and 9 truck trailer parking spaces, generating in excess
of 100 average daily
Continued to October 19, 2006 by consensus of the Commission after discussing items 6 and 7.
ITEMS FROM STAFF None
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION
• Commissioner Prouty invited everyone to Day in the Park on Saturday, September 23~d
• Commissioner Teglia asked staff to reconsider tandem parking and recommended that the City Council put
a moratorium for the downtown area restricting tandem parking in any residential additions or any other
area where tandem would not fit in with the design.
Consensus of the Commission to review tandem parkins standards and have staff report
where tandem has been approved.
• Commissioner Prouty noted that some residential additions have put a flat roof to meet height limitations
and to get the maximum amount of square footage. He pointed out that some of these do not fit into the
neighborhood. Acting Chief Planner Kalkin noted that this could be addressed through a zoning
amendment. Commissioner Teglia noted that this is another item that could be reported back to the
Commission.
• Commissioner Romero noted that there could be a potential hazard at the EI Camino Costco with regard to
the carts lining up to leave the store. He pointed out that it backs up to the food court and that the Fire
Department needs to look into this life safety issue.
• Commissioner Teglia added that a gas queuing lane was created by taking some parking spaces and that
it should be freed up because the demand is less than it was when the store opened.
s:~M%v~.utCS\~%wA~~zed MCwutes~2oo~\oy-2s-o6 tzpc.doc Page ~ o f 8
Planning Commission Meeting of September 21, 2006
ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC None
AD]OURNMENT 10:38 P.M.
Motion Teglia /Second Prouty to adjourn the meeting. Approved by majority voice vote.
d ' `~ ~ ,~
St~i Kalkin~
Acting Secretary to the Planning Commission
City of South San Francisco
~6'~~%~-'~~yt,
William Zemke, Chairp son
Planning Commission%
City of South San Francisco
SK/bla
s:\r~twutes\~~wal.%zed M%wutes\2oo6\oy-2i-o6 Fz.PC.doc page g o f g