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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.20.91 Minutes MINUTES SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING COMMISSION Regular Meeting of June 20, 1991 CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman DeZordo, Vice-Chairman Matteucci, Commissioners Boblitt, Mantegani, Wendler. ABSENT: Commissioners Warren and Zellmer. ALSO PRESENT: Planning Division steve Solomon Maureen K. Morton Steve Carlson Michael O'Toole Art Wong Jeff Baca M. Dickson City Attorney Engineering Division Building Division Police Department CHAIRMAN COMMENTS APPROVAL OF MINUTES of May 2, 1991 Motion-Mantegani/Second-Matteucci: To approve the minutes with a correction to change Chairman DeZordo from absent to present. Approved by voice vote. Both Commissioners Boblitt and Warren abstained from voting because they were not present at the May 2, 1991 meeting. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AGENDA ITEMS - PUBLIC HEARINGS 451 Point San Bruno Boulevard. Genentech. Inc.. UP-84-682/Mod 2. Neqative Declaration No. 720 Use Permit Modification, design review approval and environmental determination of same to allow a 20,000 square foot addition to an existing three-story research and development facility with related modifications to the parking and landscaping in the P-I Zone District in accordance with provisions of SSFMC Chapter 20.91. June 20, 1991 staff report presented. Motion-Wendler/Second-Mantegani: To continue UP-84-682/Mod to July 11, 1991. Approved by voice vote. ABSENT: Commissioners Warren and Zellmer. Page 1 of 7 Pages PC Meeting of 6/20/91 AGENDA ITEMS - Cont. 1400 El Camino Real. Santa Clara Development (Roger Liu. Owner). UP- 91-894. SA-91-110. Negative Declaration No. 719. Use Permit, Tentative Subdivision Map, design review approval, and environmental determination of same to allow construction of a 96- unit residential condominium project on three lots with related parking and landscaping in the P-C Zone District in accordance with provisions of SSFMC section 20.24.030(a), Title 19 and the State Subdivision Map Act. June 20, 1991 staff report presented. Applicant: Mark Robson Santa Clara Development 1760 The Alameda, Ste. 310 San Jose, CA Mr. Robson reviewed the project and land use issues. He stated that expansion of commercial uses on El Camino Real and Hickey Boulevard will require more residential development to support those businesses. He noted that according to BART reports a high density residential development is a prefered use near transit corridors/stations to increase ridership. Mr. Robson advised the Commission that the project has incorporated the recommendations contained in the various reports. Mr. Robson stated that the project is consistent with the General Plan, the Housing Element and that it meets all requirements of the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. The project received favorable comments from staff and the Design Review Board. Vice-Chairman Matteucci asked the average square footage of the units and Mr. Robson answered approximately 1,300 square feet. Mr. Robson answered questions about project amenities including washers and dryers, additional storage space, garage walk-in closets and security in the parking lot and in the elevators. He stated that there will be a six-foot fence to keep the children from the creek. He also answered questions on the price range of the units stating that the range would be $125,000 - $190,000. commissioner Wendler asked Mr. Robson how long Santa Clara Development has been in business. She was told that this company had been in business for over twenty-five years with their headquarters in Arizona. They have had an office in California for over two years. Mr. Robson gave a background of the Company and its projects in Phoenix, Arizona. In answer to Commissioner Wendler's questions about projects in San Mateo County, Mr. Robson stated that he had not worked on any projects in San Mateo County with this company but that he had been involved in several projects in Santa Clara County and Page 2 of 7 Pages PC Meeting of 6/20/91 AGENDA ITEMS - Cont. that his staff had been involved in several projects in San Mateo County with another company. commissioner Wendler complimented staff on an excellent report. She questioned whether this project had been discussed with the water company. She is concerned about the water situation. Senior Planner Carlson answered he had not talked to the water company representatives but that staff had received a letter stating that existing capacity is adequate. commissioner Wendler had reservations about not having any basis for comparison since this company does not have any other projects in San Mateo County. She also stated she had serious concerns about the parking stating that most people have two cars and that 2.25 parking spaces for one unit was not enough. Her biggest concern was that this project was a high density development and would be very close to BART. She stated BART has a great deal of crime around their stations; she did not feel that high density housing is suitable for that site. commissioner Wendler stated she preferred low density single-family residences or commercial. She believed South San Francisco has more than its share of low cost and moderate cost housing and that condominiums, which have a high turnover, would not be conducive to families. Mr. Robson answered Commissioner Mantegani's concerns about an outside stairway in the landscaping area. Commissioner Mantegani was also concerned about the traffic impact. Senior Planner Carlson advised the Commission that the El Camino Real area was identified in the General Plan and the Zoning Ordinance for high density and that it is also designated as suitable for multi- family high density in the 1990 Housing Element. He also stated that the State wants to see more local commitment to providing housing opportunities in line with the community's fair share allocation. commissioner Mantegani related that this high density project was one of the best projects that had come before this commission and had no problem with this project. In answer to Commissioner Boblitt's concern about the construction of the buildings, Mr. Robson stated that the project would be built in phases but that there would be continuous construction at the site. He also stated that there would be more larger units than smaller units. Commissioner Boblitt also asked about the front and rear fences. Mr. Robson stated that the fence fronting on El Camino Real would be different than the one in back of the project. commissioner Boblitt contended that the present design is much better Page 3 of 7 Pages PC Meeting of 6/20/91 AGENDA ITEMS - Cont. than the one first presented at the Design Review Board meeting at which she was present. She felt that City Council wanted a moratorium because this area is more conducive to planned commercial than to residential. She claimed this is a very busy corridor which has the potential for being a high crime area. She also expressed her concern about only one covered car garage per unit and the high density of this project. She stated that she would rather see planned commercial than residential at this site. In response to Chairman DeZordo's request, Mr. Robson described the project's driveways, building materials, the colors of the units, the roof lines, the recreation building, the landscaping plans, etc. He stated that each unit will have two assigned spaces and the project will have 24 guest spaces. Senior Planner Carlson explained the flood zone and answered Chairman DeZordo's concerns. A discussion ensued regarding the Colma Creek. In answer to Chairman DeZordo's concern about the liquefaction on the site Mr. Robson turned to Mr. McMorrow, the project engineer. Speaking for the Applicant: Peter McMorrow 298 Alber Los Gatos, CA 95032 Mr. McMorrow stated that he had received recommendations for two different foundations and that it would not affect the design of the building. Mr. Robson continued his explanation of the project stating that the private open decks would be 6'x 10' and that the front setback would be twenty feet. He explained that the Colma Creek easement is forty feet in width though the channel is only 20 feet wide. Chairman DeZordo expressed concern about the project's density. He stated that it was a good project but not for this particular site. He preferred single family residences or a commercial project on this site. He felt that this project seemed very massive and completely out of character with the adjacent uses. commissioner Wendler raised the flooding issue and asked if there was any flooding on this site after the 1982 storm. City Engineer Wong did not recall any flooding on this site. He stated that many improvements have been made to Colma Creek since the 1982 storms and improvements are still going on. commissioner Mantegani also expressed his concern about higher crime in high density areas. Page 4 of 7 Pages PC Meeting of 6/20/91 AGENDA ITEMS - Cont. Officer Dickson stated that there have not been many problems in the Mission Road condominiums with regards to auto and apartment burglaries. Most of the reported auto burglaries have been from single family residences. commissioner Mantegani related that it would be difficult to qualify for a $200,000 loan but that this was more affordable than the $450,000 single family homes which are being offered in the city. He did, however, express some concern about the height of the buildings. Chief Planner Solomon informed the Commission that they had to take three actions; on the Negative Declaration, the Use Permit and the Subdivision Map. He stated that if the Commission's intent was to deny the project then they did not have to take action on the Negative Declaration; if the Commission action was to approve it then action on the environmental document would be required. If the project was to be denied, the item should be continued and staff should be directed to prepare findings for denial. Mr. Robson asked the Commission for an action and not a continuance so that he could take the project to the City Council. Chairman DeZordo adjourned the meeting at 9:00 P.M. for a ten-minute recess. Chairman DeZordo readjourned the meeting at 9:10 P.M. commission directed staff to draw up the findings for denial and read them to the Chairman for approval before the project goes to City Council. Findings for Denial: 1) UP-91-894 and SA-91-110 will be adverse to the public safety. BART station in the immediate vicinity. This is a safety issue. 2) Parking is not adequate meet the needs of the project based on its composition and its location, and 3) Density is excessive. Commissioner Wendler again expressed her concern about high density projects going into this area. Chairman DeZordo asked the Commission if they were satisfied with the height issue. commissioner Wendler asked that inadequate parking be in the findings for denial. Motion-Boblitt/Second-Wendler: To deny UP-91-894. Approved by the following roll call vote. AYES: Chairman DeZordo, Commissioners Boblitt, Mantegani and Wendler. NOES: Vice-Chairman Matteucci. ABSENT: Commissioners Warren and Zellmer. Page 5 of 7 Pages PC Meeting of 6/20/91 AGENDA ITEMS - Cont. Motion-Boblitt/Second-Wendler: To deny Design Review approval. Approved by the following voice vote: AYES: Chairman DeZordo, commissioners Boblitt, Mantegani and Wendler. NOES: Vice-Chairman Matteucci. ABSENT: Commissioners Warren and Zellmer. Motion-Boblitt/Second-Wendler: To deny SA-91-110 for failure to secure zoning approval. Approved by the following voice vote. AYES: Chairman DeZordo, commissioners Boblitt, Mantegani and Wendler. NOES: Vice-Chairman Matteucci. ABSENT: Commissioners Warren and Zellmer. ITEMS FROM STAFF Chief Planner Solomon reported on the current activities at the city Council. He stated there was little change to the 1991-92 budget and that it was approved. Chief Planner Solomon advised the Commission that a new application will be submitted for the st. Francis Heights' project at Appian and Gellert Boulevards. In regards to the Sunrise project, the developer had found new financing and will be restarting construction. He asked Chairman DeZordo to cancel the July 4th meeting and to adjourn this meeting to July 11, 1991. Chief Planner Solomon reviewed the Work Program with the Commission. The Commission found that the Work Program was acceptable. commissioner Wendler questioned why a project like the Santa Clara Development was brought before the Planning Commission before the El Camino Real study. Chief Planner Solomon stated that staff had suggested a moratorium but that Council had rejected this idea. Planner Carlson stated that the Regional Air Plan is coming up; Chairman DeZordo and Commissioners Boblitt and Wendler stated they might not be able to attend the July 11, 1991 meeting. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION commissioner Warren complained about wrecked autos on the 100 block of Camaritas and asked to notify Sue Harris, Code Enforcement. commissioner Boblitt asked if anything could be done about the wall on the st. Francis Heights project. Chief Planner Solomon said the wall would have to be found to be a nuisance; it would probably have to be a public hazard. However, it was his understanding that the project plans indicated taking the wall down. Page 6 of 7 Pages PC Meeting of 6/20/91 ITEMS FROM COMMISSION - Cont. Commissioner Mantegani asked staff the name of the company the City contracted to maintain the common greens on Westborough Boulevard and Hillside Estates. He was informed that the City had the Cagwin & Dorward Company under contract for this work. City Engineer Wong advised the Commission that the Water Department is responsible for the area behind Rolling pin Donuts on El Camino Real. A discussion ensued regarding Terra Bay. Chairman DeZordo adjourned a~ P.M. <-~II!l-) Steve Solomon, ecretary Planning Commission city of South San Francisco MD:SS:ab Page 7 of 7 Pages PC Meeting of 6/20/91