PC Minutes 1972-06-20424
Arroyo Grande Planning Commission
June 20, 1972
The Planning Commission met in regular session with Chairman Schultz pre -
siding. Present are Commissioners Berryhill, Jones, Nunes, Porter and St. Denis.
Commissioner Bowles is absent, Also in attendance are Mayor Schlegel and Planning
Director Gallop,
MINUTE APPROVAL
On motion of Commissioner Berryhill, seconded by Commissioner Nunes, and
unanimously carried, the minutes of the regular Planning Commission meeting of
May 16, 1972 were approved as prepared.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN #3 - LINDA DRIVE
Director Gallop reviewed Development Plan #3, stating it had been adopted in
March 1969 after the required public hearing. In the past few years there have been
a number of property changes in the area which may warrant some changes in the plan.
He pointed out that recently a letter had been received from the residents of Linda
Drive requesting reconsideration of the Plan, stating their main concern was truck
traffic on a residential street. Director Gallop noted that the staff has reviewed
the matter twice recently and have prepared a report, which he briefly reviewed.
He further pointed out two steps the Commission could take: (1) either reiterate .
the adoption of the plan, or (2) ask for a staff redrafting of the Plan and a new
public hearing, with the possibility of adopting a new plan to take the place of
the one now in use,
Director Gallop pointed out that a Development Plan is not a legal document
and is merely a guide line to staff, Commission, and property owners as to how
property may be developed to provide maximum and best use of the property.
Director Gallop pointed out that, in considering the original plan, it
seemed reasonable to extend Cornwall through to Linda, and bring Bennett Avenue
around to an intersection, opening up several parcels of property. Director Gallop
advised that in looking at the Plan, the staff (Fire Chief, Director of Public Works
and himself) felt that when Linda Drive was approved as a deadend street, it was
done so with the anticipation it would someday be extended; and the staff would not
recommend approval of any subdivision today without provisions for a cul -de -sac.
If Bennett Ave, and Linda were terminated and cul -de- sac °d, provisions for continuation
of utilities and drainage would have to be made in the way of easement,
Mrs. Linda Sheppard, Linda Drive, stated the residents of Linda Drive are
very much concerned with the future plans, and their primary concern is for the
safety of the children on the street, Mrs. Bryant, 1120 Linda Drive, stated she
would strongly protest the present plan, and indicated that Mr. and Mrs. Archie
Green and Mr, and Mrs. Carter, also residents of Linda Drive, were unable to attend
the meeting, but had requested that she convey their protests to the Plan, Mr.
Richard Coffee, 1110 Linda Drive stated he felt the plan would result in quite an
increase in traffic on Linda Drive,
Mr. Roy Burke, 971 Bennett Avenue, stated there is a lot of Commercial
property surrounding these homes, and he would like to see the plan left as it
is until further study, and possibly the street could be restricted to certain
types of vehicles. He expressed his opinion that this property is going to
develop sometime in the near future.
Mr. Ray Scott, Linda Drive, stated that putting the street through is
bound to increase traffic, and he would be in favor of a cul -de -sac on Linda
Drive and Bennett Avenue. There is quite a grade coming down off of Linda, and
he felt cars would travel too fast for a residential street.
Mr. Carol Pruett, 1026 Grand Avenue, stated he felt the Development Plan
should continue as previously adopted, in that there are several large parcels
of property involved that will not be too usable unless they are opened up. He
further stated there are many acres zoned for Planned Industrial development,
and the taxes are such to demand that the property be utilized. Mr. Walter Filer,
1015 Grand Avenue, stated that during the past few years the traffic on Grand
Avenue has been increased several times over, and he felt this was an important
issue; all of the people on the hill have to come down to Grand Avenue to get
around town, and also that there are children living on all streets in the City,
and it is up to the parents to look after them, and he felt this street should
be opened up.
Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 6 -20 -72 Page 2
Mrs. Marks, Linda Drive, stated that Grand Avenue is the main street of the
City and was supposed to take a lot of traffic, but that children do play on
residential streets, Mr, Ward Sheldon, 1106 Grand Avenue, stated streets were
not improved as playgrounds; but were improved to take care of vehicular traffic.
Mr, John Bryant, 1120 Linda Drive, stated he was in favor of a cul-de-sac at the
end of Linda Drive, Mr, Fred Marks, 1198 Linda Drive, advised they considered
the deadend street when they purchased their property on Linda, and he couldn't
see any advantage to opening it up through this residential area, and he felt the
property values would decrease if this were opened up.
Mr, Marvin Hartwig, 1026 Grand Avenue, stated that the whole community
should be considered as far as traffic flow is concerned, and traffic flow is acute
in this area.
COMMISSIONER BOWLES ENTERED THE MEETING DURING THE ABOVE DISCUSSION.
Director Gallop advised that the plan is desirable for circulation purposes
and continuation of utilities, but not absolutely necessary because both streets
could be terminated in a cul -de -sac. The cul -de -sac would have to be paid for by
the owners of the property who are developing it. The staff feels that the only
other way that the street could be cul- de -sac'd would be for the Linda Drive
property owners to purchase the property and put in the cul -de -sac.
Commissioner Berryhill expressed concern about carrying commercial traffic
through a residential street such as Linda Drive, and pointed out the problem of
having a small residential area completely surrounded by a commercial district.
After discussion by the Commission, on motion by Commissioner Porter, seconded
by Commissioner Berryhill, motion carried with two "no" votes and one abstention,
that Development Plan #3 be returned to staff for further study and recommendations.
After further discussion, on motion by Commissioner Nunes, seconded by Commissioner
Berryhill, and unanimously carried, that a public hearing be set for July 18th for
the Linda Drive Development Plan,
PUBLIC HEARING - USE PERMIT CASE NO. 72 -194 WAREHOUSE AND STORAGE YARD, 111 ALDER
STREET (ROBERT F. FOLKERTS)
Director Gallop noted that the request is to use an existing warehouse as
a distributing warehouse for the Dr. Pepper Co, He stated he was advised by Mr.
Folkerts that they plan on using the warehouse for loading and unloading of trucks,
which will all be done inside of the building, and they would be using the outside
storage area for empty bottles and cases. This proposed storage area is surrounded
on three sides by structures and would not be visible from Grand Avenue or Alder
Street, and very limited vision from Halcyon Road, Director Gallop further advised
that a lot split had been approved on the triangular portion south of the ware-
house and, if the Use Permit is granted, he felt the lot split should first be re-
corded.
Upon being assured by Director Gallop that public hearing for Use Permit
Case No. 72 -194 had been duly published, posted and property owners notified,
Chairman Schultz declared the hearing open.
Mrs. Allen, 169 Alder Street, was present and objected to the Use Permit
being granted, stating she felt Alder Street was not wide enough for a trucking
operation. Ralph Richards, 151 Alder Street, stated this was not a proper
location for a warehouse, and pointed out that old mattresses, davenports and
cartons from the furniture store are stored on _he property and no effort is made
to clean it up, and the fence is now broken down and everything is exposed. He
further stated, in his opinion, the street doesn't lend itself to a commercial
operation. Mr, Matthew Gallagher, Leanna Drive presented pictures taken on June
3rd depicting the situation at the present location of the Dr. Pepper warehouse.,
He further stated he felt the noise level would be intolerable for the people
who live in the area„ Mrs. Lois Martin, 168 Alder Street, objected to the trucks
turning out on to Alder Street, stating the street is not wide enough for trucks.
Mr, Robert .Folkerts, petitioner, was present and stated he donated
property for the street and it was a 60' right -of -way; that he had improved the
street and set his sidewalks on his own property, and it wasn't his fault if the
street is too narrow, Mr, Folkerts further advised there will be no trucks
parked on the street whatsoever; all trucks will be parked inside the building
at night, with the exception of one truck that might be parked there at night.
The building was built for a warehouse, and he advised he asked for a lot split
and he will include parking with the property. He advised the mattresses and
couches are left in the back and are generally gone the next day, and that the
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Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 6 -20 -72 Page 3
reason the company is going to move is because they couldn °t keep their merchandise
inside the building in the present location,
Mr. Charles Parker, Sales Manager for Canada Dry Bottling Company, stated
he would have four drivers, one loader and himself, and the main reason they are
looking for a bigger location is so that they can get everything inside. He noted
they start work at 8 :00 A.M., at which time all three trucks will roll out, and
there will be a semi coming in anywhere from 11:00 a.m. until 3 :00 p.m. in the
afternoon and will be put inside for loading. He further stated they do not work
Saturdays or Sundays, and the bottle sorting is done in the afternoon, and only the
loading inside the building is done in the evening. Mr. Folkerts stated he had
talked with surrounding property owners, Mrs. Keeseman, Mrs. Nunn, Mrs, Dougherty,
and the people who own the theater, and they had no objections to the use.
Director Gallop read a. letter from Mrs. Elise Pfeffer, 166 Alder Street,
stating she was opposed to the Use Permit being granted for various reasons.
Mrs. Davies stated she lives across the street and is opposed to the noise, and
also objects to the trucks coming down the narrow street. Mr. Gallagher stated
there will be hundreds of empty bottles stored with unused syrups in them, and
thought this might present a health problem. He also felt there would be a problem
of noise and possible fire hazard with cardboard cartons and wooden boxes.
Mrs. Allen pointed out that the warehouse was built primarily for a furniture
warehouse, Mr. E. W. Allen, 169 Alder Street, questioned how they are going to get
the trucks in and out, and stated he felt it would create a traffic problem.
No further discussion for or against the proposed Use Permit, Chairman Schultz
declared the hearing closed.
Commissioner Berryhill noted that in the Highway Service District of the
Zoning Ordinance under "Uses Permitted ", there isn't any use listed similar to this
one. Director Gallop advised that the Commission has the right to elaborate in the
Highway Service District to similar uses. With reference to the outside storage,
Director Gallop indicated that the original intent was aimed at public utilities
storage of equipment, etc., and if the Commission wishes to include storage of
merchandise, this is something else.
Chairman Schultz pointed out that if the Use Permit is granted, then the
Fire Chief would make recommendations to the petitioners as to what has to be
done to comply with fire regulations.
After further discussion the following action was taken;
RESOLUTION NO. 72 -251 U
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE GRANTING A USE PERMIT, CASE NO. 72 -194.
On motion of Commissioner St. Denis, seconded by Commissioner Jones, and
by the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Bowles, Jones, Porter, St. Denis and Chairman Schultz
NOES: Commissioners Berryhill and Nunes
ABSENT: None
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 20th day of June 1972.
,PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING CASE NO, 72 -61, LA BELLE TRACT, HWY, 101, R -A -B-3 TO
- H -S DISTRICT (A.,DOKO).
Director Gallop advised this request is similar to the one that has been
held over. He pointed out that there is no existing public right -of -way through
or from the south end of the property, and the area is presently zoned R- A -B -3.
Director Gallop advised that the Land Use Plan for this area is not noted for
commercial use, and the only way Commercial could be put in here, under the present
Land Use Plan, would be through Planned Development, utilizing various uses combined
in one development. In other words, if we had Planned Development approved,
Commercial could be approved as a part of it. Approval of this zone change would
be in violation of the Land Use Plan as adopted.
Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 6 -20 =72 Page 4
Upon being assured by Director Gallon that public hearing for Rezoning Case
No. 72 -61 had been duly published, posted and property owners notified, Chairman
Schultz declared the hearing open.
In answer to Mrs. Bentley's question as to how much property is involved
in the rezoning, Director Gallop advised there were approximately 9 acres and, in
addition, it has very limited public access from a public right -of -way from the
north. If the frontage road is constructed, it is going to be quite expensive.
He noted that at the present time the property is isolated, and it is questionable
whether it would be spot zoning or not. He again noted that unavailability of
public access and the Land Use Plan are basic reasons for recommending against the
rezoning,
Mr. Ward Sheldon, representing the petitioner, stated he was concerned with
the assumption that no public access could be provided, and advised there.is public
access to the west. With regard to the expense of making a public right -of -way
acceptable to the City, he stated this was not the Planning Director's decision.
He further stated this property was incorporated in the Land Use Plan as a high
density area and to his knowledge, has been a construction yard for about 20
years. He pointed out that in Mr. Doko °s petition he cited that the property is
in no way a desirable location for either high or low density residential property,
and the idea of the Plan is to see that the land in the area is used to the best
advantage.
Mr. Walter Filer stated he was speaking for Mr. Al Browne, adjacent property
owner, who is in the hospital and unable to attend the meeting. He also stated that
two of the other property owners close to this property had also asked Mr. Browne
to speak for them - Lovasz and the Bolton family. Mr. Filer read a letter from Mr.
Browne stating objections to the rezoning on the basis of spot zoning and no de-
velopment plan being submitted. Mr. Browne °s letter stated he would go along with
any recommendations by City staff. -
Mr. Jerry Weaver, Attorney representing Mr, and Mrs. Lawler, stated it is not
a problem of spot zoning, and requested that the Commission give consideration to
changing the General Plan in this regard. He pointed out the property in question
is not conducive at all to residential development and requested the Commission
make a recommendation to the City Council to change the Land Use Plan. Chairman
Schultz noted that the General Plan has to be brought before the Planning Commission
for review before the end of the year, and if the Commission feels it should be
changed, it could be considered at that time.
Mr. Ward Sheldon stated that if it was the Planning Director's knowledge that
this was the procedure that had to be followed and, since the petitioner is re-
quired to post a $75.00 fee to put his petition before the Planning Commission, and
the Planning Commission at this time could take no action, he felt the petitioner
should have been advised of the legal aspects and the fact that the Commission would
not be able to consider the rezoning, he felt the filing fee should be returned to
the petitioner. Mr. Jerry Weaver stated he also felt the City had a moral obli-
gation to return the filing fee to the petitioners.
Director Gallop stated with reference to Mr. Lawler °s filing for the zone
change, he had never spoke to Mr. Lawler or his attorney concerning the matter.
He did speak to the realtor with reference to R -3 zoning, but not H-S zoning. With
reference to Mr. Sheldon °s statement, Director Gallop stated he had discussed the
matter with him briefly prior to filing, but stated he never recommends against
filing a petition if the petitioner feels he wishes to do so.
No further discussion for or against the proposed zone change, Chairman
Schultz declared the hearing closed.
Mr.Sheldon requested that the statement be worded not as a denial but
worded to the effect that inasmuch as the Commission is unable to act at this
time and that the petitions be resubmitted following the revisions of the
General Land Use Plan at some future date.
After further discussion, the following action was taken:
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Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 6 -20-72 Page 5
RESOLUTION NO. 72 - 252 Z
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE PLANNING COMMISSION
DENYING, WITHOUT PREJUDICE, AN AMENDMENT TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE
OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AS PROVIDED BY CHAPTER 4, ARTICLE
21 OF SAID CODE.
On motion of Commissioner Nunes, seconded by Commissioner Bowles, and on
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Bowles, Berryhill, Jones, Nunes, Porter,
St. Denis and Chairman Schultz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 20th day of June, 1972.
CONTINUATION - REZONING CASE NO. 72-60 LAWLER PROPERTY, HIGHWAY 101, R -A -B-3 TO
H -S DISTRICT.
In view of the action taken on the preceeding Rezoning Case No. 72-61, Mr.
Jerry Weaver, Attorney for the petitioners Mr. and Mrs. Lawler, requested the
Commission make the same motion because of inability to act at this time,and, after
further discussion, the following action was taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 72-253 Z
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE PLANNING COMMISSION
DENYING, WITHOUT PREJUDICE, AN AMENDMENT TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE
OF THE CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE AS PROVIDED BY CHAPTER 4, ARTICLE
21, OF SAID CODE.
On motion of Commissioner Porter, seconded by Commissioner Berryhill, and on
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Bowles, Berryhill, Jones, Nunes, Porter, St. Denis
and Chairman Schultz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 20th day of June, 1972.
REQUEST FROM MARVIN K. HARTWIG RE: PROPERTY VACATED BY SAN LUIS OBISPO SAVINGS
AND LOAN. 1119 GRAND AVENUE.
Director Gallop reviewed that in May, 1972 an extension for the temporary
facility of San Luis Obispo Savings and Loan Association at 1119 Grand Avenue was
granted by the Commission. One of the conditions of the extension was that the
improvements which were placed there be removed. A letter has been received from
Mr. Hartwig, owner of the property, requesting that the planter be allowed to re-
main after the Savings and Loan firm's lease expires.
After discussion the following action was taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 72 -254 U
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ARROYO
GRANDE AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 72-249 U, USE PERMIT CASE NO.
69 -121.
On motion of Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Porter, and on
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Bowles, Berryhill, Jones, Nunes, Porter,
St. Denis and Chairman Schultz
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 20th day of June, 1972.
REQUEST FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION FOR PERMISSION TO OPERATE A WEEKEND FLEA MARKET
AND RETAIL STORE. 15 2 GRAND AVENUE (,BAKER AND KYSER).
Chairman Schultz advised that MI. Baker had previously been advised that
he did not have to attend the meeting when the request was originally discussed and,
Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 6 Page 6
therefore, he was not present at the time the Commission denied the request. Director
Gallop advised it was his impression that the feeling of the Commission was that the
proposed use would not be in keeping with the intent of the District or proposed uses
of the area. This is a Neighborhood Commercial or C -N District and the determination
would have to be made by the Commission of whether this is a permissive use in the C -N
District and if so, under what conditions,
Mr. Gerald Baker stated their intentions were for a Saturday and Sunday oper-
ation only, with a retail business in the front building. He advised the property
used to be an old lumber yard and they plan to install doors on the stalls, erect a
wood fence around the area and would probably black top the area where they would be
running the swap meet.
Commissioner Berryhill stated that in reviewing the purpose of the C°N
District, there seemed to be no way a flea market could be included in the District.
After discussion, on motion of Commissioner Nunes, seconded by Commissioner
Jones, motion carried with one abstention, that the request to allow for a weekend flea
market in a C -N District be denied.
REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF OPTIONAL DESIGN STANDARDS - HILLTOP DEVELOPERS INC.
Director Gallop noted that the property involved is a 13 acre parcel directly
across the road from Valley Gardens Subdivision and south of the "Davis House ", and
was recently approved for a zone change from R -A -B -3 to R -1 District. He further
pointed out that there is a definite drainage problem on the property and the developer
will have to provide a channel through this property to take care of all the water that
is generated above him. Under the Optional Design Standards in the Subdivision
Ordinance, it is permissive, with the approval of the Commission, to reduce lot size
up to 4500 sq. ft., or one - fourth of the 6,000 square feet, recognizing this problem.
Mr. Gallop advised that on 13 acres, he would have approximately 75 lots permissive
under normal R -1 development, and even with the Optional Design Standards, very few
lots are going to be smaller than a standard R-1 development. The problem is develop-
ing the property and accepting the water.
After discussion, on motion by Commissioner Porter, seconded by Commissioner
St. Denis, and unanimously carried, that the request from Hilltop Developers, Inc.,
for approval of Optional Design Standards of the Subdivision Ordinance be granted
for that 13 acre parcel of property immediately east of Valley Gardens Subdivision
and south of the Davis house.
LOT SPLIT CASE NO. 71 -147 - M. BETITA
Director Gallop advised that an amendment to Resolution No. 72 -245, Item No.
2, is required in order that the map can be filed. He clarified that the amendment
should read "access road be granted as part of Parcels B and C as flag lots with an
easement to Parcel A."
After discussion, the following action was taken:
RESOLUTION NO. 72 -255
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF ARROYO GRANDE AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 72 -245,
LOT SPLIT CASE NO. 71 -147.
On motion of Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Nunes, and by the
following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Jones, Nunes, Porter, St. Denis and Chairman Schultz.
NOES: Commissioner Berryhill
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Bowles
ABSENT: None
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 20th day of June, 1972.
DISCUSSION RE ENFORCEMENT OF USE PERMITS
Commissioner Berryhill inquired as to whose responsibility it is to enforce
the conditions placed on Use Permits, and cited Netto ° s Car Lot and Red Top Garage
as two cases of Use Permit violations. Director Gallop advised that he has pretty
much assumed the responsibility for enforcing Use Permits. With regard to Netto ° s
Car Lot, he advised there was a problem in that the property was for sale and at
the time the Use Permit was granted, the property was in escrow, and they didn't want
to put the investment into it at that time, and it appears now that the sale is not
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Arroyo Grande Planning Commission, 6 -2O -72 Page 7
going to go through. With regard to the Red Top Garage, Director Gallop advised he
must meet with requirements of the Building Code before the Use Permit is in force.
He noted the petitioner has been in the office numerous times trying to get the
Building Department to design his job for him. He has applied for a business license,
which has not been approved, and the City Attorney refuses to take action because he
does not have a business license.
After discussion, on motion of Commissioner Bowles, seconded by Commissioner
Berryhill, and unanimously carried, that a recommendation be made to the City Council
to request an investigation of non - compliance of Use Permit and violation of the
Business License requirements.
PRESENTATION OF NAME PLATES
Director Gallop presented Chairman Schultz and Commissioner Bowles with their
name plates and thanked them for their assistance while serving on the Planning
Commission.
Chairman Schultz thanked members of the Planning Commission and staff for
their participation and cooperation.
REUQ,EST FOR PERMISSION TO BE ABSENT
Commissioner St. Denis requested permission to be absent from June 23rd to
July 15th. Permission granted by Chairman Schultz.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, Chairman Schultz
declared the meeting adjourned at 11 :05 P.M.
ATTEST:
Secretary