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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/6/1988 PC Agenda AGENDA CITY OF DUBLIN PLANNING COMMISSION Regular Meeting - Dublin Library Monday - 7:00 p.m. 7606 Amador Valley Blvd., Meeting Room September 6, 1988 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG 4. ADDITIONS OR REVISIONS TO THE AGENDA 5. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING - August 1, 1988 and August 15, 1988 6. ORAL COMMUNICATION - At this time, members of the audience are permitted to address the Planning Commission on any item which is not on the Planning Commission agenda. Comments should not exceed 5 minutes. If any person feels that this is insufficient time to address his or her concern, that person should arrange with the Planning Director to have his or her particular concern placed on the agenda for a future meeting. 7. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8.1 PA 88-078 20/20 Recycle Center Conditional Use Permit, located at Pak'n Save, 6605 Dublin Boulevard PA 88-079 20/20 Recycle Center Conditional Use Permit, located at Lucky, 8909 San Ramon Road PA 88-080 20/20 Recycle Center Conditional Use Permit, located at Albertson's, 7333 Regional Street 8.2 PA 87-159.2 First Western Development, Parcel Map and Variance, 7450 Amador Valley Boulevard (continued from August 15, 1988 meeting) 9. NEW OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS 10. OTHER BUSINESS 11. PLANNING COMMISSIONERS' CONCERNS 12. ADJOURNMENT (Over for Procedures Summary) DUBLIN PLANNING COMMISSION PROCEDURES SUMMARY WELCOME to the Dublin Planning Commission meeting. The Planning Commission is made up of five Dublin residents who have volunteered their services to the community. They were appointed by the Dublin City Council. The Planning Commission encourages and appreciates participation by Dublin residents. Regular meetings of the Planning Commission are held on the first and third Mondays of each month in the Dublin Library Meeting Room, 7606 Amador Valley Boulevard, Dublin. TIME: Planning Commission meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. No new public hearing item will begin after 10:30 p.m., and the meetings will be adjourned by 11:00 p.m., except under unusual circumstances where the Commission votes to hear the item or to extend the meeting for 30-minute increments. ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: No action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the posted agenda unless: 1) the Planning Commission determines by majority vote that an emergency situation exists, as defined in the Government Code 2) the Planning Commission determines by a two-thirds vote, or by a unanimous vote if only three members are present, that the need to take action arose after the agenda was posted; or 3) the item was included in a posted agenda for a prior meeting held within five (5) calendar days and was continued to the current meeting. ORDER OF PRESENTATION: After the Chairperson opens the public hearing on an item, the order of presentation will be as follows: 1) Summary Presentation by Planning Staff 2) Questions by Planning Commission 3) Comments by Applicant 4) Comments by Others in Favor 5) Comments by Those in Opposition 6) Rebuttal by Applicant if Necessary 7) Additional Comments by Staff as Appropriate The hearing is then closed and the item turned over to the Commission for discussion and action. The audience is not permitted to make any further comments unless invited by the Planning Commission. PUBLIC COMMENTS UNDER ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Any citizen desiring to speak on an item not scheduled on the agenda may do so under Oral Communications at the beginning of the meeting. After receiving recognition from the Chairperson, please state your name and address, then proceed with your comments. When an item not on the agenda is raised by a member of the public, the matter shall be deemed automatically referred to Staff unless the Planning Commission determines to take action as outlined in the section above entitled ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON A HEARING ITEM: On a public hearing or other scheduled item, the Chairperson will ask the audience for its comments, first from those in favor, then from those in opposition. After receiving recognition from the Chairperson, please state your name and address, then proceed with your comments. The Planning Commission wants to hear all citizen concerns. Each new speaker is asked to be brief, add new information, and not repeat points which previous speakers have made. The Planning Commission is particularly interested in the specific reasons why the speaker is for or against an item. Applause and other demonstrations are prohibited during public hearings. Such demonstrations tend to intimidate those in the audience who may have valid but opposing viewpoints. The Chairperson maintains the discretion to request the use of Speaker Slips and to limit comments. Anyone who does not want to speak may write comments on the Speaker Slip and turn it into the Planning Commission while the public hearing is still open. SMOKING CONTROL: Please do not smoke during the Planning Commission meeting. ITEM WITHOUT APPLICANT: If the applicant or representative fails to attend the public hearing concerning their item, the Planning Commission may take action to deny, continue, or approve the item. The item may be considered for continuance upon receipt of written notification of the applicant's inability to attend the hearing. CITY OF DUBLIN PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA STATEMENT/STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: September 6, 1988 TO: Planning Commission ,,nn FROM: Planning St�#: ss� 4. SUBJECT: PA 88-078 20/220��0RRe��,•cycle Center Conditional Use Permit, Pak'n Save, 6605 Dublin Boulevard PA 88-079 20/20 Recycle Center Conditional Use Permit, Lucky, 8909 San Ramon Road PA 88-080 20/20 Recycle Center Conditional Use Permit, Albertson's, 7333 Regional Street GENERAL INFORMATION: Due to schedule conflicts, the Applicant has informed Staff that their representative would not be able to attend the September 6th meeting. The Applicant is therefore requesting that the Planning Commission continue this item to the September 19, 1988 meeting so that they may have a representative in attendance. RECOMMENDATION: FORMAT: 1) Open public hearing and hear Staff presentation. 2) Take testimony from Applicant and the public. 3) Continue public hearing. ACTION: Staff recommends the Planning Commission continue PA 88-078 20/20 Recycle Center-Pak'n Save CUP, PA 88-079 20/20 Recycle Center- Lucky CUP, PA 88-080 20/20 Recycle Center-Albertsons CUP to the September 19, 1988 Planning Commission Meeting. COPIES TO: Applicant Owner ITEM NO. Ss File PA 88-078 File PA 88-079 File PA 88-080 MI O' 0 •-i £4 o X. - .�• 7 :o-.; ��3 IV U NC. G 0• m " oWN at W N-,o- C mV a7 U al C I•C re y L C r C'y l+ O.0o U N C 611 O N R U G m C O O C u a m u •a a V m 0 m m u a "4 al Sa L E E • > W L aA a.i v E 'O n i •Nra m C co •.i 0 N a0 M u O es N ? ••-, c 61 E G 4.+ u1 N m co y�as as O %.I W C.ZS . E .tiCOro a Q.0 Q-aWo1-1oOo1 W s. � r0 eo.•+a 0.0. W C o a o vi(i oe.-i =0.m 0 10 0 Cs7 W mUJ10n[4 = d L fa al C C.) Li-iala ?. C II a $a.a..) O+X y L• Uy 0 .] U C •.i .0 'a C .. •••4 as S.. o p +.) 0>4 C •.- is 0)Y•C 7 C q3 tea: •. O. • m E+ rt O.Q 0 ., 0 l+ ar > •n U .:C..-I al as m.-4.••i • a a7 C s0 a) N C. 0 ,.--, is O ;.) C 41 V1` UWo UZ IR ocU; CITY OF DUBLIN PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA STATEMENT/STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: September 6, 1988 TO: Planning Commission FROM: Planning Staff n,o,,i-t SUBJECT: PA 87-159.2 First Western Development, Parcel Map and Variance, 7450 Amador Valley Boulevard GENERAL INFORMATION: PROJECT: Request to subdivide an existing parcel into two lots creating one substandard parcel. Variance request to allow lot with insufficient lot frontage. APPLICANT/REPRESENTATIVE: Rick Hess First Western Development 3470 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite A-150 Lafayette, CA 94549 Nancy Voves Wm. Glass & Associates 22245 Main Street, #100 Hayward, CA 94541 PROPERTY OWNER: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Western Office Metropolitan Plaza, 6th Floor 101 Lincoln Center Drive Foster City, CA 94404 LOCATION: 7450 Amador Valley Boulevard Dublin, CA 94568 ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER: 941-305-8 PARCEL SIZE: Existing - 7+ acres Proposed: Parcel A - 5.91+ acres Parcel B - 1.09 acres GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION: Retail/Office EXISTING ZONING AND LAND USE: C-1 Retail Business District Commercial Retail Development (Circuit City/T. J. Maxx and Oshman's) DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN DESIGNATION: The site is located within Development Zone 8, Restaurant and Specialty Retail. SURROUNDING LAND USE AND ZONING: North: PD, Planned Development District with church and office uses. South: C-2, General Commercial District developed with a mixed use retail outlet. East: Alameda County Flood Control Channel and Interstate 680. West: C-1, Retail Business District developed with various retail and restaurant uses. COPIES TO: Applicant g Z Owner ITEM NO. File PA 87-159.2 n / ZONING HISTORY: Fall, 1968 - S-276, approval was granted for development of the Handyman Store. Approval for the outdoor nursery was withheld pending a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to the C-1 District. November 19, 1969 - The Alameda County Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit Application C - 2105 allowing development of the open-air nursery adjoining the Handyman Store. July 2, 1970 - The Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved the appeal for S-276 and Variance 4852 allowing use of a 36 foot high, 280 square foot Freestanding Business Identification Sign for the Handyman Store. June 26, 1972 - The Alameda County Planning Director approved S-440 and Variance Application V - 5800 to allow development of the current sporting goods store. Action on the Variance provided for a Numerical Parking Variance. June 20, 1985 - The Dublin Planning Commission approved PA 85-026 (Conditional Use Permit and Site Development Review requests) allowing the enclosure and remodel of a portion of the open-air nursery at the northeast corner of the Handyman Store. March 2, 1987 - The Dublin Planning Commission approved PA 87-009 (Conditional Use Permit and Site Development Review requests) allowing Circuit City Stores to refurbish the vacant Handyman Store (including enclosing a 5,700+ square foot nursery area) and to construct a freestanding sign with a height in excess of 20 feet located approximately 40 feet from the front property line. March 16, 1987 - The Dublin Planning Commission approved PA 87-034 (Conditional Use Permit request) for a car stereo installation facility in conjunction with the proposed Circuit City Store refurbishment of the vacant Handyman Store. October 5, 1987 - PA 87-096: The Dublin Planning Commission denied subdivision request and denied without prejudice a Site Development Review request to construct a 10,000+ square foot commercial building. June 27, 1988 - PA 87-159.1: The Planning Director approved a Site Development Review request to construct a 10,000 square feet commercial retail building. APPLICABLE REGULATIONS: Section 8-1.2 (Intent) of the City's Subdivision Ordinance states: "It is the intent of this Chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare; to assure in the division of land consistency with the policies of the Alameda County General Plan and with the intent and provisions of the Alameda County Zoning Ordinance; to coordinate lot design, street patterns, rights-of-way, utilities and public facilities with community and neighborhood plans; to assure that areas dedicated for public purposes will be properly improved initially so as not to be a future burden upon the community; to preserve natural resources and prevent environmental damage; to maintain suitable standards to insure adequate, safe building sites; and, to prevent hazard to life and property." Section 8-3.4 (a) states: "Lots shall be designed to meet or exceed the minimum standard area, median lot width, and effective lot frontage specified for in the Dublin Zoning Ordinance for the zoning district in which the subdivision is located." Section 8-3.11 states "The Advisory Agency may, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, grant variances to the requirements of this Chapter for water and sewage disposal system improvements, for street alignment, grades, widths, lengths, block design, median lot width, and effective lot frontage, and to all subjects referred to in Section 8-3.5 and 8-3.7 as is determined warranted by topographic limitations or soil or geological conditions, the opportunity -2- for more effective and desirable land utilization, or the showing that under the particular circumstances an alternate standard would meet or surpass the intent of the given requirement." Section 8-60.13 of the Dublin Zoning Ordinance requires "Building Site: Effective Lot Frontage" and requires that "Every Building Site shall have an Effective Lot Frontage equal to or greater than one-half the Median Lot Width required in the district, and in no case shall the effective lot frontage be less than twenty-five (25) feet. Whenever a Building Site is hereinafter created by division of an existing Lot, the Effective Frontage of each such new Building Site shall be equal to one-half (1/2) of either the required or the actual Median Lot Width thereof, whichever is greater. Each new Building Site shall be recorded forthwith as a Lot in the office of the County Recorder." Section 8-93.0 establishes the following findings required for granting variances: a) That there are special circumstances including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, applicable to the property which deprive the property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity under the identical zoning classification; b) That the granting of the application will not constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone; c) That the granting of the application will not be detrimental to persons or property in the neighborhood or to the public welfare. The Downtown Dublin Specific Plan establishes policies and standards to control development within the downtown area. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: The City proposes to adopt a Negative Declaration which finds that the proposed project will not have a significant impact on the environment. NOTIFICATION: Public Notice of the August 15, 1988, hearing was published in The Herald, mailed to adjacent property owners, and posted in public buildings. BACKGROUND: The Planning Commission continued this item from the August 15, 1988 Planning Commission Meeting at the request of the Applicant. In October, 1987, the Planning Commission denied the Applicant's previous subdivision request to create two parcels including one landlocked parcel and denied without prejudice the Site Development Review for construction of a 10,000 sq. ft. commercial building (PA 87-096). This action allowed the Applicant to apply for a substantially different subdivision and apply for a Site Development Review within a one year period. The Applicant subsequently applied for a new Site Development Review, a subdivision to create two parcels including 1.09+ acre flag lot and a Variance for substandard effective lot frontage on the flag lot. Staff determined the application was complete for processing purposes in January, 1988. Staff provided the Applicant with a list of comments and corrections on the project in March, 1988. At that time Staff informed the Applicant that Staff would have difficulty recommending approval of the Subdivision and Variance request as proposed, but would likely recommend approval of the Site Development Review provided the corrections were incorporated into the revised plans. In April, 1988 the Applicant requested Staff to process the Site Development Review application separately from the parcel map and Variance request. On June 27, 1988, the Planning Director approved the Applicant's Site Development Review request to construct a 10,000 sq. ft. commercial retail building on the existing parcel currently developed with Circuit City, TJ Maxx and Oshmans. -3- eN ANALYSIS: The Applicant is currently requesting Planning Commission approval of a minor subdivision to create two parcels of land from one existing 7+ acre parcel. Parcel A would consist of 5.91+ acres, currently developed with the 57,680 square foot Circuit City/TJ Maxx building and the 12,000+ square foot Oshman's Sporting Goods building and approximately 287 parking spaces. Parcel A would have approximately 690+ foot frontage on Amador Plaza Road and a 391+ foot frontage along Amador Valley Boulevard and 170+ foot frontage adjacent to the flood control channel. Parcel B would consist of a 1.09+ acres flag lot within the existing eastern parking lot area between the Circuit City/TJ Maxx building and the Oshmans building located on Parcel A. This area, although currently supporting parking and drive aisles, will eventually be developed with the 10,000 sq. ft. retail commercial building and approximately 51 parking spaces previously approved (PA 87-159.1). Approval of the Applicant's proposed subdivision would result in the creation of a parcel (Parcel B) with substandard effective lot frontage necessitating approval of a variance. The City's Zoning Ordinance requires the effective lot frontage of all new building sites to equal one-half (1/2) of the median lot width, either actual or required, whichever is greater. The median lot width for the proposed Parcel B is 150 feet. A 75 foot wide effective lot frontage is required. The Applicant proposes a 25 foot wide effective lot frontage. The subdivision ordinance establishes provisions for granting variances from the effective lot frontage requirements, if warranted by 1) topographic limitations or soil or geological conditions, 2) the opportunity for more effective and desirable land utilization, or 3) the showing that under the particular circumstances an alternate standard would meet or surpass the intent of the requirement (see Attachment 2 for Applicant's position on granting Variance request). 1. There are no topographic limitations or soil or geological conditions which would warrant granting a Variance from the effective lot frontage requirements as the lot is a relatively flat site. 2. Granting of a Variance from effective lot frontage does not provide an opportunity for a more effective or desirable land utilization as development of the existing site is possible without subdivision of the site into separate parcels. From a Planning perspective, it is more desirable and effective for the site to develop as one parcel, functioning as a single retail center under one ownership. Development of the site under one parcel would eliminate or minimize the problems which have arisen in the Downtown area with future expansion of development on the site, obtaining access easements and location and placement of freestanding signage. 3. The Applicant has not identified any particular circumstances in which the granting of the variance would meet or exceed the intent of the effective lot frontage requirement. The primary intent of the effective lot frontage requirement is to provide adequate street frontage for parcels, thereby enhancing visability from adjacent streets, and promoting uniformity and compatibility of lot sizes and development within a zoning district. Staff met with the Applicant and his representative on July 29th, August 24th and August 30th, to identify and discuss the following major concerns associated with the Applicant's subdivision and variance proposal: 1. Future Development - Approval of a parcel with substandard effective lot frontage may adversely affect future development on the site, in that each separate property owner would not have the same interest or control over the adjacent development. In a worst case situation, having a substandard effective lot frontage without proprietary interest in development of the entire site could result in surrounding development effectively blocking visability on the flag lot development from the adjacent streets. -4- 2. Easements - Obtaining cross access easements within the Downtown has proven to be a lengthy and cumbersome process for the City, property owners and tenants involved. Compliance with the effective lot frontage requirement reduces the need for cross access easements. 3. Signage - The City's sign ordinance allows one freestanding sign per parcel with the exception of large parcels four acres or greater located adjacent to I-580 or I-680, or the Flood Control Channel, in which case a second freestanding sign may be permitted subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit. The existing site currently has one freestanding sign and is entitled to apply for a second freestanding sign. Under the Applicant's proposal it would be possible for the site to contain three freestanding signs. The Applicant's attorney suggests that the issues of future development, easements and signage identified by Staff can be addressed through the Conditions of Approval for the project and through the Declaration of Encumbrances recorded for the property. The Applicant has indicated that the T J Maxx lease requires maintenance of the common area parking lot for parking purposes with the exception of a maximum 10,000+ square foot building (the proposed First Western Development building) and a maximum 3,000+ square foot building. From a City Planning and Zoning perspective, deed restrictions and lease agreements are difficult to monitor and enforce as the City is not a part of the agreements between property owners. Agreements can be entered into, broken or modified without the City's knowledge or approval. The Applicant's attorney proposed language for Conditions of Approval to address Staff's three primary concerns (see Attachment 3). Staff has reviewed the proposed language and does not believe it adequately addresses the major concerns identified with creating a lot with substandard lot frontage. Additionally, it is unlikely that language could be developed and incorporate within a deed restriction which would insure proprietary interest in development of the two lots to meet the intent of the City's effective lot frontage requirement and to justify granting the proposed variance. The restrictions and limitations necessary to insure proprietary interest present under a single ownership can be accomplished through approval of a commercial condominium parcel map and establishment of a Planned Development. Development standards would be established through the regulations of the Planned Development, maintenance of the common areas would be regulated through both Conditions of Approval and CC&R's subject to review and approval of the City Attorney and Planning Director. Staff recommends denial of the proposed Subdivision and Variance request. RECOMMENDATION: FORMAT: 1) Open public hearing and hear Staff presentation. 2) Take testimony from Applicant and the public. 3) Question Staff, Applicant and the public. 4) Close public hearing and deliberate. 5) Adopt Resolution denying Minor Subdivision and Variance request, or continue the item and give Staff and the Applicant direction. ACTION: Staff recommends the Planning Commission adopt the attached Resolution denying PA 87-159.2 the Minor Subdivision and Variance request. ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A: Resolution of Denial Background Attachments: Attachment 1: Parcel Map dated received August 11, 1988 Attachment 2: Letter dated received July 1, 1988 Attachment 3: Letter dated received August 10, 1988 Attachment 4: Location Map -5- . , �. RESOLUTION NO. 88 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN 1) DENYING PA 87-159.2 FIRST WESTERN DEVELOPMENT MINOR SUBDIVISION REQUEST TO SUBDIVIDE AN EXISTING 7.002 ACRE SITE INTO TWO SEPARATE SITES (PARCEL A CONTAINING 5.908 ACRES AND PARCEL B CONTAINING 1.094 ACRES) AT 7450 AMADOR VALLEY BOULEVARD; AND 2) DENYING PA 87-159.2 FIRST WESTERN DEVELOPMENT VARIANCE REQUEST TO ALLOW A SUBSTANDARD PARCEL WITH INSUFFICIENT EFFECTIVE LOT FRONTAGE AT 7450 AMADOR VALLEY BOULEVARD WHEREAS, First Western Development filed an application for a Minor Subdivision request to subdivide an existing 7.002 acre site into two separate sites (Parcel A containing 5.908 acres and Parcel B containing 1.094 acres) and a Variance request to allow a substandard parcel (Parcel B); and WHEREAS, the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act need not be fulfilled as Staff is recommending denial of the Subdivision request and denial without prejudice of the Variance request; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on said application on August 15, 1988 and September 6, 1988; and WHEREAS, proper notice of said public hearing was given in all respects as required by law; and WHEREAS, a Staff Report was submitted recommending that the Subdivision request be denied and the Variance request be denied without prejudice; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did hear and consider all said reports, recommendations and testimony as hereianbove set forth; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Dublin Planning Commission does hereby find that PA 87-159.2 First Western Development Minor Subdivision and Variance request is inconsistent with the intent of the applicable Subdivision regulations and City Zoning Ordinance in that: 1. The subdivision would result in a parcel that would not have the required effective lot frontage as defined in Section 8-60.13 of the Dublin Zoning Ordinance; 2. There are no topographic limitations or soil or geological conditions which would warrant granting a Variance from the effective lot frontage requirements as the lot is a relatively flat site. 3. Granting of a Variance from effective lot frontage does not provide an opportunity for a more effective or desirable land utilization as development of the existing site is possible without subdivision of the site into separate parcels. From a planning perspective, it is more desirable and effective for the site to develop as one parcel, functioning as a single retail center under one ownershp or proprietary interest. Development of the site under one parcel would eliminate or minimize the problems which could arise with future expansion of development on the site, obtaining access easements, location and placement of freestanding signage. 4. There are no particular circumstances in which the granting of the Variance would meet or exceed the intent of the effective lot frontage requirement. The primary intent of the effective lot frontage requirement is to provide adequate street frontage for pacels, thereby enhancing visability from adjacent streets and promoting uniformity and compatibility of lot sizes and development within a zoning district. A -�j TRe5o. off . ,en,a Q i-15�.2F UJe nW ~k BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE Planning Commission does hereby deny PA 87-159.2 First Western Development minor Subdivision and Variance request for substandard effective lot frontage on Parcel B. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of September, 1988. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Planning Commission Chairperson ATTEST: Planning Director Z� cc w� 0 0 ~nZ w(Z =o it Oow Zm A 97. 83 WAM — N 25 0 21' 44„ W -N52o52'29"W - ��, c:' 19- N250 211 704 mi �I u rr SANITARY SEWER EASEMENT TO VALLEY C COMMUNITY SERVICES ; DISTRICT BK 417 O.R. I PO, 287 N 09° OG' 4 9 " E 2. C05 DETAIL "A" NOT TO SCALE 0 20 80 120 SC' __, =40' u .e �-- R= 40.00 Or 0 MIN ka L = G2.82 32 37 O fi"• F/C 01 g j o , .. 0) "'j N Fes,:__. 1 'l �L d r; w1lo l ./ALLEY FREE AY VICIINITY MAP N.T. S. ,- 6� Lo ALMM LA WnyW W. AUG 10 1988 PRINTED NOTES 1. OWNER: CIRCUIT CITY STORES, INC., A VIRGINIA CORPORATION 2040 THALBRO STREET RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23230 2. PROPERTY ADDRESS: A. CIRCUIT CITY STORE: 7153 AMADOR VALLEY BOULEVARD DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA B. T. J. MAXX STORE: 7177 AMADOR VALLEY BOULEVARD DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA C. OSHMAN'S SPORTING 7448 AMADOR VALLEY BOULEVARD GOODS STORE: DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA 3. ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER: 941-305-8 4. ZONING: C-1 (PER CITY OF DUBLIN PLANNING DEPT.) 5. AREA: PARCEL A = 5.908 + ACRES PARCEL B = 1.094 ± ACRES 6. UTILITIES: THE UTILITY LOCATIONS NOTED ON THIS MAP WERE PLOTTED FROM A COMBINATION OF FIELD DATA (WHEN SURFACE CONDITIONS PERMITTED) AND INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THE SITE PLAN FOR HANDYMAN - SAN RAMON, PREPARED BY ROTH AND GOING, DATED AUGUST 1969, JOB NO. 14210. THIS MAP IS NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT THE ACTUAL LOCATION OR EXTENT OF THE UTILITIES WITHIN THE AREA ENCOMPASSED BY THE MAP. THEREFORE IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER AND/OR CONTRACTOR TO VERIFY THE LOCATIONS, SIZES AND EXTENT OF EXISTING UTILITIES PRIOR TO ANY CONSTRUCTION OR DESIGN. 7. TREES: REFER TO THE APPROVED SITE DEVELOPMENT FOR CIRCUIT CITY STORE - DUBLIN, FOR LOCATIONS AND TYPES OF EXISTING OR PROPOSED TREES ON THE SUBJECT SITE. THIS PLAN IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE CITY OF DUBLIN. 8. CONTOUR LINES: EXISTING CONTOUR LINES ARE PLOTTED AT 1 FOOT INTERVALS, AND WERE DERIVED FROM A FIELD SURVEY MADE ON DECEMBER 11, 1987. 9. PARCEL 1 IS SUBJECT TO GRANTS OF RIGHTS OF WAY AND EASEMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PERMITTING WATER FLOW AND DRAIN AS NOTED ON PARCEL MAP 518 (61 MAPS 70) AND AS DESCRIBED IN THE GRANTS OF EASEMENTS TO THE COUNTY OF ALAMEDA, RECORDED MAY 26, 1961, ON REEL 333, IMAGE 625 AND AUGUST 13, 1963, ON REEL 963, IMAGE 944, ALAMEDA COUNTY RECORDS. 10. DATE OF PHOTOGRAPHY: NOVEMBER 15, 1987 LEGAL DESCRIPTION REAL PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF DUBLIN, COUNTY OF ALAMEDA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: PARCEL 1, AS SHOWN ON PARCEL MAP 518, FILED IN THE RECORDER'S OFFICE OF ALAMEDA COUNTY ON OCTOBER 21, 1969, IN BOOK 61, PAGE 70 OF MAPS. EXCEPTING THEREFROM ALL OIL, GAS, MINERALS AND OTHER HYDROCARBON SUBSTANCES IN AND UNDER OR THAT MAY BE PRODUCED FROM A DEPTH BELOW 500 FEET FROM THE SURFACE OF SAID LAND WITHOUT RIGHT OF ENTRY UPON THE SURFACE OF SAID LAND FOR THE PURPOSE OF MINING, DRILLING, EXPLORING OR EXTRACTING SUCH OIL, GAS, MINERALS AND OTHER HYDROCARBON SUBSTANCES OR OTHER USE OF OR RIGHTS IN OR TO ANY PORTION OF THE SURFACE OF SAID LAND TO A DEPTH OF 500 FEET BELOW THE SURFACE THEREOF, AS EXCEPTED IN THE DEED FROM VOLK-MCLAIN COMMUNITIES, INC., TO QUALIFIED INVESTMENTS, INC., RECORDED JUNE 27, 1967, IN REEL 1988, IMAGE 207, OFFICIAL RECORDS OF ALAMEDA COUNTY. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM, ALL WATER RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO USE SUBTERRANEAN WATERS, TOGETHER WITH ANY PIPES, PIPE LINES, WELLS OR OTHER EQUIPMENT RELATING TO THE USE OF OR EXTRACTION OF WATER FROM OR UNDER SAID PROPERTY, BUT WITHOUT THE RIGHT OF ENTRY UPON THE SURFACE OF SAID PROPERTY IN CONNECTION WITH SAID RIGHTS, AS RESERVED IN THE DEED FROM QUALIFIED INVESTMENTS, INC., TO EDBRO CALIFORNIA REALTY COMPANY, INC., RECORDED DECEMBER 4, 1969, REEL 2526, IMAGE 427, OFFICIAL RECORDS. BASIS OF BEARINGS TAKEN ON THE EXISTING MONUMENT LINE OF AMADOR PLAZA ROAD, BEARING NORTH 32°52'38" WEST, AS SHOWN ON PARCEL MAP 2821, RECORDED IN BOOK 107 OF MAPS, PAGE 95, ALAMEDA COUNTY RECORDS, AND AS SHOWN HEREON. TITLE INFORMATION PRELIMINARY TITLE REPORT PREPARED BY FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY ORDER NO. 0040579 DATED DECEMBER 10, 1987. PREPARED UNDER. THE DIRECTION OF. ALTAMONT LAND SUR.\J EYOR.S, INC. :r I ALA N C. RO C E DAT LICENSE EXPIRES G/30/9I DATE: DEC. I98-7 2600 KITTY HAWK ROAD. STE. 110 l/ LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA 94550 Of V (415) 449-0939 ^ I I f�D SUf��IE�OI�S, IBC TENTATIVE PARCEL® MAP 5 5EIN. G A SUF301VISION! OP PARCEL_ 1 OF PARCEL W FIL.ED IN BOOK 61 OF KyiAPS PAGE ?O, ALAMEM COUN T CITY OF DUBL.I�4 AL_A". EDA COUNTY SCALE: 1"- 40 DESIGNED: A.R. DRAWN: L.J. CHECKED: 61..P. PROJ. ENGR: �• R. I AR 8-9-88 REVISE Pr-L. LINE A/8; REVISE BLDC SIZE F.B. REF 128 BY DATE REVISIONS SG4 sp spa Y RECORDS CALIFORWR. �.• I 4­ . u a , "', ii , a0lo f , 9-r- 159 • a. �1CIV D AUG I PLANNINO SHEET OF I SHEETS JOB NO. 185001 -r 4 , s l' fsW'f r �yy 1 rf +k` ray � '�, � �r� » � �� f` - �� %mil tJ'..%rrph _.r"•t` , # tk"' t4f"'*.+ `�" �'••y , +} �t."v �','` .. . .� n ii f`t s 3. 1 r,Y .�•dlt sn y G it tiA.. `� • � '�'3tP'�,ay sn. ��� .`r'� �& 3,�'� ,X'c'��Mr r t}a, 4 y ,�._-� tSx,, x _ .1,t Ct✓IY a �f i`' . q a <P,,`� Ys � -tT! • • • 4- x+rt S r fs •s" # f kf a SMITH, ETNIRE, POLSON & SCOTT A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION • e LAWRENCE G. SMITH STONERIDGE CORPORATE PLAZA GEOFFREY J. ETNIRE EDWARD W. POLSON 6140 STONERIDGE MALL ROAD. SUITE 500 G. JUDSON SCOTT, JR. PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA 94566-8097 JAMES J. PHILLIPS TELEPHONE: (4I51 463-3600 STEVEN H. LAVE JOHN CLIFTON ELSTEAD FAX: (415) 463-3110 JAMES R. LANGFORD III ROBERT L. TAYLOR HOLLY HELMUTH JAMES H. GULSETH ROBERT S. HAYES MICHAEL J. SAN SOUCI• DWIGHT M. WILLARD .,•r,«UMITCO TO TEOCOA,COURT June 30, 1988 Ms. Maureen O'Halloran J.�_ _ 122-3 Planning Department City of Dublin DUBLIN PLANNING 6500 Dublin Blvd. Dublin, California 94568 Re: Minor Subdivision Request Circuit City Specialty Shops Parcel S.W.C. Amador Plaza Road and Amador Valley Boulevard Dear Ms. O'Halloran: First Western Development (FWD) has requested that I supplement their minor subdivision request, as referenced above, with a brief narrative, including brief discussions concerning the variance issue and reciprocal easement agreements. It is the wish of FWD that the contents of this letter be considered by the staff in the drafting of its recommendations on this minor subdivision request. General Comments Re Subdivision Application. The present request by FWD for a minor subdivision differs markedly from the request submitted by FWD submitted in 1987. The staff report recommended denial of the 1987 proposed subdivision for the following reasons: ( 1) A landlocked parcel would be created. ( 2 ) There would be no frontage on a public street. ( 3 ) Concerns about the adequacy of a reciprocal easement agreement. ( 4) Site Development Review concerns, such as: , ATTACHMENT t � • ►7 �./ ,Recetue. 7-1-88 F 0 / rcr We-S cop ..yk w 't`_ -kr M "kit,. 5 y.r k 6., q r - 1V}r r+. ..3r.` t r' s f* r5. / a ��r,,y v„ G£" "yi` d�# x�l.,t� a'�`y,•.(F e,y a� m ',,y .` * .f°., . f 5 ''`�$'t�/i '� 'h.F ... .,,4'�, ; '}�',"< ,4 .'t tq 2, �,bwy t,,_• .,-, '¢, '...!1;- ..f ' �r,l.�t '�'P'� 44 fk'%7 ' FYI Y'x }f?,"4 p`Y ?+ '1 �i-+'>ai'''`,^'t' it t • '>r•zt ! ,. t u�6'�_'Jr 1N'x�- ,f f;'J� ,,f,. ,�;, 7"''K '- tt `+i; t. ..-7+ � c> �,a ;,-a .:* t {�'rT r yr a,: -r Y' ; i J. , .,u'A a i" �J> r f x t' "'I„:-K ra , p T:7- r Y. ' t I.'v sTt{ X7r'-.: .�` t t f !�rq Y,. � �>?{` �t'A 4 ir•� ...a+ ri, r �. � e 1 N; v t.{ . s +s. r r,r' it ..+.c a,� � �'"�' � ! r ' S ' 'r'�^ '�$, *� - � r`''� �'Y;.r�j`, s0��'�r �'a ,���"� ,- '.'wJ"`''r , rtd,,.rtJ i ' r..�,, vt,",�'y li, ,e° 4y :-tI. K • Z. f: >,>, 'IA,ia�[[({{.. °i,. r n r .1/44 ,a� 'Srfr.4-11; a . .r A * -: d:1t J Tf ! .f 1 Jj a r br y '+�i »r e ���r.,sy�'y � r �,'rs 4 tea. ,y � ;r,�y r �• o ,�' `!"S2 r •K���sa�'� r /S n y z'$x aq,}T ' ,t�"'�F a� >t r q.�j'L r �r 3�' +t' +F � : ��.7�.%I& ,, 2-7'i 7 i4 .4..ra 7 **4 t ry' 1 1y t', 4'.w ft hra may tfr ii,, T to -s- E 'ttTy „hus' . .`, y �- r a .v 1✓t4 -1, ' C +ox a t, v rf47 , , 13 `t- - : :r .; �" —'41 ,u T ▪ _. ' JV�p�s;3 ,. ..# x!,,, K. ji!y',' +k e;, .k +'F Y .,*,: rr '�� ' rr 13>��" !7 r�.. f R h,�.rr y�£'.r',i'R, t v' qr t :l » t d .c�, ;m r a .�4jJ !>4'Y ii . t?.�+r:g 2s bz,tril .0 -+f it ,"�".'. ,.,r ', r ,{p " i.,.✓.,.�.3"is IY`3 '',,; s� , 6.L,. � fi 1f'trYr #.4�.4� kyA`. e {�' 'K'" -.f �il®.�� � � ,+' ry r F'nF �•;s<� i /r.5 k : f S Y7 Ms. Maureen O'Halloran June 30, 1988 Page 2 (a) Failure to comply with on-site parking requirements. (b) Failure to comply with maximum floor area ratio of thirty percent ( 30%) . (c) Failure to meet design criteria, such as landscaping, pedestrian amenities, and special design features. In response to the staff report on the first request and directions from the Planning Commission, FWD has come in with a request for a different subdivision, addressing head-on each concern expressed by the Planning Department and the Planning Commission. Specifically, the request for the new minor subdivision addresses the above concerns as follows: ( 1) No landlocked parcels are created. ( 2) The parcel to be created does have both actual and "effective" lot frontage. ( 3 ) A reciprocal easement agreement has been proposed following guidelines established by the City Attorney for Dublin. ( 4) The Site Development Review has already been completed and approval given. FWD deliberately separated its request for Site Development Review approval and its request for a minor subdivision approval. The reason for this separation was simply that Site Development Review disposes of most of the site development issues, which isolates and narrows the factors that need to be considered with regard to the subdivision request. That is, the fact that FWD has satisfied parking requirements, circulation concerns, floor area ratios, and special design concerns means that Planning Commission may address the narrow subdivision issue with the confidence and knowledge that, should the subdivision be granted, the site design criteria have already been met. In reviewing the subdivision request, it will be important for the Planning Commission to keep in mind that the Planning Director has already made the following findings in the Site Development Review: ( 1) "Consistent with Section 8-85.0, this project will promote orderly, attractive, and harmonious development, recognize environmental limitations on development; stabilize land values and investments; and promote the general welfare by preventing establishment of uses or erection of structures having qualities ..t Q , - xx't:ai.:L`<k;a.(e4,i ' :."•. . '- a1 r` --, i:r , - "- .� aqZ ,iy 4.• rt ,, r4 wyi F y, .',, r,-;-s, 4 i ax , id pa'v i4 'z . r . t ! C a 'a � `� r st4 '-�,'- yV . +1 r ay .4 a . , �_�S`F :`i, _ �ati S jf'a, 'i" 'KS!;aao :y .- Y ;t,c. t' .^ n � 410- K y 4 r▪ " .zc ..4r- _ # � \k 4+' .V ai , .4 eo�>� {"� . 'G. s 4WX , {.: _�T ;,14.•S e ..xa 1g .:1�e °art. n. .- ca' t vi,. _.4 ge,-1.is �,. _ Y T t ..�.' (aY ? ' 9,�' - S s.i-R P L } t 4'Ti �f .',' 'i� Y ' i f i'T' rr+,. p ;°i v 7`7 -. r 1;ft- ,44 ." n -f r�'pa,�F k+Ev'rr f` �, Sa" i< t � x5 e " '� �7' n. .a� /Y. �- 1��, ;, ���" � .S � +��'R t a g •l v*:` F 4c ,(�,'v �+ 9 ya 4 � � �... dt t Z�t".>� „e -yY �f f. �-, z r:.a , i, x»A' �Ne y T. Tr ' .r. k _ '!"J r > 1.,: r(Atlet�''a ?' !y,yCy��y � '` �'* �y _ 7 c1` / � C • yY. } 1 R ( f14 f �`ryt. } i ' ' { T S K 1: €' '� 1"fix r i Y _ k'1"c s .r' .tea, t,. " i t `.. <J ; f `: tit v; •'•'7'4 ror r.i v ?'`ai !_it; � . .��^i.t„r a;`�1 ic5� s'y`s 4kirik Wt � i� �Nr wla .4 t" r .�.�. _�:.+_. _.du' .i�a,.`:'t s:�:x.c_t e. u�, ca.":.a.. ..,.._ - .. Ms. Maureen O'Halloran June 30, 1988 Page 3 which would not meet the specific intent clauses or performance standards set forth in the Zoning Ordinance and Downtown Specific Plan and which are not consistent with their environmental setting. " ( 2) "The approval of the project as conditioned is in the best interest of the public health, safety and general welfare. " ( 3) "General site considerations, including site layout, orientation, and the location of buildings, vehicular access, circulation and ' parking, setbacks, height, public safety and similar elements have been designed to provide a desirable environment for the development. " ( 4) "General architectural considerations, including the character, scale and quality of the design, the architectural relationship with the site and other buildings, building materials and , colors, screening of exterior appurtenances, exterior lighting, and similar elements have been incorporated into the project in order to insure compatibility of this development with its design concept and the character of adjacent buildings. " ( 5) "General project landscaping considerations including the locations, type, size, color, texture and coverage of plant materials and provisions for irrigation, maintenance and protection of landscaped areas and similar elements have been considered to insure visual relief to complement buildings and structures and to provide an attractive environment to the public. " ( 6 ) "The project is consistent with the policies contained in the City' s General Plan and Downtown Specific Plan. " Given the evident value to the City of this development, as described in the above findings, the remaining question is whether someone other than the present owner of the existing buildings may develop the site. That is, the only issue remaining is whether the drawing of property lines, which is a paper exercise, would have such an adverse impact on the actual physical use of the project that a subdivision should be denied. The property line question raises the issues of effective lot frontage and reciprocal easement agreements. 4 S b } '7rJ t 4 /J' { { sn'.�R ✓Y i f�<r}`�, 1 Yd lh ¢` } iL r ^4 tr y j �- + 1j' f �wh s $f/Y3 yljt's 4J � j R � � p � x� 9 .+:.sS:.I�f'�..r.. ..• < ..... .r,..:(.G.YA'x:F. _✓,� i ' > v. Z u <�.4 • Ms. Maureen O'Halloran June 30, 1988 Page 4 Comments Re Effective Lot Frontage. The requirement stated in Section 80-60.13 is that the Effective Lot Frontage, however that phrase may be defined, be equal to one-half of the Median Lot Width (one-half of 150.08 feet is 75 .04 feet) . The new proposed minor subdivision includes 25 . 08 feet of "actual" lot frontage on Amador Valley Boulevard and approximately 1,117 feet of "usable" or "effective" lot frontage, through the use of an easement agreement, on Amador Plaza Road and Amador Valley Boulevard. FWD understands that it may have been staff ' s position that the subdivision, as proposed, may lack the necessary Effective Lot Frontage and that a variance may be required. FWD does wish to make the argument that the proposed minor subdivision does meet the Effective Lot Frontage requirements and does not require a variance. This argument is presented here for two purposes. First, the alternative interpretation of the "Effective Lot Frontage" requirement would mean that a variance is not necessary. Second, if a variance is deemed to be necessary by the Planning Department, this alternative interpretation provides an "alternate standard" allowed by Section 8-3. 11 on the granting of variances. The argument that a variance is not required in this situation may seem novel, but it is the interpretation followed by the County of Alameda (Dublin adopted the county codes virtually verbatim in this area) and several other communities. The argument may simply be stated as the position that "Effective Lot Frontage" must mean something different than "Actual Lot Frontage. " That is, the phrase "Actual Lot Frontage" would have been used had the drafters of the codes intended that the requirement of lot frontage be taken literally. Under this argument, the term "Effective Lot Frontage" refers to that physical curb frontage which is, for all practical purposes, frontage for the parcel in question, including both actual frontage and frontage created by cross easement agreements. With regard to this argument, two questions immediately occur. First, the underlying policy which generated the rule may shed some light on which interpretation is correct. Second, is the specific language used in the codes such that this common sense definition of the word "effective" must be abandoned? The policy of the provision is to limit, over a large planning area, the ratio of actual building frontage (and, • r ri ✓Ryf�b�a7 !4i r: - s Ms. Maureen O'Halloran June 30, 1988 Page 5 indirectly, floor area) to curb frontage. With regard to this particular development, it is apparent that a total building frontage ( including the existing buildings and the proposed building) totals less then fifty percent (50%) of the actual curb frontage of the property. It is also apparent that the proposed building has, for all practical purposes and from the viewpoint of potential users, substantial "frontage" on public roads. It is also apparent that the ratio of floor area to curb is quite small. Section 8-60. 13 provides that whenever "a new Building Site is hereinafter created by division of an existing Lot, the Effective Frontage of each such new Building Site shall be equal to one-half of either the required or the actual Median Lot Width thereof, whichever is greater. " Section 8-20.16 provides that the term Effective Lot Frontage means whichever is smaller of the following two specified dimensions: (a) The length of the Front Lot Line . . . (b) The least Lot Width at any point between the Front Line of the Lot and the point at which the "Median Lot Width" is measured. As pointed out by the attorney for the City of Dublin (see memo from Michael Riback dated August 26, 1987) , the above provisions are "vague. " Riback recommended amendment to this provision to clarify the intent. Section 8-20. 16 defines Effective Lot Frontage, on this particular application, as the length of the front lot line. The question is whether that front lot line should be deemed to be actual frontage only ( 25 . 08 feet on Amador Valley Boulevard) or deemed to include the frontage which is, for all practical purposes, available for use (an additional 1,117 feet) . FWD understands that the City of Dublin may view this argument that a variance is not required as a novel argument. There are communities on both sides of this issue and the intention of FWD in presenting this argument is simply to point out that there are two reasonable interpretations of the requirement, one of which does not require a variance. What is clear is that custom and practice, in virtually all communities, is that shopping centers are frequently allowed to have flag lots and landlocked parcels, whether this be by variance or by an interpretation that a variance is not necessary. V • '* �` ,x}'� mkt*ch � � >. • r F �41 r 4-1 t u y °s:; I • Ms. Maureen O'Halloran June 30 , 1988 Page 6 Comments Re Reciprocal Easement Agreements. If a reciprocal easement agreement can be drawn which answers the concerns of the City of Dublin with regard to ingress and egress and future planning control, then ownership and development of this parcel by FWD is no different than ownership and development of this land by the present owner of the larger parcel. In a memorandum dated August 10, 1987 Rod Barger, who was then Senior Planner and assigned to this project, presented the following question to Michael Nave: "Second, by creating this landlocked parcel,1 there is also a need to create reciprocal easements for parking, ingress, egress and utilities between the two properties. Staff ' s experience indicates that agreements of this nature can be cumbersome, difficult to enforce, unfairly binding and difficult to revise. In an effort not to duplicate similar problems in the downtown area, Staff has asked the Applicant to submit a reciprocal easement agreement that contains a clause which gives the City the authority to revise the agreement at any time in the future if found necessary ( in order avert or intervene problematic issues) . " "Can the City require a clause of this nature as a condition of approval of the subdivision?" Michael Riback responded on behalf of Nave, indicating as follows: "You ask whether with respect to the creation of reciprocal easements for parking, ingress, egress and utilities between the two proposed lots, the City may require that the developer and its successor in interest comply with any conditions the City may find necessary to impose upon the properties in the future in order to alleviate any problems that may arise with respect to the creation of a landlocked parcel. "* "It is my opinion that the City may impose such a requirement and that such a requirement should be set forth as part of the documentation approving the 1 *Note: The original subdivision request was for a landlocked parcel. • lei ? yr �J. �`'!x ,i -. i r �-s� r h� �� .' N�PJI"IDS � t } • S I'• $i/ 6 4''K/'L f�:,PP U � ' C 3s: y S • 7+N'' '.1� x "!! J. .«.. �:...e sua(v.:i..xx,e:<,.l.i�.a...a.:rol,s�z*,f.�stif.6_d.�ii. .......s,Y.�,.-}•••. -..a,3.,L s ....�..iwS.�:Cit;.la..._Y�sh ��...'r<...i,+na". _x. ..r.-._:^Fat..,..s.:,. .... . • .>;' Ms. Maureen O'Halloran June 30, 1988 Page 7 subdivision and recorded with the County Recorder. If, in the future, conditions are necessary to impose and the-then property owners refuse to comply with those conditions, the City could record a notice of non- compliance against the property and refuse to issue any building permits or other zoning approvals thereafter applied for. Additionally, such a notice of non- compliance would make it difficult for the owners to either sell or lease the property or to obtain any loans using the property as collateral. " Mr. Riback has indicated that other cities, including San Leandro, have successfully used the type of provision he is recommending. Mr. Riback has indicated that this can be accomplished by using a standard Reciprocal Easement Agreement and adding a provision similar to the following: If problems arise within five years from completion of the structure which is presently planned for the subject parcel and these problems are attributable to the subdivision approval, the City of Dublin may impose such additional reasonable requirements as may be necessary to mitigate those problems. Given that a Reciprocal Easement Agreement may be drafted which meets the needs of the City, the final planning concerns of ingress and egress and future control by the City have been met. Granting of Variance. Should the interpretation of the City of Dublin be that a variance must be granted, FWD respectfully requests that the n Staff recommend the grating of that variance. The requirements of the granting of a variance are easily met in this matter: ( 1) That there are special circumstances including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, applicable to the property which deprive the property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity under the identical zoning classification. Section 8- 93 . 0(a) . Each of the special circumstances cited in this requirement is met with regard to this application. With reference to size, the subject parcel is quite large and, compared to neighboring parcels, substantially underdeveloped. The total floor area ratio of the two existing buildings and the proposed building does not even approach the thirty percent ( 300) maximum. With s r .1 �'"i-+ w) a a-A '_L '! q..r w '£%_ o Y A•a}. • a.R Jt'ik. q a. c f C. 't� t',a; i +k at.+ g # •. t y R+, _ '`� V +'A t''ISw..:r� '�"K a`� @ ...3,d.>m.:a..,...!:..s...:..4, .:.:...ti ,+xhw..:e. .1..-w..s: ..? ' 'l .s•,h�:.�..�T S-..3:.. �i..�ia��e.�i,M'�i4S�c ��.. h.....`..< • - t . 1"'t .,,�Y. #,. �y a:;.hY',rr.+nfi, Lp ��� ti l; c f'*it - v., <14a- £ • t! NrCy't• }�r �•# +' 'vs d 7t##•Y. 4y `M •t r. ,�. i,. r l! tk2 e %M�f 'AM .H! - ,'>� a'� 'a 'y `.t a i, �.' 1 '� f ltlr txfl_ ij" l* • • ...,.: .. ... ..'_r,. y s _...... . �'' `y `rr'�tX;cif..".._-f _:... = { >...Y..._ .. .. -d • 1ti s Ms. Maureen O'Halloran June 30, 1988 Page 8 reference to shape, this parcel is a corner lot, providing it with a great deal more effective street frontage than neighboring parcels. The ratios of total building frontage to curb frontage and total floor area to curb frontage is extremely high. With reference to location, there are several special considerations . The back line of the property is contiguous to a flood control district and Highway 680, with a result that there is not the normal access to surface streets at the rear of the property. The proposed parcel is contiguous to the location of important destination retail outlets (Circuit City and T. J. Maxx) , making small satellite retail stores a substantial convenience for the public. Placing the building at the rear of the property would be a better planning decision than putting it at the front of the property, where it would have sufficient actual lot frontage, but where it would also block access to an exposure of the large retail outlets. It is the planning staff's desire to have this new building located at the rear of the property rather than the front and the rear lot line is, in fact, the ordinary location of retail outlets in most shopping centers . That this "special circumstances" requirement is met by this application when one reviews the actions of the City with regard to the application of Bedford properties to subdivide property it owned so that each building would be on a separate parcel. The reason for the request was internal to Bedford (it had to do entirely with the financing of the property) . The subdivision in that case was, as is this case, entirely a paper exercise, with no visible signs of the subdivision to the public and to users of the property. The Planning Commission made the following findings: There are special circumstances, including the site' s existing building locations, zoning boundaries, and existing lot lines, that make it extremely difficult to subdivide the land in a reasonable and economic manner, without the granting of a side and rear yard variance for Lot C, and an effective lot frontage variance for Lot E. Section 8-93 . 0(a) . In the FWD application, as in the Bedford application, the "site' s existing building location, zoning boundaries, and existing lot lines . . . make it extremely difficult to subdivide the land in a reasonable and economic manner without the granting of . . . an effective lot frontage variance. " { k a 4 A C- ,a S y',�,,, i .. - .. ... � T �:'w ,. .. _..� Y, i' d `sa' `sl 1^y: � £...m...._... �•' ` e '` o.�Y Kf }: y.•1 i _f f .'i Z...?:',', i i'' f� 't ,.' ro t J' ..` u ;7 ;/b:,, t t ,i: Y .n '�A ,.. t"`,y ,fnt '`". s '4 'tS r f ;1` s " t n 4 ,-.: t c}�+st , -, '"1 K? ,,I s� R RF•< " 'Sy tr, II + %, "'+.r'tn y,,4,��-, N fy', f �r d, 3• _t �,j 4 t„' �: � i�*,+.�a,} us e a ,� ry� p te� 'l�8 ` r?t^'y'•-$e`s -s�a r �, 'z d r; t t , ""3" 3• t.x14" t` i.: =.�4.y ri yf, rf{ ✓.0.+ c'‹'4 a- 74-P.,; t A i •7 L ` ,� 4 t A rv. ' 7 ,r .. s tw Pt<;-'t}' i 'e b- r 9 k s' } ♦; a x w t .,c S ° _ ✓'k- It 'y�,ty ' r f ,wrx s rr a fB7., '- t ie r k+ �a l Tp .y t< rya y3�� y,,. r : ; ,.. r . r a t A 'r t t r ..'a � ; "rz 3 .ffi 6. -- h ° tsW i8 J M .'"S .. y �rr- ^ ""�fi 4: lkrw8 t4 2,,: w4:nv rFhMlA v1'. sw-S _J-a: s"Ur- .ti:t�,.eM. ['s .. ..^ ,i`" li zt +w . .. ajx. i4 t,.c ._ s__a 4_,L4. t i Ms. Maureen O'Halloran June 30, 1988 Page 9 ( 2) That the granting of the application will not constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone. It is clear that the granting of this subdivision would not constitute a grant of special privileges to this property inconsistent with the limitations on properties in the vicinity and in the zone. The proposed subdivision and development meet or exceed the requirements for floor area ratio, on-site parking, pedestrian amenities, traffic circulation, and design considerations. Similarly, the Planning Commission in the Bedford application found that this requirement number two was met "given that adequate access, parking, and circulation is available, and the adjacent future and existing uses on neighboring properties should not be constrained by the granting of the variance. ( 3 ) That the granting of the application will not be detrimental to persons or property in the neighborhood or to the public welfare. The findings of the Site Development Review clearly indicate that the welfare of the neighborhood and the general public is best served by the allowance of this subdivision and development. ( 4) The advisory agency may, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, grant variances to the requirements . . . of . . . effective lot frontage . . . as is determined warranted by topographic limitations or soil or geological conditions, the opportunity for more effective and desirable land utilization, or the showing that under the particular circumstances an alternate standard would meet or surpass the intent of the given requirement. Section 8-3 . 11. [Emphasis added] This requirement number 4 is actually a very important modification of the preceding three requirements. That is, this provision instructs the Planning Commission that the "special circumstances" requirement is met if there is a finding of either (a) opportunity for more effective and desirable land utilization or (b) that under the circumstances an alternative standard would meet or surpass the intent of the given ( "Effective Lot Frontage" ) requirement. The FWD application meets both of these conditions. With regard to condition (a) , this parcel of land is certainly more effectively and desirably utilized in the event 1 � a .S. �a.ac` a e 1'.SL :' -.,AA+.: .. ._,. .3 .._w Y .,..,,. ._�P..}kuPaw. 2.. .. 3e, YV atltra$:., ...,...t s.-x'.t_ .Ss.--,t4 2^.,. L,-,.,.. : a : ' , � t:4 g' 24 r:. , . + ,Iy Y y.�{'r. ). s :.f h ,i. r, c. , vi. .,I ;- ..- }.r r:y w 1 d Fk_a ,d�Y i� , 1' . ,. y *#,Kk ,Y` i• .1 P X a{,P L^4 Via' . F.°, r �r t a�,� � sir , I �„E,,,y'� ! i�.;, t t�r,„'-fi�`.f'� �' lF .u:,o-#r s�',rj+$ {. �f"a, i ,'y��;p z �i <Y e -•-f, �, 1 'F:—--:1- -rrs.'.i j'yy. 3 - .z .�' fi 4, aF .,' i� .r.'`- ,c" e• Mr,- -i. �Y t (w ,� { "`p'. -=, 12% t 'ice di r/ ' �,i Y � „� :.k4: ?' Ef'p)."+Y fi:l 'X �'" f �43rtl�`7rY ��t{ 4_�.i."t 4 if _ � I Y > ��v.f Jam; �� 44 ,�. �;. 4�, � r ni= ,�a �, �v,,,.E,y.t ;/� �-yK erg x��.�„c,,,.t�� r rpF - �+i .DJ � :Zpt3�- .d', rag 3 F � rix.t, '.?'. rs4'� 't`t., � i .. Y.+, `i31""rT `r3 !"', `,,rz� ,�+a b,»F F�`.r �� �'.a` r'7! 'x r tf i r+,ff1 Si- 4,rS'r'` `"g• k . . a-p ,t ,ylF 1 :. f ,r ,. : F 1 Ale ,4' '.,.;;„ 5 I rtl � " h r4 lfV �J',y � 'Y, � A.�'ry�f �1' W" ire � (Y. fv P'Y r D i� % may,r�Jk :t r r, k /'t. ,�.:-. h '�C , t} /r- ! f ',. +'�..; 2 .�r+`xJ '� y + �1li',,��a�� x k 't^f ..✓/ra �R k�o-v��'' �-s`T h;ram.ti•dv �" �r y d. k .''`t'�y���rrs'"`di s /��'^��"�` �ft F w'.� +3:.;7,1-.,,i..' ..t a .:s j `k l`�°'1T�s,tA, MF�.y} m};:% r..N k w � a ,,i �Y'( , ,' ;,r.. Js'4‹Si 4; 4! ,w 'ZAz, 2?r.A�jri'�Cs' ,Z,TPYa t,. x'" �*r Ss F f x s.; 'S Jf • '°v`,,j,'' €q'°_ ;-, :.) r:2 :..-' ,3�,,. r,� 1. ''sr� -r"`.g.✓ti' p t Y.af',fix % P"r_f y 4. w si ('f7Y.,Nt' ,, -„ 1 7`. ‘.'A'-. v .ri r ,- M -s. - v, rr - z f ,.s,.: F.;; w 4` ,r *..`y� yr rt°P ,Z w . 3 .• ' . _ '$�! !s .e .�!„¢_+�g,+Ygr.' _3.trs .�. Y�tia {a.};..i�F?YW:T- V M4�t"Rsr4YLL". „t.._ .r Ms. Maureen O'Halloran June 30, 1988 Page 10 that the shopping center is completed. The finds of the Site Development Review included findings that "this project will promote orderly, attractive and harmonious development, recognize environmental limitations on development; stabilize land values and investments; and promote the general welfare by preventing establishment of uses or erection of structures having qualities which would not meet the specific intent clauses or performance standards set forth in the Zoning Ordinance and Downtown Specific Plan and which are not consistent with their environmental setting. " The findings also included the statement that "general site considerations, including site layout, orientation, and the location of buildings, vehicular access, circulation and parking, setbacks, height, public safety and similar elements have been designed to provide a desirable environment for the development. " As stated above, the destination retail outlets would draw many citizens and users who will be well served by specialty retail stores located nearby (without additional driving) . With regard to condition (b) , this particular location is a prime example of particular circumstances where there is an alternative standard which would meet the intention of the "Effective Lot Frontage" requirement. One alternative standard might be, as discussed above, the alternative definition of effective lot frontage to include all usable frontage (actual frontage plus frontage which is there for all practical purposes pursuant to easement agreements) . Other alterative standards would be such established standards as floor area ratio (which limits to ( 30%) the building footprints on both the new and old parcels) , parking requirements, traffic circulation requirements, and the like. That the alternative standards of floor area ratios, on-site parking, and traffic circulation are met is a specific finding of the Site Development Review. The point here is that other established standards are sufficient to protect quality of this development and that it is not necessary to rigidly enforce the "Effective Lot Frontage" requirement. Conclusion. The bottom line here is that the Planning Department has concluded that the project is proper and desirable from the point of view of the City. The only remaining question is whether the subdivision (which is necessary to allow the development in the first place) , because of its shortage of actual lot frontage, cause such substantial problems with the use of the development that the FWD application should be denied. sr S .. a c.-.r_..u- :.�I ...1..�.i....•. ,.:.. ...�,r.,_.,.,y Js J.. ,.y. .. ,_...... _ _ ., e..,..s.'-. "` ,fin. �w.r..,. .. ..... _.. Ms. Maureen O'Halloran June 30, 1988 Page 11 The City can certainly justify the granting of the FWD application and the variance on the grounds that the three standard conditions of variances have been met and on the ground the application provides the "opportunity for more effective and desirable land utilization. " There is no possible source of criticism for the granting of this application. There is simply no technical barrier to the granting of this application. The City of Dublin may approve and have this development if it wishes to have this development. The findings of the Site Development Review include findings that the project meets the standards of the Downtown Specific Plan and that it is in the best interest of the public health, safety, and general welfare. Sincerely, SMITH, ETNIRE, POLSON & SCOTT A Professional Law Corporation Geoffrey J. Etnire GJE/jf cc: First Western Development Company , ie.i;y, Y4 '. •e a • xfx'a;�S+ ,� � + T t � r/` �. ,.y t"t"".xI+JF 4' .. r6 r c',-- a tcii 1,r`r`x' '? r3' L y t a"f Fye$ Br, - l.:r.•+,e %i r nv y yr N y`f t 1 ' r�r r e T ree�i 1 «j ii' Ld � 3 �x'. . rfir r -S.e3t y r ` ; s a#.' '�trywyr,y..�+" " tj.''x +�. y •,ai r t t r f ra r xa 1 r x,yt 7 . AA: X% Hs: Lyy �.i,v..tti� �- ,va r,S L'M- $ 'r ` 40 `xr7 '` '�,kYr v. S siX g a s}. r .,. 'E."`'t1, f' A4 I • y ra."y E sr 44/f f .' ' •t r.d , . ` 'f°( - �, 'f. <7 k t ." S t e r $._. �,,, #3 y.'? $ F� vN�,S"t 5l. • j Ty •'r .+ x> .Zy'T r t e ,,�4" eti< f"" "� , < '�v S ti' +'� '�► r'✓ j t I ?y44 ,v 4?z ' K �. ,/ k .+ gyp„ R Y. t74:• x�x'f9' e�•� �, tfi r k > .4� ?i ,.�+4 ' ' Yt ,� s F 1$a • `9 x' •l '�'/ JryJ. t t*y� S �hf • k /'.0 ty .Jr; f �^"J !'L:' } N yy'r YAA`f +4r • i. t �,} y�-., ,. s�y 1 r'wx* i'-^ r s., Y,3 T.�f i r • .r.� 7t ' • .'. / �_p7 ,<•; u' A f • • _ J T.x .n-� �r RECEIVED S'aR tU A i jv ` SMITH, ETNIRE, POLSON & SCOTT A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION DUBLIN PLANNING LAWRENCE G. SMITH STONERIDGE CORPORATE PLAZA GEOFFREY J. ETNIRE EDwARD W. POLSON 6140 STONERIDGE MALL ROAD, SUITE 500 G. JUDSON SCOTT, JR. PLEASANTON. CALIFORNIA 94566-8097 JAMES J. PHILLIPS TELEPHONE: (415) 463-3600 STEVEN H. LAVE JOHN CLIFTON ELSTEAO FAX: 14151 463-3110 JAMES R. LANGFORD ICE ROBERT L. TAYLOR HOLLY HELMUTH JAMES H. GULSETH ROBERT 5. HAYES MICHAEL J. SAN SOUCIR DWIGHT M. WILLARD August 10 , 1988 •M.CT•CC UNITED TO ICOCR4 COUNT Ms. Maureen O'Halloran HAND DELIVERED Planning Department City of Dublin 6500 Dublin Blvd. Dublin, California 94568 Re: Minor Subdivision Request Circuit City Specialty Shops Parcel S.W.C. Amador Plaza Road and Amador Valley Boulevard Dear Ms. O'Halloran: Enclosed is the most recent draft of the proposed language. I believe (and hope) that this language goes a long way to overcoming the inadequacies on which you commented in our telephone conversation of August 9, 1988 . The first suggestion is that this language be included in the easement agreement and in the conditions of approval of the subdivision. The second change is that I have incorporated Michael Riback' s language with regard to the power of the city of impose additional conditions to resolve any problems which may arise because of the granting of the subdivision. Third, I have added language to provide that First Western Development will not be allowed to construct a free-standing sign on its property or the property owned by Metropolitan Life. Larry had expressed some concern about this factor. Fourth, I modified the language to make it clear that the principal concern is to allow the City of Dublin the maximum amount of control and flexibility in planning decisions relating to future applications by Metropolitan Life. Larry had expressed the concern that First Western Development might be able, in • . ATTACHMENT N'L v1 rN .• LV` ee—A • 41? .:���.z F<e.s r L ,eti , 5 ,. _ ��'+r+.a" �......._�_ ,.t... ._._ ..,. ,. ...,.c. L; .. ._ .. ...r..., 4:,.'.. ..e....,.x_. awl....,...j.�. ....,.... _ _ :.F (Th • Ms. Maureen O'Halloran August 10, 1988 Page 2 effect, to veto development plans by Metropolitan Life which would otherwise be approved by the City of Dublin. He and I discussed the problem that the City of Dublin is having presently with the Target and Albertson' s parcels. The expressed concern is that First Western Development would be able to object to future development because future development would restrict or impact on the easement that First Western Development has over the Metropolitan Life property. The solution that I have proposed is simply that First Western Development gives up its right to object to changes in the easement, allowing Metropolitan Life to unilaterally modify the easement if that modification is required by a development plan approved by the City of Dublin. I think that the above four factors, taken together, do address the planning concerns expressed by Larry. I am looking forward to meeting with you on August 24, 1988. I would welcome your suggestions on the language at that point and would be happy to try to address any additional problems that you might have. I am sending a copy of this letter to Ms. Silver and Mr. Riback. Sincerely, SMITH, ETNIRE, POLSON & SCOTT A Professional Law Corporation Geoffrey J. Etnire GJE/jf Enclosure cc: First Western Development Elizabeth Silver, Esq. Michael Riback, Esq. • 3 e.Y . { r 7 f • �g fl '+Fh # #.5 r"r ,l t,,. > a it t L - e rt tt0 } �1 PROPOSED LANGUAGE RE CONDITIONS OF DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL It is suggested that approval of the requested minor subdivision be granted on the following conditions (among others) : ( 1) If problems arise within five years from completion of the structure which is presently planned for the subject parcel and these problems are attributable to the subdivision approval, the City of Dublin may impose such additional reasonable requirements as may be necessary to mitigate those problems. ( 2) Applicant shall not be permitted to construct a free- standing sign on the subdivided parcel. Nor shall the applicant be entitled to construct a free-standing sign on the parcel owned by Metropolitan Life, the parcel from which applicant' s parcel is to be created. ( 3 ) The application for the minor subdivision anticipates that there will be a cross-easement for ingress, egress and parking by and between First Western Development and Metropolitan Life. Without further conditions, a problem may arise in the future in that a development project desired by Metropolitan Life and the City of Dublin could be effectively blocked by First Western Development on the grounds that any such development would impinge or cut back on its easement rights. Therefore, it is a specific condition of the subdivision approval that First Western Development may not object to a reduction, change in shape, or other modification of its easement if: (a) The modification of the easement is requested by Metropolitan Life (or its successors) because of development plans; (b) The plans for development by Metropolitan Life have been approved by the City of Dublin; and (c) The remaining easement following such modification is sufficient to provide reasonable access to the First Western Development property. It is a condition of the granting of the subdivision approval that First Western Development shall, in the future, execute any and all additional documents as may be required from time to time to effectuate modifications requested by Metropolitan Life, or its successors, which meet the above three conditions. ( 4) These conditions shall be included in a reciprocal easement agreement recorded in the official records of the County of Alameda. 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