05-01-1972 - Laserfiche WebLink

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APPEAL #302 VA 72-22 FERMAN ALARCON - (Continued) Mr. John L. Webb, 1413 E0 18th Street, owner of the wrecking yard, stated that the driveway in question has been used for approximately 20 years; that about five years ago a residence was built just west of the yard; the Planning Commission did not include the driveway when the wrecking yard was approved; that he had a five-year lease on the property when Council approved the variance; that since that time he has renewed the lease for five years with a five-year option; that occasionally cars are parked in the driveway in order to avoid parking them in front of the area or on Fifth Street over night; that the driveway is essential to the conduct of his business; that there is only one other access to his business, on Seventh Street, and if that is used, trucks would have to back onto the street. In response to the Mayor's question, Mr. V;ebb stated that with the variance limited to one year from date of Council's approval, he could not go to the expense of building a 20' concrete driveway from Fifth Street to Seventh Street as the Planning Commission recommended. Mr. _Werman Alarcon, 3402 West Seventh Street, owner of the property, stated that there are not a lot of children playing on Seventh Street, and that large garbage trucks come into the street every day; that three years ago he was required to construct a retaining wall; that now he is being asked to erect a new fence; and that he cannot afford this additional expense. There were no further proponents or opponents and the Mayor closed the public hea ring. Councilman I-Ierrin stated that he has viewed this operation and that Mr. Webb is conducting it in a proper manner; that auto wrecking operations are essential; that he does not believe this is an expansion of the business; that Mr. Webb has made a very valiant attempt to adhere to the requirements of wrecking yard operations; and that he would favor the appeal. In response to the Mayor's question, the Planning Director stated that the conditions of approval limit the extension of the use to one year, and that Condition E, requiring a 20' paved driveway, is a requirement of the Fire Department under the Uniform Fire Code, which cannot be waived, Councilman Markel stated he had inspected the property and that Mr. Webb is doing a good business; but that it is a typical wrecking yard; and that he would be opposed to extending the operation for five years° Councilman Yamamoto stated that since the business has been at this location for a number of years, and if Mr0 Webb is willing to comply with the restrictions, he coul~'~ see no reason to deny the variance, but would be opposed to extending it for more thai one year. Councilman Patterson stated that he is opposed to granting the appeal; that the staff recommended denial~ as well as the Planning Commission; that staff has reported that 40% of the wrecking yards in Orange County are in the City of Santa Aha; that this is expanding a non-conforming use; and that he could not condone it. CITY COUNCIL -187- May 1, 1972