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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1995 0607 CC REG ITEM 11KAGENDA REPORT TO: The Honorable City Council FROM: Paul Porter, Senior Planne_,�_ r DATE: May 18, 1995 (CC meeting of June 7, 1995) ITEM 11. K-L"" `oORPARK, CALIFC'RMA Cc)y Cound Meeflng 199 t,C 11ON: -C_ 1 . SUBJECT: APPEAL NO. 94 -2 OF MINOR MODIFICATION NO. 8 TO CPD, 89 -2 (Mission Bell Plaza) ON THE APPLICATION OF SHELL OIL COMPANY Background: On February 10, 1994, Shell Oil Company submitted Minor Modification No. 8 for CPD 89 -2 for approval of a thirty -five (35) foot wide driveway to be located on Los Angeles Avenue easterly of the existing Carl's Junior Restaurant. The proposed curb -cut would be located approximately 120 feet west of the intersection of Park Lane and Los Angeles Avenue with Proposal "A" and approximately 70 feet west of the intersection with proposal "B" (see Attachment 3 to staff report dated August 5, 1994). The applicant was informed that in order for staff to consider approval of the Minor Modification, the applicant would be required to construct a raised median along Los Angeles Avenue from Park Lane to Liberty Bell Road to prevent vehicles from making .:Left -hand turns to, or from the site. The proposed curb will be relocated approximately eight (8) feet to the north. The Director of Community Development reviewed the proposed Minor Modification and denied it on April 1994, because the applicant informed staff that they had received a letter from A &S Engineering dated March 30, 1994 indicating that Caltrans would not approve a median. The applicant filed Appeal No. 94 -2 on May 3, 1994 (within the statutory time limit) indicating that the proposed driveway had been reviewed and considered acceptable to the City Engineer and Caltrans with minor modifications (see "City Engineer Review" section for the most up to date City Engineer's opinion). Staff is of the opinion that without the median, motorists will attempt to make a left turn from the proposed driveway even if the applicant posts a no -left turn sign. Making a left turn across Los Angeles Avenue into or from the site would create a safety hazard. The appeal was heard by the City Council on July 6, 1994 and continued to August 17, 1994 and then to August 22, 1994. Since August 22, 1994, this matter has been continued several times at the request of the applicant, the Council took the matter off the agenda until the applicant requested the matter to be put back on. PP05 :18:95111:26amA: \7JUN95.CC Discussion On February 17, 1995, the applicant informed staff that they had contacted Caltrans in regard to the concept of installation of a deceleration lane along Shell's property frontage. The attached print is of the proposed layout of the deceleration lane. Attached is a letter dated February 10, 1995 from Caltrans indicating that although Caltrans does not require a deceleration lane for the proposed driveway, it does not have any objection to the design. Reduction in Landscapinq: The applicant's alternative for a proposed curb -cut on Los Angeles Avenue would reduce the existing landscaping along Los Angeles Avenue. The proposal showing dual curb -cut (located approximately 120 feet from Park Lane) would reduce the existing landscaping by approximately 1200 square feet., Staff Comments: The Council specifically approved this project without a curb -cut on Los Angeles Avenue on the basis that a curb -cut on Los Angeles Avenue in front of the Shell Service Station would potentially increase traffic hazards on Los Angeles Avenue. The applicant was informed that in order for staff to consider approval of this modification the applicant would be required to design and construct a raised median with landscaping along Los Angeles Avenue from Park Lane to Liberty Bell Road to prevent vehicles from making left -hand turns to or from the site The effect of having an acceleration lane would be to further reduce the landscaping west of the property. The landscaped area to be deleted is approximately 10' wide by up to 300' long and would be from the proposed exit at the Shell Service Station to the entry to the shopping center. This would create a major reduction in the landscaping adjacent to Los Angeles Avenue. This is important because it would reduce the existing landscaping buffer between Los Angeles Avenue and. the drive -thru at the Carls' Jr. restaurant. It would also result in the need to relocate one street light and at least one and perhaps two existing power poles along Los Angeles Avenue. PP05:18:95111:26aM: \7JUN95.CC 2 Citv Engineer Review: Staff has requested the City Engineer review the proposed curb -cut. The City Engineer has indicated that the driveway as proposed is feasible. However, because of the absence of the raised median and the on -going violations except with the double double yellow centerline restriction, it is recommended that the curb cut be allowed for exit purposes only. Further, an angular acceleration lane could be installed for vehicles that will be exiting westbound onto Los Angeles Avenue along with the double double yellow centerline. In addition the owner shall have his traffic engineer examine and prepare a report regarding the weaving pattern between the proposed acceleration lane and the main entrance of the K -mart parking lot to determine if the proposed acceleration lane will conflict with traffic patterns at the K -mart entrance. When a bike lane is installed (probably when the street's construction to the full width standard), signs shall be installed on both sides of the driveway alerting drivers to a possible conflict. If the curb cut is approved without construction of an acceleration lane, the island would need to be angled further to the west so as to preclude vehicles from making a U -turn to travel easterly along Los Angeles Avenue. The modification to the island may require the removal of the power pole located near the eastern property line. Recommendation: Approve the proposal with angled curb -cut with striping, consisting of a double double yellow centerline, with final design as approved by the City Engineer and the Department of Community Development. Attachment: Proposed Driveway Plan PP05:18:95111:26amA:\7JUN95.CC 3