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PC MINS 20050510CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MAY 10, 2005 CALL TO ORDER App May 24, The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tetreault at 7:02 p.m. at the Fred Hesse Community Room, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. FLAG SALUTE Commissioner Golida led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Gerstner, Golida, Mueller, Vice Chairman Knight, and Chairman Tetreault Absent: Commissioners Karp and Perestam were excused. Also present were Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Rojas and Assistant Planner Sohn APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was unanimously approved as presented. COMMUNICATIONS Director/Secretary Rojas reported that at their last meeting the City Council heard the appeal of the Planning Commission's decision regarding the Height Variation on Miraleste Drive, and upheld the Planning Commission's decision. He noted that at the next City Council meeting, the Council would hear the appeal of the Planning Commission's decision regarding an enclosed balcony on Tarragon Drive. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE (regarding non -agenda items) None PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Variance and Site Plan Review (Case No. ZON2005-00030): Villa Capri HOA Assistant Planner Sohn presented the staff report, explaining the proposed project and the need for the Variance and Site Plan Review. She stated that staff has determined the findings for the Variance can be made and was recommending approval of the Variance and Site Plan Review as recommended in the staff report. Vice Chairman Knight asked if any of the existing signs for the 29 out of 49 tracts in the City were granted a Variance for their signs or if any of the signs are existing, non- conforming signs. Assistant Planner Sohn stated that staff was unable to obtain that information. Vice Chairman Knight asked if the problem was just in the one direction coming down Hawthorne Boulevard, or if there was also a problem coming up Hawthorne Boulevard. Assistant Planner Sohn explained that the tract is visible, but not identifiable, when traveling southbound, down the hill, on Hawthorne Boulevard. Vice Chairman Knight wondered if it would be reasonable to suggest the sign be moved to a more visible location, rather than add another sign, since there didn't seem to be a problem with visibility when coming up the hill on Hawthorne Boulevard. Director/Secretary Rojas explained that the Villa Capri HOA felt that, because of the curvature of the road, two signs would be more visible. He noted that a tract having two signs is nothing new in the City, as many tracts that are much more visible have more than one sign. Commissioner Mueller discussed the turning situations on Hawthorne Boulevard in that area and asked staff if this request had been reviewed by the Traffic Engineer or the Traffic Committee. He noted that, while it may be reasonable to have a second sign, he felt that the location of the sign may not have anything to do with increasing safety. He asked staff why they felt it was safe to turn left into Villa Capri upon seeing the sign, which is situated right at the left turn. Director/Secretary Rojas answered that this application was given to the Public Works Department for their review, as is typically done, noting that Public Works staff has the ability to make decisions on traffic site lines. He explained that if the Public Works staff feels there are major issues with the project, they will forward the project to the Traffic Committee. In this case, the request was not forwarded to the Traffic Committee by the Public Works staff. Commissioner Mueller felt that the first sign is situated in such a matter that it is only visible to the northbound traffic. Chairman Tetreault opened the public hearing. Michael Fore of Mulligan Landscape Services stated that he is currently working with the Public Works Department for a Beautification Grant for the new signage at Villa Capri. He stated that he had a communication from the Landscape Committee for Villa Planning Commission Minutes May 10, 2005 Page 2 Capri which stated that they were very interested and concerned about getting the sign, as there have been two separate times where there have been near collisions at the entrance to Villa Capri. He explained that the HOA felt that if there is an additional sign placed on Hawthorne Boulevard it will help eliminate the need for those coming down Hawthorne Boulevard to make a U Turn to go back up to the entrance of Villa Capri. He explained that the HOA had looked into putting in a median, however the Fire Department would not allow it because of the narrow access the median would create. Commissioner Golida asked how the additional signage will help at night if it is not illuminated. Mr. Fore explained that the cars headlights should be sufficient illumination on the sign. Commissioner Tetreault closed the public hearing. Vice Chairman Knight asked staff to clarify the location of the new sign. Director/Secretary Rojas referred to a picture in the staff report and noted the new sign would be placed in front of the pilaster shown in the photo. Vice Chairman Knight asked if there was any possibility to improve the median sign, as he felt there currently is a safety issue involved. Director/Secretary Rojas explained that the Villa Capri HOA would have to petition the Public Works Department for any change. Vice Chairman Knight felt that would be helpful and recommended the Villa Capri HOA look into that process. Chairman Tetreault asked staff if they were aware of any traffic accidents at this location on Hawthorne Boulevard. Director/Secretary Rojas answered that staff was not aware of any accidents at that site. Chairman Tetreault asked if there have been any other applications for signage at this location. Director/Secretary Rojas answered that no other sign applications have been submitted for this site. Commissioner Mueller stated that he originally looked at this from a safety point of view. He noted that when he visited the location it appeared the two signs would be symmetrical and would fit nicely where proposed. He stated his concern was that Planning Commission was following a procedure in terms of approving a sign, and did not want the applicant to think that this new sign would solve any traffic issues. Planning Commission Minutes May 10, 2005 Page 3 Vice Chairman Knight agreed that this new sign would not solve traffic issues, and that a median sign would be much more useful in terms traffic issues. He stated that he was able to make the necessary findings to approve the Variance. Vice Chairman Knight moved to approve P.C. Resolution 2005-23 thereby approving the Variance and Site Plan review as presented by staff, seconded by Commissioner Mueller. Approved, (5-0). 2. Revision to Grading Permit (Case No. ZON2005-00160): 49 1/4 Rockinghorse Director/Secretary Rojas presented the staff report, explaining that staff needs additional time to review some issues on the property regarding habitat, and therefore was asking the item be continued to the meeting of May 241h. Commissioner Gerstner moved to continue the public hearing to the meeting of May 24, 2005, seconded by Vice Chairman Knight. Approved, (5-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3 Minutes of April 12, 2005 Vice Chairman Knight noted clarifications on pages 15, 16, and 20 of the minutes. Commissioner Gerstner moved to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Commissioner Mueller. Approved, (5-0). 4. Minutes of April 26, 2005 Commissioner Gerstner noted typo on page 11 of the minutes. Vice Chairman Knight moved to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Commissioner Golida. Approved, (4-0-1) with Commissioner Mueller abstaining since he was absent from that meeting. ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS 5. Pre -agenda for the meeting of Mav 24, 2005 There were no comments on the pre -agenda. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes May 10, 2005 Page 4