PC MINS 20060124CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 24, 2006
CALL TO ORDER
App •ved
February 14
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tetreault at 7:06 p.m. at the Fred Hesse
Community Room, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard.
FLAG SALUTE
Commissioner Perestam led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Karp, Perestam, Gerstner, Vice Chairman Knight, and
Chairman Tetreault
Absent: Commissioner Mueller was excused
Also present were Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Rojas, Senior
Planner Schonborn, and Associate Planner Fox.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was unanimously approved as presented.
COMMUNICATIONS
Staff distributed correspondence for Agenda Item No. 2, information on the upcoming
Monterey conference, and the Initial Study for the Crestridge Senior Condominium
project whose soaping meeting will be held at the February 14th Planning Commission
meeting. Staff also reported that on January 17th the City Council approved the Height
Variation on Ocean Terrace Drive.
COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE REGARDING NON -AGENDA ITEMS
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
1. Proposed View Restoration and Preservation Guideline amendments
Director/Secretary Rojas presented a brief staff report, noting that staff was
recommending this item be continued to the February 14th Planning Commission
meeting to allow more time at tonight's meeting to hear the applications on this agenda.
The Planning Commission unanimously agreed to continue the item to the
February 14, 2006 Planning Commission meeting.
2. Revision to Conditional Use Permit (Case No. ZON2005-00439)j_Seabreeze
HOA
Senior Planner Schonborn presented the staff report, explaining the scope of the
proposed project. He noted that because of issues raised by the public of potential view
impairment, staff asked the applicant to stake and flag the location and height of the
proposed pilasters and fencing west of Sea Terrace Drive to allow the public and staff
the opportunity to view the potential impacts that may result. He explained that staff has
looked at the potential impact of the project, acknowledging there is some
encroachment into the ocean view, however not much more than what currently exists
at some of the other local tracts within the City, showing many pictures of the proposed
project as well as similar fencing at other tracts. He stated that staff concluded the
proposed fencing would not create a significant view impairment and was
recommending the Planning Commission approve the revision to the Conditional Use
Permit.
Vice Chairman Knight asked if staff had taken any pictures from the far western portion
of Crest Road, as he felt that section of proposed fencing would eliminate the Catalina
Island view.
Senior Planner Schonborn acknowledged the section of fencing, however noted that at
that portion of Crest Road the road begins to curve and staff felt that at that portion of
the road the drivers attention would not be focused on the road rather than Catalina
Island, and therefore was not a significant view impairment.
Vice Chairman Knight asked staff to clarify the statement in the Conditions of Approval
which states that no foliage will exceed the height of the trail easement.
Senior Planner Schonborn explained that directly behind the easement there is a
transitional slope, and the purpose of the condition is to ensure no foliage planted will
exceed the height of the trail easement and encroach into the view. He noted that
foliage will therefore be flush with the ground.
Commissioner Perestam asked who would be responsible for the foliage along the
fence if it were to grow above the allowed height.
Senior Planner Schonborn answered that the HOA or the individual property owner
would be responsible for maintaining the foliage at the required height.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 24, 2006
Page 2
Commissioner Gerstner asked staff what is different now from when the tract was
originally approved that makes a fence appropriate in this location.
Senior Planner Schonborn explained that it has always been the desire of the HOA to
have the fence at this location.
Director/Secretary Rojas added that there were discussions about a fence when the
tract was initially being discussed. He stated there were concerns about the height of
the fence and safety issues however nothing was approved. He explained that while
the tract conditions do not specifically prohibit a fence in this location, a fence was not
approved there. He noted that he has been having discussions with the HOA for many
years about installing a fence at this location.
Chairman Tetreault asked staff to clarify if a fence is specifically prohibited at this
location by the Conditional Use Permit, of if a fence is allowed at this location.
Director/Secretary Rojas explained that there is a landscaping and fencing plan for the
tract that has been approved the City, and there is no fence in this location included in
the approval. Furthermore, the Conditional Use Permit does not discuss a fence at this
location. Therefore, staff felt that for a fence to be constructed along Crest Road a
revision to the Conditional Use Permit would be required to ensure that the intent of the
approved Conditional Use Permit is maintained.
Chairman Tetreault noted that the staff report did not include a copy of the original
Conditional Use Permit, and therefore he was not sure what he was being asked to
amend.
Chairman Tetreault referred to the plan submitted by the applicant, noting the plan calls
for the spaces between the wrought iron bars to be 4 inches. He asked if there were
any code requirements regulating the distance between the bars and if the spacing
could be increased.
Senior Planner Schonborn answered that the Development Code does not address
spacing between vertical members of a fence, only that the area between the vertical
structures allow for 80 percent light and air.
Vice Chairman Knight asked if the original CUP had restrictions about foliage growing
into the view corridor from Crest Road, noting on a photograph the existing foliage that
has grown into that corridor.
Senior Planner Schonborn answered that there were no restrictions in the CUP that the
foliage could not grow into the view corridor, however there are conditions that the trees
be of a species that can be maintained at 16 feet.
Chairman Tetreault opened the public hearing.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 24, 2006
Page 3
Donna Cool:Ian-Segal 37 Sai!view Ave (representing the Seabreeze HOA) stated that
she has received 85 signatures from residents inside the Seabreeze Tract and outside
of the tract in support of the construction of this fence. She stated that many people feel
this proposed fence will enhance the aesthetics of the view corridor. She felt that, more
importantly, this fence is a safety issue. She explained there are many children in this
neighborhood and the steepness of the slope is very dangerous for these children. She
explained that she has measured the fence constructed at the Oceanfront Estates and
this proposal emulates their fence plan exactly. She explained the HOA chose
Oceanfront Estates because that tract is very similar to the Seabreeze Tract in that it
has low lying home sites and view corridor constraints. She emphasized that the
proposed fence at Seabreeze is needed more for a safety barrier for pedestrian and
equestrian traffic along Crest Road. She also noted that the fence will enhance the
Seabreeze community identification and neighborhood ambiance.
Commissioner Karp asked who would maintain this fence and keep it from becoming an
eyesore.
Ms. Coogan -Segal answered that the HOA would maintain the fence. She noted that
the proposed fence would be made of galvanized steel and powder coating to prevent
rust.
Tom Alley 6304 Sattes Drive explained that when the Seabreeze Tract was developed
there was a lot of thought and work put in to preserving the ocean and Catalina Island
views. He noted that already there is foliage that has been planted that is in this view
corridor that needs to be trimmed. He felt that the proposed fence and pilasters along
Crest Road will not add to the privacy of the Seabreeze homes and will block some
views from Crest Road, therefore he felt the fence has some negative impact without
any apparent benefit. He requested the City deny the application and closely monitor
the foliage along Crest Road in order to preserve the views that were intended when
Seabreeze was approved. He disagreed with the staff report, and felt that the fence
would cause a significant view impairment, specifically to eastbound traffic approaching
the project. He also felt that the rest of the project should have been staked, as it is just
an assumption the fence in that area will not cause view impairment.
Ms. Coogan-Sec:al (in rebuttal) stated that the HOA will be sending out letters regarding
the foliage to its members, reminding them that the foliage must be trimmed. She also
noted that much of the foliage that has grown into the view is from homes on Ocean
Terrace Drive. She also noted that trees and foliage planted along the center median
has begun to grow into the view.
Chairman Tetreault closed the public hearing.
Vice Chairman Knight asked staff what the elevation drop is from the trail area down to
the level part of the pad of the residences.
Senior Planner Schonborn answered that it varies, but averages approximately 10 feet.
Panning Commission Minutes
January 24, 2006
Page 4
Vice Chairman Knight stated that one could plant a tree in the backyard and it could
potentially grow 6 feet above the trail easement and potentially into someone's view.
Senior Planner Schonborn stated that was correct.
Chairman Tetreault discussed the homes and the way the tract was designed with the
intent of reducing view impairment, especially with the flat roof design of the homes. He
stated that he reviewed the minutes from 1991 when the tract was being proposed and
it is very clear the Planning Commission was very concerned about view impairment.
Director/Secretary Rojas agreed, adding that in reviewing the 1991 minutes, it was clear
that there was an intent to design and lay out the tract in a manner that one could see
over the homes and avoid significant impairment of the ocean and Catalina. Therefore,
staff felt that this request warranted a revision to the CUP to ensure this request is
consistent with the original approval.
Chairman Tetreault felt that views were important enough to engineer this entire tract to
preserve as much view as possible from Crest Road and the surrounding
neighborhoods. He felt this warrants serious consideration when discussing this fence.
Secondly, he discussed the safety issue, noting that he understood the safety concerns.
However, he did not feel this proposed fence would stop any car from going over the
side, nor would it impede its progress down the slope. Regarding pedestrians, he noted
that there is a concrete sidewalk and a wide stretch of dirt before reaching the slope,
and did not feel there was any danger of falling down the slope when walking along the
sidewalk. He recalled a recent City Council discussion regarding a similar fence on
Palos Verdes Drive South. He stated that during that discussion it was noted that when
looking straight on at the wrought iron fence and pilasters it was fairly transparent,
however when at an angle looking down the row or off in the distance, the fence
becomes more of a solid wall. He felt this should also be a consideration when
discussing this application, suggesting increasing the space between the wrought iron
stakes.
Commissioner Karp stated that safety was not an issue for him, as he agreed with the
Chairman's comments about the sidewalk. He stated he was more interested in the
issue of the ocean and Catalina Island view. He stated that he drove up and down
Crest Road many times over the weekend, and felt that the proposed fence will diminish
the view. He therefore could not support the proposal.
Vice Chairman Knight agreed that the street was more of a safety issue than the slope.
He too felt that the western portion of the fence would block the view of the ocean and
Catalina Island. He stated that he understood the residents desire for the fence, noting
that there are many sections of the fence have no impact on the views. He therefore
was unsure of what the solution should be.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 24, 2006
Page 5
Commissioner Perestam agreed. He stated he was interested in the Chairman's
suggestion of increasing the distance between the stakes, however he noted there
might then be a safety issue. He explained that increasing the distance between stakes
from 4 inches to 6 or 7 inches would then open up the possibility of one getting a head,
leg, or arm stuck between stakes. He stated he was struggling with the health and
safety issue and with the view issue, and was struggling with the project as a whole.
Commissioner Gerstner recognized the concern for safety, but felt this fence was more
about security than safety. He stated he wouldn't object to the fence, however felt the
proposal was less than 80 percent open.
Director/Secretary Rojas explained that this fence has not been conditioned to be 80
percent light and air. He explained that staff analyzed the proposal on what it looked
like based on height and the plan. He stated that the Planning Commission has the
ability to condition the fence be 80 percent light and air.
Chairman Tetreault stated that, as proposed, he is not in favor of approving the fence.
He felt that the proposed fence will have an impact on an important view, and did not
think it had to. He felt that the desires for the aesthetics for the community could be
accomplished in some fashion without this end result.
Vice Chairman Knight questioned whether the fence had to be as high as currently
proposed, and if lowering the fence would make a significant difference. He stated that
there are a few places in the City where there is a spectacular view of the ocean and
Catalina Island, and this is one of them.
Chairman Tetreault noted that there have been many comparisons between this
proposed fence and the fence at Oceanfront Estates. He stated that he did not think
about going to Oceanfront Estates and looking at the impact of that fence on the view.
Commissioner Karp moved to deny the revision to the Conditional Use Permit
without prejudice, seconded by Chairman Tetreault for the purposes of
discussion.
Vice Chairman Knight felt one of two things could be done by the Planning Commission;
deny the application without prejudice to allow the applicants to come back with a new
proposal, or the Planning Commission can suggest the applicant address the concerns
and continue the public hearing to a future meeting.
Commissioner Perestam did not feel the Commissioners necessarily agreed on what
needs to be done to the proposal to make it acceptable, and unless there is some
agreement amongst the Commission it may be necessary to deny the application
without prejudice.
Commissioner Gerstner stated his inclination would be to deny without prejudice, as he
cannot come up with a suggestion that would make the fence more palatable. He felt
Planning Commission Minutes
January 24, 2006
Page 6
that it may be helpful to look at some of the similar fencing in the community with a
more critical eye and possibly come up with a different conclusion. He agreed that
there is a very unique view from Crest Road, and he is very hesitant to change that.
Chairman Tetreault re -opened the public hearing.
Chairman Tetreault stated that the applicant has heard what the Planning Commission
has to say and what the concerns are, and asked for a response.
Donna Coogan -Segal stated that she was perplexed because there are lovely home
developments throughout the City with lovely pilaster fences. She noted several tracts
with wrought iron fences where vegetation has overgrown the fence and block
spectacular views. She noted that vegetation would not be allowed to grow over the
fence at the Seaview Tract. She also discussed safety, noting that at the western
portion of the fence the road curves and the drivers should be giving all of their attention
to driving rather than looking at the view. She felt the proposed fence will delineate a
neighborhood and creating an aesthetic corridor. She felt that drivers will not be looking
through the fence, but over the fence, and will be able to see the ocean and Catalina
Island.
Commissioner Perestam asked Ms. Coogan -Segal if she would be receptive to an
alternate design.
Ms. Coogan -Segal answered she, as a homeowner, would be receptive to an alternate
design, specifically the space between pillars. She was not as receptive to lowering the
height of the wall, except on the western end where the curve is. She stated she would
rather work with the City to achieve a compromise than be left with nothing.
Chairman Tetreault closed the public hearing.
Chairman Tetreault stated he was not ready to vote on this issue one way or the other
and needed more time to look at other tracts in the City and to allow the applicant to
discuss with the HOA any modifications they felt they could make on the fence.
Vice Chairman Knight stated that there is quite a bit of difference between what exists in
the City and what applications are before the Planning Commission. He stated that this
application is before the Commission and this is the application the Commission is
hearing the merits on. He agreed that he would like to give the applicant time to
consider the concerns of the Commission before making a decision.
Commissioner Karp moved to table the current motion to March 14, 2006 to allow
the applicant to consider the concerns of the Planning Commissioners and to
allow the Commissioners time to view the fencing of some of the similar tracts in
the City, seconded by Commissioner Perestam. Approved, (5-1) with Chairman
Tetreault dissenting,
Planning Commission Minutes
January 24, 2006
Page 7
Chairman Tetreault asked that staff provide the Commission with some background
information on the Oceanfront Estates fence along Palos Verdes Drive West and Vice
Chairman Knight requested additional pictures taken from the westerly section of Crest
Road.
Commissioner Perestam requested the applicant look at variable heights for the wall at
different locations and also look at multiple locations for the wall going down the slope
RECESS AND RECONVENE
At 8:35 p.m. the Planning Commission took a short recess until 8:45 p.m. at which time
they reconvened.
CONTINUED BUSINESS (cont)
3. Height Variation, Grading Permit and Variance (Case No. ZON2003-00620):
6010 Ocean Terrace Drive
Associate Planner Fox presented the staff report, explaining that the applicant has
requested a continuance of his application to March 14, 2006 to allow time to revise the
project to address concerns of the neighbors and Planning Commission. He noted that
the applicant has granted the City a 90 -day extension of the decision deadline.
Therefore, staff is recommending the Planning Commission continue the item to March
14, 2006.
Without objection, the Planning Commission continued the public hearing to
March 14 2006.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4. Height Variation Permit (Case No. ZON2005-00149): 28045 Elia Road
Senior Planner Schonborn presented the staff report, explaining the scope of the project
and the need for the Height Variation. He stated that staff has received several
comments from the neighbors regarding neighborhood compatibility and view
impairment, therefore staff conducted an assessment of these issues. Regarding view
impairment, staff displayed pictures taken from the three residences expressing
concern, noting that staff determined there was not a significant view impairment from
any of the three residences. Regarding neighborhood compatibility, he explained that
because of the architectural style and bulk and mass, staff was not able to make the
necessary finding in a positive manner. Therefore, staff was recommending denial of
the application.
Vice Chairman Knight asked staff to clarify the privacy infringement issue from the
proposed second story deck in the rear.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 24, 2006
Page 8
Senior Planner Schonborn explained that the proposed second story deck would allow
for direct observation to the adjacent property.
Chairman Tetreault opened the public hearing,
Ted Powell 110 Vista del Mar, Redondo Beach (architect) stated that, in terms of
neighborhood compatibility, within the 500 -foot radius there are 13 two-story houses.
He showed photographs of these two-story homes, noting the variety of architectural
styles. He explained that the proposed addition will be set back behind the existing
garage and the mass and bulk has been mitigated by articulating the first and second
floor walls with sloped and curved walls. He therefore did not feel neighborhood
compatibility was an issue. In terms of view, he noted that if the house were to be
developed at the 16 -foot height level, there would still be no view of the ocean from the
neighboring property. He explained that the architectural style is important to the
owners, noting this is not a situation where one is trying to develop a house and sell, as
the house is very meaningful to the owners. He noted that two of the objections were
from absentee landlords.
Glenda Urmacher 28039 Ella Road stated she was never notified of this project or
hearing, and therefore has not even seen the plans. She stated that she is vehemently
opposed to the project, noting the deck will look directly into her property. She was very
concerned about the geology of the area, noting that there has been slippage on her
rear slope. She requested that a geologic report be prepared to ensure the construction
will be geologically sound. She did not feel the house will be compatible with the
neighborhood.
Lindley Ruddick 28042 Acana Road stated that he too did not receive any notification of
the project. He stated that he was in support of the Planning Department
recommendation to deny the project. He felt that this proposed residence will be
approximately twice the size of any other home in the neighborhood and the size, as
well as the architectural style, does not lend itself to maintaining the neighborhood
character of single -story ranch style homes.
Louise Lalande 28031 Acana Road stated the proposed project will block her sunset
and ocean views that she has viewed for 43 years and therefore her property value will
be lowered. She stated that she opposes the proposed development.
Ted Powell (in rebuttal) displayed the original mailing list and certified mail receipts
showing the first speaker was notified. He addressed the issue of privacy, noting that
currently the applicant can look directly into both neighboring yards. He stated that
even with the second story deck there will be no possibility of looking in the neighboring
houses. He again showed pictures of all of the two-story homes that are located within
the 500 -foot radius, noting the different architectural styles. He also showed the current
views from the applicant's home into the neighboring side yards.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 24, 2006
Page 9
Commissioner Perestam asked Mr. Powell if there had been any discussions with the
neighbors during the course of designing this project.
Mr. Powell answered that last summer he walked through the neighborhood, speaking
to approximately 80 of the neighbors. He stated that there is a frustration inherent in
this neighborhood, noting there are 19 absentee landlords.
Chairman Tetreault closed the public hearing.
Vice Chairman Knight felt that, in driving the neighborhood, the silhouette seemed to
really stick out. After looking at the plans, he agreed with staffs recommendation that
the house will not be compatible with the neighborhood in terms of style, bulk, and
mass. He also agreed that there is no view impairment. He stated that, at this time, he
supported staffs recommendation to deny the project.
Commissioner Karp felt the comments regarding absentee landlords and lack of
notification should be dismissed, as they are not relevant to what the Planning
Commission must consider. He felt the issues that should be focused on are mass and
bulk, and in this situation he felt the house will be too big and stand out too much in the
neighborhood.
Commissioner Perestam agreed, noting this proposed residence has different
architecture than other homes in the neighborhood and is out of scale with the homes in
the neighborhood. He felt that the proposed residence will also impact views in the
neighborhood, noting that there is already a lot of foliage throughout the neighborhood
that is obstructing views. He felt that the future of the neighborhood will be in restoring
views that are currently blocked by overgrown vegetation, whether on private property
or City property.
Commissioner Gerstner referred to a photograph of the silhouette, stating that looking at
that alone compels him to agree with staff's recommendation.
Chairman Tetreault agreed with the comments made by the Commissioners, noting that
this neighborhood does not seem to be very much in transition, as many other
neighborhoods in the City are. He stated that he was in agreement with staff's
recommendation.
Vice Chairman Knight moved to adopt P.C. Resolution 2006-05 thereby denying,
without prejudice, the Height Variation. Approved, (5-0).
5. Height Variation Permit (Case No. ZON2004-00638): 3764 Coolheights Dr
Associate Planner Fox presented the staff report, explaining the scope of the project.
He noted that there are two ridgelines on the silhouette, explaining the original project
was proposed at 2 feet higher than the current submittal. He stated that while many of
the required findings can be made, there are three findings staff feels cannot be made.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 24, 2006
Page 10
He displayed photographs taken from three neighboring homes, noting that staff
determined there would be significant view impairment to the house at 3767
Coolheights Drive. He then displayed photographs of different homes in the
neighborhood and discussed neighborhood compatibility. He explained that with the
proposed additions the subject home would be approximately 88 percent larger than the
average home in the neighborhood and 65 percent larger than the next largest home in
the neighborhood. Therefore, staff determined that the house is not consistent with
neighborhood compatibility in terms of size, scale, bulk, and mass, the proposal created
a significant view impairment, and there is a potential for privacy infringement to the
neighboring property and was recommending denial of the project without prejudice.
Commissioner Karp asked if it would be possible to grade the lot down slightly and
create more of a split-level home on this property.
Associate Planner Fox answered that it may be possible, however staff would be very
concerned about proper drainage on the lot.
Chairman Tetreault opened the public hearing.
Karel Buiok 3764 Coolheights Drive stated that this addition was designed to be as low
as possible and not affect his neighbors. He stated that he was not fully prepared at
this time to discuss the recommendations in the staff report and was hoping the item
could be continued to a later meeting. He stated he would also like the extra time to
take additional photographs for the Commissioners. Regarding the issue of privacy, he
stated that could easily be fixed by removing the proposed window in the bedroom. He
felt that when discussing view, consideration should be given to what type of view there
is, and did not feel that losing 40 percent of a very, very marginal view of Catalina
should be considered significant.
Dan Rodriquez 3767 Coolheights Drive stated that the main living area in his home is
on the second floor of the residence, noting the lower level contains only two bedrooms
and den. He stated that the entire upstairs has windows across the entire wall and from
every room there is a view of Catalina Island. He felt this proposed project will take
away his view of Catalina Island. He realized and understood his neighbor is trying to
improve the value of his home, however he did not think that should be done at the
detriment to his home. He passed photos to the Planning Commission that he took
showing the view from his home.
Muhammad Farooq 3777 Coolheights Drive explained that he has trimmed most of the
trees in front of his house and displayed pictures showing the view from his home. He
explained he has already lost a portion of his view due to the home being constructed
on the west side of his residence and now he is facing the loss of his Catalina view from
his bedroom and living room because of this proposed construction. He stated that he
supports staff recommendation to deny the proposed project.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 24, 2006
Page 11
Karel Bujok (in rebuttal) stated that he does not want to do anything that will be
detrimental to his neighbors, however he questioned what would be considered a
significant view, and just because a real estate agent says a house has a view does not
mean it is a significant view. He also questioned where his neighbor's photographs
were taken from, as a different view will be seen when standing directly in front of the
window as opposed to a view when seated at the dining room table.
Commissioner Gerstner asked Mr. Bujok if he has visited his neighbor's homes to look
at the silhouette from their viewing area. He felt it was very important to look at what is
being proposed from the neighbor's view.
Mr. Bujok answered that he has not, and was not invited to do so. He asked for
guidance from the Planning Commission on what he could do to make the project more
compatible, He stated that he would be willing to reduce the square footage of the
project.
Chairman Tetreault closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Perestam stated that with the trees now trimmed at 3777 Coolheights
Drive it is apparent that there is a significant view impact from this residence. He felt
that if this item is to be continued, staff should reassess the view impact from that
residence.
Associate Planner Fox stated that he understood the Farooq's concerns about the view
from the bedroom and office area, however he noted that the viewing area for this
residence has been defined as the living room and those rooms cannot be considered
in the view analysis.
Commissioner Karp stated he would like to see some type of analysis done on lowering
the garage and making the house a split-level. He felt that this would lower the entire
height of the house, possibly 4 to 6 feet. He also requested a topographical survey be
included in future packets for the Planning Commission.
Vice Chairman Knight stated he could not make two of the findings, as he felt there is a
significant view impact. Therefore, as the project stands, he cannot support the project.
Commissioner Gerstner agreed there will be a view impact, and that view impact needs
to be significantly reduced or eliminated. He strongly recommended the applicant to
visit the neighbor's homes to see what that view impact is. He stated that as currently
designed, he cannot support the project.
Commissioner Perestam noted that views are very important to the residents in this
City, as noted by the overwhelming passage of Prop M. He encouraged Mr. Bujok to
keep this in mind and understand that even a small view is a very important view.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 24, 2006
Page 12
Chairman Tetreault agreed that this project creates a view impact. He noted that Mr.
Bujok's home is surrounded by two-story homes that most likely would not be allowed if
proposed today because of the view ordinance. He felt that the Rodriguez house
across the street was designed to have a Catalina and ocean view, and he was able to
see that view from every room. He felt that the Planning Commission is compelled by
City Ordinance to protect that view. He therefore was inclined to agree with the staff's
recommendations of denial.
Commissioner Perestam moved to deny the application without prejudice,
seconded by Vice Chairman Knight.
Chairman Tetreault noted that the applicant had requested continuing the item to allow
him time to redesign the project, and asked the Commission to consider that request.
He noted that the applicant will have to grant the City a 90 -day extension on the
decision deadline.
Commissioner Perestam questioned whether the applicant can redesign the project in a
timely manner so that a decision can be reached in 90 days.
Commissioner Perestam withdrew his motion to deny the application without
prejudice and Vice Chairman Knight agreed.
Chairman Tetreault re -opened the public hearing.
Mr. Buiok stated that he was willing to grant the 90 -day extension and consider re-
designs.
Chairman Tetreault closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Perestam moved to continue the public hearing to March 28th to
allow an opportunity for the applicant to re -design the project, seconded by Vice
Chairman Knight. Approved, (5-0).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6. Minutes of January 10. 2006
In reviewing the minutes of the regular meeting, Vice Chairman Knight noted a
clarification on Page 8 of the minutes.
Vice Chairman Knight moved to adopt the minutes of the regular meeting as
amended, seconded by Commissioner Karp. Approved, (5-0) with Commissioner
Gerstner and Vice Chairman Knight recused from voting on Item 1 as they were
not present for that item.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 24, 2006
Page 13
Commissioner Perestam moved to adopt the minutes of the joint meeting as
presented, seconded by Commissioner Gerstner. Approved, (5-0-1) with
Commissioner Karp recused.
ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS
7. Pre -Agenda for the meeting of February 14, 2006
The Commission reviewed and approved the Pre -Agenda for February 14, 2006.
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:45 p.m. the meeting was adjourned to January 31, 2006.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 24, 2006
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