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PC MINS 20070724 Approved t CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES August 14, 2007 � PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING JULY 24, 2007 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Gerstner at 7:02 p.m. at the Fred Hesse Community Room, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. FLAG SALUTE Vice Chairman Perestam led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Karp, Lewis, Ruttenberg, Vice Chairman Perestam, and Chairman Gerstner Absent: Commissioners Knight and Tetreault were excused Also present were Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Rojas, Assistant Planner Mikhail, and Assistant Planner Kim. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Planning Commission unanimously agreed to hear agenda item No. 7 after No. 3. COMMUNICATIONS Director Rojas distributed two items of correspondence related to Agenda Item No. 7. He also noted that at the last City Council meeting staff was directed to make certain amendments to the City's Affordable Housing Ordinance, which will need to be reviewed by the Planning Commission at some point in the future. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE (regarding non-agenda items) Holly Cain (representing the La Vista Verde Homeowners Association) spoke regarding the replacement of a flag pole at the entry of their tract. She asked that the Planning Commission allow the HOA to replace an 18'9" flag pole approximately six feet from its original location, without having to go through a Variance application. Director Rojas explained that the Planning Commission cannot take any action on this item, as it is not on the agenda. He explained to Ms. Cain that he would be happy to meet with her to discuss the issue. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Amendments to the Planning Commission's Rules and Procedures The Planning Commission adopted P.C. Resolution 2007-48 thereby approving the amended Rules and Procedures, (5-0). CONTINUED BUSINESS 2. Height Variation Permit (Case No. ZON2007-00085): 28445 Lomo Drive There being no speakers, the Planning Commission unanimously agreed to continue the public hearing to August 28, 2007, as recommended by staff. 3. Height Variation Permit and Site Plan Review (Case ZON2006-00491): 6913 Maycroft Drive There being no speakers, the Planning Commission unanimously agreed to continue the public hearing to August 28, 2007, as recommended by staff. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7. View Restoration Permit (Case No. ZON2007-00007): 37 Avenida Corona Director Rojas explained that both the applicant and the foliage owner have agreed to a request to continue the public hearing to the August 28, 2007 Planning Commission meeting. Without objection, the Planning Commission continued the public hearing to the August 28, 2007 Planning Commission meeting. 4. Height Variation Permit and Site Plan Review (Case No. ZON2007-00027): 7026 Brookford Drive Assistant Planner Kim presented the staff report, explaining the scope of the project and the need for the Height Variation. She stated that staff was able to make all of the necessary findings, and was therefore recommending approval of the project, as conditioned in the staff report. Chairman Gerstner opened the public hearing, and there being no speakers, closed the public hearing. Commissioner Lewis moved to adopt P.C. Resolution 2007-49 thereby approving the Height Variation Permit and Site Plan Review as recommended by staff, seconded by Commissioner Ruttenberg. Approved, (5-0) Planning Commission Minutes July 24,2007 Page 2 5. Height Variation Permit and Site Plan Review (Case No. ZON2007-00138): 29105 Doveridge Drive Assistant Planner Kim presented the staff report, explaining the scope of the project and the need for the Height Variation. She stated that staff was able to make all of the necessary findings and was therefore recommending approval of the project as conditioned in the staff report. Vice Chairman Perestam noted that the staff report mentions both 35 percent lot coverage and 37 percent lot coverage, and asked which is correct. Assistant Planner Kim clarified that it is 37 percent lot coverage. Chairman Gerstner opened the public hearing. Jeff Smith (Chester Smith Associates) stated he is the architect for the project and is available for any questions. There being no questions, Chairman Gerstner closed the public hearing. Commissioner Lewis moved to adopt P.C. Resolution 2007-50, thereby approving the Height Variation Permit and Site Plan Review as recommended by staff, seconded by Vice Chairman Perestam. Approved, (5-0). 6. Grading Permit Revision (Case No. ZON2007-00424): 6409 Via Canada Chairman Gerstner stated that he was not present when this case was originally heard before the Planning Commission, however he has reviewed the minutes from that meeting and feels that he can participate in this request for a revision. Assistant Planner Mikhail presented the staff report, explaining the requested revision to the previously approved project. She gave a brief background of the project and explained that a lot line adjustment was recently approved by the Planning Commission, thereby increasing the size of the lot. She stated that this requested revision to the project will not change the footprint of the project, only the square footage of the subterranean garage and an increase in the grading quantity. She explained that staff felt that since proposed revision would be completely within the already approved footprint it would not intensify any previous concerns with bulk and mass and was recommending approval of the revision, as conditioned in the staff report. Commissioner Karp noted that the staff report addresses the Palos Verdes Art Jury, and asked staff who would prevail if the City approves this revision and the Art Jury disapproves the project. Planning Commission Minutes July 24,2007 Page 3 Director Rojas answered that if the Art Jury denies the project it would be up to the Art Jury to decide if they want to pursue the matter through civil means. Commissioner Ruttenberg stated that when this project was originally approved, it was quite a bit larger than the largest home existing in the neighborhood, and these changes will change the overall square footage substantially. He asked if it was staff's position that the subterranean nature of these increases is not relevant to neighborhood compatibility. Director Rojas explained that the fact that the additional square footage is subterranean is related to neighborhood compatibility, since square footage is a component that staff considers. He stated that someone could argue that the square footage is so much higher than any other in the neighborhood, that it is not compatible. He noted, however, that staff did not feel this was the case in this situation. Commissioner Karp noted that this lot has become larger since the original hearing because of the lot line adjustment, and would rather this garage be subterranean than see the applicant park his cars, etc., in the driveway. Commissioner Lewis moved to adopt P.C. Resolution 2007-51 thereby approving the Grading Permit revision as recommended by staff, seconded by Commissioner Karp. Approved, (4-1) with Commissioner Ruttenberg dissenting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8. Minutes of July 10, 2007 Commissioner Karp asked that a statement he made regarding his possible conflict with the applicant for the Conditional Use Permit on Western Avenue (Agenda Item No. 3) be included in the minutes. Vice Chairman Perestam moved to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Commissioner Karp. Approved, (5-0). ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS 9. Pre-Agenda for the meeting of August 14, 2007 The Planning Commission discussed and approved the pre-agenda for August 14, 2007 ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes July 24, 2007 Page 4