Loading...
PC MINS 20130409 Approved April 23, 2013 CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING APRIL 9, 2013 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Emenhiser at 7:12 p.m. at the Fred Hesse Community Room, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. FLAG SALUTE Commissioner Nelson led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. ATTENDANCE Present: Commissioners Gerstner, Leon, Lewis, Nelson, Vice Chairman Emenhiser, and Chairman Tetreault. Commissioner Tomblin arrived after agenda item No. 1. Absent: None Also present were Community Development Director Rojas, Deputy Director Pfost, and Assistant Planner Harwell. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was unanimously approved as presented. COMMUNICATIONS Director Rojas reported that at the March 191h meeting the City Council accepted the 2012 annual reports on the General Plan and Housing Element implementation as recommended by the Planning Commission, He also reported that at their April 2nd meeting the City Council continued the Crestridge Residential project to May 21, 2013, at the request of the applicant. Director Rojas distributed three items of late correspondence for agenda item No. 1 and one item of late correspondence for agenda item No. 4. Commissioner Lewis disclosed that he met with residents in regards to Gateway Park, discussed in agenda item No, 3, and would discuss his meeting when the Commission discusses item No. 3. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE (regarding non-agenda items): None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. General Plan Consistency Finding Director Rojas explained that as part of the San Ramon drainage repair project, the City needed an easement over property that is currently owned by the County. After discussions with the County, rather than giving the City an easement, the County has agreed to give to the City at no cost the 5.7 acre southwest corner of the Dean Dana Friendship Park. He stated that anytime there is an acquisition of property by the City a finding that the acquisition is consistent with the General Plan must be made by the Planning Commission. He explained that while the land is needed for the San Ramon project, at the end of the project the land will remain open space consistent with Active Recreation land use designation. Therefore, staff believes that the acquisition is consistent with the General Plan. He noted that Senior Engineer Ron Dragoo from the Public Works Department is available to answer any questions the Commission may have, Vice Chairman Leon asked staff why this item was placed on the Consent Calendar as opposed to a regular item. Director Rojas answered that in the past these types of items have been placed on the Consent Calendar as they tend to be procedural in terms of determining consistency with the General Plan. Commissioner Leon asked staff if there were any speakers for the item, Director Rojas answered there are not. Commissioner Nelson asked Mr. Dragoo if he felt there are any risks to the City, now or in the future, by acquiring this piece of property. Mr. Dragoo noted the piece of property is located right at the Tarapaca Landslide, and the storm drain project will have some fill in the canyon which will abut the Tarapaca. Landslide. He explained that the geologists have said this project will stop the landslide from moving, and the face of the landslide will likely continue to weather. He did not think there would be any specific liability associated with the purchase of this property in terms of open space. Commissioner Nelson moved to approve the Consent Calendar, seconded by Commissioner Tetreault, thereby approving PC Resolution 2013-08. The motion was approved, (6-0). PUBLIC HEARINGS Planning Commission Minutes April 9,2013 Page 2 2. Site Plan Review (Case No. ZON2012-00410): 30517 Camino Porvenir Assistant Planner Harwell presented the staff report, explaining the scope of the project and the need for the Site Plan Review. She stated that, based on staff's view analysis, staff found the proposed increases in architectural elements do not cause significant view impairment. She stated staff would like to make one clarification to condition No. 4 of the Resolution, which should state: This approval is for a Site Plan Review Permit for additions of 192 square feet, with a 180 square foot roof deck, architectural modifications to the fagade and roof, and one new chimney at the rear of an existing single family residential property. With that, staff is recommending approval of the project as recommended in the staff report. Director Rojas noted there were no public speakers. Vice Chairman, Leon moved to approve the project as recommended by staff, seconded by Commissioner Gerstner. PC Resolution 2013-09 was approved, (7- 0). 3. General Plan Updates — Review proposed changes to the existing Land Use JMa p pertaining to the Ladera Linda Community Center site and the Gateway Park site. Deputy Director Pfost presented the staff report, explaining staff will focus the discussion on the Ladera Lind Community Center site and was recommending to table the discussion on the Gateway Park site, as staff needs to conduct some additional analysis on the site. If and when staff brings the Gateway Park site back to the Commission, a new public notice will be sent. In regards to the Ladera Linda Community Center site, he explained that at the October 9, 2012 meeting the Commission directed staff to move forward with changing the area at the site owned by the City from Institutional Educational to Institutional Public, He explained this meeting is the formal public hearing for that change. He gave a brief background on the site which generated staff's reasons for making this change. He noted that staff feels changing the zoning to Institutional Public is reflecting the change in ownership from the school district to the City and the City's use of the land for the public. Commissioner Gerstner asked if changing the zoning from Institutional Educational to Institutional Public will then not allow any future use as an educational facility. Deputy Director Pfost explained it could be used for an educational facility similar to the facility at Hesse Park, in that the City can provide services or educational programs for the public in general. However, an educational facility for a private use, such as a private school, would not be allowed. Planning Commission Minutes April 9,2013 Page 3 Commissioner Gerstner asked what the City would gain from changing the designation, noting that the change may take away possible uses of the site and adding none. He felt that this change may be limiting for the City. Deputy Director Pfost explained that changing the designation is merely a reflection of how the property is being used. He noted that because the City owns the property, the property has to be used for public purposes. He did not feel this was limiting the City as to what could be done one the property, but merely changing the land use designation to reflect what the property is being used as, Commissioner Leon questioned the term "public", noting there are several classes and community associations, which are not public, that use the Ladera Linda facility. He asked where the line is drawn in regards to whether this is a public facility and the ability for the City to lease the facility to private entities, Deputy Director Pfost stated he spoke to the City Attorney on this issue, and explained that leasing out the space on more of a temporary basis as opposed to a long term basis to private entities is a use that is allowed. However, leasing the area out on a long term lease to a private party, to be used solely by that private party, is something the City should not be doing. He was not aware of any definition of what time frame would be considered temporary use. Commissioner Tomblin asked what the General Plan designation is for this site, as well as the General Plan designation for the Interpretive Center. Deputy Director Pfost answered that Hesse Park has a Recreational Active designation, while the Point Vicente Interpretive Center has a Recreational Passive land use designation. He noted in the staff report that an alternative option would be to designate Ladera Linda as a Recreational Active land use designation, however staff felt that Recreational Active may be going a bit too far in regards to land use designation for the area. Vice Chairman Leon asked if there were any other land use designations that could be used at the site that wouldn't tie the city's hands. Deputy Director Pfost did not think the proposed Institutional Public designation would tie the City's hands, as it would allow a variety of uses on the property. He noted that being a City owned property, the public aspect is what the City needs to use the property for. Director Rojas noted that there were no public speakers. Commissioner Tetreault moved staff's recommendation to change the land use designation at Ladera. Linda Community Center from Institutional Educational to Institutional Public, seconded by Commissioner Nelson. Planning Commission Minutes April 9,2013 Page 4 Vice Chairman Leon was not sure the City needs another facility for running City programs and would rather see a less restrictive zoning that allows for any group to come in and use the facility. Commissioner Gerstner asked staff the difference between Institutional and Institutional Public. Deputy Director Pfost answered that the Institutional land use provides for other types of uses, noting the facility at Crestridge and Crenshaw is Institutional. He stated the General Plan has a general discussion of public, educational, and religious designations and identifies varies sites, but does not get into a detailed description of what they are or the differences between them. Commissioner Tetreault asked staff if they were aware of any discussions to sell the City owned property at Ladera Linda Community Center. Deputy Director Pfost was not aware of any discussion to sell the property, Commissioner Tetreault asked if there was anything the property could be used for if it was designated as Institutional only that it could not be used for it is was designated Institutional Public, given the fact that it is a publically owned property that is subject to restrictions related to City owned property. Deputy Director Pfost answered there were none. Commissioner Tetreault felt that therefore, the changing to Institutional Public would not be less restrictive, as the property can only be for the benefit of the public, whether it be for one hour or longer. He felt that Institutional Public was consistent with what the property will be used for, and the Planning Commission did not need to be looking for contingencies that may never occur. He felt that what is being proposed by staff is reasonable and did not see it as being restrictive. Commissioner Tomblin questioned if the City should look ahead at the use of the site and the possibilities of what could happen at the site if it is changed to Institutional Public. He felt that Institutional Educational or Recreation would somewhat limit what could happen to the property in the future. Deputy Director Pfost explained that the City Council has authorized funds to look at the future uses and work with the community as to a future plan for the Ladera Linda site. He explained that, if at the time these future plan discussions begin, something were to change significantly, a General Plan amendment can then be looked at to change the use and go through the public process. Staff simply looked at the property and the Institutional uses that are available for what this property could be. He noted there is no longer a school facility at the site operated by the school district and the City is prohibited from leasing the facility to a private school institution. Further, the City has to Planning Commission Minutes Apra 9,2013 Page 5 use this property for recreational and public uses as it is using it today. Therefore, staff felt it made most sense to designate this as an Institutional Public land use designation, Commissioner Lewis asked staff if they were aware of any current uses at Ladera Linda that would not be able to happen if the City Council adopts staff's recommendations. Deputy Director Pfost was not aware of any current use that would not be allowed to continue with the proposed change. Commissioner Lewis asked staff if they were aware of whether or not anyone, be it public or private, has proposed operating a school at the site since the closure of the Montessori School. Deputy Director Pfost was not aware of any such proposal. Commissioner Lewis clarified that whatever decision the Planning Commission makes Is advisory, and the City Council will make the final decision. Deputy Director Pfost answered that was correct. The motion to approve staff recommendation to change the land use designation at Ladera Linda Community Center from Institutional Educational to Institutional Public was approved, (7-0). Commissioner Nelson asked staff to explain why they were recommending tabling the discussion on Gateway Park. Director Rojas explained that very recently issues were raised in regards to the NCCP, the roadway, and the landslide which is having staff relook at the boundaries of Gateway Park. Staff wanted to be very clear on the boundaries of the park before bringing the issue before the Planning Commission. In addition, members of the community have raised questions as to what is proposed for Gateway Park, and staff is working with the Public Works Department as to what improvements can be accommodated there. 4. General Plan updates — Review proposed changes to the existing Land Use Map regarding the location of the Hillside (Hazard) land use boundary. Deputy Director Pfost presented the staff report, stating at the February 26th meeting the Commission directed staff to adjust the Hazard boundaries only where the amount of hazard land use designation would decrease, as recommended by the City Geologist, as well as change the name of the designation from Hazard to Hillside. This item is the first of two meetings to implement this change. He noted that tonight's meeting involves 79 properties occurring mainly in the eastern portion of the City, showing the existing and proposed areas on the General Plan Land Use Map, He stated that staff and the City Geologist have thoroughly reviewed all of the properties to ensure no structures or Planning Commission Minutes April 9,2013 Page 6 developable land is covered by the OH designation. He noted that staff has received no public correspondence as a result of the public notice on this item. Vice Chairman Leon asked if each of the 79 properties were given a map to show the specific impact on their property. Deputy Director Pfost answered that each property was given a map. Chairman Emenhiser opened the public hearing. Mark Matthews stated he appreciated staff's efforts to look at his property and the precision and accuracy used by staff. He stated he is in favor of staff's recommendation. Chairman Emenhiser closed the public hearing. Commissioner Nelson moved to approve staff's recommendation to adjust the Hazard, boundaries on 79 properties, as recommended by Staff and the City Geologist, seconded by Vice Chairman Leon. Approved, (6-1) with Commissioner Gerstner dissenting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5. Minutes of February 26, 2013 Commissioner Tomblin moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Commissioner Gerstner. Approved, (6-0-1) with Commissioner Lewis abstaining since he was absent from the meeting. 6. Minutes of March 12, 2013 Commissioner Nelson moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Vice Chairman Leon. Approved, (6-0-1) with Commissioner Tetreault abstaining since he was absent from the meeting. ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS 7. Pre-Agenda for the meeting on April 23, 2013 The Pre-agenda was unanimously approved as presented, ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8-05 p.m, Planning commission Minutes April 9,2013 Page 7