PC MINS 197702220 9 (4�)
M I N U T E S
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Planning Commission
Regular Adjourned Meeting
February 22, 1977
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. in the City Council Chambers,
30942 Hawthorne Boulevard, by Chairperson Shaw.
PRESENT: Blue, Hughes, McTaggart, Rosenberg, Shaw
ABSENT: None
Also present were Director of Planning Sharon Hightower and Associate
Planners Larry Davis and Gary Weber.
MINUTES APPROVAL On motion of Mr. Blue, seconded by
Mr. McTaggart, the minutes of the
meeting of February 3, 1977, were
unanimously approved with the following correction: second paragraph,
change "crack down" to crank down."
On motion of Mr. McTaggart, seconded by Mr. Blue, the minutes of the
meeting of February 8, 1977, were unanimously approved as submitted.
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 31617 Mr. Weber said the staff evaluation
Crest Road at Highridge indicated that after the necessary
Applicant: Presley of So. Calif. lot line readjustments (Lots 46, 48
and 49, as proposed, do not meet the
minimum width requirements), all lots
would have adequate buildable area. He showed reproductions of typical
lots and said that due to the lot/pad configuration of a few of the lots,
development of these may present a problem unless the homes are designed
with imagination. He discussed the proposed street design and the Staff
recommendations as listed in the staff report; reviewed the Staff recom-
mendation for trails (as shown in the staff report)°and suggested that,
if approved, this be placed as a condition in the resolution; and he dis-
cussed the proposed grading. He further said that should the Commission
decide that larger pads for some of the lots are necessary, they consider
the three basic alternatives as listed in the staff report.
Mr. McTaggart was concerned that the street would not safely allow park-
ing on both sides and asked about the City's street standards. Director
Hightower said there were no adopted street standards at present, but
that they were currently under study and would be completed around October.
Joe Perring, Presley, 4600 Campus, Newport Beach, said they would prefer
to build all asphalt, in order to prevent water seepage. He said the City
could keep the option open for equestrian trails without accepting the
dedicated easement at this time.
William Pieper, 2756 Colt Road, member of the Equestrian Committee, pre-
sented a map to the Commission showing the trails being used, and suggested
that the City at least keep the option open for a future equestrian trail
to connect with the neighboring cities.
Mr. McTaggart said he would like to see the trails connected, but ques-
tioned the development of an equestrian trail between two non -equestrian
areas, due to the dust, etc., to which the property owners would be sub-
jected. He agreed that the trail should be shown on the map, but felt it
should not be identified as a future equestrian trail.
Nancy Cransworth said Palos Verdes Estates has found a method of keeping
the dust to a minimum.
Burke Belnap, 28866 Crestridge, and Sara Medall, 28335 Palos Verdes Drive
East, felt the City should retain the option for the trail, as the needs
of the future cannot be predicted at this time.
The public hearing was declared closed.
Mr. Weber explained that during the environmental Process, the project
was proposed as equestrian with horse trails, but that because of the
opposition expressed at the hearings, the developer changed the project
to non -equestrian.
Concern was expressed by the Commission that after the project was devel-
oped, the City would receive many requests from individual property owners
for Special Animal Permits and/or requests from groups of property owners
for mini "Q" District designations; and it was suggested that the CC&Rs
state this property is not intended as equestrian property. The Commission
also asked if corrals were considered structures, as they were concerned
about the drainage, since further building would change the grading pattern.
Mr. Weber said per the Development Code definition, corrals could be acces-
sory structures, and that the CC&Rs could preclude any accessory structures.
He further said such buildings would not normally affect the grading to
any great degree, and would have just a minimal effect.
The Commission also expressed concern over the lot/pad configuration, as
they did not wish to create a situation resulting in requests for variances;
and questioned why the applicant had not yet changed the plans to reflect
the required lot readjustments.
Mike Nichols, Lanco Engineering, said they would make those changes on the
map at the time they do the calculations, and pointed out that if at that
time it was necessary for a reduction in the number of lots in order to
meet the required lot sizes, they would have to come back before the Com-
mission, as it is necessary that the final map conform with the tentative
map.
The Commission was concerned that changing the lot lines would result in
the need to change the grading plan. They requested that staff review
Lots 19, 20, 46, 48, 49, 73, 74, 78, and 79, which they felt were question-
able and may require variances later in order to build a "normal" house.
They also discussed the configuration of the road and asked that Staff
review this further.
The Commission directed that the applicant qo over all of these points
with Staff and then resubmit plans which include the revised grading and
the number of lots proposed. Mr. Weber asked if the Commission was seeking
a minimum lot width.
Mrs. Shaw said the intent of the building restriction line is for drainage
reasons and to prevent a ridge line. Mr. Hughes asked about view corri-
dors as a third criteria, and the Commission concurred. I
On motion of Mr. Rosenberg, seconded by Mr. Blue, the Commission recom-
mended a 32 -foot roadway (instead of 28 feet) with a 24 -inch curb and con-
crete sidewalks instead of asphalt, subject to the approval of the Director
of Public Works.
Roll call vote was as follows:
AYES: Blue, Hughes, McTaggart, Rosenberg, Shaw
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Re trails, the Commission agreed to those proposed by Staff, with the
pedestrian trails developed on the uphill side of the easement.
The Commission also directed that No. 3. c. of Exhibit "A" be reworded to
reflect that rough grading essentially means the finished pad; and that
No. 4. d. be reworded to be consistent with 3. c. They further directed
that an additional condition, 4. e. be included to provide for the identi-
fication of easements and prohibit structures, fences, hedges, or encroach-
ment of other landscaping within the trail easements.
They directed that Staff look again at the possibility of constructing the
trail through the new part of the easement, from Crest to Lot 20, elimin-
ating the access between Lots 27 and 28. They discussed eliminating or
relocating other accesses, agreed not to decide on this issue tonight, but
requested that Staff look at the feasibility of these changes. Again they
stressed that the buyer should be aware at the time of purchase that this
project is not intended as an equestrian area.
P.C. MINUTES -2- 2/22/77
Paul Walker, representing Palos Verdes Monaco, said their intention at
this time is not to propose their project as an equestrian area. He felt
trails running through Monte Verdelwould destroy rather than enhance the
area. -)Ik-11-�/
Mr. Hughes said this could be stated in the public report to make the
buyer aware. Mr. Rosenberg suggested that as one of the conditions of
approval, it be required that a statement be submitted to the Department
of Real Estate which must be given to each buyer stating the site is not
zoned for equestrian uses.
On motion of Mr. Rosenberg, seconded by Mr. Blue, and unanimously carried,
this item was tabled to the next regular meeting.
RECESS
At 10:13 p.m. a brief recess was
called. The meeting reconvened at
10:23 with the same members present.
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 31714 Mr. Davis said the hydrology report
Crenshaw, behind St. John Fisher has been submitted to the City Engi-
Applicant: Urban West Communities neer for review, and discussed various
measures which could be taken to mini-
mize the impact of the proposed grad-
ing plan. He explained the categorization system as shown in the staff
report, showing both the value of maintaining various areas -of the site in
a natural state and the actual grading necessary for the site's development.
He then explained the possible grading modifications arrived at after the
evaluation, and pointed out that the developer is proposing to build the
homes also.
Mike Nichols, Lanco Engineering, explained they were trying to create
large pads to accommodate a home and approximately twenty feet of rear
yard area. He discussed the proposed street, the existing soil and what
must be done to compact it, the drainage problems and storm drains. Re
the drainage into the canyons, he explained that the water could be re-
tained and then released when there was no danger. He felt there would
be no problems if the rate of flow is not increased.
Larry Kaltman, Urban West, discussed grading and said he did not know how
far they will have to go to reach solid ground, as they are aware of the
unstable soil on the site. He felt as long as they were required to do
so much grading anyway, they wished to create usable pads.
Mrs. Shaw pointed out that the intent of the grading ordinance is to pre-
vent grading flat pads on slopes of this kind, and explained that the grad-
ing ordinance and the Development Code in its entirety reflect the think-
ing of the City.
Mr. Kaltman said their original application was for a more unconventional
subdivision and conformed with the City's Codes, but the Del Cerro Home-
owners Association prefers their present proposal.
Public participation was declared closed.
The Commission discussed the possibility of reducing the number of units
and decreasing the grading, as they felt the proposed grading was tremen-
dously excessive. Mrd McTaggart suggested limiting the number of units to
31 and the lot sizes 1-2=15,000 square feet on the southern side of the
tract. Mr. Blue suggested a greater reduction. Mrs. Shaw suggested that
Mr. Davis obtain the City Attorney's opinion as to how much of a reduction
would be reasonable, considering the topographic conditions of this parti-
cular site.
The Commission summarized their concerns and asked the applicant to take
into consideration the possibility of reducing the number of units, vary-
ing the lot sizes and configuration, and reducing the grading. They also
expressed concern overlthe proposed road and the drainage impact, particu-
larly on Altamira Canyon.
Mr. Rosenberg proposed a motion, seconded by Mr. Blue, to table this item
until the applicant submits revised plans. This motion was amended to
table the item to the meeting of March 22, 1977, and was unanimously
approved as amended.
P.C. MINUTES -3- 2/22/77
•
RECESS
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 32744
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 16
Porto Verde Apartments, Beachview
& Nantasket
Applicant: Porto Verde Assoc./
E. L. Pearson
hearing, continue discussing major
ceed on the applications.
•
At 12:08 a.m. a brief recess was
called. The meeting reconvened at
12:13 with the same members present.
Director Hightower said that this
item was last reviewed at the Octo-
ber 26 Commission meeting, and that
included in the agendas tonight are
previous staff reports and corres-
pondence from the applicant and the
City Attorney. Staff recommends that
the Commission re -open the public
issues, and decide how it wishes to pro -
John Trethaway, 1 Cinnamon Lane, said that in their letter they tried to
answer specifically each of the issues which were raised at the previous
meetings. He pointed out that there has been no opposition and that the
proposal would benefit the City.
Mrs. Shaw asked if the tenants received notification of the proposal; and
the applicant said they were aware, but that the Department of Real Estate
does not allow for notification of the tenants. Mrs. Shaw felt input
should be received from these tenants and wondered if the City could noti-
fy them of the next hearing.
Mr. Rosenberg felt testimony from the tenants would be valuable in helping
the Commission set conditions on prefar-red maintenance items if the pro-
ject is approved.
Mr. Trethaway said he did not object to the f6eling of the Commission.
Director Hightower said the City could post notices in the building if the
owner agreed.
The Commission discussed and questioned the applicant on field testing for
noise. Some of the Commissioners strongly opposed conditionally approving
the project as the applicant desired, and wished to know the results of
the testing prior to their decision, as they felt this was a major consi-
deration.
Mr. McTaggart felt the building with the galvanized piping should be re -
plumbed with copper prior to the conversion, as it would be much less ex-
pensive than having the individual owners repait the plumbing one section
at a time. He said he did not wish to place this burden on an unsuspect-
ing buyer.
Mr. Trethaway said the subdivision report for the conversion would state
the type of plumbing, when it was installed, etc. The applicant said the
monthly maintenance fee from each owner would be about $50.
The entire Commission concurred with Mr. McTaggart and felt the added ex-
pense to the new owners might be more than they could afford, and felt
that the applicant should invest the money to have the work done while he
was going through the conversion process, as it would be the most econi-
cally feasible time and it would create less impact on the residents. Mr.
McTaggart pointed out that if each resident pays $50 per month for main-
tenance and the plumbing was taken care of at that time by the individual
owners, it would take 3, years to pay that bill, provided there were no
other maintenance costs during that time.
The Commission also discussed the storage areas, open space for each unit,
and parking. Mrs. Shaw requested Staff to provide specific figures on the
housing mix City-wide.
The Commission felt they had suggested alternatives for solving some of
the concerns, and requested that the applicant take these concerns into
consideration, review the proposal, and try to come up with some viable
solutions.
On motion of Mr. Blue, seconded by Mr. McTaggart, and unanimously carried,
this item was tabled until the meeting of April 12.
P.C. MINUTES -4- 2/22/77
STAFF REPORTS Director Hightower said it was neces-
sary to set the public hearing for
the Coastal Specific Plan. The Com-
mission decided on Thursday, March 17. Director Hightower said they should
receive the material the first part of March.
COMMISSION REPORTS Mrs. Shaw passed out copies of a
letter prepared by Mr. Hughes directed
to the City Council in reference to
Marcia -Lynn Graham's letter concerning the Commission's decision on the
Peninsula Baptist Church. She asked that the Commissioners read the letter
and comment by March 3. Director Hightower said this would be sent to
Council prior to the work session March 23.
ADJOURNMENT At 1:20 a.m. it was moved, seconded,
and unanimously carried, to adjourn
the meeting to Thursday, March 3, 1977,
at 7:30 p.m.
P.C. MINUTES -5- 2/22/77