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PC MINS 19851210M I N U T E S PLANNING COMMISSION December 10, 1985 The_ meet ng __0__P___ ___Cjya--j-r-m-a-n--Y5,cNulty s order a 7.4 M. --by ,Xa at Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: MCNULTY, HODGE, ORTOLANO, VON HAGEN, WIKE ABSENT: NONE Also present were Director of Environmental Service Sharon Hightower Associate r Steve Rubin, Associate Planner Alice Bergqu1`s�C_1Gg_udZ, Assistant Planner Greg Fuz, and Assistant Planner Jack Roberts. COMMUNICATIONS In reference to CUP 33 was a communication from the �Traffic Committee includi-ncr-- an attachment of a copy of a -appli cant. Secondly, was a request that Item IV.0 on the Consent Calendar, Denial of Grading No. 821, be withdrawn from the December 10, 1985 agenda. Thirdly, was a communication from California Solar Industries Association requesting informa- tion. The letter was given to staff with the recommendation that the response include a request that the people who deal with solar panels become familiar with City Codes. Attorney regarding this item and receives a copy of his response. CONSENT CALENDAR In addition, was a letter from B. D. Stevens dealing with si- gnage. Assistant Planner Greg Fuz stated he is consulting with the City will see that the Commission Mr. Von Hagen moved to approve the minutes of November 12, November 20 and November 26, 1985, seconded by Mr. McNulty and passed unanimously. Y 0 Min}ites December 10, 1985 Page 2 Denial of Grading No. 821 CONTINUED BUSINESS PUBLIC HEARINGS • Eliminated from the agenda in response to applicant's letter of December 03, 1985. Tentative Tract Map 44239 The staff report which was CUP 100, GR 830 presented by Associate Planner Steve Rubin recommended'the public hearing for Tract Map 44239, CUP 100, GR 830 be continued until geological invests-- gation and review is complete. Staff noted a December 11, 1985 meeting with pro3ect geologists as well as City geologists has been planned with hopes of determining whether the redesign of the project is necessary and that applicant may wish to redesign the site plan if the necessary grading of the site proves too costly. Staff's intent to notify interested parties of the new hearing date as well as the fact that there was not sufficient time to notify interested partiesof-Lt_ s�continuance recommendation were also mentioned. Mr. Von Hagen moved the public hearing on Tract Map 44239, CUP 100, GR 830 be continued until the next available date, seconded by Mrs. Ortolano and passed unanimously. Variance 127-Kasuga The staff report which was 29901 Avenida Magnifica presented by Assistant Planner Greg Fuz on this request to allow an illegally constructed ctec �to remai n.,recommended the Commission adopt Resoluti on P. C. No. 85-34 denying the applicant's request and direct the applicant to remove the deck wi thi n thirty days. Staff noted the deck causes the downslope height to exceed the, allowed thirty feet by eight feet, its maximum height above - 7 grade is fifteen feet and portions of the deck are located on slopes exceeding 350. Also, the home as originally approved 1_n- ne deck which was within the thirty foot height limit. Staff mentioned the house is currently for sale and the violation was discovered by ' the selling realtor. 1 Mi nutes December 10, 1985 Page 3 Staff -voiced concern over the fact that allowing this variation from the inherent limits on the type of development allowed on lots such as applicant's would result in the unequal treat- ment of similar properties without any reasonable basis. Chairman McNulty opened the public hearing. Mr. Walter Hayashi, 30121 Matisse Drive, speaking on Mr. Kasuga's behalf, stated Mr. Kasuga purchased the property five years ago without knowledge of the deck's illegality. Mr. Hayashi stressed Mr. Kasuga's feelings that the cost of the deck's removal would be an economic hardship and would lower the selling price of his home. Chairman McNulty closed the public hearing. The Commission stated some cities require inspections of properties upon sale and that the City of Rancho Palos Verdes is considering establishing an ordinance along those lines. The Commission discussed applicant detaching the deck from the house to bring it within three feet of compliance and noted the deck to be an accessory structure. The Commission also discussed applicant's equity and voiced concern over applicant purchasing the property without know- ledge of the problems associated with the deck. The deck's endurance over the past five years, the cost of the deck's removal and the resulting devaluation of the home as a result of the deck's removal were noted. Mr. McNulty moved to adopt Resolution P. C. No. 85-34 approving Variance 127, seconded by Mr. Hodge. Commission discussion continued; voicingL--.C�on.cern-_over -the_ boot le�qqi ng of decks and the fact that those applying for new decks would not have thesame equity as Mr. Kasuga. The motion passed unanimously. Chairman McNulty advised applicant of appeal rights. Mi nut es December 10, 1985 Page 4 Variance 111/GR 759 Associate Planner Steve Rubin Kerwin presented the staff report on 30520 PV Dr. East this request to construct a single-family residence whose downslope height would exceed the allowable 301 by 15'-3" and have a front setback of 15' versus the required 20' on a lot whose total average slope `exceeds 35$,. Staf.f-r-ecommend.ed,.-the .Commi s,,cci on — 1: adopt Resolution P. C. No. 86-2 approving Variance No. 111, Grading Application No. 759 and an Encroachment Permit, subject to Conditions in staff's Exhibit "A". Staff noted an October 1985 decision determining the lot's legality. Staff stated the 151-3" height variance to be a "downward" height and the 15' front setback variance was stated to be adequate due to the actual distance to road ,pavement and the fact that the widening of PV Drive East is unlikely. The necessity of an Encroachment Permit was discussed by staff to be a result of a portion of the driveway bridge structure being within the road easement. Requiring an automatic garage door opener was discussed and staff recommended that roll -up garage doors also be required. Staff addressed written resident concerns of pilings, fill, depth, drainage, setback and lot legality, stating no pilings will be used, the proposed house location contains little fill, and the Public Works Department will require the existing 12" drain to be replaced with an 18" drain to meet a fifty year storm capacity. Staff also stated applicant's geologist will provide reports when the plan check process begins and all of the staff's findings are contingent upon the fact that the reports state the house can be placed as proposed. The Commission discussed applicant's building rights and stated it will make an effort to insure the house is built safely and in Code conformance. The Commission also discussed the possibility of building a house without variances. Commission concerns were noted as drainage and the proposed size of the house. Chairman McNulty opened the public hearing. N ME nutes December 10, 1985 Page 5 Mr. Robert D. Kerwin, 30438 -:PV Drive East, applicant stated he has made an effort to make the house an asset to the neighborhood. Mr. Kerwin discussed the removal of the arch- way to be no problem and mentioned written resident concerns addressed issues other than those included in his request. Mr. Kerwin noted his willingness to work with the geologist to improve drainage and stated the fill under the major footprint of the house as 2' deep. The proposed grading of 236 cubic yards, 187 yards of cut and 160 cubic yards under the footprint were stressed by Mr. Kerwin to be less than those constructed on gently sloping lots. The Commission discussed landscaping as well as the Public Works Department's requirements. Mr. Gary C. Maxwell, 1455 Crenshaw Boulevard, #260A, Torrance, applicant's architect, stated the proposed location of the house was the best bedrock exposure with the least amount of fill. Mr. Maxwell noted compliance with the City's geological requests and stated an effort was made to impact the site as little as possi- bel . The intended installation of a velocity dissipator at the base of the drain was also mentioned. The Commission discussed landscaping plans to include trees not exceeding the whole ridgeline and the plotting of the site's easement was mentioned. Concerned citizens were: Marie Bowers 30529 Santa Luna Ralph Geise 30530 PV Dr. East James Jones 2747 Vista Mesa Drive Naomi Phillips 2834 Calle Aventura John Sorrels 2738 Vista Mesa Drive Arthur Zinkin 30543 Santa Luna Drive These citizens discussed: Site stability, the large size of the house, drainage, view obstruction, grading, road safety/improvements and traffic during construction were noted as citizen concerns. Chairman McNulty closed the public hearing. N Minutes December 10, 1985 Page 6 Commission concerns were voiced as difficult access, construction equipment placement/safety, drainage, and maintenance of the drainage system underneath the bridge structure. Staff noted the City's maintenance of the portions of the drainage system within the City's road easements (including catch basins and portions within 25' of road easements) and stated applicants responsibility for maintenance of remaining portions. The Commission noted the Public Works Department's opi ni on that the widening of PV Dr. East is unlikely. Mr. McNulty moved to adopt Resolution P. C. No. 86-2 approving Variance 111, Grading Application 759 and Encroachment Permit subject to the Conditions in Exhibit "A" of staff's recommendations. Mr. Von Hagen seconded the motion. The Commi ssi on discussed the reduction of the setback and encroach- ment into the setback. Mr. Hodge moved an amendment to the motion to include the maintenance of the front setback at the 20' required, accepted by Mr. McNulty and seconded by Mr. Von Hagen. Mrs. Ortolano moved an amendment to the motion to include: (1) Condi ti on 12 be modi fl ed to read, "The applicants shall install an automatic garage door opener and roll -up type garage doors." (2) A Condition 14 be added to read, "The height of the trees not to exceed the whole rl dgelr ne . " (3) Staff to instruct the Commission concerning language regarding the equipment placement during the construction phase of the property. The amendment was accepted by Mr.McNulty and seconded by Mr. Von Hagen. The motion was unanimously passed as amended. Staff noted Resolution P. C. No. 86-2>;:would be presented to the Commission for approval at the January 14, 1986 meeting. Chairman McNulty_ advised applicant of appeal Mi nutes December 10, 1985 Page 7 CUP 33-Ma3or Amendment Gi rardi_ #5 Burrell Lane height, and allow vehicular access recommended the Commission approve revisions, directing the applicant Commi ssi on instruction. Associate Planner Steve Rubin presented the staff report on this request to revised building footprint, increase building from Crenshaw Boulevard. Staff CUP 33 -Major Amendment with to revise the plans per Staff noted the City Attorney's opi ni on that the Commi s sl on may amend Condition No. 8 of Resolution P. C. No. 78-31 by amending the ridgeline for Lot 7 if it believes such a building height increase is appropriate. Staff discussed view obstruction and stated the two-story portion of the house at a height of 29 feet would not significantly obstruct views as defined in the Development Code. Staff noted views over Lots 6 and 7 were not considered critical in the original review of CUP 33 and that vegetation on any of the lots in Tract 32110 could grow to at least 16' (the height of a one-story house). Staff noted Crenshaw access was not recommended even -though the Traffic Committee recommended access be allowed with the posting of a bond for closing same off at the time Crenshaw might be extended. The Commi ssi on voiced concern over the mentioned plant height of 22' in applicant's November 27, 1985 letter, and stressed the 16' plant height li mi tati on . Chairman McNulty opened the public hearing. Mr. John Gi rardi , 504 Via Gorri on, Palos Verdes Estates, applicant, addressed the view obstruction concern noting trees with a maximum height of 16' could be planted, the property would be well maintained, and stated the house is designed to give the appearance of being a lesser height. Mr. Girardi also addressed the Crenshaw access issue pointing out the importance of ease of access and noting the Traffic Committee's recommendation. The Commission voiced concern over Crenshaw access and noted the major difference between the approved development plan and the proposed development plan was removal of the tennis court previously granted. Mr. Ralph F. Witten, A.I.A., 2733 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, applicant's architect, stated applicant's Crenshaw access request is for convenience. Minutes December 10, 1985 Page 8 Chairman McNulty closed the public hearing. The Commission noted the _Burrell sewer system and discussed the--_ _ precedent which would be set by allowing access to private property off of Crenshaw. Mrs. Ortolano moved to approve CUP 33 -Major Amendment with revisions, directing applicant to revise plans eliminating Crenshaw access, seconded by Mr. Von Hagen and passed unani- mously. Chairman McNulty advised applicant of appeal rights. S_taf f stated its intent to bring back the Resolution of approval for CUP 33 -Major Amendment to the January 14, 1986 meeting, at which time it would be adopted. NEW BUSINESS INFORMAL HEARINGS Vesting Tentative Maps Code Amendment. The Planning Commission noted its approval of the proposed Grading No.. 828 Assistant Planner Jack Roberts Moller presented the staff report on 18 Di amonte Lane this request to build a new single-family residence on a down sloping flag lot whose total average slope exceeds 35%. Staff recommended the approval of the application as submitted, excluding patios, terraces, and accessways around the residence. Staff noted the patios, terraces, and accessways to be accessory in nature. Since the proposed si to .i s a flag lot, the driveway was stated to serve 18 and 20 Diamonte and a planned stairway to the house from the proposed motorcourt was discussed. Staff also noted that applicant di.d not request a Variance for the 32' height from the top of the ridge to the top of the lowest terrace/accessway wall. The Commission discussed the patios, terraces, and accessways to be accessory and the grading and fill required as a result of such were noted. Minutes December 10, 1985 Page 9- ' Mr. McNulty moved to approved Grading Application No. 828 according to staff's recommendations, excluding patios, terraces, and accessways around the residence. Seconded by Mrs. Ortolano and passed unanimously. Chairman McNulty advised applicant of appeal rights. Grading No. 865 and 820 Assistant Planner Jack Roberts Sorkin presented the staff reports on 27 La Vista Verde this request to construct a new single-family residence, swimming pool and tennis court involving 11,000+ cubic yards of remedial and developmental grading. The staff recommendation was for the Commission to approve Grading Application No. 865 and 820 without tennis court, allowing only the pool and at -grade terrace. Staff voiced concern over the lot's large amount of fill, the 8' of fill needed to establish a flat area for a tennis court, and the 8' retaining wall proposed as a result thereof. The majority of the grading was noted to be for the planned tennis court. Mr. Jerome A. Sorkin, 1248 Park Western Avenue, #44, applicant, stated the original residence was built on uncompacted fill and he tore the original house down according to architectural recommendation. Mr. Sorkin emphasized he will attempt to restore the site and the new residence will be placed on compacted fill. He also noted the original caissons under the house were poured illegally thirty years ago and the tennis court area was graded to be on a lower level. The Commission discussed applicant's request noting the proposed house, swimming pool and terrace to be developed on the lot's flat portion with the exception of a 300 sq. ft. area in the north- east portion of the terrace. The 8' of fill for the tennis court, the 8' retaining wall required to hold the fill in order to establish a flat area for the tenni.s court, and the large pile of dirt on the lot were also discussed. Mr. Marshall Lewis, 721 Latimer Road, Santa Monica, applicant's architect, discussed applicant's intent to work with staff--to-eradi- cate afiy--problems .--- Mr. Lewis mentioned the large pile of dirt on the lot was generated as a result of digging out the original caissons. • Minutes December 10, 1985 Page 10 • Mr. Hodge moved to approve Grading Applications 865 and 820 according to staff's recommendations without approval of the tennis court and the 300 sq. ft. area in the northeast portion of the terrace, to be approved so long as within Code compliance, with the Condition that plans containing the proper civil engineer stamps be submitted. Seconded by Mr. McNulty and passed unanimously. Chairman McNulty advised applicant of appeal rights. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE None (Regarding Non -Agenda Items) STAFF COMMISSION ADJOURNMENT None None None The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 PM to 6:30 PM January 14, 1986, Hesse Park Community Building.