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PC MINS 19860624i ! %moved, /zz/e� M I N U T E S PLANNING COMMISSION June 24, 1986 The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Chairman Von Hagen at 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: HODGE, MC NULTY, ORTOLANO, VON HAGEN, WIKE ABSENT: NONE Also present were Associate Planner Steve Rubin and Assistant Planner Jack Roberts. COMMUNICATIONS Staff provided an excerpt of Development Code Section 17.46.040 (re- garding required offsite improvements) with respect to the proposed office building at Hawthorne and Crest. Also distributed were the minutes from the Commission's May 6, 1986 joint session with City Council regarding the Golden Code 49 unit con- dominium project. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of April 8, 1986 Mr. McNulty moved to accept the Minutes of May 13, 1986 April 8, 1986 and May 13, 1986 minutes as presented. The mo- tion was seconded by Mrs. Wike and passed unanimously. CONTINUED BUSINESS Informal Hearings CUP 23 - Revision "G" Associate Planner Steve Rubin Gutierrez presented the staff report on Lot 18, Tract 34834 applicant's request for approv- al of revised plans for a new single family residence on Palo Vista Drive with the recommendation that the applicant be directed to revise plans per staff's recommen- dations and that the revised plans be reviewed by staff. The Commission discussed staff reviewing the revised plans and voiced concern over applicant making further changes which would require Com- mission approval, the building footprint increase, the 4,000-5,000 building footprint averages in the area, and previously approved homes on applicant's end of Palo Vista Drive having slightly above 70% open space. Minutes June 24, 1986 Page Two Mr. Ken Francis, 1424 4th Street, Santa Monica, 90401, applicant's architect, discussed that the net effect of the revisions was to raise the house slightly to reduce the amount of coverage which was taken up in a large part by the driveway, applicant has no problem with staff's recommendations, his understanding was that the open space requirement was 70% and not 75%, and the exterior stairs would be for convenient access to the backyard. The Commission reviewed requiring applicant to reduce the building footprint, increase the open space, and landscape the wall which could be seen from Palos Verdes Drive South. The Commission also noted the Code's open space requirement of 75%. Staff stated because the lots in the area have been reduced from one acre most of the houses under Conditional Use Permit No. 23 have 70% open space even though the Code requires 75%, emphasized problems with placing too big of a house on a lot, the proposed front and rear year setbacks, and voiced concern over the proposed exterior stairs. Mr. McNulty moved to adopt staff's recommendations and the motion was seconded by Mr. Hodge. The Commission further reviewed the 70+% open space in the area, prob- lems with houses built too large for lots, exterior stair cumulative effect problems/requiring applicant to eliminate the exterior stairs, requiring applicant to landscape the 5' wall in the rear yard, the ex- terior stairs having no "bootleg" connotation since the primary living areas and the kitchen are all on the second floor, and noted past ex- terior stair Code enforcements related to additions and not new homes. Mrs. Ortolano moved amendment to the motion to eliminate the exterior stairs. The amendment was not accepted. Mr. Von Hagen moved amendment to the motion to include a landscaping plan under staff's Alternative No. 3 to reduce whatever impact there might be from the 5' wall. The amendment was accepted. Mrs. Wike moved amendment to the motion to include the open space not be less than 70%. The motion was not accepted. Mrs. Wike emphasized the significance of reduced open space when the development is completed. The motion passed by majority with Mrs. Ortolano and Mrs. Wike dis- senting. Applicant was advised of appeal rights. • Minutes June 24, 1986 Page Three NEW BUSINESS Public Hearings • Variance No. 136 Assistant Planner Jack Roberts Jayatilaka presented the staff report on 3462 Via Campesina applicant's request to encroach 81 into the required 20' front setback for a proposed solarium with the recommendation that the Var- iance be denied. The Commission discussed that applicant's house is uniquely situated on a flag lot. Chairman Von Hagen opened the public hearing. Mr. Wally Ford, Dandoy Glass Company, Inc., 23406 Arlington Avenue, Torrance, 90501, solarium distributor, discussed the unusual way ap- plicant's house is situated on the property, the solarium glass struc- ture would not be obtrusive, and his plans to reduce the solarium size 21 (to a 61 Variance from the 201 setback and to be in line with the roof overhang). Staff discussed that the side setback would be 20' in combination with a minimum of 51 to be maintained on a given side, applicant's request would have no effect to the residence below, and the easement on the back of applicant's property was required to provide access to the property behind applicant's. Mr. George Jayatilaka, 3462 Via Campensia, applicant, emphasized the unusual way his house is situated on the flag lot, noted plans to reduce the solarium size 21, and that the solarium will provide warmth to a cold area of his home (the dining room). Chairman Von Hagen closed the public hearing. The Commission discussed continuing the public hearing in order to re- view applicant's new drawings reflecting the 2' reduction in the so- larium size and to allow staff time to make a recommendation regarding applicant's planned reduction in the solarium size. Mr. McNulty moved to continue the public hearing to get a new set of drawings and to get staff's opinion as to a recommendation regarding changes applicant submitted. Mr. Von Hagen seconded the motion. Staff stated the item would probably be on the agenda for the second meeting in July. • Minutes June 24, 1986 Page Four The Commission discussed the flag lot on which applicant's house is situated and the street at the rear of applicant's property for access to the property behind applicant's. The motion was passed unanimously. CUP 23 - Revision "I" Associate Planner Jack Roberts Yun, Lot 21, Tract 34834 presented the staff report on applicant's request to revise the building footprint specified in Conditional Use Permit No. 23 to allow a change for less open space and increase grading with the rec- ommendation that the Commission direct applicant to redesign the plans to conform to the open space, grading limits, and rear setback of the original site plan and require landscaping. Chairman Von Hagen opened the public hearing. Mr. John Vilicich, 1622 South Gaffey Street, San Pedro, 90731, appli- cant's architect, discussed that the visual impact of the proposed dwelling from Palos Verdes Drive South would be less than originally proposed, the placement of the garage in the front would reduce the footprint but the frontage applicant desires would also be reduced, applicant's willingness to work with staff, necessary grading to cre- ate a backyard, and going down to bedrock/using fill as opposed to caissons. Chairman Von Hagen closed the public hearing. The Commission voiced concern over applicant's proposed open space re- duction and discussed that the angular contours created between the lot and Palos Verdes Drive South as a result of grading should be mit- igated to flow more with the natural slopes. Staff voiced concern over the property being restored to its natural topography, discussed access problems in the tract, and stated the original plan was not as large, respected the slopes more, and had less impact on the overall tract. Mr. McNulty moved to continue the informal hearing. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Ortolano and passed unanimously. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE None REPORTS Staff Staff presented revised Resolu- tion PC No. 86-15 for Commis- sion review. The Commission clarified Condition No. 7, Exhibit "All as follows: "...The CC & R's shall also make reference to the potential Minutes June 24, 1986 Page Five future requirement of trail easements and shall require the property owner to provide an irrevocable offer of dedication for such trails to the City." Staff noted the irrevocable offer will be required prior to issuance of permits. Staff also discussed Development Code Section 17.46.040 (required off- site improvements) with regard to the proposed office building at Hawthorne and Crest. The Commission discussed that Director of Public Works Wentz is handling related negotiations. Commission The Commission discussed that the City Manager has selected a new Di- rector of Environmental Services, Mr. Bob Benard, and commended Ann Negendank for her professional manner while acting as Director and requested staff relate to her the Commission's thanks for her time and effort put into doing the job. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion from Mr. McNulty and seconded by Mr. Hodge the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 P.M.