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PC MINS 19861028f M I N U T E S PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 28, 1986 The meeting was called to order at 7:50 P.M. by Chairman Von Hagen at 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: MC NULTY, ORTOLANO, VON HAGEN, WIKE ABSENT: NONE Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Director Public Works George Wentz, Associate Planner Greg Fuz, Asso- ciate Planner Steve Rubin, Assistant Planner Jack Roberts, and Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker-Roesch. COMMUNICATIONS Chairman Von Hagen related two letters from the Council of Am- ateur Radio Clubs of Los Ange- les regarding the Wallace Ranch and a letter from Mr. Jim Niger deal- ing with the Wallace Ranch. Mr. Florance, Mr. Locascio, Mr. Evans, and Mr. Perkins distributed correspondence related to the Wallace Ranch. Mrs. Ortolano stated her intent to leave the meeting at 10:00 P.M. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of September 30, 1986. The September 30, 1986 minutes were amended as follows: Page 1, Paragraph 2: "PRESENT: MC NULTY, ORTOLANO, VON HAGEN, WIKE"; Page 2, Paragraph 9: "...A Commissioner said..."; Page 4, Para- graph 6: 11 ... appropriate than a bond. A Commissioner reviewed...". As a point of information, Director Benard advised the Commission that he had misstated the facts regarding sign notice referred to on Page 10, Paragraph 1. The correct facts are that pole sign notifications have not been sent out and signs on the buildings have not been notic- ed. Mr. McNulty moved to accept the September 30, 1986 minutes as amended; seconded by Mrs. Ortolano and passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS CUP NO. 106, Sign Permit No. 305 Draft Neg Dec for EA No. 489 Wilson - Jazzercise 603CP/MIN8.1-8 Associate Planner Steve Rubin presented the staff report and recommended the Commission close the public hearing and adopt Resolution P.C. No. 86 - denying CUP No. 106 and Sign Permit No. 305. Minutes October 28, 1986 Page Two Staff noted applicant's request to address the item. Chairman Von Hagen opened the public hearing. Ms. Felicia Wilson, 29625 South Western, applicant, stated her lease with Mr. Pierson is year to year. She said she obtained one year ground leases from the Tasman Sea (10 parking spaces), Mark C. Bloome (5 parking spaces), Joe's Union (5 parking spaces), and Granny's Do- nuts (3 parking spaces between 5:30-6:30 P.M.), and an letter from the Chamber of Commerce in support of her business. Ms. Wilson suggested that the Eastview Homeowners' Association install "Private Parking" signs to discourage drivers from parking on their private property. The Commission commended Ms. Wilson on her endeavors. The Commission dl%ussed that approval could be made subject to yearly renewal of the parking space leases. The Commission said that staff will review the leases to assure the spaces leased to Ms. Wilson are within the terms of the lessors leases. Staff stated the resolution will be returned to the Commission after staff has verified that the spaces the lessors have committed are not required for their specific uses. Mr. McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Mrs. Orto- lano, and passed unanimously. Mrs. Ortolano moved approval of the application per staff's recommen- dation, on a year-to-year basis, subject to staff's review, that the terms of the leases for parking comply with the requirements for the number and size of spaces, and that staff bring the resolution back to the Commission at the next hearing; seconded by Mrs. Wike and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. EIR NO. 25, TTM No. 44514 Associate Planner Steve Rubin GR No. 901 - Lanco, Engineering presented the staff report and recommended the Commission adopt Resolution P.C. No. 86- recommending Council approval of Final EIR No. 25, TTM No. 44514 and GR No. 901 subject to the conditions contained in Exhibit "A". The Commission discussed the staff report. The Commission questioned the fiscal impact of the possible park development. The Commission discussed the proposed development's traffic impact as well as the 603CP/MIN8.1-8 • Minutes October 28, 1986 Page Three 0 impact of a future development on the 10 acres in Rolling Hills Estates. The Commission discussed the possibility of a secondary access to the development at Crestridge. Staff clarified issues related to park development. Staff said the available Quimby funds could be used to finance the park development if the City did not require the full dedication of land, and if the City Council deemed it appropriate. Staff stated the annual estimated cost to maintain a 1.16 acre park/Interpretive Center would be approx- imately $32,000-$50,000 and that the anticipated revenues from the use of the site could reduce the cost to approximately $8,000-$15,000 per year. Staff said the potential traffic impact of the development of the 10 acres in Rolling Hills Estates was taken into account based on 72 units. Staff also said it is not possible to place constraints on the Rolling Hills Estates property and there is no specific project proposed for development to date. Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard related a comment made by the Rolling Hills Estates City Manager that it may be feasible to make the connection from the south border of the project to what would be the extension of Crestridge but that a Rolling Hills Estates decision will not be made until perhaps early Spring/Summer 1987. Mr. Benard stated the Commission could recommend the establishment of an easement and direct staff to work with Rolling Hills Estates to devel- op a plan for the Rolling Hills Estates site. Mr. Benard discussed traffic impacts and clarified that the levels of service are estab- lished on the design capacity of the roadway. The Commission modified Exhibit "A" as follows: "4. ...(CC&Rs) shall be submitted to the Planning Commission and City Attorney for approval." "27. The proposed streets shall be "public" with no gates and design- ed...". 1140. ...shall be submitted and approved by the City Attorney and the Planning Commission prior to approval...". Chairman Von Hagen opened the public hearing. He reminded interested parties that comments made at the last public hearing are public rec- ord. He said that the purpose of the hearing is to review any new items related to the EIR and the project. Those speaking in favor of the project were: Mr. Robert Earl 420 S. Beverly, L.A. 90212 Wallace Assoc. Mr. Ron Florance 1025 Via Mirabel, PVE 90274 Wallace Assoc. Mr. Mike Nichols 1010 Crenshaw, Torrance 90501 Lanco Eng. Mr. Bill Schulz 106 W. Fourth, Santa Ana 92701 POD Inc. 603CP/MIN8.1-8 C Minutes October 28, 1986 Page Four Mr. Ron Florance, Wallace Associates, stated general concurrence with staff's report. He requested deletion of Condition No. 46 to Exhi- bit "A". He said the front of houses on lots 1-4 and 77-83 should face "A" Street with vehicular access from "A" Street. He noted that, with the deletion of No. 46, the City could develop the design criter- ia of the decorative wall proposed along Armaga Spring. Mr. Florance read the letter he submitted to the Commission. Mr. Mike Nichols, Lanco Engineering/applicant, voiced concern over No. 44 to Exhibit "A". Because of the recommended 3:1 slopes he requested extension of the slopes of lots 27-32. He emphasized that lush land- scaping would reduce the severity of the proposed 2:1 slopes. He also requested deletion of No. 40 to Exhibit "A". Staff said Mr. Nichols' request to extend the slopes of lots 27-32 can be accomplished and that 3:1 slopes were recommended to maintain the natural appearance of the land. Mr. Robert Earl, Wallace Associates, said that by fronting the houses on lots 1-4 and 77-83 toward Armaga Spring additional traffic and parking problems will result. He emphasized that the neighborhood is not oriented toward Armaga Spring. Mr. Earl discussed that the homes on lots 1-4 and 77-83 could be moved closer to the street which would leave a useable pad in the rear for recreational development. But, Mr. Earl stated that a resulting concern would be the privacy and view of the homes across the street from the development. Mr. Bill Schulz, POD Inc., presented a graphic landscaping design and said the project will contain a variety of mature landscaping materi- als. Interested parties were: Bryna Alper Larry Auffrey Sara Bowlus Ken Dyda Clifford Evan, Jr. D• dley Gray Sararuth Grimes Eileen Edelson Brita Grover Teri Helm Elaine Herold Jay Holladay Bob Lewis Charles Lobb 603CP/MIN8.1-8 6022 Scotmist 28850 King Arthur 28427 Quailhill 5715 Capeswood 6217 Lochvale 28630 Quailhill 6 Branding Iron, RHE 90274 28520 Meadowmist 17 Sycamore, RHE 90274 28527 Quailhill 6233 Moongate 5128 Jessen, La Canada 91011 28835 King Arthur 1843 W. 244th, Torrance 90717 Historical Society Stoneridge H.O.A. ARRL L.A. Area Council of Amateur Radio Clubs • Minutes October 28, 1986 Page Five • Joe Locascio 29703 Whitley Collins P.V. Amateur Radio Club Ray Mathys 5738 Whitecliff G­nther Merli 28810 King Arthur Mary Jo Morris 28424 Quailhill Jan Perkins 28503 Highridge Carol Richardson 15 Via Seville, RHE 90274 Sunshine 6 Limetree PVPHA Beryl Tilley 29026 Indian Valley Alex Wallace George Wittenberg 28866 King Arthur Mr. Ken Dyda, Rancho de Los Palos Verdes Historical Society, urged the Commission to modify the EIR to preserve a portion of the site for posterity. He said the Historical Society is attempting to obtain funding for initial improvements, moving the building, and maintaining the facility. Mr. Dyda suggested a portion of the grading for the historical site could be done as part of the developer's construction. Mr. Alex Wallace stated the Wallace family's willingness to contribute $5,000 to assist in some type of dedication of the land. Mr. Jan Perkins discussed that Mr. Wallace gave him the authority to preserve much of his memorobilia. He said Mr. Wallace did not favor the devel- opment of a museum on the site and the family is in agreement with that belief. Interested parties also discussed: that agricultural/ed- ucational demonstrations on the site should continue, the developer should finance the installation of a signal at Crestridge/Highridge and Armaga Spring/Highridge, a park district could be established to purchase the tract, the preservation of the agricultural landscaping should be as close as possible to the Rolling Hills Estates develop- ment for trail purposes, grading/drainage, increased traffic, traffic orientation should be toward Crenshaw, preference for two entrances, preference for one entrance, density, objection to the proposed decor- ative wall along Armaga Spring, concern over view impairment at 28630 Quailhill (Gray), homes on lots 1-4 and 77-83 should face Armaga Spring, the development will make existing homes in the area appreci- ate, a pedestrian path could extend from the back of the development to Ridgecrest, the pads along the western boundary should be lowered as much as possible, the City's current financial position should be taken into account before the City becomes extensively involved in park maintenance, and alternatives to staff's recommendation that homes on lots 1-4 and 77-83 should face Armaga Spring. In regard to the proposed decorative wall along Armaga Spring staff said the maximum height of a free-standing wall is typically 6 feet. Staff addressed grading and said there is no way to achieve a parity in grades along the entire western property line. Staff said the 603CP/MIN8.1-8 • Minutes October 28, 1986 Page Six intent is to make the grades as compatible as possible. Staff dis- cussed that a path through the development to Ridgecrest is not reco- mended. In addition, staff noted that applicant's proposed project is within Code and the City has minimmal design and architectural review of the development. Chairman Von Hagen closed the public hearing. At 9:55 P.M. Commissioner Ortolano left the meeting. The Commission discussed that the Traffic Committee did not support secondary access on Highridge because of traffic problems there but stated that the idea should be further reviewed. The Commission dis- cussed the idea of a frontage road along Armaga Spring as a possibi- lity for separation of the development from Armaga Spring and to reduce traffic on Armaga Spring. The Commission discussed staff's recommendation that homes on lots 1-4 and 77-83 should face Armaga Spring and a Commissioner stated that the idea may be innovative but may create an alley type atmosphere along "A" Street. It was suggest- ed that a compromise between staff and the developer be made. A Com- missioner voiced concern over perimeter walls closing the development in. In addition, the Commission discussed whether the hearing should be continued or closed. Staff clarified that there would not be an alley along "All Street. Mr. Ron Florance, Wallace Associates, requested the Commission act on the item. Mr. McNulty moved to recommend to City Council that the project be de- nied; seconded by Mrs. Wike. Mr. Von Hagen said he could not support the motion. Mr. McNulty withdrew the motion. Staff stated the project has no impending deadlines and could be con- tinued until November 25, 1986, the earliest possible date available. Mrs. Wike moved to continue the public hearing to November 25, 1986; seconded by Mr. Von Hagen and passed unanimously. CUP NO. 113 and EA No. 497 - Miraleste Recreation and Park District 603CP/MIN8.1-8 Assistant Planner Carolynn Wil- ker-Roesch presented the staff report and recommended the Com- mission approve the application sub3ect to the Conditions of Approval in Exhibit "A". El Minutes October 28, 1986 Page Seven Chairman Von Hagen opened the public hearing. E Mr. Ray Brunstrom, Los Angeles County Fire Department, said the De- partment has no problem with the conditions set forth in Exhibit "A". Mr. Thomas Stolpman, representing Miraleste Recreation and Park Dis- trict/applicant, is- trict/applicant, voiced objection to No. 4 of Exhibit "A". He said eight parking spaces would not be a practical requirement since the District has only three employees. He said the "natural" parking area in back of the property is adequate. Mr. McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Mrs. Wike and passed unanimously. Mrs. Wike moved approval of the application subject to the Conditions of Approval in Exhibit "A", amending No. 4 of the Conditions of Ap- proval to require two paved parking spaces on site when the temporary strutures are removed; seconded by Mr. McNulty and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. CONTINUED BUSINESS CUP No. 76 - Revision La Solana Corp. The staff report was waived in deference of time. Mr. McNulty moved approval of staff's Alternative No. 3; seconded by Mrs. Wike and passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Sign Permit No. 317 and 318 Kettler - 29221 Western The staff report was waived in deference of time. The Commission discussed that Domino's Pizza is a new tenant who should have been aware of the City's sign code. The Commission ques- tioned whether the face of the cannister is new or the cannister it- self is new. Staff said that a new face was installed in the cannister and that the cannister itself is not new. A Commissioner stated the Code should be amended to say that a sign includes the cannister or face plate of any cannister type sign. 603CP/MIN8.1-8 0 Minutes October 28, 1986 Page Eight • The Commission questioned when amortization notices will be distribut- ed on signs in the area. Mr. Benard said that a survey will be done to identify the actual lo- cation of the signs and the signs (pole and building) will then be no- ticed. Commission discussion continued regarding whether the cannister sign (SP No. 317) should be reduced or allowed to remain as a nonconforming sign until its amortization period has expired with applicant then being required to conform to Code and install a new 18 square foot sign. Mr. McNulty moved approval of Sign Permit No. 317 according to staff's Alternative No. 2; seconded by Mr. Von Hagen and passed by majority with Mrs. Wike dissenting. The Commission discussed staff's recommendation to deny Sign Permit No. 318. Staff responded that the applicant can advertise in newspapers or otherwise as other businesses do. Mr. McNulty moved approval of staff's Alternative No. 1 denying Sign Permit No. 318; seconded by Mr. Von Hagen and passed unanimously. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE None Staff Staff invited the Commission to a luncheon on Friday, Octo- ber 31, 1986 at 11:30 A.M., during which Mr. Ken Topping will speak on Planning in the City of Los A-geles - Fresh Prospectives from the New Director. Commission ADJOURNMENT 603CP/MIN8.1-8 None Upon motion of Mr. McNulty and seconded by Mrs. Wike, the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 A.M.