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PC MINS 19870310) M I N U T E Sj` PLANNING COMMISSION .�•/� March 10, 1987 The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Chairperson Ortolano at 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: CONNOLLY, MC NULTY, ORTOLANO, VON HAGEN, WIKE ABSENT: NONE Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Senior Planner Ann Negendank, Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham, Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker-Roesch, and Assistant Planner Paul Merrett. COMMUNICATIONS Cnairperson Ortolano related a February 27, 1987 communication from Mr. Ravmond Fox outlining his position on Conditional Use Permit No. 33, Revision, and GR No. 952 and Mayor Hughes' February 12, 1987 reply to the Church of Latter Day Saints regarding a "proposed" horse trail along the north side of Crestridge between Highridge and Crenshaw. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of Commissioner Wike modified Page January 27, 1987 3, Paragraph 4, to read, "She questioned whether grocery stores...". Chairperson Ortolano made the following modifications: Page 9, Paragraph 2, "...the melding of the equestrian trails...". Page 9, Paragraph 5, "She stated that Mayor Hughes agreed with her philosophical ob-lection...". Commissioner Von Hagen made the following modifications: Page 3, Paragraph 6, "Commissioner McNulty objected to Mrs. Downing's suggestion...". Page 4, Paragraph 9, "...of alcohol should be focused through...". Page 9, Paragraph 3, "Commissioner Wike said Rolling Hills Estates is...". Commissioner Wike moved approval of the January 27, 1987 minutes as amended; seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed unanimously. Minutes March 10, 1987 Page 2 Minutes of Commissioner Von Hagen modified February 10, 1987 Page 13, Paragraph 7, to read, "Commissioner Von Hagen related that there is no commercially zoned property in the City which is not located within 300 feet...". Chairperson Ortolano made the following modifications: Page 10, Paragraph 2, "...the Commission could request that Public Works...". Page 10, Paragraph 3, "...Commission's power to require the applicant to remove trees on his property which are...". Page 12, Paragraph 2, "Chairperson Ortolano remarked that Code Amendment No. 23 as proposed did not include a distance...". Page 12, Paragraph 4, "Chairperson Ortolano remarked that the proposed Code Amendment No. 23...". Page 14, Paragraph 2, delete the first sentence. Page 14, Paragraph 2, "Cha2.rperson Ortolano voiced concern ovar—". Page 16, Paragraph 4, "Chairperson Ortolano discussed Mayor Hughes' opinion...". Commissioner McNulty moved to approve the February 10, 1987 minutes as amended; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Conditional Use Permit Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker- No. 117, EA No. 507 Roesch presented the staff report. Wayfarers' Chapel 5755 PV Drive South Chairperson Ortolano pointed out that the original Exhibit "All was redrafted. Commissioner Wike questioned wnether the applicant considered sodium light bulbs which would produce less glare than the proposed incandescent bulbs. Staff replied that sodium light bulbs would produce less glare but the applicant prefers a white incandescent light rather than a yellow light. Staff noted the applicant's model of the proposed light fixture. Minutes March 10, 1987 Page 3 Chairperson Ortolano discussed that the applicant should not be required to obtain a Conditional Use Permit for events such as a Christmas service. Staff related that approval for events such as a Christmas service could be obtained through a Special Use Permit at the discretion of the Director of Environmental Services. Staff noted the Christmas service was originally included as part of the Conditions of Approval and is part of the City's documenta- tion regarding the Church's current levels of operation. Commissioner Wike questioned the deletion of the Christmas service from the revised Conditions of Approval. Chairperson Ortolano remarked that the original Conditions of Approval limited the Church's services and activities. She stressed that the hours of lighting and not the activities should be limited. Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. Reverend Harvey A. Tafel, 25837 Oak Street, #110, Lomita, 90717, representing the Wayfarers' Chapel, related that the incandescent light bulb is proposed so that night photos will be as natural as possible. He noted that the Feast of the Advent service in early December is held from approximately 7:00 PM until approximately 10:00 PM and that the Church is not vacated after the Christmas Eve service until approximately 1:00 AM. He said the proposed lighting would be easier to control since it would be switch controlled rather than the current time clock system. He discussed his understanding that the height of the light fixtures would be 10 feet and that the Director of Environmental Services' approval (and not a Conditional Use Permit) would be necessary for additional events such as a New Year's Eve Watch service. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Chairperson Ortolano suggested Condition No. 4 include language as related by Reverend Tafel regarding the Christmas Eve and the Feast of the Advent services and that three yearly events until 1:00 AM are permitted. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to adopt staff's recommendation with the revisions as outlined by Chairperson Ortolano under the revised Exhibit "A" Conditions of Approval; seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. v 0 w Minutes March 10, 1987 Page 4 NEW BUSINESS Sign Permit No. 327 Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham Revision - Matt Brunning presented the staff report. 500 Silver Spur Staff stressed that the original approval included 3 inch directory sign letters for all tenants. Commissioner Von Hagen voiced his opinion that the applicant's request is.,. understandable since "Allstate" is the only sign which can be read from the street. Staff emphasized that a directory sign is intended to be pedestrian oriented. Mr. Benard discussed that the original approval included 3 inch directory sign letters for all tenants and that 6 inch letters make the directory sign more non -pedestrian oriented. He noted staff's concern over the cumulative effect related to the approval of the request. Chairperson Ortolano clarified that "Allstate" is not part of the existing building signage. She related her business association with Litigation Science Services, a tenant in the subject building. Mr. Matt Brunning, 500 Silver Spur, applicant, said the request is the result of Allstate's misunderstanding that 6 inch directory sign letters would be allowed. He noted the building signage is approx- imately 14 square feet less than that approved by the Commission due to in field size reductions and is substantially less than the 144 square feet allowed by Code. (The Code allows 75 square feet plus 5% window signs -- 144 square feet total. The Commission approved 75 square feet maximum.) He stressed that 6 inch directory sign letters are not obtrusive and stated his preference for including "Allstate" as directory signage rather than building signage. Chairperson Ortolano requested staff's opinion of Mr. Brunning's analysis of what was approved and what currently exists. Staff replied that the existing signage has not been measured and that staff is not in agreement with Mr. Brunning's representa- tion that the original approval included 3 inch directory letters for 7 tenants and 6 inch directory sign letters for one tenant. Chairperson Ortolano voiced her opinion that the directory signage should be uniform. Minutes March 10, 1987 Page 5 Commissioner Von Hagen said the applicant's building is attractive and noted the building signage has been reduced from what was originally approved. He said the "All State" directory signage is not objectionable but there is no question that it is larger than the other directory letters. Commissioner Wike stated her opinion that the applicant should be required to reduce the "Allstate" directory sign letters to 3 inches. Commissioner Von Hagen noted that "Allstate" could be legally added to the building signage but the public would be better served by an approval of a 3 inch increase to the directory sign letters. Commissioner Connolly agreed with Mr. Von Hagen and stated he could support a motion that the sign remain as it exists. Commissioner Connolly moved approval of the sign as it exists; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed by a majority vote with Commissioner Wike dissenting. Mr. Brunning requested that hours of operation not be included as window signage, which was specifically not approved by the Commission. Chairperson Ortolano directed Mr. Brunning to contact staff regarding window signage. Commissioner McNulty said he did not understand hours of operation to be included as window signage. Staff discussed that hours of operation placed in a window are considered window signage and stated that the Code allows a maximum of 5 percent of the window area as window signage when a sign program is approved. Chairperson Ortolano called attention to the Allstate eindow signage. Staff related Mr. Brunning's intention to see to it that All - state's window signage is removed. Minutes March 10, 1987 Page 6 GR NO. 979 - Appeal Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham Rupferschmidt presented the staff report. 30240 Calle De Suenos Commissioner Wike questioned whether the applicant's rear yard includes an area for the playhouse which would be more appropriate than the side yard and would be within the Code. Staff discussed that the applicant's rear yard does include a more appropriate place for the playhouse which would be within the Code but the applicant would prefer to maintain the property as it is. Commissioner Wike questioned whether approval was granted for the applicant's sauna/gazebo which are located on an extreme slope. Staff noted the City has no record of the necessary permits for the applicant's sauna/gazebo so the matter has been referred to Code Enforcement for investigation. Staff mentioned that the sauna/gazebo would require a Variance. Commissioner McNulty said in an effort to reduce the applicant's filing fees, it might be appropriate to consider the item after a determination has been made regarding the sauna/gazebo- Staff related that combining the violations for consideration would not reduce the filing fees. Chairperson Ortolano stated accessory structures are required to be a reasonable distance from next door neighbors in an effort to reduce any related disturbances. Staff pointed out that any structure 6 feet, 6 inches up to 12 feet in height is considered an accessory structure and must, therefore, respect the same setbacks as a house. Mr. William Kupferschmidt, 30240 Calle De Suenos, applicant, said he was not aware of the sauna/gazebo problems when he purchased his home two years ago. He stated he was unaware of any violations related to the playhouse and emphasized that the idea of removing the concrete in the backyard would not be acceptable. He noted that his neighbors did not ob3ect to the idea of placing the playhouse where it is and stated his preference for maintaining the yard in its present condition. In response to Commissioner Wike's concern over children gaining access into his neighbors' yard, he said access is not possible since there is no window in the back of the playhouse . • Minutes March 10, 1987 Page 7 Commissioner Connolly moved to continue the item until Code Enforcement determines all of the violations on the property in order for the Commission to examine the entire situation at once; seconded by Commissioner McNulty. Mr. Benard related that the applicant has 60 days from the notice date to file an application. If no application is filed the City Attorney will be contacted. In any event, the item will be returned to the Commission in approximately 60 days. Chairperson Ortolano questioned Mr. Kupferschmidt regarding his intentions to file an application or to litigate. Commissioner McNulty voiced his opinion that the applicant is not required to state his intentions. Mr. Kupferschmidt said he cannot state his intentions until the exact violations are determined. He noted his preference for the Commission to consider the entire situation at once. Commissioner Von Hagen moved amendment to the motion that the City notice the applicant of the violations and he has 60 days to respond. The amendment was accepted by the maker of the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. Mr. Benard pointed out that the item was not a noticed public hearing so a continuance to a time certain is not necessary. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE Ms. Kathy Snell, #8 Vanderlip (Regarding Non -Agenda Items) Drive, requested the Commission consider the following: (1) that the building moratorium in the Abalone Cove Abatement District be lifted; (2) a six month amnesty period related to construction during the building moratorium without permits to encourage residents to file for permits; (3) the Code be revised to include that no more than a total of 1,000 square feet can be added to a structure; and (4) the Code be revised to include more stringent standards for property owners housing two or more horses. She noted she is not associated in any way with the Vanderlips and she certainly did not mean to suggest violations to the CC&Rs be allowed. 0 • • Minutes March 10, 1987 Page 8 Chairperson Ortolano emphasized that Council the building moratorium in the Abalone Cove to adopt Ms. Snell's amnesty proposal. year the Commission suggests to Council that be modified and Ms. Snell's suggestions square footage and horse standards will items for consideration. She suggested Ms. suggestions to Council. • has the power to lift Abatement District and She said once each certain Code sections regarding addition be kept in mind as Snell present her Ms. Snell} stated her preference for the Commission to consider the items. os" + waS Any Mr. Von Hagen questioned Ms. Sne � s lack of interest fnpresenting her suggestions to Council. He ve—r ice -t4trrib- there 4-� R-& construction t in progress at the Vanderlip Estate qr-A,�o�� �,nd�•c.r,Gc� ��r.� wry ,ncT Ms. Snell indicated her experiences in dealing with Council and she requested a reply to her February f letter addressed to Mr. Benard. Mr. Benard said Ms. Snell's letter was much more extensive than anticipated and a response is forthcoming. Ms. Karen Miloe, 3952 Dauntless, representing Seaview Homeowners' Association, requested that Conditional Use Permit No. 112 (GTE switching station) be placed on the Commission's next agenda. She said she was informed that the proposed project would only be a small relay station and she now understands it to include 13,000 feet of asphalt driveway and parking for three trucks. Chairperson Ortolano_requested clarification regarding the status of Conditional Use Permit No. 112. Staff said the Commission approved the application, the appeal period has expired, and the project was, for all intent and purposes, approved and is now awaiting GTE's submission of building plans. Mr. Benard related Council's direction for staff to investigate the appropriateness of renoticing since Mr. Heikes did not receive a mailed notice regarding the related public hearing and, depending on the City Attorney's determination, the item will either be an administrative decision, returned to the Commission and renoticed, or sent back to Council with information regarding the investigation's findings. He stressed that the proposed station would be 875 square feet and suggested Ms. Miloe contact the Planning Department to review the proposed plans. Minutes March 10, 1987 Page 9 Chairperson Ortolano suggested Ms. Miloe supply the City with a stamped, self-addressed envelope in order to receive information regarding the investigation's findings. Ms. Miloe confirmed that the land will not be zoned as commercial property with the addition of the switching station. She discussed that it might make sense for the residents to purchase the property since the approval of the proposed project would devalue their properties. She noted her house is in escrow and the possibility of it falling out of escrow indicates that property values would certainly be affected. Commissioner McNulty stressed that Ms. Miloe should let Council know what she was told regarding the proposed project and that she .insist the item be placed on Council's agenda. Commissioner Von Hagen voiced his opinion that, in all probability, Conditional Use Permit No. 112 will not be returned to the Commission for consideration. Mr. Benard remarked that there is a 50/50 chance the item will be returned for Commission consideration. He said the main issue is whether published notice was adequate and whether it would override mailing a notice to the resident {Heiken} who would be most critically affected by the approval of the proposed project. Ms. Miloe voiced objection to eight tenants living next door to her. Mr. Benard requested Ms. Miloe contact Code Enforcement regarding the problem. REPORTS Staff Mr. Benard related information regarding the California Contract Cities' Association Workshop Friday, March 13, and the SWAPC meeting March 27 regarding an overview of Least Desirable Develop- ment Sites. He introduced Assistant Pla•Zner Paul Merrett who will be working in Code Enforcement. Commission Commissioner McNulty discussed the Specific Plan IV Subcommittee Workshop March 2. Mr. Benard related that two more Specific Plan IV Subcommittee Workshops will be scheduled at a later date. Commissioner Connolly related his plans to attend the Planning Commissioners' Institute in Sacramento beginning March 11. Minutes March 10, 1987 Page 10 ADJOURNMENT Upon motion of Commissioner McNulty, seconded by Commissioner Connolly, and passed unanimously, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM. • EJ