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PC MINS 19870414M I N U T E S PLANNING COMMISSION The meeting was called to order at 7:40 PM by Vice -Chairperson Wike at 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: CONNOLLY, ORTOLANO, VON HAGEN, WIKE ABSENT: MC NULTY Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard and Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker-Roesch. COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Benard voiced intent to supply the Commission with a copy of a letter in opposition to the Ascension Lutheran Church CUP No. 1, VAR No. 153, GR No. 988, and EA No. 508. Vice -Chairperson Wike related communications as follows: letters from Mr. Cummins and Mr. Chenoweth regarding VAR No. 154 and a notification that the hearing date for Encroachment Request No. 5 has been rescheduled for April 25. Staff noted a communication from the applicant requesting an extension on CUP No. 23, Revision "E". CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of February 24, 1987 Minutes of March 10, 1987 Vice -Chairperson Wike modified Page 5, Paragraph 10, to read, "Allstate window signage." Commissioner Von Hagen modified Page 8, Paragraph 3, to read, "Mr. Von Hagen questioned Ms. Snell's lack of interest in presenting her suggestions to Council. He asked if there is any construction in progress on the Vanderlip Estate and staffsindicated there is not.' Commissioner Von Hagen moved approval of the February 24, 1987 minutes as writen and the March 10, 1987 minutes as amended; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. Minutes April 14, 1987 Page 2 CUP No. 23, Rev "E" Extension Request 3324 Palo Vista PUBLIC HEARINGS CUP No. 1, VAR No. 153 GR No. 988, EA No. 508 Ascension Lutheran Church 26231 Silver Spur Commissioner Connolly moved to grant a six week extension for CUP No. 23, Rev "E"; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Staff delayed presentation of the staff report pending verification from the applicant as to whether an extension is desired. Commissioner Von Hagen questioned whether the applicant desires an extension. He commented that it would be inappropriate to take public testimony if the application is going to be modified. Mr. Benard said it would be appropriate for the applicant to state his desire. Mr. John Wested, Ascension Lutheran Church, 26231 Silver Spur Road, requested a 90 day extension. Commissioner Von Hagen stated his opinion that the Commission should not hear public testimony until the application is complete. Mr. Benard discussed that a 90 day extension to July 14, 1987 would be appropriate. He noted that there would be no additional meeting notice via mail or the newspaper. Vice -Chairperson Wyke mentioned that any public testimony taken might not relate to the "Y revised application. Interested parties voiced ob]ection to the possibility that no public testimony would be taken and that no additional noticing would be done should an extension be granted. They said a request for extension is a delay tactic on the part of the applicant so that the item would be heard during the middle of summer when many residents are on vacation. Commissioner Von Hagen advised those present to note the next hearing date of July 14, 1987. Mr. -:Benard-.i-ndicated that the Department of Environmental Services would notice those who supply the City with a stamped, self- addressed envelope. 0 Minutes April 14, 1987 Page 3 • Vice Chairperson Wike emphasized that the applicant is entitled to a fair chance to comply with the City's requirements. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to continue the public hearing to July 14, 1987; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. VAR No. 154 Assistant Planner Carolynn Rodin Bieberly Associates Wilker-Roesch presented the 2166 Gendral --- , I I __ - staff report. Commissioner Von Hagen noted that the applicant's lot is difficult and he questioned whether staff discussed any alternate designs with the applicant. Staff said various alternate designs were discussed with the applicant who stressed the importance of maintaining his rear yard space. Commissioner Connolly requested clarification regarding the structural requirements related to a garage compared to a home. Mr. Benard said whenever a second story is added to an older home the foundation must be repoured and pads and posts must be installed. Vice -Chairperson Wike ind_idit(f6 that the applicant desires to maintain the rear yard setback as it presently exists rather than conforming to the 15' Code requirement. Vice -Chairperson Wike opened the public hearing. Mr. Vinceint Comparsi, 2166'Gen6rAl, landowner, emphasized that the current 9' setback was in existence at the time of original construction. He stated his reasons for the request to include design integrity , aesthetic improvement to his home and the entire neighborhood and the small lot size. He emphasized that he would have very little ground area left if square footage was added to the ground floor and related that his southernmost neighbors (Cummins and Chenoweth) basically have no objection to the request. (Chairperson Ortolano arrived at approximately 8:00 PM-) Minutes April 14, 1987 Page 4 Vice -Chairperson Wike requested clarification as to the location of the applicant's rear -property line. Mr. David Bieberly, Rodin Bieberly Associates, 1451 W. 18th St., San,-Pedro.,applicant,-said the rear property line is approximately 9'6" from the house. He stressed the natural lighting problems related to a ground floor design and questioned whether a deck would be allowed in a setback area. Staff said a deck must conform to the same setback requirements as a house. Staff discussed that the proposed open area of approximately 250 square feet over the existing living room could be revised as living space and the deck could then be preserved for outdoor living purposes. Staff pointed out that there is room on the applicant's property to achieve the desired use without a Variance. Mr. Bieberly said that the loss of the proposed open area over the existing living room would be unacceptable from a design standpoint. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. Commissioner Von Hagen said the lot is a difficult lot and Mr. Bieberly stated some valid points but he cannot make the four findings for a Variance and he, therefore, supports the staff recommendation to deny the request. Commissioner Connolly commented that there is more flexibility in design than the applicant's plans reflect. Chairperson Ortolano discussed that the proposed design would not extend any further than the existing structure and stated uncertainty as to what would be achieved by staff's proposed design which would require a step in the back to conform to Code. Mr. Benard related' the City's position to not allow expansion to existing non -conforming setbacks. Vice -Chairperson Wike stated her opinion that the applicant should explore other alternatives of expanding the ground floor in an attempt to meet the 15' setback requirement but that the small grass area in front of the applicant's house should not be utilized because it is consistent with the neighborhood. z 0 0 Minutes April 14, 1987 Page 5 Chairperson Ortolano a Variance with a a specific plan. said it would be difficult to consider smaller setback reduction without examining Commissioner Von Hagen moved to accept staff's recommendation denying the request; seconded by Vice -Chairperson Wike and passed unanimously. Mr. Benard mentioned that the applicant can apply for a different setback but that he cannot reapply for a 15' setback within .,the next six months. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE None. (Regarding Non -Agenda Items) REPORTS Staff Mr. Benard requested those wishing to attend the next SWAPC luncheon notify him. Commission Commissioner Wake reported on the Four Cities' Planning Group meeting held Saturday, April 10. She related PVE's discussion regarding reconstruction of the traffic triangle at PV Drive North and PV Drive West. She commented on RHE's discussion regarding the possibility of ingress/egress problems resulting from 90 units which may be constructed on the Dapple Gray School site which is due to be vacated at the end of the school term. She mentioned RHE's discussion regarding 72 units planned on the Highridge'school site with -access -across from Whitney Collins and plans, to fill the quarry and build on it. She noted the next Four Cities' meeting date of July 11 during which RHE will discuss view protection and tree landscape controls. Mr. Benard mentioned that signage and commercial development will also be discussed at the July 11 meeting. In con3unction with view protection, he said each City was asked to obtain information regarding any studies related to tree ordinances. Commissioner Von Hagen indicated that, at one time, the City attempted to write an ordinance regarding tree view blockage. Minutes April 14, 1987 Page 6 Chairperson Ortolano commented that there was much discussion regarding tree view blockage during early Council races but it was the City Attorney's opinion that a tree ordinance would be -i4 , e�-1 - - I I- . 1__711113 Commissioner Von Hagen and Commissioner Connolly noted their attendance at the April 14 Specific Plan IV Workshop. Commissioner Connolly said it was interesting to learn that the property from Western Plaza to Security Pacific Bank is part of the Shin family trust, that one of the signs thought to be in the City of Los Angeles is in the City of RPV, and that the Security Pacific Bank sign is one-half in the City of Los Angeles and one-half in the City of RPV. Chairperson Ortolano related calls she received from Commission members with regard to staff practices in presenting material to Council when the Commission and staff recommendations differ. Mr. Benard discussed his understanding that staff has the ability to take a different position than the Commission when items are appealed to Council. He--said,"I-fiat it is the .- Director of Environmental Services responsibility to interpret the Code's intent and, in situations where the staff and Commission recommen- dations differ, it is appropriate to present both positions to Council. Chairperson Ortolano agreed that it is appropriate to present both positions to Council when the Commission and staff recommen- dations differ. Commissioner Von Hagen noted that a few Council members are attempting to rewrite the City's Height Variation Ordinance. He stated jhe has no problem with the view analysis procedure but suggested that cumulative impact be more clearly defined. Chairperson Ortolano stated her opinion that cumulative impact should be stopped with the first application and mentioned Council's discussion regarding the Commission's responsibility to make certain applicants explore various design options. Minutes April 14, 1987 Page 7 Commissioner Von Hagen mentioned that he makes it a point to ask staff if other designs were explored. He stressed it is the Commission's obligation to conduct City business in a timely and efficient manner. Commissioner Wike noted that many times an applicant is not interested in redesigning. In response to Commissioner Connolly's request for clarification regarding the slide area, Mr. Benard related that the upper part of the slide has( --been slowed significantly biit�the lower part, while slowed; i"has not-jbeen slowed that- drastically. -He-Ifidicatdd that the City is lobbying at the Federal Government level for a reconnaissance- study to ,..examine the --possibility-of 5 sea wall in an effort to abate some of the erosion that is driving the lower portion of the slide. He mentioned that the reconstruction of PV Drive South from --Pt. Vicente-lf-b'=Nartissa is scheduled for'this summer. Commissioner Von Hagen questioned whether staff has planned a Commission/staff dinner. Mr. Benard voiced intent to obtain the City Attorney's opinion regarding the Brown Act requirements related to such a gathering. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion of Commissioner Connolly and seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM.