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PC MINS 19870512/Npproved az2 e.� ;'flej (0116-7 M I N U T E S PLANNING COMMISSION May 12, 1987 The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM by Chairperson Ortolano at 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: CONNOLLY, MC NULTY, ORTOLANO, VON HAGEN, WIKE ABSENT: NONE Also present were Associate Planner Steve Rubin and Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker-Roesch. COMMUNICATIONS Chairperson Ortolano indicated that communications would be related during discussion of corresponding items. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of March 24, 1987 Minutes of April 14, 1987 The April 14, 1987 minutes were amended as follows: Page 1 was modified to include "LATE: ORTOLANO". Page 2, Paragraph 8, "...might not relate the revised application." Page 6, Paragraph 1, "...a tree ordinance would be difficult to enforce." Resolution P.C. No. 87— Chairperson Ortolano said Condition Approving CUP No. 92 - No. 11 to Exhibit "A" should Rev "B" - T. R. Hause apply immediately. Salvation Army Commissioner Von Hagen questioned whether it would be appropriate to require that the existing air conditioning and heating units be retrofitted with sound muffling devices. Commissioner Wike related her opinion that Condition No. 11 to Exhibit "A" should apply immediately. 0 Minutes May 12, 1987 Page 2 Commissioner McNulty not being present to No. 11 to Exhibit "A". stated his concern over the applicant discuss the proposed change to Condition The Commission agreed to modify Condition No. 11 to Exhibit "A" to include that, "The existing air conditioning and heating units shall be retrofitted with sound muffling devices...". Chairperson Ortolano suggested the approval be made in concept with the change to Condition No. 11 to Exhibit "A" and the Director of Environmental Services should be instructed to contact the applicant who could appear before the Commission should he have any problems with the change made. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of the Consent Calendar as amended; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS VAR No. 156 Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker- Frank Politeo & Assoc Roesch presented the staff report. and Jerome Chatow 6510 Lebec Street Chairperson Ortolano noted a communication from Mr. W. K. Hazelrig indicating that he has no objections to the request. Chairperson Ortolan opened the public hearing. Mr. Jerome Chatow, 6510 Lebec Street, landowner, presented a revised plan. He discussed: the actual proposed height is 31 feet 10 inches, the proposed addition is desired for view, outdoor recreation, and entertaining, many other homes in the area are non -conforming, and the proposed addition would be virtually invisible from surrounding properties and would not be contrary to the General Plan. In response to Commissioner Connolly's request for information, he stated that the proposed deck would not significantly impact residents across the canyon. Staff indicated that, even with the changes to _the _ proposed plan, staff could not approve an increase to an existing non -conforming situation. Commissioner Von Hagen �sal� the item could be continued in order to allow staff time `to analyze the changes to the proposed plan. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. 0 Minutes May 12, 1987 Page 3 Commissioner McNulty emphasized that the applicant did not create the existing non --conformity. He said the Variance would not impact the surrounding areas, the lot is unique, and the proposed plan would not be contrary to the General Plan. Commissioner Wike questioned whether the proposed deck could possibly be built in another location which would meet the Code and still be used for outdoor entertaining. Chairperson Ortolano mentioned that a deck which does not have footings on the slope could be built. Staff discussed the possibility of installing stairs down to a detached cantilevered deck as opposed to the proposed deck which would have footings encroaching into the 35% slope. Chairperson Ortolano noted that a detached deck would not be included in the overall height of the structure whereas the proposed attached deck would. She stated her agreement with Mr. McNulty's analysis of the situation. Commissioner Connolly related his agreement with Commissioner McNulty and Chairperson Ortolano. Commissioner Von Hagen stated that the applicant's lot has special circumstances and said he could support the approval of the request. He noted his preference for the construction of a cantilevered deck. Commissioner McNulty moved that Variance No. 156 be approved as proposed; seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. Staff requested Commission input regarding the findings for the Variance. Chairperson Ortolano indicated that the findings would be discussed under "REPORTS". 0 0 Minutes May 12, 1987 Page 4 CUP No. 41 - Rev. The Canterbury 5801 Crestridge Road Associate Planner Steve Rubin presented the staff report. In response to Commissioner Wike's request for clarification, staff indicated that the proposed addition would be 1.5 feet lower than the height of "D" building which is at a height approved with the original project. Staff pointed out that the proposed addition of -a. multi-purpose room would add building area but not lot coverage and that the design of the building would essentially shield it from view of any of the residents on Mistridge. Staff noted that the applicant's inability to provide additional parking will inhibit any further expansion and that any further expansion of the facility would be considered an intensification of use. Commissioner Wike suggested! Condition No. 7 to Exhibit "A" contain stronger language. She voiced uncertainty as to whether the addition of a 1,215 square foot multi-purpose room is a large enough project to burden the applicant with a trail easement. Staff discussed that it would be necessary for the applicant to obtain a parking variance in order to host activities which would draw attention from outside the facility and related that the item could be continued so that a parking variance could be considered along with Conditional Use Permit No. 41 - Rev. Staff indicated that it would be_reasonable impose a trail easement on a project such as the proposed, should the Commission so desire. In response to Commissioner Connolly's concern over the location of -the four proposed parking spaces, staff pointed out that W�10a,_.foot parking stall depth should alleviate any serious prdbl6ms� Commissioner Connolly voiced concern over the aesthetic appearance of plexiglass and its- reflb-ctiVe-quality.- He iiit-roduced fhe idea of shatterproof, tinted glass which would require a -heavier structure.- Staff indicated that the reflective quality of plexiglass was not considered in the staff analysis.- 0 Minutes May 12, 1987 Page 5 4 CQWissioner McNulty- 4a" g-red-dwith Commissioner Connolly's concerns over. --the pr6pose& 'use of plexiglass far--the windscreen. He pointed out that a clear glass or plexiglass will protect the existing view and said that a condition Could be added which would prohibit hanging objects inside or out to further protect the view. Chairperson Ortolano discussed that the item could be continued so that a parking variance could be considered along with the Conditional Use Permit No. 41 -Rev. application. Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. 31 : Z C so* 4 .- Mr. Alvin Lafon, 5801 W. Crestridge, applicant, discussed! that the proposal includes no significant view impairment to surrounding properties, that the existing meeting room is used on occasion for events involving non-residents in order to encourage community involvement, a survey revealed that an average of 32 parking spaces were utilized during a 31 day period, meetings of outside groups would be limited to one each month and no group could meet more than once each year, the proposed multi-purpose room windscreen could be removed during certain times of the year, the proposed 150 person multi- purpose room would be adequate when the facility is at full capacity, 91 apartments out of 127 are occupied by 101 residents, and his understanding that the trail easement issue will be dealt with by the Trails' Committee. Commissioner Von Hagen related his understanding that the original Canterbury permits were granted with the intent of limiting the facility to caring for the aged with the specific intent to prohibit non -related community uses. He said that the area is an Institutional zone but the City makes other facilities available for such communit'? uses. For the benefit of Mr. Lafon,__ he pointed out that it is within the Commission's authority to condition the approval with items such as a trail easement. Staff noted that the topic of community activities would be most appropriate when considering a variance application and suggested that discussion be postponed until a parking variance application is submitted for Commission review. Minutes May 12, 1987 Page 6 Sunshine, 6 Limetree Lane, representing the PV Peninsula Horsemens' Association, stated support for Condition No. 8 to Exhibit "A" and requested an irrevocable offer to dedicate the trail. With regard to Commissioner Wike's inquiry, she said that such a proposal is not part of the Trails' Network Plan or the Peninsula - Wide Loop Trail. Staff pointed out problems with the trail including a limited 5 foot width on the subject property to the north drive, a grade difference of several feet at the transition of the Mormon Church and the subject property, and the storm drain easement at the common rear corner of the Mormon Church and the subject property. During discussion of problems with the trail, Commissioner Wike suggested that the neighboring land in Rolling Hills Estates (which is much flatter) be utilized. Mr. Harry Dyner, 7021 Willowtree, representing the Congregation of Ner Tamid, voiced concern over the establishment of a trail in the area. Chairperson Ortolano suggested that those parties interested in trail issues supply Mary Thomas, coordinator of the Trails' Committee, with approximately 20 self-addressed, stamped envelopes in order to receive notice of those meetings. Mr. John Arand, 5731 Mistridge, discussed: concern over intensi- fication of the facility's use, concern over the use of reflective glass, concern over the trail easement, and concern over the regulation of use at the facility. He questioned whether any parking variances for the facility currently exist. He emphasized his opinion that the uses of the facility are far beyond the original intent. Staff responded that no parking variances for the facility currently exist. Mr. David Cobabe, 1708 Chelsea Road, Palos Verdes Estates, 90274, representing the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, voiced opposition to the proposed trail. Chairperson Ortolano said that the proposal is radical in terms of use and the community should, therefore, be given an opportunity to address the issue. However, she indicated that such issues as plexiglass and intensification of use could be discussed. Minutes May 12, 1987 Page 7 Commissioner Wike suggested the Commission discuss various issues in order to inform the applicant of the Commission's position. She voiced her opinion that the proposed use for non-resident, community activities is not in keeping with the intent of the original approval. Commissioner McNulty said the item should be continued and renoticed. He voiced no objection to the nature of the proposed uses but questioned whether they are -in keeping with -the intent -of the original approval. Commissioner Connolly agreed that the item should be continued and renoticed. Commissioner Von Hagen stressed that the property is overdeveloped and suggested the item be dealt with as presented. Chairperson Ortolano commented that the Canterbury is an asset to the community and said she would tend to favor the community type of uses for the residents. However, she stated she is not in a position to make a judgment on the issue without further information regarding the intent of the original approval. With regard to the, windscreen, sheo�_puggested- staff -evaluate�,­,C.J, plexiglass-xiglass-samp,jes.'__�_ . - - 1 -7-c- - . Commissioner McNulty suggested staff research the reflective plexiglass issue. He stated his feeling that a horse trail on the property would not be appropriate. Commissioner Von Hagen mentioned that a condition regarding a non -reflective substance or one approved by staff could be added. Chairperson Ortolano discussed that the trail issue could be referred to the Trails' Committee. She questioned whether the item would be returned to the Commission June 23rd. Staff voiced uncertainty as to when the item would be returned to the Commission. Commissioner Wike noted Mayor Hughes' previous letter to the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints in which he indicated that the City had no plans to build a horse trail on the property. Staff noted that, at the time Mayor Hughes' letter was written, a trail was not proposed. Commissioner Connolly suggested Condition No. 8 to Exhibit "A" be deleted. 0 Minutes May 12, 1987 ---fage -8 Chairperson Ortolano questioned whether it would be appropriate to vote on various items and then continue the item to consider the remaining issues along with a variance application. Staff indicated that it would be appropriate to either vote on the entire item or continue it. Commissioner McNulty moved to continue the public hearing and direct the applicant to file for a variance if they wish to pursue it. The motion was seconded by Chairperson Ortolano and was passed by majority with Commissioner Von Hagen dissenting. Staff noted that a new hearing date will be noticed --,z: CUP No. 23, Rev "0" VAR No. 115, GR No. 991 Thomas E. Coffin and Jack R. Allewaert 32415 Aqua Vista NEW BUSINESS AUDIENCE QUESTIONS Sta Commissioner McNulty moved to continue the item to June 9, 1987 as requested by the applicant and staff; seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. None. None. Staff related that GR No. 854 - Appeal -Anderson -will be returned to the Commission May 26. Staff noted the SWAPC /luncheon -date of Friday, May 29 and the Specific Plan IV Workshop date of May 18. The Commission and staff agreed on a Commission/staff dinner -1- date of &6dnesday,.- June 1'0, -at' -Commissioner McNfilts'-home. y - Commission The Commission discussed the findings rebated to the approval of Variance No. 156 as follows: (1) The size, shape, location, and topography of the lot are unusual; (2) The house was constructed on the lot before the City was incorporated and the applicant had no control over how the house was placed on the lot and over the original house design; (3) "The proposed addition would not cause any detrimental effects on surrounding properties; (4) The proposed addition would not be contrary to the General Plan; and (5) The proposed addition would not allow the applicant any special privileges. 4 Minutes May 12, 1987 Page 9 Commissioner Wike related her attendance at the Four Cities, Planning meeting during which Rolling Hills' traffic circulation was discussed. In response to Chairperson Ortolano's request for clarification, staff indicated that the attendees of the Four Cities' Planning meetings are appointed at the discretion of the Chair. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was duly adjourned at 9:30 PM.