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PC MINS 19870623M I N U T E S PLANNING COMMISSION June 23, 1987 The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Chairperson Ortolano at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: CONNOLLY, ORTOLANO, VON HAGEN, WIKE LATE: MC NULTY (8:45 PM) ABSENT: NONE Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Associate Planner Steve Rubin, Associate Planner Greg Fuz, Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham, Assistant Planner Jack Roberts and Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker. COMMUNICATIONS Chairperson Ortolano indicated that communications would be noted during discussion of related items. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Wike requested that Item C be deleted from the Consent Calendar approval. Commissioner Von Hagen requested that Item D be deleted from the Consent Calendar approval. Commissioner Von Hagen moved approval of Consent Calendar Items A and B; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed 4-0 (absent Commissioner McNulty). PUBLIC HEARINGS Specific Plan IV 29019-29421 S. Western Variance No. 157 Southworth/Williford 1861 Homeworth Drive Discussion of Specific Plan IV was deferred until later in the meeting (See Page 5). Staff requested continuance of this item in order to address Variance No. 157 and Variance No. 168 simultaneously. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to continue Variance No. 157 to June 30, 1987; seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed 4-0 (absent Commissioner McNulty). Minutes June 23, 1987 Page 2 CONTINUED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Height Variation No. 484 Appeal - Gus and Verena, Roosli 27102 Diamondhead • None. Discussion of this item was deferred until later in the meeting (See Page 4). 1987-88 Capital Improvement Director of Environmental Services Program Robert Benard provided information regarding the 1987-88 Capital Improvement Program. Commissioner Wike indicated her intent to discuss the proposed parkways and medians with the Director of Public Works or City Council. Commissioner Von Hagen moved that the Commission report to Council that the City's 1987-88 Capital Improvement Program projects do conform to the General Plan. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed 4-0 (absent Commissioner McNulty). Sign Permit No. 349 - Misc. Hearing - Superior Electrical Advertising/Wickliff & Co. 28939 S. Western Avenue GR NO. 1010 Arik Abdalian 30825 Marne Drive Height Variation No. 485 - Appeal - Sedlachek/Shapell Crest Road at San Pedro Hill Tract No. 33206 Discussion continued as follows: Discussion of this item was deferred until later in the meeting (See Below). Discussion of this item was deferred until later in the meeting (See Page 3). Chairperson Ortolano noted the withdrawal of this item. Sign Permit No. 349 - Misc. Associate Planner Steve Rubin Hearing - Superior Electrical presented the staff report. Advertising/Wickliff & Co. He indicated that the sign size 28939 S. Western Avenue could be reduced with the deletion of the proposed rendering. Chairperson Ortolano suggested that Code Enforcement investigate the temporary leasing sign at Western Plaza which has been there for quite some time. Minutes June 23, 1987 Page 3 For the record, Commissioner Von Hagen noted his personal and business acquaintance with Mr. Ted Lawson whose name appears on the applicant's sign. With regard to Commission discussion concerning a time extension of the proposed sign, staff noted that Condition No. 5 includes that such a request would be at the discretion of the Director of Environmental Services. Commissioner Wike moved approval of Sign Permit No. 349 with a modification to Condition No. 5 to include that the item be returned to the Planning Commission within one year for review if the sign has not been removed. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed 4-0 (absent Commissioner McNulty). Appeal rights were noted. GR No. 1010 Arik Abdalian 30825 Marne Drive Drive, applicant, discussed: the slippage; his understanding that without a permit; and his desire Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham presented the staff report. Mr. Arik Abdalian, 30825 Marne purpose of the wall is to prevent a 3-1/2 foot wall could be built to terrace the slope. Staff pointed out that the proposed 4 foot downslope retaining wall is beyond the scope of staff approval. Staff noted that the proposed retaining wall would be located in an extreme slope and that the existing pool was approved by staff. Commissioner Von Hagen related his concern over the construction of / retaining wall on an extreme slope. U5 Ca issioner Connally moved to adopt Alternative No, 3 with the condition that the proposed wall be stuccoed to match the existing residence and that no further construction of retaining or garden walls be allowed on the applicant's property. Commissioner Wike also related her concern over the construction of a retaining wall on an extreme slope. She commented that the applicant could be required to install drought tolerant materials and that the decking structure could be landscaped to be hidden from view. Commissioner Von Hagen stated his lack of support for the motion. He stressed that, in light of the applicant's previous dealings with the City, he should be aware of the City's requirements. Minutes June 23, 1987 Page 4 Chairperson Ortolano discussed her concern over the cumulative impact of an approval of the request. Commissioner Connolly pointed out that the applicant's civil engineering background should qualify him to design a wall which is structurally safe. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed by a 3-1 majority vote with Commissioner Von Hagen dissenting (absent Commissioner McNulty). Appeal rights were noted. Height Variation No. 484 Chairperson Ortolano related a May Appeal - Gus and Verena Roosli 14 communication from the appellant 27102 Diamondhead inviting the Commission to review the application. (Commissioner McNulty arrived at approximately 8:45 PM.) Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker presented the staff report and noted that alternate designs were discussed with the appellant who does not desire a single -story addition. Mrs. Verena Roosli, 27102 Diamondhead, appellant, discussed the specifics of the proposed project. Mr. Steve Holt, 1756 No. Verdugo Road, Glendale, 91208, of Elizabeth Herron Architects, representing the appellant, discussed the appellant's desire of a second -story addition which he stressed would not affect the surrounding primary views. Mr. David Trump, 27111 Diamondhead, living directly across and one house uphill from the appellant, discussed his opposition to the request and stressed that the proposed addition would eliminate a great portion of the view from his family room which is located on the second story of his home. He emphasized his concern over the cumulative impact of an approval of the request. Staff pointed out that, even though Mr. Trump's family room is located on the second story of his home, it is included in the current Code interpretation of a primary living area. Mr. Robert Visser, 27105 Diamondhead, living directly across from the appellant, discussed his opposition to the request and noted that the homes in the area are specifically built with the primary living areas on the second level to maximize the views. He emphasized his concern over the cumulative impact of an approval of the request. Minutes June 23, 1987 Page 5 The Commission emphasized the difficulties involved in making a determination related to the request. Commissioner McNulty discussed the difficulties of balancing the equities of the proposed addition with the view that would disappear as a result thereof. He remarked that the appellant has enhanced the neighborhood with the .improvements made to the property; however, he noted that the second -story homes in the neighborhood were built as such and voiced his opinion that the proposed addition would signifi- cantly impact the vista. Commissioner Connolly stated his support of the staff recommendation. Commissioner Wike suggested that the home be expanded toward the backyard. She voiced her support of the staff recommendation. Commissioner Von Hagen stressed the significant view impact of the proposed addition on the Visser residence. He related his support of the staff recommendation. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of the staff recommendation; seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. There was a brief recess at 9:45 PM. Specific Plan IV Assistant Planner Jack Roberts 29019-29421 S. Western presented the staff report and modified the proposed Specific Plan IV as follows: Page 8, Paragraph B, "...Plan area II and III." Page 12, Paragraph C, "...unless determined to be necessary for slope stabilization purposes." Page 18, Paragraph 3a, "...shall be installed abutting the residential zone." Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. Mr. Leron Gubler, 3835 Carolina Street, San Pedro, 90731, representing the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, discussed: the proposed signage in the area is not acceptable to the merchants; the lack of incentive for area merchants to make any major modifications in the near future; and the problems related to the city boundaries in the area. Minutes June 23, 1987 Page 6 Commissioner Von Hagen noted the lack of participation from the area merchants/owners. Staff discussed the City's boundary with regard to the area signs and related the City Attorney's opinion that a sign which overhangs into the City can be dealt with as a City sign. Commissioner Connolly suggested that a rendering of the plans for Harbor Heights should be made available to the public to demonstrate the positive aspects of a specific plan. He suggested that the Traffic Committee's opinion regarding traffic circulation and access should be obtained. He mentioned that the hours of operation should be regulated in a Conditional Use Permit. Staff explained that a Conditional Use Permit would not be required for all possible uses and noted that the Traffic Committee's input regarding traffic circulation and access will be obtained. Commissioner Von Hagen commended staff on the excellent preparation of Specific Plan IV. He stated his support of the Plan as written. Commissioner McNulty expressed his concern over the merchants/owners lack of related interest. He stated his agreement with a definitive attitude toward a Mediterranean theme as is included in the proposed Plan. He discussed the difficulties of reaching an agreement with the merchants/owners with regard to signage. Commissioner Wike suggested that public restrooms should be included as public amenities. She discussed her concern over the reflective characteristics of white building exteriors. Chairperson Ortolano discussed her thoughts regarding the proposed Specific Plan IV as follows: the City should encourage the merger of lots of a minimum size; the proposed setbacks with regard to rebuilding a structure as compared to new development; concern over the use of blowers and the noise related thereto; the City Attorney's opinion should be obtained with regard to the rules for sign copy; sign program requirements for renovation; the vacation of the unimproved public alley south of Trudie behind Western Plaza; and accent colors should be complementary colors which are subject to the Director of Environmental Services approval. She suggested the following modifications: Page 31, Paragraph 8, "Acceptable materials include but are not limited to stucco brick with plaster finish and wrought iron consistent with a Mediterranean theme." Page 33, Paragraph 4, "...prescribed by this Plan is not required in change of use situations." Minutes June 23, 1987 Page 7 Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. Staff stated that the revised Plan will be returned to a future meeting for Commission review and adoption. Variance No. 166 Commissioner Wike suggested that the GR No. 979 - Appeal conditions applicable to Resolution Rupferschmidt P.C. No. 87-25 should include that 30240 Calle de Suenos the playhouse must be lowered to no higher than 6 feet 6 inches. Staff related that the item will be returned to the June 30 meeting. Minutes of May 26, 1987 Chairperson Ortolano modified the May 26, 1987 minutes as follows: Page 4, Paragraph 3, "...Chairperson Ortolano voiced concern that staff is bringing applications to the Commission on a piecemeal basis. She said staff's knowledge of potential problems should be discussed with the Commission and brought to the attention of the public wherever possible." Page 6, Paragraph 7, "Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. Since there were no requests to speak to the item the public hearing was closed." Page 9, Paragraph 5, "...vote of an item will be addressed...". Commissioner McNulty modified Page 9, Paragraph 3, to read, "Commissioner McNulty revised his position to abstain indicating that his acquaintance with both attorneys would in no way affect a continuance of the item." Commissioner Wike moved approval of the May 26, 1987 minutes as amended; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. Chairperson Ortolano discussed the format of the minutes. She related her impression of the City Manager's opinion that a summary of the discussion would be appropriate. Commissioner McNulty noted that the rationale behind the votes is important. AUDIENCE QUESTIONS None. Minutes June 23, 1987 Page 8 Staff Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard discussed the withdrawal of Height Variation No. 485 -Appeal and the Height Variations related to the Shapell project. Director of Environmental Services Benard noted the California Chapter of the APA meeting in San Diego scheduled for August 19-21. He requested Commissioner responses regarding their attendance. Associate Planner Steve Rubin related his intent to resign from his possition as of July 8, 1987. Commission None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was duly adjourned at 11:40 PM to June 30, 1987, 7:30 PM, Hesse Park Community Building.