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PC MINS 19870714PP�o vLI) w 4S W lel? -E A) M I N U T E S S�'--Y7 PLANNING COMMISSION July 14, 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, MC NULTY, ORTOLANO, VON HAGEN, WIKE ABSENT: NONE Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham and Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker. COMMUNICATIONS Chairperson Ortolano related a communication from Essex requesting a continuance of Variance No. 160 to September 8. By consensus, Variance No. 160 was continued to September 8, 1987. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner McNulty moved approval of the Consent Calendar; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed by a majority vote with Commis- sioner Wike abstaining on Items A, B and C (due to her absence at the June 30 meeting). Chairperson Ortolano noted her late arrival at the June 30 meeting after discussion of Variance Nos. 157 and 168 and during discussion of CUP No. 118 and GR No. 1005. PUBLIC HEARINGS Variance No. 164 Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker GR No. 964 presented the staff report. Frisselle/Schuler _ 3466 Via Campesina Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. Those speaking to the request included: Mr. Lamar Robinson 1455 Crenshaw, Torrance Architect Ms. Rosetta Wilson 3458 Via Campesina Dr. G. Jayatilaka 3462 Via Campesina Mr. John Bowler 3456 Via Campesina Ms. Margaret Schuler 5383 Rolling Ridge Road Landowner Mr. Stephen Wertheimer 3449 Via Campesina Minutes July 14, 1987 Page 2 Those speaking to the request discussed: the limitations of the site with regard to the proposed design; the proposed design of the driveway and the pool; concern over water problems as a result of the construction at the site; an easement for use of the drive- way should be worked out before the applicant expends further construction funds; the idea of a bond to secure against any damage to surrounding properties; the applicant should cooperate more with area residents; concern over the stability of the site; previous attempts to stabilize the hillside; and the applicant's access rights to the driveway. Chairperson Ortolano pointed out that the City has no jurisdiction over water rights. She related the City Attorney's opinion that the applicant's lot is buildable and discussed the Commission's role to determine whether the proposed construction would be appropriate for the site. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. Commissioner McNulty commended staff on an excellent staff report. He stated his support of the staff recommendation to approve the variance and Grading requests; however, he discussed his concern over an Irrevocable Offer of Dedication for a 25 foot equestrian trail easement as included therein. Commissioner Wlke voiced concern over the stability of the site and over the proposed grading. She expressed her support of the staff recommendation, excluding the proposed pool. Commissioner Connolly related his support of the staff recommendation. He discussed the applicant's attempts to reduce the scope of the project. He related his concern over the applicant's access to the driveway which he noted is not within the scope of the Commission's task. Commissioner Von Hagen voiced his support of the staff recommendation. He noted that the lot would not be considered buildable according to the current Development Code and that the City Geologist must determine the stability of the site before any permits will be issued. Chairperson Ortolano expressed her opinion that it is not necessary to approve the lot as buildable in light of the fact that the previous approval was based on erroneous information. However, she re a--te�c�her understanding of the City Attorney's analysis. She voiced objection to the proposed pool and discussed the idea of a barrier along the driveway to prevent damage to surrounding properties. Minutes July_14,_1987 Page 3 Staff pointed out that an easement can be vacated back to the property owner by the City. Director of Environmental Services Benard noted that it is riots_ appropriate-for'the_Commzssion to request 1 onding against damages - to surrounding -properties. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of Alternative No. 1 as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed by a majority vote with Commissioner Wike and Chairperson Ortolano dissenting. Appeal rights were noted. Variance No. 163 Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham Gr No. 1013 presented the staff report. Spartan Builders/ Dwyer - 3333 PV Dr. West Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. _ Those speaking to the request included: Mr. Richard Cutter 2715 Spreckels Lane, Redondo Beach 90278 Spartan Builders - Applicant Mr. William Dwyer 3333 Palos Verdes Drive West Landowner Those speaking to the request discussed that the entire pro3ect will be stuccoed, the property line designation and the addition to the treehouse. Commissioner Wike moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. Staff clarified the location of the proposed garage and noted that the existing garage will remain. Staff discussed the previous approval of the carport at a staff level. Chairperson Ortolano and Commissioner Von Hagen voiced concern over staff's approval of carports. Chairperson Ortolano suggested that the topic of carports be addressed during a workshop. Commissioner Wike discussed her agreement with staff's approval of carports as long as the Code requirements are met. She related her support of the treehouse and the wall as recommended by staff; however, she voiced her lack of support for Variance No. 163. Minutes July 14, 1987 Page 4 Commissioner Von Hagen expressed his support of the requests. Chairperson Ortolano discussed the access to the property and commented on her concern over a modification to the applicant's property line designation. Commissioner McNulty related that he would have no problem with a modification to the applicant's property line designation. Chairperson Ortlano moved approval of the wall as it is presently constructed; seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed unanimously. Chairperson Ortolano moved approval of the garage with a 9 foot setback as requested; seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed by a majority vote with Commissioner Wike dissenting. Chairperson Ortolano moved approval of GR No. 1013; seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. Director of Environmental Services Benard requested that the Commission supply the necessary findings for Variance No. 163. Variance No. 160 Essex 28125 Peacock Ridge Highridge Apartments CUP No. 1 - Revision, Variance No. EA No -508, GR -No. 988 Ascension Lutheran Church 26231 Silver Spur Road Continued to September 8, 1987 (See "Communications", Page 1). Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker presented the staff report. Chairperson Ortolano opened the public -hearing. Those supporting the request included Mr. Albert Sorenson, 27681 Eastvale, Palos Verdes Peninsula, representing the applicant. Mr. Sorenson discussed: reasons for the Church's desire to expand; social hall functions would not be in conjunction with the use of the sanctuary; the sanctuary could be constructed separately from the social hall; parking and the Church's willingness to reduce the sanctuary seating in order to meet the parking requirements; access problems related to a multi -story structure; cost concerns related to alternate designs; and the idea of demolishing some of the existing office buildings to accommodate a social hall. C Minutes July 14, 1987 Page 5 Those opposing the request included: Mr. Bob Vitale 17 Rollingwood Drive Mr. William Slags 5287 Rolling Ridge Road Mr. Wallace Nyman 5053 Range Horse, RHE Mr. Albert Schmid 15 Rollingwood Drive Mr. Angus Gillis 26307 Silver Spur Those opposing the request discussed: concern over view impairment; the Church's poor rapport with the area residents; concern over a 10 foot cross on top of the Church; the current noise level at the Church, especially at 6:00 AM; concern over possible noise during construction; concern over additional traffic which could result from the request; the existing view obstruction from the trees; and concern over drainage problems which could result from the proposed construction. Director of Environmental Services Benard expressed that staff has attempted to explore alternate designs with the applicant. He discussed the reasoning behind the option of tandem parking and that the height of the cross, according to the plans, does exceed 16 feet in height. He indicated that further analysis of the cross will be done. Staff related the applicant's concern over handicapped access to a multi -story structure. Staff explained the proposed drainage and noted staff's disapproval related thereto. Staff discussed the various alternate designs which would not require a Variance and pointed out that the proposed maximum height of 30 feet is the maximum allowed without a Variance.- Staff noted- .hat the- existing-_ sanctuary is non -conforming. Commissioner Connolly related information regarding Westec vehicles parking on the applicant's property in exchange for security at the site. He discussed his support of only a limited extension of the facility. He voiced concern over traffic at the location and over the proposed cantilevered structure in the extreme slope. Chairperson Ortolano related her concern over the approval of a parking lob prior to the approval of a building. She commented on the request in terms of whether the property can accommodate the desired uses and suggested that the applicant be made aware of the Commission's concerns. Regarding the issue of height, she noted that previous applications have been conditioned- -co include the removal of trees. Commissioner McNulty related his concern over the proposed cantilevered structure in the extreme slope. He suggested that the applicant be directed to redesign and that the parking issue could be worked out at a staff level. He stated his support of Alternative No. 2. Minutes July 14, 1987 Page 6 Commissioner Von Hagen discussed that the proaect, as proposed, could negatively impact the community. He stated his support of Alternative No. 2. Commissioner Wike expressed her concern over building on the extreme slope. Director of Environmental Services Benard noted the time constraints related to the application. He pointed out that the applicant could request a waiver, in writing, of the July 28 expiration date. Commissioner McNulty suggested that the item be returned to the Commission in the event that the written waiver is not received by July 28. Commissioner McNulty moved to continue the item, including EA NO. 508, to July 28, 1987; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. CONTINUED BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS CUP No. 23 Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker Revision "Q" presented the staff report. She Anthony Pools/ noted that the applicant's original Samuel Loubriel request was approved prior to the 32405 Aqua Vista Commission's adoption of the Seacliff Hills Guidelines. Mr. Samuel Loubriel, 3240 Aqua Vista, landowner, requested approval of the application. He stressed that his property can accommodate a pool. Commissioner McNulty discussed the difficulties related to the appli- cant's original approval having been prior to the adoption of the Seacliff Hills Guidelines. He commented that the Guidelines should be more strictly applied to applications which were approved after the adoption of the Guidelines. Commissioner Wike voiced concern over the possibility of a reduction in the open space. Chairperson Ortolano voiced concern over the cumulative impact related to the approval of the request. Commissioner Connolly also voiced concern over the cumulative impact related to an approval of the request. Commissioner Von Hagen stated concern that the applicant was not aware of the Guidelines at the time of the original approval. He discussed his support of the request. C] Minutes July 14, 1987 Page 7 • Staff clarified that a pool is included in lot coverage according to the Guidelines, whereas it is not according to the Code. Director of Environmental Services Benard noted that the applicant was aware of the Guidelines at the time of his original application, even though they were -not yet adopted, by the Comi'ission. Commissioner Wike moved approval of Alternative No. 1 as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Chairperson Ortolano and passed by a majority vote with Commissioners McNulty and Von Hagen dissenting. Appeal rights were noted. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE None. (Regarding Non -Agenda Items) REPORTS Staf f Director of Environmental Services Benard noted that the July 23 Satellite Workshop will begin at 7:00 PM. Commissioner Von Hagen suggested that a representative from the FCC be invited to the Satellite Workshop. Director of Environmental Services Benard indicated that staff will prepare a report on carports for Commission review. Commission Commissioner Wike related her inability to attend the July 23 and July 28 meetings. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was duly adjourned at 10: 45 PM to 7:00 PM, July 23, at the Hesse Park Community Building.