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PC MINS 19870811*�Yroo-f�e-& a --r& arn.en,d.e-.d MINUTES 1-)72-0-7 PLANNING COMMISSION August 11, 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, Senior Planner Ann Negendank, Associate Planner Greg Fut, Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham, Assistant Planner Jack Roberts and Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker. COMMUNICATIONS Chairperson Ortolano indicated that communications would be related during discussion of corresponding items. CONSENT CALENDAR At the suggestion of Chairperson Ortolano, the Commission agreed to remove Item C, Specific Plan IV, from the Consent Calendar. The Commission agreed to modify Resolution P.C. No. 87- , approving Negative Declaration, CUP 120 and Variance No. 167, to include that Condition No. 11 to Exhibit "A" read, "All deliveries shall be made during business hours; however, no deliveries shall be made during peak business hours." Commissioner McNulty moved approval of the Consent Calendar as amended, excluding Item C. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed by majority with Commissioner Wike abstaining (due to her absence at the July 28 meeting). PUBLIC HEARINGS CUP No. 41 - Revision, Senior Planner Ann Negendank VAR No. 171, EA No. 504 presented the staff report. The Canterbury 5801 Crestridge Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. The proponents of the request were: Mr. George Cummings 1375 South Los Robles, Pasadena Mr. Alan Lafon 5801 W. Crestridge Minutes August 11, 1987 Page 2 The proponents of the request discussed: the importance of occasional non-resident gatherings at the location; support of the staff recommendation; and opposition to an equestrian trail but agreement with a hiking trail. Sunshine, 6 Limetree Lane, representing the Peninsula Horsemens' Association, requested that an irrevocable offer of dedication be made for an equestrian trail_ at the location. Mr. Thomas Classen, 5403 Calle Mayor, Torrance, 90505, representing the Rolling Hills Covenant Church, discussed that an equestrian trail at the location would have no detrimental effects. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of the staff recommendation with the exclusion of an equestrian trail; seconded by Commissioner Connolly. Commissioner Von Hagen stressed his concern over the use of the property by non-residents. He expressed his apprehension with regard to eliminating the possibility of an equestrian loop trail with the City of Rolling Hills Estates. Commissioner McNulty noted that an equestrian trail at the location is not included in the Trails' Network Plan. He emphasized that an equestrian trail at the location is not appropriate. Even though Chairperson Ortolano related her opinion that an equestrian trail at the location is not appropriate, she stressed that the trail issue should have been referred to the Trails' Committee. Commissioner Connolly discussed his opinion that an equestrian trail at the location is not appropriate. He pointed out that an alternative trail location could be considered. Commissioner Wike agreed that an equestrian trail at the location is not appropriate. She discussed her concern over the proposed multi-purpose room which she indicated could result in the expanded use of the facility. Staff provided information as to why the trail issue was not referred to the Trails' Committee. Staff discussed the subject trail's lack of inclusion in the Trails' Network Plan. With regard to possible expanded use of the facility, staff noted that the applicant should be notified that any future expansion of the site would be prohibited. The Commission agreed that any future expansion of the site should be considered on a case by case basis. The motion was passed by majority with Commissioner Von Hagen dissenting. Minutes August 11, 1987 Page 3 Appeal rights were noted. Chairperson Ortolano suggested that a workshop concerning the mechanism which determines the Trails' Committee's review of an item might be appropriate. Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard indicated his intent to discuss the trail issue with the City Manager. General Plan Amendment No. 16, For the record, Commissioner Zone Change No. 15, EA No. 512 Von Hagen related his association Paul Lupo - 28041 Hawthorne with the seller of the subject property. Associate Planner Greg Fuz presented the staff report. The Commission agreed that a Commercial/Professional (CP) designation at the location would be appropriate. Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. Mr. Paul Lupo, 700 Torrance Boulevard, Suite A, Redondo Beach, 90277, applicant, discussed the background of the request. He voiced concern over a CP designation and stressed that the building does not lend itself to a professional use. Staff discussed the CP designation and pointed out that it would encompass any office use. Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard discussed the applicant's ability to withdraw the item. He provided information regarding a development agreement. Chairperson Ortolano stressed that the applicant should further discuss the item with staff. Commissioner McNulty moved to continue the item. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. VAR No. 159, Assistant Planner Carolynn GR No. 1001 Wilker presented the staff McVey report. 2333 Sparta Drive Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. The proponents of the request were: Mr. Bob McVey 2333 Sparta Applicant Mr. Don Emrick 2329 Sparta Minutes August 11, 1987 Page 4 The proponents of the request discussed information pertaining to the background of the request and concurrence with the staff recommendation. Ms. Nancy Budde, 2564 Colt Road, opposing the request, discussed her concern over the intrusion into the canyon and the noise related thereto and her concern over the cumulative impact related to an approval of the request. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. Commissioner Wike related her acceptance of the retaining walls. She discussed her concern over the cumulative impact related to an approval of the lower deck. Commissioner Connolly stated his support of the staff recommenda- tion, with the addition of a condition that handrailing of a natural color and natural materials be added along the stairway. He expressed his concern over the lower deck. Commissioner Von Hagen discussed his support of the staff recommenda- tion, with the addition of a condition that handrailing along the stairway be required. Commissioner McNulty voiced his support of the staff recommendation. He pointed out that the views in the area are not affected by the pro3ect. Chairperson Ortolano discussed her concern over the cumulative impact related to an approval of the request. She mentioned that a landscaping plan could be required. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of the staff recommendation, including that a stairway_ handrail of -natural materials and natural colors be approved by the Director of Environmental Services and that a landscaping plan for the area be approved by the Director of Environmental Services. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. CUP No. 122, EA No. 519 San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA, PVP Unified School District 27800 Longhill - Soleado Elementary School Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham presented the staff report. Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. Mr. John Swift, 1923 Mt. Shasta, representing the applicant, discussed: the background of the request, the increasing size of the school's population necessitates a portable classroom facility, and the School District's objection to landscaping around the portable classroom. Minutes August 11, 1987 Page 5 — The Commission noted the support of many who, in the interest of time, did not speak to the item. Mr. Lin Hendrich, 27915 Longhill, discussed his support of the proposed daycare facility. However., he stressed his,oppositlon to the portable classroom and his desire to screen it with landscaping. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. With regard to the proposed portable classroom, Commissioner McNulty noted the School District's liability related to the YMCA using school facilities. He stressed the necessity of the YMCA's childcare programs and suggested that the School District assist the YMCA in the landscaping around the portable classroom. Staff discussed the proposed portable classroom and noted that the large number of children at the location necessitates the addition thereof. Staff stated that the existing landscaping is adequate and related the School District's objection to the installation of additional landscaping. Commissioner Connolly discussed the restriping of the existing parking area as included in Condition No. 11 to Exhibit "A". Commissioner McNulty moved approval of the staff recommendation with a condition that the YMCA achieve some fkV44y with the School District and provide for some minimum landscaping and that a landscaping plan be submitted to the Director of Environmental Services. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. CUP No. 123, EA No. 520 The reading of the staff report San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA, was waived. PVP Unified School District 7032 Purpleridge Chairperson Ortolano opened the Vista Grande Elementary School public hearing. Mr. John Swift, 1923 Mt. Shasta, representing the applicant, discussed the parking procedures at the location and provided information regarding the background of the request. The Commission noted the support of many who, in the interest of time, did not speak to the item. Mr. Larry Yoshioka, 4841 Elkridge, discussed the traffic in the area. [1 Minutes August 11, 1987 Page 6 Ms. Dorothy Bradley, 7033 Purpleridge, opposing the request, discussed her concerns over the traffic and parking in the area. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. Chairperson Ortolano pointed out that the traffic and parking problems at the location should be communicated to City Council. Commissioner Wike suggested that the PTA be contacted in an effort to improve the traffic and parking at the location. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of Alternative No. 1; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. CUP No. 51 - Revision C Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham Monte Rosa Partnership presented the staff report. 6508 & 6510 Sandypoint (Lots 36 and 37, Tract Because one of her business 35040) associates purchased Lot 36, Chairperson Ortolano abstained from the item. Commissioner Von Hagen opened the public hearing. There being no requests to speak, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of Alternative No. 1. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed by majority with Chairperson Ortolano abstaining (due to her association with the owner of Lot 36). Appeal rights were noted. CONTINUED BUSINESS GR NO. 896 - Revision Associate Planner Greg Fuz Stefan - 7433 Via Lorado presented the staff report. Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard noted that the staff recommendation to allow the applicant to raise the elevation the garage slab to 1.75 feet was based on a finding -that _ a. reduction in the ridge height of 1 3/4 feet would not significantly improve the view from either affected property. Minutes August 11, 1987 Page 7 Chairperson Ortolano opened the hearing. Mr. John Stefan, 1821 Harriman, Redondo Beach, 90277, applicant, discussed the specifics of the project and the background of the request. He noted that he is acting as the general contractor of the project. Mr. William Jackson, 7405 Via Lorado, related his disappointment with the manner in which the City has handled the item. He stressed his concern over view impairment. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the hearing; - seconded ---.-by Chairperson Ortolano and passed unanimously. Commissioner Connolly related his opinion that the applicant should be required to lower the ridge height, as included in Alternative No. 2. Commissioner Von Hagen emphasized that the applicant, who is acting as the project's general contractor, should be required to correct the problem. With a great deal of reluctance, he stated his support of Alternative No. 2. During discussion of the building envelope concept, Commissioner McNulty pointed out that the project, as currently constructed, is within the height limitations of the Code. However, he stressed that the unauthorized changes made to the project are a detriment to the entire neighborhood. Chairperson Ortolano discussed her agreement with Alternative No. 2. She suggested that a condition be added to Exhibit "A" that no shrubbery may be higher than the maximum ridge line of the structure. Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard discussed that either Alternative No. 1 or No. 2 would resolve the inequities of the project but that Alternative No. 1 would be less burdensome to the applicant. Commissioner McNulty moved to adopt Alternative No. 2, including a condition that no shrubbery, trees, or other growth shall be permitted above the ridge line as it is constituted in the plans. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed by majority with Commissioner Wike abstaining (due to her absence at the July 28 meeting). Appeal rights were noted. 0 Minutes August 11, 1987 Page 8 NEW BUSINESS Height Variation No. 489 - Appeal Lukstein, Mahajan 26139 Basswood 0 Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker presented the staff report. Mr. & Mrs. Edward Lukstein, 26203 Basswood, appellants, discussed: view impairment; devaluation of the homes in the area; the extensive concrete_ atthe location; and objection to the proposed metal chimney. Mr. Balraj Mahajan, 26139 Basswood, applicant, requested an - approval of the item. He related a willihTness to screen the proposed chimney. I Commissioner McNulty discussed his concern over the related application of the Code with regard to a second story view. He stressed that the proposed project would have a significant affect on the appellant's second story view. Chairperson Ortolano expressed her concern over the application of the Code with regard to second story view's ._'She suggested `_ that staff obtain the City Attorney's opinion related thereto. Commissioner Wike stated her support of a continuance of the item. Because it -would not intensify the view impairment, Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard indicated that it would not be appropriate for the Commission to deal with the chimney. He pointed out that any action related thereto would be considered an aesthetic control. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of Height Variation No. 489, with a condition that the applicant be required to screen the effects of the metal chimney with a natural look, o-ok, to be approved by the Director of Environmental Services. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed by majority with Commissioner Wike and Chairperson Ortolano dissenting. Appeal rights were noted. Commissioner McNulty suggested that the appellant pursue an appeal to City Council. • Minutes August 11, 1987 Page 9 GR No. 1040 Assistant Wickliff & Company, provided a Los Angeles County item. Sanitation District C Planner Jack Roberts brief summary of the 1700 Westmont Avenue The Commission agreed to modify Condition No. 11 to Exhibit "A" to read, "...to public and private facilities caused by this grading project. " V( - Commissioner Connolly noted that A passive park should be considered as a future use for the location. Chairperson ortolano indicated that, even though there is much community and Commission support for a passive park at the site, such an issue is not before the Commission. Staff pointed out that it would not be appropriate to request the applicant to expend the funds necessary for the development of a park and that the proposed grading would allow flexibility for future use. Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard explained that the proposed grading would be adequate to sustain the development of a park. Commissioner McNulty moved to approve the project, including a modification to Condition No. 11 to Exhibit "A". The motion was seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE (Regarding Nan -Agenda Items) Staff Commission None. None. Commissioner Von Hagen noted the vegetation affecting the power lanes at 26203 Basswood (Lukstein). Commissioner Von Hagen suggested that Public Works examine the vegetation in the bottom of the canyon near 2333 Sparta (McVey). ADJOURNMENT The meeting was duly adjourned at 11:55 PM.