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PC MINS 19870825M I N U T E S PLANNING COMMISSION August 25, 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, Associate Planner Greg Fuz, Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham, Assistant Planner Jack Roberts and Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker. COMMUNICATIONS CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS General Plan Amendment No. 16, Zone Change No. 15, EA No. 512 Paul Lupo - 28041 Hawthorne Chairperson Ortolano noted that communications would be related during discussion of pertinent items. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of the Consent Calendar; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Associate Planner Greg Fuz discussed the staff recommendation to continue the public hearing until September 8. He mentioned that the applicant has been notified of the illegal sign at the location. Chairperson Ortolano noted a communication from Mr. Earl Lawrence, 28741 Blythewood, in opposition to the request. There were no requests to speak to the item. Commissioner McNulty moved to continue the public hearing until September 8, 1987; seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. Minutes August 25, 1987 Page 2 Variance No. 162 Commissioner Von Hagen moved to Barbara A. Wood waive the reading of the staff 6902 Purple Ridge report; seconded by Commissioner , C�a hariptras2Ortolan opened t e public hearing. Ms. Barbara Wood, 6902 Purple Ridge, applicant, discussed: her under- standing that a permit was not necessary if no structural changes were made; the garage is not equipped with plumbing, heating or windows; and her lack of desire to add another garage to her property. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed unanimously. Commissioner Wike stressed the importance of compliance with the-­-Co'de. Chairperson Ortolano discussed the Code requirements pertaining to a two car, enclosed garage. Commissioner McNulty related his concern over the cumulative impact of an approval of the request. Commissioner Von Hagen expressed his opinion that the request should be denied. Director of Environmental Services Benard explained his observations. that the garage, which is currently utilized as a family room, has a the floor and direct access to the house. He noted the Code require- ment that a garage floor must be non-combustible. Commissioner McNulty moved to deny the request; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. CUP No. 119, EA No. 515 Chairperson Ortolano related her Pac Tel Cellular Telephones intent to abstain from the discussion 30940 Hawthorne t --and voting on he -item -due �o her affiliation with Pacific Telesis. Vice Chair Wike opened the public hearing. Mr. Neil Fitzpatrick, 2355 Main Street, Irvine, 92714, representing the applicant, discussed: alternative locations; agreement with a monopole or triangular type tower; the specifics of the Pac Tel Cellular Telephone system; the FAA requirements related to the proposed tower; the diffi- culties of determining the Peninsula users; FCC regulations pertaining to the operators of a facility; and the proposed antenna's installation costs. Minutes August 25, 1987 Page 3 Mr. Franklin Weiss, 30711 Via La Cresta, in opposition to the request, discussed: concern over the cumulative impact of an approval of the request; alternative sites should be examined; and the City should be well compensated for the use of its land. Commissioner Von Hagen discussed the idea of a triangular tower. He related his support of the request and noted that the applicant has made every effort to minimize the impact of the proposed antenna tower. He voiced his opinion that an approval of the request would not lead to other similar applications and he pointed out that Pac Tel has no way of providing information pertaining to the number of Peninsula users. Commissioner McNulty related his concern that the owner of the Sunset Ridge homes did not attend the meeting. He questioned whether the use would be appropriate at the proposed location. He pointed out that, in general, sites similar to the proposed are unobtrusive and are located in industrial or business areas. Commissioner Connolly expressed his concern over the cumulative impact of an approval of the request. Vice Chair Wike discussed the difficulties of moving the antenna. She voiced concern that interested parties might not be aware of the request and commented that staff could be requested to explore alternative locations. ,Staf.f discussed-the_FA1 requirements' -pertaining to the proposed antenna -tower and provided input regarding -the noticing of the = item, including that the owner of the Sunset Ridge homes was notified. Director of Environmental Services Benard discussed that various alternative locations were analyzed by the applicant but that they were not sufficient to cover the shadow on the south side of the Peninsula. He related the City's intent to negotiate a lease with the applicant for the use of the City's land and he discussed the possible terms related thereto. He indicated that view impairment resulting from the proposed use would be minimal and noted that the City can be exempt from its ow -n ordinances. Vice Chair Wike closed the public hearing. Commissioner Von Hagen moved approval of CUP No. 119 and EA No. 515, including a monopole tower with a bolt -on base, with the understanding that the concrete base would remain or be excavated should removal or relocation be necessary in the future, and that the generator and Condition No. 12 to Exhibit "A" be excluded. The motion was seconded by Commissioner McNulty. Minutes August 25, 1987 Page 4 Commissioner Wike moved to amend the motion to include that any additional antenna proposals should be reviewed by the Planning Commission. The amendment was accepted by the maker of the motion and seconded by Commissioner McNulty. The motion was defeated by a 2-2 tie vote with Commissioners Connolly and Wike dissenting (Chairperson Ortolano abstained). No further motions were offered. Appeal rights were noted. CUP No. 121 Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham San Pedro and Peninsula YMCA, presented the staff report. Palos Verdes Unified School District 30511 Lucania Drive Chairperson Ortolano opened the Mira Catalina School public hearing. The Commission noted the support of those present. Since there was no opposition to the item, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of staff recommendation no. 1; seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. CUP No. 125 Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham San Pedro and Peninsula YMCA, presented the staff report. Palos Verdes Unified School District 30540 Rue de la Pierre Chairperson Ortolano opened the Pt. Vicente Elementary School public hearing. The Commission noted the support of those present. Since there was no opposition to the item, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Von Hagen discussed the traffic/parking at the location. Commissioner Wike commented that the portable facility could be landscaped. Staff explained that the School District is aware of the staff recommen- dation of a loading zone at the location. Staff indicated that the Commission could require landscaping around the portable facility; however, it is surrounded by other portable classrooms which are utilized by the School District. • Minutes August 25, 1987 Page 5 • Commissioner McNulty moved approval of the staff recommendation; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. Variance No. 169 Assistant Planner Carolynn Hal Lindsey Wilker presented the staff 19 Coveview report. Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. The proponents of the request were: Mr. & Mrs. Hal Lindsey Mr. Fred Ballin Ms. Judy Hribar 19 Coveview Applicant 17 Coveview 5 Moonmist The proponents of the request discussed: the existing shrubbery would soften the impact of the proposed wall; the wall at 17 Coveview was built before the City's incorporation; the improvements the applicant has made to the property; and the reasons behind the request. In opposition to the request were: Ms. Gabriele Lancaster Mr. Bill Halladay 22 Coveview 20 Coveview Those opposing the request discussed: concern over the cumulative impact of an approval of the request; alternative suggestions for security; concern over parking; and agreement with the idea of an open community. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. Commissioner Von Hagen discussed the City's General Plan which includes the idea of an open community. He explained the applicant's unique situation and pointed out that staff could recommend alternative methods of security which would be within the Code. Chairperson Ortolano discussed alternative methods of security. She related her concern over the cumulative impact of an approval of the request. Commissioner Wike discussed alternative methods of security. She voiced her opposition to the request. Commissioner Connolly discussed alternative methods of security. He stated his lack of support for the request. C] Minutes August 25, 1987 Page 6 Commissioner McNulty stressed the importance of an open community. He discussed his concern over the cumulative impact of an approval of the request. Staff provided information pertaining to alternative methods of security. Director of Environmental Services Benard noted that the existing wall at 17 Coveview, which is not within the front property setback, was constructed prior to the City's incorporation. He expressed staff's willingness to discuss alternatives with the applicant. Commissioner Connolly moved to deny the request; seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. CUP No. 126, EA No. 531 Times Mirror Cable of Palos Verdes 5300 Crest Road Sister Mary Jensch, discussed: concern noise; and traffic. Television Assistant Planner Jack Roberts presented the staff report. Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. 5300 Crest Road, representing the landowners, over the abandoned equipment at the location; Commissioner Von Hagen voiced concern over the lengthy application process. He pointed out that the equipment maintenance at the site cannot be scheduled and indicated that the proposed tower would eliminate the noise at the location. Commissioner McNulty voiced his concern over the inconvenience related to a continuance of the request. He related his opinion that the City should not become involved with the accessibility to the property. Chairperson Ortolano discussed her opinion that public testimony should be taken. She mentioned that the location needs to be cleaned and introduced the idea of requiring a Times Mirror maintenance schedule. She suggested that staff address the six concerns as listed in the staff report upon the items return to the Commission. Director of Environmental Services Benard discussed the application process related to the request. With regard to the idea of a continuance, he indicated that the deficiencies of the application were not apparent until after the application was noticed. He requested a copy of the lease between the applicant and the landowners. Staff provided information regarding the applicant's leasehold agreement with the landowner. Minutes August 25, 1987 Page 7 Commissioner McNulty moved to continue the public hearing to September 22; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. Variance No. 172 Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham Lin presented the staff report. 26608 Honey Creek Road Chairperson Ortolan opened the public hearing. Since there were no requests to speak to the item, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of the staff recommendation; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen. Commissioner Wike stressed the importance of a hand railing. Staff .indicated that the requirement of a hand railing is included in Section 7 of the applicable resolution. The motion was passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. CONTINUED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Grading No. 971 Dwight Gilger 30691 Calle de Suenos None. Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham presented the staff report. Mr. Dwight Gilger, 27113 Mesaba, applicant, discussed: the specifics of the request; willingness to exclude one of the proposed retaining walls; and agreement with staff's grading calculations. Mr. Tim Nelson, 20638 Lemay Street, Canoga Park, 91306, designer, discussed: efforts to comply with the City's building requirements and the easement running across the north portion of the property. Chairperson ortolano voiced concern that the proposed design disturbs the natural contours. She commented on methods which would reduce the amount of proposed grading. Commissioner Connolly discussed the difficulties of making the findings for an approval of the request. Commissioner Wike stressed that the proposed grading should be minimized and suggested that the applicant be directed to redesign. Minutes August 25, 1987 Page 8 Because of the difficulty of the applicant's lot, Commissioner Von Hagen expressed his support of the proposed grading with some mitigating measures. Commissioner McNulty related his opinion that a continuance of the item would be appropriate. Director of Environmental Services Benard related staff's willingness to work with the applicant to achieve a design with a reduced amount of grading. He noted that the item would not be returned to the Commission, should the amount of grading be less than 1,000 cubic yards. Commissioner Wike moved to continue the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed unanimously. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE (Regarding Non -Agenda Items) REPORTS Staff None. Staff noted the August 25 memorandum pertaining to carports. Commissioner Von Hagen and Chairperson Ortolano related their objection to allowing carports as primary parking structures and in general. Commissioner Wike discussed the Code requirements pertaining to carports. With regard to carport approvals, Commissioner Connolly voiced his support of the current system. He suggested that the Commission should be advised of any future carport approvals at the staff level. Staff provided input regarding the status of the Library Trail encroachment. Staff discussed Council's action regarding the Martingale lot. Commission Chairperson Ortolano suggested that a strategy be developed to reduce the amount of time it takes a trail item to be presented to the Commission. Director of Environmental Services Benard explained that the Commission will be advised when a related strategy is developed. Commissioner Connolly stated that he will not attend the September 8 meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was duly adjourned at approximately 11:20 PM.