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PC MINS 19871110M I N U T E S PLANNING COMMISSION November 10, 1987 The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairperson Ortolano at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: CONNOLLY, ORTOLANO, VON HAGEN, WIKE ABSENT: MC NULTY Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Associate Planner Ben Ortega, Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham, Assistant Planner Paul Merrett and Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker. COMMUNICATIONS Chairperson Ortolano indicated that communications would be related during discussion of pertinent items. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of October 13, 1987 Commissioner Von Hagen moved approval of the October 13, 1987 minutes as distributed; seconded by Chairperson Ortolano and passed unanimously (absent Commissioner McNulty). Resolution P.C. No. 87- Commissioner Von Hagen moved Height Variation No. 508 approval of Resolution P.C. 5319 Littlebow Road No. 87- , denying the appeal of Height Variation No. 508; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously (absent Commissioner McNulty). CUP No. 23 - Rev "J" Commissioner Von Hagen moved 3422 Palos Vista approval of a six month time extension as recommended by staff; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously (absent Commissioner McNulty). CUP No. 23 - Rev "S", Commissioner Von Hagen moved GR No. 1063; 32551 Seacliff approval of CUP No. 23 - Rev "S", GR No. 1063 as recommended by staff; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously (absent Commissioner McNulty). 0 Minutes November 10, 1987 Page 2 CUP No. 99 - Rev "A" L. B. Partnership and La Mancha Development 29505 S. Western 11 Mr. Phil Wright, 4575 W. 161st St., Lawndale, 90260, representing the applicant, discussed: basic agreement with the staff recommen- dations; the revised landscape plan; and concern over the west side equipment screens. Chairperson Ortolano pointed out that equipment screens are considered a standard Condition of Approval. Director of Environmental Services Benard explained that, even though the west side equipment screens would be seen from the street, they would screen the equipment from the view of the homes above. Commissioner Connolly moved approval of the staff recommendation; seconded by Chairperson Ortolano and passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS CUP No. 51 - Rev "B" The reading of the staff report Monte Rosa Partnership was waived. Tract 35040 (Lots 1-22) There were no requests to speak to the item. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to continue the request to December 8, 1987; seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. CUP No. 127 The reading of the staff report Times Mirror was waived. 32201 Forrestal There were no requests to speak to the item. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to continue the public hearing until November 24, 1987; seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. Minutes November 10, 1987 Page 3 Coastal Permit No. 32; GR No. 1045 JCC Enterprises 6580 Seacove Drive Coastal Permit No. 35; GR No. 1049 JCC Enterprises 6560 Seacove Drive • Coastal Permit No. 32, GR No. 1045 were considered in con3unction with Coastal Permit No. 35, GR No. 1049. Associate Planner Ben Ortega presented the staff report. Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. Those speaking to the requests were: Dr. M. Ghabrin 6512 Via Baron Mr. Richard Gould 22330 Hawthorne, #212, Torrance, 90505 Architect Those speaking to the requests discussed: setbacks; concern over the grading and the resulting dust; concern over the proposed chimneys; and concern over the possible destruction of the existing walkway. The public hearing was closed. Commissioner Wike commented on the large amount of proposed grading in the revised plans. She stressed that any fencing should not block —the view_ along Sea Cove Drive and that _ _a rear yard_ _ - fending plan as included in Condition No. 4b of Exhibit "A" to both requests) should be approved by the Commission instead of staff. Chairperson Ortolano explained her understanding that a tree height limitation is included in Condition No. 3 of Exhibit "A" to both requests. Staff discussed various alternatives to the proposals which were considered. It was noted that the Conditions of Approval include the maximum ridge heights as recommended by staff. Staff indicated that the proposed chimneys must conform to the Los Angeles County Building Code. With regard to resident concerns over dust, staff mentioned that a standard Condition of Approval would require the developer to maintain a dust -free condition. Director of Environmental Services Benard discussed the Coastal Setback Zone and noted that the existing walkway would be accessible. He pointed out that the rear yard fences would be 90 percent light and air, thereby preserving the view along Palos Verdes Drive South. He advised interested parties to inform the City of any problems related to the construction. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to adopt the staff recommendations for Coastal Permit No. 32, GR No. 1045 and Coastal Permit No. 35, GR No. 1049; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. Minutes November 10, 1987 Page 4 VAR No. 181; GR No. 1030 Mittleman 2255 Sparta Drive Associate Planner Ben Ortega presented the staff report. Chairperson Ortolan opened the public hearing. The proponents of the request were: Mr. Marc Mittleman 2255 Sparta Drive Mr. Lee Argabright 2289 Sparta Drive Applicant The proponents of the request discussed: the background of the item; lack of familiarity with the Flood Hazard Zone; the applicant's efforts to maintain the natural character of the terrain; other Variance approvals in the area; concern over access to the existing fruit trees; the Commission's concern is only aesthetics; and staff's confusion regarding the request. The public hearing was closed. Chairperson Ortolano commented on staff's intent regarding the necessary findings to grant the_Variance._ Varance. She discussed that Deck No. 1 should remain as it t exists; .- that -the steps which provide access to the fruit trees should remain; that Deck No. 2 and the steps which lead to the base of the canyon should be removed at the point where the last lateral path occurs; that the wall should be modified as indicated by staff; and that the Conditions of Approval should include an irrigation plan. She emphasized that the Commission considerations include not only aesthetics but, more importantly, geology and safety. Commissioners Von Hagen, Connolly and Wike concurred. Commissioner Wike expressed her concern over the extensive building into the canyon by area residents. The findings necessary to grant the Variance were clarified by staff. Director of Environmental Services Benard commented on an irrigation plan which could be included as a Condition of Approval and approved by the Director of Environmental Services. Chairperson Ortolano, moved: to approve Deck No. I as it exists; to remove the steps going to the base of the canyon At the point where the -last lateral path occurs; to modify the wall in'accordan6e kf-ththe staff recommendation; and to require an- irrigation -plan �-a'--s�-�part -of the Conditions of Approval of Exhibit "A". The motion was seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. Mi nutes November 10, 1987 Page 5 Extreme Slope Permit No. 3 Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham Anthony Pools presented the staff report. Hewitt, #4 Coach Road Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. There were no requests to speak on this item. The public hearing was closed. The application was approved. Appeal rights were noted. Variance No. 177 Assistant Planner Carolvnn Wilker Wilson presented the staff report. 27839 Hawthorne Blvd. Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearinq. The proponents of the request were, -_- --- __ _--- — Mr. Joseph Barnett 2592 Via Te3on, PVE 90274 Representing the Applicant Mr. Jim Killadey 6038 Flambeau The proponents of the request discussed: the background of the item; the wall was constructed for noise abatement; similar walls in the area; previous removal of a wall which was constructed in the front setback; concern over the staff recommendation; and concern over the continued construction of walls along Hawthorne. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. Commissioner Von Hagen commented that the wall, which appears to have been constructed as a fortress, is contrary to the General Plan of the City which stresses the preservation of an open character. He discussed the possibility that the wall could be a non -conforming use; voiced concern over making the findings necessary to grant the Variance; and questioned the City's ability to enforce a sunset clause. Commissioner Connolly voiced his opinion that the wall should be painted to blend with the surrounding area. Commissioner Wike expressed her opinion that the wall was not designed for noise abatement and that front yard walls should not be encouraged in the City. During discussion of her agreement with the staff recommendation, she suggested that the brick along both sides of the driveway should be removed and that the wall should be painted to blend with the surrounding area. She voiced concern over the cumulative impact of an approval of the request. LI Minutes November 10, 1987 Page 6 • Chairperson Ortolano noted that the wall, which was constructed in 1969, should be modified to be less obtrusive. She expressed her opinion that the approval of the wall, with modifications, would not set a precedent simply by virtue of how long it has existed and by the character of the applicant's property. She indicated that the findings necessary to grant the Variance could be made. She concurred that the bricks along both sides of the driveway should be removed and that the wall should be painted to blend with the surrounding area. Director of Environmental Services Benard explained that the necessary permits were not issued by the County at the time the wall was constructed. He mentioned that the item is awaiting a trial and that the court is awaiting a Commission decision. He noted that an approval of the wall, with modifications, could include a sunset clause requiring that the wall must be brought into compliance at the time the property changes ownership. Commissioner Connolly moved approval of the request subject to the Conditions of Approval and including: a sunset clause so that the wall is brought into compliance at the time of the sale of the property; that the wall is painted a neutral tone to blend with the surrounding area; that the applicant must apply for the motorized gate permits; removal of the bricks along either side of the driveway; and a landscape and irrigation plan requirement. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. Variance No. 178 Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker Absmeier, Law presented the staff report. 6842 Crest Road Chairperson Ortolano opened the public hearing. Mr. John Absmeier, 85 Rockinghorse Road, applicant, discussed: agreement with a reduction in the deck size and his concern over the possible requirement of additional soils, geology and hydrology reports. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. Commissioner Von Hagen related his support of the staff recommendation. Chairperson Ortolano explained that the original tract geology would be reviewed by the City Geologist and, if it is inadequate, additional soils, geology and hydrology reports would be required. Minutes November 10, 1987 Page 7 Commissioner Wike moved approval of Variance No. 178 with the Conditions of Approval as included in Alternative No. 3 with the understanding that the City will attempt to approve the application with the existing geology; however, if it is inadequate, additional reports must be provided. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. CONTINUED BUSINESS Sign Permit No. 356 Assistant Planner Paul Merrett Dhillon, Foodmaker, Inc. presented the staff report. 29317 Western Chairperson Ortolano invited interested parties to speak to the item. Mr. Ma3or Dhillon, 29317 So. Western, applicant, discussed: the financial hardships related to an approval of the staff recommen- dation; his desire that the existing signage remain with the understanding that it would be brought into compliance at the end of the amortization period; and the importance of the window banners. Commissioner Von Hagen noted problems related to drive-thru speaker boxes near residential areas. He mentioned the clutter of signage at the location and pointed out that a reduction thereof would offer the applicant more flexibility for the banner signs which are necessary to advertise the specials. He related his support of Attachment "A" as included in the staff report. Chairperson Ortolano stressed that the applicant's logo will draw attention to the site. She emphasized her support of the sign amortization program along Western from which she is reluctant to deviate. She stressed that the applicant should be granted no more signage than will be allowed at the end of the amortization period. She related her support to continue the item in order to allow further analysis of the request. Commissioner Connolly related his opinion that the maximum amount of signage allowed by the Code would be appropriate. Commissioner Wike expressed her concern over the proposed banner signs and indicated that no more than one of same should be allowed. Minutes November 10, 1987 Page 8 Staff pointed out that the nearest residential area would not be affected by the one drive-thru speaker box at the location. Staff discussed the specifics of the request and provided input regarding the Code considerations related to the window banner signs. Director of Environmental Services Benard explained that an approval of the staff recommendation would require a reduction in the pole sign to no higher than 6 feet. Commissioner Wike moved to continue the item in order to allow the applicant to further discuss the item with staff; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS GR No. 1050 The reading of the staff report Modern International was waived. Technical, Noriaki Ito 6461 Chartres Drive There were no requests to speak to the item. Commissioners Connolly and Wike and Chairperson Ortolano stressed that the size of the proposed project should be scaled down to reduce the excessive amount of proposed grading on the extreme slope. Commissioner Von Hagen related his support of the staff recommendation. He expressed his opinion that the proposed grading would not be a paramount problem and that other criteria, such as the placement of the home on the lot, are equally as important. Staff commented on the recommended driveway modifications and indicated that alternatives to the proposed driveway should be explored in order to reduce the steepness thereof. Staff discussed that the proposed location of the home would be more aesthetically pleasing than various alternative locations which would necessitate cutting into the slope. Director of Environmental Services Benard explained that the relocation of the proposed project closer to the street would necessitate cutting into the slope which would be inconsistent with the Development Code. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to continue the item; seconded by Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously. ***At 9:40 PM there was a brief recess until 9:50 PM when the meeting was reconvened in regular agenda order.*** Minutes November 10, 1987 Page 9 GR No. 1051 Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham Winkler presented the staff report. 2043 Jaybrook Dr. Chuck Winkler 722 S. Ellery Dr., San Pedro 90731 The proponents of the request submitted a report from American Geotechnical and discussed: the background of the request; the applicant's desire for an exterior stairway at the side of the garage; the applicant's efforts to improve the property; the geology of the site; the stability of the land was improved with the -excavati on of the fill; concern over destabilization of the - -- '- - — - - - ­ �- over �­ IC --appearance- - land with the restoration of site'; ' ; concern t e and expense of the retaining walls as recommended by staff; Mr. BreiholzIs agreement with Alternative No. 2; the basement plans which were approved by the City; and the hazard on the,—Wf— !st property line. Commissioner Wike voiced concern over the west wall. She expressed her agreement with an interior stairway leading to the basement. Chairperson Ortolano related her support to continue the item in order to obtain additional geological review of the site. She commented that she could support an exterior stairway leading to the applicant's Li�cantls basement workroom. She suQg sted that the City—Qeoloqjij- �t',opjnjnn hm obtained regarding the lack of feasibility of a rear -retainixnq wall, as recommended by staff. Commissioner Connolly discussed his concern over the west wall, his support of the east wall if properly engineered and his support of the proposed exterior stairway if properly engineered for drainage. Commissioner Von Hagen expressed his agreement to continue the item in order to resolve the geology of the site. He discussed his basic agreement with Alternative No. 2. Chairperson Ortolano invited interested parties to speak to the item. The proponents of the request were: Mr. John Winkler 2043 Jaybrook Applicant Mr. Greg Axten 2052 Crenshaw, Torrance 90505 American Geotechnical Mr. David Breiholz 1852 Lomita Bl., Lomita 90717 —�e—g —1 stered Ci—vfl- Engineer Dr. Chuck Winkler 722 S. Ellery Dr., San Pedro 90731 The proponents of the request submitted a report from American Geotechnical and discussed: the background of the request; the applicant's desire for an exterior stairway at the side of the garage; the applicant's efforts to improve the property; the geology of the site; the stability of the land was improved with the -excavati on of the fill; concern over destabilization of the - -- '- - — - - - ­ �- over �­ IC --appearance- - land with the restoration of site'; ' ; concern t e and expense of the retaining walls as recommended by staff; Mr. BreiholzIs agreement with Alternative No. 2; the basement plans which were approved by the City; and the hazard on the,—Wf— !st property line. Commissioner Wike voiced concern over the west wall. She expressed her agreement with an interior stairway leading to the basement. Chairperson Ortolano related her support to continue the item in order to obtain additional geological review of the site. She commented that she could support an exterior stairway leading to the applicant's Li�cantls basement workroom. She suQg sted that the City—Qeoloqjij- �t',opjnjnn hm obtained regarding the lack of feasibility of a rear -retainixnq wall, as recommended by staff. Commissioner Connolly discussed his concern over the west wall, his support of the east wall if properly engineered and his support of the proposed exterior stairway if properly engineered for drainage. Commissioner Von Hagen expressed his agreement to continue the item in order to resolve the geology of the site. He discussed his basic agreement with Alternative No. 2. Minutes November 10, 1987 Page 10 Staff discussed the and presented input the site. �r topographic survey provided by the applicant pertaining to the current grade elevation of Director of Environmental Services Benard emphasized the importance of the City Geologist's review of the geology prior to a Commission decision. He discussed the geological and building issues surrounding the request and noted that the original plans for the basement and the caissons were incomplete. He stressed the importance of shoring up both sides of the property. He requested that the applicant provide the City with an accurate site plan, including the existing site topography and the topography of the adjacent properties. He indicated that the hazard on the east property line will be examined by the City. Chairperson Ortolano moved to continue the item; seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE (Regarding Non -Agenda Items) Staff Commission ADJOURNMENT None. Director of Environmental Services Benard noted the Four Cities' Planning meeting scheduled for November 14, 1987. None. At approximately 11:05 PM the meeting was duly adjourned.