PC MINS 19880112*I
M I N U T E S
PLANNING COMMISSION
January 12, 1988
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Vice -Chairperson Wike
at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard.
PRESENT: CONNOLLY, MC NULTY, VON HAGEN, WIKE
ABSENT: ORTOLANO
Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard,
Senior Planner Ann Negendank, City Attorney Steve Dorsey, Associate
Planner Greg Fuz, Associate Planner Ben Ortega, Assistant Planner
Laurie Brigham, Assistant Planner Paul Merrett, Assistant Planner
Jack Roberts and Assistant Planner Carolynn Wilker.
COMMUNICATIONS
Vice -Chairperson Wike indicated
that communications would be
related during discussion of
pertinent items.
CONSENT CALENDAR Page 8, Paragraph 4, of the
November 24, 1987 minutes was
modified to include, "...could be placed elsewhere as per the FCC
ruling."
Alternative No. 2 of GR No. 1067 was modified to include, "...with
staff to reduce the grading a minimum of 40 cubic yards."
Commissioner Von Hagen moved approval of the Consent Calendar as
amended; seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed unanimously
(absent Chairperson Ortolano).
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Development Agreement for
General Plan Amendment No.
15, Zone Change No. 15,
Environmental Assessment
No. 538; Paul Lupo,
28041 Hawthorne Boulevard
Associate Planner Greg Fuz
presented the staff report.
Vice -Chairperson Wike reopened
the public hearing.
There were no requests to speak
to the item.
Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded
by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously (absent Chairperson
Ortolano).
Minutes
January 12, 1988
Page 2
Commissioner Von Hagen commended staff on the Development Agreement.
He explained his concern over the inclusion therein of "minor office
uses". He suggested that the applicant's lease for additional
parking should be recorded and that language to that effect should
be included in the Development Agreement.
In conjunction with discussion pertaining to operating hours,
Commissioner McNulty voiced his concern over the use of the term
"daily".
Staff provided justification concerning the use of "minor office
uses", indicated,"that "daily" will be clarified -to include -Monday
through--Sun�dayr,and noted that a. recorded lease__for parking will be
required with language to that effect added -to the Development Agreement.
Commissioner McNulty moved to recommend approval of the Development
Agreement, as amended, to City Council; seconded by Commissioner
Von Hagen and passed unanimously (absent Chairperson Ortolano).
Appeal rights were noted.
Tentative Parcel Map No. 19016, Associate Planner Ben Ortega
GR No. 1048, Environmental presented the staff report.
Assessment No. 530; Lanco
Engineering, Molina, 30600 Vice Chairperson Wike opened
Block of PV Drive East the public hearing.
There were no requests to speak to the item.
Vice Chairperson Wike closed the public hearing.
Vice Chairperson Wike cautioned that she could not support any
further reduction in open space with regard to Lot No. 2.
Commissioner Von Hagen moved approval of Tentative Parcel Map No.
19016, Grading No. 1048 and Negative Declaration, as recommended
by staff; seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed unanimously
(absent Chairperson Ortolano).
Appeal rights were noted.
Minutes
January 12, 1987
Page 3
Code Amendment No. 24;
Antenna Regulations
Assistant Planner Jack Roberts
presented the staff report.
He reviewed modifications to
the draft ordinance as suggested
by staff.
Vice Chairperson Wike opened the public hearing.
Mr. Robert Eaton, 26132 Barkstone, in favor of satellite dishes,
discussed: his concern over the wording of the draft ordinance
paralleling a similar one which was declared unconstitutional;
the draft ordinance should be discussed with an antenna expert;
screening; various options for locating satellite dishes on
difficult properties; problems with aesthetically considering
satellite dishes; the satellite dish color should blend with a
surrounding area; and roof -mounted satellite dishes are no problem
if properly installed.
Mr. Gilberto Alberio, 2177 Rockinghorse, related his concern over
view preservation.
Mr. Ron Siegler, 6520 Palos Verdes Drive East, discussed his concern
over the aesthetics of satellite dishes which he suggested should be
completely screened. He favored noticing of residents within 500 feet
of a proposed antenna site.
Commissioner Von Hagen expressed his preference of "satellite dish"
or "earth station dish" as opposed to "earth station". He noted the
difficulty of completely screening satellite dishes. He explained
his concern over the suggestion of a satellite dish color. He
related his objection to roof -top mounted satellite dishes and
discussed his understanding of the Commission's role with regard
to related applications. He requested information pertaining to
the effect that the availability that cable might have in dealing
with one's ability to utilize a satellite dish. He pointed out
that a satellite dish ordinance could be developed and suggested
that the City Attorney's opinion regarding preemption should be
obtained.
Vice Chairperson Wike suggested that views from private
-on-E6--othet- priVate- properties should be discussed with
Attorney. She voiced her concern over the ambiguity of
signal reception" as included in No. 8 of EA No. 539.
properties
the City
"reasonable
Commissioner McNulty indicated that it is relatively easy to
establish a standard of what is "reasonable". He related his
concern over the preservation of primary views and view corridors.
He discussed his concern over the generally distasteful aesthetics
of satellite dishes.
Minutes
January 12, 1987
Page 4
The importance of view preservation was emphasized by Commissioner
Connolly.
Staff provided clarification regarding view preservation as included
in the existing antenna ordinance. Staff discussed the Commission's
role with regard to satellite dish applications.
Commissioner McNulty moved to continue the item; seconded by
Commissioner Connolly and passed unanimously (absent Chairperson
Ortolano).
Code Amendment No. 25;
Recycling Regulations
CONTINUED BUSINESS
Sign Permit No. 365;
Marchese, Kornwasser;
28631 to 28633 Western
Commissioner McNulty moved
to continue the public hearing
to 7:00 PM, January 26, 1988;
seconded by Commissioner Connolly
and passed unanimously (absent
Chairperson Ortolano).
Assistant Planner Paul Merrett
presented the staff report.
Vice -Chairperson Wike invited
interested parties to speak to
the item.
Mr. Lee Argabright, 2289 Sparta Drive, property manager, discussed:
35,000 square feet of office space applies to the first and second
floors of the building; the sign permit was not renewed due to an
oversight; the existing sign was designed according to the City's
requirements; removal of the illegal banners at the location; the
importance of the sign from a leasing standpoint; the difficulties
of the location; agreement with Alternative No. 3; and plans to
modify the building.
Commissioner Von Hagen noted the apparent ineffectiveness of the
sign and discussed alternate methods of marketing the space available.
He expressed his opinion that the existing sign does not have a
"temporary" appearance and supported a one year extension of the sign
with the condition that it be brought into compliance at that time.
Vice -Chairperson Wike questioned whether an additional 120 days would
significantly impact the occupancy of the building. She emphasized
that the sign should be brought into compliance with the Code immediately.
Minutes
January 12, 1988
Page 5
Commissioner Connolly explained his opinion that the sign has not
significantly benefitted the leasing of the building. He supported
an extension of the sign for a maximum of one year.
Commissioner McNulty agreed that the sign has not significantly
benefitted the leasing of the building. He discussed his concern
over permanent "For Rent" signs within the City. He voiced his
support of an extension of the sign for a maximum of one year.
Senior Planner Negendank related staff's intent to verify that the
other temporary signs along Western Avenue are the appropriate size
and are properly located. She pointed out that the Code does not
provide direction with regard to the size and duration of existence
for a sign such as the applicant's.
Commissioner Von Hagen moved approval of Sign Permit No. 365 until
January 12, 1989, at which time same to be replaced with a six
square foot sign consistent with Section 17.52.040.0 of the Code.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed by a
majority vote with Vice -Chairperson Wike dissenting (absent
Chairperson Ortolano).
Appeal rights were noted.
NEW BUSINESS
Height Variation No. 494 - Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham
Appeal; Jaconi, Williams; presented the staff report.
4380 Dauntless Drive
Commissioner Von Hagen explained
his personal acquaintance with Mr. Jaconi, representing the appellant,
would not be a conflict of interest. He emphasized the importance
of the City Attorney's opinion pertaining to the appellant's ability
to add more than 700 square feet and expressed his understanding that
City Council must approve a related moratorium exemption if the appellant
desires to add more than 700 square feet.
In association with discussion of the Commission's authority regarding
the appeal of Height Variation No. 494, Commissioner McNulty stressed
that City Council should hear the moratorium exemption issue prior to
a Commission decision. He emphasized that the Commission should be
better informed of the moratorium and that the Commission has no
authority related thereto.
***City Attorney Dorsey arrived at approximately 9:40 PM.***
During discussion of various Commission options, City Attorney Dorsey
suggested that the appellant could be directed to apply to City Council
for a moratorium exemption for the additional 700 square feet, in
essence, a total of 1,400 additional square feet plus 200 square feet
of balcony.
Minutes
January 12, 1988
Page 6
Vice -Chairperson Wike invited interested parties to speak to the appeal.
Mr. Martin Jaconi, 6436 Via Colinita, representing the appellant,
discussed: his understanding that Moratorium Exemption No. 12 included
an approval of an additional 700 square feet to the second story
addition for a total addition of 1,400 square feet; the City's August
10, 1986 letter to the appellant did not mention that only 700 square
feet could be added; the importance of preserving the original
character of the home; Height Variation No. 494; and the importance
of City Council's clarification of Moratorium Exemption No. 12.
***City Attorney Dorsey departed the meeting at approximately 9:50 PM.***
***At approximately 9:50 PM, there was a brief recess until 10:00 PM
when the meeting reconvened in regular agenda order.***
Senior Planner Negendank elaborated on the Commission's role with
regard to the appeal of Height Variation No. 494. She discussed
that, should the Commission uphold the appeal, City Council must
subsequently approve any construction over 700 square feet (in the
original Minor Exception Permit No. 12 the City Council approved a
700 square foot first and second story addition). She pointed out
that the item could be tabled until City Council clarifies the square
footage and moratorium issues; in which event, the Height Variation
public hearing would be renoticed.
Director of Environmental Services Benard commented on staff's
opinion that the appellant should be directed to redesign within
the 700 square feet approved in Moratorium Exemption No. 12.
Commissioner Von Hagen moved to table the item in order to allow
the appellant to have the square footage and moratorium issues
clarified by City Council; seconded by Commissioner McNulty and
passed unanimously (absent Chairperson Ortolano).
Director of Environmental Services Benard suggested that interested
parties supply the City with self-addressed, stamped envelopes for
renoticing of the Height Variation.
Sign Permit No. 368; Assistant Planner Jack Roberts
Superior Electrical presented the staff report.
Advertising; Wickliff
& Co.; 28849 S. Western Vice -Chairperson Wike invited
interested parties to speak to
the request.
Mr. Stan Genoca, 1700 W. Anaheim Street, Long Beach, 90813, repre-
senting the applicant, discussed: the specifics of the proposed
modifications; staff's cooperation; the importance of open space;
the need for special consideration of Level "C"; and the importance
of the proposed theater marquee sign.
Minutes
January 12, 1988
Page 7
Ms. Ann Patterson, 1811 Caddington, representing the La Pointe
Homeowners' Association, voiced ob3ection to the proposed theater
sign at the corner of Caddington and Western and to any sign facing
Caddington.
Mr. Jeff Smith, 303 E. 17th Avenue, Suite 200, Denver, Colorado,
80203, representing Wickliff & Co., commented on staff's
cooperation and his willingness to communicate with homeowners.
Commissioner Von Hagen commended staff on a clear analysis of the
situation. However, he related his disagreement with the staff
recommendation to deny the request. He indicated that the applicant
should be encouraged to work with staff in an effort to be consistent
with the Development Code.
Commissioner Connolly stressed the importance of the continuity of
signs along Western Avenue. He voiced his concern over the proposed
theater marquee sign and pointed out that, if approved, it should
be professionally designed. He suggested that a rendering could be
compiled to illustrate the proposed signage in relation to the approved
sign program as viewed from Western Avenue.
Commissioner McNulty discussed the possibility of "typical" theater
signs. He related his concern over varying sign sizes, shapes and
colors and pointed out that the theater signage could be redesigned.
He suggested that the item could be continued in order to more fully
consider the request.
Vice -Chairperson Wike noted that, according to State law, Specific
Plan II must be amended to reflect any signage consideration beyond
the regulations of the Specific Plan. She emphasized her opinion
that the applicant should be directed to work with staff to redesign
to comply with the Development Code.
Staff discussed various staff concerns over the tiered design of the
center and provided information regarding the proposed theater marquee
sign.
Director of Environmental Services Benard presented input pertaining
to the staff recommendation to deny the request.
Commissioner Von Hagen moved: that the Commission approve Alternative
No. 2; that the applicant be directed to redesign the theater signage
to be consistent with the Development Code; and that the redesign be
submitted to the Commission if necessary. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner McNulty and passed unanimously (absent Chairperson Ortolano).
Appeal rights were noted.
Minutes
January 12, 1988
Page 8
QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE None.
(Regarding Non -Agenda Items)
REPORTS None.
ADJOURNMENT At approximately 10:55 PM the meeting
was duly adjourned to 7:00 PM,
January 26, 1988.