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PC MINS 19880308M I N U T F S PLANNING COMMISSION March 8, 1988 The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM by Chairman Connolly at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: CONNOLLY, MC NULTY, ORTOLANO, VON HAGEN, WIKE • 413-MAMEN NO Mk Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Associate Planner Ben Ortega, Associate Planner Carolynn Wilker, Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham, Assistant Planner Jack Roberts and Building Official Dave Baird. COMMUNICATIONS Chairman Connolly noted a communication from the La Pointe Homeowners' Association regarding the Terraces at South Bay. Commissioner McNulty noted a communication from Mr. and Mr. E. Hallett, 27922 Longhill Drive, dealing with a project that is not yet before the Commission. CONSENT CALENDAR With regard to Consent Calen- dar Item A (Grading No. 1084 and staff request to include the issue of remedial grading over 1,000 cubic yards in the next miscellaneous Code Amendment initi- ation), Commissioner Wike expressed her opinion that the Commis- sion and not the Director of Environmental Services should review remedial grading over 1,000 cubic yards. Commissioner Ortolano voiced her feeling that the Director of En- vironmental Services should review remedial grading only over 1,000 cubic yards. In conjunction with Consent Calendar Item B, Grading No. 1085 (Uekuma, 6741 Alta Vista), Commissioner Wike suggested the fol- lowing modification to Alternative No. 2 as recommended by staff, "...site development shall not exceed 500 cubic yards." • Minutes March 8, 1988 Page 2 • With regard to Consent Calendar Item C, Grading No. 1091 - Mis- cellaneous Hearing (Suh, 7335 Via Lorado), Commissioner Ortolano expressed her understanding that the front setback of the property as considered by the Code is not actually how the property will be used. During discussion of Consent Calendar Item D, CUP No. 23 - Revi- sion "Y" (Thomas Milostan & Associates, 777 Silver Spur, #112, Rolling Hills Estates), Commissioner Wike suggested that the fu- ture Seacliff Hills deed restrictions should include language regarding maximum lot coverage. Commissioner Von Hagen pointed out that the inclusion of language regarding maximum lot coverage in the deed restrictions would be inappropriate since the applicable parameters for development are guidelines and not requirements. Commissioner Wike then suggested that the Seacliff Hills projects could be conditioned to include language pertaining to maximum lot coverage. Commissioner Ortolano mentioned that landscaping plans (especially when an ocean view is involved) should address tree height restrictions. Director of Environmental Services Benard indicated that the City is very conscious of landscaping relative to height as well as view corridors. Commissioner Von Hagen moved approval of the Consent Calendar with a modification to Consent Calendar Item B, Grading No. 1085, to read, "...site development shall not exceed 500 cubic yards." The motion was seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed unani- mously. PUBLIC HEARINGS TPM NO. 18947, EA No. 527, Grading No. 1060 Windport and Locklenna the item until such time as the time the public hearing would be Director of Environmental Services Benard presented the staff report. He suggested that the Com- mission receive and file application is complete, at which renoticed. • Minutes March 8, 1988 Page 3 i Chairman Connolly noted a communication from Ms. Naomi Phillips, President of the Palos Verdes Homeowners' Association, relating that group's concerns relative to the item. The item was received and filed by the Commission. Commissioner Ortolano stressed the importance of adequately noticing the appropriate homeowners' associations of the item in the future. VAR No. 186; The presentation of the Greely, staff report was waived. 28087 Ella Road Staff provided input per- taining to the City's Building Code requirements for handrails, guard rails and maintenance ladders. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Mr. A. Zettler Greely, 28087 Ella Road, applicant, discussed the specifics of the request. He related his support of the project as submitted with the addition of landscaping to screen it from the view on San Nicolas. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Commissioner Ortolano expressed her opinion that a maintenance ladder should be constructed for safety purposes on the section of stairs between the two platforms. Commissioner Von Hagen discussed his support of the request with the inclusion of a landscaping plan to mitigate the view impact from San Nicolas Drive. With regard to the appropriate findings for an approval of the Variance, he pointed out that access is necessary for maintenance of the storm drain and that the properties on San Nicolas Drive are unaffected by the project. Commissioner Von Hagen moved approval of the application with the Condition that the applicant submit a landscaping plan which adequately mitigates the visual impact from the traffic on San Nicolas Drive. The motion was seconded by Commissioner McNulty. Minutes March 8, 1988 Page 4 Commissioners Ortolano and Wike related that,- even thou-gh they could support the motion, f i n -iiig-&-t-e-r tt-vlp - EV51=_ �Tn' - A\e. \4AR%6W_" - , 't -As Qvz� A Director of Environmental Services Benard stressed the Sig- nificance of making the findings for the Variance as a legal basis for an approval of the request. The motion was passed by a 4-1 majority vote with Chairman Con- nolly dissenting. Appeal rights were noted. Variance No. 190; Bhasin, No. 2 Diamonte Lane Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham presented the staff report. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to adopt the staff recommendation of Alternative No. 1; seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. Variance No. 191; Issari and Housang 28611 Plainfield Associate Planner Carolynn Wilker presented the staff report. Chairman Connolly noted a communication from Ms. Genevive Crouthers, Wright Realty, assuring that the deck was on the property when the applicant purchased same in 1975. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Mr. Dave Baird, City Building Official, noted that according to the Building Code an earthquake strap must be installed on the water heater. Mr. Ara Issari, 28611 Plainfield, applicant, discussed: the deck was in existence when he purchased the property in 1974; his un- derstanding that the deck was constructed approximately 20 years 0 Minutes March 8, 1988 Page 5 ago; the laundry facilities do not exclude parking the cars in the garage; the water heater earthquake strap has been installed; and objection to the expense of expanding the entry area to ac- commodate a new laundry area. Ms. Genevive Nunez, 28619 Plainfield, discussed; the deck was in existence in October 1968 and her opinion that the previous owner of the property would have obtained a permit for same. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. Commissioner Ortolano commented on the importance of whether the deck was built prior to the City's incorporation in 1973. She noted that the entry of the home could be expanded into a service porch and voiced her concern over potential safety problems with the water heater and laundry equipment in the garage. She re- lated her opinion that the garage, even with the laundry equip- ment, can accommodate two cars and that the removal of the laundry equipment would make no difference as to how the ap- plicant or the subsequent purchaser of the property utilizes same and stressed that such an approval would be a minor exception to the Code. She emphasized the importance of assuring that the deck is safely -constructed. Commissioner McNulty explained his support of the deck as it exists with a landscaping plan requirement in order to screen it from below on Eddinghill. He explained that he could not make the findings for a Variance for parking. He related his opinion that the applicant should work with staff to redesign an area for the laundry equipment. Commissioner 'Wike voiced her support of the -deck as it exists with a landscaping plan requirement in order to screen it from the views on Eddinghill. She explained that she could not make the findings for an approval of the Variance for parking and that the applicant should work with staff to redesign an area for the laundry equipment. Chairman Connolly indicated that he could not make the ap- propriate legal findings to approve the Variance for parking. He expressed his opinion that the laundry equipment could be relo- cated. During discussion of possible locations for the laundry equip- ment, staff mentioned that the garage width is not adequate to contain same. E Minutes March 8, 1988 Page 6 Director of Environmental Services Benard discussed that an ap- proval of the deck could be conditioned to include that the proper building permits should be obtained, thereby assuring that the deck is safely constructed. Commissioner McNulty moved to approve the deck as it exists; to continue the hearing on the laundry facilities so that the ap- plicant can explore a more appropriate place to relocate same; to require landscaping screening, to be approved by the Director of Environmental Services, for the purpose of softening the impact of the deck; and to obtain the proper building permits. The mo- tion was seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. Code Amendment No. 25 -- Recycling Centers The presentation of the staff report was waived. Commissioner Von Hagen related Hughes Market's satisfaction with 20/20 Recycling. He supported the idea of investigating various other means of recycling and commented on the bright colors of the igloos. Commissioner Ortolano stressed the importance of adequately monitoring the recycling centers. Commissioner Wike commended staff on a fine job in preparing the ordinance. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Mr. Boudewijn Hanrath, 20/20 Recycling, 18001 Cowan, Suite E, Ir- vine, discussed: 20/20 Centers are monitored by 20/20 employees; the distinct igloo colors are to increase public awareness of the recycling opportunity; and 20/20's intent to apply for a Condi- tional Use Permit in the near future. Commissioners Ortolano and Von Hagen supported the idea of curbside recycling. Commissioner Wike moved to adopt the recommended language of the Resolution regarding Code Amendment No. 25 to City Council. The motion was seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed unanim- ously. Appeal rights were noted. • Minutes March 8, 1988 Page 7 Code Amendment No. 27 - Beer & Wine/Fuel Sales • Assistant Planner Jack Roberts presented the staff report. Chairman Connolly opened 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. Commissioner Ortolano modified the applicable resolution as follows: Paragraph 1, mandates that no city or county shall prohibit, except with a specified exception, the concurrent retailing..." Section 1, "...vehicle fuel with beer and wine, except with a specified exception, for off -sale consumption..." Commissioner Von Hagen voiced his concern over the City's lack of authority regarding the concurrent sale of alcohol and fuel. Chairman Connolly discussed that staff should notify the liquor control authority regarding any violations and that such language could be included in the resolution. Director of Environmental Services Benard replied that such ac- tion would be taken as a standard procedure so it would not be necessary to include it as part of the Code. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of Resolution P. C. No. 88 - as amended recommending approval of a Negative Declaration and adoption of Development Code Amendment No. 27 to the City Council; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanim- ously. Appeal rights were noted. At 9:10 PM there was a brief recess until 9:25 PM when the meet- ing reconvened. • Minutes March 8, 1988 Page 8 * CONTINUED BUSINESS • Sign Permit No. 368 Assistant Planner Jack Roberts Superior Electrical presented the staff report. Advertising 28849 S. Western Chairman Connolly noted a re- lated communication from Ms. Ann Patterson, representing the La Pointe Homeowners' Associa- tion. Chairman Connolly invited interested parties to speak to the item. Interested parties included: Mr. Jeff Smith, Wickliff & Co. Mr. Stan Janocha, Superior Electrical Advertising, 1700 W. Anaheim Street, Long Beach, 90813 Interested parties discussed: the landlord's desire of a sign program which clearly specifies what tenants can and cannot do; the request for 50 additional square feet of signage per tenant on Level C; that tenants would be responsible for obtaining the proper permits; internal illumination; theater signage would be within the City's requirements; and an approval of the request would assist in finalizing the outstanding leases. Commissioner Ortolano expressed her concern that the proposed sign program would shift the compliance responsibility from the landlord to the tenant. She emphasized that the proposed sign program should not include anything that the City is not willing to enforce; questioned whether letter colors should be included since such a decision is a private matter between the landlord and tenant; voiced her preference for uniform letters of com- patible size and color; and noted the importance of theater lighting. She stressed that the center is special but the sig- nage should comply with the Western Avenue Sign Program, thereby avoiding a proliferation of illumination and maintaining conform- ity and compatibility. Commissioner Von Hagen expressed his opinion that the proposed sign program does not transfer compliance responsibilities to the tenant. He questioned whether language regarding the letter colors should be included since such a decision is a private mat- ter between the landlord and the tenant. He mentioned that the • Minutes March 8, 1988 Page 9 City's sign parameters could be discussed at a sign workshop and pointed out that individual tenant applications will come before the City. Commissioner McNulty noted the State law which mandates that every store holding itself open to the public must contain a restroom. He indicated that he would be more comfortable approv- ing a sign program partially based on the Western Avenue Sign Program and explained that he could not support turning over com- pliance responsibilities to the tenants. He noted that, except for the 50 square feet per tenant on Level C, the proposed program falls within the Code and discussed that the request could be approved with the Condition that there be no signage along Caddington. Commissioner Wike explained her opposition to an additional 50 square feet of signage per tenant on Level C. She voiced concern over lighting and continuity of signage along Western Avenue. Additionally, she questioned whether signage along Caddington is necessary. Chairman Connolly related his support of an additional 50 square feet of signage per tenant on Level C and indicated that the item could be returned on the Consent Calendar subsequent to the in- corporation of any Commission modifications thereto. Staff provided input regarding the proposed theater signage and noted that the proposed program is consistent with the Specific Plan for Western Avenue. During discussion of the staff position pertaining to Level C, Director of Environmental Services Benard noted that, even though the center is a unique development which deserves special atten- tion, 50 additional square feet of signage per tenant on Level C would be overwhelming. Commissioner McNulty moved to approve the sign program and grant the additional 50 square feet to each tenant on Level C with the Condition that the approval does not in any way reflect that the City is approving any portion of that sign program having noth- ing to do with the City's sign Code. And, additionally, it is further conditioned that there be no signs of any identifying na- ture concerning tenants or the center, on Caddington, illuminated or otherwise. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed by a 3-2 majority vote with Commissioners Ortolano and Wi.ke dissenting. • Minutes March 8, 1988 Page 10 Commissioner Ortolano noted that include language which indicates authority. WAITIM1,11RUZO Grading No. 1078 - Appeal; Vivian Ohst, 4501 Miraleste Drive the proposed sign program should that the City has the ultimate Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham presented the staff report. Chairman Connolly invited interested parties to speak to the item. Those in support of the appeal were: Mr. Doug McHattie 27550 Longhill Drive, South Bay Engineer- ing Ms. Vivian Ohst 4501 Miraleste Drive, Appellant Those in support of the appeal discussed: the proposed 700 cubic yards of cut from the proposed garage would be used to fill other areas on the site; the appellant's efforts to comply with the City's requirements; and the appellant's letter regarding her desires to construct an addition to her home (as distributed). Commissioner Von Hagen discussed that the proposed grading would be used to fill various areas on the property. Commissioner McNulty related his concern that the proposed design has the potential for independent units. Commissioner Ortolano pointed out that an approval could be con- ditioned to assure that the dirt from the proposed grading is used to properly fill and recompact various areas on the property. She voiced concern that the proposed 8 foot wall would not be attractive from Miraleste Drive. Commissioner Wike indicated that she could not approve the ex- cavation of dirt for the garage. In addition, she voiced her disagreement with all of the proposed retaining walls. Minutes March 8, 1988 Page 11 Staff stressed that the proposed grading, which would change the natural contours of the land in order to construct the garage, is not necessary. Staff mentioned that a number of grading alterna- tives were not acceptable to the appellant. Director of Environmental Services Benard related staff's opinion that the proposed grading would unnecessarily alter the character of the site. He noted the potential for subdividing the property, in which event the proposed grading would take on much more significance. He pointed out that the application could be conditioned to prevent conversion to independent units and dis- cussed staff's opinion that the proposed walls are unnecessary to the project. Commissioner Von Hagen moved approval of the project as proposed with the appropriate Conditions as determined by staff, same being returned to the Commission for review at the earliest op- portunity.. The motion was passed by a 4-1 majority vote with Commissioner Wike dissenting. CUP No. 101 - Revision "A" Assistant Planner Jack Roberts Undergrounding of Utilities presented the staff report. 28849 Western Avenue Commissioner Von Hagen noted that the Commission's previous discussion of transformer vaults was not included in the minutes. Director of Environmental Services Benard indicated that the City and the utility company differ as to the definition of under - grounding. Chairman Connolly invited interested parties to speak to the item. Interested parties were as follows: Mr. Robert L. Anderson, Wickliff & Co. 303 E. 17th Avenue, Suite 200, Denver, Colorado 80203 Mr. Bob Doss, Wickliff & Co., 5953 Peacock Ridge Drive Mr. Michael Smith, Southern California Edison 505 Maple Avenue, Torrance, 90503 Minutes March 8, 1988 Page 12 Interested parties discussed: Wickliff was not aware of any requirements pertaining to transformer vaults; a vault cannot be totally enclosed; the proposed location of the transformers; the cost differential of vented transformers as opposed to vaults; the underground utility plans for the main feed have not been filed; the Development Code does not mention anything about vaulted transformers; preference for pad mounted transformers; and La Mancha's pole mounted transformer with underground lines. Director of Environmental Services Benard mentioned that a trans- former can be enclosed in a building as long as it is venti- lated. He discussed staff's opinion that a requirement for transformer vaults may be an unreasonable imposition. Commissioner McNulty emphasized the importance of screening any roof mounted equipment. Commissioner Ortolano related her impression that all of the utilities were to be undergrounded. However, she indicated that she could support screening if the City's goals can be achieved in that manner, in which case the applicant must understand that the Director of Environmental Services would have the authority. Commissioner Von Hagen noted that transformers are very difficult to screen with landscaping and stressed the importance of protecting the interests of the residents who previously tes- tified thereto. Even though the Commission previously required vaulting, he explained that the developer's request for pad mounting could be accommodated providing that staff feels same is adequate. He stressed that some kind of reasonable compromise should be achieved and proposed that the applicant should be given the opportunity to work with staff. Commissioner Von Hagen moved approval of Alternative No. 3 as follows: "3. Determine that all electrical transformers are to be screened from view by a method consistent with the screening requirements of Specific Plan No. 11 and/or be located on the site in a manner to be approved by the Director of Environmental Services or be vaulted if necessary." The motion was seconded by by Commissioner Wike and passed unanimously. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE Ms. Terry R. Rankin, Palos (Regarding Non -Agenda Items) Verdes Properties, 25200 Malibu Road, Malibu, 90265, addressed the Commission regarding an interpretation of the conditions of approval for Tract 37818 (Sunset Ridge). She discussed landslide restoration of Lots 14, 15, 16 and the related issues of substantial comple- Minutes March 8, 1988 Page 13 tion of these lots and off-site improvements required to close the escrows of homes that are ready for occupancy. Director of Environmental Services Benard provided input pertain- ing to the geological problems of Lots 14, 15 and 16 and off-site improvements and the delay of the certificates of occupancy be- cause of same. He suggested that, as a way to work around the problem, the Commission could give the Director the ability to require the developer to bond for completion of the remaining lots and get releases from individual homeowners prior to their moving into the completed homes. He clarified that the Director could be given the ability to interpret Condition No. 2 of Condi- tional Use Permit No. 59. By consensus the Commission agreed to liberally interpret Condi- tion No. 2 of Conditional Use Permit No. 59 for the Sunset Ridge Development, recognizing that there will be bonding and that the option is still vested with the potential owners to either move in before all off-site improvements and substantial completion of the remaining lots or to refuse to sign the waiver and wait until the tract is substantially complete before occupying their units. Staff Director of Environmental Services Benard noted the March 9 Planning Commissioners' Institute meeting. Commission Commissioner Ortolano voiced her opinion that the meetings should, as a general rule, end at approximately 11:00 PM. ADJOURNMENT At approximately 12:30 PM the meeting was duly adjourned to 9:30 PM, March 15, 1988.