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PC MINS 19880322M I N U T E S PLANNING COMMISSION March 22, 1988 The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Chairman Connolly 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 Ben Or- tega, Associate Planner Greg Fuz and Public Works Representative John Taylor. COMMUNICATIONS Chairman Connolly indicated that communications would be related during discussion of pertinent items. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Ortolano modified Page 7, Paragraph 1 of the January 26, 1988 minutes to read, "...would not significantly im- pact the view and would significantly reduce noise." Commissioner Wike related that she would abstain from voting on Consent Calendar Item A, Minutes of January 26, 1988, because of her early departure from that meeting. n Commissioner McNulty moved approval of Consent Calendar Item A, as modified. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed by majority vote with Commissioner Wike abstaining (due to her absence at that meeting). Commissioner McNulty moved approval of Consent Calendar Items B- F. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS Variance No. 193, Chairman Connolly noted the Encroachment Permit No. 11; following communications in Petrus, 2702 Azores Place opposition to the item: 1 Minutes March 22, 1988 Page 2 Mr. Eugene Veek El Prado Homeowners' Assoc. Mr. Mons Bergsten Ms. Alice Chavdarian Ms. Alex Samsonew Ms. Patricia Halister & Mr. A. Phillip Simpson Ms. Jo Ann Travis 30523 Santa Luna 30684 PV Drive East 2718 Azores 2726 Azores 2721 Azores 30551 Santa Luna 2717 Azores Associate Planner Ben Ortega presented the staff report. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. In support of the request was Mr. George Petrus, 2702 Azores, ap- plicant, who discussed: the wall was completed prior to any notice of violation of the City Code, at which time he applied for a Variance; his agreement with the staff recommendation and the Conditions as contained in Exhibit "A"; he constructed the wall; and his understanding that a permit was not necessary. In opposition to the request were: Mr. Curtis Sheffield 2820 Calle Aventura Mr. Eugene Veek 30523 Santa Luna Mr. Rob Glidden 30621 Tarapaca Road Ms. Jo Ann Travis 2717 Azores Those in opposition to the request discussed: concern over the height of the wall which is in violation of the Code and the CC&Rs and contrary to the open space environment of the neighborhood; view impairment; cumulative impact; staff was very helpful; and if approved, Exhibit "A" should include a Condition regarding a landscaping plan to be approved by the homeowners' association. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing. The mo- tion was seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanim- ously. Commissioner Ortolano noted that, while the main concern seems to be the height of the wall, it clearly encroaches into the right- of-way. She commented on the difficulty of supporting the height of the wall given the neighbors' testimony. 2 Minutes March 22, 1988 Page 3 Commissioner Von Hagen indicated that he could support the encroachment and that the impact of the wall could be mitigated by lowering it. Commissioner McNulty supported a reduction in the height of the wall and voiced his approval of the Conditions as suggested by staff. Commissioner Wike related her opinion that the height of the wall should be reduced to 42 inches and that it should be screened with vegetation which she noted would further encroach into the right-of-way. Chairman Connolly expressed that he could support the encroach- ment and a 42 inch high wall with light and air provisions for a higher fence. Director of Environmental Services Benard explained that the wall would not have required a permit if it was properly set back on the property. He clarified that the wall is not a retaining wall. Staff discussed that a landscaping plan should be required to soften the appearance of the wall. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of Variance No. 193 and Encroachment Permit No. 11 with a modification to No. 2 of Ex- hibit "A" to include that, "The maximum solid wall height shall not exceed 42 inches." The motion was seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen. Commissioner Von Hagen amended the motion to include that any height above 42 inches to 6 feet shall be constructed of wrought iron or other materials that would pass 90 percent light and air through. The motion was passed unanimously. Director of Environmental Services Benard indicated that an ap- plicable resolution will be provided the Commission at its next meeting. Variance No. 194; Chairman Connolly noted a Hallett, related communication from 27922 Longhill Mr. & Mrs. E. Hallett, applicant, 27922 Longhill. 3 Minutes March 22, 1988 Page 4 Associate Planner Ben Ortega presented the staff report. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. The proponents of the request included: Mr. Ed Hallett Mr. Art Buchwald Ms. Jan Kaechele 27922 Longhill 627 S. Gertruda Redondo Beach, 90277 27926 Longhill The proponents of the request discussed: staff's excellent assistance; the deck was built in 1968; the deck does not cause visual impairment; concern over the lengthy processing time of the application; the applicant's support of Alternative No. 2; and the applicant's willingness to screen the deck with landscap- ing. Chairman Connolly related that his acquaintance with the ap- plicant would have no bearing on his decision. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Ortolano, and passed unanimously. Commissioner Ortolano expressed her opinion that the deck is visible from the street below. She stressed that the Code should be enforced even though the deck was not built by the applicant. Since the deck is scheduled to be refloored and refenced, she supported a reduction in its size. She voiced concern over the cumulative impact of an approval of the request. Commissioner Von Hagen explained that he could not support a reduction in the size of the deck which he emphasized would not lessen its impact. He noted the unusual shape of the applicant's lot and voiced his support of the Variance. Commissioner Wike indicated that she could support a reduction in the size of the deck to no larger than 10 feet. Chairman Connolly supported a reduction in the size of the deck. Commissioner McNulty stressed that the deck existed prior to the annexation of the City and that it existed when the applicant purchased the property. He pointed out that the area residents have voiced no objection to the deck. 4 Minutes March 22, 1988 Page 5 Director of Environmental Services Benard provided input pertain- ing to various means of reducing the size of the deck. He urged that a landscaping plan requirement should accompany any approval of a reduction in the size of the deck. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of Variance No. 194 with the condition that it be further landscaped. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen. Commissioners Ortolano and Wike stressed that the size of the deck should be reduced in order to mitigate its impact. The motion was defeated by a 2-3 vote with Commissioners Wike and Ortolano and Chairman Connolly dissenting. Commissioner Ortolano, moved approval of Variance No. 194 with a reduction in the size of the deck from the edge to the front sup- port post and with landscaping measures as recommended by staff. Commissioner McNulty emphasized his opinion that a 4 foot reduc- tion in the size of the deck would not reduce its impact. He stressed that the property owner did not construct the deck and he should not be required to destroy it, especially when the neighbors have not complained. He noted that the City has no proof that a permit was not issued. Commissioner Ortolano expressed her concern over the visual im- pact and the massive appearance of the deck from the street below. Commissioner Von Hagen indicated that a 4 foot reduction in the size of the deck would not reduce its impact. Director of Environmental Services Benard explained staff's opinion that a 4 foot reduction in the size of the deck would be visible and would make the deck more consistent with the City's Code. He pointed out that it is the property owner's obligation to present proof of legality and without same it is appropriate to assume that a permit was not issued. The motion was passed by a 3-2 majority vote with Commissioners McNulty and Von Hagen dissenting. Appeal rights were noted. 5 • Minutes March 22, 1988 Page 6 • Variance No. 195, The presentation of the staff Coastal Permit No. 45, report was waived. Grading No. 1098; Levitt, AIA & Associates, Chairman Connolly opened the Hughes, 30145/65 Marguerite public hearing. The proponents of the request included: Mr. Tim Burrell 4038 Exultant Mr. Harold Levitt 7039 Senalda Road Los Angeles, 90068 Mr. Dennis Lurutz 3265 E. New York Drive Pasadena, 91107 The proponents discussed: efforts to comply with the Code; elimination of the tennis court; grading; landscaping; accessory structures; and the applicant's desire to view white water. Director of Environmental Services Benard pointed out that the proposed plans were modified subsequent to the writing of the staff report. He provided clarification regarding the Coastal Setback Zone and explained the Code requirements within that zone. Commissioner Ortolano noted that accessory structures are not permitted within the Coastal Setback Zone. She requested further information regarding the restriction of plumbing within the Coastal Setback Zone prior to a Commission decision. Chairman Connolly commented on the Commission's concerns over ac- cessory structures within the Coastal Setback Zone. He related his opinion that further staff analysis, especially on the proposed grading, would be necessary prior to a Commission deci- sion. Commissioner McNulty voiced his concern over the proposed grading which would provide access to the property. Commissioner Von Hagen expressed that he could support the proposed grading which he felt would not be excessive. Senior Planner Negendank provided further input pertaining to the Coastal Setback Zone. N. Minutes March 22, 1988 Page 7 Director of Environmental Services Benard indicated that staff will meet with the applicant to discuss various issues of con- cern. The Commission agreed to continue the item to April 26, 1988. At 10:30 PM there was a brief recess until 10:40 PM. Coastal Permit No. 48, Associate Planner Greg Fuz Grading No. 1103; presented the staff report. Portuguese Bend Club Homeowners' Association Chairman Connolly opened the 4100 PV Drive South public hearing. Mr. Jon Taylor, representing the City's Public Works Department, discussed that the removed soil would be placed in an area to be recommended by the Director of Public Works. Commissioner Ortolano moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Staff clarified that dust reduction measures would be required as part of the Development Code. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of Coastal Permit No. 48, Grading No. 1103; seconded by Commissioner Ortolano and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. Code Amendment No. 26; Commercial Development Standards Mr. John Corcoran, 6610 PV Drive Company, discussed: pedestrian proposed height limitations. Associate Planner Greg Fuz presented the staff report. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. South, representing the Monaghan access to the bluff area and the Mr. J. McLaren, 3923 PV Drive South, discussed: his concern over the development of the remaining Coastal Zone and the proposed guidelines should apply only to the Long Point property. 7 • Minutes March 22, 1988 Page 8 E Commissioner Von Hagen explained his opinion that any decisions regarding the Commercial Recreational District should be sub- sequent to a proposal by the owner of that property. Commissioner Ortolano voiced her concern over placing any limita- tions on the property prior to a development proposal related thereto. She expressed that an access road to the beach should be preserved during the demolition on the property. Commissioner Wike discussed her concern over the possible impact of a 48 foot high building. She noted that the maximum height could be 30 feet, up to 48 feet with a Height Variation. She requested information pertaining to other cities similar guidelines. Director of Environmental Services Benard pointed out that the existing Code does not provide adequate guidance with regard to the Commercial Recreational District. He explained that the City periodically checks the accessibility to the site and provided clarification pertaining to the Height Variation requirements as included in the Code. Commissioner Wike moved to continue the public hearing to April 12, 1988; seconded by Commissioner McNulty and passed unanim- ously. CONTINUED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Grading No. 1057; Me Coy, Good Properties 2873 Colt Road None. The presentation of the staff report was waived. Chairman Connolly invited interested parties to speak to the item. Mr. Will Me Coy, 32210 Helm Place, applicant, discussed the specifics of the request, including that the proposed residence would conform to the natural contours of the property. Commissioner Ortolano related her concern over the cumulative im- pact of an approval of the project. 9 C7 Minutes March 22, 1988 Page 9 • Commissioner Wike voiced her concern over the impact of the proposed decking. Commissioner Wike moved approval of Alternative No. 2 as recom- mended by staff. Commissioner Von Hagen supported an approval of Grading No. 1057 as conditioned by staff with the deletion of Condition No. 2. The motion was defeated by a 2-3 vote with Commissioners McNulty and Von Hagen and Chairman Connolly dissenting. Commissioner Von Hagen moved approval of Alternative No. 1 as recommended by staff, including the Conditions of Approval with the deletion of Condition No. 2. The motion was seconded by Com- missioner McNulty and passed by a 4-1 majority vote with Commis- sioner Wike dissenting. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE None. REPORTS Staff Senior Planner Negendank noted the Commission/Council Joint Work Session at 6:30 PM, March 29. In response to previous inquiries, Senior Planner Negendank provided clarification regarding principal viewing areas accord- ing to the Code. She supplied information as to why down hill lots are measured differently than up hill lots. Commission Commissioner Ortolano, pointed out that the City's Stop Work procedures should be further discussed. Commissioner Wike requested future discussion of the walls at Seacliff Hills, particularly those on down sloping lots bordering PV Drive South. Commissioner Von Hagen requested that staff look into the illegal sign on Mr. Brunning's Silver Spur building. a- 0 Minutes March 22, 1988 Page 10 ADJOURNMENT At 12:45 PM the duly adjourned March 29, 1988. 10 meeting was to 6:30 PM,