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PC MINS 19880426PLANNING COMMISSION April 26, 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 ABSENT: NONE Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Associate Planner Greg Fuz, Associate Planner Ben Ortega, Associate Planner Carolynn Wilker and Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham. COMMUNICATIONS Chairman Connolly noted communications regarding Consent Calendar Item A, Variance No. 188, from Mr. Hal Strack and Mr. George Shaw. CONSENT CALENDAR Item A, Variance No. 188, was removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion at the end of the meeting. Alternative No. 3 of the staff recommendation pertaining to Item No. E, Grading No. 1107, was modified to include, "3. Approve the application with the condition that a landscaping plan and vegetation covenant be submitted to the Director of Environmental Services for review and approval to soften the impact of the driveway and retaining walls; the entry and garage building walls and to protect the existing views from surrounding property from significant view impairment." Paragraph 1, Page 4, of Item G, Minutes of March 7, 1988, was modified to read, "Commissioners Ortolano and Wike related that they could support the motion if someone else could make the findings, as they could not make the findings for the Variance." Commissioner Von Hagen related his understanding that, according to the Law, one must make the findings in order to support a mo- tion. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of the Consent Calendar as amended; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanim- ously. 1 Planning Commission Minutes April 26, 1988 Page 2 Conditional Use Permit No. 120 - Revision "A", Grading No. 1108; J/West, Inc. 29519 Western Variance No. 195, Coastal Permit No. 45, Grading No. 1098; Harold Levitt, AIA & Associates/Mr. & Mrs. Mark Hughes, 30145/65 Marguerite Mr. Tim Burrell Ms. Patricia Fiedler 2 Commissioner McNulty moved to continue Conditional Use Per- mit No. 120 - Revision "A" and Grading No. 1108 to May 24, 1988; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unani- mously. Associate Planner Ben Ortega presented the staff report. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. The proponents of the request included: 4038 Exultant Drive 824 S. Curson Avenue Los Angeles, 90036 The proponents discussed: the history and specifics of the request; the proposed design would preserve views; the storm drain pipe would be screened with landscaping; the proposed landscaping would create a tropical environment; the existing garage would be removed; and the applicant's desire for a grassy play area. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Ortolano and passed unanimously. Commissioner McNulty explained that he could not support the Variance request. He noted that on -grade slabs have not been permitted in the past and that, while a pool within the Coastal Setback area might be aesthetically appealing, it is not per- mitted according to the Code. Commissioner Ortolano expressed her support of Alternative No. 2 to approve Coastal Permit No.45 and Grading No. 1098, subject to conditions, and to deny Variance No. 195. Commissioner Von Hagen pointed out that the item could be con- tinued in order to enable the applicant to further work with staff. 2 Planning Commssi.on Minutes. April 26, 1988 Page 3 A#%A Commissioner Wike voiced her concern ove theplacement of struc- tures within the Coastal Setback area,, over the proposed grading which she maintained would be excessive. Staff clarified that the Code prohibits the placement of a pool in the front and side yard setbacks and that decking within the Coastal Setback area would be prohibited. Director of Environmental Services Benard discussed that landscaping materials should be drought tolerant. Commissioner Ortolano moved approval of Alternative No. 2 as recommended by staff, subject to the following modifications to Exhibit "A": "4c ... plans to eliminate existing sheetflow conditions or screened by appropriate devices to be approved by the Director of Environmental Services..." "12. This approval is valid for 180 days and may be extended an additional 180 days with approval of the Director of Environmental Services." The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed by a 4-1 majority vote with Commissioner Von Hagen dissenting. Commissioner Von Hagen stressed that the item should be con- tinued. Appeal rights were noted. At 9:20 PM there was a recess until 9:30 PM. Code Amendment No. 26, Chairman Connolly noted a EA No. 547; communication from Mr. Warren Commercial Development Sweetnam relating the RPV Standards Council of Homeowners Associ- ation's opposition to Code Amendment No. 26 as proposed. Associate Planner Greg Fuz presented the staff report. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Mr. John Corcoran, 6610 PV Drive South, representing the Monaghan Co., discussed: parcelization; the restaurant on the site would be reactivated; 30 percent proposed lot coverage; trails; im- proved coastal access; and proposed building heights. 3 Planning Commission Minutes April 26, 1988 Page 4 Those opposing the request included: Mr. Warren Sweetnam Mr. J. J. D. McLaren 7 Top Rail 3823 PV Drive South Those opposing the request discussed: concern that the proposed changes would change the Code so that any areas zoned Commercial Recreational in the future would benefit from the revisions being made for the Long Point project; the RPV Council of Homeowners Association's support of the development of Long Point with the Planning Commission reviewing detailed plans to ensure that the proposed development would not impact views; concern over the ability to approve 48 foot heights and a reduction in open space; and Mr. Sweetnam's understanding that the proposed Height Initiative covers all zones within the City. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Commissioner Ortolano suggested that any acreage below 5 acres should be handled through a Conditional Use Permit. She related her opinion that the landscaping on top of the parking structure should be included as open space. She voiced concern over 48 foot high buildings and indicated that same should be handled through a Variance. Commissioner Von Hagen discussed that any acreage below 20 acres could be handled through a Conditional Use Permit. Commissioner McNulty commented that any acreage below 5 acres could be considered but not encouraged. He provided input regarding the proposed 48 foot height limitation and stressed that the most appropriate development location for such improve- ments was on the Long Point property. Chairman Connolly noted the importance of informing the public that the highest Marineland structure was 48 feet. Staff pointed out that the issue of parcelization could be addressed as a Conditional Use Permit and approved as part of a master plan for the entire site. Staff provided input pertaining to 30 percent lot coverage as recommended by staff and noted that the Marineland structures were constructed prior to the City's incorporation. Director of Environmental Services Benard discussed the criteria which must be met prior to the approval of any building over 16 feet in height. 4 Planning Commission Minutes April 26, 1988 Page 5 Commissioner McNulty moved adoption of P. C. Resolution No. 88 - approving the Negative Declaration for EA No. 547 and adoption of Development Code Amendment No. 26 with the following modifications: "17.16.040 Development Standards (8) Minimum development site area may be modified by the Planning Commission subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit." "17.24.040 Development Standards a. Lot Area. The minimum lot size for any parcel within this district shall be twenty (20) acres. The Planning Commission may modify the minimum lot size for any lot, subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit." The motion was seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed by a 3-2 majority vote with Commissioners Ortolano and Wike dissent- ing. Variance No. 200, Associate Planner Carolynn Coastal Permit No. 50; Wilker presented the staff Richard B. Collins, report. 125 Spindrift Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. The proponents of the request included: Mr. Richard Collins 14 Empty Saddle Rolling Hills Estates, 90274 Mr. John Me Carthy 105 Spindrift Ms. Gale Lovrich 104 Spindrift The proponents discussed: the structure was completed in April 1982; Mr. Collins' understanding that the addition was exempt since it was built prior to the recording of the lot line adjustments; and Ms. Lovrich's and Mr. Me Carthy's support of the project, including that the improvements made to the applicant's property improved their drainage. Commissioner McNulty moved to close the public hearing; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. 5 Planning ng Commission Minutes April 26, 1988 Page 6, 1988 Commissioner Ortolano expressed her interest in the City Attorney's opinion regarding the applicant's understanding that the addition was approved at the time the lot line adjustments were granted. She pointed out that the master bedroom addition is not visible from the street. Commissioners McNulty and Von Hagen supported an approval of Variance No. 200 and Coastal Permit No. 50. Chairman Connolly noted the importance of an inspection of the structure by the Building Department prior to the issuance of any building permits. Commissioner Wike voiced her concern over the excessive amount of new square footage that has been added to the structure. She in- dicated that she would have difficulty making the findings to ap- prove the requests. Staff noted that the City Council minutes during which the Moratorium Exemption was granted indicate that the project did not involve plumbing. Staff clarified that, in fact, the size of the existing bathroom was increased. In addition, the lot line adjustment dealt only with property lines and not with the legal sstatus of the structure. Staff suggested that, in the event of an approval of the requests, the Resolution should be returned to the Commission to include language to require a geology report, a liability waiver and building permits. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of Variance No. 200 and Coas- tal Permit No. 50; seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen and passed unanimously. Appeal rights were noted. CONTINUED BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Grading No. 1090; Hendrickson, Bousabat 31004 Marne Drive None. The presentation of the staff report was waived. Chairman Connolly invited interested parties to speak to the item. Mr. Donald Hendrickson, P. 0. Box 248, Palos Verdes Estates, 90274, applicant, discussed: concern over Exhibit "A" as recom- mended by staff; the specifics of the project; the left side yard 0 Planning Commission Minutes April 26, 1988 Page 7 wall would be 5-1/2 feet at the rear and 3-1/2 feet at the front; the stairway for access to the slope area was eliminated; and the infringements are minor. Commissioner Wike noted that tree and vegetation heights should be addressed as a Condition of Approval. Director of Environmental Services Benard pointed out that the project was designed several years ago and does not conform to the current Code. Commissioner Ortolano moved approval of Alternative No. 3 subject to the Conditions of Approval of Exhibit "A" as modified: 1. Total site grading shall be modified to minimize disruption of extreme slopes and shall be subject to the following conditions: A. The north side yard retaining wall shall step from 3 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 6 inches. B. Within the left side yard area, no slope access stairs shall encroach into the extreme slope area beyond the side yard retaining wall. 2. A landscape plan and vegetation covenant must be submitted to the Director of Environmental Services for review and approval. Landscaping shall be designed to protect existing views from nearby residences. 3. The columns located at the driveway entrance shall not exceed 42 inches. 4. This approval shall expire in 180 days with an exten- sion for an additional 180 days subject to the approval of the Director of Environmental Services. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wike and passed unanim- ously. Appeal rights were noted. Director of Environmental Services Benard related staff's concern over side yard retaining walls as high as 66 inches. He noted that the applicant's revised plans have not yet been submitted to the City and that staff will return the applicable Resolution for Commission approval. 7 Planning Commission Minutes April 26, 1988 Page 8 At this time, Consent Calendar Item A was considered: P. C. Resolution No. 88 - Approving Variance No. 188 (A) for a Deck at 28053 Lobrook Drive Commissioner Von Hagen voiced his concern that the approval of variances was based on administrative error, as listed in Section I of the applicable Resolution. Commissioners Ortolano and McNulty indicated that an approval due to administrative error was appropriate for Variance No. 188, but would not be a general policy. Director of Environmental Services Benard related the City Attorney's opinion that the language regarding administrative er- ror was appropriate in this case. Commissioner McNulty moved approval of Consent Calendar Item A; seconded by Commissioner Ortolano and passed unanimously. AUDIENCE QUESTIONS None. 1• *041 .140 Staff Director of Environmental Services Benard noted the upcoming SWAPC luncheon on Friday, April 29, 11:00 AM. Director of Environmental Services Benard commented on the need to schedule Planning Commission work sessions on the various projects before the City. The Commission agreed to meet on May 10, 6:30 PM. 1- 54 0 0 Commissioner Wike suggested that the Commission should discuss fencing at Seacliff Hills. Commissioner Ortolano mentioned that the fencing on Crest Road seems to be encroaching more than it needs to. ADJOURNMENT 3 The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 PM.