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PC MINS 19880809J L. 1' MINUTES .11 W` -PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 9, 1988 IPA� z7 The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Connolly at Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: Ortolano, Von Hagen, Connolly, McNulty, Wike ABSENT: None Also present were Senior Planner Greg Fuz, Associate Planner Ben Ortega and Associate Planner Carolynn Petru. COMMUNICATIONS Chairman Connolly reported that three communications had been received which would be addressed at the time the corresponding agenda items were heard. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of June 14, 1988 Correct the typographical error in the word "Commissioner" in Paragraph 11 on Page Ten. Minutes of June 22, 1988 Correct the typographical error in the word "adding" in Paragraph 5 on Page Three. Correct the typographical error in the word "public" in Paragraph 3 on Page Six. Commissioner Ortolano abstained from commenting or --voting on these minutes. Minutes of June 28, 1988. Correct the typographical error in the word "conditions" in Paragraph 7 on Page Two. Change the second sentence in Paragraph 2 on Page Two to read: "She was concerned that Staff might not be able to obtain infor- mation from the applicant after approving the Variance if the applicant was not cooperative." Amend the motion in Paragraph 13 on Page Seven to reflect that the motion passed 4 to 1 because Commissioner Wike dissented. Minutes August 9, 1988 Page Two P.C. Resolution No. 88 Approve the Staff recommendation. Notion vas made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen to approve the Consent Calendar as amended. Notion passed unanimously pith regard to Items A and C. Item B was passed 4-0 pith Commissioner Ortolano abstaining. Item D passed 4-0 with Commissioner Wike abstaining. PUBLIC HEARINGS Conditional Use Permit No. 118 - Revision "A". 31290 Palos Verdes Drive West Associate Planner Ortega presented the Staff Report and noted that Staff cannot support the revision request as submitted as it has been clearly shown that the proposed project would not meet the require- ments of the Development Code. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Bruno Boval, 6972 Verde Ridge Road, reported that the Church is ready to proceed with construction, and expressed surprise at the requirement for a revised parking plan. He believed that all concerns had been resolved in the meeting with Staff on May 9, 1988, and alleged that the Commission was causing an undue hardship on the Church. He also stated that if on-site parking was such a serious concern, he would have appreciated more communication from Staff in this regard. Associate Planner Ortega emphasized that in review of the revised plans, Staff finds the revised permanent on-site parking lot does not meet Development Code requirements for parking lots, specifically required backout and turning radius and required interior parking lot landscaping. Dennis Wehauller, 11718 West Pico Boulevard, architect, discussed the Staff request at the May 9th meeting indicating a 5% landscape requirement. He felt that the backout space is adequate, but the turning radius may present a problem. Joseph Picarelli, 30311 Via Eorica, concluded that the granting of the Conditional Use Permit specified that one of the conditions of approval was furnishing a landscape plan, and it was his opinion that the plan that was submitted was adequate. Chairman Connolly closed the public hearing. Minutes August 9, 1988 Page Three - In the discussion that followed, Commissioner McNulty noted that the Commission has handled this project in an extremely reasonable manner, therefore Mr. Boval's comments that the Commission was being unduly difficult were undeserved. Mr. Ortega stated that the parking plan needs to be modified and/or redesigned or the applicant needs to apply for a Variance. If a Variance application is submitted, this project will have to be renoticed for hearing by the Commission. Notion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Ortolano to approve the Staff Recommendation to continue the item to a date uncertain with direction that a revised parking lot plan be submitted in conformance with the Development Code:7p�,:;,5 L11(�aA%VY\0%J5\` ' Conditional Use Permit No. 138 Associate Planner Ben Ortega Variance No. 205 Environmental Assessment No. 552 31270 Palos Verdes Drive South presented the Staff Report and noted that the site plan as proposed encourages heavy use of a rear parking lot located adjacent to residential development and also proposes a loading facility to be viewed from Palos Verdes Drive South. Mr. Ortega noted that a Variance is necessary because the Development Code requires a landscape setback of 50 feet from the adjoining resi- dential property. The applicant proposes a 10 foot wide residential landscape buffer. Mr. Ortega related Staff's opinion that the proposed improvements are not appropriate for the subject property and recommended a redesign of the site plan. Staff was also concerned about the unusual traffic patterns that would result from the building/ parking lot placement, the height of the proposed structure, and joint use parking with St. Paul's Church. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Kenneth Creal, 220 South Pacific Coast Highway, represented E.S. Development, owners and builders of Villa Capri. He was opposed to the project as proposed, since he stated it would pose significant view impairment to the Villa Capri development. Mr. Creal also addressed the negative impact on Villa Capri of parking lot lighting and auto- mobile noise, and odors from trash bins and cooking. Walter Zell, 3011 Haddington Drive, project developer and architect, presented sketches showing the structure positioned in the rear of the property with parking in the front. He also addressed the fact that the Villa Capri developer had lowered the natural ridge of the two homes adjacent to the proposed site, thereby affecting the potential height of the commercialbuilding. He also addressed the parking easement held by St. Paul's Church. Mr. Zell discussed three alternative schemes that were developed for the project, and concluded that the last one (building at the front of the site) was considered the most desirable from an architectural standpoint. Minutes August 9, 1988 - Page Four Mr. Ortega clarified that the application was not deemed complete June 9, 1988 (the most recent submittal), and Staff completed its indepth review at the end of July. However, Mr. Ortega noted that conceptual plans were discussed previously with the applicant. Chairman Connolly closed the public hearing. _ Commissioner McNulty noted that the parking lot, building height and the landscape buffer were important aspects of the project. With regard to the buffer, Commissioner Ortolano asked whether an accomodation could be made similar to Golden Cove and St. Paul's Church. She also recommended a landscaped wall. Commissioner Wike asked for consideration of a single story structure, considering the size of the lot. Commissioner Von Hagen noted his reference for the alternative plan with the building located at the front of the site. Chairman Connolly recommended that mechanical equipment not be located on the roof of the proposed building, and was in agreement with the forward location of the structure. He was also in agreement, along with Commissioners Ortolano and Wike, that a restaurant not be placed at that location, since this would provide intensive use of the property. Senior Planner Fuz summarized the Commission's concerns, including: More forward location of the building Reduction in building height No roof mounted equipment, if possible Reduction in curb cuts along Palos Verdes Drive South No restaurant use Early review of geology report Motion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Vike to direct the applicant to redesign the plans and continue the item to September 13, 1988 pursuant to Staff recommendation. Motion to continue unanimously passed. A break was taken from 9:25 p.m. to 9:35 p.m. Chairman Connolly reported that in view of the preponderance of requests to speak to Item IVC (the Watt Project) the order of the agenda would be changed. CONTINUED BUSINESS Sign Permit No. 393 Reading of the Staff Report was 28717-28731 Western Avenue waived. Minutes August 9, 1988 Page Five Motion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Ortolano to approve the Staff recommendation to deny the sign and require its removal within 30 days of the decision. Motion passed 3 to 1. Commissioner Wike abstained. Commissioner Von Hagen dissented. NEW BUSINESS Site Plan Review No. 4652. Reading of the Staff Report was 26132 Barkstone waived. Associate Planner Petru made a clarification to the photo board that was presented to the Commission. Mr. Eaton noted his approval with the Staff recommendation except the condition to paint the satellite dish. Motion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Ortolano to approve Staff Alternative No.3: Approve the application subject to the following condition: a. The landowner shall obtain any necessary building permits within 30 days. _ Notion unanimously passed. Site Plan Review No. 4632 Reading of the Staff Report was 3556 Starline waived. Chairman Connolly reported that he had received a communication from Mr. Lockmi.11er. Dr. Richard Woodburn, the applicant, noted that the only neighbor to whom the satellite dish is visible has no objections to its place- ment. He also stated the reasons why the satellite dish was in its present location. Motion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen to approve Staff Alternative No. 3, deleting Condition No. 1. Motion -unanimously passed. PUBLIC HEARING Tentative Tract Map No. 45667. Grading No. 1061 6500 Block of Palos Verdes Drive South Commissioner Von Hagen excused himself from the meeting at 9:49 p.m. Chairman Connolly announced that this item was continued in order to address issues of hydrology and geology only with regard to the Watt Project. Minutes • August 9, 1988 Page Six - Chairman Connolly also reported that a letter was received from Jean Longacre which addresses certain trails in the Watt development. The letter will be taken into consideration when trails are addressed. Associate Planner Ortega reviewed the background of the Watt Project, and requested that the public testimony specifically address drainage and underlying earth conditions. Commissioner Ortolano noted that two 100 year floods have occurred in the area within the past several years, and inquired if storm drains in the project are being required to meet the 100 year standard. She also inquired about the height of the retaining walls, and about whether the method proposed for disposal of rocks was appropriate. Commissioner McNulty announced that he had utilized the services of American Geotechnical Consultants in an ongoing lawsuit around 1974-75. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Larry Schmidt, 3330 Palos Verdes Drive West, introduced Mr. Axton and Mr. Pearson. Greg Axton, 25202 Crenshaw Boulevard, Geologist, addressed Commissioner Ortolano's concerns. Regarding the retaining walls, it was noted that the new plans have substantially reduced the height of the walls. The procedure for rock disposal is adopted as a matter of grading practice. Mr. Axton noted that 25, 50 and 100 year storm drains are similar in technique but different in diameter. Edward Pearson, 4184 Maritime Road, Hydrologist, discussed the standards established by the Los Angeles Flood Control district, and noted that the drains that enter and leave the project are based on the 25 year storm. He also stated that the differential between 25 and 50 year drains is approximately 12% in diameter. Tim Burrell, 4035 Exultant Drive, had no comments. Phil Robinson, 3205 Barkentine Road, represented homeowners in Abalone Cove, and was opposed to the project in terms of hydrology and drainage analyses. He was not reassured by the statements of the Hydrologist and Geologist. Mr. Robinson stated that the Abalone Cove homeowners would like to require that the City provide adequate insurance to compensate the homeowners should unforeseen situations similar to the Presley development occur. Richard Dean, 32679 Seagate Drive, will submit his concerns to the Commission in writing. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, expressed disappointment with the hydrology and geology reports. She was opposed to rocks being placed in the canyons, and was concerned that the project would destroy the natural beauty of the area. Mrs. Larue then questioned Commissioner Von Hagen's participation in the Commission and his involvement in the Watt project. Minutes August 9, 19$8 Page Seven Commissioner Ortolano pointed out that Commissioner Von Hagen is not participating in any decisions involving the Watt project, and noted that the Draft Environmental Impact Report is available to any members of the public who wish to consult it. Mrs. Larue was referred to the City Council because the Commission is not empowered to adopt an Interim Control Ordinance. Lois Hendricks, 6320 Tarragon Road, reported that she had several letters from her neighbors protesting the development because of the impact of noise, traffic congestion, and possible landslides. She requested that,the letters be kept on record by Staff. William Toliff, 6347 Tarragon Road, read the Draft Environmental Impact Report, Page 51 Section 3, dealing with drainage, water runoff, soil erosion and landslides. He also referred to the impact the Presley Development had on Barkentine Canyon. Commissioner Ortolano presented Mr. Toliff with a copy of the hydrology and geology reports for his review. Chairman Connolly asked Staff to notify all who spoke to,this issue that they can obtain copies of the drainage reports and the Draft Environmental Impact Report either for review or for purchase at a cost of $10.00_ per copy. R.G. Lusian, 32735 Seagate Drive, discussed the effects of drainage on his property and also mentioned the adverse effects of the Presley Development. He was also concerned about the disappearance of marine life along the Abalone Cove area, about road maintenance along the designated haul routes, and stated he would like a ten year bond issue for the Bay Club for approximately $50 million. Jean Nerko, 6 Packet Road, also asked that a bond or some other type of insurance be issued, and was concerned about drainage and about the devaluation of property values as a result of the development. Robert Boole, 6404 Via Baron, representing 52 homeowners on Via Pacifica, expressed concern that more than one geologist and hydrologist be retained to give expert advice on the project. He urged double-checking each report, and turning down the project, if possible. Paul Christensen, 6317 Tarragon Road, did not object to the entire project, but requested reassurances that there would be no diversion of off-site water and that land stability would not be affected as a result of grading. He also questioned the small sizes of the lots, and whether the project would be allowed to proceed if the 100 year flood capability is not assured. William Thompkins, 31217 Marne Drive, questioned whether the subject of the geology report is the actual project site or whether it is the hill, and asked if the report considers other proposed develop- ments. He added that Commissioner Von Hagen's involvement in the Minutes August 9, 1988 Page Eight project adds to the public concern. He also felt that the presentations were unbalanced, and asked for independent assessments on issues of hydrology and geology. Ms. Nerko again requested the opportunity to speak, and asked for a grading comparison on the -hill with the grading proposed for the Watt project. Chairman Connolly closed the public hearing. Commissioner McNulty clarified that Commissioner Von Hagen has declared that a conflict of interest exists between him being on the Commission, and participating and voting on this particular project. Commissioner Ortolano noted that she has observed two themes resulting from the public testimony. One is a concern that the project should not have a negative impact on the surrounding properties, and the other is a desire that the property should not be developed. It is, however, the Commission's duty to control the development so as to mitigate any negative effects. Mr. Schmidt noted that the developer is aware of drainage and earth movement concerns, and that is why expert geologists and hydrologists were retained. From a hydrological standpoint, the developer is comfortable with larger drainage pipes. He also stated that copies of the Environmental Impact Report and the hydrology and geology reports will be supplied to each homeowners association that requests one. The developer is also approaching the project with caution and the awareness that legal suits could develop in the future as a result of the project. Notion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner alike to continue this item to August 23, 1988. Motion unanimously passed. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE There were no questions from the audience. STAFF REPORT Assistant Planner Greg Fuz reported that Staff originally erred in bringing the item of the Palos Verdes Drive East tree removal (Environmental Assessment No. 550) before the Commission. Therefore, no Commission action would be necessary on this item. All property owners originally notified of this item were renoticed of this decision. All speakers before the Commission on June 28th were also renoticed. Mr. Fuz also reported that a joint work session between the City Council and all commissioners and committees is scheduled for August 301V 1988 at Hesse Community Park. Minutes August 9, 1988 Page Nine The Commission was in agreement with Mr. Fuz' recommendation that a field trip should be conducted to the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Laguna Niguel in connection with Specific Plan 5. Mr. Fuz reported that the planning team of VMS Company will make presentations to the Commission on August 23, 1988 in order to point out critical policy issues that they have identified as being relevant to the planning of the project. COMMISSION REPORTS Chairman Connolly asked Staff to ensure that individual homeowners and contractors are made aware of the allowable hours for construction. Mr. Fuz suggested rubber stamping the code section on the building permit. The landscaping plan for St. Paul's Church was briefly discussed. Commissioner Ortolano asked what action Staff could take if the building permit was issued before the landscape plan was approved. She suggested that this project be addressed by Mr. Benard as quickly as possible. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was duly adjourned at 11:30 p.m. to August 23, 1988, 7:30 p.m. at Hesse Park Community Building.