Loading...
PC MINS 19880913L� o / MINUTES �^ PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 13, 1988 The meeting was called to order at 6:38 p.m. by Chairman Connolly at Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: Von Hagen, Connolly, McNulty (Commissioner Wike arrived at 6:42 p.m.) ABSENT: Ortolano Also present were Director of Environmental Services Benard, Associate Planner Ben Ortega, Associate Planner Carolynn Petru, and Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham. COMMUNICATIONS ii.t -1;4sf qK40A 01 A, 117; Minutes of July 14, 1988 Minutes of July 26, 1988 Conditional Use Permit No. 23 - Rev. 'ABB" Grading No. 1146. 3447 Palos Vista Chairman Connolly reported that he had received a communication from watt Industries which would be addressed at the time this agenda item was heard. Director of Environmental Services Benard reported that revised copies of Pages 6 and 8 are included. Commissioner wike noted that she would abstain on this item because she was not present at the meeting. Associate Planner Carolynn Petru reported that a 20% grade in the driveway is allowed under the Code. notion was made by commissioner Von Hagen and seconded by Commissioner Nike to approve the Consent Calendar. Notion unanimously passed. Commissioner hike abstained on the ably 26 minutes. Height Variation 494- Director of Environmental Services Appeal - 4380 Dauntless Benard recommended and the Commis - Drive sion approved continuance of this item to September 27, 1988 in order that further analysis may be conducted by Staff. Minutes Page Two September 13, 1988 specific Pian VI - Coastal Jean Gath of the SWA Group intro - Subregion 1 - Introductory duced the members of the consulting Presentation team which will be involved in the project, presented an aerial photograph of the site and discussed the policy issues regarding land use, circulation, views and coastal access which the team will be dealing with as they move through the planning process. Ms. Gath also briefly addressed the site location, elevation, site designation, drainage areas, visual corridors, natural vegetation corridors, the Coastal specific Plan as it applies specifically to the site, and the coastal setback policy which will be used as the basis to begin the plan effort. Roger Van Wert, Urban Planner with Shea & Gould, discussed the essential elements of the processes that will be undertaken along with City Staff in order to begin to set up the concept alternatives. Mr. Van Wert requested affirmation from the Commission on the entire proposal, including the exercise of land use alternatives. Director of Environmental Services Benard clafiried the process for submission of development applications for the Specific Plan, zoning and development applications for the entire subregion. Conditional Use Permit No. 141. Rev. "C", Sign Permit No. 349 and 368. 28849 Western Avenue. The Staff Report on this item was waived. Director of Environmental Services Benard summarized the Staff's intent in supporting the changes in the building facade details and the proposed color schemes in the awnings along Western Avenue and Caddington Drive. He added that conditions have been proposed to control signage and frame colors to keep the shopping center from appearing cluttered. Bob Lemoine, on behalf of the applicant, said he would leave signage considerations up to the Staff's discretion. Com: Minutes Page Three September 13, 1988 Motion ma made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Yon Gagen to approve the application as set forth in Alternative No. 2: Approve the applications subject to the conditions attached in Exhibit A. Motion unanimously passed. Height Variation No. 532 - Associate Planner Carolynn Petru Appeal. 7 Mustang Road presented the Staff Report and noted that staff conducted a view ��� �l ► analysis of the proposed Height Variation from two occupied -Y"`k\iproperties at 3 Eastfield Drive and 1 Rockinghorse Road and from the vacant lot located behind 7 Mustang Staff found that the proposed project conforms to all standards of the RS -2 Zoning District and there was no identifiable view impact from surrounding properties. Rose Marie Di Santo, 23316 S. Normandie Avenue, the appellant, said her property would be directly affected by the proposed project, and discussed other physical impacts of the project with particular emphasis on the visual impact. Les Phelps, 7 Mustang Road, applicant, noted that view obstruction caused by the proposed addition would be insignificant. Commissioner Wike made a correction to Section 6 of the Resolution so it shall read: "That after consideration of the appeal of Height Variation No. 532 on September 13, 1988, the Planning Commission denied the appeal and thereby approved the project at 7 Mustang Road." Motion was made by comissioner fine and seconded by Commissioner McNulty to adopt Staff Alternative no. 1: Adopt the attached resolution denying the appeal, as there are no grounds for the Planning omission to grant the appeal as set forth by the Developetent Code. Motion unanimously passed. :�. • Conditional Use Permit No. 23. Rev. "DDI' 3314 Palo Vista Associate Planner Carolynn Petru presented the Staff Report and noted that Staff cannot make the necessary findings to support the Variance under the original conditions of approval for the Tract and Conditional Use Permit, Minutes September 13, 1988 Page Four and finds the accessory structure incompatible with the open space requirements specified by the Seacliff Hills Development Guidelines. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. John Vilicich, 1622 So. Gaffey, was of the opinion that Mr. Aguilera had attempted to obtain the proper permits for the shed, therefore should not be penalized. Peter Aguilera, 3314 Palo Vista Drive, noted that the structure blends exactly with the residence, that the City was aware of its existence at the time of construction, and removal would create a hardship. Chairman Connolly closed the public hearing. Commissioner Wike noted that approval of this request would confer a special privilege on the applicant, but she was in favor of approval because of the special circumstances experienced by Mr. Vilicich and Mr. Aguilera. Motion was made by Commissioner Wike and seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen to approve Staff Alternative No. 1: Approve the project as proposed. Motion unanimously passed. Conditional Use Permit No. 137. L.A. County Fire Department. 29516 Miraleste Plaza Associate Planner Carolynn Petru presented the Staff Report and noted that while the project would impact road easements, setbacks, intersection visibility, parking and grading, it will provide a needed expansion of the fire protection facility and provide essential emergency service to the community. She added that the issues raised can be adequately mitigated through conditions of approval. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Robert Erikson, Batallion Chief, Los Angeles County Fire Department, noted his availability to answer questions, if needed, and noted his agreement with Staff's recommendations. Chairman Connolly closed the public hearing. Minutes September 13, 1988 Page Five Motion vas made by Commissioner lOWLty and seconded by Co■Missioner Yon Rages to adopt Staff Alternative No. 2: Adopt the Negative Declaration and approve the project subject to the conditions of approval in E2hibit 'A`. Motion onanlmonsly passed. A recess was taken from 8:20 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Variance No. 210 69 Headland The Staff Report on this item was waived. Kieran Graner, 69 Headland Drive, did not wish to speak to this item, but noted his availability to answer questions, if needed. He noted that he understood that this project would cause maximum build -out of lot coverage on the property. Motion was made by Commissioner Bike and seconded by Commissioner McMIty to adopt the Staff Recommendation: Approve as proposed. Motion unanimously passed. Coastal Permit No. 56, 57, 58, 59. Grading No. 1147, 1148, 1150, 1152. 64-6500 Seacove Drive. The staff Report on this item was waived. Director of Environmental Services Benard reported that the applicants have read and concur with the conditions. He noted that Staff finds the proposed Coastal Permit and Grading applications are consistent with the findings to grant approval of such applications. Staff, therefore, recommended approval subject to conditions. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing.lY Kurt Nelson, 22330 Hawthorne Boulevard, pFlm rllyAthe slope on the property line. Chairman Connolly closed the public hearing. Commissioner McNulty said he was not in favor of approving a deed restriction covering maximum build out on lot coverage because it would place an undue burden on the project. Chairman Connolly concurred with Commissioner McNulty's opinion. 11 Minutes September 13, 1988 Page Six C Commissioner wike pointed out to Mr. Nelson that he should be _aware that a policy change regarding lot coverage could occur in the near future. Motion Was wide by commissioner McNulty and seconded by commissioner Van Hagen to adopt Staff Alternative No. 3: Approve subJect to conditions. Motion unanisously passed. Tentative Tract Map No. 45667, Draft EIR No. 28 Conditional Use Permit Permit No. 130. Grading No. 1061. At 9:05 p.m., Commissioner Von Hagen excused himself from participating in this project due to his previously stated conflict. Associate Planner Ben Ortega presented the Staff Report and noted that the Planning Commission closed the public review period of the Draft Environmental Impact Report on August 9, 1988. Mr. Ortega stated that Staff would recommend the Planning Commission review the adequacy of the Final Environmental Impact Report and continue the applications to the September 27, 1988 meeting at which time a final list of environmental mitigation measures and conditions of approval will be presented with regard to the tract map, lot line configuration, property line adjustment, and trails. The documents°will then be acted on by the Commission and recommendations forwarded to the City Council. Mike Scullin, Robert Stone geologic consultant, reported that the ravines would need to be filled to lend stability to the entire hill, whether or not the lots in the ravines were eliminated. Staff was questioned about the September 10, 11988 report from the developer, which contained a quoted opinion from the City Attorney with regard to grading and other sections of Code. Mr. Benard noted that this issue be clarified by Staff and the City Attorney. commissioner McNulty then addressed the public's allegations against Commissioner Von Hagen's involvement in the project, and said that Commissioner Von Hagen had stated his conflict when this item was initially brought to public hearing. Minutes September 13, 1988 Page seven Mr. Benard also reiterated that Commissioner Von Hagen is acting pursuant to consultation with the City Attorney and has excused himself properly whenever this item has been heard. He added that commissioner Von Hagen need not repeat his statement each time the item is heard. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Dr. Grant Stucki, 31319 Marne Drive, referred to Commissioner Von Hagen's involvement in the project and expressed concern about performance bonding for various portions of the development. Barbara Dye, 7035 Hartcrest Drive, representing the Trails Committee, reviewed the Trails Committee's recommendations for the site. She stressed that a multi -use trail was recommended, but a buggy trail was never suggested by the Trails Committee. Chairman Connolly noted that a preponderance of the public opinion was in opposition to a slope trail above the development. Larry Schmidt, 3330 Palos Verdes Drive West, representing Watt Industries, commented on the information quoted by the City Attorney and requested that the City Attorney attend a hearing on the project to answer questions himself. He stated that the developer is cooperating with the City on a majority of issues, and are in general agreement with the Conditions of Approval. Mr. Schmidt also noted that the developer would be posting bonds, and all actions would be made a matter of public record. He requested approval of the suggested setbacks and approval for an extension of the lot lines to the rear of the property. Mr. Schmidt made it clear that absolutely no member of the Staff or the Planning Commission is either on the staff or on the payroll of Watt Industries or Watt Palos Verdes. Edward Pearson, 4184 Maritime Road, announced his availability to answer engineering questions if needed. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, said she found personal evidence of a landslide on the property and referred to a letter from Daniel Torrance which made reference to earth movements on the property. She requested that the canyons not be filled because they are a natural water course, and expressed opposition to the opinion from the American Geotechnical consultant. Mrs. Larue also requested that the project not be allowed to proceed, and alleged that Commissioner ortolano is being paid by Mr. Barry Hon. Minutes September 13, 1988 Page Eight Tin Burrell, 4035 8yultant Drive, announced his availability to answer questions, if needed. Philip Robinson, 3205 Barkentine, requested that the staff Report be reproduced and made available to the public, and asked that Staff not make any final recommendations until all public comments are taken into account. Mr. Robinson also expressed concern about the amount of earth that would be moved along Palos Verdes Drive South, and urged an increase in the lot sizes. Sharon Herzog, 19 San Clemente, was in complete agreement with the project as proposed. Major Oscar TounQquist, 30840 Harthorne Boulevard, expressed the Salvation Army's opposition to the trail that would intersect Salvation Army property. Sunshine, 6 Lifetree Lase, presented the Commission with a map that was generated after the Trails Committee's recommendation was made, and noted that the trail is proposed to be in an area that is already disturbed and would simply be another terrace on the slope. she also noted that the Horseman's Association is made up of approximately 1000 members who favor the loop trail through the open space areas. Jim Hinsdale, the consultant who prepared the Draft EZR for the City, addressed the slopes on the eastern and western ends of the property and the issue of accommodating the steepness of the trails by using switchbacks. Mr. Schmidt again addressed the Commission to be specific as to their recommendation on the trails. Commissioner Wike expressed concern about lot coverage and asked that the lots be a minimum of 10,000 square feet. She was also concerned about the security of the property owners along the North-South trail and about indemnification of the homeowners should land slippage occur. Commissioner McNulty was concerned about the developer's reference to the City Attorney's quoted opinion and asked for a clarification from Staff. He was not opposed to a hiking trail, but he was concerned about the steepness of the North-South trail, and about an equestrian trail on the hillside. He also recommended that Staff and the developer work out any problems within the next two weeks. Minutes September 13, 1988 Page Nine Chairman Connolly requested that Staff develop two options with regard to filling the canyons. Option One would list the benefits of filling the canyons, and Option Two would shot the result of proceeding with the recommendation to grade and export the dirt. Chairman Connolly also recommended the establishment of a telephone hotline at City Hall, paid for by the developer, in order for residents to report any problems with the project without having to go through the main switchboard. He recommended a minimal East-West foot trail, was in agreement with Staff with regard to the setbacks and irrigation. Director of Environmental Services Benard indicated he needed direction from the Commission on the EZR, tentative map, CUP, etc., and particularly on the issue of lot sizes and canyon filling so this project can be brought to conclusion in two weeks. He clarified that Staff recommended 57 lots in the development, not 64 lots, and that 400,000 cubic yards of dirt is proposed to be removed under the scenario of filling the canyons. Mr. Benard also noted that there is support for an East-West pedestrian access trail and Staff will work with the Trails Committee to identify the trails more precisely. Motion was wade by tomissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Vile to continue this item to Septenber 27,` 1988. Motion nnauiwousiy passed. (Commissioners,,Von Hagen was not present) . o—A OTA(Ae-^m A recess was taken from 10:50 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Commissioner Von Hagen returned to the meeting at 11:00 p.m. Tentative Tract No. 46422 Associate Planner Ortega presented Environmental Assessment the Staff Report and noted that No. 554 Staff was concerned with the Grading Application issues: (1) lack of consistency No. 1151 with the topographical call outs 30032 Palos Verde: Dr. W. on the grading plan submitted and actual site contours. (2) The developer proposed to abandon an existing 25 foot easement along the south property line for road, public utilities and bridle trail purposes; the Trails Committee had recommended that abandonment of the bridle trail would be inappropriate at this time. (3) The grading plan's 2:1 slopes along the new street would exceed the Development Code provisions by greater than 350. (4) Lot #6 of the tract map as proposed does not meet the required lot depth as required by the Development Code. Mr. Ortega said that in light of these issues, Staff believes the Tentative Map and Grading Application should be continued to address these concerns. Minutes SepteaI r 13, 1998 Page ?en Chairman Connolly inquired whether the deficiency in maps had been communicated to the applicant. Mr. Benard reported that the applicant's response to this issue was to correct the deficiencies prior to approval of the final map. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Kenneth Creal, 220 South Pacific Coast Highway, noted that a stamped, certified version of the previous map including adjacent contiguous properties had been prepared. He also wished to withdraw the proposal to alter the easement for road, trail and public utilities. Mr. Creal then requested approval of the revised map as submitted. Jack Wood, 200 Pier Avenue, presented copies of the updated maps and reviewed the discussion he had held with Staff on this issue. He stressed that it was not his intent to deceive the Commission or the City and he was trying to determine whether the land could be developed. Chairman Connolly closed the public hearing and asked staff to place this item on the Consent Calendar once the issues in questions have been worked out in conjunction with the Public Works Department. Notion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by commissioner Von Hagen to continue this item on the consent calendar for the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting on 27, 1988. If this was not feasible, then the item would be brought back to public hearing. Motion unanimously passed. Variance No. 183 The Staff Report on this item was Coastal Permit No. 38 waived. Assistant Planner Laurie 204 seascape Brigham noted that the applicant concurs with the conditions. Elena Jepson Byrne, noted her availability to answer questions, if needed. lotion was made by commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner vike to approve Staff Alternative No. 4: Approve the coastal Permit and Variance as conditioned. Motion unanimously passed. • Minutes September 13, 1988 Page Eleven Conditional Use Permit - No. 138. Variance No. -.205. Grading No. 1101. 31270 Palos Verdes Dr. W. C i The Staff Report on this item was waived. Director of Environ- mental Services Benard noted the Staff recommendation to continue this item to the September 27, 1988 Planning Commission meeting. The public hearing was opened and there were no speakers. The public hearing was closed. notion was =ade by tommissioner McNulty and seconded by commissioner von Hagen to adopt the Staff reca�datlon to continue this Item to the September 27, 1988 Planning Commission meeting. notion unan#sonsly passed. Conditional Use Permit The Staff Report on this item was No. 118. Rev. "A". waived. Commissioner Wike SxadAa' No. 1005. asked Staff to clarify Condition 31270 Palos Verdes Dr. W. No. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Suzanne Dolcher, President of the Church Council, was concerned about the first sentence in Condition No. 11 and read a suggested revision. Chairman Connolly closed the public hearing. Motion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Wike to approve the project pursuant to Staff Alternative No. 3: Approve subject to conditions which supersede previously approved conditions of Conditional Use Permit No. 118 and Grading Application No. 1005. The first sentence of Item No. 11 shall be amended to insert the word "generally" so the sentence shall read: Hours of operation and use of the overall church facilities shall be generally governed by attached Exhibit "B". Motion unanimously passed. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE There were no questions from the audience. STAFF REPORT Director of Environmental Services Benard announced that a South Nest Area Planning Council meeting and dinner will be held on September 30, 1988. Minutes September 13, 1988 Page Twelve Mr. Benard discussed the Commission's schedule for a date on which to schedule the trip to the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Laguna Miguel. Mr. Benard announced that Assistant Planner Ben Ortega will be leaving the City's employment ink weeks. a COMMISSION REPORT Commissioner Von Hagen indicated an interest in scheduling a dinner for Ann Negendank. Chairman Connolly announced he will leave before the end of the meeting on September 27, 1988. Chairman Connolly reported that he will suggest to Mayor Ryan that a building moratorium be imposed in order to limit the number of major items on the agenda. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was duly adjourned at 11.58 p.m. to 7;30 p.m. at Hesse Park on September 27, 1988.