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PC MINS 19880927iMINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 10 SEPTEMBER. 27, 1988 The meeting was caller to order at 7:34 p.m. by Chairman Connolly at Hesse Part. Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT. Ortolano, Von Hagen, Connolly, McNulty, Mike ABSENT: None Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Associate Planner Ben Ortega, Associate Planner Carolynn Petru, and Associate Planner Laurie Brigham. The Mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes, Robert Ryan, presented a proclamation to Mr. Don Heep for his efforts in serving the Peninsula community and commended Mr. Heep for has involvement in various committees Director of Environmental Services Benard introduced the following new Staff members. Joel Rojas, Mike Patterson, Lisa Breisacher, Marsha Smith. COMUNIECAT'IONS Chairman Connolly reported that he had received the following communications, which would be addressed at the time the agenda items were heard: (1) Staff's response to several points raised by Watt Industries (2) Letter from Jake Belin (3) Letter from Richard Thompson. Minutes of August 9, 1988 Grading No. 1164 3358 Crownview Coastal Permit No. 46 Grading No. 1102 6410 Seacove Grading No. 1099 32556 Seacliff Drive Amend the Motion on Page 3 to reflect the voting results. Director of Environmental Services Benard indicated that the manor typographical errors found on Pages 1 and 3 will be corrected. He also described how a slope is determined via an access pole on a flag lot. Commissioner Wike inquired about fencing along the rear of the property. There were no questions from the Commission. Minutes September 27, 08 Page Two Tentative Tract No. 46422 E A. No 554 Grading No. 1151 3432 Palos Verdes Dr. west i Associate Planner Ben Ortega reported that the Department of Public works has revised the Condition of Approval on Page 10, Item F, and that the parkland dedication fee has been revised to $75,460. The applicants are in favor of both revisions. Mr. Ortega also clarified that the trail easement will be for bridle, public utilities and road purposes. Motion was made by Commissioner Von Hagen and seconded by Commissioner McNulty to approve the Consent Calendar as amended. Motion unanimously passed. PUBLIC HEARINGS Tentative Tract Map No. Commissioner Von Hagen excused 45667. Grading No. 1061. himself from discussion on this C.U.P. No. 130 item at 7:50 p.m. for his Draft EIR No. 28 previously stated conflict. 6500 Block of Palos Verdes Drive South Director of Environmental Services Berard noted that copies of the Staff Report were made available for the public, along with the pages containing minor corrections which clarified the discussions between Staff and the applicant. Mr. Benard also noted that the applicants°was made prior to the changes prior to the meeting. Director of Environmental Services Benard then explained that the Commission has the authority to act and decide upon. the Conditional Use Permit and the Grading Application. However, the Commission can onlly recommend to the City Council to approve or deny the Tentative Tract Map application. However, prior to taring any action on the CUP and Grading Application, the Commission. must act to certify the adequacy of the EIP.. The Commission could certify this document for the purpose of approving the Conditional Use Permit and Grading Application, subject to conditions, and recommend certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report to the City Council and approval of the Tentative Tract Map, subject to conditions. Associate Planner Ben Ortega presented the staff Report and identified the major issues of concern to the Staff, which include the proposed filling of the center ravine:, and the 20 foot wide trail easement, which Staff found to be excessive, particularly because of the hillside topography and the potential for scarring. Minutes September 27, 1988 Page Three Director of Environmental Services announced that, for public hearing purposes, raising new environmental issues at this point would be inappropriate, but it would be appropriate to comment on the adequacy of the Environmental Impact report. Chairman. Connolly opened the public hearing. Larry Schmidt, 3330 Palos Verdes Drive West, representing Watt Palos Verdes, Inc., noted that the Staff's response was received at 7.30 p.m , and questioned whether it is standard procedure to make the Staff Report available to the public. Mr. Schmidt then summarized the contents of his letter that was presented to the Commission, including issues of lot coverage and setbacks, and commented that the completion deadlines imposed on the developer unfair requirement He asked for a commitment on the z n n�u.�r .. V4 ♦L �. ♦.v City's behalf that all permits would be processed in a timely manner. Commissioner Ortolano proposed that the Condition should be changed to read, . . . "a nes: Conditional Use Permit must be issued prior to further development unn.less the Planning Commission grants an extension of time." Edward Pearson, 4184 Maritine Road, announced his availability to answer engineering questions, if needed. Greg Axten, 25202 Crenshaw Boulevard, Geologist, announced his availability to answer questions, if needed. ?in Burrell, 4038 Exultant Drive, announced his availability to answer questions, if needed. Barbara 'Dye, 7035 Hartcrest, reported that she had not yet had an opportunity to review the most recent trail recommendations, therefore she could not comment on it, but she was available to answer questions. She also clarified the intent of the cul-de- sac links which would provide limited access to the residents of the development. Sunshine, 6 Llnetree Lane, summarized her letter to the Commission, and urged that the Staff recommendations be more specific in the requirements for trails in open space areas. Safe Selin, 31414 Marne Drive, noted that his residence is directly adjacent to the proposed site, and summarized his objections and concerns about the pro3ect, which included- W) Grading and excavation and the resulting instability. (2) The trails creating an unnecessary invasion of privacy. (3) His view toward the south would be lost. Minutes September 27, 1988 Page Four Daniel 'Torrance, 31423 Marne Drive, addressed land movement and instability, and asked that his letter of September 27, 1988 be made a part of the record. Philip Robinson, 3205 Barkenti.ne Road, expressed his opposition to the project as it is currently* planned because of the proposed grading, haul routes, filling of the ravines and the impact on traffic. He was also concerned about lot sizes, hydrology and storm drains, and urged re3ection of the plan as it is currently presented. Lois Larne, 3136 Barkentine Road, stated she had originally misunderstood Commissioner Ortolano's comments about her involvement in the Hon project, and questioned why the Commission is permitting residential development on land that is zoned R1 and R2. Mrs. Larue also presented photographs of a slide she said she discovered on the property. Commissioner Ortolano, in response to the presentation from Ms. Larue, clarified her employment status as an attorney for Pacific Bell, and emphasized that she is not being paid by Mr. Hon. Commissioner ortolano also explained why Commissioner von Hagen has removed himself from the watt project. Director of Environmental Services Benard identified the specific development plan as proposed by the developer in relation to placing homes in the canyons, versus placing the homes in other locations on the site. Assistant Planner Ortega reviewed the grading proposed by staff relative to the site design. Mr. Schmidt then briefly addressed the history of the project a: modified by City Staff. Motion was made by commissioner McMulty and seconded by commissioner ortolan to close the public hearing. Motion unanimously passed. Commissioner Wike made a recommendation that the number of lots be reduced to 54 and that the lot sizes be increased to no less than 10,000 square feet. Commissioner Ortclano expressed concern about :rail issue. She disagreed with the easement that was recommended by the Staff for limiting the trail to pedestrians and bicycles, and recommended a multipurpose trail. Minutes September 27, 1988 Page Five Chairman Connolly noted that he was not comfortable with an equestrian trail, but he was in favor of the easement with a general purpose designation.. He was also in favor of buttressing the canyon: to t:.e extent recommended by Staff, and with deletion of the lot: as proposed by Staff. Motion was made by Commissioner Ortolano and seconded by Chairman Connolly to accept the Final Environmental Impact Report as prepared with the statement of Overriding Consideration. The Motion failed 2-3. Chairman Connolly and Commissioner Ortolano were in favor of the Motion. Commissioners McNulty and Wike dissented. Chairman. Connolly left the meeting at 9.40 p.m. A recess was taker. from 9:40 p.m. until 9.50 p m., at which time Commissioner McNulty too}; the chair in Chairman Connolly's absence. Commissioner Ortolano addressed the Staff Report and noted her concern: with the Conditions of Approval in Exhibit "A" She also asked whether the Traffic Committee has reviewed the condition approving a scenic pull-out or. Hawthorne Boulevard. Cathy Marschall of Department of Public works, addresssed this issue, and clarified that the area in question will also be used as a pull-out for rapid transit buses, thereby preventing them from impeding the flow of traffic on Hawthorne Boulevard. Commissioner Ortolano also addressed her concerns with the following issues in Exhibit "A",Conditions of Approval: Page 9, Condition No. 3 regarding easements. Page 10, Conditions 1 and 2 regarding Common areas. she suggested that the language in this condition be clarified. Regarding Exhibit "B", Commissioner Ortolano requested a clarification in the Mitigation Measures under Earth Resources in order to reflect the documentation prepared by Robert stone & Associates. Director of Environmental services Benard clarified the haul route designation in Exhibit "B" and said that this item is addressed more specifically in the CUP Resolution under Construction Activity. Commissioner ortolano also requested a revision in the Hydrology category under Recommended Development Measures. Ms. Marschall clarified that the Department of Public works will accept the County's recommendation on this item. • Minutes September 27, 1988 Page Six Commissioner Ortolano then requested a clarification of the ambiguous language in. Aesthetics/Views Director of Environmental Services Benard reminded the Commission that these development measures have been modified as they have been incorporated into the CUP, Grading Application. or Tentative Tract Map. He also noted that the conditions in Exhibit "A" have the force of statute, and the Commission has full authority to act on them Director of Environmental Services Benard clarified the Completion. Deadline of Page 4 of the P C Resolution, and recommended that the first sentence in Item a of the CC&P.s read as follows "The commonlf' owned open space areas Shall be preserved through the establishment of a Homeowners Association ,or equal;. He also recommended --ranging the language in Item e on Page 5 to reflect the policy that is being reviewed by the City Council and to provide some flexibility in landscaping Both Commissioners Ortolano and Wike were concerned about Item H, and having a trail for pedestrian and bicycle purposes Associate Planner Ortega noted that Item J is a standard Condition of Approval for Residential Planned Developments, and also clarified the grading plan for the project CommiSSioner Ortolano further expressed concern that She was not in favor of uniformity in architectural design. She was also not in agreement with the developer's point of view expressed in his letter of September 27 regarding lot coverage requirements, and she noted her Support for the Staff recommendation regarding sideyards averaging 25 feet. Commissioner Wike was also concerned about the trails, and requested specific information about their placement, and said -he was opposed to having an equstrian trail on the property but was in agreement with opening the cul-de-sac-- provided there was locked and gated access for the residents of the project She said she supported the Scenic pull-out on Hawthorne Boulevard, requested that the open space areas not be placed under maintenance by the Homeowners Association the number of dwelling units be decreased to 5 nd that consi e ion be given to a 10 foot easement or the trails, as opposed o 25 feet She was -al--o con rued about the 35% lot ��c0,verage recommended by Staff aria proposed�20 - 24 foot;;-t..backs Commissioner Wike so proposed inclusion of an indemnification provision --hou1 land slippage occur. Amo as 1 tsl?j, rs_ Glc [t55O� Minutes September 27, 1988 Page Seven • Associate Planner Ortega briefly explained how the Environmental Impact Report was drafted for the purposes of approving the Conditional Use Permit and Grading Application. Commissioner McNulty requested the opinions of the Commissioners present in order to gain a consensus on certain issues in Exhibit "A" Conditions of Approval, Conditional Use Permit No. 130 and Grading Application No. 1061. Number of Dwelling Units Commissioners McNulty and Ortolano were in agreement with the Staff recommenda- tion for 58 units. Commissioner Wike requested 54 units. Construction Activity: Commissioner McNulty recommended that the designated haul route shall be Palos Verdes Drive South in an easterly direction. There was consensus on this issue. Completion Deadline: There was consensus on this issue. CC&Rs, Item E: Commissioner McNulty recommended addition of the following: ". . to incorporate the City's Council's policy." There was consensus on this issue. CC&Rs, Item H Commissioner McNulty recommended amending the first sentence so it shall read as follows: "Identify the presence of an Irrevocable Offer to Dedicate a public trail easement for multi- purpose use." Commissioners McNulty and Ortolano were in agreement with this issue as amended. Commissioner Wike - ,, �S-Q—. Setbacks: Commissioner McNulty recommended approval of the Staff recommendation on the front setbacks. Commissioners NcNulty and Ortolano were in agreement on this issue. Commissioner Wike did not agree. Minutes September 27, 1988 Page Eight Lot Coverage: 0 Commissioners McNulty and Ortolano were in agreement to approve the Staff recommendation. Commissioner Wike did not agree to approve the Staff recommendation. Motion was made by Commissioner sicPulty and seconded -by Commissioner Ortolano to certify Savironmentalrnect Report No. 28, Conditional Use Permit No. 130, Grading Application No. 1061, 6500 Block of Palos Verdes Drive South as voted upon. !lotion unanimously passed. Commissioner McNulty recommended approval of the Resolution for certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report so this issue can be placed before the City Council for the purpose of approving the Tentative tract Map. Commissioner McNulty expressed concern about the location of the scenic pull-out. Commissioner Ortolano was also not in agreement with the pull-out because of the potential traffic hazards, and recommended that this issue be flagged for the City Council. There was consensus to delete the following from the last sentence under "Completion Deadlines" in Exhibit "A" Conditions of Approval: ". . . one and only one (1). ." Regarding the condition for easements in Exhibit "A" Conditions of Approval, Director of Environmental Services Benard said that this condition will be made compatible with other conditions and will have no reference to dimensions. Commissioner Ortolano made a recommendation to add to this condition the following: "There shall be gated, keyed access available only to the homeowners." The language in the Common Areas condition will be clarified by Staff. Director of Environmental Services Benard explained the differences between the Mitigation Measures and Recommended Development Measures in Exhibit "B" and the Conditions of Approval. Jim Hinsdale, the consultant on Recommended Development Measures the Mitigation Measures are used the EIR, also explained that the are used for lesser impacts and where significant impacts exist. Regarding the Recommended Development Measures for trails, it was recommended that the paragraph dealing with the hiking trail not be deleted, but that it should be flagged for the City's Council's benefit. The Mitigation Measure requiring construction of stairways to span the steeper portions of the trails was not recommended. Minute, - September 27, 1988 Page Nine Recommendation was made to amend the Recommended Development Measures on archaeological resources as follows: "Although there are no significant impacts known at this time with respect to archaeological resources, it i,- also recommended that limited monitoring of earth moving activities take place during the ,ntital phases of grading. Regarding the Recommended Development Measures for noise, Director of Environmental Services Benard noted that a specific Condition of Approval exists to limit construction. Motion was made by Commissioner McNulty and seconded by Commissioner Wike to recommend certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report and approval of Tentative Tract Map 45667 as modified and as voted upon by majority consensus. Motion unanimously passed. Commissioner Von Hagen returned to the meeting at 11:35 p.m. Conditional Use Permit No. 138 Variance No. 205 Grading No. 1101 E.A. No. 552 31270 Palos Verdes Drive South The Staff Report on this item was waived. Notion was made by Commissioner ortolano and seconded by Commissioner dike to adopt the staff recommendation to continue this item to November 9, 1988. Notion unanimously passed. CONTINUED BUSINESS Height Variation. No. 294 Appeal 4380 Dauntless The Staff Report on this item was waived. Assistant Planner I.aur,e Brigham noted that the architect has indicated he could lower the structure by another foot and increase the square footage to 745 feet. Motion was made by Commissioner Ortolano and seconded by Commissioner McNulty to approve the project as revised with an additional condition that the roof will be lowered overall by approximately one foot and one foot two inches and the total habitable space will be increased to a maximum of 745 square feet. Motion unanimously passed. Site Plan Review No. 3936 2175 Rockinghorse The Staff Report on this item was waived. Motion was made by Commissioner ortolano and seconded by Commissioner Wike to adopt the staff recommendation to continue this item to October 11, 1988. Motion unanimously passed. Minutes September 27, 1988 Page Ten NEW BUSINESS Encroachment Permit No. 12 4212 Palos Verdes Drive East • The Staff Report on this item was waived. motion was made by Commissioner ortolan and seconded by Commissioner vike to adopt the Staff recommendation to approve the project subject to conditions. Notion unanimously parsed. Grading No. 1167 Associate Planner Carolynn 28319 Plainfield Petru presented the Staff Report and noted the Staff recommendation to deny the protect as proposed Ba -sant" Garg, 28319 Plainfield, the applicant, noted that the proposed grading would not be excessive and asked for a revision of his request to lower the wall to approximately 4 feet Mr. Garg also presented a plot plan showing the extent of the slope Motion was made by Commissioner Von Hagen and seconded by Commissioner Ortolano to allow the retaining wall with a height not to exceed four and a half feet and not to extend beyond at the corner of the house closest to the front property line. Motion passed 3 to 1. Commissioner Wike dissented. MISCELLANEOUS HEAPING Tract No. 40640 Lunada Pointe Commissioner Ortolano advised Mr Burrell that due to the lateness of the hour, this item will be continued to 6 30 p.m on October 11, 198E STAFF REPORTS Variance No 177 27839 Hawthorne Boulevard Director of Environmental Services Benard noted that the Commission had previously given approval for the fence to be painted a neutral color, and it has subsequently been painted white. Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham noted that the applicant has complied with some of the conditions of approval. The consensus of the Commission was that white is not a neutral color, and Mr. Wilson should be so advised and the wall should be painted a neutral earth tone color to blend with the surroundings 0 Minutes September 27, 1988 Page Eleven M 11W1,61 41 Fl " I , 1 The meeting was duly adjourned at 12:06 a.m. to October 9, 1988, 11:30 a.m. at the Ritz Carlton Hotel for a field trip.