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PC MINS 19881213MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 13, 1988 The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m. by Chairman Connolly at Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT: Von Hagen, Connolly, Wike ABSENT: Ortolano, McNulty Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Senior Planner Greg Fuz, Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham and Assistant Planner Marcia Smith. COMMUNICATIONS Chairman Connolly reported that a communication had been received from a neighbor of the Det jens, -(Coastal Permit No. 64) and would be addressed at the time this agenda item was heard. Chairman Connolly also reported that the communication relative to the Marriott Lifecare Center will be made a part of the record. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of November 9s 1988 The Commission was provided with copies of revised Page 9. Minutes of November 22, 1988 The Commission was provided with copies of the following revised pages: 1, 2s 6o 7* 9. r P.C. Resolution No. 88 7015 Del Mar v X61 Motion was made by Commissioner Wike and seconded -a-i-r-mAn — Connolly to add a -deed restriction to-LS-e-d-t.i6n—'I---af---zth-e�Re.ao-l-u-tion—� stipulating that open space shall not be encroached upon any further. Motion passed 2 to 1. Commissioner Von Haaen dissenterl. Conditional Use Permit No. 51 "Do# Palos Verdes Drive So./Seawolf There was no discussion on this item. Motion was made by Commissioner Van Hagen and seconded by Commissioner Wike to approve the Consent Calendar as amended. Motion unanimously passed. Chairman Connolly announced that the agenda would not follow the order in which it was presented. 0 Minutes December 13, 1988 Page Two CONTINUED BUSINESS Site Plan Review No. 4717 4030 Admirable i Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham presented the Staff Report and noted that this item was continued from the November 9, 1988 Planning Commission meeting, at which time the property owner was directed to obtain a detailed analysis from a satellite technician describing signal reception capabilities of the antenna from alternative locations and heights in the rear yard. Ms. Brigham reported that, according to the technician's analysis, the dish could be relocated to the corner of the rear deck and still receive all 16 of the sate 111tes,an:dcou1d be mounted on the edge of the eaves instead of against the house and through the eaves, as it is now, and be lowered three feet in height. Ms. Brigham added that the dish would be partially screened from Admirable Drive in this location due to existing vegetation; however, it would still be visible from Palos Verdes Drive South, but it would be surrounded by vegetation, which would soften the impact. Stan Boggess, 4030 Admirable Drive, the applicant, objected to the Staff opinion that the spa could be relocated if necessary. He said if the pole were to be mounted in the location recommended by Staff the deck would be destroyed. Mr. Boggess also objected to the Staff recommendation that additional vegetation be added to soften the visible impact of the dish from Palos Verdes Drive South, and requested that the Commission grant the site plan review. Director of Environmental Services Benard suggested that, due to the discrepancy between the applicant and Staff in the locations where the satellite antenna can be established, Mr. Boggess should provide an accurate site plan showing the existing improvements and accurate property line locations. Motion was made by Commissioner Von. -Hagen and seconded by Chairman Connolly to approve the application as submitted. Motion passed 2 to 1. Commissioner Wake dissented. Site Plan Review No. 4734 5015 Silver Arrow Motion was made by Commissioner Von Hagen and seconded by Commissioner Wike to continue this application to January 11, 1988. Motion Unanimously passed. Site Plan Review No. 4758 28428 Cedarbluff Motion was made by Commissioner Wike and seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen to receive and file this item. Motion unanimously passed. Minutes December 13, 1988 Page Three NEW BUSINESS Conditional Use Permit No. 23 "FF" Minor Exception Permit No. 305 32433 Aqua Vista • Assistant Planner Laurie Brigham presented the Staff Report and reported that Staff approved Grading Application No. 648 to allow construction of a single family residence at 32433 Aqua Vista in the Seacliff Hills Tract on September 30, 1985. In September 1986, the Planning Commission adopted the Seacliff Hills Guidelines, which require a minimum of 75% open space for upsloping lots. Ms. Brigham stated that this application is requesting approval of the following modifications to the property: two retaining walls, concrete patio and deck; guest parking; driveway parking and retaining wall; and retaining wall and parking. Staff is concerned about the requested items because: the proposed concrete patio deck and parking areas would decrease the open space on the lot; both proposed parking areas are not necessary for the primary permitted use of the lot and the mass of concrete would have a negative visual impact; the proposed 3'6" downslope wall adjacent to Palos Verdes Drive South is not necessary and would not meet the criteria established in the Development Code. Ms. Brigham concluded that the proposed .construction would greatly intensify the amount of development on the lot, which Staff believes would be contrary to the intent of the Seacliff Hills Guidelines and the Development Code, but Staff could support a small level area instead of a concrete slab and deck, as well as a combination grass/concrete parking area. Han Yen, 32433 Aqua Vista Drive, the applicant, noted that he was willing to accept the Staff recommendation and requested clarification on the lot coverage requirements. Commissioner Wike proposed elimination of the guest parking and denial of the solid wall along Palos Verdes Drive South. Motion was made by Commissioner Von Hagen and seconded by Chairman Connolly to approve the application with the modifications and conditions as recommended in Exhibit A. Motion passed 2 to 1. Commissioner Wike dissented. Conditional Use PermitAssistant Planner Marcia Smith No. 23 _ presented the Staff Report and Revision "GG" noted that the applicant pro - Grading No. 1195 poses to construct a multi - Tract 34834 level residence and a detached guesthouse, which needs to be redesigned or a Variance application filed because this structure will cantilever six feet over a drainage channel as well as an extreme slope. Minutes December 13, 1988 Page Four Ms. Smith also reported that the proposed project meets all setback, height, roofline, and open space requirements except for the cantilevered deck, cantilevered guesthouse, retaining walls and grading outside the building footprint. Staff will require a landscape and fencing plan consistent with the Seacliff Hills guidelines and recommends redesign of the project to address these concerns. Director of Environmental Services Benard added that Staff will require a covenant to ensure that the guesthouse will not be converted into an independent living unit. Marianne Traughber, 1402 North Cabrillo, San Pedro, the applicant, stated that she understood Staff's concerns with the required revisions to the plan. Motion was made by Commissioner Von Hagen and seconded by Chairman Connolly to approve the application with conditions and bring this item back to the Planning Commission for final approval. In addition, a deed restriction shall be added concerning the integrity of the guesthouse. Motion unanimously passed. A recess was taken from 7:48 p.m. until 7:58 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS Conditional Use Permit No. 141 Environmental Assessment No. 558 26041 Hawthorne Boulevard Director of Environmental Services Benard requested continuance of this item to January 24, 1989 to allow Staff the opportunity to contact property owners, arrange for testimony by a Sheriff's Department representative and to review the financial statement and hourly sales data for the 7-11 Store. Motion was made by Commissioner Wike and seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen to continue this item to January 249 1989. Motion unanimously passed. Variance No. 217 Grading No. 1192 Variation No. 568 6343 Villa Rosa As.sis_ t_an_t° Planner Marcia Smith presented the Staff Report and noted that this item was considered on November 22, 1988, at which time Staff was directed to meet with the applicant to further discuss the proposed grading, fencing and retaining walls. As a result, Staff has reconsidered the height of the retaining wall on the extreme slope in the rear yard as well as the original concerns regarding the proposed garage in the extreme slope. Minutes December 13, 1988 Page Five Ms. Smith reviewed the proposals for which the applicant is requesting approval, which include: a reduction in the front setback; a six foot solid grapestake fence; a garage addition; and a five foot retaining wall on an extreme slope. She concluded that Staff recommends approval subject to the following conditions: the retaining wall shall not exceed three feet six inches in height parallel to the driveway; the height of the retaining wall beyond the proposed addition may be increased to a maximum five feet; the retaining wall shall be placed a minimum three feet from the interior and rear property lines. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Ellen Osborne, 6343 Villa Rosa Drive, presented renderings and floor plans of the proposed improvements and noted her willingness to compromise with a four foot grapestake fence. Chairman Connolly closed the public hearing. Commissioner Wike ,proposed addition of the condition that the chain link fence should be removed within one year. Motion was made by Chairman Connolly and seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen to approve the request for grading and for fencing at the reduced height. Motion unanimously passed. Director of Environmental Services Benard announced that a Resolution will be prepared and brought before the Commission. Environmental Assessment No. 557 Conditional Use Permit No. 140 Variance No. 212 Encroachment Permit No. 13 Grading No. 1165 550 Silver Spur Director of Environmental ,Services presented the Staff Report and noted that the Commission heard this :.tem on October 25, 1988 and again on November 22, 1988. Mr. Benard said that the previous Staff Reports addressed issues of use, parking, height, setbacks, grading, encroachments and architecture, but Staff has been most concerned about encroachment over the public right-of-way and the setbacks. Staff believes that other previously discussed concerns such as reduction in net leasable space, limiting restaurant use and additional articulation and setbacks can be easily accommodated by the applicant. Minutes December 13, 1988 Page Six Mr. Benard concluded that Staff recommended approval of the redesigned project subject to conditions contained in the Resolution. With the satisfactory resolution of the Building Code restrictions regarding encroachments and a further review of the parking conditions along Silver Spur Road, the Director of Public Works has indicated that an encroachment into the right- of-way with the vertical columns supporting the loggia would be acceptable provided all conditions normally required for an Encroachment Permit are satisfied, that the columns are no closer than three feet from the back of the curb, and that parking is restricted along the Silver Spur frontage. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. Russel Goff, 27605 Longhill Drive, expressed concern about early morning trash collection, restaurant odors, disturbance from auto burglar alarms, and the brush covered area adjacent to the property. Ron Florance, 1025 Via Mirabel, commented on Mr. Goff's concerns, and stated that he concurred with the Staff recommendations and was willing to adhere to the conditions imposed by Staff. Robert Earl, 8500 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, architect, presented a rendering which showed the building as revised per Staff recommendations. Mr. Earl said he was in complete accord with the 'Staff Report, and addressed Mr. Goff's concerns. John Von Wagner, 7948 Beechgate, President of the Peninsula Rim Homeowners Association, was concerned that the residents in the neighborhood were not previously notified of the hearings on this project, and expressed concern about the adequacy of parking, the size of the restaurant, and whether variances should be made on this project because of the presence of the earthquake fault. He also felt that signage should be severely restricted. Chairman Connolly closed the public hearing. Commissioner Von Hagen commended the developers for coming up with a revised design which allows for reasonable development on the site. Commissioner Wike expressed objection to the minimal 18" front setback and the loggia encroaching into the public right-of-way, and to the excessive height of the towers. Motion was made by Commissioner Von Hagen and seconded by Chairman Connolly to approves:: -}ham project as conditioned per Staff recommendation. Motion passed 2 to 1. Commissioner Wike dissented. Tentative Parcel Map Senior Planner Greg Fuz noted No. 19847 that the requested revised Grading No. 1184 grading plans had not yet been Environmental Assessment received, therefore, Staff No. 560 recommended continuance of 4105 Palos Verdes Drive East_`__ this item to January 24, 1989. ` Minutes December 13~ 1988 Page Seven Motion was made by Commissioner Wikme and seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen to continue the public hearing on this item to January 24, 1989~ Motion unanimously passed. Coastal Permit No. 63 _&ss.i.s-taot__Planner Marcia Smith Variance No. 219 presented the Staff Report and 4118 Maritime noted that the applicant proposes a 52{) square font addition to the property which would include plumbing. However, the property is located entirely within the Coastal Setback Zone and lies within an area with a geologic stability factor of 2, which indicates that the property has marginal stability. Ms. Smith added that Section 17.34.060B states that the Coastal Setback Zone is an area in which new development is prohibited and only minor additions to structures existing as of December 26, 1975 can be permitted. The residence an the subject property was built in 1951. Richard Farman, 4187 Maritime Road, stated the reasons why he thought the addition was appropriate and asked whether relief could be sought through a Variance request. Chairman Connolly closed the public hearing. Director of Environmental Services Benard explained that modification of the Coastal Setback Line would be costly and impractical. He was not in favor of recommending e Variance unless it could be found that the Line could be moved. Motion was made by Commissioner Von Hagen to tithis item to -'the January 24, 19B9 Plannin Commission meeting., econded by Commissioner Wike. Motion unanimously passed. Coastal Permit No. 64 Chairman Connolly reported Grading No. 1200 that he had received 26 9eacove correspondence on this project relating to restriction of a solid wall. Senior Planner Greg Fuz presented the Staff Report and reported that this project is a request for a single family residence. Alltwould occur within the Coastal Zone. _ _ �` ^�� Certain findings are therefore specified in zn the Development Code, and these must be made by the Commission before final approval, Mr. Fuz added that Staff believes the project satisfies the findings for approval of a Coastal Permit and Grading Application and recommends adoption of PC Resolution 88-. However, the proposed combination retaining/freestanding wall adjacent to the driveway in the front yard setback exceeds the 42 inch maximum combined height permitted by the Development Code. Mr. Fuz concluded that this violation of Code could be eliminated if the freestanding portion of the wall is separated and moved at least threes/ feet forward. Chairman Connolly opened the public hearing. N Minutes December 13, 1988 Page Eight Bruce Krause, 777 Silver Spur Road, was present on behalf of the applicant, did not object to conforming to the concerns of the adjacent owner that a portion of the wall should permit light and air. Chairman Connolly closed the public hearing. Commissioner Von Hagen recommended the insertion in Exhibit A of a restriction that any wall between the properties above three feet should be designed so as to permit,11Rassage of 90% light anda-ir. Motion was made by Commissioner Wike and seconded by Commissioner Von Hagen to approve this item with the conditions listed in Exhibit A. Motion unanimously passed. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE No questions were received from the audience. STAFF REPORTS Director of Environmental Services Benard made the following announcements: 0 The next Planning Commission meeting will adjourn,to January 11, 1989: -at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall not Hesse Park 0 The site project field tour has been scheduled for Saturday, January 14, 1989. 0 Bonnie Olson has joined the Staff as, ---an Assistant Planner. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was duly adjourned at 9:50 p.m. to January 11, 1989, 7:30 p.m.p City Hall Community Room, 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard.