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PC MINS 19891010MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 10, 1989 The meeting was called to order at 7:34pm by Chairperson Wike at Hesse Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT Wike, Hotchkiss, Von Hagen, McNulty, Brooks ABSENT None Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Planning Administrator Curtis Williams, Associate Planner Laurie Brigham, Senior Planner Greg Fuz, Assistant Planner Bonnie Olson, Associate Planner Joel Rojas, and Assistant Planner Lisa Marie Breisacher. COMMUNICATIONS Chairperson Wike acknowledged a letter received from the Lunada Point Homeowners Association, applicant, requesting that New Business Item "B" be continued to the November 14 meeting. Mrs. Wike also noted that a letter had been received from Klaus Shoegraff regarding Consent Calendar Item "D". CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of September 12, 1989 -- Commissioner Hotchkiss stated that he would like to see the minutes be more current, and Mr. Benard noted that although the minutes are finished the next day, they have to be circulated and corrected, and Resolutions must be re -prepared. B. P. C. Resolution No. 89 -- 6624 Monero C. P. C. Resolution No. 89 -- 1 Burrell Lane D. Grading No. 1290 -- 30405 Cartier Commissioner Hotchkiss moved to adopt the consent calendar, Commissioner McNulty seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Commissioner McNulty moved to continue New Business Item "B" (Coastal Permit No. 78, Encroachment Permit No. 15) to the November 14 meeting as requested by the Lunada Pointe Homeowners Association. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hotchkiss and passed unanimously. • 0 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 10, 1989 PUBLIC HEARINGS A. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT Senior Planner Greg Fuz NO. 147, VARIANCE NO. 236, presented the staff report GRADING NO. 1274, DRAFT regarding approval of a NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR new 32,800 sq.ft. office ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT and retail building. Mr. Fuz NO. 578 also detailed the history of 31270 PVDW the project and summarized the concerns of the adjacent Villa Capri homeowners. Mr. Fuz noted that the staff does not have a recommendation on the project at this time, but prefers to complete a view analysis, hear public testimony, receive direction from the Commission, then continue the public hearing to the November 14 meeting. Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard clarified that the new Commissioners could hear this item as this is a new submittal and not a continuation of the previous applications which were appealed to Council. Commissioner Von Hagen asked for clarification regarding the lowered grading elevations of the Villa Capri front units, noting that the applicant has claimed this will negatively affect his request. Mr. Fuz stated that these lowered elevations were legally approved by the City at the time of the original Villa Capri application in order to prevent view impairment to homes across Hawthorne Boulevard and to allow for views from within the Villa Capri development. Chairperson Wike opened the public hearing. Walter K. Zell, 3011 Haddington Drive, Los Angeles, developer and representative of the applicant, noted that the roof of the proposed project would be 5' lower than the existing Admiral Risty. He also stated that he felt the lowered grading elevations at Villa Capri, as well as potential development across PVDW, is affecting development of this property. He also stated that Pan Asian had never been informed of the construction of Villa Capri or the church use of part of the property for parking. Mr. Fuz stated that the easement granting the church 50 parking spaces was recorded prior to Pan Asian's purchase of the property and should have appeared in the title report. Mr. Fuz also noted that since Villa Capri required a zone change, all property owners within 500 feet were noticed. Mrs. Trudy English, 60 Via Capri, president of the Villa Capri Homeowners Association, spoke against the CUP, citing view impairment, loss of privacy and devaluation of property. Mr. Morris English, 60 Via Capri, also spoke against the CUP, stating that his insurance company had informed him that his Page 2 0 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 10, 1989 premiums would increase if the commercial development was within 30' of his property line. Commissioner McNulty noted that there is a drainage problem at Villa Capri that affects the subject property, the church, and the English's property. Mr. English stated that he is aware of the problem, and it is being dealt with through the developer. Edward Shea, 25 Via San Remo, spoke against the CUP. Regina Gilliland, 34 Via Capri, spoke against the CUP. Jae S. Chu, 68 Via Capri, also spoke against the CUP. Chris Von Glahn, 48 Via Capri, spoke against the CUP, stating that he felt this was not a viable project in light of the office and retail vacancies at Golden Cove, and asked that the developer do an economic study. Commissioner McNulty noted that the City had recently done an extensive economic study regarding the feasibility of the area as a commercial center, and since the findings indicated it was not viable commercially, Villa Capri., as a residential development, was approved. Suzanne Gulcher, 30034 via Borica, representative of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, spoke in favor of the CUP. Mr. Fuz noted that the Department of Public Works recommends that a left turn cut in the median should be bonded for if this project is approved, which would also serve the church. Debra Filbert, 220 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach, representative of the Villa Capri developer, spoke against the CUP, stating that sales of the remaining vacant units have been affected by the possibility of this project. Mr. B. J. Lauhoff, #1 Via San Remo, spoke against the CUP. Chairperson Wi.ke asked the Commissioners to give the developer and staff some direction. Commissioner Hotchkiss stated there could possibly be an impact on the financial viability of this project if homes were built across PVDW. He also wanted to see the board and string outline of the proposed project put in place to see how it affected the Villa Capri views. Commissioner Von Hagen noted that the developer has made some attempts to mitigate some of the homeowners' concerns, and that he would like to see what the final project looks like. Commissioner McNulty stated that he would like to see the Page 3 • • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 10, 1989 developer come to the Commission with his best design. He also noted his concern about noise and fumes from the underground parking, and reminded the developer that roof amenities such as air conditioning would be severely limited. Commissioner Brooks detailed her concerns about the increased lot coverage and grading, and the height problem, citing the need for a view analysis. She stated that the reduced plans were very hard to read, and requested larger copies. Chairperson Wike stated that she felt a two-story building on this property would be inappropriate and too impactive, and recommended a smaller building. She also felt that the subterranean parking was too extensive and should be reduced, and that a condition be added that the developer cannot later request approval for a restaurant. Chairperson Wike also requested that the rear setback remain as close to 50' as possible, and she recommended no rooftop equipment whatsoever be allowed. Chairperson Wike suggested that the staff work with the developer, and the developer with the Homeowners Association, taking all these considerations into account. Commissioner McNulty moved to continue the public hearing to the November 14 meeting. Commissioner Von Hagen seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. At this time, a 10 -minute recess was called. B. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 20475, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. 567, COASTAL PERMIT NO. 67, VARIANCE NO. 240, 6560 PVDS approving the applications with Associate Planner Laurie Brigham presented the staff report regarding approval of a two -lot subdivision in the Coastal Zone, and a redesignation of the property lines. Staf f recommends conditions. Commissioner Von Hagen asked if certification had been received showing the site free of previous -use contamination. Ms. Brigham stated that certification had been received from the County Department of Health Services, and Commissioner Von Hagen asked that this be forwarded to the appropriate agency at the state level. Commissioner McNulty stated he would like to see the ridge height lowered, and suggested using a retaining wall on the transitional slope in order to reduce the height 1-2 feet on the north side of the property line without cutting down on the buildable pad. He also suggested a reduction of the intersection visibility setbacks due to the divided road. Environmental Services Director Robert Benard stated that this item could be made part of the variance, but would have Page 4 • 9 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 20, 1989 to be cleared with the Department of Public Works. Commissioner Von Hagen also suggested that the developer be required to install a barrier or guardrail on PVDS. Chairperson Wake declared the public hearing open. James M. Givens, 13135 Barton Road, Whittier, civil engineer and representative for the applicant, stated that they plan to comply with the bulk of the staff recommendations, but requested a reduction of the lower height level in order to build the garages below the living level. He also requested that conditions 37 and 38 be removed, since they will just be removing compacted fill. The public hearing was closed. Chairperson Wake noted that the following aspects of the project should be examined before the next meeting: The visibility triangle, the upper and lower pad elevation changes, the safety railing, and the revised conditions. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to approve the project in concept and the Commission directed staff to prepare a revised Resolution for the October 24 Consent Calendar. The item was continued to the October 24 meeting, Commissioner McNulty seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT Assistant Planner Lasa Marie NO. 23 "KK," GRADING Breisacher presented the NO. 1275 staff report regarding 2930 Vista Del Mar applicant's request to revise the footprint specified in CUP 23 for construction of a new single family residence. Staff recommends approval of the application with conditions. Commissioner Von Hagen complimented Ms. Breisacher on the concise staff report. Chairperson Wike asked for clarification of outside staircases, and Mr. Benard stated that they are prohibited only on additions, and noted also that all bedrooms in this proposed project are downstairs. Lamar Robinson, 1455 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, architect for the applicant, stated they are able to meet all of staff's recommendations. Commissioner Von Hagen moved to adopt the staff recommendation, and Commissioner McNulty seconded the motion, Page 5 0 0 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 10, 1989 which passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS A. GRADING NO. 1319 Associate Planner Joel Rojas 3527 Heroic presented the staff report detailing the applicant's request to allow two upslope retaining walls to stabilize an existing unapproved excavation on an extreme slope. Staff recommends approval of the application as submitted. Chairperson Wike asked if the slope could be restored. Mr. Rojas stated that it could, but that the Building and Safety Division preferred that the walls be built and that restoration would necessitate the importation of fill onto the applicant's property. Alica Buegel, 3527 Heroic Drive, applicant, requested approval of the application. Commissioner McNulty moved to approve the staff recommendation, Commissioner Von Hagen seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. The applicant wished the Commission a Happy Thanksgiving and a Happy Christmas. B. COASTAL PERMIT NO. 78 Please note that this item ENCROACHMENT PERMIT NO.15 has been continued to the Marguerite Drive November 14 meeting. C. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT The staff report was NO. 23 "LL," GRADING presented by Assistant NO. 1295 Planner Lisa Marie Breisacher 3417 Palo Vista regarding applicant's request to approve a revision to the CUP to install a pool, spa, decking and retaining wall. Staff recommends approval of the request with conditions. Commissioner McNulty moved to approve the staff recommendation. Commissioner Hotchkiss seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. D. HEIGHT VARIATION NO. 616 Commissioner Von Hagen APPEAL disclosed that he knows 30741 Ganado appellant John Dailey, but has not discussed this appeal with him. The staff report was presented by Assistant Planner Bonnie Olson. The appellant has requested that the staff overturn approval of a second story addition, thereby denying the proposed project. Staff recommends that the appeal be Page 6 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 10, 1989 denied. Kean Hamilton, 30747 Ganado Drive, spoke in support of the appeal, citing loss of privacy and view impairment. John Dailey, 30753 Ganado Drive, a neighbor two houses away from the proposed project, commented extensively, noting staff excluded some of his letters and envelopes from the Staff Report. Chin-Kuei Kuo, 30741 Ganado, landowner, spoke against the appeal, presenting an artist's rendering of her proposed project that demonstrated her neighbors were not adversely impacted. Commissioner McNulty noted that hedges between the two properties have grown so high that views are impacted anyway. Mr. Benard noted that the Height Variation contains a condition that the landowner thin out these hedges. Commissioner McNulty moved to adopt the staff recommendation to deny the appeal. Commissioner Hotchkiss seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE There were no questions from the audience. REPORTS Staff: Mr. Benard noted that the Commission had been given a copy of a notice granting a special use permit to the Ascension Lutheran Church on Silver Spur for installation of a temporary construction trailer. Commission: Commissioner Von Hagen asked if there had been any action on the Mi.raleste Elementary School problem, and Mr. Benard stated a full report would be received when the CUP expired. Commissioner Von Hagen also asked if the antenna farm on Clint Drive had been dealt with. Mr. Benard stated that code enforcement and staff are getting the proper applications filed. Chairperson Wike stated her fear that the Seacliff Hills guidelines are being overextended, and asked that the staff and Commission keep the guidelines in mind when dealing with each project in the area. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:38pm. Page 7