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PC MINS 19900522MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MAY 22, 1990 The meeting was called to order at 7:32pm by Chairman McNulty at Hesse Community Park, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. PRESENT McNulty, Von Hagen, Hotchkiss, Brooks, Katherman ABSENT None Also present were Director of Environmental Services Robert Benard, Senior Planner Carolynn Petru, Associate Planner Laurie B. Jester, and Assistant Planners Lisa Marie Davidson, Mike Patterson, Bonnie Olson and Terry Silverman. COMMUNICATIONS Chairman McNulty acknowledged receipt of the following communications: Regarding CUP 155/EA 601, objecting letters from the City of Lomita, Mr. Small and Richard and Lisa Pierson; a letter from San Pedro resident Michael J. Shannon objecting to the increasing traffic in San Pedro caused by RPV residents; letters from residents Becker and Simmons objecting to the Hon project; and a request for continuance on New Business Item CUP 23 --Rev "PP". CONSENT CALENDAR A. Minutes of May 8, 1990 B. Street Vacation (Searaven Drive east of Heroic) C. Site Plan Review No. 5480 (5047 Rockvalley) Commissioner Brooks moved approval of the consent calendar, Commissioner Hotchkiss seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. EXTREME SLOPE PERMIT Assistant Planner Lisa Marie NO. 19 Davidson presented the staff 6748 Vallon report regarding the applicant's request to allow construction of three decks over an extreme slope. Staff recommendation is to approve the application with conditions. The public hearing was opened. PLANNING COMMIS,* MEETING May 22, 1990 0 Richard Lindgren, 6748 Vallon, applicant, stated that all the conditions of approval were acceptable. The public hearing was closed. Commissioner Von Hagen moved approval of the staff recommendation, and Commissioner Brooks seconded the motion, noting that she had visited the site. The motion passed unanimously. B. VARIANCE NO. 259 The staff report was presented L.A. County Fire Dept. by Senior Planner Carolynn Petru 29516 Miraleste Plaza regarding the Fire Department's request to allow a solid wall over 30" in height in the intersection visibility triangle. Staff's recommendation is to approve the request with conditions, specifically that the wall allow 900 light -and - air to pass through. The public hearing was opened. Battalion Chief Gordon Pierson, 29516 Miraleste Plaza, applicant, stated that all the conditions of approval were acceptable, and also noted that trees would be replanted. The public hearing was closed. Commissioner Brooks moved approval of the staff recommendation, Commissioner Hotchkiss seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Brooks commended Planner Petru on the excellent report. Co COASTAL PERMIT NO. GRADING NO. 1433, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT No. 605 RPV RDA, Portugese Bend landslide approve the request with 91, Associate Planner Laurie Jester presented the staff report regarding the RDA's request to allow a 1600 foot extension to the existing gabions in the Portugese Bend landslide. Staff's recommendation is to conditions. Commissioner Hotchkiss withdrew from voting, citing possible conflict of interest due to his involvement in the Portugese Bend Club Homeowners Association. Planner Jester also noted that the Draft Negative Declaration had been circulated for 21 days as per CEQA guidelines. The public hearing was opened. Charles Abbott, 6866 Verde Ridge, testified that the Army Corps of Engineers report could take several years. Mr. Abbott also stated that the gabions slow down wave erosion carrying landslide debris into the ocean, which destroys marine life, and that examination of the tidepools in front of the current gabions indicate that marine life is coming Page 2 PLANNING COMMISO MEETING May 22, 1990 back as a direct result of the gabions. Mr. Abbott also noted that the offshore water environment and bluffs are the purview of the Army Corps of Engineers. Gale Lovrich, 104 Spindrift Drive, representing the Portugese Bend Club HOA and the Klondike Canyon Geologic Abatement District, urged the Commission to approve the project for the sake of the marine life. Ms. Lovrich also noted that the need for road repairs had lessened considerably since the advent of the original gabions. Steve Cummins, 3719 PVDN, owner of property in the Portuguese Bend Club, also asked the Commission to approve the project. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, spoke against the project, stating she did not see any beneficial effects, and also that the landslide material being carried into the ocean would cover up toxic wastes there. Ms. Larue also accused the Commission of conducting a "secret meeting" regarding this issue. Michael Barth, 48 Seawall Road, urged to Commission to approve the project, and stated he had also noticed improved road conditions since the last gabions were installed. The public hearing was closed. Mr. Abbott clarified that the "toxic material" referred to by Ms. Larue had been dumped several miles off Whites Point, not Inspiration Point, and that minimizing erosion in Portuguese Bend had no connection to this issue. Mr. Benard noted that the "secret meeting" referred to by Ms. Larue was in fact a fully -noticed public tour of the Coastal Commission, published in their agenda package available to the public and at the Coastal Commission office, and that the tour had also been available for any members of the public wishing to know more about the issue and that in fact, Ms. Larue attended a potion of the tour. Chairman McNulty expressed his displeasure at Ms. Larue's efforts to stop the City's successful landslide mitigation efforts, and noted that her constant interference was costing the City much time and money, as well as doing a serious disservice to all other citizens in the community. Commissioner Katherman noted that the gabions had mitigated the effects of the slide on the sea life. Commissioner Brooks stated that the photographs presented showed much evidence that the gabions were working. Commissioner Katherman moved approval of the staff recommendation. Commissioner Von Hagen seconded, and the motion carried 4-0, with Commissioner Hotchkiss abstaining. D. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT Assistant Planner Bonnie Olson NO. 8 - REV "A" presented the staff report 5975 Armaga Spring Road regarding the applicant's Page 3 PLANNING COMMIS* MEETING May 22, 1990 request to allow modification in the permitted use of the church pre-school to a day care center, and to extend the hours of operation and increase the permitted enrollment by no more than 25%. Commissioner Von Hagen exercised a discretionary withdrawal from voting, stating that he lived in close proximity to the subject property. The public hearing was opened. Jon Rose, 27945 Ridgecove Court, representing the applicant, asked the Commission to approve the application. He also stated that the pre-school was open to all members of the community, and that the hours of operation would be lam to bpm. The public hearing was closed. Commissioner Brooks moved to adopt the staff recommendation, Commissioner Katherman seconded, and the motion passed 4-0, with Commissioner Von Hagen abstaining. E. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT The staff report was presented NO. 155; ENVIRONMENTAL by Associate Planner Laurie ASSESSMENT NO. 601 Jester regarding Green Hills 27501 Western Memorial Park's request to approve a 100 -year master plan for development of the park. Staff's recommendation is to take public testimony and continue the applications until June 26, 1990 for further staff review. Ms. Jester also clarified the detailed development stages for Phase I, and stated that during the preliminary view analysis, it was determined that there could be some view impairment to neighboring properties. The public hearing was opened. Robert Levonian, 436 W. Colorado, Glendale, representing the applicant, gave a brief history of the development plan, and noted that when the park was established, there were no homes around it. Mr. Levonian also stated that the CUP required a total site development analysis, which initiated the 100 -year master plan, and he also asked for more meetings with staff. Rodman L. Small, 2110 PVDN #112, Lomita, representing the Vista Verde HOA, objected to the proposed master plan on the grounds of potential view impairment, property devaluation and environmental impact. Hal Croyts, 2028 W. 245th St., Lomita, Lomita City Councilman, objected to the project due to possible major impact on the Vista Verde condominium development. Charles Belga, 25135 Doria Avenue, Lomita, representing the Page 4 PLANNING COMMISSW MEETING May 22, 1990 City of Lomita, objected to the project as presented. Henry Jeffries, 2110 PVDN, Lomita, also objected to the proposed project, citing possible view impairment and noise. Richard Pierson, 2110 PVDN #114, Lomita, spoke against the project, asking that the 40' setback be maintained, and stating that there are currently drainage problems. R. Booth Tarkington, 1902 Peninsula Verde Dr., also objected to the project, citing loss of harbor views. Richard Brunner, 1906 Peninsula Verde Dr., stated he had no objection to burial sites within the setbacks, but asked that the proposed structures be located elsewhere to avoid view impairment. Robert Levonian, applicant's representative, addressed the issues of the setbacks, and stated that 30,000 internment sites would be lost if they could not use the 40' setback. Mr. Levonian also stated that all the neighboring HOA's had been contacted for a meeting, and that only one responded. Lisa Pierson, 2110 PVDN, #114, Lomita, objected to burial sites within the setbacks citing loss of privacy. Chairman McNulty reminded the residents that the property had always been zoned for cemetery use. Commissioner Brooks moved to continue the public hearing, and Commissioner Hotchkiss seconded the motion. Commissioner Von Hagen asked that the drainage problem brought up by one of the speakers be looked into, and reminded residents that the reality of the situation is that buildup on the subject property may compromise their views. Mr. Von Hagen also suggested the City look into the ramifications of prohibiting internments within the setbacks. Commissioner Katherman asked for a tour of the facilities to examine the view impacts. Chairman McNulty asked that the City Attorney look into any possible inverse condemnation aspects of this situation as applied to the impacted residents as well as to prohibiting internments in the setbacks, since the applicant had previously been granted cemetery rights. Chairman McNulty also instructed the staff to set up further meetings with the applicant. Mr. McNulty also asked to see an adjacent properties site plan placing the actual buildings in relation to proposed structures. The motion on the floor to continue the public hearing was voted upon and passed unanimously. Page 5 PLANNING COMMISS1 MEETING May 22, 1990 C: Commissioner Brooks also suggested getting a comparative analysis of how other cities handle cemetery setbacks. CONTINUED BUSINESS A. GRADING PERMIT 1421 Assistant Planner Mike Patterson 3274 Crownview presented the staff report regarding the applicant's request to approve an 8' retaining wall with an existing cut. Staff's recommendation is to approve the application with conditions. Mr. Patterson also noted that the staircase that seemingly led to a blank wall was actually access from the main hallway in the house that was temporarily boarded off, but was being built as per approved plans. Jim Paul, 30301 Kingsridge Drive, general contractor for the project, further explained the layout of the stairways. Commissioner tion Hagen asked that there be a proviso that a City inspector be sent out to the subject property in six months to make sure there is no second unit, and that the owner be put on notice that if a second unit is found, code enforcement will be initiated. Mr. Benard suggested a condition be added as follows: "Prior to issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy, a second unit covenant shall be submitted to the Department for recordation." Commissioner Von Hagen then moved to approve the staff recommendation to include the new condition. Commissioner Katherman seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS A. GRADING PERMIT 1405 The staff report was presented 2027 Delasonde by Assistant Planner Lisa Marie Davidson regarding the applicant's request to approve an existing downslope retaining wall combined with wrought iron fencing and/or freestanding walls to total a height of 8'0" on an extreme slope in the side and rear yards. Staff's recommendation is to approve the request subject toconditions. 1AA1L 5t,a—V0.ck Uks kT--A Commissioner tion Hagen noted that he had visited the site. Commissioner BrooksAsuggested that if a 900 light -and -air was used, it would not hide the pool equipment. Commissioner Katherman agreed that a solid wall provided privacy to the neighbors, and Planner Davidson noted that the neighbors had only objected to the color of the solid wall and a drainage problem. Chairman McNulty suggested that the applicant stucco the wall a different color that would be acceptable to the neighbors. PLANNING COMMIS MEETING May 22, 1990 • Arun Jain, 2630 Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance, architect for the applicants, stated that he had discussed a color change for the wall with the neighbors, and they were amenable to that solution. Mr. Jain also stated the drainage problem would be taken care of. Commissioner Brooks moved adoption of the staff recommendation, with the removal of Condition "A" requiring the 90% light -and -air fence. Commissioner Von Hagen seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. B. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT Mr. Benard acknowledged a NO. 23 - REV "PP", communication from the applicant GRADING PERMIT 1388 requesting a continuance to the 32541 Seacliff Drive June 12, 1990 Planning Commission meeting in order to comply with staff suggestions, and that since the June 12 agenda was full, it could be continued to the June 26 meeting. Chairman McNulty moved to continue the item to the June 26, 1990 meeting, Commissioner Brooks seconded, and the motion passed without objection. COMMISSION REPORTS Chairman McNulty noted that there would be a SWAPC luncheon on May 25 in Long Beach to discuss regulatory requirements for cleanup of contaminated sites. U17F •i The meeting was adjourned at 10:25pm to the May 31 joint workshop at 7:30pm in Hesse Park for the Transamerica project. Page 7