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PC MINS 199503284> APPROVED 4/11/95 CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING March 28, 1995 The meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by Chairman Mowlds at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Commissioner Vannorsdall. PRESENT: Commissioners Alberio, Ferraro, Vannorsdall, Wang, Whiteneck, Vice Chair Hayes, and chairman Mowlds. ABSENT: None Also present were Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement/Planning commission secretary Bernard, Planning Administrator Petru, Assistant Planner de Freitas, and Recording Secretary Drasco. k APPROVAL OF AGENDA At Director/Secretary Bernard's request, because Planning Administrator Petru was ill, Item 3 was heard first on the agenda. CONTINUED BUSINESS 3. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 155 -REVISION "All; Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 Western Avenue. (CP) By acclamation, Chairman Mowlds waived the presentation of the Staff Report. Commissioner Vannorsdall questioned the adequacy of the cross-section drawing provided to the Commission for proper analysis because elevations, floor plans, dimensions, etc. were not furnished. Planning Administrator Petru explained that the drawing was merely a concept to illustrate the applicant's request to increase the downslope height from 25 feet to 30 feet. She added that the Master Plan approved in 1991 established the location of future building footprints and that final design and configuration of each structure would be approved at Staff level before building began. Commissioner Vannorsdall believed that the Commission should be involved with approval of each structure. Chairman Mowlds explained that as long as the mausoleum was built within parameters approved by a previous Planning Commission, Staff was given the authority to approve the actual construction. However, if the actual plan was different in size or location, or did not comply with the Development Code, the project would come back to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Alberio inquired as to why a public hearing was not required for this Conditional Use Permit Revision request. Director/Secretary Bernard replied that the current Development Code did not require a public hearing for a Conditional Use Permit Revision, but that the proposed Development Code would. Commissioner Alberio read from City Council Resolution 91-7, Condition No. 8, that a noticed public hearing shall be required. Planning Administrator Petru clarified that this condition was in reference to the master site plan. A public hearing would only be required if there was a change in the type or location of the structure, not for a change in the conditions. Staff did not feel that the change in height was significant enough to conflict with Condition No. 8. Commissioner Vannorsdall asked if the requested change meant that all buildings on the site would be allowed to build to 30 feet. Commissioner Alberio said that was correct. Commissioner Vannorsdall objected and stated that he would like to see the Commission approve each building before construction began. Vice Chair Hayes moved to accept Staff's recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Ferraro. Approved, (7-0). Staf f : Director/Secretary Bernard reported that a memorandum from Staff, with accompanying past City Council and Planning Commission Resolutions, regarding Item 3 was delivered to the Commissioners on Monday, March 27, 1995. He advised that a copy of the memo without the Resolutions (because he already had copies) was also provided to the applicant on that date. Commission: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR 1. MINUTES OF MARCH 14, 1995. Commissioner Vannorsdall asked that, in the first line of the second paragraph on Page 7, the unnecessary words "that said" be PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 28, 1995 PAGE 2 deleted; and that, in the first line of the first paragraph on Page 12, the word "set" be changed to "sets". Vice Chair Hayes suggested that, in the fourth line of the fourth paragraph on Page 13, the unnecessary word "be" should be deleted and that in the third line of the second paragraph on Page 16, the word "if" should be changed to "of". Chairman Alberio moved to approve the Minutes of March 14, 1995, as amended, seconded by Commissioner Vannorsdall. Approved, (7- 0) . 2. VARIANCE NO. 387 GRADING PERMIT NO 1791; Mr. and Mrs. Milan Veteska, 5503 Graylog Street. (FF) Chairman Alberio moved to accept Staff's recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Wang. Approved, (7-0). Chairman Mowlds stated that he would sign the Resolution that evening and the 15 -day appeal period would begin the next day. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. VARIANCE 385; Mr. John Cassone, 2108 Trudie Drive. (FF) The Commission waived reading of the Staff Report. Chairman Mowlds Opened the Public Hearing and called the applicant. John Cassone, 2108 Trudie Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes. Mr. Cassone said that he was prepared to answer questions. Chairman Mowlds asked Mr. Cassone if he read, understood and agreed with the conditions of approval in the Staff Report. Mr. Cassone said that he did. Commissioner Vannorsdall suggested that Mr. Cassone have his architect make corrections on the plans because he had noticed several dimensional errors. The Commissioner further requested that Mr. Cassone provide a corrected copy of the plans to the Planning Department for the file. Commissioner Ferraro moved to Close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commission Whiteneck. Approved, (7-0). Vice Chair Hayes moved to accept the Staff recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Ferraro. Approved, (7-0). PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 28, 1995 PAGE 3 Director/Secretary Bernard stated that the Resolution would be signed that evening and the 15 -day appeal period would begin the next day. 5. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 183; Palos Verdes Art Center, 5504 Crestridge Drive. (FF) Chairman Alberio moved to waive reading of the Staff Report, seconded by Commissioner Ferraro. Approved (7-0). Chairman Mowlds Opened the Public Hearing and asked the applicant to come forward. Mr. Howard Russell, 81 Hilltop Circle, Rancho Palos Verdes. Mr. Russell stated that he had been a resident of Rancho Palos Verdes for 33 years and was on the Board of Directors for the Palos Verdes Art Center. He reported that the Center was requesting three light standards for security purposes and that he was available for questions. Chair Mowlds noted, although it had no bearing on approval of the three light standards, that one of the lights would shine more on the street and less on the parking lot. He suggested that Mr. Russell have a lighting expert investigate. Mr. Russell expressed his appreciation of Mr. Mowlds' advice. vice Chair Hayes moved to Close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Whiteneck. Approved, (7-0). Commissioner vannorsdall moved to approve the Staff recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Wang. Approved, (7-0). Director/Secretary Bernard stated that the Resolution would be signed that evening and the 15 -day appeal period would begin the next day. NEW BUSINESS: 6. SIGN PERMIT 726; The Terraces Shopping Center, 28901 Western Avenue. (FF) Commissioner vannorsdall moved to waive reading of the Staff Report, seconded by Commissioner Wang. Approved, (7-0). Commissioner vannorsdall moved to Open the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Wang. Approved, (7-0). Chairman Mowlds called the applicant. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 28, 1995 PAGE 4 Mr. Richard Atto (applicant, representing the BOSC Group), 6905 Telegraph, Suite 250, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. Mr. Atto advised that the sign his company was requesting was identical to the signs approved by the Planning Commission in October 1994. He expressed his appreciation for the Commission's approval of several requests made at that time, which had enabled the Center to improve and grow. He also mentioned several new tenants and potential tenants. Mr. Atto explained that the additional sign would provide further identification for the shopping center, particularly for a tenant they were negotiating with who would possibly occupy 40,000 square feet on the third level. Commissioner Alberio asked about two actions approved by the Planning Commission in October 1994 which had not yet begun, specifically, the additional driveway and restriping of the parking lot to improve traffic flow. Mr. Atto replied that they were awaiting approval from CalTrans regarding the new driveway, which was expected in the next week or two; and that, in order to avoid confusion with traffic flow, the restriping could not be accomplished until the driveway was in place. In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Wang, Mr. Atto explained that the existing smaller sign would be replaced by the requested larger one. Mr. Mike Mauk (representing the California Do -It Center), 6633 Odessa Avenue, Van Nuys, CA. Mr. Mauk reported that his company was negotiating to sign a lease for a 40,000 square foot home improvement store. He explained that they had eight stores in Southern California and had determined that this would be a good location for another store. He believed that the additional sign would be necessary for their visibility from the street. Mr. James Jeffrey, 2016 Caddington Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes. Mr. Jeffrey said that he lived just above the Terraces and did not object to the sign, but wished to know its exact location. Assistant Planner de Freitas explained that the proposed location was adjacent to the southernmost driveway, near the Blockbuster Video store. Mrs. Diana Jeffrey, 2016 Caddington Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes. Mrs. Jeffrey explained that she had no objection to the new proposed sign but expressed her concern about traffic safety and (Y said that it appeared this would be corrected with the approval of the new driveway from CalTrans. Commissioner Ferraro moved to Close the Public Hearing, seconded PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 28, 1995 PAGE 5 • 0 by vice chair Hayes. Approved, (7-0). Commissioner vannorsdall moved to approve Staff's recommendation, seconded by commissioner Wang. Approved, (7-0), by a Minute order. STAFF REPORTS: 7. CURRENT PROJECTS UPDATE; (BB) Director/Secretary Bernard noted that this update had been given at the Community Leaders' Breakfast. As she was present at the Community Leaders' Breakfast, Commissioner Ferraro asked to be excused due to illness and she left the meeting at 7:47 P.M. Mr. Bernard described progress on 12 major current projects of varying sizes previously approved by the City and explained that their locations were designated on the map displayed at the meeting. Alida Place: Seven single family lots near Palos Verdes Drive West and Alida. One home has been completed and three were currently under construction. Diamond Brothers, Forrestal Drive: Located at the end of Forrestal Drive near Ladera Linda School, this controversial project received approval for 41 single family lots, pending submission of appropriate geology information. Construction has not yet begun. The City has received preliminary information from the current owners that they will be proceeding with geology reports for submittal to the City. The approval will expire in November of 1997. HMDI, Coastal Subregion 1: Approval was given for 79 single family lots at the foot of Hawthorne Boulevard near the Point Vicente Interpretative Center. It is a primary project because of the location. However, the City has heard (unofficially) that the landowner was attempting to sell the property. The approval will expire in March of 1996. Kalima: Approval was given for 63 single family lots at Crest and Highridge. Approval will expire in October of 1995. The City has had ongoing communication with the project developer regarding some offsite draining improvement. Most recently the City Council gave Staff and the developer approval to proceed with timber and rail debris basin located down stream from the subject property. There was a supplemental EIR in progress which PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 28, 1995 PAGE 6 will be coming back to Staff and the Planning Commission for review before October of this year or the developer will be asking for a time extension to continue with the project. Long Point: Approval was given for a nine -hole golf course, 450 hotel rooms, and other retail service facilities, including a conference center and tennis center. The land was recently sold to York Capital Group which was still planning the golf course and the hotel, but the hotel may be downscaled to 150 rooms. There had been some discussion about building residential units, but approval would have to be granted by the City and the Coastal Commission, which would not be an easy process. The approval will expire in September of 1995. There have been extensions from the Coastal Commission in the past, as well as an extension from this Planning commission. Marriott Senior Lifecare Facility: Approval was given by the City in 1989 for 350 senior dwelling units and a 100 bed skilled nursing facility. Approval will expire in April of 1995 and there has been no indication that Marriott will request an extension. The City understood that the current landowner was trying to sell the land. After the expiration date, a new application would have to be submitted. Ocean Trails: Approval of a revision to this project was approved by the Coastal Commission in December 1994. Habitat restoration was underway for 79 single lots and four affordable units, including a golf course and a clubhouse. The Coastal Commission made minor changes and the City will now make sure the City's and the Coastal Commission's requirements are consistent regarding the parks, trails, and the clubhouse. Commissioner Alberio said that he understood there were two lawsuits against this project and that one was recently concluded. Director/Secretary Bernard said that about 1-1/2 weeks earlier, a judgment was reached in favor of the developer (Palos Verdes Land Holdings Company) and that the second suit was under discussion between the litigant and property owner. Rancho Palos Verdes Estates: The Commission recently approved a revised phasing schedule for the remaining 19 single family vacant lots at Crest and Paseo de Pino and construction was underway on the next phase. Salvation Army: Approval of the latest element of the Master Plan, an educational conference center at Palos Verdes Drive South and Crestmont, would expire in May 1995. The Salvation Army had sent a memo to the City Council and the Planning PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH -28, 1995 PAGE 7 Commission that there was a change in leadership when their base commander was promoted. This project had been put on hold and the most recent indication was that they may not proceed with the project. There had been no request for a time extension. It was believed that they may be leaving the Peninsula because their demand was too great for the capacity of this location. Tramonto: Approval was given for 43 single lots at Tramonto, near City Hall at Palos Verdes Drive South. A number of homes have been built and the City has received information from the property owner that they plan to complete building next year. Transamerica: Approval was given for 10 single family lots at Palos Verdes Drive South and Yacht Harbor Drive. The expiration date of the approval is May 1996 and the City does not know if they are proceeding. Wallace Ranch: The remaining 34 vacant lots in this tract were purchased by Lewis Homes at Highridge and Armaga Springs Road. New homes were under phased construction. Director/Secretary Bernard indicated that he would provide a written report in the Planning Commissioner's next agenda packet. ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS: Staff• 8. Pre -Agenda for the regular Planning Commission meeting of Tuesday, April 11, 1995. Commission• None COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE (regarding non -agenda items): Ms. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, Rancho Palos Verdes. Ms. Larue spoke about the debris basins at Barkentine Canyon and McCarroll Canyon, golf courses, and the current projects summarized by Director/Secretary Bernard. ADJOURNMENT• Vice Chair Hayes moved to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Alberio. Motion carried and the meeting was duly adjourned at 8:06 P.M. The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission would be on April 11, 1995. (A.JDMIN#9 - MIN3.28) PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 28, 1995 PAGE 8