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PC MINS 19950613APPROVED 6/27/95 CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JUNE 13, 1995 The meeting was called to order at 7:01 P.M. by Chairman Mowlds at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard. The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by Nellie Atuatasi. PRESENT: Commissioners Alberio, Ferraro, Vannorsdall, Wang, Whiteneck, and Chairman Mowlds. ABSENT: Vice Chair Hayes (excused) Also present were Director of Planning, Building and code Enforcement/Planning Commission Secretary Bernard, Planning Administrator Petru, Associate Planner Silverman, Assistant Planners de Freitas and Klopfenstein, and Recording Secretary Drasco. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Approved as written, (6-0). COMMUNICATIONS Staff• Planning Administrator Petru advised that a copy of the summons for the Hunt lawsuit was distributed to Commissioners as addressed, as well as a flyer and map for the L.A. Harbor tour on Saturday, June 24, 1995, sponsored by Commissioner Alberio. Commission: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of May 9, 1995 Commissioner Ferraro stated that, on Page 6, Paragraph 4, Line 9, the word "of" should be deleted after the word "ordinance"., She also questioned, on Page 6, Paragraph 5, Line 1, the address of speaker Daniel Blatt, guessing that he lived in Rancho Palos Verdes, rather than Rolling Hills Estates. Staff stated that this was the address he had written on his Request to Speak form. Staff indicated that his City of residence would be confirmed and, if he did live in Rancho Palos Verdes, the Minutes would be changed accordingly. Commissioner Vannorsdall moved to accept the Minutes of May 9, 1995, as amended, seconded by Commissioner Wang. Approved (5-0- 1), with Commissioner Ferraro abstaining, as she was not present at the May 9, 1995 meeting. 2. Minutes of May 23, 1995 Commissioner Ferraro made the following corrections: On Page 1, Paragraph 2, Line 1: Add Commissioner Ferraro to the list of Commissioners present at the meeting. On Page 2, Paragraph 3, Line 1: Correct the spelling of Commissioner Alberiols name. On Page 6, Paragraph 2, Line 6: Change 'land" to "an". On Page 14, Paragraph 2, 2nd line from the bottom: Change "considered" to "considering". On Page 19, Paragraph 3, Line 1: Add "bell after "wouldit. Commissioner Vannorsdall made the following corrections: On Page 3, Paragraph 2, Line 12: Delete "would" before "illegal". On page 7, Paragraph 8, Lines 1 and 3: Fill in the names of the Commissioners making and seconding the motion. Planning Administrator Petru explained that the information was unclear from the meeting notes or the audio tape, and asked the Commissioners if they could supply the names. It was determined that Commissioner Vannorsdall had made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Wang. On Page 7, Paragraph 11, Line 1: Change "NOTES" to "NOES". On Page 9, Paragraph 6, Line 4: On Page 11, Paragraph 3, Line 2: "addition". Delete "to" before "the City". Change "additional" to Commissioner Wang made the following corrections: On Page 3, Paragraph 2, Line 2: Delete "the" after "Mr.' Maxwell". I PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 1995 PAGE 2 On Page 10, Paragraph 3, Line 13: Add "bell after "would". Commissioner Alberio moved to accept the Minutes of May 9, 1995, as amended, seconded by Commissioner Wang. Approved (5-0-1), with commissioner Whiteneck abstaining, as he was not present at the May 23, 1995 meeting. 3. APPEAL OF TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 23912, ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. 661, GRADING PERMIT NO. 1727, AND GRADING PERMIT NO. 1743; Mr. Richard Ducharme, 6324 Via Colinita. (KK) Assistant Planner Klopfenstein presented the Staff Report, stating that, based on the revised Slope Density Analysis, which had been confirmed by the City Engineer, Staff was now recommending approval of the proposed lot split, subject to conditions of approval. Since this was a continued public hearing, Chairman Mowlds called the applicant's representative to the podium. Mr. Jim Marquez (applicant's representative), 1860 S. Elena Avenue, Suite A, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. Chairman Mowlds asked Mr. Marquez if he understood Staff's recommendation, specifically the fact that no action was recommended on the Grading Permits. Mr. Marquez said he understood and concurred. He noted that Tentative Parcel Map Condition No. 2 stated that the map had to be finalized within six months of the approval and that the owner of the property would prefer taking this action at a later time. Planning Administrator Petru explained that this was a standard condition on all parcel and tract maps, but that there was no requirement that the application for a final map be submitted within six months, only that the filing fee be paid. She added that the applicant may request three, one-year time extensions, beyond the initial two-year approval period, which may be granted. Commissioner Alberio asked Mr. Marquez if he understood that, by accepting the condition that prohibited construction on slopes over 35 percent, these portions of the property would be unbuildable once the lots were subdivided. However, the current configuration of the property (as one lot) would allow construction on a slope over 35 percent in steepness. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 1995 PAGE 3 0 . 0 Mr. Marquez indicated that he understood this condition of approval. Commissioner Alberio asked Mr. Marquez if he realized that the new owner would have to file a grading permit application for each new lot. Mr. Marquez said that he understood. Since there were no other requests to speak on this item, Chairman Mowlds declared the public hearing closed. There were no objections from the other Commissioners. Commissioner Alberio moved to accept the Staff Recommendation. Chairman Mowlds clarified that this motion adopted the Negative Declaration for the Environment Assessment and for the Tentative Map, approving the lot split, but stated that no action would be taken on the Grading Permits. Planning Administrator Petru asked if the approval included accepting the conditions as written. Chairman Mowlds said yes. Commissioner Ferraro seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-1) on the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Alberio, Ferraro, Wang, Whiteneck, Chairman Mowlds NOES: commissioner Vannorsdall Planning Administrator Petru indicated that P.C. Resolutions Nos. 95-20 and 95-21 would be signed by the Chairman that evening. Chairman Mowlds noted that the 15 -day appeal period would begin that evening. Director/Secretary Bernard thanked Assistant Planner Klopfenstein for working on this project for over a year, as this was a difficult project and involved analyzing numerous sets of plans. Chairman Mowlds concurred with Mr. Bernard's comments. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 1995 PAGE 4 0 0 4. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 181; Mr. and Mrs. Roger Wolff, 5333 Ironwood Street. (TS) Associate Planner Silverman presented the Staff Report, indicating that the applicant had submitted revised plans modifying the side entrance and stairway to the second unit in response to the Commission's direction at the last meeting. As this was a Continued Public Hearing, Chairman Mowlds asked to hear the additional public testimony. Mrs. Diana Wolff (applicant), 5333 Ironwood Street, Rancho Palos Verdes. Mrs. Wolff stated that all the concerns mentioned at the previous hearing had been addressed in the new design, and she provided photographs, explaining how each one related to the proposed project. Mrs. Wolff indicated that she would be willing to work with her neighbors regarding any other concerns. She asked that the Commission please grant the Conditional Use Permit because she felt she had complied with all requirements. Commissioner Alberio asked who owned the fence adjacent to the addition. Mrs. Wolff replied that the fence belonged to her neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Boothe. Ms. Marcia Weiss, 5312 Ironwood Street, Rancho Palos Verdes. Ms. Weiss stated that Diana and Roger Wolff had been good neighbors since 1973. She believed that the addition would not create any hardship on the neighborhood and that the Conditional Use Permit should be granted. Mrs. Paula Boothe, 5327 Ironwood Street, Rancho Palos Verdes. Mrs. Boothe indicated that she lived next door to the subject property. She expressed appreciation that the applicant was willing to install translucent glass on the windows on east side of their house because her house had a bathroom window on the west side. However, she listed some additional concerns, suggesting that the existing house be built out to the side 3 1/2 feet and the door to the second unit placed so that it faced the front of the property to avoid echoing between the two residences. She also asked if the parking requirements were being met. Associate Planner Silverman replied that the State Law regarding second units did not contain any parking requirements. Commissioner Alberio asked the height of the fence between the Wolff and Boothe residences. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 1995 PAGE 5 Mrs. Boothe said that the fence was 61 high and was built on her property after a survey was made. Commissioner Alberio asked Mrs. Boothe if she had participated in the Early Neighborhood Consultation for the Height Variation application. Mrs. Boothe said that she had not. Commissioner Alberio pointed out that the applicant had addressed every concern from the last hearing and that Mrs. Boothe had been present at that hearing. Mrs. Boothe said that she was present but that parking was not discussed and she did not feel that noise was adequately addressed. Commissioner Alberio doubted that there would be a difference in the noise level after the addition was built. Mrs. Boothe disagreed, stating that there would be another dwelling unit with a separate entrance. Commissioner Alberio asked Staff about the possibility of the second unit door facing the street, along the side of the existing house. Associate Planner Silverman replied that this option was considered, but rejected, because this design would clearly indicate from the street that there was a second unit on the property. Chairman Alberio wondered if the design would be attractive, and if there would be any setback problems. Associate Planner Silverman said that the City did not wish to have second units be obvious when viewed from the public right- of-way. However, there would be no setback problems created by the proposed design. Commissioner Vannorsdall speculated that narrowing the distance between the two houses might actually increase noise. Mrs. Boothe disagreed, because the door would face the street. Commissioner Vannorsdall said that this assumed noise came from the door, which was not necessarily true. Mrs. Boothe believed that noise would come from the door and that Mr. and Mrs. Wolff's daughter, as a single person, would be PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 1995 PAGE 6 coming in at all hours of the night, near Mrs. Boothe's 2 -year old son's bedroom. Mrs. Diana Wolff, rebuttal. Mrs. Wolff addressed the parking issue, stating that there would be no additional cars because her daughter already lived with them. She did not feel that an entrance facing the street would decrease noise and said that her daughter did not keep late hours or have large crowds of people visiting. Mrs. Wolff closed by stating that she wanted to work with Mr. and Mrs. Boothe to ensure their privacy. S Commissioner Vannorsdall moved to Close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Ferraro. Approved, (6-0). Commissioner Ferraro noted that, on Page 6 of 6 in the Staff Report, Condition No. 10 should reflect that the windows on the east elevation of the addition should be translucent, not opaque. Commissioner Alberio moved to accept that Staff Recommendation with the change to translucent glass, seconded by Commissioner Vannorsdall. Approved, (6-0). Chairman Mowlds said that he would sign P.C. Resolution 95-22 that evening and that the 15 -day appeal period would begin immediately. PUBLIC HEARINGS (NO ITEMS) 5. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 176 - REVISION A• Montessori School of Manhattan Beach, 32201 Forrestal Drive (Ladera Linda Community Center) (FF). Reading of the Staff Report was waived by consensus of the commission. Commissioner Vannorsdall asked why two new rest rooms were being added. Assistant Planner de Freitas explained that it was a State requirement since the Montessori school was proposing to add elementary school-age children to this campus. Commissioner Vannorsdall asked Staff if these changes were being paid for by the priVate school, rather than the City. Assistant Planner de Freitas said the cost of the improvements would be paid for by the Montessori School. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 1995 PAGE 7 Commissioner Whiteneck moved to accept the Staff Recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Wang. Approved, (6-0). 6. SIGN PERMIT NO. 743; Foodmaker Inc. (Jack in the Box), 29317 Western Avenue (FF). Commissioner Alberio moved to waive reading of the Staff Report, seconded by Commissioner Vannorsdall. Approved, (6-0). Chairman Mowlds called the applicant's representative to the speaker's podium for questions from the Commission. Mr. Tim Ribant, (applicant's representative), 9330 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123. Mr. Ribant explained that he worked in the corporate office of Foodmaker, who owned the Jack in the Box site, and that the operator, Mr. Dillon, was also present. Commissioner Vannorsdall asked Mr. Ribant if he had read the Staff Report, understood the conditions and if he had a preference between Options No. 1 and No. 2. Mr. Ribant said that he had read and understood the Staff Report and that he preferred Option No. 3. He stated that the Staff Report pointed out that the Jack in the Box franchise was being asked to change signage as a corporate mandate. He noted that there were other signs in the area, such as those at Val-U-Mart and the Karate Studio, that he suspected did not comply with City standards. He disagreed that there was no public access on the north side of the building, as mentioned in the Staff Report, stating that there was access on both sides. Mr. Ribant asked if the two palm trees, 20 to 25 feet in height and blocking the pole sign, might be trimmed or replaced, even though they were located on an adjacent property. He concluded by urging the Commission to approve Staff's Option No. 3 to allow the signage as requested by the applicant. Planning Administrator Petru informed Mr. Ribant that the faces on the two signs he mentioned, Val-U-Mart and the Karate Studio, were installed without City permits. Commissioner Alberio believed that the Rancho Palos Verdes businesses on Western Avenue needed help in competing with businesses across the street in the City of Los Angeles, which had less stringent sign regulations. He felt concessions should be made. Commissioner Ferraro thought the pole sign should stay because it had been there a long time and no one had complained about it. She felt it was less obtrusive than some of the other signs in PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 1995 PAGE 8 the area, since it was merely a tall, thin pole with the logo on top. She wanted the City to support these businesses and was in favor of Option No. 3. Commissioner Whiteneck and Commissioner Wang both said they agreed with Commissioner Ferraro. Commissioner Vannorsdall believed the pole sign should come down because there were too many signs along Western. In addition, the pole sign was not visible from the southbound traffic lanes and did not adequately identify the business. Commissioner Alberio supported retaining the pole sign since he thought it was appropriate for a commercial area. Commissioner Alberio moved to approve Staff Option No. 3, seconded by Commissioner Wang. Chairman Mowlds clarified that Option No. 3 approved the application as submitted by Foodmaker, granting all their requests, including re -facing the pole sign. The motion was approved, by Minute Order, (5-1) on the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Alberio, Ferraro, Wang, Whiteneck, Chairman Mowids NOES: commissioner vannorsdall Director/Secretary Bernard stated that there was no notice of this hearing sent to the neighbors, as it was not required in this case. In addition, he noted that the palm trees would die if they were trimmed and that the property owner would probably want them to be replaced in some manner. ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS Staf f : 7. Pre -Agenda for the regular Planning commission meeting of Tuesday, June 27, 1995. Planning Administrator Petru stated that a Continued Business item, a continuation of the appeal of Height Variation No. 806 (Mantikas), was not on the Pre -Agenda, but that it would be on the agenda for the June 27, 1995 meeting. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 1995 PAGE 9 • Commission• 0 The Commission asked that an item be included on the next agenda (June 27, 1995) to discuss a possible change in the fee schedule for parcel maps, from a flat fee to a trust deposit account, due to the length of time needed for Staff to review these types of projects. COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE (regarding non -agenda items): Ms. Lois Large, 3136 Barkentine Road, Rancho Palos Verdes. Ms. Larue expressed her concern about how the City was handling the abatement of the landslide and pollution in the ocean off the Rancho Palos Verdes coast. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Ferraro moved to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Wang. The motion carried (6-0) and the meeting was duly adjourned at 8:12 P.M. The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission would be on June 27, 1995. (A 7DMIN#10 - MIN6 13) PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 1995 PAGE 10