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PC MINS 19950627APPROVED 77-25/95 CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING June 27, 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 Planning Division student intern, Susie Weisenberg. PRESENT: Commissioners Alberio, Ferraro, Whiteneck, Wang, Vice Chair Hayes, and Chairman Mowlds. ABSENT: Commissioner Vannorsdall (excused) Also present were Director of Planning, Building and code Enforcement/Planning Commission Secretary Bernard, Planning Administrator Petru, Associate Planner Jerex, Assistant Planner Klopfenstein, and Recording Secretary Atuatasi. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Approved, as written, (6-0). COMMUNICATIONS Staff: Planning Administrator Petru noted that a flyer had been distributed to the Commissioners indicating that the League of California Cities would be holding an orientation meeting on July 22, 1995 at Barstow City Hall. Planning Administrator Petru advised the Commission that there were two late letters submitted for Agenda Item Number 4 which had been placed before the Commissioners. Commission: None APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of June 13, 1995 Commissioner Wang stated that, on page 9, 3rd paragraph from the bottom, 3rd line, the word "noted" should be substituted for• "noticed", and on page 10, 1st paragraph, 4th line, the word "to" should be substituted for "of". Commissioner Whiteneck suggested that, on page 3, 2nd paragraph from the bottom, the last sentence should be rephrased to read: "She added that the applicant may request three, one-year time extensions, beyond the initial two-year approval period, which may be granted." Commissioner Ferraro moved to accept the Minutes of June 13, 1995, as amended, seconded by Commissioner Wang. Approved (5-0- 1), with Vice Chair Hayes abstaining as she was not present at the June 13, 1995 meeting. 2. SIGN PERMIT NO. 758; Pemba Properties, 550 Silver Spur Road. (CP) Commissioner Whiteneck moved to approve the Staff Recommendation, seconded by Vice Chair Hayes. Approved, (6-0). 3. SIGN PERMIT NO. 760; St. Paul's Church, 31290 Palos Verdes Drive West. (KK) Vice Chair Hayes recused herself for this item because she lives near the subject property. Commissioner Ferraro moved to approve the Staff Recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Wang. Approved, (5-0-1), with Vice Chair Hayes abstaining, since she resides within 300 feet of the subject property. A CONTINUED BUSINESS 4. HEIGHT VARIATION 806 - APPEAL; Gu's and Kimberly Mantikas, 60 Avenida Corona. (KK) Commissioner Wang recused herself for this item. Assistant Planner Klopfenstein presented the Staff Report, indicating that the Commission requested that the applicant redesign the project to reduce mass of the structure and add articulation to the front elevation of the proposed residence. Staff was seeking direction from the Planning commission regarding adequacy in the design modifications with regards to neighborhood compatibility. Commissioner Alberio asked Assistant Planner Klopfenstein if the applicant was willing to redesign further and she replied yes. Chairman Mowlds called the applicant's representative to the podium. Mr. Juan Kivotos (applicant's representative), 1323 N. Niagara Street, Burbank, CA 91505. Mr. Kivotos presented a sketch indicating that his client was willing to lower the entry porch to 151 or 161 in height. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 27, 1995 PAGE 2 11 Commissioner Alberio asked Assistant Planner Klopfenstein if Staff had seen the sketch and she replied that she had seen it for the first time that evening. Mr. Kivotos stated that the applicants preferred the original porch, but were willing to compromise. After Chairman Mowlds and Mr. Kivotos further discussed the porch redesign, Mr. Mowlds asked Mr Kivotos to make notations on his sketch to further describe the changes he was suggesting and to provide the sketch to Staff. Mr. Paul Mathews, 57 Avenida Corona, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. Mr. Mathews indicated that his home is across the street from the subject property and that he and his wife had reviewed the revised plans. He objected to the project because he felt that the home would have a massive appearance and that the architectural style was inappropriate for the neighborhood. Mr. Mathews also believed that there would be no view impairment if the second story was relocated to the south side of the home. Chairman Mowlds stated the Commission had no jurisdiction regarding the architectural style of a home, but merely ensured that the structure met the City's requirements for neighborhood compatibility. Planning Administrator Carolynn Petru explained that architectural style was one of the elements included in neighborhood compatibility. However, "style", in that instance, would include bulk, roof -line and facade treatments, rather than a particular architectural style, such as Mediterranean or California Ranch. Dr. Jason Hung, 4 La Vista Verde, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. Dr. Hung indicated he lives across the street from the subject property. He strongly objected to the proposed project because he believed it would impair his view and because he felt that the new home would be unattractive, which would decrease property values in the neighborhood. Dr. Hung said that he would take legal action, if necessary, to prevent this project. Mr. Howard -Johnson, 59 Avenida Corona, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. Mr. Johnson was opposed because the proposed height of 26' would block the sun and invade his privacy, but stated that a height of 161 would be acceptable. He urged the Commission to consider the neighbors' concerns. Chairman Mowlds asked Mr. Kivotos if he had any other comments. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 27, 1995 PAGE 3 • 11 Mr. Kivotos responded that he had redesigned the project as requested by the Commission, and that he had no other comments. Chairman Mowlds asked the Commission if they had any other questions for Mr. Kivotos and there were none. Chairman Mowlds suggested that the public hearing be continued in order to provide an opportunity for all interested parties to review the revised sketch. Commissioner Alberio moved to continue the public hearing to July 11, 1995, seconded by Commissioner Whiteneck. The motion carried (5-0-1) on the following roll call vote: AYES: commissioners Alberio, Ferraro, Whiteneck, Vice Chair Hayes, chairman Mowlds NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: commissioner Nang PUBLIC HEARINGS 5. VARIANCE NO. 392 AND GRADING PERMIT NO. 1819; Arthur Fein, 27520 Elmbridge Drive. (DJ) Planning Administrator Petru advised the Planning Commission that the address was incorrect on the agenda and apologized for the error. Reading of the Staff Report, which requested a continuance, was waived by consensus of the Commission. Commissioner Alberio moved to open the Public Hearing, seconded by commissioner Ferraro. Approved, (6-0). Mr. Bert Argo, 4696 Browndeer Lane, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, 90275. Mr. Argo asked the Planning Commission why this item was being continued. I Chairman Mowlds replied that staff had requested a continuance because more time was needed for additional review. Mr. Argo stated that he was opposed to this project because the i proposed addition would be directly above his property and it would not be compatible with the neighborhood, as he believed it PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 27, 1995 PAGE 4 would appear very bulky. He was also concerned about earth slippage on the steep slope. He requested that the property owner be required to bring the improvements into compliance with the existing City codes. Mr. William Wingerning, 4702 Browndeer Lane, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, 90275. Mr. Wingerning stated that the proposed addition was also above his property. He was concerned that the project was too big and did not conform with the rest of the neighborhood. Mr. Wingerning also was worried about erosion of the slope and a decrease in property values. Ms. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, 90275. Ms. Larue noted that the agenda stated that the recommendation for this item was to continue it to the next Planning Commission meeting on July 11, 1995. She also stated that she had received a notice from the City stating that the next City Council meeting would be on July 11, 1995, and asked for clarification. Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement/Planning Commission Secretary Bernard replied that the next City Council meeting would be held on July 5, 1995. Commissioner Alberio moved to continue this item to the next meeting on July 11, 1995, seconded by Commissioner Ferraro. Approved, (6-0). 6. VARIANCE NO. 394; Kenneth T. & Harlyne J. Norris, 2866 Crownview Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes. (DJ) Commissioner Alberio moved to waive the reading of the Staff Report, seconded by Vice Chair Hayes and approved by acclamation. Chairman Mowlds opened the Public Hearing and called for the first speaker. Mr. Keith Palmer (applicant's architect), 2601 Airport Drive, Suite 310, Torrance, CA, 90505. Mr. Palmer commended the Staff on a thorough report. He described the proposed roof, noting that it gave the house an attractive appearance and would not obstruct views of the surrounding homes. Commissioner Alberio suggested that the reconfiguration of the roof could be accomplished without increasing the existing ridge height. Mr. Palmer replied that if the height remained the same, the roof would have to be flat over the center portion of the residence. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 27, 1995 PAGE 5 E Peter Eschbach, 2933 Crownview Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, 90275. Mr. Eschbach opposed the proposed project due to view impairment by the trees that were 151 higher than the existing ridge line. Mr. Palmer replied that his clients were willing to cut the trees in the front yard in order to protect the upslope neighbors' views. Commissioner Alberio moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Whiteneck. Approved, (6-0). Planning Administrator Petru explained that the Commission could address the issue regarding the trees on the property by either requiring the landowner to record a Covenant to Protect Views or modifying draft Condition No. 2 to require the landowner to trim the trees to a maximum of 151 in height as measured from the curbline along Crownview Drive and require that the landowner maintain the trees at this specified height. vice chair Hayes moved to approve the Staff's Recommendation with Condition #2 modified, seconded by commissioner Whiteneck. The motion carried (5-1) on the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Ferraro, Whiteneck, Wang, Vice Chair Hayes, Chairman Mowlds NOES: Commissioner Alberio Chairman Mowlds stated that he would sign the Resolution and that there was a 15 -day appeal period. 7. VARIANCE NO. 396; Terrace Partnership, L.P. ("Do -It -Center" in the Terraces Shopping Center), 29801 Western Avenue. (FF) vice chair Hayes moved to waive reading of the Staff Report, seconded by Commissioner Ferraro. Approved, (6-0). Michael Mauck, (applicant's representative), 28901 S. Western Avenue, Suite #327, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, 90275. Mr. Mauck indicated that he was present to answer any questions. Commissioner Alberio inquired about the wrought -iron fence interfering with rear access to the building. Mr. Mauck replied that there would be no interference caused by the proposed fence. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 27, 1995 PAGE 6 Vice Chair Hayes moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Ferraro. Approved, (6-0). Vice Chair Hayes moved to approve the Staff Recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Ferraro. Approved, (6-0). Chairman Mowlds stated that he would sign the Resolution and that there was a 15 -day appeal period. NEW BUSINESS: 8. Discussion for possible recommendation to City Council regarding Parcel Map fee schedule. (CP) Planning Administrator Petru stated the last time the City updated the fee schedule was in 1992. Prior to that time, the City Council authorized a study to compare Rancho Palos Verdes' application fees and processing time with other cities. A flat fee structure was established for most planning permits, based on the average processing time. However, there were a few exceptions for which processing time varied tremendously from one application to another (i.e., tentative tract map) and these permit applications were determined to require trust deposit accounts to pay for the actual amount of time spent on the project. It was felt that most parcel maps had an average processing time, so it was decided that a flat fee was appropriate, rather than a trust deposit. After discussion, the Planning Commission agreed that all parcel map fees should be charged on a trust deposit basis. staff was directed to prepare this recommendation in the form of a letter signed by the Commission and forwarded to the City Council. ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS: Staff: 9. Pre -Agenda for the regular Planning Commission meeting of Tuesday, July 11, 1995. Commission: The Commission requested that an item be included on the next agenda (July 11, 1995) to discuss the requirement to post an appeal fee while a fee waiver request is pending before the council., PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 27, 1995 PAGE 7 • Ll COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE (regarding non -agenda items): Ms. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, discussed an article that appeared in the Los Angeles Times regarding single family zoning regulations for second units in the City of Los Angeles. She also distributed copies of an article regarding the City Council's recent actions regarding voter fraud. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Ferraro moved to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Wang. The motion carried (6-0) and the meeting was duly adjourned at 8:20 P.M. The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission would be on July 11, 1995. (A JDMN#1 0 - DFTMIN6 27) PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 27, 1995 PAGE 8