Loading...
PC MINS 19960723CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 23,1996 CALL TO ORDER Aooroved 9/10/96 The meeting was called to order at 7 03 P M by Vice Chairman Vannorsdall at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard FLAG SALUTE Commissioner Albeno led the Pledge of Allegiance ROLL CALL Present Commissioners Albeno, Cartwright, Franklin, Whrteneck and Vice Chairman Vannorsdall. Absent. Commissioner Ng and Chairman Clark (both excused - see below). Also present were Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement/Planning Commission Secretary Petru, Senior Planner Snow, Associate Planner Pfost, Assistant Planner deFreitas, Assistant Planner Fox and Assistant Planner Klopfenstein Director/Secretary Petru announced that Chairman Clark and Commissioner Ng would be excused from the meeting because they were out of town. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Whiteneck moved to approve the agenda as written. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Franklin and, there being no objection, it was so ordered by Vice Chairman Vannorsdall (5-0). At this time, Director/Secretary Petru introduced the following new Planning Department employees Senior Planner David Snow, Associate Planner Greg Pfost and Assistant Planner Kit Fox. COMMUNICATIONS Staff Director/Secretary Petru noted a late item of correspondence from Commissioner Franklin regarding corrections to the proposed minutes of June 11, 1996 (Consent Calendar Item No. 1). She also noted two late items of correspondence pertaining to Agenda Item No 3, Conditional Use Permit No. 101 - Revision "I" and Variance No 411, The Terraces Shopping Center (Do -It -Center) from Teruo and Nina Yoshida and Diane DeFxdelibus. Commission Commissioner Albeno mentioned that he attended the recent Mayor's Breakfast, during which the following topics were discussed: a possible point meeting of the Planning Commission and the View Restoration Commission; the concerns about plans to install some speed bumps in Rancho Palos Verdes, the town hall meetings which will be held to discuss if the Utility Tax should be retained or repealed, and the success of the 4th, of July celebration at City Hall CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of June 11, 1996 2 Variance No. 409, Albert McClain, 2071 General Street Regarding Consent Calendar Item No. 1 (Minutes of June 11, 1996), Vice Chairman Vannorsdall called attention to Commissioner Franklin's memorandum recommending changes to the Planning Commission minutes of June 11, 1996. Commissioner Alberto suggested that Staff review the memorandum and make the appropriate changes to the minutes and that they be continued to the meeting of August 13, 1996 Commissioner Franklin said that a continuance of the minutes would be acceptable to him, but that he would not be at the meeting of August 13, 1996. Commissioner Alberio moved to continue the approval of Consent Calendar Item No. 1, Minutes of June 11, 1996, to August 13, 1996. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cartwright and, there being no objection, it was so ordered by Vice Chairman Vannorsdall (5-0). Commissioner Cartwright moved to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 2 (P.C. Resolution for Variance No. 409, Albert McClain, 2071 General Street). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and, there being no objection, it was so ordered by Vice Chairman Vannorsdall (5-0) . CONTINUED BUSINESS None PUBLIC HEARINGS 3 Conditional Use Permit No. 101- Revision "P' and Variance No. 411, The Terraces Shopping Center (Do -It -Center), 28901 S. Western Assistant Planner deFreitas presented the Staff Report. He noted Staff's opinion that.all the findings necessary to grant an approval of the request could be made. At this time, the Commission reviewed two late items of correspondence pertaining to this item from Teruo and Nina Yoshida and Ms. Diane DeFidelibus. Assistant Planner deFrertas related the recommendation of the City's traffic consultant to add a Condition of Approval that the curb along the west side of the driveway along Caddmgton Drive shall be painted red. Commissioner Alberio suggested that the entire Conditional Use Permit (CUP) be reviewed to make sure the applicant is complying with the requirements for hours of delivery, traffic flow and lighting throughout the shopping center Director/Secretary Petru verified that the last CUP Revision that affected the entire center was done in 1995 Commissioner Whiteneck mentioned that there appears to be some puddling of water in the rear parking lot and some occasional fertilizer spillage. He agreed that the hours of delivery, traffic flow and lighting should be examined and suggested that some sort of improvement options for the drainage, such as asphalt overlay, be looked into Assistant Planner deFrertas affirmed that the applicant was willing to address the drainage situation and, should the request be approved, the drainage improvement would be done in conjunction with the expansion of the Garden Center Commissioner Cartwright moved to open the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Whiteneck and, there being no objection, it was so ordered by Vice Chairman Vannorsdall (5-0). Mr. Mike Mauck, 6633 Odessa Avenue, Van Nuys, General Manager of the California Do -It -Center, related that the object of the requested expansion was not to draw new business, but to handle existing business sufficiently and create a neater/cleaner environment internally and externally He stated his awareness of neighboring residents' concerns and expressed the Do -It -Center's intent to remove the existing lighting on the building and install some type of low perimeter lighting. Mr Mauck noted that the back-up bell mechanism on the fork lifts has been disconnected to reduce noise; that the property owner plans to fix the drainage problem, and that a trash bailer was installed to reduce the amount of trash. Commissioner Franklin asked if it would be possible to do all loading in the expanded area to avoid any outside storage Mr Mauck responded that such a requirement would have to be discussed with the Do -It - Center Operations Department. Mr. Bob Miller, 6633 Odessa Avenue, Van Nuys, explained that all the Do -It -Center products would be contained within the perimeter of the structure within 15 to, 20 minutes of unloading; and that there would be a staging area for the unloading of products. Commissioner Franklin observed that some of the problems would be mitigated if the applicant was to provide some type of cover with a green shade over the entire Garden Center area. Mr Mauck advised that some of the merchandise (i.e. plants) requires full sun, that some of it could be covered, and that to cover it all would be difficult. Commissioner Albeno asked for input regarding the Do -It -Center's delivery hours. Mr Mauck related his understanding that the hours of delivery are from 8.00 A.M. to 4.30 P.M. Commissioner Alberio requested that the hours of delivery be checked by Staff for compliance with the CUP Mr Mauck noted that the Do -It -Center does not control the trash collection schedule, but the trash company could be contacted to discuss this issue. Mr. John Lyons, 6633 Odessa Avenue, Van Nuys, related Do -It -Center's desire to work with neighboring residents to solve concerns. He advised that the project was motivated by the desire to better serve existing customers and address the aesthetics of the area, that the existing outside portion of the nursery was much smaller than a normal nursery; and affirmed that the property owner was in the process of addressing the drainage problem. Commissioner Albeno questioned if the Do -It -Center was given a copy of the CUP when the lease was signed. Mr Lyons said that he has not seen the CUP and that the Do -It -Center has relied on the property owner to make certain that the Center operates within the requirements of the shopping center's approvals Mr. Lyons commented further that Do -It -Center has made an effort to address neighboring resident concerns and that the Center will make an effort to reduce noise during construction of the expanded area, should the request be approved. Mrs. Nina Yoshida, 28808 Gunter Road, thanked the Commission for recognizing previous problems at the location She discussed the following that the Do -It -Center was a better neighbor than it was originally, but it was still not what residents needed, that the high stacks of manure at Do -It -Center were unsightly and emanated,an unpleasant odor when wet; that the Do -It -Center trucks took up three to four'parking spaces and the proposed expansion would take up six spaces, that the Do -It -Center employees needed to be better educated about the noise problems; that the trash trucks no longer cause problems but the Colorama truck was very loud; that the size of the delivgry trucks should be limited, and that deliveries should be restricted to specific days and times Ms. Yoshida expressed her appreciation of the Commission's desire to keep the community upscale and she voiced concern that the Do -It -Center and the nearby movie theaters were not in keeping with that goal Referring to her letter which was distributed to the Commission earlier in the meeting, Ms. Diane DeFidelibus, 28802 Gunter Road, outlined three conditions under which she could agree to the expansion of the Do -It -Center, but, she said she would prefer that it not be expanded She requested that the entire outdoor garden area be covered with green material similar to that currently covering half of the outdoor center, that the lighting be removed from the sides of the building and additional lights identical to those in the parking lot be placed around the garden center as necessary; and that all outdoor paging speakers be removed from the building and the indoor paging be at low levels so it cannot be heard in the surrounding neighborhood. Commissioner Alberio mentioned that the inside paging can currently be heard from the outside when the Do -It -Center doors are open In response to neighboring residents' concerns expressed during this discussion, Mr Mauck said that the property owner was in the process of addressing the drainage problems, that the paging speaker will be removed from the building and the paging noise level will be reduced; that a portion of the outdoor area could be further covered to a point where products were not damaged from loss of sun, that lighting will, be addressed, that it would be difficult to reduce the number of days and hours for deliveries; and that the noise problems will be discussed with the delivery truck drivers and signs advising them to reduce noise will be posted. Commissioner Alberio related has understanding that the nature of the design of the shoping center was causing the traffic problems and he noted that other portions of the parking lot were empty He emphasized the importance of addressing neighboring residents' concerns and suggested that this matter be continued Director/Secretary Petru suggested that the Commission discuss the project and that Staff be provided with direction The public hearing was declared closed by Vice Chairman Vannorsdall. Commissioner Cartwright requested that the stagnant water, lighting and deliveries be addressed. He related his impression that the project would not increase traffic, noted the need to determine exactly how much of the outdoor area could be covered, and' supported minimizing outdoor storage as much as possible. Commissioner Franklin agreed that it would make sense to expand the garden center; however, he said that the problems at the location should be taken care of He stated that he would prefer Staff studying the items discussed and returning to the Commission with recommendations, noted that some of the problems could only be mitigated by the property owner; and observed that there should be a list of problems and mitigating factors, including who is responsible. Commissioner Franklin suggested that the traffic issues be referred to the Traffic Committee, that the applicant be required to provide a drainage plan and limit the intensity of the lights, particularly as seen from the top of the bank, that the parking lot striping be addressed, that the idea of installing a paging momtor outside to determine if acceptable noise levels have been exceeded should be looked into, and that the delivery hours be specified in the CUP. Commissioner Albeno agreed that some of the problems might be within the junsdictAon of the property owner He suggested that the noise nuisance be abated; that the delivery hours be specified in the CUP; that the outdoor area be covered for aesthetic purposed, that outside storage be allowed for only a limited time, that the traffic problems be examined by the Traffic Committee, and that the CUP be revised to address all of the above issues Commissioner Alberio moved to re -open the public hearing and continue CUP No. 101- Revision "I" and Variance No. 411, The Terraces Shopping Center (Do -It - Center) to August 13, 1996 and to direct staff to compose the appropriate language to address the items of concern expressed during discussion of the request. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Whiteneck. Discussion of the motion continued with Commissioner Franklin proposing that the Traffic Committee consider the traffic issues related to the entire shopping center Director/Secretary Petru indicated that, should the Commission refer traffic issues for this project to the Traffic Committee for review, this item would not be available for the Commission's consideration by August 13, 1996 Vice Chairman Vannorsdall related his understanding that the traffic problems pertaining to the site are not an issue associated with the approval of this request. The motion was passed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). 4 Variance No. 406 - Catherine Wong -Manahan, 282X Trailriders Drive Commissioner Franklin related his intent to abstain from discussion of this item in that he was associated with the residents involved in this matter Assistant Planner Klopfenstein presented the Staff Report. She explained that the original residence had a garage which was converted to habitable space, that a carport was constructed, that both the conversnon and construction took place prior to the incorporation of the City; and that the applicant would like to enclose the carport. She advised that the current carport location would be the only option for locating a new garage on the property In answer to questions from the Commission, Assistant Planner Klopfenstein clarified that the required open space would be met; that the garage would encroach only into the front yard setback; and that there were some direct access driveways in the neighborhood which were shorter than the proposed driveway Commissioner Cartwright mentioned that he drove through the neighborhood and there appeared to be other driveways with garages even closer to the street than the proposed. He asked if any variances for garages in the neighborhood have been granted. Director/Secretary Petru responded that, according to the Department's application log book, there have not been any variances for garages granted in the neighborhood. She clarified that this request was brought before the Commission because it would be an intensification of an existing nonconformity and that an overlay district in the subject area was not planned. Vice Chairman Vannorsdall opened the public hearing. Ms. Catherine Manahan, 28286 Trailriders Drive, applicant, explained her desire to enclose the carport for safety and security reasons, particularly with her small children. She called attention to the fact that there were other short driveways in the neighborhood. Commissioner Alberio related his preference that the pitch of the roof on the proposed garage be the same as the house for purposes of continuity 7 Vice Chairman Vannorsdall stated his agreement with Commissioner Albeno He observed that there are very few homes in the neighborhood with indirect garages and that it was important to keep the houses upgraded The general contractor for the project (unidentified from Contempo Construction, 16514 Wilton Place, Torrance, offered his understanding that the proposed flat roof would be acceptable. He felt that, should the roof pitch be increased, it would be aesthetically unappealing, especially from the street Vice Chairman Vannorsdall suggested that the roof pitch be the same as the original garage, which is now living area Commissioner Cartwright related his understanding of the suggestion that the proposed garage roof pitch be the same as the house; but, he voiced his hope that such a requirement would not be a condition of approval, particularly since the existing roof pitch has been there for approximately 23 years. Commissioner Whiteneck pointed out that even though the existing carport roof has been there quite a long time, if the request was approved and the applicant was allowed to remodel the carport into a garage, the roof pitch should be consistent with the house and more consistent with the neighborhood. Ms. Manahan agreed to change the roof pitch of the proposed garage to be the same as the house. Commissioner Alberio moved to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Whiteneck and, there being no objection, it was so ordered by Vice Chairman Vannorsdall (5-0). Commissioner Alberio moved to approve Variance No. 406, adding a Condition of Approval that the garage roof pitch shall be compatible with the residence. Director/Secretary Petru suggested the motion be amended to include the following wording. "That the final plans shall be modified to include a pitched roof over the garage to match the existing pitch and roofing materials of the residence and shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement prior to submittal to the Building & Safety Division for Plan Check " Commissioner Alberio agreed to amend the motion to include the wording suggested by Director/Secretary Petru. Commissioner Whiteneck seconded the motion, as amended and it was ultimately passed by unanimous roll call vote, with Commissioner Franklin abstaining (4-0). Following an inquiry from Commissioner Cartwright, Director/SecretaryPetru advised that the determination on the compatibility of the garage roof would be within the Director's purvigw In answer to question from the Commission, Ms. Manahan clamed that she has no desire to connect the garage to the residence and that she is not interested in extending the roof over the beamed area. Vice Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period from the date of this approval. At 8 45 P.M. there was a recess until 8.50 P.M. when the meeting reconvened in regular agenda order NEW BUSINESS Sign Permit No. 763 - St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 31240 Palos Verdes Drive West Commissioner Alberio moved to waive the Staff Report. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cartwright and, there being no objection, it was so ordered by Vice Chairman Vannorsdall (5-0). Commissioner Whiteneck moved to approve Sign Permit No. 763 with the Conditions of Approval recommended by Staff. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and passed by unanimous roll call vote (5-0). Vice Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period from the date of this approval. ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS 6 Pre -Agenda for the Regular Planning Commission Meetina of Tuesday, August 13, 1996 Staff Director/Secretary Petru noted that, at the applicant's request, Minor Exception Permit No 500 - Appeal - will be postponed until August 27, 1996 She advised that, in its place, another revision to the Ocean Trails' protect will be presented for consideration. Commission Vice Chairman Vannorsdall asked Staff to provide the Commission with an, oral report on the Commission's anticipated work load for the next six months COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS With regard to discussion of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No 101 Revision "I" and Variance No. 411, The Terraces Shopping Center (Do -It -Center) earlier in the meeting, Commissioner Franklin said it was unclear to him whether some of the items discussed involved reopening the CUP Director/Secretary Petru advised that, when there is a revision to a CUP, Staff focuses on the changes requested to the CUP; however, technically, any aspect of the CUP can be reopened if there are sufficient grounds to do so ADJOURNMENT At 8 55 P M the meeting was adjourned to Tuesday, August 13, 1996, 7 00 P M 10