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PC MINS 19970422CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING APRIL 22, 1997 APPROVED 5/27/97 The meeting was called to order at 7.05 P.M. by Chairman Vannorsdall at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29310 Hawthorne Boulevard FLAG SALUTE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Ng. ROLL CALL Present- Commissioners Alberio, Clark, Ng, Slayden, Vice Chairman Whiteneck, and Chairman Vannorsdall Absent. Commissioner Cartwright Also present were Director/Secretary Petru, Senior Engineer Allison, Assistant Planners Fox and Ward, and Recording Secretary Peterson APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to make any changes in the agenda. The Commission had no objections in approving the agenda as presented, and it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (6-0). COMMUNICATIONS Staff Director Secretary Petru distributed. 1) a memorandum from Assistant Planner Pfost regarding mock-ups for the Pacific Bell Mobile Services project on the 7/11 building on Hawthorne Boulevard, 2) a map indicating the location of the trail easement for Agenda Item No 2; 3) a letter from American Storage Properties which was not attached to the Staff Report for Agenda Item No. 3; 4) a diagram of a possible redesign of the PCS antenna for Agenda Item No. 5, 5) a letter related to Agenda Item No 7 requesting consideration of Wayfarers Chapel as a histroic structure; and, 6) an informational only letter that the City Manager had sent to Bill Myers regarding car washes at his service station on Hawthorne Boulevard. Commission Chairman Vannorsdall reported on his attendance at the Mayor's Breakfast. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. Minutes of March 25, 1997 Commissioner Ng requested that on page 8, paragraph 4, line 8 be modified to read as, ' the existing light pole located at ' , page 10, paragraph 8, line 7 be modified to read as, '...that the Commission would consider ', and on page 11, paragraph 9 an insertion be made after the second sentence to read as, 'The representative from L A Cellular presented figures to the Commission regarding the amount of antennas which were mounted on street signs, light standards, and utility poles.". Commissioner Slayden moved to approve the Minutes of March 25, 1997, as amended. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck and passed, (5-0-1) with Commissioner Clark abstaining since he was not present at this meeting. 2 General Plan Consistency Determination for a Proposed Trail Vacation: 27719 Hawthorne Boulevard. Senior Engineer Allison briefly presented the Staff Report and stated that the landowner requested the vacation of a trail easement over a portion of their property at 27719 Hawthorne Boulevard. Mr. Allison stated that the Public Works department conducted an analysis and found that an equestrian easement on the subject property was no longer included in the Conceptual Trails Plan Based on the findings, Staff felt that the vacation of the equestrian trail was consistent with the General Plan and therefore, recommended adoption of the P C Resolution forwarding this finding to the City Council. Commissioner Alberio inquired if Lot Nos 136 and 132 submitted a vacation request as Lot No. 155 had done Senior Engineer Allison replied that no request had been submitted for these lots Commissioner Albeno felt that Lot Nos 136 and 132 should have been grouped together with Lot NO 155 for vacation of the trail easement Senior Engineer Allison stated that the City was only processing trail vacations if they were requested by the landowner, since title reports would need to be obtained for each PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 22, 1997 Page 2 lot. It would be very expensive if the City initiated this action since the trail easements crossed several lots down the canyon Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item Lois Larue. 3136 Barkentine Road, stated that she was very opposed to the proposed project due to the fact that only the Public Works Department was involved and no input was received from the Trails Committee, Recreation and Parks Committee, and especially the public Commissioner Ng inquired if the City intended to put a trail in this particular area in the future Director/Secretary Petru replied that since the segment was deleted out of the Conceptual Trails Plan, the City had no intentions to pursue the matter Commissioner Ng inquired how far the trail extended Director/Secretary Petru replied that the trail extended from the top of Malaga Canyon at Hawthorne Boulevard to the end of Mossbank Drive Ms Petru stated that the trail was originally included in the Conceptual Trails Plan She stated that the problem with this particular easement was that there was never a trail developed within it and that there were a number of fences, structures, vegetation, and many other obstacles which had to be dealt with in order to install the trail Ms Petru stated that during the first update for the Conceptual Trails Plan this particular segment was discussed amongst the Council It was determined that this trail would be very difficult to install and the Council felt that there was very little value to the overall Trails Plan The Council therefore, deleted this trail from the Conceptual Trails Plan Chairman Vannorsdall asked if the Commission desired to discuss this item Commissioner Ng did not favor the vacation since she felt that the easement should be vacated as a whole, rather than in a piece meal fasion The Commission had no further comments Commissioner Clark moved to accept Staff's recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-19, thereby finding that the vacation of a portion of the equestrian /pedestrian trail easement at 27719 Hawthorne Boulevard was consistent with the General Plan. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden and passed by a roll call vote, (4-2) with Commissioners Alberio and Ng dissenting. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 22, 1997 Page 3 3 Sign Permit No. 818; Lucky Stores, Inc., 28500 S Western Avenue (Westmont Plaza). Chairman Vannorsdall read aloud the applicant's request as well as the Staffs recommendation Chairman Vannorsdall noted that the applicant requested a sign and logo for an ancillary tenant (Bank of America) be placed on the front facade of the Lucky Supermarket at Westmont Plaza He then stated that Staff recommended approval of the request with modifications to the placement of the signs on the building facade Chairman Vannorsdall moved to waive the reading of the Staff Report, seconded by Commissioner Clark, with no objections, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (6-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item. Recording/Secretary Peterson replied that there were none. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item Commissioner Ng stated that she agreed with Staffs recommendation to modify the placement of the existing and proposed signs on the building facade since it would give a more balanced appearance to the storefront. The Commission had no further comments. Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to accept Staff's recommendation to approve Sign Permit No. 818, via Minute Order. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and there being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (6-0) via Minute Order. CONTINUED BUSINESS 4. Conditional Use Permit No. 182 - 6 Month Review; William Myers, 28103 Hawthorne Boulevards (Bill's Mobil). Assistant Planner Fox presented the Staff Report and stated that a six-month review of the project was conducted to see if the applicant had complied with all of the conditions of approval adopted by the City Council as Resolution No. 95-41 Mr. Fox noted that Mr Myers and the Glantzs had been working together on providing a solution to the noise generated by the mechanical equipment at the back of the store However, they had requested more time in order to get bids on the proposed construction of the sound PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 22, 1997 Page 4 wall Staff therefore, recommended continuance of the Public Hearing for discussion of the noise issues and other aspects to the Planning Commission Meeting of May 27, 1997. However, he mentioned that the Glantz's had requested that the meeting be scheduled for May 13, 1997, since they would be out of town on May 27, 1997 Assistant Planner Fox also stated that the landowner had recently requested approval of an outdoor seating area on the east side of the building This type of use could be approved by the Director pursuant to Condition No 11 of Conditional Use Permit No 182. However, Staff felt that this request would be more appropriate for the Commission's consideration due to the concerns that had been raised as part of the six month review process regarding noise and loitering Director/Petro informed the Commission that she received a telephone call from Councilmember Lyon regarding the outdoor seating area Councilmember Lyon stated that a resident contacted her with concerns regarding outside seating area Councilmember Lyon felt that this was beyond the scope of conditions for this particular project and felt that it should not be allowed. Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item Mr William Myers, (landowner) 28103 Hawthorne Boulevard, stated that he and the Glantzs collaborated on the enclosure for the mechanical equipment during the past month. Mr. Myers noted in the noise study prepared by the Glantzs' consultant also recommended an additional 6 foot wall at the property line. He requested that it be reflected in the written record this evening that this second wall was not going to be installed, since this fact was not included in the previous discussions on this matter. Also, his other concern was that a building permit would be required for the enclosure around the mechanical equipment since it would be more than 6 feet high Mr. William Glantz, 28070 Santona Drive, informed the Commission of what transpired from the last meeting He stated that he and Mr. Myers were worked together on the enclosure for the mechanical equipment Mr Glantz stated that he would like to complete this project in the least expensive way and then asked the Commission to move forward with a conclusion to the six month review of the project. Ms Nancy Moore, 6344 Villa Rosa, stated that her property overlooked the service station and that her main concern was with the view of the back of the building. Ms Moore stated that she had requested additional trees and landscaping on the property, but instead, she viewed compressors and trash enclosures with no landscaping whatsoever PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 22, 1997 Page 6 • • Mr. Ken Moore, 6344 Villa Rosa, commented on the noise of the mechanical equipment and stated that the further one is away from noise, the more it falls off Mr. Moore stated that noise traveled upwards. Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, felt that Councilmember Lyon's message to the Commission was unnecessary since the project would be heard again by the Council She favored the proposed project and encouraged to the Commission to help the Myer's in anyway it could Chairman Vannorsdall asked if the Commission desired to discuss this item. Commissioner Clark moved to accept Staffs recommendation to continue the Public Hearing for the six month review to May 13, 1997 and that the applicant investigate the possibility of using a quieter compressor. Commissioner Ng suggested that the applicant look into the possibility of installing a footing for a 10 foot high wall, but only initially constructing a lower wall of 6 feet in height The 6 foot wall could then be increased in height, if it was determined to be necessary in the future Commissioner Clark amended his motion to include Commissioner Ng's request that the landowner investigate the option of initially installing a 6 foot high wall that could be increased in height to 10 feet and deemed necessary in the future to reduce the noise. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden and passed by a roll call vote, (6-0). Commissioner Clark supported the seating/dining area with additional conditions requiring signage to be posted prohibiting loitering. He felt that it would be in Mr Myers' best interest to police the use of the seating area to make sure that the area does not detract from his business or become a nuisance to the area. Mr Clark suggested that the Commission should review the operation of the seating area in six months. Vice Chairman Whiteneck stated that the outside seating/dining area would be a nice amenity for the customers waiting while their cars are being serviced. Commissioner Alberio opposed the outside seating/dining area, since he felt that it was outside the scope of the original project He felt that it should be considered instead as a revision to the Conditional Use Permit Commissioner Clark moved to approve the outdoor seating/dining area with conditions for signage prohibiting loitering and 6 month review by the Planning PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 22,1997 Page 6 Vice Chairman Whiteneck and passed by a roll call vote, (5-1) with Commissioner Alberio dissenting, via Minute Order. RECESS AND RECONVENE At 9.35 P.M. there was a brief recess until the meeting reconvened at 9*50 P M 5. Conditional Use Permit No. 194 and Coastal Permit No. 13Pacific Bell Mobile Services, 6412 Palos Verdes Drive South (St Peter's by the Sea Church). At this time, Vice Chairman Whiteneck recused himself from considering this item since he lived near the subject property and exited the dais. Chairman Vannorsdall briefly introduced this item and stated that the applicant requested an unmanned personal communications facility at the subject site. The project involved a 50 foot tall monopole/antenna and two equipment cabinets adjacent to the monopole. Chairman Vannorsdall noted that Staff recommended continuance of the public hearing Of this protect to April 29, 1997, due to a proposed redesign of the project Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item Mr. Jerome Buckmelter, (applicant) 23534 Aetna Street, Woodland Hills, requested that the Commission continue this item to the Planning Commission Meeting of April 29, 1997 since the applicant was currently working On a project design with Staff that may eliminate the previous aesthetic concerns about the project Lois Larue 3136 Barkentine Road, opposed the proposed project and stated that wireless communications systems do not belong on religious facilites Chairman Vannorsdall asked if the Commission desired to discuss this item. The Commission had no further comments Commissioner Clark moved to continue the Public Hearing to April 29, 1997. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and passed, (5-0-1) with Vice Chairman Whiteneck abstaining. PUBLIC HEARINGS At this time Vice Chairman Whiteneck returned to the dais. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 22, 1997 Page 7 • • 6 Variance No. 419 and Encroachment Permit No. 21: Rockinghorse PropertX Owners Association and Rockinghorse Community Association, 9 & 10 Rockinghorse Road and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Public Right -of - Way. Assistant Planner Ward presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant requested beautification improvements to exceed the 30 inch height limitation for walls and fences within the required intersection visibility triangle area and to encroach into the City's right -Of -way along Palos Verdes Drive East The applicant proposed to install a 6 foot high vertical wrought iron fence behind the existing walls and to construct a 4 to 6 foot high, 3 -rail horizontal fencing, extending from the existing entrance wall to approximately 80 feet north along Palos Verdes Drive East and 64 feet south along Palos Verdes Drive East Staff found that the project would be an aesthetic improvement to the area and would not change vehicle sight lines at the intersection. Therefore, Staff recommended adoption of the P C Resolutions thereby approving Variance No. 419 and Encroachment Permit No 21, subject to conditions Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission for a motion to open the Public Hearing. Commissioner Alberio moved to open the Public Hearing, seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck. There being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (6-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item Mr Warren Sweetnam (president of the Rockinghorse Property Owners Association) 7 Top Rail Lane, displayed photographs for the Commission of the subject area and stated that the homeowners intended to pursue this beautification project in two phases Mr Sweetnam stated that the first half would be completed this year and the second half next year. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission for a motion to close the Public Hearing Commissioner Alberio moved to close the Public Hearing. Vice Chairman Whiteneck seconded the motion and there being no objections, Chairman Vannorsdall declared the Public hearing closed, (6-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item The Commission had no further comments. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 22, 1997 Page 8 Commissioner Alberio moved to accept Staffs Recommendation to adopt the P.C. Resolution Nos. 97-20 and 97-21, thereby approving Variance No. 419 and Encroachment Permit No. 21, subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng and there being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (6-0). Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period. NEW BUSINESS 7. Historic Designation and Preservation. Chairman Vannorsdall suggested that this item be continued to the next meeting due to the lateness of the hour. Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to continue the item to the meeting of April 29, 1997. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and there being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (6-0). ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS Staff 8. Pre -Agenda for the Adjourned Planning Commission Meeting of April 29, 1997. Commission None COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE None. ADJOURNMENT At 10:50 P.M. Commissioner Clark moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio. There being no objections, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (6-0). N \GR0UPIPLANN1NG\PCMIN\MJN04 22 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Apnl 22, 1997 Page 9