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PC MINS 19970429CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION ADJOURNED MEETING APRIL 29, 1997 APPROVED 5/27/97 ��D The meeting was called to order at 7.00 P M by Chairman Vannorsdall at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29310 Hawthorne Boulevard. FLAG SALUTE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jerome Buckmelter ROLL CALL Present. Commissioners Alberio, Cartwright, Clark, Ng, Slayden, Vice Chairman Whiteneck, and Chairman Vannorsdall Also present were Director/Secretary Petru, Associate Planner Pfost, Assistant Planner Fox, and Recording Secretary Reid APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Ng moved to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and there being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (7-0). COMMUNICATIONS Staff Director/Secretary Petru distributed* 1) a summary from Commissioner Ng regarding a certificate program offered by USC on Historical Preservation, 2) two items of late correspondence regarding Agenda Item No 2, 3) one item of late correspondence regarding both Agenda Item Nos. 3 and 4, 4) a memorandum from Vice Chairman Whiteneck regarding Agenda Item No 5, and, 6) a Los Angeles Rainfall Chart provided by Lois Larue Commission Commissioner Clark reported on correspondence received from the Mayor of the City of Cerritos regarding wireless communication monopoles. Commissioner Ng reported on correspondence received from the City of Riverside regarding Historic Preservation. CONSENT CALENDAR There were no items on the Consent Calendar. CONTINUED BUSINESS Summary of Historic Designation and Preservation Tools and Options. Assistant Planner Fox presented the Staff Report and provided information describing the role and activities of the Rancho de los Palos Verdes Historical Society in the designation and preservation of historic sites on the Peninsula He summarized the general location and type of the pre-war structures found in the City and summarized a State of Court of Appeals decision regarding the applicability of CEQA to the preservation of historic resources Staff recommended that the Commission receive and file the report, but if the Commission desired, it could forward a recommendation to the City Council to initiate the preparation of Historic Preservation Ordinance Director/Secretary informed Chairman Vannorsdall that there were requests to speak on this item Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, commended Chairman Vannorsdall for introducing the topic of historic preservation and indicating her feeling that the City was responsible for preserving historical sites. Mr William Tolliffe 6347 Tarragon Road, was generally in favor of historic preservation in the community and inquired about the types of restrictions that would be placed on landowners' of such sites Mr Tolliffe felt that there were other organizations that should be involved if the City decided to prepare a Historic Preservation Ordinance Chairman Vannorsdall asked if the Commission desired to discuss this item Commissioner Slayden stated that the information provided by Staff was very interesting He felt that the report should be received and filed Commissioner Ng noted that the Staff Report was very detailed. She felt it was a good idea for individuals from the local historical society to be involved in this effort She noted that the State already has procedures for designating significant, historical sites. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 29,1997 Page 2 Commissioner Cartwright suggested that the Commission file the report. He felt that additional information should be obtained before the project was pursued any further Commissioner Clark suggested that an ad hoc committee be formed of Commissioners interested in this particular topic This committee could contact other organizations, retrieve additional information, and report back to the whole Commission with a recommended course of action Commissioner Alberio opposed filing the report. He felt that this project should be forwarded to the City Council with additional information, such as guidelines from neighboring cities Mr Alberio agreed with Commissioner Clark's comments of forming an ad hoc committee Vice Chairman Whiteneck felt that the report should not be filed until the proposed ad hoc committee has an opportunity to obtain additional information From there, a recommended course of action could be forwarded to the City Council for consideration Chairman Vannorsdall requested further study of this project and concurred with Commissioner Clark's comments regarding the formation of an ad hoc committee He felt that a membership of two or three Commissioners would be appropriate Commissioner Clark moved to form an ad hoc committee which would meet over the next three months, consist of two to three members of the Commission who were interested in this topic, and would provide a recommendation to the whole Commission on pursuing historic preservation in the City. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio. There being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (7-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked for three volunteers from the Commission to serve on the ad hoc committee Commissioners Alberio and Ng and Chairman Vannorsdall volunteered to serve on the ad hoc committee Mr Alberio was designated as the Chairman of the ad hoc committee 2 Conditional Use Permit No. 194 and Coastal Permit No. 138; Pacific Bell Mobil Services, 6412 Palos Verdes Drive South (St. Peter's by the Sea Church.) At this time, Vice Chairman Whiteneck recused himself from this item, since he lived within close proximity of the project site and exited the dias PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 29, 1997 Page 3 Associate Planner Pfost presented the Staff Report and stated the applicant requested an unmanned personal communications (PCS) facility at St Peter's by the Sea Church, four antenna panels would be mounted at the eave of the church (two at each end of the building) and two equipment boxes would be mounted at grade Mr Pfost stated the revised project minimized visual and aesthetic Impacts. Staff found the current design was consistent with all of the findings for approval of the Conditional Use Permit and the Coastal Permit. Therefore, Staff recommended adoption of the P C Resolutions approving the proposed project, subject to conditions of approval Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item. Mr. Jerome Buckmelter (representing Pacific Bell Mobile Services) 23534 Aetna Street, Woodland Hills, CA, 91367 commended Staff for being diligent and continuing to suggest alternatives regarding the proposed project Mr Buckmelter also thanked the Commission for being patient and allowing Pacific Bell Mobile Services time to redesign the project He stated that he was pleased with and supported Staff s recommendation Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentlne Road, was appalled by the thought of placing a commercial antenna on a religious facility and, for that reason, strongly opposed the proposed project Mr. William Tolllffe, 6347 Tarragon Road, felt that the redesigned project as shown on the plans was still aesthetically unpleasant in appearance He asked for a "mock up" of the proposed antennae to be installed on the building for public viewing prior to the Commission making a decision on the project Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item. Commissioner Slayden had no objections to Staffs recommendation. Commissioner Ng stated that since the proposed project was now integrated with the structure, she felt that it would not create an aesthetic impact and was a much better solution than the previous alternative designs. Commissioner Cartwright commended both the applicant and Staff for persevering with the proposed project Mr Cartwright felt that most of the concerns were mitigated by the revised design and believed that the findings could now be made to grant the Conditional Use Permit and the Coastal Permit Commissioner Clark echoed Commissioner Cartwright's comments and also complimented Staff for the extensive research and additional information provided to the Commission PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 29, 1997 Page 4 Commissioner Alberio felt that a "mock up" should be installed on the building for the public's benefit. However, he believed that the proposed project would be well integrated with the building and felt that the applicant's request should be granted. Chairman Vannorsdall stated that the revised plans were a definite improvement over the previous proposals presented to the Commission and felt that a solution for the proposed project had been found Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission for a motion to close the Public Hearing Commissioner Ng moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Slayden. There being no objections, the Public Hearing was closed (6-0-1), with Vice Chairman Whiteneck abstaining. Commissioner Ng moved to accept Staffs recommendation to adopt the P.C. Resolution Nos. 97-22 and 97-23, thereby approving the project, subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden, and passed, (6-0-1), with Vice Chairman Whiteneck abstaining. Director/Secretary Petru suggested that the language included in Condition No 6 of Exhibit'A' should be augmented at the very end to read "Prior to issuance of a building permit final inspection, the applicant shall obtain approval from the Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement for the installation of landscaping and/or other screening of the equipment alcove area." Commissioner Ng moved to accept the amended language as read by Staff. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and passed by a roll call vote, (6-0- 1), with Vice Chairman Whiteneck abstaining. Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period. RECESS AND RECONVENE At 8 25 P M there was a brief recess until 8 40 P M when the meeting reconvened 3 Conditional Use Permit No 196• Pacific Bell Mobile Services 28401 Hawthorne Boulevard (7/11 Convenience Market Building). At this time Vice Chairman Whiteneck returned to the dais PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 29, 1997 Page 6 Associate Planner Pfost presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant requested an unmanned personal communications facility at the 7/11 Convenience Market Building The project involved one 65" high antenna mounted atop a 24" high post atop the existing roof parapet. The project included equipment cabinets located on the ground, underneath the existing stairway to the second floor of the building Mr Pfost requested that the applicant install a "mock up" of the proposed antenna on the building which was installed approximately one week prior to the meeting He went on to state that the applicant proposed a PCS antenna with a more slender profile than the original application had indicated, which would not result in any visual or aesthetic impacts Staff found that the revised plans for the proposed project was consistent with the findings of the Conditional Use Permit. Staff, therefore, recommended adoption of the P C Resolution, thereby approving the project, subject to conditions Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item. Mr. Jerome Buckmelter (representing Pacific Bell Mobile Services), 23534 Aetna Street, Woodland Hills, CA, 91367, reiterated Staffs comments regarding the "mock up" and stated that it was installed and represented the revised 1-1/2" diameter antennae Mr Buckmelter requested that the Commission grant the request, since he felt that "mock up" demonstrated that the antenna would not result in any aesthetic or visual impacts to the surrounding area. Ms. Nancy Moore, 6344 Villa Rosa, indicated that the revised project was acceptable to her, with the added conditions that additional landscaping be provided on the site and the antenna be painted a color similar to the "mock up " Mr. William Tolliffe. 6347 Tarragon Road, was not in favor of the proposed project since it was not screened from view Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Commissioner Ng moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Slayden. There being no objections, Chairman Vannorsdall declared the Public Hearing closed, (7-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item Commissioner Slayden stated that after observing the "mock up" and reviewing the revised plans provided by Staff, he believed that the proposed project was acceptable Commissioner Ng was comfortable with the revisions to the proposed project and supported Staffs recommendation. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 29, 1997 Page 6 • • Commissioner Cartwright too, was pleased with the revised plans and felt that the applicant's request should be granted. Commissioner Clark concurred with his fellow Commissioners who had already spoken and had no further comments on the project Commissioner Alberio asked the applicant about the differences in the configurations of the antenna Installed at Saint Peter's by the Sea Church and the one presented that evening He felt that it was difficult to make a decision, since the antenna was still unscreened and did not blend with the architecture of the building. Vice Chairman Whiteneck supported Staffs recommendation, with the condition that the project be reviewed every 6 months to determine if there had been any advancements in technology which would allow for a smaller, less conspicuous antenna to be installed in place of the antenna being approved that evening. Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to accept Staffs recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-24, thereby approving the proposed project, subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng. Director/Secretary Petru suggested that modifications be made to the conditions in Exhibit'A' of Conditional Use Permit No. 195 to reflect the changes in the design of the project and Vice Chairman Whiteneck's motion to approve the project. She suggested that Condition No 3 be modified to indicate that the approval was for a 36" high by 1" diameter antennae to be mounted on a 24" high pole Ms Petru then proposed to add a new condition (Condition No. 7) to read as, "The Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement shall conduct a review one year from the date of the installation of the antennae, and annually thereafter, to determine if the applicant can replace the facility with a smaller antenna, based on subsequent advancements in technology " The motion was passed by a unanimous roll call vote, (7-0). Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period 4. Conditional Use Permit No. 197; L.A. Cellular, 28401 Hawthorne Boulevard 17/11 Convenience Market Building). Associate Planner Pfost presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant requested an unmanned personal communications facility at the 7/11 Convenience Market Building. The project Involved two antennas (24" high by 12"wide) mounted back-to-back atop an 8" high post atop the end of the existing roof ridge. The project included an equipment cabinet located in an existing storage room beneath an existing PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 29, 1997 Page 7 stairway to the second floor of the building. Staff felt that, after viewing the "mock up" that had been installed by the applicant, the proposed antennae posed more of an impact than first thought when Staff viewed the photographic simulations, due to the bulky appearance of the antennae and that fact that the antenna was not integrated with the structure Staff felt that these circumstances creating a significant aesthetic impact on the surrounding area Therefore, Staff recommended adoption of the P C Resolution denying the proposed project Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item Mr. Paul Novak (representing L.A. Cellular), 108 North Brand Boulevard, #201, Glendale, CA, disagreed with Staffs comments regarding the bulky appearance of the antenna Mr Novak stated that only one resident opposed this particular project, but that no other comments had been received from the public. Ms. Nancy Moore, 6344 Villa Rosa, opposed the proposed project due to the fact that it created what she felt was a significant view impact from her residence. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item. Commissioner Cartwright felt that the antennae was visually Obtrusive in its current configuration He felt that the Commission should continue the Public Hearing so that the applicant could explore other alternatives and install another "mock up" that could be displayed for a longer period of time that two days, so that the public and the Commission would have adequate time to view the project. Commissioner Clark concurred with Commissioner Cartwright's comments Commissioners Alberio, Ng, Slayden and Vice Chairman Whiteneck also concurred with Commissioner Cartwright's assessment of the project Commissioner Alberio moved to continue the Public Hearing to May 27, 1997. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck and there being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, {7-0} PUBLIC HEARINGS There were no public hearing items scheduled for this agenda PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 29, 1997 Page 8 NEW BUSINESS 5 Wireless Communications Antenna Development Guidelines. Assistant Planner Fox presented the Staff Report and discussed the adoption of the Guidelines for PCS antenna networks in the City. Mr. Fox stated that, if the Guidelines were adopted, they would serve to reinforce and augment the City's existing regulation for commercial antennae. He also mentioned that In adopting the new Guidelines for wireless facilities, the Commission should be aware of the restrictions imposed by the limited Federal preemption Staff believed the proposed Guidelines were consistent with the General Plan, Development Code and Federal law, and therefore recommended adoption of the proposed Wireless Communications Antenna Development Guidelines, via Minute Order Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item. Mr. Jerome Buckmelter, 5959 Century Boulevard #200, Los Angeles, CA, 90045 stated that he was very skeptical about the need for Guidelines that would spell out every criteria and felt that it would be unworkable Mr. Buckmelter stated that the Commission already had the Conditional Use Permit process, which worked very well for these types of applications Lois Larue. 3136 Barkentine Road, stated that she disagreed with some of the conditions set in the draft Guidelines Ms. Linda Paul (representing L.A. Cellular) P.Q. Box 6028, Cerritos, CA, encouraged the Commission to adopt the Wireless Communication Guidelines for PCS facilities. Mr. Jeff McHadad (representing Pacific Bell Mobil Services), stated that he too, encouraged the Commission to adopt the Guidelines. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this time. The Commission requested that the Staff modify the draft Guidelines to require that any "mock up" be in place continuously for a least a week prior to the Planning Commission's meeting on the request. The Commission also requested that the Guidelines include an annual reporting procedure to that service providers will keep the City abreast of changes in wireless communications technology. Finally, the Commission requested that Staff contact other cities that may have similar ordinances and guidelines to compare with. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 29, 1997 Page 9 Commissioner Clark moved to continue the item to May 27, 1997 and directed Staff to research additional information pertaining to other city's ordinances and guidelines. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden and there being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (7-0). Staff 6. Pre -Agenda for the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of May 13, 1997. Director/Secretary Petru noted that the six-month review for the Mobil Service Station would also be included on the May 13, 1997 agenda, Commission The Commission directed Staff to add the Commissioner's vacation schedules to next month's agenda. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Lois Larue. 3136 Barkentine Road, expressed her appreciation to Commissioner Alberio for voting against the Conditional Use Permit application to install a PCS antennae at Saint Paul's Church ., "Tq11Wi"1lJA4zk1 At 10:35 P.M., Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio. There being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (7-0). I i q Lit] ;U0 111; X;1 W, M HN RAI; 101 Tki i I PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 29,1997 Page 14