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PC MINS 19970513CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 13, 1997 Approved 6/24/97 (�D The meeting was called to order at 7 02 P M by Chairman Vannorsdall at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29310 Hawthorne Boulevard. FLAG SALUTE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by William Myers. ROLL CALL Present- Commissioners Alberio, Cartwright, Clark, Ng, Slayden, Vice Chairman Whiteneck, and Chairman Vannorsdall Absent* None Also present were Director/Secretary Petru, Associate Planner Pfost, Assistant Planners Fox and Ward, and Recording Secretary Atuatasi APPROVAL OF AGENDA Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to re -order Agenda Item No. 6 to Agenda Item No. 2. There being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (7-0). COMMUNICATIONS Staff Director/Secretary Petru distributed- 1) a flyer regarding an upcoming seminar, "Making Livable Communities"; 2) information from the City of Cerritos regarding monopoles; 3) late correspondence Mr Randall regarding Agenda Item No 5, and, 4) the draft Planning Commissioners' Background Information Commission None CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of April 8, 1997 Commissioner Cartwright requested that on page 2, paragraph 1, line 2 be modified to read as, ' proposed Pacific Bell and L A Cellular antennae on the 7111 Building', line 6 be modified to read as, '...who opposed the project...', line 7 an insertion be made after the words 'stating that' to read as, '...this was a public matter and should be discussed at a public meeting . ', after line 9 an insertion be made to read as, 'He discouraged Mr. Moore from contacting other Commissioners', page 6, paragraph 1, line 2 be modified to read as, '...Commission's responsibility was % and lastly, an insertion be made after paragraph 6 to read as, 'Commissioner Cartwright agreed that full-size mock ups would be appropriate'. Commissioner Alberio requested that on page 4, paragraph 1, line 2 be modified to read as, '...to the proposed project.', page 5, paragraph 8, line 6 be modified to read as, '. the federal communications facility at ', line 8 be modified to read as, ' located in the ocean view, ', page 6, paragraph 4, line 2 be modified to read as, ' . had given to this matter, ', page 7, paragraph 6, line 2 be modified to read as, ' the project site and recused..', and lastly, paragraph 7, line 2 be modified to read as, '...recommendation for the proposed project' Commissioner Alberio moved to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck and passed, (6-0-1) with Commissioner Ng abstaining since she was not present at the April 8, 1997 meeting. At this time Agenda Item No 6 was considered NEW BUSINESS 6 Sign Permit No 870; San Ramon Homeowners Association. 2844 and 2845 San Ramon Drive. Chairman Vannorsdall introduced this agenda item and read aloud the requested action as well as Staffs recommendation for the proposed project. He noted that the applicant was requesting to place identification signs on the exiting block walls along the street side property lines at 2844 and 2845 San Ramon Drive Chairman Vannorsdall also noted that the application was submitted as a result of one of the City's recycling beautification grants PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 13, 1997 Page 2 Commissioner Alberio moved that the reading of the Staff Report be waived. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden, and there being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (7-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item Mr. Lou McCrei-ght, 2763 San Ramon Drive, San Ramon Homeowner Representative, displayed a picture board for the Commission's viewing and briefly described their proposed request of placing two bronze signs (34" wide x 20" high) on each entrance wall at 2844 & 2845 San Ramon Drive Mr McCreight stated that the purpose of the request was for tract identification and enhancement of the streetscape on Palos Verdes Drive East Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item The Commission had no further comments Commissioner Slayden moved to accept Staffs Recommendation to approve Sign Permit No. 870, subject to conditions, via Minute Order. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck, and there being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (7-0). Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period. At this time Agenda Item No. 2 was considered. CONTINUED BUSINESS 2. Conditional Use Permit No. 182 - 6 Month Review; William Myers, 28103 Hawthorne Boulevard (Bill's Mobil. Assistant Planner Fox presented the Staff Report and explained that a six-month review of the project was conducted to ensure that the applicant complied with all of the conditions of approval adopted by the City Council as Resolution No. 95-41. Mr. Fox mentioned that modifications for the project were discussed in the draft P.C. Resolution Staff recommended revisions to the language of Condition No. 19 of Resolution No 95-41 to create a more reasonable and enforceable standard for mechanical equipment noise. Staff suggested eliminating the requirement for mechanical equipment to be inaudible and to be replaced with a standard of being "reasonably mitigated so that it would not cause a significant impact for the adjacent residents". Another modification to the project conditions was the installation of decorative trash can enclosures At the February 11, 1997 meeting the Commission PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 13,1997 Page 3 directed Staff to extend the deadline for this requirement (Condition No 22) for an additional six months. Assistant Planner Fox stated that Mr Myers complied with this condition by installing the enclosures on the site Therefore Staff recommended adoption of the P.0 Resolution to approve modifications to the conditions of approval for Conditional Use Permit No 182, as part of the Six -Month Review Mr Fox also discussed the landowner's request for an outdoor seating area, which was allowed, with approval by the Director or the Planning Commission, through the current Conditional Use Permit Staff recommended approval of the seating area, subject to conditions to regulate the hours and to screen the area with landscaping Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item Mr. William Myers (landowner) 28103 Hawthorne Boulevard, a diagram of the new trash enclosures to the Commission Mr Myers disagreed with the wording in the draft Resolution and Conditions of Approval regarding the mechanical equipment which referred to "..the neighbors...". He requested that it be modified to read as singular and not plural, since there was only one neighbor concerned with the noise issue Mr Myers noted that a fixed planter as recommended by Staff to be placed around the sound wall was not practical since this would prevent access and ventilation to the mechanical equipment behind the wall.. Mr. Myers also requested that the Commission reconsider the reinstallation of the public telephone for community service purposes. Mr William Glantz, 28070 Santona Drive, was concerned with the proposed 6 foot wall for the mechanical equipment posing a view impact for other residents in the area, but stated that he was comfortable with the conditions that Staff had prepared Mr Glantz suggested that a single 5 foot door be installed instead of 2 swinging doors, since the mechanical equipment contained in the enclosure was only approximately 3 feet wide This way, a larger planter could be provided without interfering with access to the equipment Ms. Nancy Moore, 6344 Villa Rosa, stated that Mr. Myers had not complied with the conditions and stated that her main priority was the visual impact caused by this project. Ms. Moore requested that the garbage enclosure be closed at all times due to the fact that it was an unsanitary and unpleasant view from her property Ms. Moore stated that she has had restless nights due to the noise from the mechanical equipment She also strongly opposed the re -installation of the telephone, the new outdoor seating area, and the 6 foot wall around the mechanical equipment, since the telephones and seating area would encourage loitering and the equipment enclosure would be unsightly Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission for a motion to close the public hearing PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 13, 1997 Page 4 Commissioner Clark moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Cartwright, and there being no objection, 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 extensive review of the item, he felt that the applicant and the Glantz's worked out the situation very well regarding the mechanical equipment Mr Slayden stated that he had no objections with Staffs Recommendation. Commissioner Ng stated that most of the issues discussed were mitigated and suggested that the access door to the mechanical equipment be relocated to the other side so that the landscaping could be placed on the elevation facing Grandvia Altamira. Commissioner Ng also suggested that potted -plants be used to soften the appearance of the enclosure, if the landowner was opposed to installing a fixed planter. Commissioner Cartwright believed that all issues regarding the noise had been resolved He felt that additional landscaping was unnecessary, but stated that there was a need for public telephones at the service station Mr Cartwright suggested that Staff explore other alternatives for the installation of the telephones inside the service station. Commissioner Clark echoed Commissioners Cartwright and Slayden's comments and felt that he was prepared to conclude the six month review of this project Commissioner Alberio stated that he was not opposed to the outside seating nor the telephone. However, he was concerned that the 10 foot high equipment enclosure was not originally part of the conditional use permit He stated that this was tantamount to an accessory building and that the only thing missing was the roof Therefore, he felt that a revision to the Conditional Use Permit was necessary. Vice Chairman Whiteneck stated that he would like to see a single, 5 foot door installed rather than double doors to provide access to the mechanical equipment inside the enclosure. Mr. Whiteneck did not feel that it was necessary to landscape the back of the building Chairman Vannorsdall objected to the language in Section 3 of the resolution and suggested that it be modified to read as 45db(A) during evening hours and 65db(A) during daytime hours. As far as the landscaping around the equipment enclosure was concerned, he felt it was unnecessary, and lastly stated that the public telephone should be re -installed in the parking lot PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 13, 1997 Page 6 Commissioner Clark moved to accept Staffs Recommendation to adopt the P.C. Resolution No. 97-25, thereby approving modifications to the project and conditions of approval for Conditional Use Permit No. 182 as part of the 6 -Month Review. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng, and passed by a roll - call vote, (5-2) with Commissioner Alberio and Chairman Vannorsdall dissenting. Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period RECESS AND RECONVENE At 8,35 P.M. there was a brief recess until the meeting reconvened at 8*45 P M PUBLIC HEARINGS 3 Height Variation No 832; Mr. & Mrs Chi K Leung, 29615 Stonecrest Road Assistant Planner Ward presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant requested an 800 square foot addition to an existing 2,020 square foot, two-story single family residence exceeding the sixteen foot height limitation The proposed height of the addition was 25 feet and 6 inches, which was within the City maximum allowable height of 26 feet Staff found that the addition would not cause view impairment or an unreasonable infringement on the privacy of surrounding properties and that the project would be compatible with the character of the surrounding neighborhood Therefore, Staff recommended adoption of the P C Resolution, thereby approving Height Variation No. 832, subject to conditions Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission for a motion to open the Public Hearing Commissioner Alberio moved to open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng, and there being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (7-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item Mr. Chi Leung. (landowner) 29615 Stonecrest Road, stated that the purpose for his request was that he needed more space in his home since his family was growing Mr Leung commended Staff for a well prepared report Commissioner Slayden moved to close the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark, and there being no objection, Chairman Vannorsdall declared the Public Hearing closed, (7-0). PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 13, 1997 Page 6 Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item. Commissioner Slayden had no comments Commissioner Ng thanked Staff for a well-prepared report Commissioner Cartwright stated that he supported Staffs Recommendation. Commissioner Clark had no objections to the proposed project, but requested that Staff carefully consider architectural styles in future height variation applications, since it may become more of an issue in the future Commissioner Alberio had no comments on the project. Vice Chairman Whiteneck had no comments regarding the request and congratulated Staff for a job well done on the Staff Report Chairman Vannorsdall had no comments and asked the Commission for a motion on this Item Commissioner Ng moved to accept Staffs Recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-26, thereby approving Height Variation No. 832, subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck. There being no objection, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (7-0). Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period. 4 Conditional Use Permit No. 198; L.A. Cellular, 500 Silver Spur Road. Associate Planner Pfost presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant requested modifications to an existing unmanned personal communications facility on the roof of an existing office building The project involved relocation of six existing antennae and adding two additional antenna Mr Pfost stated that the proposed project was designed in a manner so that it would not result in any visual and aesthetic impacts Staff found that the project was consistent with the findings for the conditional use permit and therefore, recommended adoption of the P.0 Resolution, thereby approving Conditional Use Permit No. 198, subject to conditions. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission for a motion to open the Public Hearing. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 13, 1997 Page 7 Commissioner Cartwright moved to open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng, and there being no objections, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (7-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this Item Mr. Jeffrey Seymour, (representing L.A. Cellular) 233 Wilshire Boulevard, #290, Santa Monica, stated that the new antennae arrays would be camouflaged and that the color and texture of the enclosure around them would be the same as the building wall Mr. Seymour requested that the Commission recognize L A Cellular as a cellular system or wireless telecommunications facility, rather than a PCS facility, since they are technically different even though they provide similar services Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission for a motion to close the Public Hearing Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to close the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio, and 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 felt that the presentation made by Staff had satisfied his questions regarding the project. He had no objections for approval of the proposed project Commissioner Ng was in agreement with Staff's Recommendation Commissioner Cartwright agreed with Staffs Recommendation and hoped that the proposed project would improve the communication service in this area of the community. The other Commissioners had no comments on the project. Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to accept Staffs Recommendation for adoption of P.C. Resolution No. 97-27, thereby approving Conditional Use Permit No. 198, subject to amended conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and passed by a unanimous roll -call vote, (7-0). Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 13,1997 Page 8 NEW BUSINESS 5 Grading Permit No. 1928; Arik Abdalian, 30025 Cachan Place. Assistant Planner Fox presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant had requested 77 cubic yards of earth movement on a vacant property with an average slope in excess of 35% so that a new 5,715 square foot single family residence could be constructed Staff believed that the amount of grading was not excessive for the intended use of the property, there was no view impact that would result from the project, the proposed grading was sensitive to the existing topography, and the grading within the extreme slope area would not be detrimental to public health and safety, since the project will be thoroughly reviewed by the Building and Safety Division Therefore, Staff recommended approval of Grading Permit No 1928 , via Minute Order. Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item. Mr. Terence Kwok (landowner's representative) 109 E. Floral Drive, Monterey Park, CA, 91755, stated that he would be happy to answer any questions that the Commissioners may have Chairman Vannorsdall wondered if Staff had taken a right approach in processing only a Grading Permit for the proposed project instead of also requiring a Variance Application since the lot was so steep He was concerned about the lot being buildable. Commissioner Alberio concurred with Chairman Vannorsdall comments, and suggested that a geology and soils study be conducted for the proposed project before the Commission took any action on the requested project Commissioner Slayden concurred with Staffs findings and supported their recommendation. Commissioner Ng stated that if the Commission denied the applicant's request, the Commission would be depriving the applicant's right to construct a single family residence on a legal lot. Commissioner Ng agreed with Staffs Recommendation and noted that the project would be subjected to a complete review by the Building and Safety Division, including the City's geotechnical consultant to determine that the site is safe to build on, as stated in the Staff Report Commissioner Cartwright stated that the issue at hand was the grading and felt that quantity of earth movement was not excessive for a lot with such difficult topography. Therefore, he supported Staffs Recommendation PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 13, 1997 Page 9 Commissioner Clark observed that 35% slope was not as extreme as slopes found on other properties in the City and also supported Staff's Recommendation Vice Chairman Whiteneck stated that the issue this evening was a grading permit request and not for the Commission to decide whether or not a home should be constructed on this lot. He felt that decision should be made by the Building and Safety Division Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to accept Staffs Recommendation to conditionally approve Grading Permit No. 1928, via Minute Order. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden and passed by a unanimous roll -call vote, (7-0). ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS Staff 7 Pre -Agenda for the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of May 27, 1997. Director/Secretary Petru noted that a mock up antenna for Conditional Use Permit No 197 had been installed on the 7/11 Building for the Commission's review prior to the next meeting Commission The Commission requested Staff to add the revised Planning Commissioners Background Information and the Commission Vacation Schedule to the agenda for the Planning Commission Meeting of May 27, 1997 COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, protested the Commission's approval of the St. Paul's Church antenna project on Palos Verdes Drive South ADJOURNMENT At 10:36 P.M. Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commission Slayden, and there being no objection it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (7-0). N:\GROUP\PLANNING\PCMIN\MIN05.132 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 13, 1997 Page 10