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PC MINS 19970624CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JUNE 24, 1997 APPROVED 7/2?/97 60.1 Q The meeting was called to order at 7:05 P M by Vice Chairman Whiteneck at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29310 Hawthorne Boulevard FLAG SALUTE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Cartwright. ROLL CALL Present Commissioners Cartwright, Clark, Ng, and Vice Chairman Whiteneck Absent- Commissioners Albeno, Slayden, and Chairman Vannorsdall (all excused) Also present were Director/Secretary Petru, Senior Planner Snow, Associate Planner Pfost, Assistant Planners Fox and Ward, and Recording Secretary Atuatasi Vice Chairman Whiteneck asked the Commission if they had any objections to the order of the agenda items presented that evening The Commission moved to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was passed, (4-0). COMMUNICATIONS Staff Director/Secretary Petru distributed: 1) copies of a facsimile regarding Agenda Item No 3 (Wireless Communications Antenna Development Guidelines), 2) the finalized version of the Planning Commission Resolution regarding Agenda Item No 7 (Tentative Parcel Map No 24634, Variance No 418, and Environmental Assessment No 693) since only the rough draft was included in the Staff Report; 3) correspondence from Los Angeles Cellular Telephone Company expressing their appreciation to members of the Council, Planning Commission, and Staff regarding microcell installations within the City's boundaries, and 4) supplemental materials regarding the Livable Communities Programs as a follow-up to the seminar held in May, 1997 Commission Vice Chairman Whiteneck reported on his effort to attend the Mayor's monthly breakfast. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of May 13, 1997 Commissioner Ng requested that an insertion be made at the end of paragraph 7 on page 9 to read as, '..., as stated in the Staff Report.'. Commissioner Clark moved to approve the Minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cartwright and passed, (4-0). 2 Minutes of May 27, 1997 Commissioner Ng requested that on page 2, paragraph 1, line 3 the word 'no' should read as, 'not'; the word 'as' be inserted on page 3, paragraph 7, line 1 before the word 'restrictive', the word 'good' be inserted on line 3 before the word 'starting' and, an insertion be made online 4 before the word 'future' to read as,' and perhaps adding on to the guidelines in the future...', on page 5, paragraph 2, line 6 the word 'there' should read as 'their', line 7 the word 'to' be inserted between the numbers '45 and 76 and an insertion be made on line 8 after the word 'that' to read as, '. the current enrollment was 62 students and that..., on page 6, paragraph 6, line 1, the number'30' should be changed to the number'13', an insertion be made after line 1 to read as, ' which is an increase from the current enrollment of 62 students as opposed to the 75 students '.; and the word 'maximum' be inserted before the number'30' on line 2. Commissioner Cartwright moved to approve the Minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck and passed, (3-0-1) with Commissioner Clark abstaining since he was not present at the May 27, 1997 meeting. 3 Wireless Communications Antenna Development Guidelines. Vice Chairman Whiteneck read aloud the requested action and recommendation for this item and then asked the Commission if they had any comments regarding the draft Wireless Communication Guidelines. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 24, 1997 Page 2 Commissioner Ng felt that the revised draft guidelines was a good starting point and that as the Commission processes similar projects in the future, it could add language to the guidelines as deemed appropriate Commissioner Cartwright agreed with Commissioner Ng's remarks and stated that he was particularly pleased with the sincere and positive comments received from Mr. Buckmelter (representing Pacific Bell Mobil Services) regarding the revised draft guidelines Mr. Cartwright also noted that Mr Buckmelter stated the guidelines would assist the Commission in being more productive when processing future, similar applications. Commissioner Clark stated that the revised draft guidelines provided framework for the Commission, Staff, and the community when approached with future applications of this type. Vice Chairman Whiteneck also believed that the revised draft guidelines would serve as a good starting point He stated that there would probably be an increase of antennae installation in the many vacant spots within the City's boundaries and indicated that the guidelines would aide the Commission in evaluating these types of projects. Director/Secretary Petru informed the Commission that there was one speaker for this item Mr. William Tolliffe, 6347 Tarragon Road, noted in Section 2 of the revised draft guidelines where it read, ' discourage for installation of single-family residence ' He requested that it be changed to read as, '...not permitted...'. Vice Chairman Whiteneck asked if there were any other speakers for this item Recording Secretary Atuatasi replied that there were none Commissioner Cartwright moved to accept Staffs recommendation to adopt the revised draft Wireless Communications Antenna Development Guidelines, via Minute Order. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng, and passed by acclamation, (4-0). CONTINUED BUSINESS 4. Conditional Use Permit No, 197; L.A. Cellular, 28401 Hawthorne Boulevard (7111 Convenience Market Building). Associate Planner Pfost presented the Staff Report and reminded the Commission that PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 24, 1997 Page 3 this item was previously considered at the March 25 and April 29, 1997 meetings. At the meeting of April 29, 1997 it was the desire of the Commission to continue this item to the meeting of June 24 due to the fact that the mock-up had only been installed for two days The Commission requested that it remain in its location for two (2) weeks at the corner of Grand Via Altimira and Hawthorne Boulevard. The Commission also requested that the applicant revise the proposed plans. Mr. Pfost informed the Commission that the applicant had complied with both concerns (mock-up and revised plans) and stated that the revised design for the proposed unmanned cellular antennae facility at the 7/11 convenience market building, consisted of two 1' high by 1' wide by 5" thick antennae mounted on the building, and one equipment box located in an existing storage room. Assistant Planner Pfost stated that the applicant had proposed a cellular antennae facility which would not create any significant impact and was integrated into the architecture of the building Staff found that the project was consistent with the findings for the CUP and supported the application, therefore Staff recommended adoption of the P C Resolution approving the proposed project. Vice Chairman Whiteneck asked if there were any speakers for this item. Recording Secretary Atuatasi replied that there were none. Commissioner Clark moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Ng. With no objections, Vice Chairman Whiteneck declared the Public Hearing closed. Vice Chairman Whiteneck asked the Commissioners if they desired to discuss this item Commissioner Ng stated that the redesigned plans were a significant improvement over the previous proposals and agreed with Staffs recommendation Commissioner Clark concurred with Commissioner Ng's statement. Commissioner Cartwright stated that the current project was a significant improvement over the original plans. He commended the applicant and Staff for their perseverance on this item and being able to finally mitigate the Planning Commission's concerns. Mr. Cartwright stated that the mock-up helped in evaluating the project and making a final decision Vice Chairman Whiteneck believed too that the proposed project was a substantial improvement from the prior plans submitted, and asked the Commission for a motion regarding this item PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 24,1997 Page 4 Commissioner Clark moved to accept Staffs recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-30, thereby approving Conditional Use Permit No. 197, subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng and passed, (4-0). Vice Chairman Whiteneck noted the 15 -day appeal period. 5 Height Variation No. 837: Mr. and Mrs Maynard, 26528 Hawkhurst Drive. Assistant Planner Ward presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant requested a second story addition of 441 square feet at a maximum height of 23'3" to an existing two-story single family residence. Mr. Ward discussed the nine mandatory findings considered by Staff Based on this analysis, Staff believed that there would be no significant impact to the privacy of the adjacent properties as well as no view impairment from the surrounding residences Therefore, Staff recommended approval of Height Variation No. 837, subject to conditions of approval Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to open the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Clark. With no objections, it was so ordered by Vice Chairman Whiteneck. Vice Chairman Whiteneck asked if there were any speakers for this item. Mr. Laurence Maynard. (applicant) 26528 Hawkhurst Drive, stated that the addition was anticipated to be recreation room filled with computers. Mr Maynard felt that the window on the side elevation of the addition would not create a privacy issue and believed that he was not encroaching on the rights of the next door neighbors Commissioner Clark moved to close the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cartwright and with no objection, the Public Hearing was declared closed by Vice Chairman Whiteneck. Vice Chairman Whiteneck asked the Commissioners if they desired to discuss this item Commissioner Clark stated that the general approach by the applicant was appropriate in context with the neighborhood and added that the Staff Report was very comprehensive. Mr. Clark stated that he was very sensitive to privacy issues in regards to second story height variations, but felt in this particular case that thoughtful consideration was given regarding the opposition of the adjacent neighbor. Mr Clark PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 24, 1997 Page 5 believed that the proposed project would enhance and improve the property as well as the neighborhood and therefore, supported Staffs recommendation Commissioner Cartwright echoed Commissioner Clark's comments and stated that the proposed project was compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. He too, supported Staffs recommendation Commissioner Ng stated that the information provided in the Staff Report was very detailed Upon her visit to the site she observed that the window On the side elevation of the proposed addition did not directly overlook the adjacent property and that the courtyard on the neighbor's property was completely opened to the street Therefore, she felt that there were no issues of privacy concerning the proposed project Commissioner Ng added that the remodeling would enhance the neighborhood and agreed with Staffs recommendation. Vice Chairman Whiteneck agreed with his fellow Commissioners regarding Staffs recommendation for the proposed project, and asked the Commission for a motion regarding this item. Commissioner Clark moved to accept Staffs recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-31, thereby approving Height Variation No. 837, subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng and carried by acclamation, (4-0). Vice Chairman Whiteneck noted the 15 -day appeal period 6. Variance No. 423 and Grading Permit No. 1914, Arturo Zaldivar, 6922 Brookford Drive. Assistant Planner Fox presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant requested approval for sixty-nine cubic yards of grading and construction of a 9 -foot - tall, combined upslope retaining wall and safety railing in an extreme slope area in the side and front -yard setback areas of an existing single-family residence He noted that the level area created by the project would be used as an off-street storage area for a recreational vehicle Staff believed that the four findings for the variance and the four findings for the grading permit could be made for the proposed project, with the exception of the variance findings for the chain-link safety railing in the front yard area. Staff recommended that the chain link railing in this area be replaced with wrought -iron or a similar material to match the gate proposed by the applicant. Mr Fox stated that there would be no adverse affects for the other properties and would not be inconsistent with the City's policies He stated that there would be no adverse impact upon views and mentioned that the grading within the extreme slope areas would not PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 24, 1997 Page 6 be detrimental to public health, safety, and welfare since it was not a natural slope and the retaining wall would be reviewed by the Building Division. Based on the analysis conducted by Staff, it was recommended that the proposed project be approved for both Variance No 423 and Grading Permit No 1914, subject to conditions Vice Chairman Whiteneck asked if there were any speakers for this item Recording Secretary Atuatasi replied that there were none. With no objections from the Commission, Vice Chairman Whiteneck declared the Public Hearing closed. Vice Chairman Whiteneck asked the Commissioners if they desired to discuss this item. The Commission had no comments. Commissioner Clark moved to accept Stafrs recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-32; thereby approving Variance No. 423; and approved Grading Permit No. 1914, via Minute Order. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Whiteneck and passed by acclamation, (4-0). Vice Chairman Whiteneck noted the 15 -day appeal period 7 Tentative Parcel Map No. 24634. Variance No. 418, and Environmental Assessment No. 693: Robert Syivor 28300 and 28326 Western Avenue. Senior Planner Snow presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant requested the subdivision of an 80,000 square foot commercial parcel into two 40,000 square foot parcels, and also requested a variance from the Municipal Code Section 17.16.040 CG (Commercial General) standard with respect to minimum lot widths Mr Snow stated that, based on the lack of change to the physical improvements of the site, the reduced lot widths were appropriate for the proposed project and the subdivision would allow the property owner flexibility to sell a portion of the subject property Staff, therefore, recommended approval of the proposed variance and parcel map, with conditions Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to open the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Cartwright. With no objection, it was so ordered by Vice Chairman Whiteneck. Vice Chairman Whiteneck asked if there were any speakers for this item. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 24, 1997 Page 7 Mr. Robert Moore, 29131 Western Avenue, stated that he intended to purchase the old Rueben's restaurant building for Mr. Sylvor and open a vetenanan business on the subject property. Mr. Moore supported the proposed project and stated that he would gladly answer questions that the Commission may have Mr. Don Shults, 2129 Velez Drive, represented the Rolling Hills Estates Homeowners Association and stated that he homeowners were very concerned about the business's being operated within the subject property. Mr Shults was not supportive of the request and asked the Commission to carefully consider the proposed project before granting approval Vice Chairman Whiteneck moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Clark. With no objection, it was so ordered by Vice Chairman Whiteneck. Vice Chairman Whiteneck asked the Commissioners if they desired to discuss this item Commissioner Cartwright commended Staff for the well prepared information contained in the Staff Report Mr Cartwright stated that since the applicant would be utilizing a vacant building that was falling into disrepair believed that it would enhance the commercial area Mr. Cartwright stated that the project would not result in any changes in the development pattern or land use of the site and therefore supported Staffs recommendation Commissioner Ng also commended Staff for a well done report and agreed with Commissioner Cartwright's statement Commissioner Clark agreed with the other Commissioners and had no further comments Vice Chairman Whiteneck stated that the proposed project was a constructive improvement to the area and also supported Staffs recommendation Commissioner Ng moved to accept Staffs recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-33, thereby approving the amended Negative Declaration; adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-34; thereby approving Variance No. 418; and, adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-35; thereby approving Tentative Parcel Map No. 24634, subject to conditions of approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cartwright and passed by acclamation, (4-0). Vice Chairman Whiteneck noted the 15 -day appeal period. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 24, 1887 Page 8 I k 9 =1 lyi F�S • i • , i Staff 8 Pre -Agenda for the Planning_ Commission Meeting of July 8, 1997. Commission None. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE: None. ADJOURNMENT: At 8:27 P.M. Commissioner Clark moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cartwright and there being no objection, it was so ordered by Vice Chairman Whiteneck. N \GROUP\PLANNINGTWINNIN06 24