PC MINS 19970909J Approved
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CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9, 1997
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7.04 P.M by Chairman Vannorsdall at the Hesse
Park Community Building, 29310 Hawthorne Boulevard
FLAG SALUTE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Cartwright
ROLL CALL
Present Commissioners Alberto, Cartwright, Clark, Ng, Slayden,
Vice Chairman Whiteneck, and Chairman Vannorsdall
Absent None
Also present were Director/Secretary Petru, Associate Planner Pfost, and Recording
Secretary Peterson
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Alberio moved to consider Agenda Item No. 4 (Conditional Use
Permit No. 162 - Revision 'D') and Agenda Item No. 5 (Time Extension Request for
Conditional Use Permit No. 136, Grading Permit No. 1246 and Lot Line
Adjustment No. 38) at the beginning of the agenda. With no objections from the
Commission, it was so ordered by Chairman Vannorsdall, (7-0).
COMMUNICATIONS
Staff
Director/Secretary Petru distributed two late letters from William R. Griffin and
D.E. Clark regarding Agenda Item No. 3 (Conditional Use Permit No. 185, Variance
No. 388, Grading Permit No. 1793, and Environmental Assessment No. 676) and a
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9,1997
Page 1
Resolution and an Exhibit'A' regarding Agenda Item No. 4 (Conditional Use
Permit No. 162 - Revision 'D').
Commission
At this time Agenda Item No. 4 was considered.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4. Conditional Use Permit No. 162 - Revision "D": Zuckerman Buildin
Company and Palos Verdes Land Holdings Company, Vesting Tentative
Tract Map No. 50667 (Ocean Trails Project) located seaward of Palos
Verdes Drive South at the intersection with Palos Verdes Drive East,
between Los Angeles County Shoreline Park on the east and the Ocean
Terraces Condominium complex on the west
Director/Secretary Petru presented the Staff Report and stated that the Ocean Trails
project was originally approved by the City in 1992 She indicated that the project had
gone through four amendments since that time and the developer was presently
working on obtaining a grading permit for the project However, while reviewing some
of the details for the grading permit with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, it
was noted that four lots in Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 50667 did not meet the
minimum 100 foot setback requirement between the residences and an area of high
fuel potential (i a coastal sage scrub ) These plant species were located at the East
Bluff Preserve area Ms Petru informed the Commission that Staff had included an
exhibit in the Staff Report of the preliminary landscape plan which indicates the location
of a fuel modification zone (Lot'H'), a common area open space lot which was created
between the residential lots and the habitat area to provide a fire buffer Ms Petru
stated that Lot H was only 50 feet wide in some locations and, as a result, there were
four lots (Lot Nos. 6, 7, 8 and 9) that were unable to meet the minimum 100 foot buffer
In order to provide the minimum setback requirement, the developer was proposing to
enhance existing stands of cactus in the East Bluff Preserve area, which is a fire
retardant plant, and to increase the rear yard setbacks of the four subject lots from 25
feet to a maximum of 50 feet. She concluded by recommending that the Planning
Commission approve an amendment to Condition No. P.2 for the Residential Planned
Development to modify the rear yard setback requirement for Lot Nos 6 through 9 of
Vesting Tentative Tract Map No 50667 in order to conform with Los Angeles County
Fire Department's fuel modification zone requirements
Chairman Vannosdall asked if they were any speakers for this item.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9, 1997
Page 2
Ms. Barbara Dye. (representing Zuckerman Building Company), 7035 Hartcrest Drive,
stated that she had reviewed the revised language and concurred with Staffs
recommendation She also stated that in the portion of the East Bluff Preserve abutting
Lot No 8 had no existing habitat, therefore, the developer could re -vegetate this area
with fire retardant plants As a result, the 100 foot fuel modification zone on Lot No. 8
could be met by using part of the adjacent bluff preserve
Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item
Commissioner Ng stated that she had no problem with the changes, but felt that the
legend on Exhibit 'A' should be consistent with the language contained in the revised
conditions of approval She felt that the previous and revised rear yard setback lines
should be clearly labeled for consistency and to avoid confusion in the future.
Commissioner Clark concurred with Commissioner Ng's comment and stated that the
revised rear yard setback line should be labeled on the exhibit
Director/Secretary Petru agreed with Commissioner Ng's suggestion and indicated that
Staff modify Exhibit 'A' so that the double dot/dash line would be labeled as the
"previous rear yard setback line" and the solid line would be labeled as the "revised
rear yard setback line, (except for Lot 8, as noted)"
Chairman Vannorsdall moved to close the Public Hearing, and with no objections
from the Commission it was so ordered by the Chairman.
Commissioner Slayden moved to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-44, thereby
approving Conditional Use Permit No. 162 - Revision 'D' to amend Condition No.
P2 regarding the rear yard setback requirements for Lot Nos. 6 through 9 of
Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 50667. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Clark and passed, (7-0) by a roll call vote.
Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period
At this time Agenda Item No. 5 was considered
NEW BUSING
5. Time Extension Request for Conditional Use Permit No. 136, Grading
Permit No. 1246 and Lot Line Adjustment No. 38; York Lona Point
Associates, 6610 Palos Verdes Drive South (DS)
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9,1997
Page 3
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Director/Secretary presented the Staff Report for Senior Planner Snow who was unable
to attend the meeting that evening She stated the Commission had previously granted
York Long Point Associates a one year extension for the approved project in
September 1996, setting the new expiration date for September 11, 1997 Ms. Petru
stated that the applicant requested an extension, since he was working on modifying
the project to include a master plan for the entire Point Vicente area. She explained
that the current request represent the sixth Time Extension Request made sine the
original permit was issue in 1991 The York Long Point Associates has taken steps to
improve the property since taking possession of the property in 1995 Ms Petru
concluded her presentation by stating that Staff recommended approval of the
requested extension to September 11, 1998
Chairman Vannosdall asked if there were speakers for this item.
Mr. Jim York. (property owner) 6610 Palos Verdes Drive South, stated that he was
there to answer any questions for the Commission
Commissioner Clark asked Mr York of the status of the master plan project.
Mr York replied that he received a letter from the City Manager in August 1997,
granting them permission to included property that was owned and leased by the City in
the master plan application He stated that he plans to file an application for the
expansion of the golf course from a 9 -hole to an 18 -hole and a request to commence
the environmental impact report in the near future
Commissioner Clark asked if Subregion 1 was going to be part of the master plan.
Mr York replied that the project analyzed in the EIR would include a golf course on the
City Hall and Point Vicente Interpretive Center properties Including golf on the
Subregion 1 would be addressed in the EIR as an alternative
Commissioner Slayden asked Mr York how his negotiations with J M. Peters (the
owner of Subregion 1) were going.
Mr York replied that he received a court ordered settlement conference with J M
Peters in the next several weeks
Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road, opposed the Long Point project and strongly urged
the Commission to deny Mr York's time extension request. She felt that he had been
granted several extensions in the past before and had ample time to submit revised
plans to the City
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9,1997
Page 4
Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item
Commissioner Ng asked Director/Secretary Petru if the City had a policy on the number
of time extensions that could be granted to an applicant
Director/Secretary replied that there was no set policy on how many times an applicant
could request and the City could grant time extensions on a conditional use permit.
Vice Chairman Whiteneck stated that it did not matter how many times an applicant
requested for a time extension, since the City had the flexibility to consider each
request on its own merits and specific circumstances
Commissioner Clark stated that he and Commissioner Albeno had followed this project
from its beginning stages Mr. Clark mentioned that, after the Pre -Screening Workshop
with the City Council regarding the proposed master plan, members of the public have
asked him about that status of the project He explained that this was why he had
asked Mr York for an update on the project
Commissioner Cartwright wanted to make sure that the public understood that the time
extension was for the 1991 approval for a 450 room resort hotel and 9 hole golf course
and did not have any direct bearing on the proposed master plan
Director/Secretary Petru replied that Mr Cartwright's statement was correct.
Commissioner Albeno added to Mr Clarks statements by saying that the applicant was
seeking an extension to the existing permits in order to have the opportunity to explore
the possibility of expanding this project
Chairman Vannorsdall added that the reason the City granted only one year extensions
was to provide an opportunity for the City to review if any circumstances had changed
and obtain an update on the project.
Commissioner Alberio moved to accept Stafrs recommendation to extend
Conditional Use Permit No. 136 and related applications for one year (until
September 11, 1998). Vice Chairman Whiteneck seconded the motion and it was
passed, (7-0) by a roll call vote.
At this time Agenda Item No 1 was considered.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9,1997
Page 5
COMMUNICATIONS
1. Modification of Permitted Hours of Operation (as specified in
Conditional Use Permit No. 178); Steve Saporito, Hilltop
Automotive, 28732 Highridge Road
Director/Secretary Petru stated that at the August 26, 1997 meeting, the Commission
adopted a resolution for the sixth month review of the project At that meeting, the
applicant requested that the Commission change the hours of operation so that the
shop could stay open until 6.00 P M, instead of 5,00 P M Ms Petru stated that Staff
had reviewed the conditions of approval and found that Condition No 17 required that
any modifications to the hours of operation would be subject to amendment to the
conditional permit, which was not the application that was before the Commission Ms.
Petru stated that, as a result of Staffs determination, the change in the hours of
operation had not been made to the resolution. She indicated that a copy of the
corrected resolution was attached for the Commission's information and that Staff had
already informed the applicant of the situation Ms Petru stated that this was only an
informational item for the Commission.
Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item
Director/Secretary Petru replied that there were none
Commissioner Clark if the applicant were to requested what the Commission had
already approved, could it be handled as an administrative action by the Staff
Director/Secretary replied that it could not be handled by Staff, but would need to come
back for Public Hearing before the Commission, since the public did not have an
opportunity to comment on that specific change to the conditions of approval
Chairman Vannorsdall reiterated that this item was informational only and that no
action by the Commission was required
At this time Agenda Item No 2 was considered
CONTINUED BUSINESS
2 Heiaht Variation No. 826 • Appeal and Gradina Permit No. 1886:
applicants: Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Kispal, 7460 Alida Place. appellants:
Jane C. Botello, 7400 Alida place, Avery Knapp, 7435 Alida Place,
Michael Tjong, 7440 Alida Place and Jimmy Naumovski, 7420 Alida
Place
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9,1997
Page 6
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Associate Planner Pfost presented the Staff Report and stated that in July, 1996 the
applicant submitted applications for Height Variation No 826 and Grading Permit No
1856 for a proposed two-story residence on the existing vacant parcel The
applications were deemed complete in April 1997. Mr. Pfost indicated that, due to
several discrepancies in the plans and the temporary silhouette, it took several months
before the project was deemed complete. Ms. Pfost stated that in June 1997, the
project was conditionally approved by the Director and that an appeal of the height
variation was submitted to the City within the fifteen day appeal period Mr Pfost
stated that the applicants had previously requested that the hearing for this item be
continued for another date, since they would be out of the country At the August 12,
1996 meeting, the Commission decided to continue the hearing to September 9, 1997.
Mr Pfost stated that the grading application would be reviewed under the old
Development Code, and required review by the Commission since the applicants were
seeking to amend specific requirement that the Commission had placed on the
development following the original tract grading in 1990 Associate Planner Pfost
reviewed the findings for the height variation and grading permit, as indicated in the
Staff Report, and stated that Staff believed that the height variation and grading
requests were consistent with these findings Therefore, Staff recommended denial the
appeal, thereby approving the height variation, as well as approval of the grading
request, subject to conditions
Chairman Vannorsall asked if there were any speakers for this item
Mr. Russ Barto (applicant's architect) 3 Malaga Cove Plaza, Palos Verdes Estates,
complimented Staff for a very thorough Staff Report on this project Mr Barto stated
that the proposed project complied with City's Code and stated that the proposed
project was very similar in size, scale, and overall height with the other existing homes
on Alida Place. Therefore, he felt that the new residence would be compatible with the
neighborhood
Ms. Magda Kispal (applicant) 30153 Cartier Drive, stated that she purchased the
subject site in 1991 because of the unobstructed view. Ms. Kispal was disappointed
with the reactions of the neighbors regarding the proposed project. She thanked the
City Staff and the Commission for giving her the opportunity to apply for the new
residence and to bring her case to the Commission that evening. Ms. Kispal stated that
she looked forward to the Commission making a decision on the project, as well as
getting along with her neighbors
Mr. Rich Wright. (applicant's contractor) 213 N. Juanita Avenue, Redondo Beach,
stated that he would like the opportunity to address the Commission in rebuttal after the
appellants speak
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9,1997
Page 7
T.P. Shield. (appellant's attorney) 1 World Trade Center, Long Beach, stated that he
represented Mrs. Botello who resided at 7400 Alida Place Mr Shield stated that Mrs.
Botello opposed the proposed project because its excessive height impaired the view
from her property.
Ms. Alexandra Knapp. (appellant) 7435 Alida Place, stated that her residence was
across the street from the subject site. Ms Knapp felt that the proposed project was
incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood and therefore opposed the applicant's
request
Mr Michael Tionp. (appellant) 7440 Alida Place, was not in favor of the proposed
project and stated that the Staff Report was very one-sided. He stated that if the
Commission were to grant the request of the height variance it would deny his light, air,
and privacy Mr Tjong stated that the proposed project would be the largest home on
Alida Place and felt that it was not compatible with the neighborhood
Mr. Mike Boyd 1416 Granvia Altamira, was the real estate agent and the general
contractor of Mrs. Botello Mr. Boyd stated that Mrs Botello was able to construct a two
story residence on her property because it was at the highest location of that tract.
However, the applicant's request to construct a two-story home, would significantly
impair Mrs. Botello's view
Mr. Rich Wright approached the podium and displayed a photoboard to the
Commission which depicted the terracing of the tract. Otherwise, he had no rebuttal
comments
Commissioner Clark asked if the applicant could reduce the ridge height of the
residence by lowering the level of the pad
Mr Wright replied that the project already involved lowering the pad height by two feet
He felt that it would be difficult to lower the pad height any further because of the slope
of the driveway.
Commissioner Slayden asked Mr. Wright if he felt that the proposed project was
compatible with the other homes in the area
Mr. Wright replied that he absolutely felt that the residence conformed to that specific
tract
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9,1997
Page 8
Chairman Vannosdall moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by
Commissioner Slayden. With no objections from the Commission, the Public
Hearing was declared closed by the Chairman.
Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item
Commissioner Albeno suggested that the public hearing be continued to allow the
applicants and their architect work together with Staff to address the concerns of the
neighbors
Commissioner Clark felt that there was no significant view impairment from any of the
adjacent neighbors, other than the next door neighbor However, the view from 7444
Alida Place was not protected by the Code He stated that there would be a privacy
issue for the next door neighbor and that consideration should be given to addressing
this issue Mr Clark saw no reason to continue the Public Hearing for this item
Commissioner Cartwright echoed Commissioner Clark's comments He stated that the
proposed project was compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. He felt that the
findings were adequate and supported Staffs recommendation with the addition of
additional consideration of the privacy of the next door neighbor. Mr. Cartwright also
felt that there was no need to continue this item.
Commissioner Ng felt that the size of the applicant's home was compatible with the
adjacent homes and did not feel that there would be any significant view impairment
As far as the privacy issue was concerned, she noted that there was approximately 25
to 33 feet between the applicant's property and the next door neighbor However,
Commissioner Ng suggested that since the bedroom on the east side (over the kitchen)
had three windows, that the east facing window be eliminated in order to protect the
next door neighbors privacy She also felt that the approval should specify that the
roof pitch was 3 in 12
Commissioner Slayden stated that the proposed project was certainly compatible with
the area and would enhance the neighborhood. He stated that the only view
impairment present was the next door neighbors Commissioner Slayden agreed with
the comments of the last three Commissioners.
Vice Chairman Whiteneck did not oppose the proposed project, but suggested that the
building pad might be lowered by an additional three feet to improve the neighbor's
views
Chairman Vannorsdall did not feel that lowering the pad would do any substantial good
in terms of the view, and would instead result in other problems, such as an overly
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9,1997
Page 9
steep driveway and lot drainage problems Chairman Vannorsdall concurred with his
colleagues regarding neighborhood compatibility and views
Commissioner Ng moved to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-45 approving Height
Variation No. 826 subject to amended conditions to eliminate the east windows in
the bedroom over the kitchen and to require the roof slope not to exceed a 3 in
12 pitch; and adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-46 approving Grading Permit No. 1886,
subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and
passed, (6-1) by a roll call vote, with Commissioner Alberto dissenting.
Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period
RECESS AND RECONVENE
At 9.13 P M there was a brief recess until 9 30 P.M. when the meeting reconvened
3 Conditional Use Permit No. 185, Variance No. 388, Grading Permit
No. 1793, and Environmental Assessment No. 676: Waxfarers
Chapel, 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South
Associate Planner Pfost stated that this item was last before the Commission on August
26, 1997 Due to the lateness of the hour (11.59 P.M.), the Commission continued the
public hearing to September 9, 1997, Mr. Pfost stated that based on direction from the
Commission at the last meeting, Staff had modified some of the conditions of approval
in the draft resolution (Condition Nos 7, 8 and 23) Mr Pfost reiterated the applicant's
request to construct a new 2,065 square foot visitors center to replace a similar
structure which was damaged by landslide activity and to make improvements to an
existing amphitheater area on the property Mr Pfost briefly reiterated the findings that
were included in the August 28, 1997 Staff Report He concluded his presentation by
saying that Staff felt that the proposed project met all of the findings for the conditional
use permit, variance, and grading permit He also stated that a mitigated negative
declaration had been prepared for the protect and that all potential impacts associated
with the protect had been addressed through the mitigation measures and/or conditions
of approval for the project Therefore, Staff recommended approval of the project
Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speaker for this item
Mr. Dean Andrews. (applicant's architect) 6118 Palos Verdes Drive South, indicated
that he had not had a chance to speak with the members of the Chapel regarding the
modifications to the conditions of approval However, regarding the suggestion that the
Chapel be required to indemnify the adjacent property, he felt that this condition of
approval was not appropriate.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9,1997
Page 10
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Ms. Jeanne Smolley. 56 Limetree Lane, read a letter to the Commission regarding the
concerns of the Portuguese Bend Club Association. The concerns of the neighbors
focused on the proposed construction of a new structure in the landslide area The
Association felt that there was a lack of adequate information provided by the project's
geotechnical engineers
Mr. John Beringer, (representing the Rancho Palos Verdes Council of Homeowners)
3412 Seaglen Drive, stated that the Rancho Palos Verdes Council Homeowners
Association requested that an environmental impact report, which included extensive
geologic studies, be prepared prior to the City granting any approvals for the proposed
project The Council of Homeowners felt that sufficient studies had not yet been
prepared and therefore opposed the project
Mr. Bill Griffin} 5 Gingeroot Lane, stated that the Abalone Cove Landslide was still
moving He felt that the evidence submitted to date did not prove that the site had a
safety factor greater than 1 5 Mr Griffin felt that it was not appropriate to build a new
structure of this type in the landslide area Therefore, he did not support the project
Lois Larue. 3136 Barkentine Road, stated that the geotechnical firm of Leighton and
Associates was not capable of providing adequate information regarding the soils
conditions on the site, since they were studying the adjacent Point View property
owned by Jim York and not the subject site itself
Ms Corinne Gerrard stated that her property was located only 62 feet from the
proposed visitors center She did not feel comfortable with the idea of a new structure
on the property, since it would be located in a landslide area
Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commission if they desired to discuss this item.
Chairman Vannorsdall stated that in the past, the neighbors had expressed concern
about providing additional security on the site to prevent people from coming onto the
property after hours Chairman Vannosdall suggested that a fence should be installed
around the perimeter of the property
Commissioner Slayden felt that a fence or gate should be installed along the back of
the property, as well as at the entrance of the site.
Commissioners Ng, Clark, Cartwright concurred with their colleagues
Vice Chairman Whiteneck had no comment
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9,1997
Page 11
Commissioner Alberto stated that even if a fence or gate was installed, this would not
completely prevent the possibilities of trespassing on the property
Director/Secretary Petru suggested that the Commission condition the project to
require the applicant to submit a fencing plan for review by the Director, which would
give Staff an opportunity to visit the site and determine if the proposed fencing would
be adequate
The Commission agreed with Director/Secretary Petru's suggestions and had no
objections to Staff including a fencing plan in the conditions of approval for the project.
Chairman Vannorsdall stated that the second concern of the neighbors was regarding
indemnification of their properties against damage caused by the construction
Commissioner Slayden was not sure about the extent of the indemnity that would be
required of the applicant
Commissioner Alberio stated that the contractor must supply insurance and bonds
before the construction began, in order to protect the applicant from liability and
damage claims in the future
Commissioner Clark and Vice Chairman Whiteneck concurred with Commissioner
Alberio's comments, but did not recollect discussion of this issue with the Chapel
representatives
Commissioner Cartwright had no comments on this issue.
Commissioner Ng stated that she did not support this idea of requiring the applicant to
provide indemnification
Chairman Vannorsdall stated the third concern raised by the neighbors was that an
Environmental Impact Report should be prepared for the project
Director/Secretary Petru stated that the City had prepared a Negative Declaration for
the project two years ago since Staff felt that there may be some potential for the
project to result in some adverse impacts to the environment However, through the
course of preparing the environmental documentation, Staff determined that the
impacts could be mitigated to a level of insignificance Therefore, Ms Petru did not
feel that it was necessary to prepare an Environmental Impact Report for the project,
unless directed by the Commission to do so
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9,1997
Page 12
Commissioners Ng and Alberio felt that an Environmental Impact Report should be
prepared for the project, since there was active land movement in the area around the
subject site
Commissioners Cartwight, Clark, Slayden, and Vice Chairman Whiteneck felt that an
Environmental Impact Report was not necessary and that Staff had appropriately
analyzed the impacts of the project through the Negative Declaration.
Chairman Vannorsdall stated that the fourth concern of the neighbors was the noise
that might be generated by the project. Chairman Vannorsdall stated that he felt that
this issue had already been addressed through the conditions of approval for the
project.
Commissioner Clark was concerned that, based on the testimony from the neighbors,
that the activities at the Chapel have increased recently and that they would continue to
increase with the proposed improvements.
Commissioner Cartwright understood from the applicant that the Chapel did not intend
to install a public address system in the amphitheater
Director/Secretary Petru suggested that the Commission may wish to modify Condition
No 14, since the condition currently allowed amplified sounds to be used in the
amphitheater
Commissioner Clark was concerned about expanding the number of days of the week
that the amphitheater could be used and suggested that it only be allowed on a basis
to determine if it would cause a negative impact to the neighborhood
Commission Alberio concurred with Commissioner Clark's comment.
Commissioner Cartwright understood from testimonies that the noise issue was really
related to people trespassing on the property after hours and that this issue could be
resolved by increasing security on the property
Commissioner Clark stated that the visitors center would create additional activity on
the site and that this increase in activity may affect the noise levels in the area.
Therefore, Mr Clark supported granting the weekends and holidays usage as
proposed, but requiring that the conditional use permit be reviewed by the Commission
six months after the visitors center and amphitheater are completed to assess the noise
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9,1997
Page 13
impacts, if any The Commission would then have the ability to adjust the hours of
operation, based on actual experience, rather than conjecture
Commissioner Cartwright suggested that amplified sound would be appropriate and
necessary for special occasions and holidays Commissioner Cartwright suggested
that the hours of operation include seven days a week, but agreed with Commissioner
Clark that the conditional use permit should be reviewed by the Commission in six
months
Commissioners Alberio, Cartwright, Slayden, and Chairman Vannorsdall concurred with
the previous two Commissioner's comments
Chairman Vannorsdall stated that the fifth concern of the neighbors was the geological
stability of the subject site
Commissioner Slayden stated that he accepted the geological information provided by
the three geologist regarding the suitability of the land for construction
Commissioner Ng was concerned about the factor of safety of the subject site She
stated that the City required a minimum 1 5 safety factor for new construction and felt
that there was inadequate evidence since Leighton and Associates did not provide its
opinion of the stability of the property writing. Therefore, she was not prepared to vote
on the project until this issue was addressed further
Commissioner Clark was disappointed with the geologic information that had been
provided to the Commission by the applicant. Mr Clark stated that without the
applicant's geologist being present at the meeting to answer questions, he was not yet
convinced that the subject area was safe to build on.
Commissioners Alberio and Whiteneck and Chairman Vannosdall concurred with the
previous two Commissioners comments
Commissioner Cartwright felt that the applicant had proven to the City's geotechnical
experts that the property was stable Therefore, he was prepared to vote on the project
that evening.
Commissioner Cartwright moved to approve the project, subject to amended
conditions as discussed by the Commission. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Slayden and failed (2-5) with Chairman Vannorsdall, Vice
Chairman Whiteneck, Commissioners Alberto, Clark, and Ng dissenting.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9,1997
Page 14
Commissioner Alberio moved continue the Public Hearing to November 11, 1997
and to direct the applicant to have their geologist conduct an additional boring
within the proposed building footprint, subject to the review and approval of the
City's geotechnical consultant. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Clark and passed, (5-1-1) with Commissioner Cartwright dissenting and Vice
Chairman Whiteneck abstaining.
NEW BUSINESS
6 Planning, Commission Rules and Procedures
Due to the late hour (11 55 P.M ), it was the desire of the Commission to continue this
item to the meeting of September 23, 1997
With no objections from the Commission, it was so ordered by Chairman
Vannorsdall, (7-0)
ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS
Staff:
7. Pre -agenda for the Planning Commission Meeting of September 23,
1997
Commission:
I
COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE (regarding non -agenda items)
Lois Larue. 3136 Barkentine Road discussed her opposition to Mr. York's proposal for
the Long Point property and her objection to the new cross at St. Paul's Church on
Palos Verdes Drive West
ADJOURNMENT
At 12:12 P.M. Commissioner Clark moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
Vice Chairman Whiteneck. There being no objection, the meeting was duly
adjourned by the Chairman.
NAGROMPLANNINGIPCMINIAN09 09
Planning Commission Minutes
September 9, 1997
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