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PC MINS 19971209CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING DECEMBER 9, 1997 CALL TO ORDER Approved 2/10/98 The meeting was called to order at 7 03 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, and Chairman Vannorsdall Absent Vice Chairman Whiteneck (absent/excused) Also present were Director/Secretary Petru, Senior Planner Snow, Associate Planners Fox and Pfost, Assistant Planner Ward, and Recording Secretary Atuatasi APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chairman Vannorsdall moved to add one item (Planning Commission Agenda Cover Sheet) under New Business. Without any objection from the Commission, it was so ordered by the Chairman, (6-0). COMMUNICATIONS Staff Staff had no late correspondence to distribute, except for the Planning Commission Agenda Cover Sheet. Director/Secretary Petru announced Assistant Planner Ward's resignation from the City and his promotion as Associate Planner with the County of Monterey and also informed the Commisison of her promotion to Assistant City Manager with the City, effective January 5, 1998 Commission Commissioner Clark and Chairman Vannorsdall commented on the City's holiday party held December 1, 1997 at Hesse Park. The Commission commended and thanked Assistant Planner Ward for his service to the City and wished him well with his future endeavors. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of November 11 1997 Commissioner Ng requested that on page 1, paragraph 1, line 1 be modified to read as, " Vice Chairman Whiteneck..." and on page 7, paragraph 12, line 1 the word 'repled' be modified to read as, 'replied' Commissioner Cartwright requested that on page 8, paragraph 7, line 1 the word 'Coucil' be modified to read as, 'Council' Commissioner Cartwright moved to approve the Minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberto and passed, (6-0). CONTINUED BUSINESS 2. Conditional Use Permit No. 153 - Revision '3'. Unocal, 31200 Palos Verdes Drive West (southeast corner of Hawthorne Boulevard and Palos Verdes Drive West in the Golden Cove Shopping Center Associate Planner Pfost presented the Staff Report and stated that on December 8, 1992 the Commission approved Conditional Use Permit No. 152 - Amendment 2 for a proposed hand car wash, but the applicant never constructed the car wash and therefore the permit expired. On March 19, 1997 the applicant submitted a request to the City to allow a hand car wash at the existing Unocal -76 Service Station site. The application was deemed complete on September 23, 1997 and was considered at the meeting of November 11, 1997 The Commission continued the protect to the meeting of December 9, 1997 to allow the applicant to meet with Staff to revise the proposed project to address the Commission's concerns Since the November 11 th meeting the applicant had amended the project to be more consistent with the Automobile Services Overlay Control District Guidelines. The applicant had removed the three proposed parking spaces, moved the telephone booth Planning Commission Minutes December 9, 1997 Page 2 further east along the south property line to allow circulation to occur between the existing Golden Cove Shopping Center and the service station The applicant agreed to contact the neighboring property owners regarding a reciprocal parking agreement Mr Pfost stated that the applicant had improved upon the customer waiting area by adding additional landscaping, benches, screening the public restroom from the public right-of-way, and add planter boxes along the property line on Hawthorne Boulevard. Mr Pfost felt that the applicant had addressed the concerns identified by Staff and the Commission and therefore, recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit No 153 - Amendment No 3. Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item Recording Secretary Atuatasi replied that there were none Chairman Vannorsdall asked the applicant to approach the podium to answer questions Commissioner Clark asked the applicant if he had contacted the owners of the Golden Cove Shopping Center to ask them about the reciprocal parking agreement Mr. Nasser Novinshoar (applicant), 31186 Hawthorne Boulevard, replied that he had contacted the adjacent owner and had begun negotiations. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the applicant where his employees park their vehicles. Mr. Nasser replied that the employees park their vehicles in the two parking spaces on the gas station property Director/Secretary Petru informed the Commisison that there were no spaces marked on the most current set of plans for parking vehicles at the services station. She asked the applicant where exactly were these two parking spaces located Mr. Nasser replied that the spaces were located at the southwestern corner of the property near the telephone. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the applicant to sketch the location of the parking spaces in their plans to be included for record Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commissioners if they desired to discuss this item The Commission had no comments Planning Commission Minutes December 9,1997 Page 3 Commissioner Cartwright moved to adopt p.C. Resolution No. 97-74; thereby approving Conditional Use Permit No. 153 - Revision W, subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden and passed, (6-0). PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Fences, Walls and Hedges Permit N 20 - Appeal• Jeff Logan, 28757 Erose Avenue [applicant]; R.A. Bungard 6708 Via Canada [appellant] Associate Planner Fox presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant submitted an application for a Fence, Wall, and Hedge Permit on July 24, 1997 The application was deemed complete on August 25, 1997. The Director reviewed and conditionally approved this application on October 24, 1997. Mr. Fox stated that the appeal period was set to expire on November 10, 1997, however Staff met with the applicant to discuss clarifications to the conditions of approval Rather than removing the ash trees, the applicant requested that they be trimmed to 12 feet and thinned and laced. On October 31, 1997 the Director issued an amended notice which included the applicant's requested modifications Mr Fox stated that the appeal period was set to expire on November 17, however, on that same day the Director's amended approval was appealed by Mr R A Bundgard, the owner of the abutting property Associate Planner Fox stated that Staff believed the trimming of the ash trees was preferable to having them removed and that it would not significantly impair a protected view from the appellant's property Therefore, Staff recommended denial of the appellants' appeal, thereby upholding the Director's approval Commissioner Slayden moved to open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng, and passed (6-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item. Mr. Ray Bungard, (appellant), 6708 Via Canada, stated that he purchased his home in 1975 with a beautiful view Mr Bungard stated that the view had been deteriorating over the years and that the two ash trees impair his view and his neighbors view He was pleased with the Director's first decision that the trees would be removed, but then received the amended notice and was not pleased because the trees would trimmed instead He stated that he spoke with Mr Logan and suggested removing one of the trees and leaving the other Planning Commission Minutes December 9,1997 Page 4 0 0 Mr Art Johnson, 6712 Via Canada, stated that his property was located behind Mr Logan's. Mr Johnson stated that the ash trees grow continuously and that by lacing them would only last three months He agreed with Mr. Bundgards comments and felt that the trees should have been removed instead of laced and trimmed. Mr Jeff Logan, (applicant) 28757 Erose Avenue, stated that the ash trees are of sentimental value to him. They were planted by his parents when they purchased the home 37 years ago Mr Logan stated that he had agreed to remove all of the other trees on the upper property as requested by the City in order to open up as much view as possible for the adjacent residents, but prior to that no one had complained about these trees blocking their view. He stated that he was willing to comply with Staffs recommendations, and asked the Commission to deny the appeal Commissioner Alberto moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Ng. With no objections from the Commisison, the Public Hearing was declared closed by Chairman Vannorsdall. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commissioners if they desired to discuss this item Commissioner Ng suggested that the applicant trim the trees up to 16 feet, then thin, lace, and crown the trees every year Commissioner Ng supported the alternative in the Staff Report to uphold the appeal, thereby overturning the Director's decision and requiring more extensive trimming of the ash trees, removal of other foliage and directing Staff to return to the next meeting with the appropriate resolution Commissioner Slayden stated that he was not sympathetic to preserving the trees for sentimental value, but thought that removing the trees it would provide more view for the adjacent homes. Mr. Slayden felt that it would be a mistake to have the trees remain where a swimming pool was proposed to be located Commissioner Albeno suggested that the applicant and appellant work together and reach a compromise Commissioner Cartwright agreed with Commissioner Alberio's comment and supported Staffs recommendation with the exception that tree be trimmed up to 16 feet instead of 12 feet Commissioner Clark favored retaining the ash trees, but requiring them to be trimmed up to 16 feet. Chairman Vannorsdall concurred with Commissioners Cartwright and Clark that the ash trees remain and be trimmed up to 16 feet Planning Commission Minutes December 9,1997 Page 5 Commissioner Ng moved to approve Alternative No. 2 to overturn the Director's decision, require additional trimming of the ash trees so that the lower branches are trimmed up to a minimum height of 16 feet from the ground and directed Staff to return with the appropriate P.C. Resolution at the meeting of January 13, 1998. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberto and passed by a roll -call vote, (6-0). RECESS AND RECONVENE At 8 40 P M there was a brief recess until the meeting reconvened at 8.50 P.M. 4. Conditional Use Permit No. 192 - Revision 'A'; Sprint PCS/California Water Service Company, 5837 Crest Road. Commissioner Alberio moved to waive the reading of the Staff Report. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden and passed, (6-0). Commissioner Alberio moved to open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commisison Ng and passed, (6-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked if they were any speakers for this item Mr. Scott Longhurst. (Sprint representative) 3150 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA stated that he had reviewed the Staff Report and concurred with Staff s recommendation and that he would be glad to answer any questions that the Commission had. Commissioner Alberto moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Slayden. With no objection, the Public Hearing was declared closed by Chairman Vannorsdall. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commissioners if they desired to discuss this item. The Commission had no comments Commissioner Clark moved to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-75 thereby approving Conditional Use Permit No. 192 - Revision 'A', subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden and passed by a roll -call vote, (6-0). Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period Planning Commission Minutes December 9,1997 Page 6 5. Height Variation Permit No, 848; Sparky Gomez, 6308 Via Colinita Assistant Planner Ward presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant submitted an application for a Height Variation on September 8, 1997 requesting to construct a second -story addition to an existing single -story residence. The application was deemed complete on November 3, 1997 and notification was mailed to residents within a 500 foot radius Mr Ward stated that based on the analysis in the Staff Report , Staff believed that the nine findings for the Height Variation could be made to allow the second story addition to exceed the 16 foot high limitation. He stated that it would not impair any protected views from the surrounding properties and that there would be no impact to the privacy of the adjacent properties In addition, the project was found to be compatible with the character of the neighborhood Therefore, Staff recommended approval of the Height Variation subject to conditions. Commissioner Clark moved to open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden and passed, (6-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item Mr. S G Gomez. (applicant) 6308 Via Colinita, stated that he had spoken to his upslope neighbor regarding the height of his proposed project Mr. Gomez stated that his neighbor recommended lowering the ridgeline to about two feet (from 26 feet to 24 feet) While he could not lower the ridge height by two feet, Mr Gomez indicated that he was willing to lower it by approximately 1 foot to accommodate his neighbor. He concluded by saying that he was present to answer questions that the Commission had Mr Humberto Lopez. 15600 S. Main Street Los Angeles, CA, stated that he was assisting (construction worker) with the proposed project and that he too would be glad to answer questions that the Commission had Lois Larue. 3136 Barkentine Road, stated that she wanted to inform the Commission and Staff of a couple of spelling errors on pages 5, 6, 9, and 10 of the Staff Report Commissioner Albedo moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Clark. With no objection, the Public Hearing was declared closed by Chairman Vannorsdall. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commissioners if they desired to discuss this item Planning Commission Minutes December 9,1997 Page 7 Commissioner Slayden felt that lowering the garage by one foot would result in an improvement to the upslope neighbor's view Mr Slayden supported Staffs recommendation Commissioner Ng stated that since the applicant compromised by lowering the ceiling of the garage by 1 foot, the appearance of the front elevation would improve and therefore felt that Staff s recommendation was appropriate. Commissioners Cartwright, Clark, and Albeno echoed the previous comments of their fellow Commissioners. Chairman Vannorsdall was pleased with modifications to the proposed project and supported Staffs recommendations Commissioner Ng moved to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-76, thereby approving Height Variation No. 848 subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Albeno and passed by a roll -call vote, (6-0). Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period 6. Variance No. 429, Extreme Slope No. 43, Grading Permit No. 1969 and Site Plan Review No. 8063: Alan and Maria McQueen, 3423 Newridge Drive. Assistant Planner Ward presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant submitted applications to the City for an Extreme Slope Permit, a Grading Permit, and a Site Plan Review Permit Then, in November 1997, the applicant submitted an application for a Variance Permit. All four applications were deemed complete on November 18, 1997. The applicant requested a remodel and expansion of the existing single -story, single family residence Mr Ward stated that public notification was mailed to all property owners within a 500 foot radius of the subject site Mr. Ward stated that Staff determined that the findings could be supported for all four permit applications to permit the proposed project to modernize the existing residence through a remodel and expansion Therefore Staff recommended conditional approval of the Variance, Extreme Slope, Grading, and Site Plan Review Permits Commissioner Cartwright moved to open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Ng and passed, (6-0). Chairman Vannorsdall asked if there were any speakers for this item Planning Commission Minutes December 9,1997 Page 8 Mr Robert Halderman, (applicant's architect) 88 Narcissa Drive, stated that he and his client had reviewed the Staff Report and were pleased with the recommendations of Staff for the proposed project He stated that he was present to answer the questions of the Commission Mr Alan McQueen} (applicant) 3423 Newridge Drive, stated that he lived in his home for approximately 20 years. He stated that the cement pad located on the east side that was cracking had nothing to do with structural integrity of the home Mr. McQueen stated that he felt very comfortable with the design of the proposed project and that the expansion of the deck is not near the cement pad Ms. Francine Accetta 3417 Starline Drive, requested that the Commission require the applicant lace the hedge (Oleander) at his property in order to preserve her view. Mr. Mike Rynkiewaz} 3417 Newridge Drive, stated that the Staff had underestimated the amount of view blockage from his property that would result from the proposed project. He requested that the Commission have Staff work with the applicant to lower the roof line to protect his views. Commissioner Alberio moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Slayden. With no objection, the Public Hearing was declared closed by Chairman Vannorsdall. Chairman Vannorsdall asked the Commissioners if they desired to discuss this item Commissioner Slayden was concerned about the stability of the slope, but stated that if it had been analyzed by the Staff, then he saw no problem in approving the proposed project Commissioner Ng stated that her only concern about the project was the view issue. She felt that if the applicant laced the pine tree in the front yard it would substantially improve the view. Commissioner Cartwright stated that the topography of the lot was very difficult Mr Cartwright stated that the trees were a view impairment and felt that lacing would solve the view issue Commissioner Clark commended the applicant on the design of the structure He stated that the proposed project would be constructed on the buildable portion of the lot and would enhance the neighborhood Mr Clark felt that the pine tree should be removed instead of laced to resolve the view issue Planning Commission Minutes December 9,1997 Page 9 Commissioner Albeno concurred with Commissioner Clark's statement about removing the pine tree rather than lacing it, but was still concerned about construction at the subject site He felt that further geologic investigations should be conducted Chairman Vannorsdall agreed with Commissioners Clark and Alberto regarding the removal of the tree (second pine) instead of lacing. Commissioner Clark moved to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-77; approving Variance No. 429, adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-78; approving Extreme Slope Permit No. 43, adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-79; approving Grading Permit No. 1969; and adopt P.C. Resolution No. 97-80; approving Site Plan Review No. 8063 subject to amended conditions (requiring removal of the second pine tree). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden and passed by a roll -call vote, (5-1) with Commissioner Cartwright dissenting. Chairman Vannorsdall noted the 15 -day appeal period NEW BUSINESS 6a. Planning, Commission Agenda Cover Sheet. Chairman Vannorsdall stated that the purpose for creating the cover sheet was to allow the public to follow and better understand the procedures of the Commission meeting Director/Secretary Petru pointed out a change on the second page in "How to Speak on an Item". The half -sheet forms (request to speak slips) would be printed on "colored paper" instead of "blue paper". She also informed the Commission that the cover sheet indicated the procedure for Submittal of Written Correspondence" Commissioners Cartwright and Ng thought this was a very good idea for the public and would assist them when attending a meeting. Chairman Vannorsdall suggested that Staff prepare the Cover Sheet back to back to save paper and reduce the bulk of the agenda. Commissioner Clark moved to approve the Cover Sheet as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cartwright and passed, (6-0). Planning Commission Minutes December 9,1997 Page 10 ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS Staff: 7. Pre -agenda for the Planning Commission Meeting of January 13x 1998. Commission: Congratulated Director/Secretary Petru for her promotion to Assistant City Manager with the City and commended her for her professionalism and excellent contributions and services to the Commission and the department during her tenure as the Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement. COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE (regarding non -agenda items): Lois Larue. 3136 Barkentme Road discussed the landslides on the south side of the City. ADJOURNMENT At 11:00 P.M. Commissioner Clark moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Cartwright. There being no objection, the meeting was duly adjourned by Chairman Vannorsdall. x w:�rrxvwt nrrnw;+vcaur+wurn7. mi Planning Commission Minutes December 9, 1997 Page 11