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PC MINS 19980224Approved 1 3/24/98 ?-V CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 24, 1998 The meeting was called to order at 7.03 P M by Chairman Clark at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29310 Hawthorne Boulevard. Chairman Clark welcomed Commissioner Paris and congratulated him on his appointment to the Commission FLAG SALUTE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Paris. ROLL CALL Present Commissioners Alberio, Cartwright, Paris, Slayden, Vannorsdall, and Chairman Clark. Absent Commissioner Lyon (excused) Also present were Acting Director/Secretary Rojas, Senior Planner Snow, Associate Planner Fox, Assistant Planner Louie, and Recording Secretary Atuatasi. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chairman Clark moved to consider the Agenda Items in the following order: 1st: The Selection of the Planning Commission Vice Chairman before Communication 2nd: Agenda Item No. 5 (Six -Month Review of Outdoor Seating/Dining Area at the Mobil Service Station and Convenience Store) after Agenda Item No. 1; 3rd: Agenda Item Nos. 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 in sequential order. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and passed(6-0). SELECTION OF PLANNING COMMISSION VICE CHAIRMAN Chairman Clark nominated Commissioner Cartwright for Vice Chairman. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and passed by a roll -call vote, (6-0). COMMUNICATIONS Staff Acting Director/Secretary Rojas distributed: 1) a letter of late correspondence regarding Agenda Item No. 2 (Conditional Use Permit No. 191 - Revision 'A'); 2) a memorandum from Commissioner Vannorsdall dated July 12, 1997 regarding the "Commissioner's Responsibility" involving findings offered by City Engineers and other specialist employed by the City; 3) the Department's Weekly Administrative Report dated February 19, 1998 containing a memorandum from Commissioner Vannorsdall dated February 11, 1998 regarding the "Properties of Sound and Noise Abatement; and, 4) the City, State and Federal Roster. Commission: Chairman Clark asked Commissioner Paris to introduce himself and briefly explain his background to the Commission and Staff. Commissioner Paris stated that he was barn in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in New Jersey. He attended Rutger's University (Newark Campus) and received and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree at the age of nineteen. Mr. Paris minored in Business, majored in Economics and, Accounting. In 1974 he was employed with an accounting firm and has been in the accounting profession since that time. From 1981 through 1985 he served as a Commissioner and also Chairman for the Planning Commission of the City of Redondo Beach. Chairman Clark reported on his attendance at the Mayor's Monthly Breakfast and stated that he briefly discussed upcoming Planning Commission Agendas, and airport noise issues. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of February 10, 1998 Commissioner Slayden requested that on page 3, paragraph 1, line 4 the word "mad" be modified to read as, "made". Planning Commission Minutes February 24, 1998 Page 2 Commissioner Vannorsdall requested that on page 4, paragraph 3, line 4 be modified to read as, "...cautioned about the potential geologic issues when he met with Staff and the applicant at the subject site." Commissioner Slayden moved to approve the Minutes of February 10, 1998 as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Vannorsdall and passed, (4-0-2) with Chairman Clark and Commissioner Paris abstaining since they were not present at the meeting. At this time, Agenda Item No 5 was considered NEW BUSINESS 5. Six -Month Review of Outdoor Seating/Dining Area at the Mobil Service Station and Convenience Store; Bill Myers, 28103 Hawthorne Boulevard. Associate Planner Fox summarized the Staff Report from the April 22, 1997 meeting when the Commission granted Mr. Meyers' request to Install an outdoor seating/dining area adjacent to the new convenience store area The Commission added conditions requiring that the applicant monitor the outdoor seating/dining area to prevent loitering and other illegal activities, and required that a six-month review of the area be conducted by the Commission to ensure that the applicant complied with the required conditions Staff believed that the outdoor seating/dining area was being operated in compliance with the conditions of approval. Associate Planner Fox stated that he had received no comments or complaints from the public regarding the outdoor seating/dining area at the Mobil station and convenience store. Therefore, Staff recommended that the Commisison determine the outdoor seating/dining area to be in compliance with all required conditions of approval Commissioner Alberio moved to open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Vannorsdall and passed. Mr William Myers (applicant) 28103 Hawthorne Boulevard stated that he was available to answer any questions from the Commission. Lois Larue. 3136 Barkentine Road stated she had visited the service station one day and noticed that Mr Myers had removed the tables and chairs from the outdoor seating/dining area at 7 00 p.m. She asked why the tables and chairs were being removed before dusk and the employee replied that removal was required by the Planning Commission Minutes February 24,1998 Page 3 conditions of approval for the seating area Lois felt that the tables and chairs were removed too early from the area and thought that the outdoor furniture was supposed to be removed by 8.00 p m In any case, she complimented the appearance of the service station and stated that it was an improvement to the community Commissioner Vannorsdall moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Paris. With no objection, the Public Hearing was declared closed by Chairman Clark. Chairman Clark asked for Commission discussion of this item Commissioner Paris stated he had visited the service station on several occasions, and was pleased with the monitoring of the outdoor seating area as well as the clean appearance Mr Paris added that it was quiet during his visit and felt that the outdoor seating/dining area was in compliance with the required conditions of approval Commissioner Vannorsdall also frequented the service station and concurred with the comments of Commissioner Paris Commissioner Alberio had no comments Vice Chairman Cartwright stated that he felt the 8 00 p.m. deadline for removal of the tables and chairs in the outdoor seating/dining area should be retained. He felt that the addition to the service station was very well designed and stated that it was an asset to the community Chairman Clark complemented Mr. Myers and stated that he had set the standard of excellence with his service station Commissioner Vannorsdall moved to find that the outdoor/seating area at the Mobil Service Station was in compliance with all required conditions of approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and passed by a unanimous roll -call vote, (6-0). Chairman Clark noted the 15 -day appeal period Planning Commission Minutes February 24,1998 Page 4 0 • PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Conditional Use Permit No. 191 - Revision W: Nextel/Ocean View Apartments, 6507 Ocean Crest Drive. Commissioner Vannorsdall recused himself from this item since he lives within close proximity of the proposed project. Associate Planner Fox presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant submitted an application for a Conditional Use Permit Revision to the City requesting for the co -location of eight (8) enhanced specialized Mobil Radio (ESMR) antennae and support equipment at the Ocean View Apartments The application was deemed complete in December 1997 Mr Fox stated Staffs belief that the findings for a Conditional Use Permit could be made for the co -location of the proposed antennae and support equipment. Staff indicated that the proposed antennae location is a co -location with panel antennae approved with the original Conditional Use Permit No 191 Staff therefore recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit Revision subject to conditions Chairman Clark indicated on page 4 of the Staff Report under RPVDC Section 17 76 020(A)(7) that two off-street parking spaces were required for antenna installation sites He felt that additional parking stalls may not be necessary for all antenna applications submitted to the City and asked Staff if they looked into a potential for this revision in the City's Development Code Acting Director/Secretary Rojas replied that Staff had identified this issue and stated that revision to the Development Code would likely be recommended Chairman Clark suggested when the revision is made that the two parking spaces not be a mandatory condition, but that Staff would conduct an analysis first to determine whether or not parking spaces should be required. Commissioner Alberio moved to open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Cartwright and passed. Mr. Rob MacMullan. (applicant) 17275 Derian Avenue, Irvine, CA, 92614 reviewed the Staff Report and stated that he felt the proposed project met the guidelines of the City's Code Mr MacMullan was available for questions from the Commission Commissioner Paris asked if there were any adverse impacts for the reception of cordless phones and radios in the community Planning Commission Minutes February 24,1998 Page 5 Mr. MacMullan replied that there were no impacts, and that such issues were regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Mr. MacMullan also stated that Nextel had not had complaints or problems with other similar facilities Commissioners Albeno and Slayden, and Vannorsdall had no questions Vice Chairman Cartwright commented on other radio antennae services not providing reception in certain areas of the City, and hoped that Nextel would provide service for these particular areas (dead zones) Chairman Clark asked the applicant to briefly explain the master plan and why certain sites were selected for the installation of antennae Mr. MacMullan replied that the proposed selected sites within the City were located at Palos Verdes Drive West, Hawthorne Boulevard, and possibly Crenshaw Boulevard. He informed the Commission that one of their commercial sites was located at 25th Street covering certain sections of Western Avenue and that this site was permitted through the City of Los Angeles Mr. MacMullan also informed the Commission that an application was submitted to the City for a proposed site at the Portuguese Bend area to provide services from 25th Street up to Palos Verdes Drive West where St Paul's Lutheran Church was located He mentioned that Nextel had a current application on file with the City for an antennae installation at St Peter's By The Sea that was deemed incomplete by Staff due to the design. Mr MacMullan stated that the application discussed at this time was located at Ocean Crest and would service the area at Hawthorne Boulevard and some sections of Crest Road. He mentioned that one of Nextel's first antennae installation sites was located in the City of Palos Verdes Estates and that it serviced up to the area through Palos Verdes Drive West. Another antenna site which Mr MacMullan pointed out was located in the City of Lomita He stated that their main objective was to provide services for the businesses and multiple users in the City Commissioner Slayden moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Alberio. With no objections, the Public Hearing was declared closed by Chairman Clark. Chairman Clark asked for Commission discussion of this item Vice Chairman Cartwright felt that the proposed project complied with the guidelines and also mentioned the fact that the guidelines encouraged the designing of a master plan indicating areas of existing antennae installations such as, in a non -single family areas and, co -locating antennae in areas where there were existing antennae Mr Cartwright stated that the proposed project was co -locating and believed that this Planning Commission Minutes February 24,1998 Page 6 reduced clutter and also that the exterior was well designed He therefore, supported Staffs recommendation for approval Chairman Clark echoed Vice Chairman Cartwright's comments, and was concerned with two issues regarding the proposed project and the other at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He wondered how the services and sites were distributed in the Peninsula area (Rancho Palos Verdes in comparison to other cities on the Peninsula) since he observed that maybe one or two other cities were not interested in this type of service (antennae installation), yet benefited from the facilities in Rancho Palos Verdes Mr Clark was also concerned with the concept of the master plan since it was only a 2 -year projection He felt that this 2 -year master plan was not a long enough term, and that the Commission should discuss and arrive at a long term projection so that the Commission and the Public would have a better understanding of future sites in the City Commissioners Alberio, Paris, and Slayden had no additional comments Commissioner Slayden moved to accept Staffs recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 98-8, thereby approving Conditional Use Permit No. 191 - Revision 'A', subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and with no objections from the Commission, the motion passed (5-0-1) with Commissioner Vannorsdall abstaining. Chairman Clark noted the 15 -day appeal period. 3. Conditional Use Permit No. 193 - Revision 'A' and Minor Exception Permit No. 528• St. Paul's Lutheran Church 31290 Palos Verdes Drive West. Associate Planner Fox presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant submitted an application for a Conditional Use Permit to the City requesting the co - location of two specialized panel antennae inside the 38 -foot -tall cross and underground support equipment at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The application was deemed complete in January 1998 Staff briefly discussed the Minor Exception Permit proposing a reduced side yard setback for the underground equipment enclosure Mr Fox stated that Staff believed that the findings for a Conditional Use Permit Revision could be made for the proposed panel antennae and underground support equipment. Staff therefore recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit and Minor Exception Permit subject to conditions of approval Planning Commission Minutes February 24,1998 Page 7 Commissioner Vannorsdall moved to open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden and passed. Mr. Rob MacMullan.. 17275 Derian Avenue, Irvine, CA, 92614 had read and accepted the conditions of approval as indicated in the Staff Report and stated that Nextel re- designed the proposed project with the guidelines in mind Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentine Road stated her displeasure with the Commission's previous approval of antennae inside the cross at the subject site She strongly opposed the proposed project and requested that the Commission deny the applicant's request Lois also stated her opinion that the church was conducting a business and her belief that this was inappropriate Commissioner Vannorsdall moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Commissioner Alberio. With no objections, the Public Hearing was declared closed by Chairman Clark. Chairman Clark asked for Commission discussion of this item Commissioner Vannorsdall supported Staffs recommendation and Commissioner Slayden concurred. Commissioner Alberio stated that the church should look into obtaining a business license if they are conducting a business Vice Chairman Cartwright stated that he did not believe that this activity impacted the primary use of the property Commissioner Vannorsdall moved to accept Staff's recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 98-9, thereby approving Conditional Use Permit No. 193 - Revision 'A' and Minor Exception Permit No. 528, subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden and passed by a unanimous roll -call vote, (6-0). Chairman Clark noted the 15 -day appeal period. RECESS AND RECONVENE At 8.11 P.M. there was a brief recess until the meeting reconvened at 8 25 P M Planning Commission Minutes February 24,1998 Page 8 0 0 4. Height Variation No 850. Site Plan Review No 8112, and Major Grading Permit No 1986• Mr. & Mrs Victor Chen 30828 Marne Drive Assistant Planner Louie presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant submitted applications to the City for a Height Variation Permit, Mayor Grading Permit, and Site Plan Review Permit requesting the construction of a new 698 square foot three -car garage, a 279 square foot first story addition, and a 723 square foot second - story addition above the new three -car garage. The expansions total 1,700 square feet and 466 cubic yards of grading was necessary to implement the project The application was deemed complete in December 1997 Ms Louie stated that Staff believed that the necessary findings for a Height Variation could be made to allow the second story to exceed the sixteen foot height limit Ms Louie also mentioned that the proposed project would not significantly impact the privacy of the adjacent properties and would be compatible with the neighborhood structures. Staff determined that the grading amount was reasonable for the proposed project and therefore, recommended approval of the Height Variation, Mayor Grading Permit, and the Site Plan Review subject to conditions of approval Commissioner Alberio asked if there was a protected view from the neighboring property at 30806 Marne Drive Staff replied that there was While reading the Staff Report Mr. Alberio inspected the protected view as segmented, and felt that a view in its entirety should be protected, and should not be sectioned Acting Director/Secretary Rojas stated that the portion of the view of the shoreline from the exterior deck, would not be a part of the protected view since the viewing area was determined to be from inside the home Therefore, Staff believed that the small section of the shoreline visible from the interior viewing area impacted by the proposed project did not constitute a significant view impairment. Commissioner Vannorsdall moved to open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden and passed. Mr Rick Yeh. (applicant's architect) 30828 Marne Drive stated that the Staff Report was very well detailed and discussed a couple of issues regarding minimizing view impacts Mr Yeh stated that the first story addition was located near the existing garage and would not exceed the height of the existing ridgeline and the new garage was below the existing grade and would not encroach into the front yard setback He also mentioned that the design of the proposed structure was compatible with the neighboring homes in the area. Planning Commission Minutes February 24,1998 Page 9 Mr. Victor Chen. (applicant) 30828 Marne Drive was aware that Staff had notified residents within a 500 foot radius of his proposed project. Mr Chen stated that as a courtesy to his neighbors he tried several time to contact them and inform them of the additions to his existing home, but unfortunately was not able to reach them since they did not put effort into communicating with him Commissioner Alberio asked Mr Chen if he was willing to reach a compromise with his neighbors to resolve issues that they (neighbors) were concerned about. Mr Yen replied that the design of the proposed structure was the only alternative of constructing a three -car garage Ms. Theresa Huang. 30806 Marne Drive, opposed the proposed project due to the fact that her family's view of Catalina Island would be impaired from Mr Chen's proposed addition Ms Huang stated that not only will their view be taken away, but that Mr Chen's property value would increase Vice Chairman Cartwright asked Ms Huang if she or her family members made an effort in communicating with the applicant regarding the proposed project. Ms Huang replied that she and her sister were home, but her parents were not when the applicant came to discuss the proposal Mr Chen stated that he had left several messages on their recording machine and that he never received a response from the Huang's Mr. Eddy Liu, 1012 Fairoaks Avenue #308, South Pasadena, CA, 91030 a licensed architect represented the Huangs Mr Liu stated that he conducted studies of his client's view impact from the proposed addition. He had photographs for display The Commission allowed Mr Liu to display the photographs and he then explained that his clients concern was the massive bulk of the proposed project and how his client's view would be changed by the proposed modification to the building Mr. James Wang, 501 E Rodell Place, Arcadia, CA, 91006 a real estate broker, stated that five years ago he assisted the Huang's with the purchase of their property At that time the Huang's purchased their home with a view Mr Wang believed that the value of the Huang home would decrease since there would be a significant view impact. He did not concur with Staffs recommendation and believed that Mr Huang should have been informed of his rights to protect his view Vice Chairman Cartwright stated that the City has a Development Code stating that a resident is entitled to construct a home and that the proposed project being developed Planning Commission Minutes February 24, 1998 Page 10 was below the ridgeline He also stated his feeling that the view of the small portion of Portuguese Point from the deck area was not protected. Commissioner Vannorsdall moved to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Vice Chairman Cartwright. With no objections, the Public Hearing was declared closed by Chairman Clark. Chairman Clark asked for Commission discussion of this item Commissioner Slayden stated that from the inside of the Huang's resident there was not much of a view in the direction of the applicant's home and especially in the back of the home where there was much forage, with the exception of the view of Abalone Cove from the balcony. Mr. Slayden stated that the view in this case was not a major factor Commissioner Paris suggested the applicant and appellant meet to resolve the conflicting issues. Commissioner Vannorsdall suggested that the applicant look into constructing a tiered - wall to soften the impact in lieu of the proposed eight foot retaining wall. Commissioner Alberio concurred with Commissioner Vannorsdall and also suggested that the applicant and appellant try to reach a compromise Vice Chairman Cartwright believed that the mass of the proposed protect would not significantly impair the view of the appellant, and could be softened with the suggestion of a tiered -wall Mr Cartwright stated that the applicant was entitled to develop as indicated in the Code and agreed with Staffs recommendation Chairman Clark echoed the comments of Vice Chairman Cartwright The Commission discussed the tiered wall issue raised by Commissioner Vannorsdall, and concurred that Staff should work with the applicant and consider redesigning the wall if feasible Commissioner Slayden moved to accept Staffs recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 98-10, thereby approving Height Variation No. 850, Major Grading Permit No. 1986, and Site Plan Review No. 8119, subject to the proposed conditions and directed Staff to explore tiered wall designs with the applicant. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Vannorsdall and passed by a unanimous roll -call vote, (6-0). Planning Commission Minutes February 24,1998 Page 11 Chairman Clark noted the 15 -day appeal period. NEW BUSINESS 6. Commission Business Discussion Items Senior Planner Snow stated that Commissioner Vannorsdall submitted a memorandum to Staff regarding Business Items for Discussion. The discussion included 1) the desire for a Special Training Session for the Commisison to review the Development Code and this session was scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 1998, 10 30 A.M. in the Fire Side Room at Fred Hesse Community Park, 2) Commissioner Vannorsdall reiterated to the Commission that he distributed a memorandum earlier that evening for the Commissioners information regarding the "Commissioner's Responsibility" involving findings offered by City Engineers and other Specialist employed by the City, 3) obtaining an organization chart for the whole City Staff, 4) revising and updating the January 1996 memorandum regarding "What Does Our Department Do?" along with updated background information of the Commissioners and Staff, 5) preparing a map indicating the location of mayor developments that may appear on the Commission Agenda during this two-year term, and, 6) conducting a tour of City Hall. Staff replied that they would follow-up on Item Nos 3, 4, and 5 and keep the Commisison informed with the exception of Item No 6 which is available upon request from individual Commissioners ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS Staff 7. Pre -agenda for the Planning Commission meeting of March 10, 1998. Commission COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE (regarding non -agenda items] None. Planning Commission Minutes February 24,1998 Page 12 ADJOURNMENT At 10:14 P.M. Commissioner Slayden moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Paris. There being no objection, the meeting was duly adjourned by Chairman Clark. N.\GROUP\PLANNING\PCMIN\MIN02-24 98 Planning Commission Minutes February 24,1998 Page 13