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PC MINS 19981013�J CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 13, 1998 CALL TO ORDER Approved x/27/98 The meeting was called to order at 7.015 P.M by Chairman Clark at the Hesse Park Community Building, 29310 Hawthorne Boulevard. FLAG SALUTE Commissioner Slayden led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag ROLL CALL Present Commissioners Alberto, Lyon, Paris, Slayden, Vice Chairman Cartwright, and Chairman Clark Absent* Commissioner Vannorsdall (absent/excused) Also present were Director/Secretary Rous, Principal Planner Snow, and Associate Planners Fox and Mihranian. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was the consensus of the Commission to approve the Agenda as presented. With no objections, it was so ordered by Chairman Clark, (6-0). COMMUNICATIONS Council Policy Items There were no Council policy items for discussion since the City Council Meeting of October 6, 1998 was cancelled Staff Staff distributed two letters regarding Agenda Item No. 2 and one letter regarding Agenda Item No 3. In addition, members of the public distributed two letters that evening pertaining to Agenda Item No 2 6- 0 Director/Secretary Rous informed the Commission that the Highridge Car Wash project (Site Plan Review No 8311, Grading Permit No 2048, and Sign Permit No. 961) had been appealed by Councilmember McTaggart and that the public hearing would be scheduled for the City Council Meeting of November 17, 1998 Director /Secretary Rojas also informed the Commission that as requested by the Commission at the last meeting Staff conducted a survey of all service stations uses in the City and found that two of the five uses had signs affixed to their canopy Director/Secretary Rojas introduced Associate Planner Mihranian to the Planning Commission Commission Commissioner Albeno discussed the Highridge Car Wash Project He believed that the applicant was in error and could have filed an extension for his project. Commisisoner Alberio felt that the Commission should not have made a final decision on this item at the meeting of September 22, 1998 He stated that a Commission member could perhaps appeal any public hearing item as Councilmember McTaggart did with the Highridge Car Wash project. Commissioner Slayden asked if there was a final resolution on the appeal of the Marriott project and Director/Secretary Rojas replied that the project has not been resolved since geotechnical analysis was not completed yet (requested by City Council as the alternative). Mr. Rojas stated that the item may be considered at the City Council Meeting November 4, 1998 CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of September 22. 1998 Vice Chairman Cartwright requested that on page 8, paragraph 3, line 3 the words, 'it' and 'was' be deleted Chairman Clark requested that on page 8, paragraph 2, line 1 the word, 'Vice' be deleted Commissioner Lyon requested that on page 8, paragraph 7, line 3 a statement be inserted after the word 'Boulevard' to read as, 'and enter the right side of the first island, on page 9, paragraph 1, line 1 the word 'then' be inserted between the words 'there' and 'would', and on the same page, paragraph 9, line 4 the word 'Hawthorne Boulevard' be modified to read as, 'Highridge Drive' Planning Commission Minutes October 13,1998 Page 2 Commissioner Lyon moved to approve the of Minutes September 22, 1998 as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden and passed, (6-0). Commissioner Slayden stated that although the Minutes of September 8, 1998 were approved he stated that he was not present at the meeting and that it be noted for the records that he abstained CONTINUED BUSINESS 2. Height Variation No. 857, Variance No. 432, and Grading Permit No. 2010; Emmanuel & Olukemi Duro, 6375 Palos Verdes Drive South Associate Planner Fox presented the Staff Report and stated that the applicant requested construction of a new, two-story 7,735 square -foot single-family residence on an upslope lot on Palos Verdes Drive South This application was agendized for the Commission's review on September 8 and September 22, 1998. Staff found that the proposed project was consistent with the required findings for the Height Variation and Grading application, but did not believe that the Variance for the increase in downslope height could be justified Associate Planner Fox met with the applicant on September 23, 1998 and the plans were subsequently revised to avoid the need for a Variance by elimination of a subterranean pool room/guest suite on the lower level Associate Planner Fox stated that Staff believed that all of the required findings for the Height Variation and the Grading application could be made for the proposed project and therefore, recommended approval. Commissioner Slayden asked if there were was an undeveloped lot at the end of Taragon Road and Associate Planner Fox replied that there was an acre lot at the end of the street Vice Chairman Cartwright inquired about the geology/hydrology reports for the proposed project and Associate Planner Fox replied that the reports have been reviewed by the City's Geotechnical Consultant and that an additional review would be considered before building permits are issued Chairman Clark asked if Staff had reviewed the compatibility in terms of size for the proposed project with the immediate neighborhood Associate Planner Fox replied Planning Commission Minutes October 13,1998 Page 3 i that the average size of the homes on Taragon were approximately 2,500 square feet and the homes in the Peninsula Pointe averaged approximately 4,300 square feet in size Commissioner Lyon moved to open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Paris and passed. Mr. David York. (architect) 1825-1/2 W Balboa Boulevard, Newport, CA explained the revised plans for the proposed structure from his last discussion with Staff on September 23, 1998 Mr York believed that the primary concern of the proposed project was addressed with regards to the size of the proposed project in square footage and stated that this issue had been mitigated by reducing the size (eliminating the pool room/guest suite on the lower level) of the proposed protect and complying with the City's regulations with regards to the 30 -foot downslope height limit. Mr York informed the Commission while in the process of erecting the silhouette for the proposed project, most of the larger trees and foliage were removed from the property. He believed that the proposed project would not create any significant view impairments for the adjacent residents and pointed out that the balcony was relocated to the rear of the structure which was not visible from Palos Verdes Drive South Commissioner Alberio asked about the landscaping for the proposed project and Mr. York replied that when the proposed project has been conditionally approved the landscaping plans would include the type of trees and plants that could be planted along the subject site Mr Alberio asked if there would be standard lighting around the proposed structure and Mr York replied that outdoor lighting would be installed and that accent lighting would be utilized. Mr. Alberio asked clarification of whether a roof deck or a balcony was in the proposal and Mr York replied that a balcony would be at the rear of the proposed structure over the garage area. Commissioner Paris asked if the width of the driveway could be scaled down and Mr York replied that the driveway width could be reduced from 20 feet to 14 feet Mr. Emmanuel Duro. (applicant) 28319 Pontevedra Drive, reiterated the comments of his architect and stated that the design of his proposed home was to take advantage of the view of the church while not impacting other views Chairman Clark asked why he was constructing such a large home and Mr Duro replied that he had approximately 6,500 square feet of living space, stated that there was nothing extraordinary about the design, and that he was optimizing his new home Commissioner Slayden asked Mr Duro how many bedrooms for the proposed project and he replied that there were seven bedrooms in all. Planning Commission Minutes October 13,1998 Page 4 Mrs Lois Hendricks 6320 Taragon Road, stated that although her concern regarding the height of the proposed protect was addressed since the Variance was no longer required. She believed that the City should have established height limitations should the applicant return to propose a third level to the structure resulting in an increase in height. Chairman Clark replied that the allowable maximum height an any proposed residential structure is 16 feet If the applicant decided to modify what the Commission approved the applicant would have to submit a new application for consideration by the Commission Mr. Fred Hendicks, 6320 Taragon Road, stated that his concerns regarding the height for the proposed protect had been addressed Lois Larue, 3136 Barkentme Road, believed that there was draining area issue at McCaroll Canyon which was nearby the proposed protect and wanted the Duro's to be aware of the situation Mrs. Kemi Duro. 28319 Pontevedra Drive, thanked Lois for the information she provided regarding the draining area at McCaroll Canyon She believed that her new home complied with the City's Code requirements and stated that her proposed home would enhance the neighborhood and increase her property value as well as the neighboring homes Commissioner Paris asked if there was any intention of utilizing the proposed protect other than its expected use and Mrs Duro replied that no other use was intended. Commissioner Alberio asked if the drainage issue was disclosed by the realtor and Mrs Duro replied that the realtor had not provided this information Mr. Duro intervened and stated that he was aware of the drainage issue at McCaroll Canyon which was made known to him by a former City employee in the Public Works Department Commissioner Lyon stated that he supported the project keeping it as proposed Chairman Clark asked if there were any additional speakers and Staff replied that there were none Commissioner Alberio moved to close the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commission Lyon and passed. At that time, A member of the audience asked a question and Chairman Clark asked her to approach the podium to speak Planning Commission Minutes October 13, 1998 Page 5 Commissioner moved to re -open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commission Lyon and passed. Ms. Sharon Cowley, 6331 Taragon Road, suggested to build a block wall for protection to prevent potential drainage problems that may occur to a home in the surrounding area. Commissioner Slayden moved to close the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Cartwright. Chairman Clark asked for Staff comments and discussion on this item Associate Planner Fox stated that the hydrology/geology report was reviewed and approved by the City's Geotechnical Consultant. Commissioner Lyon noted that the hydrology/geology report indicated a minimal risk and Director/Secretary Rojas replied that from Staffs perspective in discussions with the City's Engineer and Geotechnical Consultant, Staff believed that the minimal risk had been reviewed and approved otherwise the consultants would have brought this up to Staffs attention. Commissioner Alberio requested in the future that hydrology/geology reports be included in the Commissioners packets so that the Commission would have adequate time to review them. Commissioner Slayden inquired if roof decks such as, the proposed project would be prohibited in the future and Director/Secretary Rojas replied that any deck on the roof is prohibited, however the new regulation does not apply retroactively to this project Chairman Clark asked for Commission comments and discussion on this item Commissioner Paris suggested that the driveway be scaled down so that it would decrease the chances of slippage occurring Mr. Paris did not feel that the proposed project was compatible with the surrounding homes. Commissioner Slayden had the same observation as Commissioner Paris regarding the driveway, but was comfortable with the layout of the proposed project and supported Staffs recommendation Commissioner Lyon stated that the proposed project was very well designed and supported it as proposed Mr Lyon suggested that when a motion be made, a Planning Commission Minutes October 13,1998 Page 6 0 0 condition be included so that the City would be held harmless for any liability if a flood should occur at the subject area Commissioner Alberto opposed the roof deck and agreed with Commissioner Lyon's comment regarding the 'Hold Harmless Agreement' for the City, he had no problem with the width of the driveway, and the size of the proposed structure Vice Chairman Cartwright was satisfied with the hydrology/geology report He believed that the findings for the Height Variation were made. Vice Chairman Cartwright had no objections for the attractively designed proposed structure or the driveway, and supported Staffs recommendation Chairman Clark stated that he was not typically supportive of roof decks, but in this case felt comfortable because of the design of the proposed structure Chairman Clark favored the proposed project and stated that it was a good addition to the surrounding neighborhood Commissioner Lyon moved to accept Staffs recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 98-34, thereby approving Height Variation No. 857 and Grading Permit No. 2010 with the condition that the City not be held liable for hydrology problems. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden. Chairman Clark asked for discussion on the motion. Commissioner Paris requested that reduction of the driveway be included in the motion for his reason stated earlier. Chairman Clark asked if any Commission member was supportive of Commissioner Paris' position and there were no comments. The motion was passed by a roll -call vote (5-1) with Commissioner Paris dissenting. Chairman Clark noted the 15 -day appeal period. RECESS AND RECONVENE Chairman Clark called for a brief recess at 8 29 P M until the meeting reconvened at 8.44 P M Planning Commission Minutes October 13, `1998 Page 7 PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Appeal of Site Plan Review No. 8178; 8 La Vista Verde [Applicant: Harold Herman(8La Vista Verde); Appellants: Michael & Sanaa Dugan (6503 Palos Verdes Drive East, Paul Shapiro & Susan Short (6509 Palos Verdes Drive East) and Frank & Marlene Grant (9 La Vista Verde Associate Planner Fox summarized the background of this item and stated that the applicant requested a new ham radio antenna support structure and array to replace the existing one at 8 La Vista Verde The applicant worked with Staff to revise the proposed project and interested parties adjacent to the project site were informed on July 17, 1998 of the notice of decision for the proposed project. On July 31, 1998 three adjacent neighbors appealed the Director's approval of this item to the Commission The appellant's appeal was noticed and scheduled for the Commission's consideration that evening. Associate Planner Fox noted that the antenna moratorium has been in place since April. At this time, the antenna ad hoc committee has worked on revisions to the city antenna regulations The applicant's project is not subject to the current moratorium since it does not involve the placement of a second antenna support structure and array on the subject site. However, this could change if the moratorium is extended or expanded, and that Staff will be bringing this issue to the Council for consideration at the meeting of November 4, 1998. Associate Planner Fox stated that when the Council considers adoption of the new ordinance, they may also elect to apply the new antenna regulations retroactively to all application on file which have not received a final decision. If so, it would affect this application and appeal Given these circumstances, Staff recommended continuance of this item to the Commission Meeting of March 9, 1999. Associate Planner Fox stated that the applicant was present earlier and left correspondence for the Commission to review The applicant previously expressed to Staff that he was opposed to any continuance of the appeal and requested that his item be considered as soon as possible and before the adoption of new regulations regarding antenna structures takes place Chairman Clark asked if there were any speakers for this item and Staff replied that there were four requests to speak. Chairman Clark asked the Commission for comments and discussion since the recommendation by Staff was to continue the Public Hearing of this item. Planning Commission Minutes October 13, 1998 Page 8 0 0 Commissioner Alberio moved to continue the Public Hearing of this item to March 9, 1999. The motion failed for a lack of a second At this time, a member of the audience requested a point of order and reminded the Commission that he had submitted a request to speak on this item. Chairman Clark stated that the Public Hearing was not opened to the Public since Staffs continuance recommendation was being discussed among the Commission Commissioner Slayden moved to continue the Public Hearing of this item to the meeting of November 10, 1998. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lyon. Staff reminded the Chairman that there were four requests to speak, and that the speakers were aware that this item was recommended for continuance Chairman Clark replied that there is a motion to continue the Public Hearing to November 10, 1998 He also asked if any of the speakers would be unable to attend the meeting of November 10, 1998 None of the speakers indicated that they would not be available The motion was passed by a roll -call vote (6-0). 4. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO 151 - REVISION 'E; Warmington HomesIPHD Development; Seabreeze Tract No. 46651, Crest Road and Highridge Rod Principal Planner Snow presented the Staff Report and stated that the project was a 59 acre vacant site and that Phase I of the proposed homes were currently under construction, including the model home sales complex. The developer requested to change Condition No N-2 of conditional Use Permit No 151 - Revision `D' for the timing of submittal of landscape plans for each individual lot. The developer felt that the condition needed to change in order to offer the new homeowner the opportunity to design their own landscape plan. The new condition would permit the applicant to sell a home that has received a building permit final, and allow the owner to submit a landscape plan of their own if the home is not sold within six months the developer would have to prepare and submit the landscape plan Principal Planner Snow stated that Staff amended the language of Condition No. N-2 to reflect the timing of installation of landscaping as proposed by the developer This added language would provide the City the ability to ensure that landscaping is Planning Commission Minutes October 13,1998 Page 9 installed on individual lots once they are occupied. Staff favored the proposed amendment since it allowed flexibility to future homeowners to design their own landscape theme and therefore recommended approval of the proposed project Chairman Clark asked if there were any speakers for this item and Staff replied that there were two requests to speak Mr. Fred Qasok (developer) 24816 Camino villa, Lake Forest, CA stated that the Staff Report was thoroughly explained by Staff for the request of change in Condition No N- 2 of Conditional Use Permit No 151 - Revision 'D'. Mr. Caso briefly reiterated the request and would answer questions from the Commission. Commissioner Paris asked if the homeowners would pay for the landscaping and Mr Caso replied that the homeowners would have to pay the costs Commissioner Paris asked if the landscaping costs were included when a property was purchased and Mr Caso replied that the landscaping costs were not included in the purchase of the property. Commissioner Paris asked if there was assurance that landscaping would be installed once a new homeowner occupies the dwelling. Mr Caso replied that all landscaping plans had to be approved the City. Commissioner Albeiro asked Mr Caso if he posted a bond with the City should a new homeonwer avoid installation of landscaping and Mr Casa replied that the CCR's would dictate when landscaping would be installed and that Staff was transferring that language into the condition to give the City more authority to enforce this. Vice Chairman Cartwright asked if there was a time requirement for installing landscaping once a home is sold and Staff replied that there is no time requirement in the Code, but Staff was creating a time requirement for this tract which would be reflected in the conditions of approval Mr. Tom Alley, 6304 Sattes Drive, described the current landscaping installed at the subject site He stated that there were a number of young trees planted on a slope south of Crest Road that were nearly reaching the site lines over the subject property. Mr Alley requested that these trees be removed. Director/Secretary Rojas stated that Staff had discussed this issue with the developer and it was Staffs intent to make sure all view impairing foliage is relocated or removed Planning Commission Minutes October 13,1998 Page 10 Commissioner Alberio moved to accept Staff's recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 98-35, thereby approving Conditional Use Permit No. 151 - Revision `E', subject to conditions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Slayden Chairman Clark asked the Commission for discussion on the motion Commissioner Parts believed that the Commission would be opening new issues and felt that approval of the proposed project was not warranted Mr Paris was concerned with the timing of completion for the landscaping and felt that the modified language should also require a provision for ensuring landscaping installation by the homeowner Staff stated that this modified condition does address the buyer's installation responsibility The motion was passed by a roll -call vote, (5-1) with Commissioner Paris dissenting. Chairman Clark noted the 15 -day appeal period NEW BUSINESS 5. General Plan Consistency Finding - L.A. Unified School District: Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson Middle School, 28014 Montereina Drive Associate Planner Fox stated that this item was initiated by a Code Enforcement complaint from a resident of the Rolling Halls Riviera neighborhood in August, 1998 regarding the placement of an additional portable classroom building at the Dodson Middle School Staff investigated the matter and notified the Los Angeles Unified School District to submit a request for a General Plan consistency finding for the additional classroom building within 30 days Staff discussed this issue with a representative from LAUSD to clarify this request and they submitted the request for a General Plan consistency finding in September, 1998 Associate Planner Fox noted in the Staff Report that this finding of consistency with the General Plan was a recommendation to the LAUSD board who had the final authority to accept or reject the Commission's finding. No public notification was required, although the principal of Dodson Middle School, the complainant, and Rolling Hills Riviera HOA were advised of the Commission's review of this item. Planning Commission Minutes October 13, 1998 Page 11 Staff believed that the proposal to place an additional portable classroom building at Dodson Middle School was consistent with the City's General Plan and therefore, believed it was appropriate to adopt the resolution for this item Chairman Clark asked if there were any speakers for this item and Staff replied that there were none He then asked for Commission comments and discussion on this item Chairman Clark felt that although this was a recommendation by the LAUSD Board, a representative should have been present to speak on this item Commissioner Paris concurred with Chairman Clark's comments. Commissioner Slayden moved to accept Staff's recommendation to adopt P.C. Resolution No. 98-36, thereby finding the placement of an additional portable classroom building at Dodson Middle School consistent with the General Plan. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and passed by a roll -call, (4-2) with Commissioner Paris and Chairman Clark dissenting. 6. Green Hills Update; 27501 S. Western Avenue, 27501 S. Western Avenue Principal Planner Snow updated the Commission on the status of this item He stated that a number of months ago there was a proposal for some grading activities and tank replacement at Green Hills and that the Commission requested an update on the continuing grading activities at the subject site Mr. Snow stated that continuous grading was occuring at the subject site which was consistent with the master plan for additional buildings and burial plots The project involved moving the earth from stock piles to other portions of the property and that the import of additional fill may be necessary in the future which would require a modification to the Conditional Use Permit. The Commission received and filed the update on the Green Hills grading activities. With no objections, it was so ordered by Chairman Clark, (6-0) ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS Staff 7. Pre -Agenda for the Planning Commission Meeting of October 27, 1998. Planning Commission Minutes October 13,1998 Page 12 Commission Chairman Clark reminded the Commission of the City's 25th Silver Anniversary Dinner Dance to be held on November 6, 1998 at the Los Verdes Country Club. Commissioner Paris left the meeting at 9.44 p.m COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE (regarding non -agenda items) Lois Larue distributed and discussed an article from the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy regarding the City's Landslide Moratorium Background dated June 30, 1998 ADJOURNMENT At 9:49 P.M. Vice Chairman Cartwright moved to adjourn the meeting to Tuesday, October 27, 1998 at 7:00 P.M. in the Community Room at Hesse Park. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lyon. With no objections, it was so ordered by Chairman Clark. N 1GROUPTLANNINGTCMINNIN10-1 3 98 Planning Commission Minutes October 13,1998 Page 13