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PC MINS 19990427APPROVED 5/11/99 CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING APRIL 27, 1999 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7.00 p.m by Vice Chairman Lyon at the Fred Hesse Community Building, 29310 Hawthorne Boulevard FLAG SALUTE Commissioner Clark led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag ROLL CALL Present Commissioners Alberio, Clark, Slayden, Vannorsdall, and Vice Chairman Lyon Absent Commissioner Paris and Chairman Cartwright were excused Also present were Director/Secretary Rojas, Senior Planner Pfost, Associate Planner Mihranian, and Recording Secretary Peterson APPROVAL OF AGENDA Prior to the approval of the agenda, Commissioner Vannorsdall announced that Charles Abbott had very recently passed away. Director/Secretary Rojas confirmed and announced the funeral arrangements A moment of silence followed in memory of Charles Abbott Commissioner Alberio moved to change item 3 to be heard before item 2, as there were several speakers present for item 3, seconded by Commissioner Slayden. There being no objection, it was so ordered. COMMUNICATIONS Council Policy Items- Director/Secretary Rojas summarized items of note from the City Council meeting of April 20, 1999 The items were 1) The granting of the Ocean Trails request for a one year extension to their tentative maps, 2) The approval of a parcel map for two parcels at the corner of Palos Verdes Drive South and Seawolf Drive, and 3) The approval of a contract augmentation for the Long Point protect to increase the EIR consultant's contract to cover an additional scope of work Staff Director/Secretary Rojas distributed a copy of the `Natural Community Conservation Planning' (NCCP) publication to the Commission Commission Commissioner Slayden read aloud excerpts of a letter from Elm Vanderlip published in the April 24, 1999 edition of the Palos Verdes News. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of April 13. 1999 Commissioner Vannorsdall pointed out a typo on page 9, paragraph 8. Vice Chairman Lyon pointed out several items, beginning with page 4, paragraph 3 the word "for" should be inserted. On page 4, paragraph 5 "with" should be deleted Page 7, paragraph 3 "of' should be changed to "or" On page 7 paragraph 6 "into" should be deleted Commissioner Clark pointed out on page 7 in the last two paragraphs "he" should be changed to "Mr Jackson" Vice Chairman Lyon continued on page 8, first paragraph, "the" should be inserted and on the same page a typo to change "retain" to "retaining". On page 9 the first paragraph "from" changed to "of' and "reversing" to "driving". In the second paragraph "had" should be inserted He pointed out at the bottom of the page "with prejudice" should not be included. Commissioner Clark pointed out on page 9, paragraph 9 "reserved" should be changed to "observed". Vice Chairman Lyon pointed out on page 11, paragraph 5 "allowed" should be changed to "allow" Commissioner Alberio moved to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Commissioner Vannorsdall. Approved, (5-0). PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 27, 1999 PAGE 2 PUBIC HEARINGS 2. Conditional Use Permit No. 100 — Revision `B' and Grading Permit No. 2036: Manuel E. Perez Uranart, Tract No. 44239Nilla Capri HOA (AM) Associate Planner Mihranian presented a brief staff report, stating the Commission would be addressing a request for a pedestrian and vehicular access gate at the front and rear entrances of the development In order to provide the access gates a portion of the property would have to be enclosed, and that would require a six foot high fence One of the conditions of the Conditional Use Permit for the property would limit the height of fences to five feet There is also some additional grading proposed to expand the entrance area to provide two guest parking spaces and an increased turning radius The Planning Commission decision made tonight would be a recommendation to the City Council, as City Council must make the final decision on this project Commissioner Vannorsdall moved to open the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Alberio. There being no objection, the public hearing was opened. Sonia Hayes 64 Via Capri discussed the safety problem involved in their area She explained that children playing cannot be seen by cars that come around the corner. She also explained that there are no driveways in front of their garages and that causes very dangerous situations with other cars She described several situations where homeless people were found on their property going through the trash She discussed the graffiti and vandalism problem in the area Paul Payne 52 Via Capri stated that he is very much in favor of the project He commented that they get quite a bit of non-resident traffic through the development at a rate of speed that is too fast for the area. Mark Murphy (architect with Urban Art) 320 N. Pine Ave, Long Beach stated he was here to answer any questions from the Commission. Commissioner Vannorsdall asked Mr. Murphy how many automobiles could be accommodated at the gate at Hawthorne Blvd at one time Mr Murphy answered that he felt four automobiles could be accommodated at one time Vice Chairman Lyon asked Mr. Murphy about the keypad controls He stated that in looking at the plans, the controls seemed to be at the pedestrian entrance and did not feel someone in their car could access the keypad. Mr Murphy stated that their intention was that the parking spaces were for guests to park in and then walk over to access the keypad. The keypad is placed where it is to be out of harms way and the current location had been approved by the Traffic Committee PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 27, 1999 PAGE 3 All residents of the area would have their own remote control and would not need to access the keypad Vice Chairman Lyon understood and commented that page 2 of Exhibit A needed to be modified to reflect this. Commissioner Slayden asked if there was something in place so that if there is a power failure the gates can still be operated. Mr. Murphy responded that there would be such a mechanism in place John Douglas 62 Via Capri stated he is the president of the Villa Capri Homeowners Association speaking for the Board and the homeowners. He mentioned their concern for security and the significant increase in through traffic through Villa Capri to get to Golden Cove Shopping Center, Hawthorne Blvd, and Palos Verdes Drive Commissioner Clark asked Mr. Douglas if he knew why, when the original approval was given for this project, pedestrian gates were not requested Mr Douglas responded that he did not know why, but since the streets in the development were private streets maintained by the Association, it may have been an oversight. Regina Gilliland 34 Via Capri just wanted the Commission to know that she agreed with the comments made tonight and was very much in favor of the gates. Commissioner Vannorsdall moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Clark. There being no objection the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Alberio stated he visited the site and could see how the problems could occur. He felt the gates would e a positive step in eliminating the problems in the area Commissioner Vannorsdall agreed He wondered, however, if there would a proper lighting around the gate entrances Associate Planner Mihranian stated that there had been nothing proposed in terms of outdoor lighting Commissioner Vannorsdall moved to re -open the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Alberio. There being no objection, the public hearing was re- opened. Mr. Douglas pointed out on the display drawings several existing light poles that he felt should be sufficient He commented that if the Association felt that area was too dark they would of course want to add additional lighting for safety PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 27, 1999 PAGE 4 C Commissioner Slayden moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Vannorsdall. There being no objection, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Clark commented that he felt this proposal was something that could have been done at the time the development was proposed. He felt this proposal improved the quality of life for the residents and enhanced the overall development itself. He felt the project enhanced safety and eliminated potential criminal issues He stated he was very much in support of the project Commissioner Slayden stated he is a member of a gated community and felt that it is a great plus for communities such as Villa Capri that are very compact and well laid out He approved of the proposed project Director/Secretary Rojas wondered if, given the comments regarding exterior lighting, the Commission would like to add a condition that stated that any exterior lighting must be reviewed and approved by the Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement This would give the Association an option of putting in lighting in the future if they chose to. Commissioner Clark moved to accept Staff's recommendations as modified and adopt P.C. Resolution No. 99-11 thereby approving as amended Conditional Use Permit No. 100 -Revision `B' and Grading Permit No. 2036, seconded by Commissioner Slayden. Approved, (5-0). RECESS AND RECONVENE At 7.45 p m the Commission took a short recess until 7 55 p.m at which time they reconvened. CONTINUED BUSINESS 3. Specific Plan Amendment No. 10, Conditional Use Permit No. 204, Grading- Permit radingPermit No. 2044 and Environmental Assessment No. 701: Tosco Corporation, 29701 Western Avenue. (GP) Senior Planner Pfost gave a brief staff report He explained the request was for two new buildings, one a 4,000 square foot automotive use building and the other a 2,240 square foot retail restaurant building He pointed out the deviations to the specific plan which included reducing the setback along Western Avenue to 6 to 10 feet as opposed to the required 20 feet, a proposed 5 foot setback along the south property line as opposed to the required 20 feet, and a proposed 0 to 20 foot landscape buffer along the south and west property lines In comparing this property with others in the area, staff concluded that there were sufficient reasons to allow a deviation to the specific plan He discussed the coordination with Cal Trans and the approval b the Traffic Committee. He commented that there will not be a significant view impact from the neighboring uses PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 27, 1999 PAGE 5 and the building does add a visual improvement to the site He stated that the applicant had requested a change in the hours of operation of 8 00 a m to 5 00 p m to 7.00 a m to 7 00 p m Finally, Mr Pfost commented that staff had not included in the staff report letters received from adjacent properties The Eastview Townhomes Homeowners Association, the PV Villas Retirement Home, and the Community Christian Church all submitted letters in support of the project. Commissioner Clark questioned the hours of operation, He wondered what the hours of operation were for Hilltop Automotive, and that those hours should be used as a benchmark for other similar uses proposed in the City Commissioner Slayden responded that he recalled the hours for Hilltop Automotive as being700am to700pm Commissioner Alberio pointed out that Hilltop Automotive was different in that it is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, where this project is on Western Avenue in a commercial/institutional area Commissioner Clark questioned if the single family residence adjacent to the project, while in the city of Los Angeles, had been notified of the project and had responded in any way Senior Planner Pfost responded that they had been notified but the city had not received any response from them Commissioner Vannorsdall asked staff who owned the alley next to the project Senior Planner Pfost answered that the alley was owned by private property owners, not the city He stated that there were quire a few access easements across the alley Commissioner Vannorsdall wondered if the alley should be taken over by the City and made a public street to help control access to Western Avenue Commissioner Albeno asked staff if all of the tanks had been removed from the property from it's previous use as a gas station, and if the property was safe to use Senior Planner Pfost answered that the tanks had been removed and the property was safe. Commissioner Alberio moved to open the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Vannorsdall. There being no objection, the public hearing was opened. Tab Johnson 796 W. Ninth Street, San Pedro representing Rich Development Company stated he was here for any questions the Commissioners may have regarding the project He explained that he and his company had spent considerable time in deciding the best way the building should be placed on the property and looked at the traffic flow PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 27, 1999 PAGE 6 including considerable work with the Traffic Committee and Cal Trans to help solve the problems caused by the present traffic signals at Summerland and Western He felt the proposal was quite appealing since all of the buildings were not right on the property line and there would be some visibility and landscaping. He stated that the six foot high wall on the southern property line would block all view of the proposed building from the adjacent residence He felt that the further the building was moved to the north, the more the building would become visible to the residents. Commissioner Alberio asked why the automotive building was designed to face north Mr. Johnson explained that the old service station on the property was orientated east to west He believed that type of orientation would cause more of a visible clutter because it would physically put the long side of the building right up along Western Avenue and not allow there to be visual relief of trees and landscaping Commissioner Alberio asked about the numerous driveways that exist on the property now and the traffic patterns that may develop because of them Mr. Johnson stated that there is a terrific traffic mess at the site He commented that there are four exiting driveways at the site now The developer is proposing to close all of the driveways and making one at the correct location. He further stated that they had met with the owners who have control over the easement in the alley. The easement is being redrafted so that it will be a permanent easement across the corner of the property. Also, per a request from the Traffic Committee and Cal Trans, landscaping will be planted to physically block the existing driveway from ever being a driveway again Commissioner Albeno asked about the lighting on the property Mr Johnson answered that there are standard recommendations in the staff report that require a lighting study to show that there will be security lighting. There is also a three month review period that could allow for changes to the lighting Commissioner Clark stated that the developer was proposing a significant automotive facility and retail restaurant facility on a parcel that was not very big in size. He felt that the developer was trying to shoe horn as many commercial uses onto this property as possible, and as a result the City suffers in terms of its required setbacks He stated he was not a proponent of deviating from required city setbacks unless there are good and valid reasons He felt that because there is a residential property five feet away that residents will suffer significant disturbance He felt that the impacts would not result if the developer were not trying to put both commercial retail restaurant and automotive uses on the same small parcel. Mr Johnson responded that the acoustical studies requested by staff show there will be no significant noise disturbances, especially to the resident to the south as that individual is so much higher and blocked by concrete block walls PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 27, 1999 PAGE 7 Commissioner Clark asked why they were proposing the construction of both types of uses on this one parcel Mr Johnson answered that he felt there was just cause to try to provide the services on site that are needed in the community The city has designated the property a commercial -retail property and that this is the type of use that they want to try to bring to the city to create jobs, thus tax revenue, and provide a service to the surrounding community that is needed Further, it is more economically feasible when budding an automotive facility to have some other type of retail business connected with it. Commissioner Vannorsdall agreed that it would be better to put the building up against a high block wall in order to reduce noise for the properties adjacent to the project He asked where the compressors associated with the automotive building would be located, as they were a major noise source. Mr. Johnson responded they would be located inside the building. Commissioner Vannorsdall asked staff to verify that there would be enough room for the required parking on the site Senior Planner Pfost responded that required parking for the automotive building was one space per employee and two spaces for each bay. Using that as well as what is required for retail and restaurant parking, the project is meeting the number of parking spaces that would be required. He added that staff had a concern regarding automobiles being parked overnight and therefore added a condition to ensure automobiles would not be parked overnight. Lois Larue 3136 Barkentine Road commented that she thought she heard several commissioners state the restaurant would be approximately 850 square feet, however she pointed out in the staff report the retail building would actually be 2,220 square feet Also, she heard the commissioners say the retirement home was west of the development but she felt it was north of the project Jeanine Eshivere 29641 S Western Ave #313 clarified the retirement home is west of the proposal, the 70 unit condominium is north of the project. She stated that she was very much in favor of this proposal as they had looked at this property for numerous years with the weeds, graffiti, etc., and this was the best plan that they had seen She stated that the condominiums are not too far from another tire shop which operates from 7 00 a m to 7 00 p m and you very seldom hear any noise coming from their store. she also commented that she would love for the city to take possession of the alley. She stated that she has lived at her residence for 20 years and it has been a constant headache Commissioner Vannorsdall moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Alberio. There being no objection, the public hearing was closed. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 27, 1999 PAGE 8 Vice Chairman Lyon asked the other commissioners if the density of this plan would be out of character with the rest of Western Avenue. Commissioners Alberio and Vannorsdall both responded that they did not feel there would be any difference or be out of character Commissioner Slayden stated that he was in favor of this project and liked the idea of having a small restaurant next to an automotive shop He felt the tax revenues were important to the city and this was an excellent proposal for this area. Commissioner Clark stated he would like to see this site developed but did not feel the proposed project was appropriate as it shoe horns in too many intensive uses to the detriment of the city codes He felt that the proposed development violated setback Imes and posed potential traffic and parking problems. He did not feel this was necessary as there was no mandate that this particular lot be used for multiple use commercial development Commissioner Vannorsdall agreed that there may be too much retail area proposed for the lot and the parking was not planned too well He would like to see a few modifications to the project but was generally pleased with the proposal, He would like to see some sort of recommendation go to the City Council that they consider taking over the alley as a city street. Commissioner Albeno believed the project was in conformance with Specific Plan No. 3. He didn't think that there would be enough parking spaces but staff had said the parking spaces provided met the code He felt the hours of 7.00 a.m to 7.00 p.m. were acceptable. He also agreed that the City Council should consider taking the alley over and making it into a city street Vice Chairman Lyon agreed that the proposal was a good one and not out of character with the neighborhood He felt the point was well made that there would be no view obstructions. He was pleased that the neighbors supported the project He acknowledged that the Traffic Committee had reviewed the project and approved the traffic flow and the adequacy of the parking spaces Commissioner Alberio moved to approve the project with the amendment of the hours of operation being 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. thereby adopting P.C. Resolution 99-12 and recommending that the City Council approve the mitigated Declaration for the project; and 2) adopt P.C. Resolution No. 99-13, as amended, thereby recommending that the City Council approve Specific Plan Amendment No. 10, Conditional Use Permit No. 204, Grading Permit No. 2044 and Environmental Assessment No. 701 and with the inclusion to recommend to City Council to look into the possibility of the alley becoming a public right-of-way, seconded by Commissioner Vannorsdall. Approved, (4-1) with Commissioner Clark dissenting. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 27, 1999 PAGE 9 COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Lois Larue 3136 Barkentine Road commented that she though people should take what Mrs. Vanderlip said in her letter with a grain of salt, as she could remember when Mrs. Vanderlip was involved with the City Council because of illegal construction on her property. Regarding Villa Capri, she reminded the Commission that at one time they were supposed to have several units of low cost housing available Finally, she related to the Commission one of her favorite Charley Abbott stories ADJOURNMENT At 9:21 p m Commissioner Alberio moved to adjourn the meeting to Tuesday, May 11, 1999 at 7.00 p.m. in the Community Room at Hesse Park The motion was seconded by Commissioner Vannorsdall With no objection, it was so ordered by Vice Chairman Lyon, (5-0) W.1PC\Minutes119990427 doe PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 27, 1999 PAGE 10