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PC MINS 19990713CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 13, 1999 CALL TO ORDER Approv d 07/27/99 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Cartwright at 7.00 P.M. at the Hesse Park Community Room, 29310 Hawthorne Boulevard FLAG SALUTE Commissioner Alberio led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag ROLL CALL Present- Commissioners Alberio, Clark, Paris, Slayden, Vice Chairman Lyon, and Chairman Cartwright Absent. Commissioner Vannorsdall was excused Also present were Director/Secretary Rous, Associate Planner Mihranian, Assistant Planner Schonborn, and Recording Secretary Atuatasi APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Alberio moved to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Commissioner Slayden and approved without objection, (6-0). COMMUNICATIONS Council Policy Items Director/Secretary Rotas updated the Commission on the City Council Meeting of July 6, 1999 The topics discussed at the meeting included 1) an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of Tentative Parcel Map No 24679, which was overturned by the City Council and direction to Staff to come back with the resolution of denial at an Adjourned Meeting on July 15, 1999, and, 2) Revision 'J' to the Ocean Trails protect to Conditional Use Permit No 163 for the Ocean Trails project. Staff None Commission Chairman Cartwright reported on his attendance at the Mayor's Monthly Breakfast and informed the Commission that discussion focused on the Ocean Trails project. Commissioner Paris briefly updated the Commission on the status of the renovation of the Ralphs Supermarket located on Hawthorne Boulevard and Crest Road. Commissioner Alberio informed the commission that he received an item of correspondence pertaining to the Kispal project. Commissioner Clark informed the Commission of an article published in the Los Angeles Times regarding a vandalism incident that occurred at the Ocean Trails site CONSENT CALENDAR 1. MINUTES OF JUNE 22, 1999 Commissioner Paris requested an insertion be made on page 2, paragraph 2, line 5, to read as, `....make that adjustment. He stated that Vice Chairman Lyon had asked that same question....', a modification to paragraph 8, page 9 since there were two separate sentences not relative to one another and requested insertion of a new paragraph after the words, `... and structure problems.' and begin paragraph 9 with the words `He felt that it was not right to give this property special considerations....'; page 13, paragraph 6, line 1 the modification to read as, `....did not believe that it was appropriate to ,give Mrs. Kispal.... , page 14, paragraph 1, line 2 be modified to read as, `....did not feel an exchange of opinion between the Commission and speakers was...'; and, a paragraph insertion be made after paragraph 4 to read as, `....Commissioner Paris answered that the Commission should ask for clarification....' Commissioner Albeno requested a that modification be made on page 2, paragraph 2, to read as, ....asked Mr. Florance....' and on page 5, paragraph 5, line 2 to read as, '....to do it if he could....' Commissioner Clark requested a paragraph insertion be made at the bottom of page 13 to read as, `....Commissioner Clark agreed that everyone has the right to express their point of view. However, he felt it was....' PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 13, 1999 PAGE 2 Chairman Cartwright requested a modification be made on page 14, paragraph 2 to read as, `....he often asks them what their key....' and paragraph 4 to read as, `if he felt the Commission should not ask the speakers for any clarification....'. Commissioner Slayden moved to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark, (5-0-1) with Commissioner Slayden abstaining since he was not present at that meeting. CONTINUED BUSINESS 2. Conditional Use Permit No. 23 — Revision " FFF". Variance No. 454 and Gradina Permit No. 2089: Hani Nassif. (owner). 3412 Palo Vist NI Iva — LV4 LV. I Iaut 46#0 #100 Manhattan Beach. Assistant Planner Schonborn gave a summation of the proposed project The applicant requested approval for a revised footprint and development different from that previously approved under Conditional Use Permit No 23 and the Seacliff Hills Development Guidelines. This would allow the construction of a 5,570 square foot single-family residence with an attached garage, associated grading of 421 cubic yards, and approval of a portion of the new residence to contain a roof deck Assistant Planner Schonborn noted that the proposed project met all of the requirements within the Seacliff Hills Development Guidelines, with the exception of the 'open space' requirement. Therefore Staff recommended denial of Conditional Use Permit No 23 — Revision 'FFF Although the findings for the Grading and Variance were made, the applications were an integral part of the proposed project that were contingent upon approval of the Conditional Use Permit, and Staff also recommended that these applications be denied Chairman Cartwright asked if there were any speakers for this item and Staff replied that there two speaker request submitted Commissioner Slayden moved to open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and passed. Mr Louie Tomaro: (applicant's architect) 10016 th Street, #100, Manhattan Beach, CA, stated that in working with the proposed plans for the project he tried to abide by the guidelines Mr Tomaro pointed out that the percentage of open space increased, but worked within the envelope that was established from a previous proposed project on this site. Mr. Tomaro reiterated the applicant's request as explained by Assistant Planner Schonborn and noted that the residents located on the same side of the street as the proposed project included roof decks, similar to that proposed. Regarding the architectural style of the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 13, 1999 PAGE 3 0 0 proposed home, Mr Tomaro stated that it was compatible with the surrounding homes in the area and concluded his testimony with a request to the Commission for approval of the proposed project. Commissioner Albeno inquired about the geology analysis for the subject area and Mr. Tomaro replied that the geology analysis and grading plans were reviewed and preliminarily approved Commissioner Paris asked Mr. Tomaro why the request for extra square footage to the walkway of the home was so critical and Mr. Tomaro replied that a large amount of steps leading to the home were needed due to the hillside. Commissioner Pans asked Mr. Tomaro if it was possible to relocate the garage closer toward the entryway in order to cut back on the square footage for hardscape and the building mass. Mr. Tomaro replied that he was trying to minimize the height of the wall from the entryway of the proposed home. Ms. Dara Nassif, (applicant) 27789 Palos Verdes Drive East, stated that her architect designed the proposed home to fulfill the needs of her and her husband and requested that the Commission approve the proposed project. Commissioner Alberio moved to close the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Lyon and passed. Chairman Cartwright asked for Commission discussion and comments on this item Commissioner Clark felt that the issue for the `open space' requirement was relatively minor. There was no discussion amongst or reasoning for the Commission to request the architect/applicant for modifications of the proposed home to allow for the required open space/lot coverage as established in the guidelines and suggested that perhaps the Commission may want to discuss this concern. Commissioner Slayden noted that there were approximately four homes in the surrounding area that exceeded the `open space' requirement and believed that the proposed home and roof deck was acceptable to him Commissioner Slayden felt that the proposed project would enhance the community appearance. Commissioner Paris agreed with comments of Commissioner Clark. He suggested the applicant relocate the garage closer to the entrance of the home Commissioner Paris felt that the modification could be accomplished, the adjustment would be minor, and the open space/lot coverage requirement would be closer to that required by the guidelines PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 13, 1999 PAGE 4 0 9 Vice Chairman Lyon stated that the proposed project was not highly visible and was compatible with the homes in the surrounding area. Vice Chairman Lyon favored the proposed project and supported the request of the applicant Commissioner Albeno concurred with the comments of Commissioner Slayden and Vice Chairman Lyon and favored the approval for the proposed protect Chairman Cartwright stated that the applicant adhered to the provisions within the guidelines for the proposed project and noted that the Commission approved similar projects in the past He also stated that the roof deck was not a problem and supported the applicant's request. Commissioner Alberio moved to accept the applicant's request and approved Conditional Use Permit No. 23 — Revision `FFF' and Grading Permit No. 2089 via minute order, subject to conditions and adopted P.C. Resolution No. 99-22; thereby approving Variance No. 454. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Lyon and passed (5-1) by a roll -call vote, with Commissioner Paris dissenting. Chairman Cartwright noted the 15 -day appeal period. RECESS AND RECONVENE Chairman Cartwright called for a brief recess at 8 20 p.m until the meeting reconvened at 8:30 p m 3. VARIANCE NO. 449 and SITE PLAN REVIEW NO 8223• Michael Associate Planner Mihrarnan briefly described the subject area and the proposed project He stated that the applicant requested construction of a 101 square foot addition to the garage of the existing single-family residence and convert 131 square feet of non -habitable floor area into habitable floor area within the existing garage. Further, the applicant submitted a Variance request in order to exceed the City's maximum structure size criteria Associate Planner Mihranian stated that one of the findings (No 1) for the Variance could not be met since there were no unique features with the subject property that would limit the applicant from developing the subject property similar to other properties within the same zoning district Based on the analysis and discussion for the proposed protect Staff recommended denial of Variance No 449 and Site Plan Review No 8553 Associate Planner Khranian informed the Commission that no letters of opposition were received by Staff within the 15 -day noticing period Chairman Cartwright asked if there were any speakers for this item and Staff replied there were four speakers requesting to give testimony. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUSES JULY 13, 1999 PAGE 5 Commissioner Slayden moved to open the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and passed. Mr. Thomas Russell 7 Mustang Road, stated his admiration on the beautiful design of the applicant's existing home and favored the proposed addition. Mr Russell stated that the subject property sets the standard in the neighborhood and requested that the Commission approve the addition Mr Lindsay Olson, 10 Mustang Road, reiterated comments of the previous speaker, favored the proposed addition, and encouraged the Commission to grant the applicant's request. Mrs John A. Miller, 4 Rockinghorse Road, stated that the applicant's home was the best looking house in the neighborhood. She stated that the garage is recessed and that the proposed addition to the front of the garage would enhance the interior as well as the exterior appearance of the existing home Mr Don Thursby, (applicant's architect), 777 Silver Spur Road, #232, Rolling Hills Estates, CA, commended Associate Planner Mihranian for a thorough presentation of the Staff Report He reiterated his client's request and pointed out to the Commission that the proposed addition was very small to enlarge the existing residence Mr Thursby urged the Commission to approve the proposed addition and was present to answer any questions from the Commission Mr Mike Trapani, (applicant), 7 Rockinghorse Road, thanked his neighbors for supporting his request Mr Trapani stated his request for a 101 square foot addition to the garage included a game room and a bathroom. Mr. Trapani requested approval from the Commission to move forward with his proposed addition Commissioner Alberio moved to close the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and passed. Chairman Cartwright asked for Commission discussion and comments on this item. Commissioner Paris felt that the proposed addition was not intrusive, increased the functional aspect of the subject property and not the hardscape He believed that the applicant should move forward with the proposed addition. Commissioner Slayden concurred with the comments of Commissioner Paris and supported the applicant's request for the proposed addition. Commissioner Clark stated that the proposed addition would enhance the appearance of the existing home. Commissioner Alberio and Vice Chairman Lyon concurred with their colleagues and were also supportive of the applicant's request PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 13, 1999 PAGE 6 Chairman Cartwright stated that he saw no reason for not approving the proposed addition and he also supported the applicant's request. Vice Chairman Lyon moved to approve Variance No. 449 and Site Plan Review No. 8553 with direction to Staff to prepare the appropriate P.C. Resolution for consideration at the Planning Commission Meeting of July 27, 1999. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Paris and passed (6-0) by a roll -call vote. Chairman Cartwright noted the 15 -day appeal period until July 27, 1999 At this time, the Commissioners briefly discussed roof decks and maximum structure size and a consensus was decided to agendize these topics for a detailed discussion Commissioner Clark moved to agendize the topics of `roof decks' and `maximum structure size' for further discussion at the Planning Commission Meeting of August 10, 1999. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and passed, (6-0). PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. COASTAL PERMIT No. 156, GRADING PERMIT NO. 2098, and VARIANCE NO. 448 — THE ABALONE COVE BEACH IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: City of Rancho Palos Verdes (applicant) Director/Secretary Rotas summarized the Staff Report and stated that the request consisted of the following- construction for a 1,300 square foot restroom structure; 150 square foot gate house, two 625 square foot shade structures; four 81 square foot Palapa structures; 10,371 cubic yards of grading activity, rehabilitation of an existing Cabana structure, improvement and widening of an entrance roadway; and, other site improvements to the existing beach use site located at Abalone Cove. Director/Secretary Rous noted that the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the proposed project was circulated for public review and that Staff received many comment letters He informed the Commission that one of the letters from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Game requested that additional surveys be conducted and included in a revised MND Staff anticipates this analysis to be completed within the next two weeks Therefore, Staff recommended that the public hearing of this item be continued to the Planning Commission Meeting of August 10, 1999 Chairman Cartwright asked if there were any speakers for this item and Staff replied that there were no speaker requests submitted. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 13, 1999 PAGE 7 Chairman Cartwright asked for Commission comments and discussion on this item and there were none. Commissioner Clark moved to accept Staff's recommendation, to continue the Public Hearing of this item to the Planning Commission Meeting of August 10, 1999. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Alberio and passed, (6-0) by a roll -call vote. ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS Staff 5. Commission Commissioner Clark requested that an item be agendized for the August 10, 1999 Planning Commission meeting to discuss the scheduling of the next City Council/Planning Commission Joint Workshop. COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE (regarding non -agenda items) None ADJOURNMENT Vice Chairman Lyon moved to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Paris The meeting was adjourned at 9.28 p.m. to the next regular meeting on July 27, 1999 at Hesse Park W \PC\Minutes\1 9990713 doc PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 13, 1999 PAGE 8