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PC MINS 19991026Approved Novembe 1999 CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES 01� PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 26, 1999 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Cartwright at 7 00 P M at Hesse Park Community Building, 29301 Hawthorne Boulevard FLAG SALUTE Assistant Planner Schonborn led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag ATTENDANCE Present Commissioners Alberio, Paris, Vice Chairman Lyon, and Chairman Cartwright Absent: Commissioners Clark, Slayden, and Vannorsdall were excused. Also present were Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement Rojas, Associate Planner Mihranian, Assistant Planner Schonborn, and Recording Secretary Peterson APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Alberio moved to approve the agenda as presented, seconded by Commissioner Paris. There being no objection, the agenda was approved (4-0). COMMUNICATIONS Director/Secretary Rojas informed the Commission that the City Council appointed a sub -committee made up of Mayor pro -tem Byrd and Councilwoman Ferraro to evaluate design alternatives with staff and the applicant for the proposed senior affordable housing project discussed at a previous joint Council/Commission workshop; that the City Council had tabled the item regarding amendments to the City Council policy dealing with encroachments into the public right-of-way, and announced that the proposed City Council workshop regarding Ocean Trails would not take place. Director/Secretary Rojas explained that at the prior meeting staff had informed the Commission that the permit for the car wash at the Unocal Station at Golden Cove had expired. However, at that meeting, members of the audience had implied that the permit had not expired This prompted staff to check further into the situation, which revealed that the permit had been extended for a second time in error The permit was valid until July, 1999 and the code allows a one-time only extension, which was granted in January, 1999. Mr. Rous stated he would be meeting with the owner of Unocal to discuss the matter and will report to the Commission the outcome of the discussion. Director/Secretary Rojas then reported on the undergrounding of the utility lines at Golden Cove. Staff had reported to the Commission, based on telephone conversations with a representative of Southern California Edison, that the cost to underground the utilities would be approximately $10,000 to $12,000 per pole. However, after discussions with Scott Gobble, the local representative for Southern California Edison, it was determined that the information given to staff by the Edison was not correct and the true estimate for the entire site would conservatively be $300,000 to $500,000 Mr Rojas did not feel this new cost, if presented at the last meeting, would have changed the decision and conditions of the Planning Commission He asked if the Chairman would like staff to check with the City Attorney on the procedure to re -open the permit and reaffirm the decision given this new information. He felt this new cost would be prohibitive and should not be required of the applicant. Chairman Cartwright recalled the discussion at the last public hearing and stated that it was agreed that $70,000 to $80,000 was reasonable, however $300,000 to $500,000 was not reasonable. Unless there was a strong desire from the Commission to do otherwise, he was in favor of letting the decision stand. Commissioner Albeno asked staff if the pole in the middle of the driveway and the pole that was leaning were to be fixed, regardless of this new estimate. Director/Secretary Rojas responded that the two poles would be fixed, regardless. The Commission agreed that the previous decision on Golden Cove would stand. Director/Secretary briefly updated the Commission on Ocean Trails, stating the City has given conceptual -only approval on the shear pin repair at the site. Commissioner Paris questioned staff on the grade elevations at Ocean Trail and stated that many residents had expressed concern that these elevations were much higher than the approved elevations. Director/Secretary Rojas acknowledged that the current grades are not grades that are approved on the plans However, the pad elevations have not been certified. Staff is aware the elevations are not correct, however before anything can be done at this site these elevations will have to be certified at the correct height, and staff will verify that this is done. Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 1999 Page 2 CONSENT CALENDAR 1. Minutes of October 12, 1999 Commissioner Paris pointed out typographical errors on page 4 and page 15 of the minutes Vice Chairman Lyon pointed out on page 13, seconded paragraph, the wording was unclear and the tape should be reviewed for clarification. Chairman Cartwright pointed out a typographical error on page 22 and page 24 of the minutes Vice Chairman Lyon moved to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Commissiner Paris. There being no objection, the minutes were approved, (4-0). Vice Chairman Lyon asked if there was anyone in the audience opposed to items 2, 3, or 4. There being no one in the audience opposed to the audience, he asked staff if there were any changes or new information regarding 2, 3, and 4. Director/Secretary Rojas commented that there was new information regarding item no. 4 that may lead the Commission to take different action than that presented in the staff report Vice Chairman Lyon felt that it might be possible to approve items 2, 3, and 4 without any further discussion, as the staff reports were well written and there seemed to be no objection to the projects The Commission agreed that it would be best to hold the public hearings 2. Site Plan Review No. 8707: La Cresta Homeowners Association, 30524 and 30604 Via La Cresta. Vice Chairman Lyon moved to approve the item as recommended by staff, seconded by Commissioner Paris. Approved, (4-0). PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Conditional Use Permit No. 23 — Revision `GGG', Variance No. 464, and Grading Permit No. 2094: Mr. and Mrs. Ahmed Abdallah 3304 Palo Vista Drive. Associate Planner Mlhranlan presented the staff report He explained that the purpose for this application was to modify the original footprint that was approved under Conditional Use Permit No 23. The current project is significantly smaller than the Planning commission Minutes October 26, 1999 Page 3 original proposal. He explained that the project meets all the requirements of the Seacliff Hills Development Guidelines. The Variance is needed for the proposed roof deck for which staff recommends approval. Regarding the grading, Mr. Mihranian explained that the request of 310 cubic yards was significantly lower than the maximum grading allowed which is 1000 cubic yards, and a majority of the grading is under the lower level as well as the driveway portion of the structure. He concluded by recommending the Commission approve the Conditional Use Permit, Variance, and Grading Permit Commissioner Alberio asked about the geology and drainage. Associate Planner Mihranian answered that the geology had been reviewed by the City Geology during the Planning process and the drainage would be checked in Building and Safety. Commissioner Alberio moved to open the public hearing, seconded by Commissioner Paris. There being no objection, the public hearing was opened. Ahmed Abdallah 34932 Highspring Ave, Santa Clarita (owner) stated he bought the house with plans already approved by the Planning Division, however they changed the plans, reduced the size, and made more livable areas in the house. He felt his house, as designed, would be compatible with the neighborhood and urged the Commission to approve the project. Gabrielle Vandepas-Cargill 27825 Bloomfield Ct, Valencia stated that she is preparing the plans for the project. She stated her client is happy with the home that is before the Commission and also urged the Commission to approve the plans. Ronald Hale 1869 Palacio Drive, San Pedro stated he had done the grading plans for this project and was available to answer questions Commissioner Alberio moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Vice Chairman Lyon. There being no objection, the public hearing was closed. Vice Chairman Lyon moved to approve the application as presented by staff, thereby adopting P.C. Resolution no. 99-41 approving Conditional Use Permit No. 23 Revision IGGGI, Variance No, 464, and Grading Permit No. 2094, seconded by Commissioner Paris. Approved, (4-0). 4. Conditional Use Permit No. 192 —Revision '13' and Site Plan Review No. 8596: Airtouch Cellular (applicant), California Water Service (owner), 5837 Crest Road. Assistant Planner Schonborn presented the staff report. He explained that currently there are a total of 9 antenna panels utilized by Pacific Bell and Spring PCS at the site currently Airtouch Cellular is proposing to relocate the existing monopole 25 feet to the Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 1999 Page 4 west and provide for a 62 -foot high monopole structure, 3 additional antenna panels, and modify the existing whip antenna. In addition, there would be a 12 -foot high structure to house the equipment Staff made the appropriate findings to approve the request However, earlier in the day the applicant contacted staff with the information that there may be modifications to the proposal Two additional cellular companies have contacted the applicant informing them the California Water Service site is a possible location to co -locate with Airtouch Cellular Mr. Schonborn stated the applicant would be able to explain these changes to the Commission Based on these changes, staff felt there were several options for the Commission to take 1) A decision could be made on the proposal before the Commission and any changes made to it would be brought back to the Commission for consideration, 2) The Planning Commission could hear the possible modifications and provide staff and the applicant with direction based on the information heard; 3) Table the application to a date that would not go beyond that allowed by the Permit Streamline Act; 4) Have the applicant withdraw the application and resubmit the application at a later time with the revisions Commissioner Paris moved to open the public hearing, seconded by Vice Chairman Lyon. There being no objection, the public hearing was opened. Paul Wolcott 357 Van Ness Way, Torrance (applicant) stated that it was the original intention of Airtouch to maintain the existing facility and provide a co -location option. However, California Water Service recently contacted Airtouch and stated they have an interest in expansion for the facility Therefore, additional equipment would be placed at the facility. There is a ten -foot separation requirement between the top of Airtouch's antenna and the bottom of the California Water Service antenna In addition, there is a new policy in place at Pac Bell that requires a minimum separation between tips of antennas of 4 feet and 10 feet from centerline to centerline This would require a redesign of their existing plan. One option would be to keep the existing monopole but increase the size a minimum of 10 feet If the same equipment were required as out there now, the overall size would be from 87 to 92 feet in height He realized that height may be an issue and explained that there could also be two smaller structures erected Two structures would also allow co -location with another wireless company. He stated that Nextel had expressed interest in the site and if the Commission preferred one pole there would be no possibility of co -location with Nextel on this one structure. Mr. Wolcott stated he was seeking direction from staff and the Commission as to whether they would prefer a single structure or a dual structure at the site. Commissioner Paris asked Mr. Wolcott for clarification as to whether he was asking for approval on what was presented in the staff report or approval for a higher structure. Mr. Wolcott responded that he was asking for approval for a higher structure to accommodate for separation The location of the pole would remain in the same place Commissioner Paris was concerned that this would be a significant increase in height of the overall structure. Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 1999 Page 5 Vice Chairman Lyon asked what the height of the two smaller structures would be. Mr. Wolcott answered that each of the two smaller structures would measure approximately 65 feet in height Vice Chairman Lyon asked staff if either of the two proposals would impact views of the residents Assistant Planner Schonborn answered that up to this point all previous Conditional Use Permits have been analyzed on one monopole being provided at the site. Two monopoles would require additional analysis as he did not know where the second monopole would be located He did not believe the additional height on the existing monopole would create any view impairment Chairman Cartwright commented that the existing structure is somewhat shielded by foliage at the site. He suggested researching the possibility of putting additional foliage at the site to help minimize the impact of the bulk and mass of the proposed structure. He did not feel the height of the one antenna would be objectionable, however two structures may begin to impact the views. He felt that Airtouch should come back to the Planning Commission with a proposal that reflects their intentions. This would allow not only the Commission, but the neighbors to review the actual proposal as well. He asked staff how this would best be accomplished, by tabling the item, continuing the item, or withdrawing the current application and returning at a later date with a new one. Director/Secretary Rojas felt the best solution would be to table the item to a later date This would allow for a new notice and a new hearing on the item. Commissioner Paris moved to close the public hearing, seconded by Vice Chairman Lyon. There being no objection, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Alberio moved to table the application, seconded by Commissioner Paris. The motion was unanimously approved, (4-0). ITEMS TO BE PLACED ON FUTURE AGENDAS 5. Pre -Agenda for the Planning Commission meeting of November 9, 1999 The Commission briefly discussed the topics on the pre -agenda for the November 9 meeting COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Lois Larue 3136 Barkentine Road asked the staff and Planning Commission to approve the car wash at the Unocal Station at the Golden Cove Center. She also expressed concern over the grammatical errors found in the minutes. Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 1999 Page 6 0 ADJOURNMENT R Commissioner Alberio moved to adjourn, seconded by Vice Chairman Lyon The meeting was adjourned at 8.13 p m to the next regular meeting on November 9, 1999 Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 1999 Page 7