HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_1991_10_15MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA
BEACH HELD ON OCTOBER 15, 1991, AT 7 :00 P.M. IN THE CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Meeting called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Chrnn. Ketz.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Comm. Merl.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Absent:
Also Present:
Comms. Di Monda, Marks, Merl, Chrnn. Ketz
None
Ken Robertson, Associate Planner,
F. Paul Corneal, Building Inspector,
Sylvia Root, Recording Secretary
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION by Comm. Mel, seconded by Comm. Di Monda to approve the
following Consent Calendar items:
Resolution P.C. 91-57, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT, VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP #22916 AND PRECISE DEVELOPMENT
PLAN FOR A TWO-UNIT CONDOMINIUM PROJECT AT 228 ARDMORE AVENUE.
Resolution P.C. 91-60, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DENYING A REQUEST FOR AN
EXCEPTION FROM SECTION 13-7(b) OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO ALLOW AN
ADDITION TO AN EXISTING NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE TO EXCEED 50% OF
REPLACEMENT VALUE AT 2010 MONTEREY BOULEVARD.
Resolution P.C. 91-63, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT AMENDMENT TO AUTHORIZE AUTO SALES IN CONJUNCTION WITH AUTO-
MOTIVE REPAIR, AND ADOPTION OF A NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR 825
PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, BUGGE BUILDERS.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Comms. Di Monda, Marks, Merl and Chmn. Ketz
None
None
None
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Ms. June Williams, Manhattan Avenue, commented she supports Agenda
Item 10. She was informed by Chmn. Ketz that agenda items must be
discussed in order, not during "Communications".
1 P.C.Minutes 10/15/91
PUBLIC HEARING
LEGAL DETERMINATION HEARING TO DETERMINE THE LEGALITY OF AN
EXISTING DUPLEX LOCATED AT 2104 MONTEREY BOULEVARD.
Recommended Action: To determine said property to be legal for a
single-family dwelling and require conversion of the existing
duplex to a single-family dwelling.
Inspector Corneal, representing the Building Department, discussed
the zoning history and information pertaining to this property,
stating the change from single to dual dwelling was not done
through permit documentation, al though completed many years ago.
Additionally, the dishwashers and an electrical panel are in
substandard condition. Removal of one kitchen and installation of
an interior stairway are recommended to accomplish the requested
conversion to a single-family dwelling. Comm. Marks stated the
property dimensions on the drawing supplied to the Commission are
inaccurate and requested drawing accuracy. Mr. Corneal stated the
Assessor's map was utilized. Comm. Marks and Mr. Corneal discussed
the actual footage of the land and building. Comm. Merl and Mr.
Corneal discussed the fact that the property owner had previously
signed a deed restriction in 1981.
Public Hearing was opened by Chmn. Ketz at 7:10 p.m.
Mr. John ~oodwin, 2104 Monterey Blvd., stated at the time of his
purchase 1.n 1968, he was told the property was a nonconforming
duplex. He gave his experience history in dealing with the City as
a result of the construction of a bedroom over the garage, his
signing of an "inaccurate" deed restriction, an evicted tenant's
complaints against him and the problems, legal fees and other
costs relating to his efforts to retain his duplex as a duplex.
He asked that the application be approved, allowing him to retain
the duplex, not requiring conversion to a single dwelling. Chmn.
Ketz and Comms. Merl and Di Monda discussed the one-dwelling
building permit and deed restriction form signed by Mr. Goodwin,
who explained these forms were misinterpretations, signed by him
out of frustration and lack of an attorney being present. The
property assessor's records, permit requirements, Mr. Goodwin's
previous tax returns, property usage and the existence of
neighboring duplexes were discussed with Comms. Merl and Marks.
Comm. Di Monda asked about the research conducted to obtain
variance records, to which Mr. Corneal outlined his research
efforts. Comm. Di Monda discussed the disqualification of the lot
for two units under the old law resulting from it's being under 30
feet with Mr. Goodwin, with Mr. Goodwin questioning the measure-
ments and requirement. Mr. Corneal stated an inspection had
previously been requested and denied by Mr. Goodwin, to which he
disagreed, stating he had repeatedly made his home available for
inspection of which was never performed.
2 P.C.Minutes 10/15/91
Mr. Gustoff Verner, 2026 Monterey Blvd., stated Mr. Goodwin
good neighbor who improves the entire neighborhood as
maintaining his own property in excellent condition.
Public Hearing closed by Chmn. Ketz at 7:46 p.m.
J.S a
well
Comms. Marks requested accurate information as to property building
location. Comm. Merl stated the property usage is the basic
question, noting the documents state "single-family dwelling",
commenting the Commission must be concerned with the legal use of
the property, to which Chmn. Ketz agreed. Comm. Di Monda discussed
the purchase history of the property and lack of legal conversion
with Mr. Goodwin.
MOTION by Chmn. Ketz, seconded by Comm. Merl, to approve Staff's
recommendation and determine the property is a legal single-family
dwelling.
AYES:
NOES:
Comms. Di Monda, Marks, Merl and Chmn. Ketz
None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
CON 91-5/PDP 91-7 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP
#22886, AND PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR A TWO-UNIT CONDOMINIUM AT
143 MANHATTAN AVENUE (CONTINUED FROM SEPTEMBER 17, 1991 MEETINGS)
Recommended Action:
amendment.
To approve said Conditional Use Permit
Assoc. Planner Robertson stated the recommendation was based upon
the understanding additional, detailed renderings would be received
from the applicant, which if not received, the recommendation is
for continuance. Previously, the Commission stated concern and
requested clarification for architectural features, side yard
level, ground floor bedroom and interior stairway. Mr. Robertson
noted revisions have been submitted raising the ground floor and
exterior feature description, but has not addressed changing the
ground floor plan. Staff feels this ground-floor • plan is not
inconsistent with ones previously approved.
Public Hearing opened by Chmn. Ketz. at 7:56 p.m.
Mr. Ron Riggs, 143 Manhattan Avenue, stated he could not afford
another art rendering, but has given a revised plan to the
Commission.
Mr. B. Barsoum, project architect, discussed changes made to the
decorative materials, costs, and landscaping. Comm. Marks noted
his feeling that this is a three-story building and discussed the
grading from the street to the alley with Mr. Barsoum, establishing
a 3-foot difference. Messrs. Riggs and Barsoum noted their con-
fusion as to what the Commission is requesting prior to approval.
3 P.C.Minutes 10/15/91
Comm. Di Monda noted objection to creating a retaining wall,
setting a precedent, suggesting the plans might be flipped to
alleviate this problem. Mr. Riggs objected to this idea, as well
as any changes to the downstairs area, while agreeing to changes in
grading and landscaping requirements, with Mr. Barsoum's
concurrence, after discussion with Comm. Di Monda. Comms. Marks
and Di Monda objected to a raised grade, retaining wall and the
quality of the drawings provided and requested new concise, clear,
accurate drawings be submitted to the Commission. Mr. Riggs
explained the efforts he and Mr. Barsoum have made trying to comply
with the Commission's requests and requested clear definition in
order to receive Commission approval. Chmn. Ketz felt the issues
should be clearly addressed to alleviate any misunderstanding.
Public Hearing closed by Chmn. Ketz at 8:28 p.m.
Comms. Marks and Di Monda responded to the request for clarity by
stating: (l) submitting architectural renderings for review by the
Comrntssion, (2) resolve the potential of a downstairs rental unit,
(3) minimization of retaining walls, (4) window-size indication and
more detail on elevations, and (5) accurate and internally
consistent set of plans. Comm. Merl concurred with concerns
relating to the downstairs configuration and the retaining wall.
MOTION by Comm. Di Monda, seconded by Comm. Marks, to continue this
application to allow the applicant the opportunity to address the
issues in question and to respond to the Commission.
AYES:
NOES:
Comms. Di Monda, Marks, Merl and Chmn. Ketz
None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
A break was taken from 8:26 to 8:40 p.m.
CON 85-15 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT FOR AN ADDITION OF
A MEZZANINE LEVEL TO AN EXISTING FOUR-UNIT CONDOMINIUM AT 1107 LOMA
DRIVE.
Recommended Action:
amendment.
To approve said Conditional Use Permit
Assoc. Planner Robertson stated Staff is recommending approval,
subject to conditions, defining the building and zoning requirement
history, and explained the requested building additions. Staff is
recommending the exterior stucco and windows match the existing
structure and the decks be widened to 7 feet to bring open space up
to code, noting the addition is less than 50% and may be approved
with the 5 '4" decks. Comm. Marks discussed parking requirements
with Mr. Robertson
Public Hearing opened by Chmn. Ketz at 8:45 p.m.
Mr. Jerry Compton, 1200 Artesia Blvd., Ste. 300, architect, stated
the four owners have agreed to the building changes, disagreed with
4 P.C.Minutes 10/15/91
the open space (deck) area requirement and definition of "open
space" and stated the building height would not be increased above
the roof peak. He explained the excellent construction and stress
control of the original construction of the building, stating the
addition would "build onto" this original construction. Comm.
Marks discussed agreement of the owners, egress and footing/wall
compensation with Mr. Compton.
Public Hearing closed by Chmn. Ketz at 8:58 p.m.
Comm. Di Monda agreed with Mr. Compton regarding open space
adjacent to a living area is more valuable than in other areas and
felt the Commission should review this concept in the immediate
future.
MOTION by Chmn. Ketz, seconded by Comm. Di Monda, to approve
Staff's recommendation to approve the modification to the
Conditional Use Permit, except that no change to the width of the
mezzanine deck is required.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Coffllns. Di Monda, Marks, Merl and Chmn. Ketz
None
None
None
CUP 91-20 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE SALE OF THE
SANDWICHES AND SIDE DISHES IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN EXISTING BAKERY
LOCATED AT 517 PIER AVENUE, HERMOSA CAFE.
Recommended Action: To approve Conditional Use Permit amendment.
Assoc. Planner Robertson stated Staff is recommending approval,
subject to conditions, and denial of the sale of side salads. He
described the site accommodations and business, including defining
"snacks", amount of display space allowed, the requirement that
food be preprepared, and no waitresses or menus utilized to
alleviate progression into a restaurant.
Public Hearing opened by Chmn. Ketz at 9:05 p.m.
Mr. Jim Lienghot, 517 Pier Avenue, described his background, his
employment history, his current bakery business and his desire to
increase the menu to his customers. He stated most of his
customers are "walk-in". Chmn. Ketz asked if he agreed with all
the conditions, to which he replied, "Yes."
Public Hearing closed by Chmn. Ketz.
Comm. Di Monda asked Staff about the parking requirements of this
business and restaurants. Mr. Robertson stated the requirements
are based upon square footage, not the number of tables. Chmn.
Ketz and Comm. Di Monda and Mr. Robertson discussed the "snack"
definition vs. "a meal", and display case requirements. Comm.
5 P.C.Minutes 10/15/91
Merl requested the Commission be open regarding the type of food to
be served as long as the display area is less that 50%, commenting
the issue of floor space vs. square footage to establish parking
requirements should be reviewed. Comm. Di Monda observed that
general parking is available to this and other local area
businesses, and felt the Commission should address this parking
situation in the future. Comm. Marks established with Mr. Lieng-
hot that his primary business is baking.
MOTION by Comm. Merl, seconded by Comm. Di Monda, to approve Staff
recommendation, except Condition 3 be changed from "meat and cheese
filled croissants and baguettes" to "sandwiches" and the percentage
of display window be changed to 50%.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Conuns. Di Monda, Marks, Merl and Chmn. Ketz
None
None
None
CUP 91-23/PARK 91-4 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT AND
PARKING PLAN TO ALLOW OUTDOOR DINING, AND ADOPTION OF AN
ENVIRONMENTAL NEGATIVE DECLARATION AT 37 14TH STREET, LA PLAYITA.
Recommended Action: To approve said Conditional Use Permit
amendment and Parking Plan, and adopt the Environmental Negative
Declaration.
Assoc. Planner Robertson stated La Playita recently moved to this
new location and the Staff Environmental Review Committee had
recommended a mitigated environmental negative declaration with
four measures. Applicant has requested expansion with an outdoor
patio, four striped parking spaces, use of City right-of-way for
landscaping and bicycle parking. Staff recommends out-door dining
be limited to from 9:30 a.m. to sunset, management is responsible
for noise level, landscaping be submitted for approval and the
maximum area possible be used for bicycle parking. Staff also
believes a finding can be made for less than required parking
because of the location, which results in a high incidence of
walk-in or bicycle traffic. Comm. Di Monda questioned the hours of
operation, noting other local restaurants open earlier and
discussed the proposed area location with Mr. Robertson
Public Hearing opened by Chmn. Ketz at 9:25 p.m.
Mr. Harold Cohen, applicant and restaurant owner, introduced his
architect, Larry Peha, who discussed parking and bicycle racks with
Comm. Marks. Comm. Di Monda established Mr. Cohen would prefer to
open the outside patio at 8~30 a.m. with landscaping in the form of
colored flowers and a tree. Chmn. Ketz established the applicant
had read and agrees with the CUP conditions.
Public Hearing closed by Chmn. Ketz at 9:29 p.m.
6 P.C.Minutes 10/15/91
MOTION by Comm. Di Monda, seconded by Comm Marks, to approve CUP
91-13/PARK 91-4 with a change in Condition 2, changing opening
business hours from 9:30 to 8:30 a.m.
AYES:
NOES:
Comms. Di Monda, Marks, Merl and Chmn. Ketz
None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
STAFF ITEMS
MEMORANDUM REGARDING THE DEFINITION OF A BASEMENT.
Comm. Marks noted the definition of basement should be discussed at
length, by the Commission, looking at the Los Angeles Zoning Code,
to assist the Commission in determining and agreeing upon a correct
zoning and third-floor definition. Chmn. Ketz requested this item
be presented in the November 19, 1991 agenda.
DRAWING FROM AN AREA RESIDENT REGARDING THE BILTMORE SITE.
Chmn. noted this proposes a restaurant built over a restricted
beach. Received and Filed.
TENTATIVE FUTURE PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA.
Chmn. Ketz noted the meeting date of Thursday, November 7, 1991
agenda is filled. Comm. Di Monda asked if an emissions ordinance
for the City of Hermosa Beach is progressing, to which Mr.
Robertson responded City Council, Tuesday, October 22, 1991, will
consider the Commission's request to direct Staff to study this
issue.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 24, 1991.
Receive and File.
COMMISSIONER ITEMS
Comm. Merl requested Staff be directed to investigate (l) the issue
of open space and directly accessible open space to assure
usability, compatibility and livability, comparing other cities
ordinances, and ( 2) restaurant parking requirement determination
guidelines. He stated customer volume should be the critical
factor, to which Comm. Di Monda agreed. Mr. Robertson noted the
pending ballet measure which may enable a more comprehensive review
of residential standards. Comm. Di Monda didn't feel the ballot
should delay or effect open space apportionment. Comm. Di Monda
also asked if Staff would be presenting the 50% remodel ordinance
to the Commission. Mr. Robertson was not aware of any such plans.
Comm. Di Monda noted dissatisfaction with the current ordinance,
discussing this ordinan~e and value determination with Chmn. Ketz.
7 P.C.Minutes 10/15/91
MOTION by Comm. Di Monda, seconded by Comm. Merl, to adjourn at
9:48 P.M. No objections; so ordered.
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and
complete record of the action taken by the Planning Commission of
Hermosa Beach at the regularly scheduled meeting of October 15,
1991.
~b~ Secretary
Date
8 P.C.Minutes 10/15/91