HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_1992_11_04MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF THE CITY OF
HERMOSA BEACH HELD ON NOVEMBER 4, 1992, AT 7:00 P.M. IN
THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Meeting called to order at 7: 02 p.m. by Vice-Chmn. Di
Monda.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Secretary Schubach.
ROLL CALL
Present: Comms. Di Monda, Marks, Oakes, Suard,
Chmn. Merl (arrived at 8:15 p.m.)
Absent: None
Also Present: Michael Schubach; Planning Directory,
Sylvia Root, Recording Secretary
Vice-Chairman Di Monda assumed the position of Chairman.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION by Comm. Suard, seconded by Comm. Marks, to APPROVE
the following Consent Calendar items:
Minutes of October 20, 1992,
Resolution P.C. 92-57, A POLICY STATEMENT OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, TO
APPROVE A PARKING PLAN AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
AMENDMENT TO EXPAND A BAKERY/SNACK SHOP TO INCLUDE
RESTAURANT SERVICE AND TO INCREASE OUTDOOR SEATING AND
ADOPTION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL NEGATIVE DECLARATION AT 51 7
PIER AVENUE, HERMOSA CAFE.
Resolution P.C. 92-58, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COM-
MISSION OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DENYING
A REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO ALLOW A FOOT BRIDGE TO COVER
REQUIRED OPEN SPACE AT 2510 THE STRAND.
Resolution P.C. 92-59, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COM-
MISSION OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, TO
RECOMMEND AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT TO PROVIDE
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CREATION OF SECOND UNITS PURSUANT TO
SECTION 65852.2 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT CODE AND ADOPTION
OF A NEGATIVE DECLARATION. •
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Comma. Marks, Oakes, Suard, Vice-Chmn. Di
Monda
None
Chmn. Merl
None
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
No one wished to speak regarding any i tern not on the
agenda.
1 P.C. Minutes 11-4-92
PUBLIC HEARING
CON 92-8 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT FOR
REMODELING AND ADDITION TO A CONDOMINIUM AT 49 AND 55 8TH
STREET.
Recommended Action:
Permit.
To approve said Conditional Use
Mr. Schubach stated the applicant proposed enclosing a
covered second story balcony on both rear units, resulting
in an addition of 122 square feet each. He described the
balconies, noted the northerly 8' x 7' area qualified as
"open space", and stated enclosure would disqualify those
areas. The rear units also contain 252 square feet each
of open space at the third level and additional open space
existed in excess yard areas. The project would still
comply with open space requirements and all other Planning
and Zoning requirements. He stated the building height is
nonconforming, but the proposed addition had no impact on
the height. Staff believed the request was acceptable,
unless one of the condominium owners objected. Comm.
Marks ascertained previous construction had been completed
by permit.
Public Hearing opened by Vice-Chmn. Di Monda at 7:08 p.m.
Kevin Jones, 49 8th Street, the west rear unit.. He
explained the remodel plans, stating this remodel would
not impact neighbors or access, explaining the balcony
would be consistent with the lines of the building, and
noted that three of the other condominium owners had
signed a quorum agreement. He stated the owner of 55th
8th Street would like to wait about one year before
starting his remodel due to lack of financing. He
presented his original documents to the Commission _for its
review and return.
Gary Keller, project contractor, stated no open space
would be removed, glass doors would be used to enclose the
proposed area. He explained these decks fronted on the
alley.
Rigo Banuelos, 53 8th Street, strongly objected to the
proposed project, stated he had not seen the signed
agreement, no final votes had been made (to his knowledge)
and expressed his concern that only one unit would be
remodeled and the other left as is. He requested denial
of the request because he felt the other condominium owner
would not remodel his unit. He also suggested that if
approval were given, a condition be made to require both
owners to complete their projects at the same time.
Kevin Jones rebutted by stating he wished Mr. Banuelos had
responded to him earlier when he had made several attempts
2 P.C. Minutes 11-4-g2
,.,,,
to contact him and obtain his opinion. He stated three
owners had agreed and Mr. Banuelos had been inf armed of
such, and the project had gone forth through the required
procedures.
No one else wished to speak regarding this item, and
Vice-Chmn. Di Monda closed the Public Hearing at 7:23 p.m.
Comm. Marks requested the Planning Dept. confirm the
validity of the signatures submitted by Mr. Jones and felt
if they were the project should be approved, which was a
condition of the C.U.P.
Comm. Suard felt the architecture was good, but enclosure
would result in a block type of building. Comm. Oakes,
Vice-Chmn. Di Monda and Secretary Schubach discussed the
difficulty in enforcing a condition requiring both sides
being built at the same time or requiring a performance or
completion bond being posted.
MOTION by Comm. Marks, to APPROVE Staff's recommendation
to APPROVE the subject Conditional Use Permit. Failed for
lack of a second.
MOTION by Comm. Oakes, seconded by Vice-Chmn. Di Monda,
to CONTINUE to December 1, 1992, the subject Conditional
Use Permit request, and DIRECT Staff to investigate the
feasibility of an appropriate means to insure that both
balconies are enclosed simultaneously and to request the
other applicant to appear at that meeting.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Comms. Oakes, Vice-Chmn. Di Monda
Comms. Marks, Suard
Chmn. Merl
None
MOTION by Comm. Suard, seconded by Comm. Marks, fo DENY
the subJect Conditional Use Permit. After discussion
among the Commission, this motion was withdrawn by Comm.
Suard, with approval by Comm. Marks.
Comm. Suard felt that if windows were installed on the
third level, the appearance of a "box" building would be
lessened and would be an adequate compromise, to which
Comm. Oakes agreed and felt it should be made a condition
of approval.
Comm. Oakes suggested a motion to CONTINUE to December 1,
1992, the subject Conditional Use Permit request, and
DIRECT Staff to investigate the feasibility of an
appropriate means to insure that both balconies are
enclosed simultaneously, REQUIRE both owners be present at
the December 1, 1992 meeting, to request the other
3 P.C. Minutes 11-4-92
condominium owners appear at that meeting and SUGGESTED
that the applicant add on the south elevation two windows
in the nook area, one on each side.
Comm. Marks felt the Commission was
position, in that it was designing the
applicant. Comm. Oakes felt the windows
the building design.
overstepping its
building for the
were important to
Vice-Chmn. Di Monda reopened the Public Hearing at 7: 4 0
p.m.
Kevin Jones, applicant, offered clarification as follows:
( 1) he intended to remodel his condominium prior to the
adjacent owner, who was having financial problems and
would not commit at this time, and ( 2) he agreed to
inclusion of windows on the third floor and he wished to
upgrade the building. Both units had been included in
this request due to cost, which is to be split by the two
units' owners.
Gary Keller, project architect, stated the adjacent
building was the same height, the balconies had no view
and were not visible from the street.
Sahai Jones, applicant, stated the balcony was over a
garbage dumpster, in the alley and not visible to others.
She stated similar units on 7th Street had set a precedent
in that only one unit was enclosed, her neighbors could
not commit to construction at this time due to finances,
but they were very excited about the idea.
Rigo Banuelos, 53 8th Street, did not object to the
enclosure, but wanted both enclosures completed at the
same time to protect the building integrity.
No one else wished to speak re~arding this item, and Vice-
Chmn. Di Monda closed the Public Hearing at 7:46 p.m.
Comm. Marks did not feel enclosure of the upper windows
was not necessary, but since the applicant had agreed to
the condition, he would support such a motion. Comm. Di
Monda felt it very important the Commission be careful
when approving balcony enclosures which could result in a
decrease of open space. He requested Staff investigate
the process completed by the unit of 7th Street which had
an enclosed balcony.
MOTION made by Comm. Oakes, seconded by Vice-Chmn. Di
Monda, to CONTINUE to December 1, 1992, the subject
Conditional Use Permit request, and DIRECT Staff to .
investigate the feasibility of a bond or appropriate means
to insure that both balconies are enclosed simultaneously,
REQUIRE both owners be present at the December 1, 1992
4 P.C. Minutes 11-4-92
meeting, to request the other condominium owners appear at
that meeting and SUGGESTED the south elevation include
two windows in the nook area, one on each side, with
consideration of windows constructed on the third floor.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Comms. Marks, Oakes, Suard, Vice-Chmn. Di
Monda
None
Chmn. Merl
None
CUP 92-14 & PDP 92-9 MASTER CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
AND PRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR AUTO BODY AND PAINT SHOP,
TWO REPAIR SHOPS AND ADOPTION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL NEGATIVE
DECLARATION AT 1086 AVIATION BOULEVARD AND 111 PROSPECT
AVENUE.
Secretary Schubach stated Staff recommended continuance to
a specific date and commented upon concerns relating to
parking and car storage areas, inadequate employee parking
and customer parking provision, proposed development being
too intensive, screening of roof equipment, existence of a
wood fence rather than a block wall, signage and impact
upon surrounding area. Staff felt the landowner was tak-
ing a realistic approach to site upgrading and improvement
and to also correct past problems and violations. Mr.
Schubach described the current site and proposed changes,
noting the absence of an integrated design as well as
landscaping and filtration equipment details, planning for
tandem parking, and the current authorization for limited
painting areas only; not full auto painting. Staff
suggested a block wall replace the wood fence and the
grade behind building #1 be raised to the top of the
existing retaining wall. Additionally, it was recommended
a covered pole sign or decorative-base ground sign with a
maximum height of 10 feet be used.
Comm. Marks felt cross sections should become a require-
ment prior to submittal to the Commission. Vice-Chmn. Di
Monda confirmed cars were painted on site in limited paint
areas. Comm. Oakes reiterated the previously-stated
concerns of Staff relating to this application. She asked
how the thinners and solvents would be handled, noting no
paint booth filtration system was in evidence. She also
asked if revised plans had been received, to which Mr.
Schubach responded he had not, although the architect had
met with Staff after receiving the report.
Public Hearing opened by Vice-Chmn. Di Monda at 8:02 p.m.
Doug Yates, 119 W. Torrance, Redondo Beach, project
architect, stated he had just received the Staff Report.
He would like to hear the Commissions concerns. The site
5 P.C. Minutes 11-4-92
is well-traveled, the applicant did not wish to build an
unattractive building. He noted keys would be available
for all cars parked on site, therefore, the tandem parking
would not be a problem. He explained the shape and
topography of the site, commenting it was a very difficult
site with which to work. Due to economics, he requested
the retaining wall remain. If the access was only from
Aviation, extreme excavation would be required, which is
expensive, making the project not viable. He explained
the finances of the proposed project and the possible
results of changes to the plan.
Comm. Oakes felt the plan was esthetically pleasing. She
suggested the buildings be combined and located at the
back of the lot to allow better vehicle access. Mr. Yates
explained a 15' height was necessary at the lower section.
Comms. Oakes and Suard discussed relocation of office
areas and consolidation of buildings with Mr. Yates. Mr.
Yates responded if building #2 were eliminated, the
project would become non-existent. Comm. Marks suggested
a possible ramp location to Mr. Yates, who felt the "drop"
was too steep. Comm. Marks disagreed. Mr. Yates agreed .
to review all the comments made by the Commission members.
Tonia Beaudet, Hermosa Beach, referenced the video tape
she had previously furnished to the Commission. She
stated she represented many residents and commented that
any improvement of the site would be good. She felt there
was no area that was not close to residents. She stated
she had no problems with Mike's but detailed the problems
experienced with Buck's. She stated, in detail, her
opposition to auto body painting, the resultant fumes and
requested all paint shops be located away from residential
areas.
Maurice Beaudet, Hermosa Beach, offered to show a video
tape, which was declined by the Commission. He stated
"some-thing" was draining from the building to the gutter
and requested to see any information relating to impact of
this proposed project. He did not believe compliance
ins~ections were conducted, asked how the City could allow
residents' qualify of like to be diminished and if there
was a plan to regulate auto body shops. He stated his
opposition to allowing a paint shop to be built.
Carlos Saital, 11th Street, stated he did not smell fumes.
He stated the current owners are working in an old fashion
building and the proposed plans would be a definite
improvement. He suggested approval, stating if after
construction, fumes still issued, action could be taken.
Roger Green, 1101 & 1109 Prospect property owner, stated
he had not experienced any obnoxious orders other than the
normal ones and had no complaints at this time. He
6 P.C. Minutes 11-4-92
supported the application, feeling the proposed plan would
be an improvement.
Mario tepee, 1120 & 1122 Prospect property owner, stated
his support for approval of the application.
No one else wished to speak regarding this item, and
Vice-Chmn. Di Monda closed the Public Hearing at 8:30 p.m.
Comm. Suard suggested Staff contact A.Q.M.D. to determine
the type of system was needed to contain the fumes and
toxins. He encouraged the applicant consider of the ideas
expressed by the Commission, including stacking devices.
He felt all painting should be done inside, only. Comm.
Oakes agreed, feeling an inspection should be conducted of
interior painting and requesting the expressed concerns be
addressed when the Commission next reviewed this issue~
Vice-Chmn. Di Monda stated the Commission had asked the
Council to take inspection and enforcement action, but
there did not seem to be the will or finances. He noted
the City had 15 paint spray booths and the Commission had
been of the opinion that that was enough. He could not
support an intensification, which this project would do.
He agreed the facility was well designed, but felt it
would be an over-intensified usage. He expressed surprise
at Staff's recommendation for continuance, based upon the
multitude of concerns expressed. He stated his conclusion
was to deny, based upon the over-intensified use and that
it appears to not be in the best interests of the
community and City.
Comm. Suard felt this application was a chance to set up
painting correctly, that this site could serve as an
example to others and the application should be approved.
Comm. Oakes, Suard and Vice-Chmn. Di Monda discussed in
detail their previous statements and thoughts relating to
this issue. Vice-Chmn. Di Monda strongly suggested that
Staff resolve concerns and provide recommendation for
approval or denial before presentation to the Commission.
Vice-Chmn. Di Monda and Mr. Schubach discussed the possi-
bility of renoticing and the associated costs to the
applicant or City if the item were continued. Vice-Chmn.
Di Monda asked that Staff again review applicable filtra-
tion systems and associated costs.
MOTION by Comm. Suard, seconded by Comm. Oakes, to
CONTINUE application CUP 92-14 and PDP 92-9 until the
first meeting in January, 1993, directing the applicant to
address all concerns expressed by the Commission and
Staff, to include hazardous material disposition proce-
dures, reduction of the intensified site usage and
provision of additional parking.
7 P.C. Minutes 11-4-92
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Comm. Marks, Oakes, Suard, Vice-Chmn. Di
Monda
None
Chmn. Merl
None
A break was taken from 8:57 to 9:05 p.m.
Chmn. Merl assumed the position of Chairman at 9:05 p.m.
SS 92-4 --SPECIAL STUDY AND TEXT AMENDMENT REGARDING THE
SIGN ORDINANCE.
Recommended Action:
amendment.
To recommend approval of text
Chmn. Merl noted the Commiss ion had received a slightly
revised sign ordinance, and asked if Staff had amendments.
Mr. Schubach stated the revision noted why the changes
were made; mostly for clarification and resulting from the
study that had been made and comments from the Commission.
Additionally, three changes were made due to new State law
requirements. He stated signs could not be required to be
moved when there was a change in property ownership or
simply sign copy change. If the building is redeveloped,
the sign can be requested to be removed. Real estate
signs on private property with the consent of the property
owner cannot be required to be removed, but can be
regulated. Window signs that are not simply posters (not
exceeding 10 square feet of window area) will require a
permit. Mr. Schubach stated Staff had reviewed ordinances
from other cities and tried to maintain consistency with
them, and explained some of the other requirements that
had been included.
Comm. Di Monda noted that page 40, "temporary signs" had
an error, suggesting "60 days" should be changed to
"60-day allotment". He confirmed with Mr. Schubach that
painting on a window was considered a temporary sign,
discussing the distinction in window signs and illum-
ination would be determined on the amount of lighting,
with control would be by timing devices. Mr. Schubach
stated no alteration had been made relative to the "green
belt". Comm. Oakes and Mr. Schubach confirmed the per-
centage of a wall that could be covered with signage, that
signs were allowed on second floors, but not above second
levels. Comm. Suard confirmed with Mr. Schubach that
address numbers are not considered signs and are not
addressed by this ordinance, although they are regulated
on condominiums. Comm. Suard felt stores and businesses
should be required to display address number signs.
Public Hearing opened by Chmn. Merl at 9:24 p.m.
8 P.C. Minutes 11-4-92
Gary Waylon, 1097 Aviation Blvd., Chairman of Hermosa
Beach Chamber of Commerce, stated the Chamber has worked
with the City on this ordinance, with Staff to simplify
the business license process and sponsored the RUDAT
program. He stated this ordinance would place hardships
upon businesses that were trying to attract more sales tax
dollars, noting some provisions were not geared toward
businesses. He noted the Chamber had received a copy of
the ordinance at 3:00 p.m. today, and requested additional
time in order to study it. He requested the Commission
approve Staff's recommendation to allow further study and
to meet with the Chamber members to address its members'
concerns. He referenced page 18, paragraph B of the new
ordinance, stating he did not see a "30-minute window" in
this item, noting he would like to explore the inconsis-
tencies within the "illumination" portion. He stated.the
Chamber of Commerce would like to be a part of the review
of the ordinance and requested sufficient time (within the
next two weeks) be given prior to the final enactment of
the ordinance. He stated some areas of concern include
illumination, sign size and time of closing the signs
down.
Comm. Di Monda stated this issue had been extensively
studied by Staff and was not arbitrary, to which Comm.
Oakes agreed and reiterated, noting this proposed
ordinance was not as restrictive as some in other cities.
Mr. Waylon questioned the inclusion of Santa Barbara
within the study and stated, again, the Chamber members
wished inclusion within the process. Mr. Schubach noted
the document had been given to the Chamber last Thursday,
while agreeing that this was not a lot of time for review.
Leslie Brighart, co-owner of a sign business, stated she
was involved in this issue by being a property and
business owner. She felt the City was too restrictive
on banners and signs already, without further reduction.
She stated the times are tough, felt the business owners
were being slighted for esthetic reasons and objected to
the decrease from 90 to 60 days and the overall size
reduction of the signs.
No one else wished to speak regarding this item, and Chmn.
Merl closed the Public Hearing at 9:38 p.m.
Mr. Schubach discussed with the Commission its future
agendas. The meeting date of November 17, 1992 was
decided upon for inclusion of the item, if continued.
Comm. Di Monda disagreed that the ordinance was too
restrictive, stating the Commission was trying to bring
this ordinance in line with other cities. He explained
9 P.C. Minutes 11-4-92
the survey of other cities was to obtain a comparison. He
felt Manhattan Beach's ordinances were more description
and thought they should be further reviewed by Staff and
during any meeting with Chamber representatives. He felt
"prohibitive signs" and signs that blocked architectural
features should be included in that review. He explained
the concerns regarding the size of signs on the sides of
buildings, feeling that esthetics played a significant
role. He acknowledged the ordinance was very difficult to
write. Comm. Di Monda stated he thought Manhattan Beach
allowed a maximum of 150 square feet of sign area.
Comm. Di Monda stated she would mirror Comm. Di Manda's
remarks. She noted she had a problem with the size of
signs, noting one-fourth of the building face could be
covered by a sign. She suggested that the location of
signs might determine the handling of the sign sizes; ie.
Pacific Coast Highway might be considered differently than
Pier Avenue.
Comm. Suard felt the Commission was attempting to keep
visual blockage to a minimum and this should be considered
by the Chamber of Commerce. He felt the signs should
assist people in locating businesses, not detract from the
ease of location. He felt if the signs were smaller and
uniform, the ease of reading was enhanced.
MOTION by Comm. Oakes to CONTINUE SS 92-4, Special Study
and Text Amendment to the meeting of November 17, 1992,
and that Staff meet with the Chamber of Commerce
representatives and also review the Manhattan Beach
ordinance as it relates to maximum area of signs and
prohibitive signs prior to that meeting.
AYES: Comm. Di Monda, Marks, Oakes, Suard, Chmn.
Merl
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
HEARINGS
CUP 95-2 & PARK 92-2 1) SIX-MONTH REVIEW OF THE
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT. 2) MINOR MODIFICATION REQUEST FOR
THREE ADDITIONAL VIDEO GAMES AT 950 AVIATION BOULEVARD,
THE RACER'S EDGE.
Recommended Action: 1) To direct Staff to continue to
enforce the provisions of the Conditional Use Permit. 2)
To approve the requested minor modification.
Mr. Schubach stated this review was a routine one.
Additionally, the applicant had requested three additional
video games. Staff recommended approval, but that the
10 P.C. Minutes 11-4-92
games be installed only after the applicant had complied
with all the conditions of approval. Mr. Schubach stated
this condition had been met except for the bike rack and
trash enclosure. The bike rack has been obtained and a
request for permit for the enclosure has been made. Upon
installation, they would be in full compliance.
There were no questions of Staff, and at 9:43 p.m., Chmn.
Merl invited members of the audience to speak.
Dennis Scanlan, 950 Aviation Blvd., stated the bike rack
had been installed, and the owner of the building will be
enclosing the trash enclosure within the new future. He
stated the three additional games would help the business
immensely.
No one wished to speak relating to this item.
MOTION by Comm. Di Monda, seconded by Comm. Oakes, to
APPROVE the requested minor modification, provided the
applicant is in compliance with all the conditions of
approval.
AYES: Comm. Di Monda, Marks, Oakes, Suard, Chmn.
Merl
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
FOURTH QUARTER GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT.
Recommended Action:
appropriate.
To direct Staff as deemed
Secretary Schubach stated that four time per year,
according to State Law, the opportunity to am~nd the
General Plan was available. Staff was not recommending
any amendments, but if the Commission did, it should make
Staff aware. He noted RUDAT and Land Use Element studies
were complete and suggested a Workshop be conducted during
December, 1992.
Comm. Di Monda asked the status of the amendment relating
to cul-de-sacs on 1st Place. Mr. Schubach stated it had
been referred to the Traffic Engineer approximately two
weeks ago.
There were no questions of Staff, and at 9:55 p.m., Chmn.
Merl invited members of the audience to speak. No one
else wished to speak relating to this item.
Chmn. Merl stated this item was closed. He asked status
on the RUDAT report. Mr. Schubach stated the RUDAT study
and "rough draft" of the Land Use Element update should be
delivered to Commissioners on November 5, 1992.
11 P.C. Minutes 11-04-92
STAFF ITEMS
a. Request from Harry Pecorelli for an interpretation
regarding the conversion of an existing manufacturing
building to residential in an R-2 zone located at 598
First Street.
Mr. Schubach discussed Mr. Pecorelli's request for a
temporary waiver to allow existing manufacturing
structures to be used as his residence. He noted the
property had been recently rezoned, described the
structures and reiterated Mr. Pecorelli's request to
use both structures as a residence which is not
allowed by the Zoning Ordinance. The only option he
has is application for variances from the set back
requirements and allowance of detached structures for
a single dwelling. Staff recommended support of the
interpretation made by Staff.
Comm. Di Monda confirmed the building were non-
conforming as to set back requirements and that
Mr. Pecorelli wished to use the existing buildings,
only remodeling the interiors. He discussed the •
proposed layout with Mr. Schubach.
There were no questions of Staff, and at 10:01 p.m.,
Chmn. Merl invited members of the audience to speak.
Harry Pecorelli, 752 22nd Street, San Pedro, stated
the drawing was not final and only used as a
possibility for room arrangement. He was willing to
revise the plan to a more appropriate one, if the
Commission so wished. He explained he was selling his
curr ent resident and hoped to move into the property
at 598 First Street, since he had owned it for many
years and was currently suffering financial reverses.
He explained the buildings had been leased for quite
some time, he had not seen the interior during that
time and the plans reflected that lack of knowledge as
to the exact dimensions of the buildings. He stated
due to the shape of the property, compliance to set
back requirements would destroy the buildings. He
wanted only to remodel the building interiors to make
them "livable" as a residence. He explained his
efforts made to comply with the City's various
requirements and the problems and expense he had
experienced so far.
Mr. Pecorelli described the condominiums surrounding
his property, Fire Dept. access routes, the block wall
surrounding his property and asked for consideration
and possible waiving of the requirements to allow he
12 P.C. Minutes 11-04-92
and his wife to live on the property which he owns
"free and clear".
Comm. Marks and Mr. Pecorelli discussed the need for a
precise develo~ment plan, as well as the cost for such
plan. Comm. Di Monda commented that the Commission
had rezoned the area and building, and felt that Mr.
Pecorelli's property, perhaps, came under the "50%
remodel", which Mr. Schubach disagreed, stating it was
a non-conforming use with a remodel of a commercial
property to residential. Comm. Di Monda noted that
the City was able to determine deviations from the
ordinances allowing people to place unwanted signs,
cars can be parked on the sidewalk, people to camp in
the Community Center, but the same creative thinking
had not been applied in this case. He noted the
rezoning had now made this property valueless without
further, extensive actions being taken. He felt Staff
should have put more creative thinking into this
request prior to presentation to the Commission.
No one else wished to speak relating to this item.
Chmn. Merl and Mr. Schubach discussed the surrounding
structures, which were new condominiums. Mr. Schubach
agreed that Staff would re-examine the Code and pre-
sent suggestions to the Commission. Comm. Oakes noted
that manufacturing facilities have more restrictive
requirements that single-family dwellings, feeling
that the non-compliance to set backs would not
represent the same hazards that a single-family would.
She felt this issue should be considered from that
angle. Comm. Suard expanded her statement, noting
there were six-feet concrete walls on both sides, Fire
Dept. access was available, small sideyard encroach-
ment was a good trade off for 20-feet reduction in
height, and modifications would require review by the
Commission.
Comm. Marks and Mr. Pecorelli discussed the adjacent
property located in Redondo Beach, the garage door
located in the rear building and Mr. Pecorelli's
unsuccessful efforts to obtain access from that
property.
Chmn. Merl stated it was the sense of the Commission
to DIRECT Staff re-examine this issue, examine
applicable codes and interpretations to resolve this
issue and present its findings to the Commission.
b. Memorandum regarding 1) Planning Commission December
meeting date. 2) City Council/Planning Commission
workshop meeting.
13 P.C. Minutes 11-04-92
The Commission agreed the regular meeting will be con-
ducted on December 1, 1992, and the workshop meeting
could be scheduled on December 3, 1992. Staff was
directed to move forward with those dates. The Com-
missioners were invited to submit additional agenda
items to Staff.
c. Status report regarding 1010 17th Street.
Mr. Schubach stated the property owner had apparently
left town without complying to the Commission's
request regarding the swimming pool. The Commission
requested that abatement ~rocedures be investigated
through a letter to the City Manager. Chmn. Merl •
felt there had been a break of faith with what was
represented to the Commission. No objection, so
ordered. •
d. Correspondence to and response from Air Quality
Management District regarding inspection of auto body
spray paint operations.
RECEIVE AND FILE
e. Tentative future Planning Commission agenda.
RECEIVE AND FILE
f. Memorandum regarding Planning Commission liaison for
November 10, 1992 City Council meeting.
Clarification as to members of the Planning Commission
attending the meeting and serving as the Commission
representative had not been received. The Commission
again asked for clarification by the City Attorney.
The Commission discussed Comm. Di Monda's experiences
during his attendance at the previous City Council.
meeting which related to this lack of clarification.
Comm. Suard commented upon the recommendation modify-
ing the open space in the R-1 zone, summizing the
Council wished to increase bulk and not increase
the open space of the larger lots. He noted that
it appeared that the City Council, at its wish, was
using the "bulk vote" (conducted a couple of years
ago) in denying the study for the R-1 height. Now,
the Council was reversing that, increasing bulk in
conflict with that advisory vote in this situation.
He felt that it made no sense that the Council went
back and forth, at its own descretion, without any
logic whatsoever. Chmn. Merl also noted his
frustration that the codes were not enforced with
regard to the parking across the public right-of-ways.
RECEIVE AND FILE
14 P.C. Minutes 11-04-92
g. City Council minutes of October 13, 1992.
Comm. Suard noted Item 12, confirming the Commission
had sent the Council its recommendation in terms of
open-space in the R-1 modification. He felt the City
Council, at its wish, used the "bulk" vote and denied
the R-1 height study, but approved the decrease in R-1
open space, thereby increasing bulk in conflict with
the advisory vote. He felt no logic was being dis-
played. The Commission agreed this issue would be
brought forward during the meeting with the Council,
asking the Council's interpretation of the advisory
vote and for direction from the Council.
RECEIVE AND FILE
COMMISSIONER ITEMS
a. Comm. Suard reiterated his earlier request that Staff
investigate how address signs for commercial buildin~s
are being enforced to assure that visible numbering is
placed in visible locations. The Commission agreed
this would be a Commission policy that it be imposed
on all development that comes before the Commission.
b. At the beginning and during this meeting, the Commis-
sion experienced problems with the microphones,
necessitating Comm. Di Manda's use of a substitute,
hand-held microphone during the entire meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by the Commission to adjourn at 10: 38 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 November 4, 1992.
~r"---~=---'-✓--==-~-~-c __ -g~~k
Rod Merl, ChaiT Michael Schubach, Secretary
I '---,' -e7 \........
Date
15 P.C. Minutes 11-04-92