HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_1962_02_13MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA
BEACH, CALIFORNIA, HELD IN THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13,
1962, AT 7:30 PoM.
ROLL CALL -Present: Cormn. Noble, Johnson, Viault, Black, Hales, Locken and
Chairman Fredricks.
Bud M. Trott, Chief Building Inspector.
Absent: None.
Minutes of the January 8, 1962, meeting were unanimously approved.
ADOLPH EHLERS
Public hearing on application for :2Dne variance of Adolph W. Ehlers to permit
an 11'6" x 24' addition to residence, addition to have zero setback in rear in
lieu of requited 5', at 455 Gould Avenue, Lot 27, Block 124, Shakespeare Tract.
Petitioner was present speaking on behalf of his application. During the
hearing, it was established that the alley to the rear was unimproved and
vacated just east of Mr. Ehler's lot; and further that there was a 15' front
yard setback providing some yard area.
Comm. Viault mo"j._ed that the petition be granted. The motion, seconded by
Conan. Noble, carried as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Conm. Noble, Johnson, Black, Locken and Chairman Fredricks.
Connn. Viault and Hales.
None.
Comm. Noble moved adoption of Resolution P. C. 154-357 granting the zone variance
for the reason that it is felt that this should be granted since there is an
existing easement for a sewer line on the back of his property, and this would
not constitute a hardship on surrounding property owners and would not be·a
detriment as far as access is concerned. Comm. Black seconded the motion,
whichm.rried as follows!
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
MAMIE, INCo
Comm. Noble, Johnson, Black, Locken and Chairman Fredricks.
Comm. Viault and Hales.
None.
Public hearing on application for zone change from manufacturing to R-3 of
Mamie, Inc., rezoning that property known as 400 Second Street, and lying
between.Second and Herondo Streets and Valley Drive and the east boundary of
properties facing on the east side of Monterey Boulevard between Second and
Herondo Streets.
Mr. Ronald E. Moran, secretary of the applicant company, spoke on behalf of
the petition, reading a prepared paper which disclosed the company's reasons
for compromising by applying for R-3 use rather than continuing with the
application for a change in the ordinance to permit highwrise apartments.
Persons present speaking in favor of the application included Mr. A. C. Behne
186-lst Street, Mr. Carl J. Hoyer, 174 Lyndon Street, Mrs. Ethel Devine,
802 Loma Drive, L. G. Kelly, 232 Monterey Boulevard. No one spoke in opposition.
Planning Connn.ission 2 February 13, 1962
Asked how he intended to develop the property should it be zoned R-.3, Mr. Moran
explained that his company had gone to great expense relative to a proposed
high-rise project for the area, and that he did not want to go to the expense
of drawings, etc., until the property is actually rezoned. It was undetermined
whether the acreage would be developed as one parcel or a subdivision.
For approximately an hour, the Commissioners discussed this item, each one
expressing his opinion. Comm. Noble and Viault opposed any decision until
some plans were made available. Comm. Viault referred to the possible widening
of Herondo Street for traffic from the freeway and 190th Street to the harbor
ftli~Redondo Bea.ch, creating a need for commercial use or light industry in this
area. He felt that this area should be developed according to guided instructions
and that the Commission's obligation to the city included planning for the best
potential use of land. Comm. Hales expressed his wish that the high,,..rise subject
could be settled by the Commission's continued study and proposal for creation
of an R-4 zone, such proposal being put to the people of the city on the ballot;
since the subject property is one of the few larger plots in Hermosa, Comm. Hal::es
felt that it dwould be more advantageous if there would be no development until
after the high-rise question could be settled by a vote. He opposed granting a
blanket R-3 zone without determining that whatever would be developed would be
an asset to both the city and the developer. Mr. Moran said that ln.s proposal
for R-3 does not indicate that the area i s not best suited for high-rise,but
the penalty would be too great on the land developer should each proposed high-
rise project have to be submitted to the people for a vote, each special election
being paid for by the developer, and that his conipany felt a compromise would be
better for the city than to continue developing a new zone that would not be
acceptable.
Chairman Fredricks reviewed conments by those speaking from the audience and
former statements heard by the Commission concerning the impracticality of
an M use on this land. The petitioners should not be prohibited from making
use of their property pending some indefinite action on an R-4 zone, he said.
It would be important to know how the property would be developed relative to
drainage, streets, access, etc. Comm. Black's opinion was that the request was
within the framework of the zoning ordinance, and that at· one time the manu:facturing
zone for this property might have been the correct zoning, but he considers this
no longer true, the property being too valuable. Connn. Locken did not believe
a precise plan should be required.
Two things should be known, according to Comm. Noble -whether there is a need
for R-3 property, and if so, how would the need be developed for the betterment
of the city. Conun.. Hales thought the R-3 development would create many of the
same problems protested by those opposing a high-rise project relative to traffic,
additional burden on the schools, etc. Some preliminary plan should be submitted.
Planning Commission 3 February 13, 1962
Mamie, Inc. Contd
Comm. Viault moved that the petition for zone change be granted. Connn. Black
seconded the motion, which failed to carry as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Comm. Black, Locken and Chairman Fredricks.
Comm. Noble, J~hnson, Viault and Hales.
None.
Dissenting votes:
Comm.. :Noble(il! •·I feel we need more evidence before us before we can render a
true and honest opinion on something of this nature.
Comm. Johnson -Section 1500 of Ordinance N. s. 154 provides that boundaries
of the zones established and the classification of property
uses therein or other provisions of the ordinance may be
amended whenever public necessity and convenience and general
welfare require. I see no necessity for more R-3 property at
the present time.
Comm. Viault - I feel we are premature in granting something if we do not
know what we are going to get. My immediate concern is not
whether we rezone the property to R-3, but what we are going
to get.
Comm. Hales - I would like to see further information furnished us in order
to know whether this ~s for public necessity, convenience and
the general welfare of the city.
T};Lereupon, Connn. Viault moved adoption of Resolution P. c. 154-358 denying
the zone change for the reasons as stated by specific members of the Commission
on casting negative votes on the motion to grant, and for the reason that the
motion to grant did not carry the necessary votes for an affirmative actiono
Comm. Jolmson seconded this motion, which carried as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Comm. Noble; Johnson, Viault and Hales.
Comm. Black, Locken and Chairman Fredricks.
None.
R. W. OTTERSON
Public hearing on application for zone variance of R. W. Otterson to permit
12xl3' bedroom addition on front of rear dwelling, attached to existing
garage, with 3' sideyard in lieu of required 4', over 30% of floor area of
garage, at 719 First Place, Lot 117, Walter Ransom Company's Venable Place.
Applicant was present speaking on behalf of bis petition, which carried
4 signatures favoring the proposed addition. A letter in favor from Aldyth I.
Waggoner, 711 First Place, was read by the secretary. It was deter.mined
that the addition would conform to the required 41 sideyard.
Motion by Comm. Noble to grant the variance was seconded by Comm. Black
and carried unanimously. Motion was then made by Conm. Noble to adopt
Resolution P. c. 154-359 granting the zone variance,as it is felt that this
variance would not be detrimental to the surrounding area or properties in
close proximity. Comm. Locken seconded the motion, which carrl ed unanimously.
Planning Commission 4 February 13, 1962
FRED V. KERWIN
Public hearing on application for zone variance of Fred v. Kerwin to permit
addition of garage and sun deck, over 30% floor area of existing rear building
that has a 2' sideyard in lieu of 3', 2, rear setback in l ieu of ST; addition
to be 3' from stairs of front house in lieu of 6'; and to add fireplace on
front house to encroach 2' i nto 3' westerly sideyard in lieu of maxi.nrum
encroachment of 611, at l 7-19th Street, Lot 15, Block 20, Hermosa Bea.ch Tract.
Mr. Charles Lombardo, 1908 Strand, questioned the space west of the proposed
addit:Lon that might be used for offstreet parking, his garage being directly
opposite on Beach Drive o Mr o Tom Stevens, 1918 ~Strand, was concerned with
the number of tenants. Mr. Kerwin explained there are three units on the
property, the existing garages will be released to the tenants, and t he new
spaces will serve his family.
Comm. Viault moved that the variance be granted. Comm. Black seconded the
motion, which carried as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT-:
Comm. Noble, Viault, Black, Hales, Locken and Chairman Fredricks.
Comm. Johnson.
None.
Comm. Viault moved adoption of Resolution P. C. 154-360 granting this zone
variance for the reasons that the existing setbacks are established and
do not alter the condition for the addition; that the fireplace encroachment i s not ad
detriment on the basis that it is adjacent to a street and there is full access
on all pieces of the property. Comm. Black seconded t he motion, which carr ied
as follows: •
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT!
Conan. Noble, Viault, Black, Hales, Locken and Chairman Fredricks.
Comm. Johnson.
None.
TOM RIKER -Parking Determination
Letter from Building Inspector requesting review of proposed 20x30' parking
area for storage and workshop building, t o be 20x24', on the easterly portion
of 440-Znd St reet, porti ons of Lots 2, 3 and 4, Block 77, Second Addition to
Hermosa Beach, for Mr. Tom Riker. On motion by Comm. Viault, seconded by
Comm. Black, it was unanimously voted that a letter be written to the Building
Inspector instructing him that t he parking area as designated i s adequate.
HI-SPOT CAFE~ Advertising St ructure
Review of 6'6" high by 10' wide s.ign at the Hi-Spot Cafe, 2519 Pacific Coast
Highwayo The Building Inspector stated that this sign would encroach over
t he highway and could have no·flashing lights. Prlor to a discussion, the
Chairman asked,for the record, i f any communication had been forthcoming from
the subcormnittee on advertising structures. Comm. Johlllson answered in the
negative . The Chairman then asked if something could be presented in t he
near future.
Planning Commission 5 February 13, 1962
Hi-Spot Contd.
A motion to direct a letter to the Building Inspector approving the sign
with no blinking or flashing lights was made by Comm. Johnson and seconded
by Comm. Viault. The motion carried as follows:
AYES:
NOES-:
ABSENT:
Comm. Noble, Viault, Black, Hales, Locken and Chairman Fredricks.
Connn. Jobnsono
None.
WALTER SLIKE -Request for Ruling
Request of Mr. Walter Slike for ruling on sale, storage and rental of
surfboards in C-1. Mr. Slike was present and told the Commission of his
proposal to rent space for storage of surfboards and possible sales and
rentals at 54 Hermosa Avenue in a C-1 zone. He called attention to paragraphs
4 in the c~l zone (Beach equip~ent, sai.es and rental), and 32 in the C-2 zone
(Surfboards, retail sales), and asked for a ruling on this ambiguity.
Chairman Fredricks moved the adoption of Resolution of Record No. P. c. 154--3,
as follows: The Planning Commission, in studying the matter and consulting
its records in regard to its intention at the time of am.ending Zoning
ordinance N. S. 154 by Resolution P. c. 154-273, finds its interpreted intent
to be that the C~l classification in regard to beach equipment for sales and
rental would include surfboards, but it being the further intention of the
Planning Commission in regard to such classification that the manufacturing
or building of surfboards for sale or personal use be excluded from that zone,
and that the C-2 (32) classification contemplates not only the sale but also
the manufacturing of said surfboards; and it further appears to the Commission
that wherein beach equipment may be sold and rented, it is inherent within
that activity that there be storage of such items, and further that the
rental of space for the storage of surfboards is contemplated within the C-1
zone, all activity being conducted within a building; and further that a copy
of said resolution be forwarded to the·City Council of the City of Hermosa
Beach, and if approved by said Council, thereafter such interpretation shall
govern. Comm. Johnson seconded this motion, which carried unanimously.
DOUGLAS KING -Parking Determination
Letter from the Building Inspector asking for parking review of proposed three
offstreet parking stalls for a cormnercial building, 1026 sq. ft., at 1075 Pier
Avenue, the southeasterly 58' of Lot 46, Hermosa Heights Tract, for
Mr. Douglas King. A motion that a lett,er be directed to the Building Inspector
approving the plan as presented to the Commission was made by Comm. Noble,
seconded by Connn.. Black, and carried unanimously.
SOUTHWEST AREA -Study of Zoning
Consideration of zone change to permit cocktail bar in conjunction with
restaurant at southwest corner of Hermosa Avenue and Second Street, zoned c~l.
At the January 8, 1962, meeting, the Commission had been requested to study
the zoning ordinance and the property involved, by Mr. Paul Marinkovich, with
a view toward permitting a cocktail bar in conjunction with a restaurant at
Planning Conmtl.ssion
Southwest Area Study Contd.
6 February 13, 1962
the southwest corner of Hermosa Avenue and Second Street, in a· 1.C-l zone.
The Building Inspector had been requested to draft ·a resolution of intention
to initiate action relative to changing the zone classification from c~l to C.-.2
of the land on the west side of Hermosa Avenue between First and Second Streets,
to which resolution the Conmdssion would not be conunitted but could consider
further.
The secretary read letters in opposition to the proposed use in the subject
area from .Arthur R. Wilson, 302 Strand, David A. Burt, 1152-7t~ Street,
Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Grote, 1820 Hillcrest Drive, and Evelyn Burwell,
201 Hermosa A~enue. Speaking in opposition were Mr. Tom Stevens 1918 Strand,
Mrs. David Burt, Mrs. Vickie Mann, 44 Strand, and Mr. Al Jam.es, 78 Strand.
After a brief discussion, Comm. Black moved the matter be postponed for further
study. When and by whom such a study would be made was their next concern,
taking into consideration the possibility of having a study made by professional
people of the area including Herondo Street, in relation to the potential effect
on the southwest part of Hermosa Beach of the harbor in Redondo Beach. There
was no second to Conun. Black's motion, which was withdrawn.
Comm. Viault moved that the matter be received and filed. The Chairman voiced
his opi nion that the Commission is charged with a certain responsibility and
should seek professional aid and should ask the City Council forlfunds to
make this possible. The Coil!Dlission lacks sufficient information to proceed to
make a change; there is a concern of the residents in the area; and studies
should be made indicating what the potential of the area is and how it can best
be used by the citizens and the city itself. Connn. Viault asked to withdraw
his motion. Commo Black felt there should be a vote on Comm. Viault's motion,
and on his second, the motion carried unanimously.
Following this vote, Comm. Hales moved that the question of the development
of the southwest part of town be held over until the next regular meeting
relative to the possible attainment of professional planning help to determine
the potential use. After a brief discussion concerning the lack of time at
regular meetings to accomplish Planning C onnnissi on items of this nature, Comm.
Hales withdrew his original motion and moved that this meeting be adjourned
to Monday, February 19, 1962, for the purpose of drafting a letter to the
City Council relative to the potential use of the southwest portion of the
city to the har bor. Comm. Viault moved amending the motion to include the
consideration of a parking ordinance and an R-3 survey. On second by
Comm. Locken, the motion, as amended, carried unanimously.
ADJOURNMEiff at 10:35 p.m. to
reconve~:.:n~
Jo Bo Noble, Secretary
r
1962.