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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_1968_04_01MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION held at the City of Hermosa Beach, California, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Apri 1 l, 1968. ROLL CALL -Present: Comm. Armer, Stabler, Reeves, Noble, Hami ]ton, Vice­ Chairman Boice; Bud M. Trott, Building and Planning Director Absent: Chairman Viault (military duty) Due to the absence of Chairman Viault, who was absent because of military duty, Comm. Boice assumed the duties of Chairman. Motion was made by Comm. Hamilton, seconded by Comm. Reeves, to approve the minutes of March 4, 1968, and motion carried unanimously. AMiNOMENT OF RULES AND REGULATIONS OF PLANNING COMMISSION T,.he Commission discussed the matter of 11 quorum 11 and the fact that there were time~ when no action could be taken on official matters such as zone amendments, ~e.C:a~se of the requirement under present regulations. A rough draft of a .proposed resolution to change such requirements, was studied. ; ' ~Motion was made by Comm. Reeves, seconded by Comm. Hamilton, to adopt the resolution relative to 11quorum11 and motion carried by following vote: AYES: NOES:' ABSENT: Comm. Reeves, Noble, Stabler, Hamilton, Vice-Chairman Boice Comm. Armer Chairman Viault Motion was made by Comm. Reeves, seconded by Comm. H~milton, to adopt P.C. 154-646, a resolution to amend the rules by amendment of the section relative to II quorum11 to read: 11 A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of all business, and a majority of members present at any meeting, for which there exists a quorum, shall be sufficient to act. The Commission is composed of seven members, and when seven members are present, four affirm­ ative votes shall constitute the approval of said business. Six members present shall require four affirmative votes. Five members present shal 1 require three affirmative votes. Four members present shal 1 require three affirmative votes.11 The reasons for adopting this resolution were as follows: The Commission feels that this will help a great deal in exp€diting some of the requests coming befor~ them, and a simple majority rule would appear to be a sensible approach to the applications being heard. Comm. Armer stated that his reason for voting 11 no11 was that he feels there are certain important decisions to be determined by the Commission that require at least four affirmative votes. Planning Commission Page 2 Apr i 1 l , 1968 MADDEN, RICHARD -ZONE VARIANCE Public hearing of zone variance application of Richard Madden to permit addition to an existing storage building (having 2040 sq. ft.) 760 sq. ft., with no existing, or provisions for, parking facilities in 1 ieu of required (for new construction) two parking stalls. Property situated at 1301 Bard Street; lot 10, tract 780. Mr. Bud Trott, Building and Planning Director, explained that the City was negotiating for property in the immediate vicinity of the applicant's property, and that the applicant wished to continue this matter until the outcome of such negotiations. Motion was made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Armer, to continue the hearing until the next regular meeting of the Commission on May 6, 1968. Motion carried unanimously. WISE, ROBERT -ZONE VARIANCE Public hearing of zone variance application by Robert A. Wise to erect a 1950 sq. ft. manufacturing building having three accessible parking spaces and one tandem parking space in lieu of required four accessible parking spaces. Property at 637 Cypress; lot 17, block H, tract 1686. Hr. Wise, the applicant, stated to the Commission that he wished to utilize the lot5to its best advantage, and that he was desirous of storage area beneath a roof, thereby eliminating the necessity of a trash area, and unsightly outside premises. Mr. Olin Scrivens spoke in favor of the application. No one spoke in opposition. Motion was made by Comm. Stabler, seconded by Comm. Reeves, to grant the request for variance, and motion carried unanimously. Motion was then made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Stabler, to adopt P.C. 154-647 a resolution granting the variance for the reasons it has been determined by the Planning Commission that based on the testimony presented, and also due to established precedences in the area of similar buildings of a like nature, that this would not be detrimental to the surrounding area, nor would it be in conflict with the General Plan, and the feeling has been expressed that tandem parking in the M (Manufacturing) zone would adhere to the concept that most of the re­ quired parking is of a static nature. Motion carried unanimously. WILSON, PHYLLIS -ZONE VARIANCE Public hearing of zone variance application by Phyllis Wilson, to erect three units in a R-3 Zone, on a lot with 30 ft. front width extending back 50 ft., thence lot is 40 ft. wide by 50 ft. long. Lot area 3500 sq. ft. in lieu of required 4000 sq. ft. and 40 ft. width for more than two units. Property situated at 734 Monterey; lot 14 and the south 10 ft. of the easterly 50 ft. of lot 15, tract 1072, Donald Regas (sp), representing Mrs. Wi Ison, said that the applicant wished to make full utilization of the lot with an attractive development, and that the density factor with the proposed three units was well below that indicated by the General Plan. Mr. 0. Scriven, who owns property at 620 Monterey, spoke against the application. Planning Commission Page 3 Apri I l, 1968 WILSON CONTINUED: After review and discussion, motion to grant the request for variance was made by Comm. Reeves, seconded by Comm. Armer. Motion carried unanimously. Motion to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-648, was made by Comm. Reeves, seconded by Comm. Hamilton, granting the variance for the reasons that: I. It does not affect advwrsely the density factor which is laid out in the CityLs General Plan for dwelling units per acre. 2. This would appear to be an exceptional case, due to the dimensions of the property. 3. It does not seem detrimental to the surrounding properties. Motion carried unanimously. JOHNSON, BEN -ZONE VARIANCE Public hearing of zone variance request by Ben Johnson, on property at 445 Monterey, lots 26 and 27, block 45, tract 1074, to consider application to convert existing medical building into five residential units with nonconforming sideyards 4.25 ft. to remain in lieu of required 5 ft. Nonconforming building extending onto City property 18 inches, to be removed back to the required 2 ft. front setback. Mr. Johnson was present, and explained that this public hearing for zone variance was being held, because he had inadvertently allowed a previous variance on the property to expire. The only change from the original request, was the fact that he now proposed to remove the 1811 encroachment back to the required 2 ft. front setback. There was some discussion about landscaping the premises and that Mr. Johnson might temporarily utilize the building, or portion of it, as a single residence. No one present spoke for or against the application. Motion was made by Comm. Reeves, seconded by Comm. Noble, to grant the application, and motion carried unanimously. Motion was made by Comm. Reeves, seconded by Comm. Hamilton, to adopt P.C. Resolution 154-649, granting the variance for the following reasons: I. It does not conflict with the General Plan with respect to density, as a possible ten units could be developed on the property. 2. It appears to be more favorable to the City, as the encroachment is being eliminated, and a two ft. setback is being achieved. Comm. Armer wished to add a condition to the motion regarding painting of exterior, and landscaping with Park Supervisor's approval. There was discussion about this, Mr. Johnson assuring the Commission that he intended to upgrade and improve the exterior of the building. Comm. Reeves said he wished to strike out this portion a:rfd1ttumm. Armer was advised that he could make a motion for amendment of the resolution after vote was ~ken on it. Planning C@mmission Page 4 April l, 1968 JOHNSON CONTINUED: Vote wa!s taken on the motion, and motion carried as follows: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Conm. Reeves, Noble, Hamilton, Vice-Chairman Boice Comm. Armer, Stabler Chairman Viault Comm. Armer then made a motion, seconded by Comm. Stabler, that an amendment to the ~eS©~ution be made which would include a requirement that landscaping be provided, and approved by the ~arks ~epartment. Motion failed to carry by t,he following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Comm. Armer, Stabler, Vice-Chairman Boice Comm. Noble, Reeves, Hamilton Chairman Viault Motion was made by Comm. Reeves, seconded by Comm. Noble, that at the next study session of the Planning Commission, a representative of the Parks Depart­ ment be invited to join with the Planning Commission to analyze and discuss some basic criteria for eventual proposals of landscaping requirements on certain properties within the City limits of Hermosa Beach, Motion carried unanimously. RIEMAN, RONALD -ZONE VARIANCE Public hearing of application for zone variance by Ronald C. and Elizabeth Rieman, to erect 1999 sq. ft. manufacturing building, having three accessible parking spaces and one tandem parking space in lieu of four required accessible parking spaces. Property at 643 Cypress; lot 18, block H, tract 1686. The Commission questioned the applicant as to the appearance of his proposed structure, questions about curbs and gutters, and whether he would beusing the facilities for his own business. Mr. Bud Trott, explained that the street in this area would have a grade change in the future, and that property owners in the vicinity would sign agreements to put in the curbs and gutters at the time the City completed this project. Speaking in favor of the application was Mr. James Weber, in behalf of the resident at 538 8th Street. Motion was made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Armer, to grant the variance. Motion carried unanimously. Motion to adopt P.C. 154-650 was made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Hamilton, a resolution granting the request for the reasons it does not seem to be detrimental to the surrounding areas, and an established precedence has been effected in the immediate area, so that the parking would not be detrimental to the applicant nor to the neighborhood. Motion carried unanimously. Planning Commission Page 5 Apr i I 1 , 1968 Mr. Bud M. Trott, Building & Planning Director, suggested to the Commission that an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance with res pee t to parking in the 11 M~1 zone might be in order. Motion was made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Hamilton, that t he Bui !ding and Planning Director develop a resolution concerning a change of existing parking regulations in the 11 w1 zone, which wilJ allow tandem parking in lieu of required accessible parking spaces .. Motion carried unanimously. SAFARI ENTERPRISES -CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT Public hearing of application for Conditional Use permit by Safari Enterprises, Inc. to operate used car sales, sales, repair and assemb 1 y of 11 du ne buggys 11 with hours of operation 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on property at 2901 Pacific Coast Highway, north 250 ft. of lot A, tract 1594. Mr. Wayne Freeland, representing Safari Enterprises, spoke to the Commission and answered their questions. Mr. Mike Romano, of 732 Longfellow, said that he would have no objection to the development providing there was no undue noise at night. Mr. Humphries and Mr. Henderson, neighbors of Mr. Romano, also spoke with similar thoughts expressed. Mr. Jack Gasnier, 2954 La Carlita, and Lyndon Koontz, 714 Marlita, were concerned about a parking problem which was undermining land in the immediate vicinity, and also the noise factor which could be present. Mr. de Schmidt, applicant, and Mr. John Haworth, owner of the property were also heard. Mrs. Arlene Howe of 2996 La Carlita answered a question which one of the property owners asked concerning an abandoned car body on the premises. Motion was made by Comm. Armer, seconded by Comm. Reeves, to grant the request for variance, and motion carried unanimously. Motion was then made by Comm. Armer, seconded by Comm. Noble, to adopt resolution P.C. 154-651, granting the variance with the following conditions: 1. All buildings to be inspected for the minimum building and fire regulations of the City. 2. Parking lot, south side, as shown on the plot plan to be used for parking only, no storage of any kind. 3. All storage, trash and debris to be kept within an enclosed building. Junk, debris, etc. not to be allowed to accumulate. 4. Building at north side facing Pacific Coast Highway, provide garage door. 5. Small office building, remove or place in proper location to comply with building code, located on cement foundations and repaint. 6a All signs to be repainted or removed, and all illegal signs to be removed. 7. Repaint electrical fixtures and poles, 8. Front of used car lot, remove 6 ft. high galvanized poles, repaint small pipe. 9. Front and side planting area -replant ground cover. JO. No sp~ay painting to be done on premises, unless within an improved paint booth . 11. All work to be done within a building. 12. Hours of operation 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and these hours of operation t o be restricted for purposes of repair and assembly to 6 pm on week days, and from 9 am to l pm on Saturdays, and no repair or assembly work to be done on Sundays. 13. Property is to have no outside public address system. Planning Commission Page 6 Apr i 1 1 , J 968 SAFARI CONTINUED: Reasons for granting request are that there is every effort being made by the new tenants to develop and maintain the property b~ excellent standards, and that we have given them a set of conditions which they have agreed to follow, and that these conditions seem to meet the needs and feelings of the surrounding residential property owners, and the use being conducted is compatible with the surrounding business area. Motion carried unanimously. HUGHES, MARGARET -ZONE VARIANCE Public hearing of application for zone variance by Mrs. Margaret Hughes, to erect a stairway and landing 2 ft. 6 inches into the required south sideyard going to a second floor open deck, in lieu of no allowable encroachment into a sideyard, on property at 2108 Loma Drive; lot 33, tract 1868. Mrs. Hughes and her contractor were present to speak to the Commission. Mr. Bud Trott, Building and Planning Director, pointed out that the builder had not built to the set of plans approved by the City. Questions were asked about the exits from the top floor and bottom floor, and the possibility of the dwelling being converted in the future into two units, illegally. There was evidence of some illegal !plumbing. Mot(on was made by Comm. Stabler, seconded by Comm. Reeves, to grant the request for ivariance. Motion failed to carry by unanimous vote. Motion was made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Reeves, to adopt P.C. Resolution 154-652, denying the zone variance because it has been determined that this request is no a feasible one in 1 ieu of existing circumstances now in effect on subject property, one of which affects accessibility of the Fire Department in case of emergency to extinguish any fire hazard on this, or surrounding properties. It has also been determined that a legal and conforming stairway can be placed on tae rear of the property; no hardship has been shown; and it has been noted that a possible violation of new plumbing has been installed on the property, and the Building Department has been given notice to inspect and take the necessary action concerning this violation. Motion carried unanimously. MIRELL. WILLIAM -CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT Pub! ic hearing of conditional use permit by William Mi rel 1, to operate a used car sales business with hours of operation from 9 am to 9 pm, on property situated at 501 Pacific Coast Highway; easterly half of lot 24, block 78, 2nd addition to Hermosa Beach Tract. The applicant was present, and explained that he did not have a letter from the legal owner granting him permission for such use, but that his intent was to secure one. He further explained that he had moved from other premises in the City, to the new location, but had been unaware that a conditional use permit was required. Planning Commission Page 7 April l, 1968 MIRELL CONTINUED: After discussion, motion was made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Armer, to grant the conditional use permit based on the condition that the applicant secure from the legal owner, or his authorized representative, a letter of approval to subject applicant for the intended use of the property for sale of used cars, no business to be conducted on the property until such letter is rece&ved by the Building and Planning Department. Upon receipt of such letter, a sixty (60) day conditional use period wi 11 be granted to the applicant and such conditional use may be extended, based on the completion of the following requirements: I. Old two story nonconforming residence be removed. 2. One story old residence converted to office space, to be either removed or brought up to comply with building standards. 3. All illegal signs to be removed, all signs, light fixtures and poles to be repainted where needed. 4. The buildings being used for the operation of car polishing and undercoating to be brought up to the minimum building standard requirements. 5. All debris, junk etc. to be removed, plus provide adequate closed area to contain transh and debris. 6. All work in all operations to be limited to inside a building . Motion carried by unanimous vote. Motion was then made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Armer, to adopt P.C. Resolution 154-653, granting the conditional use permit with the conditions stipulated in the original motion, and for the reasons that this property is evidently of substandard nature, and it is the wish of the Commission to upgrade communities when opportunities present themselves, and this is one of those particular properties which should be upgraded or demolished. The reason for granting the sixty (60) day abatement period is due to extenuating circumstances. Motion carried unanimously. IMPERIAL MILLS -REVIEW Review of request for extension of agreement between Imperial Mills and the City of Hermosa Beach, relative to expansion of faci Ii ties. Matter referred to the Planning Commission by the City Council for review and recommendation. Mr. Bud Trott explained the background of the agreement between Imperial Mills and the City, and diagrams were placed on the chalk board for the Commission to examine. After review of this matter, motion was made by Comm. Armer, seconded by Comm. Hamilton, to recommend denial of this extension of agreement to the City Council. JOHNSON 1 MADELYN -RECONSIDERATION OF ZONE CHANGE Reconsideration of application of Madelyn Johnson for zone change on property described as northerly part of lot 5, block 83, 2nd addition to Hermosa Beach tract. Planning Commission Page 8 Apr i 1 l , 1 968 JOHNSON CONTINUED: This request was originally denied by the Planning Commission, by P.C, 154-643, and appealed to the City Council. Counci 1 action referred the matter back to the Commission (by unanimous vote) for reconsideration with a recommendation that R-3 Zoning be considered for this property. After review and study, motion was made by Comm, Reeves, seconded by Comm. Hamilton, recommending to the City Counci 1 that this parcel be rezoned to R-3. Motion carried as follows: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Comm. Reeves, Noble, Stabler, Hamilton, Vice-Chairman Boice Comm. Armer Chairman Viault Motion was then made by Comm. Reeves, seconded by Comm. Hamilton, to adopt P.C. Resolution 154-654, recommending that said applicant's request for zone change from R-1 to R-3 be granted for the reason that after reconsideration of this particular parcel relative to the entire area and to the General Plan, it appears that, at this time, this is the only practical zoning for said parcel. further, it is hoped by the Commission that a new R-3 (R) zone might be adopted in the future which would insure the City of the proper development with respect to this area and other like areas. The Commission has felt, and does feel, that the general area of this parcel should be re-zoned to multiple use, but at the time the application was originally presented, the Commission did not believe the City had the proper controls for good develojpment under our present R-3 zoning. Motion carried by following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Comm. Reeves, Noble, Stabler, Hamilton, Vice-Chairman Boice Comm. Armer (who gave his reason as -agreeing with the resolution, but he felt there are more safe standards in preventing premature and inadvisable development by maintaining the R-1 zone at this time) Chairman Viault It was agreed that a work shop session be held on April 15, 1968, to discuss and review the matter of future rezoning of certain parcels such as the area in the vicinity of the Johnson property. Comm. Noble suggested that the Commissioners meet on the site at 8 am on April 15th to look over the area in general. Secretary, John Armer