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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_1969_06_02MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION HELO IN THE CI_TV OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, AT 8:00 P.H., ON MONDAY, JUNE 2, 1969. MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 8:00 P.H. ROLL CALL -Present: Convn. Reeves, Noble, Stabler, Armer, Chairman Boice; Robert Crawford, Planning Director. Absent Comm. Collis and Hamilton. Motion was made by Comm. Noble, seconded by COf1'11', Reeves, to approve the minutes of May 19, 1969. Motion carried as follows: AYES: Comn. Reeves, Noble, Stabler, Armer, Chairman Boice NOES: None Motion was made by CollJD. Reeves, seconded by Comm. Armer, to approve the minutes of April 21, 1969, which had been previously tabled for further study. Motion carried as follows: AVES: NOES: Comm. Reeves, Noble, Stabler, Armer, Chairman Boice None Variance 69-14 APPLICATION FOR A VARIANCE BY ALYCE V. ROGERS from provisions of Sections 403 and 404 of City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, as amended, as applied to lots 35 and 36 of Walter Ransom Company's Redondo Homes Tract, located at 1238 24th Street, Hermosa Beach, in an R-1 zone, in order to continue the use of a non~conforming addition to a conforming dwelling; said addition having a O foot rear and side yard instead of the 5 feet required by Ordinance. This request resulted from a conformance inspection of the building; and the Planning Director suggested to the Conmission that a policy should be developed to guide the Planning C00111ission and the property owners in the City in considering such technically illegal additions or conversions, for which the present owners were not responsible. He said there were two ways to make the addition under consideration legal; (1) tear it down, and (2) obtain from the City a variance from the side and rear yard require­ ments so that the building existing on them would be permitted. Comm. Reeves asked if a building permit had been obtained and if the con­ struction had been done to code. The Planning Director replied that they had not. He said that their present plan was to remove a portion of the non-conforming building which is a workshop, and leave only the den. Corrm. Armer asked about the set back of the house and was told that it is 5 feet G Inches on one side and 4 feet on the other. n P1anning C01Tmission Minutes Page 2 June 2, I 969 Public hearing opened at 8:05 p.m. Chairman Boice asked Hrs. Alyce Rogers when the room was constructed, and by whom and whether it had been occupied as a den. She answered that it was constructed in 1953 by her husband and his co-worker and was sti11 occupied as a den. Comm. Reeves asked the Planning Director how it came to the City's attention, who replied that in the process of purchasing the property a Certificate of Compliance had been requested. As a result of the inspection, the City no.t has no option but to insist on corrections. Chairman Boice asked if there was anything detrimental in this den. Kr. Crawford said that the neighbors did.not object or appear to have any problems from it. No one appeared to speak agains~ the request. Public hearing closed at 8:I0p.m. Chairman Boice asked if it could be brought up to code, and Mr. Crawford replied that the Building Director thought it could. Conm. Stabler asked In what way It did not conform, and Hr. Crawford said that vents to heaters, vents to bathroom, and minor wiring problems needed to be corrected. Convn. Reeves asked if any other structures had been built to the property I ine, and was informed that others in the area had structures on or near the lot line. Chairman Boice convnented that It would not be feasible to chop it off, and that the Conwission should set a law that would pinpoint anything of this nature which had been constructed prior to the 1956 ordinance. CollVll, Stabler mentioned the Gordon Whitnall meeting and the inconsistencies in planning, and the great degree of variations between the type of com­ mitments made by the Planning Corrmission. He further stated that he felt the Planning Director's idea of forming a committee so that a basis could be established to judge these cases was valuable, and he would like to hold this particular case in abeyance until a system is available to approach it properly. Convn. Reeves asked whether It was constructed on two lots, and was told It was on two, R-1 lots. Comm. Armer asked if any degree of urgency was involved, and Mr. Crawford said that the applicant did have a buyer, but could not sell the property until a variance is obtained. He said the question the Commission had to decide was whether a variance was justified in this case. Chairman Boice said he could not see where it was detrimental to the ad­ joining properties. 7 Planning Corqnission Minutes Page 3 June 2, 1969 Hr. Crawford said that eventually the property would probably be sold and replaced with apartments. Motion made by Corm. Reeves to grant the application of variance. Seconded by Comm. Armer. AVES: Comm. Armer, Reeves, Chairman Boice NOES: None ABSTAIN: Comm. Noble, Stabler Motion made by COIMI. Reeves, seconded by Comm. Armer, to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-726, approv·ing a variance for property owned by Hrs. Alyce V. Rogers, from provisions of Sections 403½, 404 of City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, as amended, as applied to lots 35 and 36 of Walter Ransom Company 1 s Redondo Homes Tract, located at 1238 24th Street, in an R-1 zone, in order to continue use of a non-conforming addition to a con­ forming dwelling, based on the following reasons: I. According to the testimony of the appl leant, the non-conforming addition was made about 1953, when City inspections were less adequate. 2. The size of the property involved (50 1 x 100') on two lots, with the single dwelling straddling both of these lots, which provides adequate open space despite the encroachment into the rear and side yards. J. The applicant has proven a hardship with respect to the sale of the property,· as we)l as bringing the addition to the property to conformity would be a hardship since in doing so it is questionable whether the remaining area would be usable.and the fireplace would have to be demolished. 4. As a condition to the granting of this variance, the addition will have to be brought up to current code requirements. AYES: Comn. Armer, Coom. Reeves, Chairman Boice NOES: None ABSTAIN: Comm. Noble, CO!Ml, Stabler Motion was made by Conin. Armer, seconded by Comm. Stabler, asking that the Planning Corrmission put on their study list consideration of forming a committee which would establish a basis for judging non-conforming property. Unanimous. Conditional Use Permit 69-8 APPLICATION FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT BY RONALD M. LANGSETH ANO LUIS LEON under provisions of 801 (2) of City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, as amended, in order to manufacture pottery ware for sale at retail on the premises, located on lots 2 and 4 of Mission Tract of Hermosa Beach, known as 246 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach. Planning C011mlssion Minutes Page 4 June 2, 1969 The Planning Director explained that the ordinance allows limited manu­ facturing in a C-3 zone and the applicants wished to assemble goods and create products to be sold at retail on the premises. They proposed to buy a building and convert part of the building into material storage and ma nufacturing of the ceramic products. They would have an electric kiln. He said that the proposal had not been approved by the Building Department because the Building Director first wished to determine whether the Planning CotMtission felt the use was reasonable. He said that if the application is approved, his recommendations would be: 1. That the use be subject to the approval of the Building and Fire Departments as safe for the use. 2, That the kiln and all appurtenances be removed upon cessation of the use. 3. That no wholesaling be conducted; all products to be sold on the premises. 4. That the permit be subject co,review and reconsideration one year from date of approval. Public hearing opened at 8:30 p.m. Kr. Ronald Langseth, 536 33rd Street, Manhattan Beach, said that he had canvassed the neighborhood and talked with most of the merchants as well as filing a petition, and there had been no objections to the kiln and pottery manufacturing. Hr. Langseth presented a diagram for the typical installation; for venting, etc. In answer to questioning from Co1m1. Reeves concerning type of goods to be made and sold, Mr. Langseth said tha.t the articles would be high fire ware, catering to the decorative line rather than eating utensils. COlml. Reeves conmented on the beautiful elevation of the building. Co1m1. Stabler asked if the fact that they could not whole sale would impose a hardship on them. Hr. Langseth said it would not. The Planning Director said the ordinance requirements were to prevent the possibility of the retail business becoming a manufacturing business. Conm. Reeves conmented that it was almost an arts and crafts category. No one appeared to speak against the request. Public hearing closed at 8:45 p.m. Motion by Comm. Reeves, seconded by Corrwn. Stabler, that the conditional use permit be granted. AYES: Comm. Reeves, Noble, Stabler, Armer, Chairman Boice NOES: None Hotion made by Conm. Reeves, seconded by Conm. Stabler, for the adoption of P.C. 154-727, to grant a conditional use permit to Ronald M. Langseth and Luis Leon under provisions of Section 801 {2) of City Zoning Ordinance Plannin9 Commission Minutes Page 5 June 2, 1969 N.S. 154, in order to manufacture ceramic wares for sale at retail on the premises; lots 2 and 4 of Mission Tract of Hermosa Beach, known as 246 Pacific Coast Highway; based on the following: I. That the applicant is apparently purchasing the property in its entirety and plans to do some extensive upgrading of the c011Y11ercial and residential portions; 2. The applicant submitted a petition to the Commission signed by surrounding residents and businessmen showing that they were not opposed to the installation of a kiln and manufacturing opera­ tion as proposed at this location; J. After discussion with the applicant this Conmission feels that the nature of the applicant's request for manufacturing may be a misnomer as it appears to border on a minor assembly or arts and crafts; and subject to the following condition: This conditional use permit to be subject to review one year from date of issuance. AYES: Conm. Armer, Stabler, Noble, Reeves, Chairman Boice NOES: None Convn. Armer comnented on the junk, old cars and trash on the adjoining property south of 246 Pacific Coast Highway and wondered if it were the City's impound lot. Assistant City Manager Weber said that the Nuisance Abatement Board is processing six cars a week, and that the ~ity 1 s im­ pound lot is not located there but on Third Street. Conditional Use Permit 69-9 APPLICATION FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT BY C. F. KARHART, agent for Pizza Palace Restaurant, under provisions of 801 (la) and (4) of City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, as amended, in order to sell beer as part of a pizza restaurant and take-out pizza business, on a portion of the combined lots of Record of Survey Hap 3371, block II, Page 150, known as 1110 Pacific Coast Highway, located at the intersection of Pier Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway (former Cutter Ford automobile sales 1ot). Planning Director said that the proposed business was to be a part of the small shopping center as shown on the plan presented. It will have a 20 foot frontage and 2,200 square feet. They propose to sell beer and wine as a normal part of the operation, and the City requires a condi­ tional use permit. Planning Director read letters protesting the estab- 1 ishment of this business from Or. Dale Glick, Superintendent of Hermosa Beach Schools, Mr. James Hudson, 1294 Ocean, and Hr. J.B. Schmolle, 930 Montgomery Drive. He further conmented that the Police Chief had not had an opportunity to present a positive or negative recommendation because of lack of information. Public hearing opened at 9:00 p.m. Planning CollVllission Minutes Page 6 June 2, 1969 Mr. Tom Kidder, 128o9 Kalnor, Norwalk, represented Hr. Karhart. COfMI. Armer asked if there would be live entertainment. Hr. Kidder said that no live entertainment would be provided, but would consist of a juke box, continuous stereo tape, and old-time movies such as W. C. Fields and Laurel and Hardy. Conm. Noble asked if the sale of beer and wine was necessary in selling pizza, and Hr. Kidder said it was hard to separate them. Comm. Reeves said that the letter had stated that the total gross sales of beer and wine would not exceed 15 or 20 percent. Mr. Kidder explained that the beer and wine is only sold for consumption on the premises and not to go, and that the pizza is largely sold to go. Conm. Noble suggested that a number of people might be budgeted minded and if they did not spend on beer they might spend on additional pizza. Co11V11. Reeves questioned why it was necessary to grant the conditional use permit at this time when construction has not begun on the shopping complex yet. Chairman Boice spoke of a letter from the Superintendent of Schools asking that the Planning Comnission postpone approval until the School Board members could be notified and he could ascertain their feelings on the question of beer and wine at this location, across from Pier Avenue school, Convn. Armer asked Hr. Kidder how he felt, and was told that he had been instructed to ask for a continuance if there were any problems. Hr. W. G. Stuntz, Jr., 912 13th Street, said that he felt noise from the continuous tape would cause annoyance to the neighbors, as this had been a problem with the previous business. Chairman Boice said that noise emission would depend on the type of building they will be erecting, and it might not be offensive. Assistant City Manager Weber said that when the appl leant comes before the City Council for an entertainment license, the noise level can be controlled at that time. Hr. George Painter, 914 13th Street, comnented that because of his job at the Post Office. he goes to work at 3:00 a.m., and the fact that the Pizza Palace will remain open until 2:00 a.m. may prevent him from getting his sleep. He mentioned previous experience of City with a Pizza Palace on Pacific Coast Highway (Tina's -Odessey). Hr. John Meyer, 12305 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, Manager of Norwalk Pizza Palace, spoke from the point of view of a former South Bay resident. He said that the store in Norwalk abutted the Pallison Elementary School and was part of a shopping center, and adjoining houses directly abut the premises. There have been no complaints, and movies and juke box are going continuously. Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 June 2, 1969 Chairman Boice said he could appreciate the feeling of the residents because for years they had had smoke from cars and noise. Hr. Heyer said he was aware of what the Ford agency was like, but he felt that since Pizza Palace personnel involved themselves in the com­ munity {Little League, etc.) the effect would be different. Public hearing closed. Motion by Comm. Reeves, seconded by Conm. Noble, to carry over the matter until the meeting of June 16, and requested that more detailed plans be supplied by the Bacons to show the people in the area what they might expect. AYES: NOES: Cornn. Armer, Stabler, Noble, Reeves, Chairman Boice None Addition of Section 1226 to Ordinance N.S. 154 A Resolution of Intention was adopted at the last meeting to hold a hearing to consider amending the Sign Regulations to allow the C0t1V11ission through a review rather than variance to approve more than three colors for any sign when such colors are compatible with surrounding area. Public hearing opened at 9:23 p~m. No one appeared to speak for or against the proposed amendment. Public hearing closed at 9:25 p.m. Motion by Comm. Armer, seconded by Conm. Stabler, to recolllllend to the City Council for adoption, Resolution P.C. 154-728, which will effect the sign ordinance by allowing the Planning Commission to review those signs which are not in keeping with signs in conmercial areas and signs of more than three colors or hues. This has been reviewed by the Chamber of Commerce and has been recolllllended by the Planning Director. Bills before State Assembly Planning Director reviewed two bills pending before State Assembly, one of which would require all counties to have an element in their general plan called the Shoreline Development Program and would make it mandatory I ike the housing element, and the other would result in certain restric­ tions placed on the cities such as: I. To require mixing of dwelling types in residential zones, 2. Require the city to defer to regional planning organizations, 3. Restrict the city from regulating architectural design, and 4. Encourage strip zoning. Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 June 2, 1969 Kotlon by Comm. Armer, seconded by Corm. Noble, to authorize the Planning Director to direct a letter to Assemblyman Beverly strongJy opposing the two bills. AYES ; Unanimous. ADJOURNMENT: 9:30 p.m.