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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_1969_07_21MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION, HELO JN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, HERMOSA BEACH, ON MONDAY, JULY 21, 1969, AT 6:30 P.M, MEETING WAS CALLEO TO ORDER AT 6:33 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Comm. Himmel) Noble, Stabler, Coll is, Armer, Chairman Boice Absent Comm. Hamilton Motion was made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Chairman Boice, to approve the minutes from the regular meetings of June 16, 1969 and July 7, 1969 as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM NORMAN REEVES Comm. Nobl e read the letter of resi gn ation received from Norman Reeves. Chairman Boice requested the Planning Director to prepare a letter from the Commis sion to Mr. Reeves, thanking him for his dedication of time and effort to the Commission. The letter will be presented at the next meet ing for signatures. Comm. Stabler arrived at 6:36 p.m. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 69-11 Application for a conditional use permit by David & Eleanor Connors to sell alcoholic beverages a s a public premise s, on a portion of lot 7, block 88, 2nd Addition to Hermosa Bea ch Tract, known as 11 33 -1137 Pier Avenue. Planning Director indicated that this length on June 16, 1969 and continued of Police. He stated that his office Chief of Pol ice reg a rding this site . Convnission. Comm, Armer arrived at 6:38 p.m. item had been considered at some pending a report from the Chief had received a report from the He read the report to the Planning Director explained that it was th e staff 1 s op1n1on that a cocktail lounge at this location at this time will deter growth of retail shopping in this neighborhood center, Public hearing opened at 6:40 p.m. Mr. David Connors, 1002 8th Place, Hermosa Beach, wished to speak for hi s application. He stated that the Pol i ce Chief's report had been routine and was not against his proposed use, No correspondence had r Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 July 21, 1969 been received against the request, and a letter was received from the secretary-treasurer of the Boy•s Market stating they approved of the proposed use. Mr. Connors has a ten-year lease on the property condi­ tioned upon his receiving a conditional use permit. Planning Director re-read the letter from the Boy's Market at the applicant's request. No other persons appeared to speak for or against the request. Pub! ic hearing closed at 6:45 p.m. Comm. Himmel asked if any other cocktail lounges were near this He was told there were none in the immediate vicinity. He then to know what the previous uses on these two buildings had been. building had been used as a shoe store and the other has always vacant. site. wished One been Motion was made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Cornn, Armer, to grant the application of David & Eleanor Connors for a conditional use permit at 1133 -1137 Pier Avenue. Motion failed as follows: AYES: Comm. Hi mme I NOES: Co11111. Noble, Stabler, Collis, Armer, Chairman Boice Motion made by Co1M1. Noble, seconded by Comm. Armer, to adopt Resolu­ tion P.C. 154-736, denying the request of David & Eleanor Connors for a conditional use permit in order to sell alcoholic beverages as a public premises at 1133 -1137 Pier Avenue. Reason for denial: It has been determined by the Planning Commission, based on consideration of the required factors, that it would not be desirable for this type of establishment to be in this location at this time. A previous application for the same type use at the same location had been denied for the same reasons, and no evidence had been advanced to indicate that the local situation had changed. Motion carried as follows: AYES: NOES: Comm. Himmel, Noble, Stabler, Coll is, Armer, Chairman Boice None CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 69-12 Application for a conditional use permit by Glen E. Arnold under pro­ visions of Section 801 of City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, as amended, in order to operate a used car sales business on lots I, 2, and 3 of Tract 223, and lot I, block 2, of Tract 6851, known as 1005 Pacific Coast Highway. The Planning Director explained to the Commission that this property had been used before for this type of business; however, more than 90 days had elapsed since the previous business was discontinued. The conditions established by the staff have been approved by the applicant. The staff also recommends that a review be placed on this request. The Planning Director wishes to let the Planning Commission --~---- Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 July 21, 1969 meet with automotive dealers in Hermosa Beach to establish operating standards which may evolve standard conditions for granting this type of request. Public hearing opened at 6:51 p.m. Glen E. Arnold, applicant, was not present. No one wished to speak concerning this request. Publi c hearing was closed. Comm. Noble felt that this request did not appear detrimental to the surrounding areas. The Planning Director read the conditions recommended by the staff. He stated that they were similar to condi t ions r equired of similar requests. Motion was made by ColMl. Noble, seconded by Conwn. Stabler, to grant a conditional use permit to Glen Arnold at 1005 Pacific Coast Highway, subject to conditions. Motion carried as follows: AYES: Convn. HirlYnel, Noble, Stabler, Collis, Armer, Chairman Boice NOES: None Motion made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Armer, to adopt Resolu­ tion P.C. 154·737, granting the request of Glen Arnold for a condi­ tional use permit at 1005 Pacific Coast Highway, subject to the following conditions: 1. That vehicular access to 10th Street be eliminated. 2. That no flags or pennants be allowed. 3. That hours of operation be 1 imited to 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 4. No loud speakers or loud bells be permitted. 5. That adequate off-street parking be provided. 6. No body repair or painting on the premises. 7, Subject to review in one year. Motion carried as follows: AVES: Comm. Himmel, Noble, Stabler, Coll is, Armer, Chairman Boice NOES: None CHANGE Of ZONE REQUEST 69-3 Public hearing to consider establishing a C-2, general commercial potential zone classification on Jots 4 through 30, inclusive, of Redondo Homes Tract, located between Prospect Avenue and Harper Avenue; and between 24th Street and Artesia Boulevard, under provisions of Article 15 of City Zoning Ordinance N,S. 154, as amended. r l Planning Commission Minutes Page 4 July 21, 1969 Planning Director explained that R-P use with C-2 potential is what is recommended. He suggested that no business front on 24th Street; that businesses should be required to place a decorative wall on 24th Street. Public hearing opened at 7:02 p.m. No one wished to speak on the request. Hearing was closed. Planning Director stated that the C-2 potential would allow the YMCA use. Comm. Noble stated that in his opinion this would be in conformance with the General Plan, Comm. Armer was concerned about the lack of people present regarding this rezoning. He stated, however, that he felt this zone change would be best for everyone concerned. Colllll. Stabler wished to know what this change would do to the tax base of the YMCA. Conm. Noble stated that this small a zone change should not effect the tax base. Hot ion made by Convn . Armer, seconded by Comm. Col 1 is. to recommend to the City Council adoption of this zone change from R-P-to R-P with C-2 potential on lots 4 through 30, inclusive, of Redondo Homes Tract, located between Prospect Avenue and Harper Avenue; and betwee n 24th Street and Artesia Boulevard. Kotion carried as follows: AYES: Comm. Hirm,el, Noble, Stabler, Coll is, Armer, Chairman Boice NOES: None Motion made by ColMl. Armer, seconded by Convn. Collis, to adopt Resolu­ tion P.C. 154-738, recommending a zone change to the City Council on lots 4 through 30, inclusive, of Redondo Homes Tract, located between Prospect Avenue and Harper Avenue and between 24th Street and Artesia Boulevard. Change of zone to be from R-P to R-P with C-2 potential. It is also recoomended that any commercial property developed under precise plans have ingress and egress onto Artesia Boulevard only and that a buffer wall be constructed on the 24th Street side whe n a commercial use fronts on Artesia Boulevard . This change of zone is in conformity with General Plan and will not work a hardship, and will be beneficial to residential property, and will bring into harmony the commercial areas that are effected by the change. Motion carried as fol lows: AVES: Comm. Himnel, Noble, Stabler, Coll is, Armer, Chairman Boice NOES: None CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 69-13 Application for a conditional use permit by Matthew J. Witteman under provisions of Section 801 of City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154 , in order to conduct a take-out food business in conjunction with a restaurant on lot 5, block 12, Hermosa Beach Tract, in a C-2 commercial zone, known as 20 Pier Avenue. Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 July 21, 1969 The Planning Director stated that the staff recommends approval of this request, subject to the recommendations listed In the staff analysis, He presented to the Commission a memo from the Assistant City Manager. It stated that the Business License Review Board now reviews restaurants which the Planning Commission does not review. They place certain condi­ tions on permits and would 1 ike the Commission to place these same conditions on this application. Conditions are: Wind<Ms of restaurant must be kept clear for visibility into building, and only 20 percent of window arl:EI for signing will be permitted. Convn. Collis wished to know the reasoning behind the Business License Review Board's conditions. Planning Director explained that they were to insure proper visibility into the businesses. Public hearing opened at 7:18 p.m. Mr, Witteman was not present. No one wished to speak, The hearing was closed. Planning Director stated that the appl leant is willing to foll°"' the staff's four recommendations. Co11111. Collis stated that the four staff recommendations were acceptable, however, he was not in agreement with the Board's recommendations. Convn. Boice agreed with Corm1. Coll is, Comm. Boice stated he did not feel that the Commission could force Mr. Witteman to close at 10:00 p.m. when Taco Bill's was open later. Planning Director answered that applicant had agreed on 10:00 p.m., and that this would be the closing hour for take-out food only. He stated that the purpose was to eliminate possible after-hours juvenile problems. Comm. Armer stated that he liked the sign Mr. Witteman had placed on his building very much. Motion made by ColMI. Coll is, seconded by Comm. Armer, to approve the request for a conditional use permit by Matthew J. Witteman at 20 Pier Avenue. Motion carried unanimously, Motion made by Comm. Collis, seconded by Co11V11. Armer, to adopt Resolu­ tion P.C. 154-739, granting the request of Matthew J. Witteman for a conditional use permit in order to conduct a take-out food business in conjunction with a restaurant at 20 Pier Avenue, subject to the follow­ ing conditions: 1. All food to go be sold over the existing counter -no direct access to the sidewalk or alley, 2, No take-out after 10:00 p.m. 3. Primary business to be sit-down with take-out incidential to it. 4. The permit to be transferable, subject to all conditions . 5, Permit subject to review one year from granting date. Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 July 21, 1969 All of the above conditions are acceptable to the appllcant . Motion carried as follows: AYES: Comm. Himmel, Noble, Stabler, Collis, Armer, Chairman Boice NOES: None CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 69-14 Application fo r a conditional use permi t by Don Down s under provisions of Section 801 of City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, as amended, in order to conduct outdoor sales of new and used boats, in addition to existing auto sales lot, on lots 61, 102, 103, and portions of 104, 105, 106, 107, and 108 of Tract 5650, known as 1000 Pacific Coast Highway. Planning Director explained that Mr. Downs is presently operating at this location, but needs to use the outside area for displaying his boat s. Public hearing opened at 7:27 p.m. As Mr. Downs was not present and no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed. Planning Director stated that he foresees no problems with this use if granted, subject to certain conditions. Comm. Stabler wished to know whether this was a branch or principal operation. Planning Director stated that he believed it to be the prin c ipal operation as no other operations were I isted on the application. Motion was made by Corm1. Noble, seconded by Comm. Collis, to grant a conditional use permit to Don Downs in order to conduct outdoor sales of new and used boats at 1000 Pacific Coast Highway. Motion carried unanimously. Motion was made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Coll is, to adopt Resolution P.C . 154-740, granting the r e quest of Don Downs for a conditional use permit in order to operate outdoor sales of new and used boats at 1000 Pacific Coast Highway. It has been determined by the Commission that this use will not be detrimental to surrounding neighborhood or conmercial establishments in the area, if it is sub­ ject to the following conditions: 1. Hours of operation; 8:00 a.m. to 9:0 0 p.m. 2. No pennants, flags or other wind signs. 3. Development as shown on plot plan submitted . 4. No loud speakers or loud bells on the exterior of buildings. 5. No heavy or noisy repair machinery or equipment (routers, etc.) which create noise or electrical disturbance s . 6. Review within one year from date of approval. I Planning Commission Minute s Page 7 July 21, 1969 Motion carried as follows: AVES: Comm. Himmel, Noble, Stabler, Coll is, Armer, Chairman Boice NOES: None CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 69-15 Application by Hermosa Entertainment Corp. for a review and modifica­ tion, under provisions of Section 1800 of City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, as amended, of the conditional use permit issued to Pier 52, Inc., under provisions of Section 801 o f said ordinance, in order to conduct the sales of alcoholic beverages to be consumed on said premises. Planning Director stated that this public hearing is being held to determine whether or not the Commission feels they wish to revise the conditional use permit granted to Pier 52 to allow its tra nsfe rance to the Hermosa Entertainment Corp. Public hearing opened at 7:37 p.m. Dave Letchworth, 400 16th Street, Manhattan Beach, general manager and vice president of the Hermosa Entertainment Corp. stated that they have refurbished and upgraded the establishment. They have enlarged the dance area . The juke box is still operative, though seldom used, and will be removed when the contract expires. No persons appeared to speak in opposition to the request. Pub! ic hearing closed at 8:40 p.m. Planning Director suggested that permit be transferred to Hermosa Entertainment Corp., subject to same condition of non-transferance, and subject to operations as they now exist, Motion was made by Comm. Coll is, seconded by Comm. Armer, to grant the request for a conditional use permit by Hermosa Entertainment Corp. on property located at 52 Pier Avenue. Granting to be subject to condition that juke box need not be removed. Motion carried unanimously. Motion made by Comm . Collis , seconded by Comm. Noble, to adopt Resolu­ tion P.C. 154-741, granting a conditional use permit to Hermosa Enter­ tainment Corp. on their property at 52 Pier Avenue in order to sell alcoholic beverages. Reason for granting: a similar request was granted in October 1968. This granting to be subject to review in one year and to be non-transferable. Part of consideration is that City Council has already approved an entertainment permit for this establishment. Motion carried as follows: AYES: Comm. H-immel, Noble, Stabler, Coll is, Armer, Chairman Boice NOES: None Planning Cofmlission Minutes Page 8 J u I y 2 I , 1 969 VARIANCE 69-I 6 Application for a variance by Walter Harris from requirements of Sec­ tion 608 of City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, as amended, as applied to the easterly 50 feet of lot 32, block SO, 1st Addition to Hermosa Beach Tract, in an R-3 zone, knOWil as 237 16th Street, in order to construct a two-family dwelling on a lot having 2150 square feet in­ stead of the 2400 square feet normally required by Ordinance. Planning Director explained that this request was to construct a 2½­ story duplex on a lot having an area of 2125 square feet in an R-3 zone. He stated that the staff could not recommend approval of this request because it would appear to be a special privelege since there were no other half lots in the area developed with duplexes. He showed the elevations and floor plans to the Commission. Public hearing opened at 7:50 p.m. Walter Harris, 660 18th Street, Manhattan Beach, came forward to speak for his request. He stated that he had revised his original plans somewhat to allow more open land area. He was only asking to do what he was given permission to do five years ago; that is, to develop this property with a duplex. He stated that with the present R-3 zoning on this land, he would not be able to sell it for single-family use only. As no other persons appeared to speak concerning this request, public hearing was closed at 7:58 p.m. Convn. Coll is stated the problem appeared to him to be, do we as a Commission drop our standards for R-2 development in the R-3 zone from 2400 square feet to something less? Conm. Boice stated he didn't feel this was the place for a single­ family residence. Corrm. Noble stated he would be in favor of lowering the minimum land­ area requirements to 2100 square feet in the R-2 zone. Comm. Stabler did not agree that this use should be R-2. He would rather see this as a single-family dwelling with an owner-occupant. Planning Director explained to the Cormiission that this request might be granted if the Convnission felt that because the lot in question was a corner lot with more street frontage an unusual circumstance existed. Corrvn. Noble felt the Convnission should analyze the hardship part of the request. When Mr. Harris purchased this lot it was zoned for R-2. It doesn 1 t seem to be detrimental to the City or the neighborhood to grant this request, Mr. Harris stated that he had $18,000 worth of property in this lot and had planned to have 2-bed~oom duplex. He has more than 40 feet of street frontage. Planning Commission Minutes Page 9 July 21 , 1969 Comm. Armer felt that the hardship element and the fact that this was a corner lot are the only justification that can be found for granting the request. The City would probably be better off with a duplex. Motion was made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Armer, to grant the request of Walter Harris for a variance in order to construct a duplex at 237 16th Street, Motion carried as follows: AYES: NOES: PASS: Comm. Noble, Collis, Chairman Boice Comm. Himmel, Stabler Comm. Armer Comm. Armer stated the reason for his passing was because of his rela­ tionship with the applicant, Hr. Harris. Motion was made by Comm. Noble, seconded by Comm. Armer, to adopt Resolu­ tion P.C. 154-7~2. granting the request of Walter Harris for a variance from Section 608 of City Zoning Ordinance, in order to construct a duplex on a lot having 2150 square feet instead of the 2400 square feet normally required, at 237 16th Street. Reason for granting is that this lot is on a corner, that the structure will not be materially detrimental to surrounding neighborhood, that a hardship has been shown by the applicant, that required parking would be provided in garages with ingress and egress, and that lack of land area square foot requirements has been made up by the manner of design of the duplex. This granting to be subject to construction as shown on plot plans and elevations as submitted with the variance request. Motion carried as fol lows: AYES: NOES: PASS: Comm. Noble, Stabler, Coll is, Chairman Boice Cornn. Hi mrne I Comm. Armer VAR I ANCE 69-17 Application for a variance by Allan Juckes from requirements of Section 506 of City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, as amended, as applied to lot 9, block 117, of Shakespeare Tract, in an R-2 zone, known as 225 & 229 31st Street, in order to construct a two-family dwelling on a lot having a total area of 2100 square feet instead of the 2400 square feet normally required by ordinance. Planning Director explained that the only difference between request and that of Mr. Harris is that this request consists interior lot in a block with other duplexes already built. mends approval subject to certain conditions. Public hearing opened at 8:38 p.m. this of an He recom- Mr. Al Ian Juckes, 32 Pony Lane, Roi I ing Hi I ls Estates, came forward to speak for his request. He stated he had nothing new to add, but he would answer any questions posed by the Commission. ---------------------------- Planning Commission Minutes Page lo July 21, 1969 No other persons wished to speak concerning this request; public hearing closed at 8:39 p.m. Planning Director informed commission that this area is a mixture of single~family dwellings and duplexes. Conm. Stabler stated that what bothers him most is that some little old lady may have owned this property and finding she could not build R-Z on it, she sold it at a lower value. Mr. Juckes stated he has owned this property for 2 months. Comm. Boice stated he would I ike to see the plot plan before voting. Comm. Coll is asked what bearing the plot plan could have on the voting. Why not let him bring in the plans later? Comm. Boice explained that the effect on surrounding properties could be judged on the basis of the plans and elevations. Motion was made by Comm. Noble, sec:o'nded by Corrm. Himmel, to continue this matter until the next regular meeting on August 4, 1969, in order for the applicant to develop elevations and plot plan and floor plan. Motion carried as follows: AYES: NOES: Cornn. Himmel, Noble, Stabler, Coll is, Armer, Chairman Boice None VARIANCE 69~ I 8 Application for a variance by Jack A. Lewis from requirements of Sec­ tions 502 & 1309 of City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, as amended, as applied to lot 24, block 125, Shakespeare Tract, in an R-2 zone, known as 446 31st Street, in order to make a non-conforming addition to an existing non-conforming building, said addition to be 2 feet from the front lot 1 ine instead of the 5 feet required by Ordinance. Planning Director explained the request was to extend front room to match existing extension, which is about two feet from the front lot I ine. He stated that adjoining dwellings now have a front yard of about two feet. He be\ ieved that there would be no detriment to the surrounding property in the area, but in his opinion all conditions for granting a variance have been met. Public hearing opened at 8:50 p.m. Jack A. Lewis, 446 31st Street, Hermosa Beach, wished to speak in favor of his application. He stated he 1 ived in the subject property and wished to continue 1 iving there for years to come. He originally brought the house with the addition already added. No persons appeared to speak concerning this request; public hearing closed at 8:52 p,m. Planning Commission Minutes Page II Ju I y 21 , 1 969 Upon inquiry by the Planning Commission, the Building Inspector, Cecil Wade, stated that he could see nothing else that would need to be done to this house to bring it up to code. Motion was made by Comm. Stabler, seconded by Comm. Noble, to grant a variance to Jack A. Lewis on his property at 446 31st Street. Mo­ tion carried as follows: AYES: Comm, Himmel, Noble, Stabler, Coll is, Armer, Chairman Boice NOES: None Motion was made by Comm. Stabler, seconded by Comm. Armer, to adopt Resolution P,C, 154-743, granting the request of Jack A. Lewis for a variance in order to make a non-conforming addition to an existing non-conforming building at 446 31st Street, Hermosa Beach. This granting is based on the findings of the Conrnission that required showings for granting of a variance were met in all instances; and with these findings, the Commission finds that this variance is proper and in agreement with General Plan, and not a detriment to the neighborhood. Motion carried as follows: AYES: Comm. Hinvnel, Noble, Stabler, Coll is, Armer, Chairman Boice NOES: None CHANGE OF ZONE REQUEST 69-5 Public hearing to consider a change of land use zone classification on lots 1 through 7 of block 19; lots l through 7 of block 20; lots I through 7 of block 21; and lots 1 through 7 of block 22 of Hermosa Beach Tract, located between 18th Street and 22nd Street and between Beach Drive and the Strand under provisions of Article IS of City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, as amended. Planning Director explained that this rezoning proposal is an outgrowth of a variance request granted to one of the properties concerned. The rezoning would change these lots from single-family to two~family residential. Public hearing was opened at 8:57 p.m. Alfred Bowman, 2024 Strand, Hermosa Beach, came before the Commission and stated that there were many people in the audience and he would introduce them, Robert Prenter, 2020 Strand, Hermosa Beach, stated that the blocks in question were zoned R-2 during the war and they were rezoned to R-1 soon after this time. These five blocks consist of 28 lots. Two of these 28 lots are vacant, 14 of these lots are used as multiple­ family residential. This makes it very difficult for R-1, single­ family people. He has lived in a duplex for the past 6 years. He also owns the property at 2126 Strand, which is a single-family dwelling. In the survey he conducted, 14 of the 28 people wanted R-2 zoning. Eleven of the property owners coulct-lt be contacted because they do not 1 ive in the property they own. Planning Commission Minutes Page 12 July 21, 1969 T. Richard Will is, 2108 Strand, Hermosa Beach, stated that it was his variance which stated this action for rezoning. He would I ike to see other people in the area have the same rights as he does on his property. He would 1 ike to see this rezoned as R-2. Mary Donahue, 2008 Strand, Hermosa Beach, stated that it has gotten to the point now where a person cannot afford to build just a single­ family home on the Strand because of the tax structure. Mr. Verne Kelsey, 1942 Strand, Hermosa Beach, stated that he was for the rezoning to R-2. Dillon Perrine, 52 20th Street, Hermosa Beach, wished to speak against the zone change. He stated that there were too many people in the area and would 1 ike to keep single-family density, Public hearing closed at 9:07 p.m. Comm, Boice asked Hr. Wade whether he felt it would help the area to have R-2 zoning. Mr, Wade stated that code-wise it would improve the area because to add any floor area to a structure requires bringing ~tructure up to code. The parking situation would be aided since one unit in an R-2 zone requires l½ parking spaces. Comm. Collis stated that this proposed zone change would be an ex­ tension of similar zoning to the south. Economics would indicate that this area will some time have to be multi-zoned. He felt that the rezoning would be eliminating some parking problems. Corm,. Stabler stated that he was against the rezoning. He used the south end of the City as an example of multiple-zoning. In the south end where multiple-zoning exists is the most trouble with irresponsible residents. He stated that the Board of Zoning Adjustments would be besezed with variance requests because proper ti es would 11ot be ab 1 e to adapt to the 1½ parking spaces per unit which would be required with R-2 zoning. Our parking requirements would have to become more lenient. We would also be encouraging what we are now trying to discourage, absentee landowners. COlffil, Coll is stated that the Commission is aware that parking leniency would be detrimental to the City and that the Commission would not decrease the parking requirements. Comm, Armer stated that he felt the City would get more out of R-2 zoning, but he also felt that the Commission must watch parking re­ quirements. He felt there was a need to improve property in this area because present developing has been more a hit and miss situation than good planning. He would I ike to see controls before granting an R-2 zone in this area. He would I ike to see a Design Review Board or some similar board responsible for controls. We are not ready to change the zone because there are no standards for design. Comm. Noble stated he felt the City was experiencing some very excit­ ing changes. There have been some very good developments showing up. -, Planning Commission Minutes Page 13 J u I y 2 I , 1 969 W. H. Shaw, 49 20th Street, Hermosa Beach, wished to know the mechanism for up-grading existing non-conforming duplexes. Comm. Boice explained that if someone has a single-family residence and wants to develop it into a duplex, then he must bring his residence up to the building code. Motion was made by Comm. Coll is, seconded by Comm. Noble, to grant the request for a change of zone on lots 1 through 7 in blocks 19, 20, 21, & 22 of Hermosa Beach Tract. Motion failed to pass as follows: AYES: NOES: Comm. Noble, Coll is, Chairman Boice Corivn. Himmel, Stabler, Armer Motion was made by Comm. Boice, seconded by Comm. Hinvnel, to continue this item until the next regular meeting on August 4, 1969. The proponents were requested to prepare a written petition for submittal at that time. Motion passed as follows: AYES: NOES: CorMl. Himmel, Noble, Stabler, Col I is, Armer, Chairman Boice None Mr. Bowman came before the Co1M1ission and stated he did not feel Comm. Stabler should vote on this rezoning as he would be affected by the outcome. REVIEW Review of the unusual structure located at 1130 Hermosa Avenue, kno.-vn as C. W. Rail Art Gallery. Planning Director read to the Commission the telegram received from Kent Staab of El Centro, California, stating 11 the Rail must stay11 • Comm. Noble read to the Commission the report submitted by the staff, which inc 1 uded the results of a survey conducted by the staff. In this survey, local merchants were polled and asked to state their opinions regarding the art gallery. The majority of those polled indicated opposition to the building. Grace Patterson and Sue Edwards, the two owners of C. W. Rail, were asked to come before the Commission. Hiss Patterson stated she did not think the Rail was detrimental to the City. They have been operating since June 21, 1969. She stated the building facade is different than the plans submitted because she did not understand what was required in the plans. She felt that all the stores in the area could be different in design. Corrrn. Collis stated that there is no real need for the outside facade to look so unusual if you are after sales, because after one visit the impact of the outside on the customers would lose its effect. Planning Commission Minutes Page 14 July 21, 1969 Don Murray, 90% Monterey Boulevard, Hermosa Beach, wanted to know the purpose behind asking the business owners in the area what they thought of the Rail. He suggested asking the people who will do the purchasing, Why not poll the entire City? He found the store front curious. He felt it did not matter whether he liked it or not; people who come in the store seem to be happy with what they get. Jerry Barnhill, owner of Friday 1 s Flat, stated his business had in­ creased 40 percent since construction of the Rail had begun, He praised the paintings carried in the Rail. He also stated that the City of Hermosa Beach is delapatated and had been for 5 years. The City can get better people in the town if they will allow .more speciality shops. Hr. Murray stated that he felt the master plan is only dragged out when it is needed. It is not an active thing he stated, and he questioned its use. John Dowsing, Redondo Beach resident, stated he did not particularly like the Rail, but compared to other buildings in the town it was much better. The City is pretty much run down and is in bad shape. He suggested that people in the immediate area around the building be given more leeway for a more creative motif, He stated that Solvang and Disneyland have the right idea. Maybe if the City used the ideas of these two places it could come up with something more desirable. Carol Tanner, 2134 Circle Drive, Hermosa Beach, stated she felt the Rail is very attractive. Other businesses downtown are very un­ attractive. She felt Grace was being picked on, She felt Cal Save Drug is very ugly. Mr. Corte, 105 Linden Street, Hermosa Beach, stated he did not know why this building was being considered. He felt it was a matter of aesthetics and should be up to the City Council. Comm, Boice told Mr. Cord that it was being considered because it was an unusual building, and the Planning Convnission is required to look at it before it is constructed. Jack Martinez, 236 Strand, Hermosa Beach, Chairman of the Improvement Cormiission, stated that if the Improvement Commission was polled, they would probably have a majority in favor of this building. He stated he owned 6 stores on Pier Avenue and has a business half a block from the building in question, He said the City has an image that is not attractive enough to attract a substantial amount of people. We must make the City more intellectually stimulating, The precedent he is concerned with is whether the City will become a nameless, faceless, book-burning City. He stated that Manhattan Beach tries to attract new business and we should take notice of that City. Margaret Boatright, 1211 21st Street, Hermosa Beach, stated that she has been a resident of Hermosa Beach for 45 years, and has never seen anything I ike the Rail. She stated that other stores in the Planning Commission Minutes Page 15 Ju 1 y 21 , 1969 cormiunity have improved themselves, and she does not understand how the City can allow something like this building to exist. She stated it was very ugly. Robert Prenter, stated that he did not feel that the Rail facade 11 is where it's at11 • Cecil Wade stated that Hiss Patterson and Miss Edwards said they have been persecuted. Mr. Wade does not be I I eve they have been persecuted at all. They brought in plans showing the use of old lumber, not the pile of decayed rubble they used. Comm. Boice stated his main objection is that the plans submitted by the two owners are not the same plans followed to c onstruct the facade. Mr. Wade stated that the wood on the facade mus t still be weather­ proofed. Miss Patterson stated that they will weather proof the building by pouring clear casting resin over the boards. Convn. Noble asked the Planning Director what the Planning Commission was supposed to decide. He was told they could find the building either suitable or not suitable . If unsuitable, they must decide whether it can be remade to improve it. Comm. Collis stated that he is a developer and that if he were to make changes in his plans the way these girls had done, he would be told to tear it down. He would be in favor of co ;--1 s truction 1 ike that shown on the original building plans. Comm. Armer stated that he could not say who was at fault over the construction of the building. He did feel, however, that the s~op is a good one and acceptable to him. He said his wife and daughter 1 ike it very much. Comm. Noble felt the only answer was to do the building over like the p 1 ans submitted. Mr. Wade stated that he had informed the girls that they must have al icensed contractor present for construction. They did not do this. Motion was made by Comm. Armer, seconded by Comm. Stabler, to approve the structure providing it meets the structural and weather-proofing standards of the building department. Motion failed to pass as fol I ows: AYES: Comm. Himmel, Stabler, Armer NOES: Comm. Noble, Collis, Chairman Boice Planning Commission Minutes Page 16 Ju I y 21 , 1969 Motion made by Comm. Boice, seconded by Comm. Collis, to approve unusual building, subject to the owner's submitting a proper building plan. Motion carried as follows: AYES: NOES: Carmi. Himmel, Stabler, Armer, Chairman Boice Comm. Noble, Coll is PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS Continued public hearing to amend Sections 600, 606, 607, and 800-C of Ordinance N.S. 154, to provide for a greater variety of develop­ ment standards in the R-3 zone and to make C-3 zone conform to General Plan provisions. Discussion of proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments concerning R-3 uses and development standards, These items were both continued until the next regular meeting of August 4, I 969, MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS Imperial Mills Committee discussion. Report on status of Sea-side service station located at 401 Hermosa Avenue, Board of Zoning Adjustments. All these items were continued until the next regular meeting of August 4, I 969. Motion made by Comm, Armer, seconded by Comm. Noble, to adjourn meeting. Motion carried unanimously, MEETING ADJOURNED AT 10:53 p.m. JOE B. NOBLE SECRETARY