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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_1969_05_19MINUTES OF THE R£GUlAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION HELD IN THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, AT 8:00 P.H., ON MONDAY, .HAY 19, 1969. MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORD£R AT 8:02 P.M. ROLL CALL -Present: Conwn . Reeves, Noble, Hamilton, Stabler, Collis, Vice Chairman Armer; Robert Crawford, Planning 0 i rector. Absent Chairman Boice Motion was made by Comm. Reeves, seconded by Convn. Stabler, to approve the minutes of May 5th with the following correction: Page 10, last paragraph (numbered item 4) should be revised to read : "The granting of the variance wil I not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or property in this zone and vicinity, because the bui)ding bulk will be no greater than normally permitted, views from above will not be excessively restricted, off-street parking provided w i 11 be more than regu i red for a d up I ex. 11 Motion to approve minutes of Hay 5. 1969, as amended, passed as follows: AYES: NOES: Comm. Reeves, Noble, Hamilton, Stabler. Coll is, Armer None Motion made by Comm. Reeves, seconded by CORJn. Stabler. to continue dis­ cussion of minutes of April 21st ~ntil the end of the agenda. Motion carried as fol lows: AVES : Corrm. Reeves, Noble, Hamilton, Stabler, Collis, Armer NOES: None C-69-1 APPLICATION FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT BY DON HERSHEY under prov1s1ons of Section 808 A (I) of City Zoning Ordinance 154, as amended, in order to erect a sign at a location separate from the business it advertises and an exception from provisions of Section 8o8 E, in order to erect a sign with five (5) colors instead of the three (3) allowed by Ordinance, on lot I. Hermosa Knob Hill tract, knCMn as 1402 Pacific Coast Highway. Conwn, Noble read the memo from the City Manager to the COlffllission. The memo stated that the City Council had approved the proposed revised City sign at a public hearing held May 6, 1969. The Chamber of Conwnerce also approved the revised sign and so did the applicant, Don Hershey. Hr. Hershey stated that the revised City sign would meet his needs, thereby eliminating the need for him to erect his <Mn sign on Pacific Coast Highway. --------------------- Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 Hay 19, 1969 Public hearing opened at 8:10 p.m. The applicant was not in the audience, and no one else appeared to speak either for or against the request. Public hearing closed at 8:11 p.m. Motion was made by Conm. Reeves, seconded by Conm. Stabler, to approve the request of Don Hershey for a conditional use permit to erect a sign at a location other than that of the business. Motion failed as follows: AYES: None NOES: Conwn. Reeves, Noble, Hamilton, Stabler, Collis, Armer Motion made by Comm. Reeves, seconded by Co11V11. Stabler, to adopt Resolu­ tion P.C. 154-721, denying the subject request for a conditional use permit. The basis for denial was: Based on Jong study by City Council and Planning Coll'fflission it appears at this time City Council, Planning Comnission and the applicant have reached an agreement as to the copy to be used on the City sign, making original request unnecessary. All parties concerned have agreed on the alternative sign; this request n<M becomes unnecessary. Motion passed as follows: AYES: NOES: Coim,. Reeves, Noble, Hamilton, Stabler, Collis, Armer None L-69-3 & V-69-12 APPLICATION FOR A LOT SPLIT ANO VARIANCE BY BARBARA A. TOWERS, agent, from Section 1224 (2)(a) of City Zoning Ordinance N.s. 154, as amended, as applied to westerly 97.08 feet of lots 15 and 16 of Angela Heights Tract, known as 1138 to 1140 Seventeenth Street, in an R-2, two-family zone, in order to redivide the parcel into two lots having lot areas of 3981 square feet instead of the 4000 square feet required by Ordi~ance. The Planning Director explained to the Coronlssion that a similar request was granted In 1965 to Hrs. Towers' aunt, who owned the property at that time. In granting the request in 1965, the Commission had stipulated that a JO-foot setback be required and that the central building be removed. The bulld(ngs on the property were never removed.and the per- mit was extended in 1966 and again in 1997. Since the granting of the last extension, Hrs. Savage, the aunt, has died and Hrs. Towers, the executor of the estate, wishes to divide the lots in order to build two duplexes on the lots. The Planning Director further stated that if the Commission wishes to approve the request, that In his opinion, it appeared to satisfy all the required considerations for granting of a var lance. Public hearing opened at 8:18 p.m. Hrs. Barbara Towers, applicant, stated that her reason for applying for the ·variance was so she could have two par.eels fronting on 17th Street. As it now stands, the back of her two lots is land-locked. In 1953, her aunt sold the northeast 53 feet of both lots, so she lost street front­ age on Golden Avenue. She stated she wished to be able to build two units on each lot. -, Planning Conmission Minutes Page 3 Hay 19, 1969 Kr. Leon Theroux, 1723 Golden Avenue, Hermosa Beach, wished to speak against the request. He stated that the problem with ingress and egress on 17th Street was a very serious one. He said there are presently about 20 homes on 17th Street and Golden Avenue which use 17th Street. He stated that all these lots are R-2, but most are developed with only one unit. If and when these lots are developed with two units, the problem with ingress and egress on 17th Street will become even more serious. He stated that 17th Street is only 25-feet wide and should be.zoned for parking on one side only. He also mentioned that the school children use 17th Street to get to and from school. He stated he was not particularly in favor of the lot split, but was more concerned about the parking problem. The request, he felt, was not to change two R-2 lots into four R-2 lots, but to change them into six R-2 1ots. In answer to a query regarding lot sp1it proceedures, the Planning Director read Section 1224 (2)(a) to Mr. Theroux, explaining the ordinance requirements frcm which the variance was sought. Comm. Noble told Hr. Theroux that it would be wise to direct a letter to the City Manager asking that some action be taken regarding 17th Street -its width and parking problems. Hr. Theroux stated that his reason for being against this request was that it would make an obnoxious problem unbearable. These proposed four units will pro~ably mean 8 cars to add to the congestion. Steven Gillespie, 323 Monterey Boulevard, Hermosa Beach, stated he could see no relationship or connection between parking problems and the requested var i a nee. Hr. Theroux answered by asking what is it going to be like with 8 more cars on an already congested street. Hrs. Theroux, 1723 Golden Avenue, Hermosa Beach, stated that school children have no sidewalk and 17th Street is narrow -only 25-feet wide. Hr. Alvin Schwab, 1714 Golden Avenue, Hermosa Beach, stated that this lot split is really the splitting of the remainder to two R-2 lots. Comm. Armer stated that it was really a lot line realignment not a lot split creating two new Jots. This is to make both lots face onto 17th Street. COlllll. Nob1e stated that the Comission 1 s duty was to analyze density. Cormi. Armer asked Hr. Schwab if he was protesting the lot split; Mr. Schwab answered that he felt just as Hr. Theroux did. He stated he believed a lot split would enhance the area, but he was concerned over traffic problems. Public hearing closed at 8:37 p.m. Corim. Col 1 is stated he felt that the appl I cation was in order and met the present ordinance req u i rements for J and-area per dwe 11 i ng unit re· quirements. · It is almost 1/3 of the area more than required. Planning Conmission Minutes Page 4 May 19, 1969 The Planning Director stated that the applicant could now build two duplexes, one behind the other. Conrn. Collis stated that the applicant will have more land than minimum R-2 lots elsewhere so there will be more adequate open space. He recomnended approval of the application. Comm. Stabler wished to know what the front-yard setback was in this area. The Planning Director stated that a 5-foot setback was required; however, the previous request had been granted with ·the condition that a JO-foot setback be required. COOllt. Armer stated that he had discussed with the neighbor to the west the proposed lot split and variance. Coom. Armer was very interested in the quality of the buildings to be built on the vacant property in question. He stated that he would 1 ike to know what was to be built before deciding on the Jot split . Comm. Noble and Conm. Reeves both agreed that the buildings themselves were not the issue at this time. Hotion was made by Comm. Reeves, seconded by Comm. Collis, to grant the request for a variance and lot split to Barbara A. Towers. Motion passed as follo.-1s: AYES: Conm. Reeves, Noble, Hamilton, Stabler, Collis, Armer NOES: None Motton to adopt Resolution P.C. 154•722 was made by Comm. Coll is, seconded by Comm. Reeves. Resolution would be to grant Lot Split 69•3 and Variance 69-12. That the lot split and variance be subject to the condition that the front-yard setback be 10 feet along 17th Street. Reason for granting lot split and variance is that this Conrnlssion finds that the request meets the conditions as set forth in the Zoning Ordinance for granting a variance; and that the land-are requirements are more than the minimum required for two units in the R-2 area; and this request is no way injurious to the health, safety, and welfare of surrounding properties. Also the density of the area of the ·1ots will be ·1 du/per 1990 square feet or 22 dwelling units per acre and this wlll be in general conformance with the General Plan. The applicant can provide adequate, covered off-street parking. The lot split is primarily a realignment, not a lot split. The 1ot width is much more usab1e than the minimum 1ot width of 40 feet. Motion carried as fo11CMs: AYES: NOES: v-69-13 Conm. Reeves, Noble, Hamilton. Stabler, Collis, Armer None APPLICATION FOR A VARIANCE BY T. RICHARD WILLIS from provisions of Sec­ tions 400 and 1302 of the City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, as amended, as applied to Jot 2 of block 22, Hermosa Beach Tract, known as 2108 Strand, in order to make an addition to a non-conforming building, attaching an existing garage apartment to the main building and thereby changing into a duplex; one single•famlly dwelling per lot being permitted in this R•I • single-family zone. Planning Conmlssion Minutes Page 5 Hay 19, 1969 The Planning Director stated that there had been no written conmunica• tions from property owners. He said that he had met with the City Attorney and both had agreed that this application does not rneet the requirements for a variance as shown in Zoning Ordinance. Approximately one half of the Jots along the Strand have two units on them. There have been no variances to expand non·conformin9 uses in thts area. If the property in this area is impooperly zoned, then a zone amendment would be the proper request, not a variance. Perhaps rezoning of property south of 22nd Street should be asked for. C01m1. Reeves stated that properties facing onto the Strand from 18th Street to Manhattan Beach boundaries are zoned R-1. This includes about 40 residences, 20 of which are probably non-conforming. If granted, this variance would still leave the property non-conformJng. Public hearing opened at 9:02 p.m. T. Richard Willis, 2108 Strand, Hermosa Beac:h, stated that he had a two­ bedroom room above his garage and would like to add on In order to join the houses. In this way he will improve his rental and thereby get a more desirable tenant. Parking will be the same as before -2 spaces. Planning Director stated that the land coverage would be about 75 percent. Hr. Willis stated that he was on the Hermosa Beach Improvement Comnission and would like to improve his own property. William E. Vasic, Mr. Willis' tenant. appeared to s,eak in favor of the request. He stated that there Is a major improvement going on in the block. Construction will be conforming with that of the property between 21st and 22nd Streets. He stated that this imp~ovement will improve the City. Steven Gillespie, 323 Monterey Boulevard, Hermosa Beach, wished to knCM if the Commission was looking at this matter from a density or beautifi­ cation standpoint. Coom. Armer stated that at the moment the Coomission was looking at density. Cormi. Collis wished to know if there would be any open space because the buildings would be so near to each other. Hr. Witl is stated that there would be a balcony on the north side of the house. Comm. Armer wished to knON if it would be possible to construct an open parking stall. Kr. Willis stated he could not do this because his building was too old, and there would not be enough room for a parking stall. Corrm. Noble asked the applicant hON he felt the neighboring property owners would react to a change of zone. Mr. Willis stated that he would take the necessary papers around to the neighbors to get their reaction to a change of zone. Public hearing closed at 9:15 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 Hay 19, 1969 conm. Reeves stated that he believed that only logical course to pursue is to rezone the property from 18th Street to 22nd Street to R-2. This should include Strand properties only. Comm. Noble stated that he would be willing to continue the request in order to allow the applicant to develop a petition to take to Strand property ONners between 18th Street and 22nd Street. Comm. Noble also pointed out to Hr. Will is that many ·.people have the false notion that just because a lot has two ·units on it, it is R-2. In many cases this is not the case. many are non-conforming uses. Motion was made by Corrwn. Reeves, seconded by Conm. Noble, to continue this matter for another 30 days, until June 16, 1969 meeting. During this time the Planning Director Is requested to submit a study on all non-conforming structures between 1 ~.th and 22nd Streets. Motion carried as fol lows: • AVES: NOES: Convn. Reeves, Noble, Hamilton, Stabler, Collis, Armer None DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS CONCERNING R-2 USES AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS .. Conm. Noble stated that he would like to start a discussion such as this at about 7:30 p.m. some evening, and not at thfs late hour after public hearings. He suggested that the COR111isslon wait ·until the Board of Zoning Adjustments is set up. Comm. Stabler wished to know if the Planning Director felt that the earlv morning committee meetings were beneficial. The Planning Director stated that he believed they were very beneficial. Comm. Stabler recom­ mended more cormtittee meetings. Motion made by C'onm. Noble, seconded by COf1WII. Reeves, to postpone ask­ ing for action on items 5 and 6 until 30 days from this meeting, or June 16, 1969. Motion carried as fol lows: AYES: NOES: Comm. Reeves, Noble, Hamilton, Stabler, Collis, Armer None PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSJOER RESOLUTION P.C. 154-713, repealing Section 1305 of City Zoning Ordinance, as amended, regarding abatement periods for non-conforming uses. The Planning Director stated that the City had not demonstrated any particular hurry to do away with Its three non-conforming uses. This ordinance change would mean that there would be no time-period for abate­ ment of these uses. He stated that the only real connercial non-con­ forming uses in the City are a market on Monterey Boulevard, a gas station on Hermosa Avenue, and a real estate office on north Manhattan Avenue. Planning Co1m1ission Minutes Page 7 Hay 19, 1969 The Planning Director agreed to direct a letter to the City Manager with a carbon copy to the Building Director concerning the gas station which has s i nee been abandoned and n<M houses o Id ab·andoned vehicles. Public hearing opened at 9:45 p.m. Hr. Gillespie stated that the gas station situation is really terrible. Cars are parked there all the time, and people are 1 iving in them. It is becoming a very undesirable area which would be dangerous to residents. Public hearing closed at 9:46 p.m. Motion made by Conm. Noble, seconded by Conm. Collis, to direct the Planning Director to submit Resolution P.C. 154-713 to the City Council, concerning repealing abatement period of non-conforming uses, for adoption. Motion carried as follows: AYES: NOES: Convn. Reeves, Noble, Hamilton, Stabler, Coll is, Armer None PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF A PRECISE PLAN FOR THE WIDEN­ ING OF SECOND STREET BENEEN PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY AND THE A.T, & S.F. Railroad right of way from its existing 40-foot width to a SO-foot width ; and to reduce the required front yard from 10 feet to 5 feet on said widened street. (P.C. 154-701) The Planning Director shDtied the Coornission the map prepared by the Public Works Director. He stated that the Public Works Director be­ lieves it will be at 1east JO years before 2nd Street can be widened. Herondo Street will carry most of the through traffic which this Street nCM carries. The Planning Director stated that the Planning Commission should recoomend to the City Council that they adopt this map to es• tablish the plan for future widening of 2nd Street. Public hearing opened at 9:54 p.m. Hr. Birk, 1217 2nd Street, Hermosa Beach, appeared and stated that as it will be 10 years before this Street is scheduled to be widened, he would have very little to say on the matter. He did say he did ·not believe and approve of one or two block Improvements. If you are going to widen the street, do it from the Strand up, not just one or two blocks. Public hearing closed at 9:56 p.m. Motion made by Convn. Stabler, seconded by C011¥1l. Noble, to adopt Resolu­ tion P.C. 154-723, precise plan for widening of 2nd Street, as presented in the City Engineers' drawings entitled, .. 2nd Street .. Valley Odve to Pacifi~ Coast Highway"-and reduce the setback from 10 feet to 5 feet along said widened street. Motion carried as follows: AYES: NOES: Conrn. Reeves, Noble, Hamilton, Stabler, Collis, Armer None Planning CorMlission Minutes Page 8 May 19, 1969 PROPOSED RESOLUTION OF SOUTHWEST AREA PLANNING COUNCIL endorsing a joint study of future County hlghway needs by the State DivisJon of Highways, the Los Angeles County Road Department, Los Angeles County Regi'onal Planning COl'mlission and the cities of the Southwest Area. The Planning Director explained that the County is willing to do a traffic study at no cost to the City. Host of the other cities in this area have already adopted resoluttons asking for this study. As there should be a solid front between all cities, this City should join with surrounding ones to support this study. Hotion made by Conm. Reeves, seconded by Com,. Stabler, to adopt Resolution P.C. 154·724, adopting the Resolution of the Southwest Area Planning Council. Motion carried as foll<Ms: AYES: C011Jn. Reeves, Noble, Hamilton, Stabler, Collis, Armer NOES: None MEETING OF THE SOUTHWEST AREA PLANNING COUNCIL ON FRIDAY, HAY 23, 1969, hosted by City of Hermosa Beach. The Planning Director explained that Hr. Fitzgerald will be the speaker at the luncheon hosted by this City. He asked If any of the COJTJ11issioners would be able to attend. Comm. Hamilton stated he would like to attend. A RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THAT ORDINANCE N.s. 154, as amended, be further amended adding Section 1226. It was agreed by Comm. Noble and Comm. Collis to adopt Resolution of Intention P.C. 154-725 tQ hold a public hearing set for June 2, 1969. Conmissioners all agreed on June 2nd hearing. A RESOLUTION TO INITIATE A CHANGE OF LAND-USE ZONE FROM R·P TOR-P WITH C-2 potential on property located between Prospect Avenue and Harper Avenue, Artesia Boulevard and 24th Street. Coinn. NobJe & Conn. Coll is recommended to the Coornission that this item be put on the agenda for the June 16th meeting. Co11¥11issioners all agreed on June 16, 1969 for this public hearing. Con.n. Reeves recommended that the minutes from Aprfl 21, 1969, be con­ tinued until Chairman Boice has a chance to comment on them. They will be continued until the next regular meeting. KEETING ADJOURNED at 10:15 p.m.