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HomeMy WebLinkAbout(HIC)_(Minutes)_(March 21, 1978)MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HERMOSA IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, ON MARCH 21, 1978 AT 7:45 PM Meeting called to order by Chmn. Foreman at 7:45 PM ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Also Present: Comm. Freese, Grimshaw, Hendersen, Chmn. Foreman Comm. Fridrich (excused), Schoenfeld (excused), Marquez (unexcused) Mr. Ed Kin~, Staff APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Hendersen, to approve the minutes of March 8, 1978, with the following corrections: Page 2, 906 -3rd Street, to read: "second story addition. Proposed change is from stucco to siding at the second story level. 11 Page 2, 543 2nd Street -Minutes should reflect appearance of Mr. and Mrs. Erickson in protest to the proposed single family residence. Page 3, 1132 Hermosa Avenue, to read "a request for a custom-made . . . 11 Page 3, 1307 Bonnie Brae -should read "The addition will be color coated to match the existing structure.11 Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Grimshaw, Hendersen, Chmn. Foreman None Comm. Fridrich, Schoenfeld, Marquez SECTION II -Improvement Commission Items Meeting with City Attorney, Bud Mirassou Attorney Mirassou was first questioned by the Commission in regard to handling complaints raised by neighbors as a result of the noticing of projects. The Conmission wanted to know what authority it has with reg·ard to suggested changes that may affect floor plans and how to effectively deal with the complaints. Attorney Mirassou commented on the rights of builders as to set-backs, light, air, and view. However, structures should be planned with specific regard to the lot and the neighbors 1 livability rights. One suggestion would be a strong ordinance amendment, ie. as to window placement, etc., which could be submitted to council for review. 8istorically, ten years ago there was no power by the City to approve or disapprove projects. Environmental impact and Coastal Commission came into existence and property rights became a major concern for the quality of living. Unfortunately, designing terms such as 11 good taste11 and 11good design 11 are very ambiguous. Since 1974, values of property have increased so much that good design has been an inherent factor. Better design has thus increased value also. Mr. Miirassou indicated that Commission should take into consideration the neigh- borhood character, compatability of lifestyles and uniqueness of design. Chmn. Foreman reiterated how problems have occurred because of the noticing. Mr. Mirassou commented that as stated in the Code definitions, 11good taste and broad vistas" are very nebulous terms and should be rewritten. A high level of design should be the end goal but to change light and air would perhaps be beyond jurisdiction of the Commission. Mr. Mirassou gave an example that if a case did go to court and the developer presented any number of plans for any lot, the City's position with regard to a denial could be protected. However, if the designer and architect is a 11 Frank Lloyd Wright" a trial may be more difficult to win in defining 11 good taste 11 in design. Hermosa Improvement Committee -Minutes March 21, 1978 Page two Another poor example of wording is the lot coverage definition and screening requirements. Other possible solutions would be granting of variances with regard to decks and height limits. This greater flexibility could be very helpful to designers. Attorney Mirassou urged that the Hermosa Beach code be rewritten to more clearly define parameters for building design. Stress should be placed on the quality of living as people see and enjoy today. One of the biggest problems is treating everyone equally and by the same rulings, thus making enforcement of ordinances easier. A protective ordinance could also include front landscaping and other requirements. Commissioner Grimshaw questioned sign violations and Mr. Mirassou instructed that such violations should be reported to the City Council and staff immediately. Mr. King commented on the recent denial of a pole sign in an allowable zone. Can the commission deny a pole sign if it feels a monument or other design would be more appropriate? Mr. Mirassou stated that if the pole sign is allowed in the zone, commission .must grant such pole sign. However, the commission has authority over size and copy. Mr. King also asked what 11site11 means and how many pole signs are allowed on one 11site11 • Mr. Mirassou suggested that a better definition should be used as this is another ambiguous term. Discussion on commercial set-backs and commercial fencing on Pacific Coast Highway Last week the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment and Improvement Commission walked Pacific Coast Highway from Pier Avenue to the southern limits of the City. Purpose of this walk was to make suggestions to improve the City in this business and commercial area. Parking has been a problem and one recom- mendation will be better lighting of public parking lots and notice to passing cars of parking locations. HIC and the Planning Commission concur that there must be a better way to improve property other than chain link fencing. A good example is a car dealer who has used wrought iron railings which are lower, more decorative and also include planting and landscaping. Another area would deal with set-backs. The ordinance does not require any set-back in commercial zones. Businesses that have used a slight set-back look more attractive when landscaping i.s provided in the set-back. Commission will recommend to council al I to 51 minimum set-back for structures in commercial zones. Landscaping will also aid in lowering noise levels. Designs featuring front parking are much more functional, as the parking areas are easily visible. Mrs. Erickson commented on the area necessity for plants to flourish (5-foot min.) Mr. Wood commented on the traditional use of no set-backs and street to building paving on commercial property. There could also be difficulty enforcing main- tenance of the landscaping. Mandatory set-backs would decrease parking areas and, in Mr. Wood 1 s opinion, lessen potential corrmercial income, which could in turn lower tax collectable income by the city. Chairman Foreman commented on Brooks Electric and Vasek Polak 1 s usage of land- scaping and small usage of space. Many other businesses have landscaped on their own volition and how attractive it appears. Motion by Chairman Foreman, seconded by Commissioner Freese, for recommendation to City Council to consider a minimum set-back on all commercial property of 11 to 51 • Hermosa Improvement Committee -Minutes March 21, 1978 Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Hendersen, Grimshaw, Chmn. Foreman None Comm. Marquez, Fridrich, Schoenfeld Page three Commission held brief discussion on the street signs on Pacific Coast Highway which are poorly lighted and are in need of repair. There is also a lack of numbering on businesses. The City sign is badly in need of repair and commis- sion recommends that the sign be removed and replaced by a monument type sign. Nomination of 940 -9th Street for beautification award was made by a citizen. SECTION III 543 -2nd Street Mr. Bill Robinson, 3220 Sepulveda Boulevard, Torrance, presented plans for a single family residence. Plans feature a structure which is 61 shorter than plans previously submitted and features arch styling on the rear and side ele- vation. Buildings on 539 and 543 Second Street have completely different floor plans and side profiles. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson were present and Mr. Robinson assured that there will be siding on the upper deck to keep the privacy of the neighbors yard. Motion by Commissioner Grimshaw, seconded by Commissioner Freese to accept plans with the modification of floor plans and side elevations was agreed to by Mrs. Robinson. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Hendersen, Grimshaw, Chmn. Foreman None Comm. Marquez, Fridrich,.Schoenfeld Mr. Robinson commented on the City Attorney's earlier comments and Commission's power and current stand on design matters. The small lot size is a real prob- lem but there is quite a bit of imaginitive building. Commission will rework the ordinance and make recommendations to the City Council. 600 Pacific Coast Highway Mr. Roy Martinez, 14806 South Raymond, Gardena, presented a proposal for a metal structure which has already been approved by Planning Commission. Only visibility will be from 6th Street when gates are open. Mr. King presented the brochure on this design and color of the one story parking and storage structure. Chain link fences will be removed and replaced with slump stone and wrought iron railing. Landscaping will be provided along Pacific Coast Highway. Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Grimshaw, to approve plans. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Hendersen, Grimshaw, Chmn. Foreman None Comm. Marquez, Fridrich, Schoenfeld 2701 Pacific Coast Highway Mr. Robert Bell, and Mr. Michael Franks made request to remodel this commercial structure by enclosing existing outside pateo with glass and wood. Seating capacity would be increased and wind will no longer hamper outdoor dining. Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Hendersen, to approve plans as submitted. . .. Hermosa Improvement Committee -Minutes March 21, 1978 Ayes: Noes: Absent: 27 -7th Street Comm. Freese, Hendersen, Grimshaw, Chmn. Foreman None Comm. Marquez, Fridrich, Schoenfeld. Page four Mr. Jack Wood presented plans for a second unit in the form of a second story addition. Addition will be color coated to match existing unit. Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Hendersen to approve plans as submitted. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Hendersen, Grimshaw, Chmn. Foreman None Co11111. Marquez, Fridrich, Schoenfeld. SECTION IV -Sign Review 1128 Hermosa Avenue Ms. Yolanda Christenson, 1207 Cypress, Hermosa Beach, requested approval of existing sign, 11 Go Down 11 • Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Grimshaw to approve sign as it exists. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Hendersen, Grimshaw, Chmn. Foreman None Comm. Marquez, Fridrigh, Schoenfeld 322 Pacific Coast Highway Mr.; -Armano Perez, 4622 West 167th Street, Lawndale requested approval pf sign~ "Rosa's New Mexican Food". Calculating side and front and projecting sign, sign area exceeds the maxi.mum allowable. Comm. Freese commented on perhaps fewer signs would be more attractive. Too many signs can detract from all others. Mr. Perez said the side wall will be painted out. Mr. King commented that the applicant has stated that the sign will project no more than 36 inches. Chmn. Foreman questioned the use of so many harsh colors. Mr. Perez said he has already built the sign in his garage in the yellow and red colors. Mr. Perez was not aware that he had to have approval, however, he did appear four years ago for sign approval. Mr. Kind brought out color chips and Mr. Perez picked out the shades of yellow and red. Motion by Chmn. Foreman, seconded by Corrrn. Freese to approve projecting roof sign, subject to the changing of the colors on the existing wall sign to match the red and yellow; paint out sign on south elevation°.arid--r.emo~e···v1irid·o-w:.::sj"gns. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Hendersen, Grimshaw, Chmn. Foreman None Comm. Marquez, Fridrich, Schoenfeld SECTION V -MISCELLANEOUS Mr. Dennis Flegelman of the Hermosa Hospital presented plans for a monument sign and requests conceptual approval: at this time. This is more consistent Hermosa Improvement Committee -Minutes March 21, 1978 Page five with the requests of commission for a monument type design. Staff commented on height requirement of 10'. Proposed sign will be 15' with a top block of 9' x 5' which will require a variance if it is termed a "monument" rather than a 11pole 11 sign. Hermosa Beach Hospital logo will be illuminated. Motion by Chmn. Foreman, seconded by Comm. Henderson to approve pole concept. Copy to be considered at the April 4th meeting and project will be noticed. /tyes: Noes: Absent: Comm. Freese, Hendersen, Grimshaw, Chmn. foreman None Comm. Marquez, Fridrich, Schoenfeld. There are no communications from City Council. Memos have been submitted about Hermosa Nuevo and joint meeting with •City Council and H.I.C. STAFF REPORTS Commission was given memorandum from Mr. Rod Merl regarding identifying 11 neighborhoods 11 • Participation in the survey is requested on commission. Mr. King is also compiling a listing of all signs in the city and date of sign approval, etc. COMMISSIONERS ITEMS Chmn. Foreman suggested that letters should be sent to old businesses for rec- ognition of appearance and upkeep. Chmn. Foreman and conmission discussed changes and modifications of criteria for reviewing design applications. Motion by Comm. Freese, seconded by Comm. Henderson to adjourn the meeting at 10:50 and it was so ordered. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes were approved by the Hermosa Imporvement Commission at their regualr meeting of March 21, 1978. DATE