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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-12-03 PC Minutes Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH HELD ON DECEMBER 3, 2003, 7:00 P.M., AT THE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS The meeting was called to order by Chairman Hoffman at 7:07 P.M. Commissioner Kersenboom led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Kersenboom, Perrotti, Pizer, Chairman Hoffman Absent: None Also Present: Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director Ken Robertson, Senior Planner Denise Bothe, Recording Secretary ORALfWRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS None. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Perrotti and Chairman Hoffman noted the following changes to the Minutes: page 4, insert the No. "1" on the first line of the fourth paragraph; and page 9, second paragraph from the bottom, "...to see a final product in the C-1 zone..." MOTION by Commissioner Perrotti, seconded by Commissioner Pizer, to APPROVE the November 18, 2003, Minutes as amended. The motion carried as follows: AYES: Hoffman, Perrotti, Pizer NOES: None ABSTAIN: Kersenboom ABSENT: None MOTION by Commissioner Pizer, seconded by Commissioner Perrotti, to APPROVE Resolution P.C. 03-63, denying a requested Variance to allow a greater than 250-square-foot addition on a property containing three units with less than two parking spaces per unit at 1427 Monterey Boulevard. The motion carried as follows: AYES: Hoffman, Perrotti, Pizer NOES: None ABSTAIN: Kersenboom ABSENT: None Planning Commission Minutes December 3, 2003 6. A-14 -- Appeal of Community Development Director's decision regarding lot coverage connected with underground parking at 2420 Hermosa Avenue. Staff Recommended Action: To direct staff as deemed appropriate. Senior Planner Robertson stated that the applicant is proposing to build a new single-family home on this property; explained that the applicant is proposing to use the area below the proposed finished grade for underground parking, with access from Hermosa Avenue; noted that a new entry courtyard will be located above the proposed basement/underground garage; and explained that the issue to consider here is whether the underground parking area is considered lot coverage, which is defined as follows: "that portion of a lot covered by the area within the foundation of the main building and all accessory buildings and structures; the area covered by cantilevers projecting from a building; and the area covered by decks and stairs more than 30 inches above the grade." He stated that the proposed basement garage below the entry courtyard will not extend 30 inches above grade, but that it extends the foundation of the main building; and that, therefore, staff has determined that it must be considered as part of the coverage calculation pursuant to the above - mentioned definition. Senior Planner Robertson explained that it is arguable that this proposed basement roof and entry courtyard can be considered as not being a structure — noting that a structure is defined as anything constructed or erected which requires location on the ground or attached to something having a location on the ground. He further explained that if the proposed finished grade elevation of the basement roof is lower than the unaltered grade elevation, then it may be arguable that the area above the basement is not a structure; and stated that it is also arguable that if an area qualifies as not being a structure, it does not contribute to lot coverage and should be exempt from the lot coverage calculation. He stated that it would be helpful to consider the purpose of the lot coverage regulation in making a determination about this issue; and that if the intent of regulating lot coverage is to minimize to the visible coverage of a lot with a building, then the proposed project basement is consistent with the regulations and perhaps should not be considered as contributing to lot coverage. Director Blumenfeld pointed out that on the elevation drawing, one can see that the grade in question, south elevation, is below the finished elevation of the building, that it is well below the natural/finished grade and that it will not be visible. Chairman Hoffman stated that because this is below grade, he is comfortable in making a determination that this is not part of the main foundation of the main building; and that it is the foundation of the wall of this subterranean structure and shouldn't be counted in the lot coverage. He pointed out that this proposal is accomplishing many of the things the City is looking for, including a larger garage, less density than what is permitted in this R-2 area. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that this proposal is consistent with the ordinance and that it should be approved. 7. GP 03-1 -- General Plan update. Staff Recommended Action: To receive and file. Sandy Pfister, 903 81h Street, urged the Planning Commission to extend the hearings after the holiday season so that more people will have the time to participate. Chairman Hoffman advised that staff and members of the Planning Commission are in agreement to with scheduling the workshops after the holiday season. 2 Planning Commission Minutes December 3, 2003 Having heard the input from the audience, Chairman Hoffman asked that Agenda Item No. 6 be considered and that the Commission continue its discussion of the General Plan matter following the completion of Item No. 6. Commissioner Pizer expressed his desire for public input and participation. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that each City Commission will be personally informed of the General Plan activities and invited to participate, as well as a proactive effort to obtain the public's input and participation; and that the first workshop take place in February if possible. Commissioner Pizer requested that the General Plan subcommittee maintain its meeting date for December 17 at 3:00 P.M. and encouraged the public to attend. Ms. Pfister volunteered to serve as a member of the General Plan Subcommittee. 8. Staff Items a. Memorandum regarding rotation of the Planning Commission chairmanship (January 2004 through September 2004). As agreed by this body, Commissioner Kersenboom would commence in January 2004 as the new Chairman of the Planning Commission. 9. Commissioner Items Commissioner Perrotti highlighted a recent Daily Breeze article that indicatedthe Long Beach/South. Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects had given an award to Dean Nota and Michael Lee for their design of the Swedish Protech Autoshop located at 2'15, Street and Pacific Coast Highway; had given an award to the architect of a structure located on Bayview Drive; and had given an award to Patrick Killen for his design of a residential structure in Redondo Beach. On behalf of the Planning Commission, Chairman Hoffman wished everyone a happy holiday season. 10. Adjournment The meeting was formally adjourned at 7:39 P.M. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing Minutes are a true and complete record of the action taken by the g December 3, 2003. ���. meeting of w of Hermosa Beach at the regularlyschedule me ffSol Pe'r cman, ..ha an Blumenfeld Secretary Date Planning Commission Minutes December 3, 2003