HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution 03-6210
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P.C. RESOLUTION NO.03-62
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA
BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A VARIANCE TO ALLOW THE REQUIRED
GROUND LEVEL OPEN SPACE TO BE LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND SIDE YARD
AREAS WITH DIMENSIONS OF LESS THAN 10-FEET IN CONNECTION WITH A
PROPOSED NEW SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING AT 2340 THE STRAND LEGALLY
DESCRIBED AS LOT 7, BLOCK 24 HERMOSA BEACH TRACT
The Planning Commission does hereby resolve and order as follows:
Section 1. An application was filed by Linda Chen, owner of real property located at 2340 The
Strand, seeking a Variance from ground level open space requirement of the R-1 zone.
Section 2. The Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing to consider the
application for a Variance on October 21, 2003, at which testimony and evidence, both written and oral, was
presented to and considered by the Planning Commission
Section 3. Based on the evidence received at the public hearing, the Planning Commission makes
the following factual findings:
1. The applicant is proposing to construct a new two-story single-family dwelling with a two -
car garage with access from the alley. The specific Variance being requested is to vary from Section
17.08.030 of the Zoning Ordinance with respect to open space requirements of the R-1 zone, to allow the
required 300 square feet of ground level open space be provided within the front and side yard areas, and
to allow the open space areas to have dimensions of less than 10-feet.
2. The subject lot is located on the southeast corner of the Strand and 24 h Street, and has vehicular
access only from the 10-foot wide alley on the east (Beach Drive). The front of the lot is considered The
Strand frontage.
3. The proposed construction will otherwise comply with all requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance.
Section 4. Based on the foregoing factual findings, the Planning Commission makes the following
findings pertaining to the application for a Variance from ground level open space requirements:
1. There are exceptional circumstances relating to the property because the lot is relatively small
(2416 square feet) but is not considered a "small lot" under the R-1 development standards, as it is greater
than 2100 square feet and not within 10% of 2100 square feet. This means the lot does not qualify for the
small lot exception that allows open space to be provided on decks. Also, given the alley only access, the
open space must be located towards the front of the lot, significantly limiting the potential size of the
dwelling, especially when compared to other Strand lots. Further, these conditions diminish the potential,
common to Strand fronting properties, of a panoramic view to the west to include a southwesterly direction.
Also, the lot is located on the only two Strand fronting blocks that are zoned R-1 and located with alley
access, and thus is not afforded the exception for R-1 zoned Hermosa Avenue/Strand through lots to use the
required front yard for open space.
2. The Variance is necessary for the enjoyment of a substantial property right possessed by other
properties in the vicinity because the ability to build to a certain size and to achieve the view potential
common to Strand fronting properties is a substantial property right, which cannot be obtained with strict
adherence to the ground level open space standard, especially when considering that similar R-1 properties
to the north are allowed to use their front yards toward the open space requirement.
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3. The requested Variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to
property or improvements in the vicinity since the project complies with all other requirements of the
Zoning Code, is similar to recently approved projects on adjacent and nearby properties with respect to open
space requirements, and will therefore allow the construction of a building envelope as built on other nearby
properties.
4. The proposed Variance does not conflict with and is not detrimental to the General Plan
because The project is not unusually large or out of scale with the neighborhood, and is otherwise in
conformance with the Zoning Ordinance and the General Plan.
Section 5. The project is Categorically Exempt from the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act, pursuant to CEQA guidelines, Section 15301 e(2) with the finding that the
project is in an area with available services and not in an environmentally sensitive area.
Section 66. Based on the foregoing, the Planning Commission hereby approves the requested
Variance to ground level open space requirements, subject to the following Conditions of Approval:
1. The development and continued use of the property shall be in conformance with
submitted plans received and reviewed by the Commission at their meeting of October 21,
2003, and modified pursuant the conditions below.
a) A minimum of 300 square feet of ground level open area, clear to the sky, shall be
provided in the front and side yard are as shown on submitted plans.
b) Final plans must include a roof plan indicating property corner elevations with critical
point maximum and proposed heights identified. The roof plan must also include eave
dimensions, and clearly indicate that eaves will not encroach closer than 30" to the
property line.
c) Landscaping and other improvements proposed in the OS-0 are subject to the
requirements of the O-SO zone standards, and improvement within the encroachment
area along the Strand are subject to approval of the Public Works Department.
2.. The Variance is specifically limited to the ground level open space requirements as
specified, and applicable to the situation and circumstances that result relative to the
proposed project and is not applicable to the development of future structures or any
future expansion.
VOTE: AYES: Hoffman, Kersenboom, Perrotti, Pizer
NOES: Tucker
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution P.C. 03-62 is a true and complete record of the action taken by
the Planning Commission, City of Hermosa Beach, California, at their regular meeting of October 21,
Peter Boffinan, Ch n
Date October 21 2003