HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-12-05 PC Minutes Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF THE CITY OF
HERMOSA BEACH HELD ON DECEMBER 5, 2001, AT 7:00 P.M. AT THE HERMOSA
VALLEY SCHOOL, MULTI -PURPOSE ROOM
The meeting was called to order by Vice -Chair Pizer at 7:00 p.m.
Commissioner Kersenboom led the pledge of allegiance.
Roll Call
Present: Commissioners Hoffman, Tucker, Kersenboom, and Vice -Chair Pizer
Absent: Chairman Perrotti
Also Present:, Sol Blumenfeld, Community Development Director
Michael Schubach, City Planner
Bob Goldin, Project Manager, City of Hermosa Beach
Diane Cleary, Recording Secretary
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION by Commissioner Hoffman, seconded by Commissioner Tucker, to APPROVE the
November 20, 2001 Planning Commission minutes. Hearing no objections, Vice -Chair Pizer so
ordered.
MOTION by Commissioner Hoffman, seconded by Commissioner Tucker, to APPROVE
Resolutions P.C. 01-36. Hearing no objections, Vice -Chair Pizer so ordered.
5. Item(s) for consideration
Director Blumenfeld referred to Resolution P.C. 01-32 and suggested that this item be continued
and heard when Chairman Perrotti is present. He also said that the Commission received a
supplemental memo from PCR stating that the proposed umbrellas will be consistent with
previously approved materials and color scheme and will not affect the historical or architectural
significance of the building.
MOTION by Commissioner Hoffman, seconded by Commissioner Kersenboom, to APPROVE
Resolutions P.C. 01-32.
AYES: Hoffman, Tucker, Kersenboom, Vice -Chair Pizer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Perrotti
ABSTAIN: None
6. ORAL/WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None,
P.C. Minutes 12-05-01
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. PDP 01-10 — PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PLANIPRECISE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
NO. 01-10 AND FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT, TO ALLOW
TYCOM NETWORKS INC. TO INSTALL TWO UNDERGROUND FIBER OPTIC
CABLES, EACH WITH SELF-CONTAINED POWER, ONTO THE
CONTINENTAL SHELF AND LANDING AT TWO BEACH LOCATIONS WITHIN
THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH (A NORTH LANDING AT LONGFELLOW
AVENUE AND A SOUTH LANDING AT 2ND STREET) WITH UNDERGROUND
CABLE CONNECTIONS LOCATED IN PUBLIC PROPERTY TO A CABLE
STATION IN REDONDO BEACH (CONTINUED FROM NOVEMBER 20, 2001
MEETING).
Staff Recommended Action: To recommend approval of said request.
Director Blumenfeld gave a staff report and pointed out that tonight after taking testimony and
considering the project, if the Commission decides to recommend approval, there will be several
Resolutions for consideration for the project development permits and all the environmental
considerations.
Bob Goldin, Project Manager, gave an overview of the recent changes proposed by TyCom and
said that the Longfellow Avenue landing site has been eliminated. Also, TyCom has chosen to do a
direct burial method for installation for the beach portion which reduces the timeframe from the
original proposal down to 7 to 10 days. He also stated that the Environmental Impact Report does
conclude that the all of the impacts have been reduced and mitigated to a level of insignificance
with the exception of air quality which will require a statement of overriding considerations. He
reviewed the following changes:
Condition No. 75 — Revised to require mitigation for air quality out to three nautical miles only.
Condition No. 33 —Eliminated.
Condition No. 117 — Added, which will make TyCom responsible for restoring all the work within
the streets in a manner and time approved by the Public Works Department.
He said the applicant does concur with all the Conditions of Approval including all new ones. He
requested that the Commission approve the Mitigation Monitoring Program and eliminate all
disparities that now exist and to match the Conditions of Approval. He stated that the project as
conditioned protects the City, the environment and allows TyCom to proceed with their project
based on these requirements. He said that the City Council will be meeting to discuss the terms
associated with the lease agreement. He indicated that the Planning Commission is to look at the
lease ensuring that it is consistent with the City's General Plan. He further said that no letters of
opposition have been received since the last meeting and staff recommends approval.
2 P.C. Minutes 12-05-01
Chris Brungardt, Project Manager, Brungardt Honomichl & Company, stated that the Longfellow
landing has been eliminated in response to public and agency input. From a technical standpoint
landing both cables is very similar to landing just one cable at one point, with the same staging area
size and the same trench depth being used. It will take slightly longer, however, to complete the
operation at approximately 7 to 10 days. Also, only one ground bed will be used. Off shore with
the cables in the water, the cables will be separated by a dimension of one times the water depth.
From a terrestrial standpoint, the work on land beyond the beach will be exactly the same as for the
2nd Street landing. He said that they expect to begin work this spring. He further indicated that they
agree with the condition to remove the cable beyond the pier when it needs to be retired and beyond
that, application to the appropriate agencies will be made for the removal. TyCom concurs with the
conditions presented tonight.
Jim Janes, Ecology and Environment, stated that they evaluated the project as proposed by TyCom,,
identified feasible mitigation and potentially significant impacts and evaluated and assessed feasible
alternatives such as a direct landing method and a single cable landing at 2nd Street. He reviewed
comments received such as request for additional information and analysis, clarifications,
corrections and objections to the proposed project. He stated that any revisions to the draft
Environmental Impact Report were reported in the final Environmental Impact Report. He also
noted that a supplemental environmental analysis was prepared. He said that they have determined
that the current proposal was adequately addressed in the draft Environmental Impact Report under
Alternatives 5 and 7 and that no additional significant impacts would result. Also, all impacts have
been reduced to a less than significant level with a statement of overriding considerations required
for air quality impacts. He said TyCom has agreed to mitigate impacts for air emission inside the
three nautical miles limit but not beyond. He further said that the Mitigation Monitoring Plan has
been prepared, taking all of the mitigation measures identified and agreed to by TyCom. He
indicated that TyCom is responsible for implementing all of the mitigation measures and the City is
responsible for making sure that this happens. Most of the mitigation measures will be
implemented during the construction phase of the project which will be taken on directly by the
City. In summary, the project currently proposed by TyCom has been adequately assessed in the
documents that were provided and the supplemental analysis provides the assessment and
documentation.
In response to Commissioner Hoffman, Mr. Brungardt stated that the duration of air quality impacts
within three miles would be a couple of weeks.
In response to Vice -Chair Pizer, Director Blumenfeld said that the City will solicit proposals to
qualified firms to assist with the overall mitigation monitoring plans with the cost paid by the
applicant. All of the environmental monitoring costs required by the City would be paid for by the
applicant for the term of the contract.
In response to Vice -Chair Pizer, Mr. Brungardt explained that the cables will be buried as deep as
possible, 2 meters in the surf zone. He said that the cables are flexible enough where it will
continue to bury itself over time, and as the sand shifts, it liquifies somewhat, allowing the cable to
settle further. He also said the cable could become exposed for a storm event, but unlikely on the
beach. However, it would settle to the current grade and then fill again. It is proposed that if the
cable becomes exposed, TyCom will come back and rebury it if necessary.
3 P.C. Minutes 12-05-01
In response to Commissioner Hoffman, Mr. Brungardt said that the top of the ground bed would be
at least 10 feet to the top.
Manager Goldin explained that through the terms of the agreement, provisions have been made to
ensure that TyCom is obligated to pay for exposure costs if exposure occurs. They will also
monitor the sand migration over the next few years.
In response to Vice -Chair Pizer, Director Goldin said that through the conditions, there is extensive
public notification in advance to the construction.
Director Blumenfeld further explained that the applicant will be required as one of the mitigation
measures to submit a construction operation plan.
In response to Vice -Chair Pizer, Director Blumenfeld stated that there is discussion concerning an
adjustment factor in the contract.
Vice -Chair Pizer opened the public hearing.
Barbara Elmand questioned the public notice process, air quality impacts during the two -week
period, and revenue received by the City. She further asked why Longfellow was chosen to be
removed for cable installation rather than 2°d Street.
Director Blumenfeld said that the pollution impacts would be a short-term effect. Also, the TyCom
is currently negotiating a lease agreement for use of City owned property which will have to be
approved in order for the project to move forward. This will be heard at City Council.
Manager Goldin explained the public notification process and also explained that TyCom's
switching station is at 811 Catalina, Redondo Beech, and the end, Street landing would be the logical
place for cable placement to minimize construction the City.
Rich Walter clarified that TyCom has agreed to implement mitigation for the terrestrial emission
and the offshore emissions out to three nautical miles offshore.
Manager Goldin also explained that this project after completed will be similar to a cable TV or
telephone line going into the streets, and there will be no impacts such as noise, traffic, etc. with no
safety impacts.
Ruth Lloyd questioned the benefits to the City with this project.
Manager Goldin said that the City will receive compensation for the use of the underground land.
The cable would be a carrier's carrier and will buy capacity on the cable system and allow users to
have better access to the transpacific loop.
Jane Dixon asked about the environmental impacts.
4 P.C. Minutes 12-05-01
Manager Goldin explained that there will be three segments, the marine segment lasting
approximately 12 to 24 days, the beach segment lasting 7 to 10 days and then 2nd Street would be
approximately a two to three-week process. The entire project should take approximately two
months, and after completion, there would be no outstanding environmental impacts. He also said
there would be no out-of-pocket expenses for the City in monitoring all programs during
construction. After construction, there would be no need for further monitoring.
In response to Ms. Dixon, Director Blumenfeld explained that the lease terms include a one-time
entry license fee and in addition, there would be an annual payment which would run with the term
of the lease. He also said since the lease is still being negotiated, it is unsure if there will be an exit
payment or release clause but with respect to retirement, at the termination of the lease term, the
applicant will be required to remove the cable to a depth of about 15 meters or a distance of about
the end of the pier. Also, a condition is being considered where the City would have an opportunity
to comment on assigning of the lease. He also said there is currently no cost/benefit analysis,
however, the financial benefits of the lease agreement will be considered at the Council hearing.
In response to Jeanna Deressa, Manager Goldin explained that the cable would be for Internet
service and voice transmission via fiberoptic cables with no emissions.
Jerry Compton asked how much disruption would be involved in the seabed with the trenching at
the beach line as it runs through the surf line.
Mr. Brungardt explained that the cable will be installed through the surf zone with the use of a
jetting method to liquify the sand with one or two passes. With proper moisture when back filling
the trench, it will stay compacted.
In response to Commissioner Tucker, Mr. Brungardt said that the work will be performed during the
low sand time in the surf zone. He also said that the work will be plotted with Dig Alert and USA.
Vice -Chair Pizer closed the public hearing.
In response to Commissioner Tucker, Mr. Brungardt said that they will need a trench across of the
ground beds to connect together and bring them back into the trench that goes to the beach manhole.
The fence was not shown because it will only be needed for a day or two. He also said that they
have to be at least 150 feet from any other grounded or steel structure. Also the third staging area
would be in Redondo Beach. He also said fuel will not be stored, and mobile fuel will be brought in
a designated area and properly contained.
In response to Commissioner Tucker, Director Blumenfeld stated that many of the requirements are
incorporated in the EIR and resolution as general Public Works conditions and that when issuing an
encroachment permit the applicant will be required to bond for improvements in the street.
In response to Commissioner Tucker, Mr. Brungardt said that they don't expect to need night work,
however, they would like the ability for night work during the pulling of cables to shore, since this
operation needs to be completed once it is started and night work may be necessary.
P.C. Minutes 12-05-01
In response to Commissioner Tucker, Manager Goldin said that TyCom would be obligated to
notify the public of any night work.
In response to Commissioner Tucker, Mr. Brungardt said there may be survey targets set up for
when the ship comes in but only during construction.
In response to Commissioner Tucker, Director Blumenfeld said that the funds will be allocated from
the license fee amount and the annual payments to beach -related improvements.
Commissioner Hoffman expressed concern with the project extending into the summer months and
questioned the benefits to the City, which the City Council will address.
Commissioner Pizer expressed approval of the project and believed that one landing site makes
more sense and makes the project much simpler.
MOTION by Commissioner Hoffman, seconded by Commissioner Kersenboom to
RECOMMEND that the City Council approve the Planned Development Permit/Precise
Development Plan No. 01-10 subject to conditions in the attached Resolution.
AYES:
Hoffman, Tucker, Kersenboom, Vice -Chair Pizer
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
Chairman Perrotti
ABSTAIN:
None
MOTION by Commissioner Hoffman, seconded by Commissioner Kersenboom to
RECOMMEND that the City Council direct staff to modify the Mitigation Monitoring Program to
reflect a single landing at Second Street utilizing a direct burial.
AYES: Hoffman, Tucker, Kersenboom, Vice -Chair Pizer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chairman Perrotti
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION by Commissioner Hoffman, seconded by Commissioner Kersenboom to
RECOMMEND that the City Council certify the Final Environmental Impact Report, including a
Mitigation Monitoring Program, Findings and Facts in Support of findings and adopting a
Statement of Overriding Considerations relating to air quality.
AYES: Hoffman, Tucker, Kersenboom, Vice -Chair Pizer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chairman Perrotti
ABSTAIN: None
6 P.C. Minutes 12-05-01
MOTION by Commissioner Hoffman, seconded by Commissioner Kersenboom to
RECOMMEND that the City Council find that the lease agreement is consistent with the General
Plan.
AYES: Hoffman, Tucker, Kersenboom, Vice -Chair Pizer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chairman Perrotti
ABSTAIN: None
The Commission took a break at 8:30 p.m.
The Commission reconvened at 8:40 p.m.
8. VAR 01-3 — VARIANCE TO PARKING AND SETBACK REQUIREMENTS TO
ALLOW A 750 SQUARE FOOT SECOND STORY ADDITION TO A DWELLING
WITH ONE PARKING SPACE AND A LESS THAN THREE FOOT SIDE YARD
SETBACK AT 55 5TH COURT (CONTINUED FROM OCTOBER 16 AND NOVEMBER
20, 2001 MEETINGS).
Staff Recommended Action: To direct staff as deemed appropriate.
City Planner Schubach gave a staff report and said that the side yards are smaller and the rear yard
is slightly larger than what is shown on the plan, and open space is still non -conforming. The
applicant is asking to expand larger than the 250 square feet normally allowed which will require a
Variance. He further reviewed the four findings needed to grant a Variance.
Vice -Chair Pizer opened the public hearing.
Jack Wood said a Variance is needed to allow for a single garage. He said that the remodel would
be modest and affordable. The only other option would be to tear the house down which would be
quite costly. He believed that the findings could be made due to the lot being very small, and the
building being built with no parking space and too close to the front and sides.
In response to Commissioner Tucker, Mr. Wood believed that the home was built in the 1950's with
the illegal subdivision occurring in 1953 or 1954. However prior to 1953, the records are not clear.
Nancy Winters, applicant, said she bought the home in 1993 and would love a place to park her car
at her house. She said she often works late and has to drive around for ten minutes, ending up five
blocks away.
Jerry Compton said that 250 square feet is allowed to be added with no penalty for a garage. He
said the lot is very small which needs a Variance.
Vice -Chair Pizer closed the public hearing.
7 P.C. Minutes 12-05-01
Commissioner Tucker believed that the lot is unusual, the applicant has a right to a garage and the
home is not out of scale with the neighborhood. He expressed approval for a Variance.
Commissioner Kersenboom noted that the home will only be two -stories and will not tower over
any of the neighbors.
Commissioner Hoffman said that the Commission is bound by law to make findings, and he said he
cannot make finding No. 2.
Vice -Chair Pizer said he can make the findings, since the home will fit in with the neighborhood
and no curb cuts will be created.
Director Blumenfeld reviewed the four variance findings for Commissioner consideration.
MOTION by Commissioner Kersenboom, seconded by Commissioner Tucker to APPROVE
VAR 01-3 — Variance to parking and setback requirements to allow a 750 square foot second story
addition to a dwelling with one parking space and a less than three foot side yard setback at 55 5'h
Court.
AYES: Tucker, Kersenboom, Vice -Chair Pizer
NOES: Hoffman
ABSENT: Chairman Perrotti
ABSTAIN: None
9. CON 01-14/PDP 01-17 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, PRECISE
DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO.26483
FOR A TWO -UNIT CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION PROJECT AT 1015 & 1017
17TH STREET (CONTINUED FROM OCTOBER 16 AND NOVEMBER 20, 2001
MEETINGS).
Staff Recommended Action: To direct staff as deemed appropriate.
City Planner Schubach gave a staff report and reviewed the following alternative recommendations:
1. To deny the project as submitted because it does not conform to the Condominium
Conversion Ordinance.
2. To approve the project subject to reducing the building height of the rear unit to conform to
the Condominium Conversion Ordinance.
He stated that staff believed that the lot has a convex slope, however, the rear unit still is above
height. He said that the applicant believes that the front of the lot had been graded lower, causing
the project to be slightly over -height. However, staff could not find any data in the file confirming
that this is correct.
Vice -Chair Pizer opened the public hearing.
8 P.C. Minutes 12-05-01
Elizabeth Srour, representing the applicant, stated that their goal is to provide two owner -occupied
homes on the property. The neighborhood is primarily owner occupied, and the proposal would be
very complimentary to the surrounding neighborhood and would be beneficial to the City. In the
conversion process, the Code addresses issues which have been provided to the staff. Also, this
development proposal incorporates designs and amenities. Each unit enjoys equal use of the
property� 1 p g, p p° greatly requirements. The
such as open space, parking, and. the open ace reatl exceeds �'
rear 45 feet of the lot is undeveloped. Also, because of the driveway configuration, there is plenty
of room for additional parking when the need arises. The property is adjacent to a condominium
project built several years ago, and there is a shared driveway easement between the two properties,
which would benefit both properties.
She believed that there is a third alternative which is to approve this application based on the record
contained within the City files related to the design and construction of this building as well as the
survey. She noted that the information available to the City today does not contain all of the
information required in a condominium development today. This project was built per Code at the
time in 1981 with plans with elevations and survey of record and inspected by City staff and it was
determined that the building did comply with the 30-foot height limit at that time. Taking today's
methodology for evaluating the height using the numbers on the plans, the buildings do comply
with the height. She also believed that the sidewalk was cut into the grade, accounting for lower
grade points on the front portion of the property, She presented a photograph which depicts that the
natural grade to the property to the east continues all the way to the curb and has altered the natural
topography. She believed that this conversion is appropriate for the site, and she asked that the
City's records be accepted which were appropriate, thorough and complete at the time.
Michael Roughen, applicant, said that this project is appropriate for a conversion since it conforms
with the existing neighborhood and said when he purchased the property, he accepted the City's
records when it was constructed which were accurate. The project will give two more homeowners
three -bedroom units with an ocean view and more affordable housing.
Vice -Chair Pizer closed the public hearing.
Director Blumenfeld explained that the conversion section of the Condominium Ordinance is
lengthy and said that there is not enough information to know if this project will conform to the City
Codes with respect to height. Also, there is not good evidence as to how the height was measured
in the 80s. He suggested working with the applicant/architect to see if the adjacent property
provides evidence to act on this request that would substantiate the applicant's claim.
Vice -Chair Pizer reopened the public hearing.
Robert Treman stated he has the survey for the adjacent property, however, with the shared
driveway, both of the driveways at some point in time were cut into the natural slope of the
property. The existing buildings do not exceed 30 feet in height at any point. He also believed that
it would be an eyesore to drop one of the buildings down by 6 inches to satisfy the requirements.
Mr. Roughen said there are elevations on the plot plan that were in the approved set of plans
applying the numbers to the current methodology complying to the 30-foot height limit today.
9 P.C. Minutes 12-05-01
Vice -Chair Pizer closed the public hearing.
Vice -Chair Pizer said that the evidence is the City's records and the buildings were inspected and
built in 1981 and complied.
Director Blumenfeld said that the project will have to conform to all of the requirements under the
Building Code and Zoning Ordinance, including the height issue.
MOTION by Commissioner Kersenboom, seconded by Commissioner Hoffman, to APPROVE
CON 01-14/PDP 01-17 -- Conditional Use Permit, Precise Development. Plan and Vesting Tentative
Parcel Map No. 26483 for a two -unit condominium conversion project at 1,015 & 1017 17' Street.
AYES: Hoffman, Tucker, Kersenboom, Vice -Chair Pizer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chairman Perrotti
ABSTAIN: None
10. CUP 01-6 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW ON -SALE ALCOHOL IN
THE GUEST ROOMS (MINI -BARS) AND IN THE BANQUET ROOMS IN
CONJUNCTION WITH EVENTS FOR HOTEL GUESTS AT THE BEACH HOUSE
HOTEL AT 1300 THE STRAND.
Staff Recommended Action: To approve said request.
Director Blumenfeld gave a staff report and reviewed the request. He said a special license is
required by ABC with strict limitations for alcohol sales which would be reflected in the conditions.
The applicant would dispense alcohol in sealed containers in mini -bars in the guest rooms and for
catered events, and would serve alcohol in conjunction with the use of the banquet facilities and
meeting rooms. All alcohol would be billable to hotel guests. Staff believes that with the
conditions in the attached Resolution that the project CUP should be approved.
Vice -Chair Pizer opened the public hearing.
Kevin McCarthy, General Manager, stated that this opportunity would allow him to provide an
additional service to the guests. He also said that this service has been requested by the guests. He
noted that the request would only enhance their revenues by 5 percent. Also, the guests would pay
for this themselves and would be paid on checkout, and the refrigeration and locked cabinets are
already in place.
Vice -Chair Pizer closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Hoffman expressed approval for the request.
In response to Commissioner Tucker, Director Blumenfeld said this would be a permit to allow sale
of alcohol only within the guest rooms and banquet rooms.
10 P.C. Minutes 12-05-01
Vice -Chair Pizer pointed out that the alcohol would only be sold to the guests, not the general
public and is not a cash business. He expressed approval for the request.
MOTION by Commissioner Tucker, seconded by Chairman Hoffman, to APPROVE CUP 01-6 —
Conditional Use Permit to allow on -sale alcohol in the guest rooms (mini -bars) and in the banquet
rooms in conjunction with events for hotel guests at the Beach House Hotel at 1300 The Strand.
AYES: Hoffman, Tucker, Kersenboom, Vice -Chair Pizer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chairman Perrotti
ABSTAIN: None
11. NR 01-4 —REMODEL AND ADDITION TO AN EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY
DWELLING NONCONFORMING TO PARKING SETBACK AND GUEST
PARKING RESULTING IN A GREATER THAN 50% INCREASE IN VALUATION
AT 608 1ST STREET.
Staff Recommended Action: To continue to January 15, 2002 meeting.
City Planner Schubach stated that the applicant and staff are requesting a continuance to the January
15, 2002 meeting.
Vice -Chair Pizer opened the public hearing.
Vice -Chair Pizer closed the public hearing.
MOTION by Commissioner Hoffman, seconded by Commissioner Tucker, to CONTINUE NR
01-4 —Remodel and addition to an existing single family dwelling non -conforming to parking
setback and guest parking resulting in a greater than 50% increase in valuation at 608 1 Street.
AYES: Hoffman, Tucker, Kersenboom, Vice -Chair Pizer
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chairman Perrotti
ABSTAIN: None
12. TEXT 01-7 — SIGN ORDINANCE STUDY ON CURRENT PROHIBITION OF
SIDEWALK SIGNS (CONTINUED FROM SEPTEMBER 18, OCTOBER 16 AND
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 MEETINGS).
Staff Recommended Action: To forward to Public Works Commission for review and comments
before setting for public hearing.
11 P.C. Minutes 12-05-01
Director Blumenfeld gave a staff report and said that any proposed changes involving the Municipal
Code should also be referred to the Public Works Commission for review and consideration. He
further pointed out that there are many opportunities for pedestrian level signage and he reviewed
draft wording on page 3 of the staff report.
Vice -Chair Pizer opened the public hearing.
Vice -Chair Pizer closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Hoffman expressed concern with the loss of pedestrian friendly signage and
excessive use of corporate logos. He also said that the changes to the text should be addressed by
the Economic Review Committee and he believed these changes would not benefit the City.
In response to Commissioner Kersenboom, Director Blumenfeld explained that a moratorium would
be an interim ordinance, having special requirements. These changes presented tonight would be a
permanent change to the text that would amend the Sign Code and would not be a trial. He also said
he would have to investigate with the City Attorney whether a law could be put in effect on a
temporary basis.
Commissioner Tucker presented a proposed design of sidewalk signage.
In response to Director Blumenfeld, Commissioner Tucker noted that most sidewalk signs are
generally by the entry door of the business.
Vice -Chair Pizer suggested a standard design such as a round base with a pole, 18 inches maximum,
with 12-inch clearance from the ground to the beginning of the sign. Also, that a permit and review
fee be required. This signage could be done on a temporary basis if possible. He also would like
this forwarded to the Public Works Commission.
In response to Commissioner Hoffman, Director Blumenfeld said that the joint meeting with Public
Works will be held in February, and he suggested forwarding this item to discuss at that time.
MOTION by Commissioner Kersenboom, seconded by Commissioner Tucker, AGREED BY
MINUTE ORDER to table TEXT 01-7 — Sign Ordinance study on current prohibition of sidewalk
signs to the joint meeting in February with the Public Works Commission and to incorporate this
evening's discussion.
AYES: Tucker, Kersenboom, Vice -Chair Pizer
NOES: Hoffman
ABSENT: Chairman Perrotti
ABSTAIN: None
13. STAFF ITEMS
a. Memorandum regarding modification to approved plans at 228 Ardmore Avenue for a
two -unit condominium.
12 P.C. Minutes 12-05-01
Director Blumenfeld gave a staff report and said the project had gone through several revisions,
resulting in some changes relative to parking and the overall appearance of the structure. The issue
before the Commission has to do with a reconfiguration of some decks and whether or not it is a
minor modification.
Jerry Compton explained that since the project was originally designed, six condominiums units
were built next door, creating the deck to be down in a hole. He requested that the decks be raised.
The Commission AGREED BY MINUTE ORDER that the change is minor.
b. Tentative future Planning Commission agenda.
C. Community Development Department Activity Report of October, 2001.
d. City Council minutes of November 13, 2001.
14. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
The following items were recommended to be forwarded to the Public Works Department:
• Sidewalk sign issue
• Landscaping on the right-of-way
• Street tree planting
• Parking impacts as it relates to street standards
• Signage on'Pier Plaza
The Commission wished everyone Happy Holidays.
15. ADJOURNMENT
The Commission ADJOURNED the meeting at 10:10 p.m.
No objections, so ordered.
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and complete record of the action taken by the
Planning Commission of Hermosa Beach at the regularly scheduled meeting of December 5, 2001.
Ron Pizer, Vice Clair Can
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Date
Sol lluroe fl ,Secretary
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P.C. Minutes 12-05-01