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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION HELD IN CITY COUNCIL
CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, HERMOSA BEACH, ON MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 1977, AT 7:30 P.M .
Meeting called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Chairman Fritz.
ROLL , 'CALL
Present: Comm. Bisl1op, Isgreen, Loosli, Peirce, Rosenberger, Chmn. Fritz
Absent: Comm. Schubert
Also Present: Rod Merl, Director of Planning & Environmental Services
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
t~otion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Isgreen, to approve the minutes of
August 8, 1977, as submitted.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Comm. Isgreen, Loosli, Rosenberger, Chmn. Fritz
None
Comm. Schubert
Comm. Bishop, Peirce
APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS
r~otion by Comm. Isgreen, seconded by Comm. Rosenberger, to approve Resolution P.C.
77-41, as submitted.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Comm. Isgreen, Loosli, Rosenberger, Chmn. Fritz
None
Comm. Schubert
Comm. Bishop, Peirce
~-1otion by Conm. Isgreen, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to approve Resolution P.C. 77-42,
as submi·tted.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Comm. lsgreen, Loosli, Chmn. Fritz
None
Comm. Schubert
Comm. Bishop, Perice, Rosenberger
Motion by Comm. Isgreen, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to approve Resolution P.C. 77-43,
as submitted.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Comm. Isgreen, Loosli, Chmn. Fritz
None
Comm. Schubert
Comm. Bishop, Peirce, Rosenberger
Motion by Comm. Isgreen, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to approve Resolution P.C. 77-44,
as submitted.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Comm. Isgreen, Loosli, Chmn. Fritz
None
Comm. Schubert
Comm. Bishop, Peirce, Rosenberger
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -August 22, 1977 page 2
Motion by Co1T111. Isgreen, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to approve Resolution P.C. 77-45,
as submitted.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Comm. Isgreen, Loosli, Chmn. Fritz
None
Comm. Schubert
Comm. Bishop, Peirce, Rosenberger
COASTAL ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
Mr. Merl reviewed the need for a Local Coastal Plan, with key issues to be identified
through citizen participation in public hearings, testimony and comments of the P1an-
ning Commission, to be forwarded to the City Council, who will then hold public hear-
ings. He said Comm. Loosli has submitted a list of issues for consideration; staff
has prepared a brief document; a letter has been sent to community organizations, city
department heads, and the chairman of city commissions; and the public hearing has
been advertised. He read a letter which had been hand-delivered by :Cnarles Penny,
Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, at this meeting.
Public hearing opened 7:50 p.m.
Charles Penny, Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce, said the letter contained his
personal observations; in regard to the railroad tracks, he would like to see this
area developed into a parkway with traffic limited by a db reading in order to pre-
serve the residential character of the neighborhood. He said if the commercial zone
on Pacific Coast Highway can be deepened, he believes businessmen will be more amen-
able to limiting on-street parking during peak hours of traffic. He said the Coastal
issues will be a subject of discussion at the Board meeting with more input for the
Planning CoJTJTiission.
Public hearing closed 7:59 p.m.
Mr. Merl said the Local Coastal Plan must include both policies and implementation
factors; the staff paper is a result of a joint meeting with the Coastal Zone
Commission, in which the strongest issue is public access and parking.
Chmn. Fritz said he is concerned with economic impact of having to provide for visitor
parking, policing, trash removal, etc. Comm. Peirce said this city now does more to
welcome visitors than many other cities along the coast; this issue should be addressed
positively in the plan to show what is already being done. Comm. Rosenberger suggested
inclusion of an economic impact report, and the identificatiion of cost and authority
as issues.
Comm. Loosli said that Santa Barbara (city) and San Diego County are ready to submit
their plans. He suggested that staff obtain lists of coastal issues from other
coastal cities, and distribute to Commissioners copies of Chapter 3 of the Coastal
Act.
CoJTJTI. Bishop asked if this plan is or may be related to limiting growth of coastal
cities.
Mr. Merl reminded the CoJTJTiissioners that at this point they are only identifying
issues.
Comm. Rosenberger said he would like the staff-prepared document made available to
the public; he would like comments from the heads of city departments regarding the
impact of public access; he believes the document should show what has been done to
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -August 22, 1977 page 3
maximize public access and how the city has striven to do its best wiith its limited
area; and he is reluctant to proceed without further public input . Chmn. Fritz
\ concurred .
Comm. Peirce suggested a booth on the Strand to encourage citizen input .
Chmn. Fritz said he and Comm. Peirce will set up a booth on the Strand; he requested
that staff obtain a list of the Santa Barbara issues, copies of Chapter 3 of the
Coastal Act, and renew efforts to get input from department heads addressing such
issues as cost and manpower. Continued to the next regular meeting .
633-635 LONGFELLOW AVENUE
Mr. Merl said Mr. Putz, City Engineer, has reviewed Tentative Tract Map No . 30459 and
found it satisfactory for processing, per memo of August 17, 1977 .
Public hearing opened 8:32. Applicant was present. No :ione wished to be heard.
Public hearing closed 8:33 p.m.
Motion by Comm. Loosli, seconded by Comm. Peirce, to approve Tentative Tract Map.
No. 30459 for a two unit condominium at 633-635 Longfellow Avenue .
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Comm. Bishop, Isgreen, Loosli, Peirce Rosenberger
None
Comn. Schubert
Chmn. Fritz
Motion by Comm. Peirce, seconded by Comm. Rosenberger, to adopt Resolution P.C. 77-46,
approving Tentative Tract Map No. 30459, utilizing the same language and conditions
as in the Planned Unit Development resolution.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Comm. Bishop, Isgreen, Loosli, Peirce, Rosenberger
None
Comm . Schubert
Chmn. Fritz
SOCIAL ELEMENT
Comm. Rosenberger reported for the subcommittee and requested that the Emergency
Medical Services section be dated 6-17-77 on each page with today's modifications
dated 8-22-77. The modifications are as follows:
page 1 -section 2: sentence one reads 11 It is the responsibility ... 11
sentence two, deleted entirely.
Motion by Comm. Is green, seconded by Comn. Rosenberger, to adopt the two sections
of the Social Element, Emergency Medical Services and Adult Education Participation-
Utilization, as submitted on 6-17-77 and modified on 8-22-77 .
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Comm. Bishop, Isgreen, Loosli, Peirce, Rosenberger, Chmn . Fritz
None
Comm. Schubert
Public hearing opened 8:44 p.m. No one wished to be heard. Closed 8:45 p.m.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -August 22, 1977 page 4
Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Isgreen, to continued the Citizen
Participation section of the Social Element to the next regular meeting. So ordered.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REVIEWS
1138 Strand -Juicy Lucyls
Mr. Merl said one illegal sign has been removed, others remain; he requested authori-
zation to write a letter requesting the applicant to appear at the next meeting or
the matter will be set for public hearing; or to request the applicant to appear and
simultaneously send a letter to the City Prosecutor.
Comm. Rosenberger said actions of this Commission taken in the past in regards to
noncompliance have been sent to the City Prosecutor with no follow-up; e .g., Cal
Auto and Hermosa Car Wash. He said he would like to make City Council aware of
his feelings on this matter of not getting any action or any information from the
City Prosecutor. He suggested sending a letter to the City Prosecutor asking him
what the course of action of the Planning Commission should be and how he will
proceed with the matter based on a denial.
Chmn. Fritz requested that staff draft a letter to the applicant requesting their
appearance at the next ~gular meeting, and a letter to the City Prosecutor advising
him of the violations and action taken to date. So ordered.
53 Pier Avenue -Casablanca
Mr. Merl said the applicant is making application for the sign, and the facility
seems to be run in an orderly manner.
Comms. Rosenberger and Isgreen expressed concern with the use of city property for
display of signs, air rights and setting of precedent. Chmn. Fritz requested that
staff add a note to the sign application that the Planning Commission is concerned
with its legality.
Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to approve the conditional
use permit for three-month review. So ordered.
Chmn. Fritz said the Planning Commission would like to have a response from the
City Attorney on legality before the next hearing.
16 -14th Street -La Playita
Mr. Merl said the sidewalk sign has been taken in.
Motion by Comm. Peirce, seconded by Comm. Bishop, to approve for one year. So ordered.
45 -Pacific Coast Highway -Carwell
Mr. Merl said he sent a copy of the minutes when this was considered on 2-77; the
applicant feels he is conforming in putting up a sign saying 11 parking in the rear 11
•
It was the consensus of the Commission that they had requested the applicant to
mark the parking spaces in such a way that anyone driving in could tell where he
was supposed top ·-k; e.g., with individual parking spaces signed by stenceling
on the wall or on the asphalt; and related to the new area that he was working on
at the time.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -August 22, 1977 page 5
Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Peirce, to send a letter to the
applicant informing him of the consensus of the Planning Commission and asking
him, if he does not agree with this, to appear at the next regular meeting . So
ordered.
Chmn . Fritz requested that members of the Planning Commission drive to Carwell's
prior to the next meeting to see if they can find out where to park for '~the Parts
Department.
837 Hermosa Avenue -Fat Face Fenners
Mr. Merl said the Planning Commission had requested monitoring of the noise level;
memoranda from Chief Stonier and from Lt. John Doukakis indicate that there is no
increase in noise level.
Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Bishop, to approve for six-month
review.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Comm. Bishop, Isgreen, Loosli, Peirce, Rosenberger, Chmn. Fritz
None
Comm. Schubert
PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS AND ZONING
Mr. Merl said this relates to the Commissioners' walk in the northern sector and
concern for an approach to Pacific Coast Highway as a commercial entity in regard
to both short and long term plans for improvement of the highway. Some needs noted
on the walk were lack of sidewalks, commercial depth, zoning anomalies, and under-
grounding. He said he had contacted Supervisor Hayes' office by letter in May and
has not received a formal response.
Chmn. Fritz suggested sending a letter to the Council and the Supervisor saying that
the Planning Commission is revamping the zoning and appearance of that area and
asking how much the county is contributing to the undergrounding project which is
a critical factor in the plans for commercial development. Corrm. Loosli suggested
that letters be directed to Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach requesting them to
also send letters to the supervisor for release of the money. He said also that
Pasadens is now involved in improvement of Colorado Blvd.
Comm. Peirce suggested sending a letter to the City Council pointing out that the
sidewalks should have a high priority because of the safety factor. Comm. Rosenberger
said these items might be discussed in a joint meeting.
Chmn. Fritz said he understands that staff will prepare a package on capital improve-
ments and zoning changes over the next 60 days.
CONDOMINIUM ORDINANCE CORRECTIONS
Mr. Merl sa i d the memorandum of 8-18-77 regarding condominium ordinance represents
minor technical corrections requested by the Planning and Building staff.
Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Peirce, to approve the syntax changes
as defined in the memorandum of 8-18-77 from Rod Merl to the Planning Commission.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Comm . Bishop, Isgreen, Loosli, Peirce, Rosenberger, Chmn. Fritz
None
Comm. Schubert
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -August 22, 1977 page 6
REPORT OF ZONING SUBCOMMITTEE
Mr. Merl said the City Council has requested the Planning Commission to consider the
11 M11 zone; to consider making one of the allowed uses of the M-zone will be residential;
or that some of it will be rezoned as residential. He said they are reluctant to make
existing manufacturing uses legal non-conforming as it would inhibit their ability to
expand or remodel and upgrade.
Comm. Loosli said that making residential an added use of all 11 M11 zones would impinge
on future use of Pacific Coast Highway; an M-R zone could be created in the specif area
along Ardmore Avenue east of the boatyard. He said the general plan designation in
that area is medium density and the zoning R-3; if rezoned to M-R-2, the zoning and
general plan would be in conformance.
Comn. Rosenberger said the streets are narrow, and he would like to look at the total
developlemtn of the area.
Comm. Peirce asked for information on the use of lots in that five-block area.
Chmn . Fritz said he is reluctant to combine Rand M zoning; the item was returned to
the subcommittee for further study.
STAFF REPORTS
Mr. Merl said there are amendments to the state environmental code calling for :
1. establishment of time limits for processing environmental impact reports
2. consolidation of hearings, and
3. concurrent rather than consecutive processing actions.
He said the City Council would like to have Planning Commission conduct a preliminary
review to consolidate hearings.
CoITJTI. Rosenberger reviewed history of the proposal that the Board of Zoning Adjust-
ments hear preliminary environmental impact reports related to BZA proceedings;
and Planning Commission review preliminary environmental impact reports relating
to their items; all others being heard by the Board of Zoning Adjustments. He also
noted that the Planning CoITJTiission had requested this two years ago. So ordered .
Mr. Merl said he would put revision of the Commercial section of the city code on
the next agenda .
COMM I SS IONE RS' ITEMS
Comm. Peirce said he is concerned bout older residents who are owner-occupants being
forced out of their homes by tax increases; and the resultant changes in the character
of the city. He suggested devising a means by which the county and city would
receive the tax monies but the elder residents would not have to pay them during
their lifetime, but they would be paid by the property at time of sale. He said
this would require a pool of money to start; and they would require expert counsel to
work out a plan.
Comm. Rosenberger requested that staff send a letter to the City Council asking for
a joint meeting and listing as items of discussion: taxes, Pacific Coast Highway,
zoning policy (M-R). Chmn. Fritz appointed CoITJTis. Peirce and Rosenberger to this
committee.
.--··' .. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -August 22, 1977 page 7
Comms. Rosenberger, Schubert, and Loosli are members of a subcommittee to meet with
the Improvement Commission on R-3 zoning changes; and to discuss Commission respons-
ibilities so there is no overlap .
Comm. Isgreen reported a duplex under construction at 1003 -17th Street where there
is a 6 ft. block wall topped by a 6 ft . cyclone fence; and on the front property
line an 8 ft . high concrete block wall about 10 ft. long containing a stairwell to
the second story. He said Mr . Swartz confirmed that this is allowed by code, and
asked that Mr. Merl bring that portion of the code to the Planning Commission as
he doesn't believe it was intended to be used for this purpose and may need revision .
Comm. Loosli asked if there has been a response to the Planning Co1T111ission letter
regarding 6 ft. fences on walk streets . Mr. Merl said the letter was sent but
there have been no responses.
Comm. Peirce noted that the Planning Commission should receive minutes of Board
of Zoning Adjustment meetings .
Meeting adjourned 10:36 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes were approved by the Planning Commission
at a meeting held on September 12, 1977.
MIKEU#= E, SECRETARY
DATE