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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_70.02.02DMWTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION, HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, HERMOSA. BEACH, ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29 19709 AT 7230 P.M. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:34 P.M. BY CHAIRMAN NOBLE ROLL CALL e Present: Comm. Collis, Mulfinger, Stabler, Watters, Himmel Chairman Noble Absent: None Motion made by Comm. Stabler, seconded by Comm. Watters, to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of January 19, 1970, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. Motion made by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Stabler, to approve Res- olution P.C. 154-764t as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. Comm. Stabler asked that the Planning Commission be kept informed as to the fulfillment of Condition #3, "written evidence to satisfaction of City Staff that trash storage is accommodated adequately." Proposed zone change from C-2 with R-3 Potential to R-3 on lots 3-129 Block 33, 1st Addition to Hermosa Beach, 1400-1500 Hermosa Avenue and Precise Plan #22. For reconsideration of items 4 and 5 of Precise Plan. Chairman Noble stated that the City Attorney is developing his opinion and that the item will probably be postponed by the Planning Commission, therefore, for the convenience of the audience in attendance for item Z-69-9, the Commissioners discussed item 7 first. The City Planner stated that the City Council considered the Planning Commission's request and recommendation at their January 20m meeting; and that the Council asked the City Attorney to prepare an opinion to be presented at their next meeting. Mr. Crawford further added that the City Council referred Resolution P.C. 154-760 back to the Planning Com- mission for further consideration of an optional type development if the area is rezoned R-3; and that consideration be made regarding the stipulation that there be no visible antennas on roofs and that all stipulations regarding architectural treatment of buildings be eliminated. The City Attorney has asked for two weeks to define his opinion in - 2 - writing. Mrs. Donahue, 1640 Strand, Hermosa Beach, stated that the owners favor straight R-3 with no restrictions; that she is against the superblock concept; that spot zoning is unfair; and that she wants the block R-3, like lots 1 and 2. Comm. Watters wondered what Planning Commission action was needed. The City Planner indicated that there are two alternatives: 1) Plan- ning Commission has 40 days to make a report to the City Council, other- wise they are deemed to agree with the Council's action; 2) if the Planning Commission agrees with the Council's suggestion that reference to antennas be removed, item 5 be dropped and that the superblock de- velopment be made an option to standard R-3 development, then the City Council could adopt an Ordinance to that effect. Comm. Mulfinger arrived at 7:44 p.m. Motion made by Comm. Watters, seconded by Comm. Collis, to wait for the City Attorney's opinion and to postpone the item until the next meeting. AYES: Comm. Collis, Himmel, Stabler, Watters, Chairman Noble ABSTAIN: Comm. Mulfinger NOES: None C-70-2 Request by Lerner Oil Company to operate service station at 1031 Hermosa Avenue (former Shell Station). The City Planner stated that the business has been closed more than 90 days; therefore, under the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, a conditional use permit is required. Mr. Crawford stated that about two years ago the Planning Commission adopted a resolution, P.C. 154- 658, of standard conditions for service stations in Hermosa Beach; however, the station was built before the requirements and it is impossible for them to meet them all. The City Planner informed the Commission of the required considerations precedent to a conditional use permit: 1. hours of operation: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; 2. distance from residential uses: abutting to west; 3. noise, odor, dust, etc., nuisances: possible noise nuisance if cars are serviced after dinner hours -- 6 to 7 p.m.; passible light nuisance; -3- 4. off-street parking: seven spaces to be provided; 5. hazard from congregation of autos: none apparent; 6. precautions taken by owner to assure compatibility with surrounding uses: some landscaping proposed, no restrictions of maintenance or light reflection proposed at this time; 7. relation to size of streets, routes of access: one driveway enters into City parking lot area; occasional conflict with vehicles entering and leaving parking area; 8. other considerations: a. Planning Commission has adopted a Resolution of Record relating to service station improvement (P.C. 154-658), the resolution provides a number of operating conditions, plus landscaping requirements; b. the applicant proposes limited landscaping; c. the applicant is requesting use of three colors on build- ing: blue and gold on white background. The sign ordi- nance allows one color and one contrasting trim -- not part of conditional use permit but requires Planning Commission approval. Public hearing opened at 7:56 p.m. John Rodgers, representative for Lerner Oil Company, stated that this operation would meet all of the required considerations; that Lerner does not operate the lube room because tune ups and mechanical work is not part of their operating policies; that the lube room is usually left vacant and in some cases has been turned into a convenience mar- ket (milk, bread, etc.). Mr. Rodgers continued that the building will be white with a 12 inch band of blue on the bottom and a 6 inch band of gold on the top; that there will be 4 pumps, 2 blue and 2 gold; and that the canopies will be white. No other persons wished to be heard. Public hearing closed at 8:01 p.m. Comm. Hi=el asked how the City Planner viewed the long range plan for this particular area. Mr. Crawford replied that this block and the block south of it would probably be absorbed in a hotel -motel complex and the service station may or may not survive in this area because of the land costs. Comm. Watters asked Mr. Rodgers why he thought Lerner could make a pro- 4- fit at this station when Shell failed to do so. Mr. Rodgers replied that the station will be company operated, which is done on a volume basis whereas a dealer is an individual and his profit comes from the lute room. Coma. Watters stated that he was concerned about Lerner's choice of colors, for he found them too gaudy. Chairman Noble asked Mr. Rodgers what type of identification sign would be located at the site. Mr. Rodgers stated that the sign will be white with blue lettering and that the sign usually is placed on the already, existing pole. Comm. Himmel stated that he was concerned about the additional "gimmick" type signs that are put up after a station opens (credit card signs, blue chip stamp signs, etc.). Mr. Rodgers stated that Lerner could not put many signs up without looking ridiculous because the lot is limited in size. in case of a game promotion or an announcement of any type, Lerner can advertise in the front window. The City Planner stated that the Sign Ordinance prohibits any type of wind or moving signs and billboards. Motion made by Chairman Noble, seconded by Comm. Stabler, to approve the application. AYES: Comm. Collis, Himmel, Malfinger, Stabler, Watters, Chairman Noble NOES: None Motion made by Comm. Stabler, seconded by Comm. Collis, to adopt Res- olution P.C. 154-765, granting the conditional use permit to the Lerner Oil Company to operate a service station at the corner of lln' and Hermosa Avenue based on the following conditions: 1. adequate landscaping in adherence to the recommendations of the staff, labelled "Exhibit A" and dated Pebruary 29 1970, and on file in the Building Department of the City, be provided; 2. hours of operation to be between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.; 3. as testified by the applicant, no active use will be made of the lube bay area without additional consideration by the Planning Commission; 4. all plants and landscape design to be approved by the park superintendent;. 5. the Conditional Use Permit will be reviewed by the Planning Commission after a six (6) month period. -5- AYES: Comm. Collis, Himmel, Mulfinger, Stabler, Watters, Chairman Noble NOES: None Comm. Collis stated that the exterior building colors were standard company procedure and that he did not feel they were objectionable. Comm. Mulfinger stated that the colors were part of the corporate image and, therefore, did not feel that the Planning Commission should reject them. C. Stabler stated that he agreed that the colors were not that objectionable but was opposed to the idea that the Planning Commission has to accept all corporate logos, for some are not aesthetically pleasing. Comm. Himmel stated that he was concerned about the precedent the Plan- ning Commission might be setting in granting Lerner more than one con- trasting color for other businesses will feel they should b3 granted more colors, also. Comm. Watters stated that the Planning Commission is working on the superblock concept and we are requiring them to have more earth colors in order to create a more uniform type environment; if this concept is successful, then other areas might be required to do so and this build- ing would stick out like a sore thumb. Motion made by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Mulfinger, to approve the 6 inch band of gold on the top and the 12 inch band of blue on the bottom of the building. AYES: Comm. Collis, Himmel, Mulfinger, Stabler, Chairman Noble NOES: Comm, Watters C-70-3 Request of F.C. Berry to provide open-air dining facilities as part of a cafe at 305 Pacific Coast Highway (Olive Tree Restaurant). The City Planner presented color photographs of the building and the adjoining property and the plot plan for the outdoor area. He further added that no complaints have been received regarding the proposed use. Mr. Crawford informed the Commission of the required considerations precedent to a conditional use permit: 1. hours of operation: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; 2. distance from residential uses: approximately 50 feet; 3. noise, odor, dust, etc., nuisance: possible noise from late IWO hour diners, dust from unpaved portion of lot; 4. off-street parking: none; 5, hazard from congregation of large numbers of people; none apparent other than three above; 6. precautions taken by owner to assure compatibility with surrounding uses: none known at this time; 7. relation of site to size of streets, routes of access: located on Pacific Coast highway, an arterial street. Public parking located on 3rd Street; 8. other considerations: a. proposed eating area separated from adjoining business (tire sales) by chain link fence. Gate in fence, if open may encourage trespassing thereon; b, church abuts property to rear; c. no way to provide off-street parking on lot; d. light, if installed, may shine into rear of residences westerly of property. Public hearing opened at 8:40 p.m. Frederic C. Berry, 956 Calle Miramar, Redondo Beach, the applicant, stated that an olive tree and an umbrella have been put in as part of an improvement and that the light level will be extremely low. Mr. Berry stated that he is endeavoring to achieve a beautiful building and atmosphere. Chairman Noble asked if alcoholic beverages would be served. Mr. Berry replied, no, that the menu will be simple, nothing but hamburgers will be served. Mr. Berry further added that there seems to be a need for this type of business in this area and that neighboring businessmen have expressed am -interest in his establishment. Comm. Collis asked Mr. Berry if he has had any experience in the oper- ation of a restaurant. Mr. Berry replied that he has had no experience but has recently attended seminars and the restaurant show; that there will be a manager besides his attention to the operation. Comm. Collis stated that Mr. Berry did an excellent job of decorating but that he was concerned about the lack of adequate parking; for with- out the required parking, Comm. Collis does not see any real future for businesses. Mr. Berry replied that there is off-street parking around the corner, which was originally intended to the use of the -7- surrounding businesses. Mr. Berry further added that he was interested in the utilization of the lot by his business and surrounding businesses rather than a storage yard for junk cars. Comm. Stabler asked whether the 4 Day Tire Store utilized the area next to the proposed use and whether there has been an opportunity to work out a parking agreement. Mr. Berry replied that the owners of the Tire Store have been very cooperative, they feel the Olive Tree will be advantageous for their business. Also, at one time, the owners had volunteered to give Mr. Berry some spaces. Comm. Collis wondered what the seating occupancy rate would be. Mr. Berry replied that there would be seating for 28 people, with 4 people at a table; however, he felt that there would never be that number at any given time. Comm. Himmel questioned the type of service for the use. Mr. Berry re- plied that there would be counter service and a paper dish service. Comm. Himmel wondered what type of litter patrol would be employed. Mr. Berry replied that because of the fence, there would be no way for paper to blow off the property; that there would be trash containers behind the fence; that he would tend to encourage customers to diagard their own trash and where not done, his own employees would pick the trash up along with the tables being wiped off after each use. Comm. Watters questioned the interest of the business owners in refur- bishing the City lot. Mr. Berry replied that he has not had time to ask for their assistance but will do so after the decorating is com- pleted. He further added that the problem is not the lack of sufficient parking spaces but that the lot is not clearly marked or advertised, therefore, people are unaware of it. Chairman Noble stated that a letter should be directed to the City Manager inquiring as to the revitalization of the parking lot for business uses. Since the City Manager had a meeting with the property owners concerning a general clean-up of the area, this would be an ideal time to work up a parking lot solution. No other persons wished to speak on the matter. Public hearing closed at 9:08 p.m. Comm. Himmel wondered whether the proposed business would have any music or form of entertainment on the patio section. Mr. Berry replied that there would be none. Comm. Himmel asked if some sort of screening could be put on the gate. Mr. Berry replied that he intended to put some type of opaque screening on the fence. Comm. Watters stated that the parking lot between 2nd and 3rd Streets_ west of Pacific Coast Highway were used for storage and private parking. He requested that a letter be sent to the City Manager asking that the lot be cleaned up and made available for business parking, not storage of automobiles for car dealers. Motion made by Comm. Himmel, seconded by Comm. Watters, to approve the application, subject to conditions. AYES: Comm. Collis, Himmel, Malfinger, Stabler, Watters, Chairman. Noble NOES: None Motion made by Comm. Himmel, seconded by Comm. Watters, to adopt Res- olution P.C. 154-766, granting approval of a conditional use permit to provide outdoor open-air dining facilities at 305 Pacific Coast High- way, subject to the following conditions: 1. that the light be shielded and not spill over into adjoining properties; 2. that customer entrance/exit be through the main building; 3. that opaque screening be provided between the batik lot and adjoining businesses; 4. that the hours of operation be between 10:00 a.m. and 100.'00 p.m.; 5. that adequate provision be made for disposal of and storage of trash on premiais; 6. that there be no loud outdoor music; 7. that the applicant agrees to participate, nr-&-47isazaaion-- W th the a-4 9 in any Parking District to be formed by the City and the merchants; 8. that the permit be subject to a review in 6 months. AYES: Comm. Collis, Himmel, Malfinger, Stabler, Watters, Chairman Noble NOES: None Comm. Collis qualified his "'yes-" vote by, stating that he felt that c-ity - parking lots should ber<anaintained as parking lots, and that it is the responsi- bility for businesses to provide parking in order to insure proper economic success of all businesses. APPROVAL OF A TRADE SCHOOL Request for approval of a "trade school" for computer sciences in the vacant bowling alley at Pacific Coast Highway and Artesia. The City Planner stated that a letter was received from Granite Data Services Corporation requesting approval of a trade school for computer sciences in the vacant bowling alley at 2420 Pacific Coast Highway, stating that: 1. parking availability -- 105 spaces beneath the building as well as approximately 20 spaces in front of the building; 2. hours of operation -- 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; 3. number of students -- 500 at any one time; 4. type of school -- post -secondary business school specializing in computer progrw mining and systems analysis. Rhine G. Meyering, Vice -President, Granite Data Services Corporation, subsidary of Granite Management Inc., stated that, at present, his company owns 6 trade schools in the United States and is submitting application, for the Gardena School, for accreditation with the Accred- iting Commission for Business Schools. Mr. Meyering further stated that the building is ideally suited for their needs and that there is adequate parking; that the building is gutted and they, therefore, are in a position to put in substantial improvements without tearing out existing walls. Comm. Stabler asked on what basis Granite chose to locate in Hermosa Beach. Mr. Meyering replied that there is a certain appeal to young people to be located near the water; that theweather appeals to them; that the school would be close to the airport; that transportation was readily available; that the building already existed; and that the site provides adequate parking for their needs. Comm. Himmel inquired where the students would live. Mr. Meyering replied that there will be no dormitories, the students will either live at home or move within a reasonable radius from the school. Mr. Meyering further added that there is a great shortage of programmmtmmers, therefore, his company is involved in this great area of demand; that this type of school would be a benefit to Hermosa Beach in that: 1) it offers a prestigious type of industry, a quality product with high level trade training; 2) it would bring in perhaps 500 students to Hermosa Beach on a year round basis; 3) that the predominate age would be 18-25, however, the students will range from 18 to 55 years. Chairman Noble asked what State bodies govern this type of operation. Mr. Meyering replied that the Bureau of Readjustment of Education is the accrediting group in California, with policing powers over the school. Chairman Noble asked what classification would the college come under. Mr. Meyering replied that their school is a private business college, not a degree bearing institution; however, the school is eligible to issue diplomas. Comm. Watters inquired whether the school was a francise type operation and what percentage of the students have been able to acquire jobs. Mr. Meyering replied that the school is company owned and those who have been willing to relocate, just about all of them have been placed. - 10 - Comm. Mulfinger asked how Granite promoted their schools. Mr. Meyering replied that the schools are promoted by direct mail, newspaper and radio advertisements. Comm. Watters wondered what would be the background of their teaching staff. Mr. Meyering replied that all teachers must have had at least 5 years industrial or instructional experience in the field. Comm. Himmel asked whether all classes start and finish at the same time. Mr. Meyering replied that all students arrive around 8:30 a.m. and leave at 1:30 p.m, and that the school would then be relatively quiet until 6:30 p.m. He added that the day students attend classes 5 hours a day, 5 days a week; that the night students attend classes 4 hours a night, 3 nights a week; and that the school is open Saturdays for library work only. Motion made by Comm. Stabler, seconded by Comm. Watters, to direct a letter approving the school. AXES: Comm. Collis, Himmel, Mulfinger, Stabler, Watters, Chairman Noble NOES: None The Planning Commission meeting was recessed at 9:55 p.m. The Planning Commission meeting wasieconvened at 10:00 p.m. UM Proposed zone change from R-1 to R-1 with R-2 and R-3 Potential on block between 21st and 24n' Streets, east of Prospect Avenue. For review of Planning Commission's recommendation and report to the City Council. The City Planner stated that this item was referred to the Land Commit- tee at the last meeting, however, they have been unable to meet. He further added that he invited Mr. Kruschkov, author of the General Plan, to talk to the Planning Commission and he is willing to meet at any time. Mr. Crawford added that the City Council is reluctant to establish these zones and feels it would be premature at this time. It was the general concurrence of the Planning Commission to drop the item for about a year and to write a memo to the City Council stating that it is,their desire not to proceed until the completion of the review of the General Plan; and that the Commission remains convinced that this area will be developed in the manner recommended by the Com- mission. ORDINANCE AMMDKM - SECTION 1104 Proposed amendment to Potential Zone provisions. Referred back for further study in relation to Planned Development zone. The City Planner stated that the item is related to the Planned Devel- opment zone which is scheduled for a hearing at the next meeting, February 16, 1970. Motion made by Comm. Himmel, seconded by Comm. Mulfinger, to continue the item to the next meeting, February 16, 1970, Motion carried unan- imously. ORDINAHTCE AMWDMENT ADDING SECTION 1208 Proposed minimum dwelling unit size for single and multi -family dwellings. For evaluation of alternative suggested by Board of Appeals. Comm. Collis presented studies to the Planning Commission based on den- sity and unit sizes, with current figures and an application based on a larger scale. According to the studies, Comm. Collis feels that smaller units are really lose economical to build, therefore, the proposed minimum requirement is reasonable. He further added that, at present, the Zoning Ordinance allows too great a density in the R-3 zone. Comm. Collis, secretary, read the Board of Appeals recommendation to the Planning Commissions 1. The Board did not approve of the proposed ordinance... require- ments too strigent... not in beat interests of City ... agreed that present requirements should be modified a. Efficiency Dwelling Unit -- minimum of 400 square feet; b. One or More Bedrooms -- minimum of 600 square feet; c. Single Family Residence -- to remain at minimum of 900 square feet. Comm. Collis stated that the problem is land cost and that it is impossible to provide the proper environment if the rents are exceedingly high and yet no extra room is provided. The City Planner stated that those who objected at the City Council meeting were buildera who felt that their own apartments are larger than the Plaming Commission's recommendations, but felt the standards should not be raised to what they build. Comm. Watters stated that the majority of those who objected at the Council meeting live outside the City but build in Hermosa Beach; and that the Planning Commission should look out for the interests of the - 12 - rest of the City rather than non-residents. It was the general concurrence of the Playing Commission to postpone the item for further study, requesting that the City Planner examine other plans in the Building Department in order to get an idea as to what developers are building. MISCELLANEOUS 1. Report from Zoning Committee on Planned Development Zone Comm. Stabler, chairman, stated that the Committee spent a great deal of time discussing the minimum dwelling size units; that the two alter- natives for the Planned Development zone are: 1. certain standards and criteria would be applied to a particular area at the time of a change to the Planned Development zone; 2. no requirements, standards or criteria would be applied to the Planned Development zone, that the developer's concepts would be reviewed by the Planning Commission, that the change would be based on a precise plan. Comm. Stabler stated that the committee will have another meeting and will decide on which alternative the Planning Commission should take action on; and that the committee members should give some thought as to what direction the Commission should go. The City Planner stated that both alternatives have been advertised in the newspaper and that the hearing is scheduled for February 16, 1970. The Zoning Committee will meet Tuesday, February 10, at 7:30 a.m., at the Pancake House. 2. Southern California Planning Congress Meeting The City Planner stated that the meeting will be held at TRW, Thursday, February 12th. A tour will be conducted at 6:00 p.m., with dinner at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Theler_ will be the official representative for the City, moreover, all Commissioners are asked to attend. 3. Joint Meeting with City Council - 13- It was the general concurrence of the Planning Commission to set a tentative date for Tuesday, February 24, at 700 p.m., in the Council Chambers. Comm. Stabler stated that he would be unable to attend but requested that the opportunity to screen prospective Planning Commission members be brought up at the meeting. 4. Joint Meeting with Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach The City Planner stated that the Planning Commission had a joint meet- ing with Manhattan Beach and, at that time, agreed to have a meeting with all three cities. It was the general concurrence of the Planning Commission to set a tentative date for the third week in March, with the final decision being made at the February 16th meeting. 5. Joint Meeting with School Board The City Planner stated that it might be worthwhile to discuss with the Elementary School District Board what their aims in the City are, what the student loads have become and what they intend to do about Pier Avenue School. He further added that since the Commissioners were planning a review of the General Plan, this meeting could be part of the review program. Since the Board and the Planning Commission meet on the same evenings, it was the general concurrence of the Planning Commission to meet with the Board after a regular meeting. NON -AGENDA ITEMS Comm., Collis wondered what progress Vasek Polak was making in fulfil- ling the Planning Commission's requirements to erect a 6 foot wall. The City Planner stated that he has received a letter from the adjoin- ing property owners stating that there has been no attempt to build a wall, as required in the conditional use permit, and that the smoke and dust is coming into their building. Mr. Crawford added that he called Mr. Polak and told him his permit would be revoked unless a permit was taken out and the requirement met. It was the general concurrence of the Planning Commission to direct a letter to Vasek Polak stating that one of the conditions in granting - 14 - the conditional use permit has not been met and if the permit to build a gall is not taken out within a week, the conditional use permit will be withdrawn. Meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. The next meeting will be February 16, 1970 CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing Minutes have been approved by the Planning Commission of the City of Hermosa Beach at a regular meeting held on the 16tb of February, 1970. DATE —r JOE B. NOBLE, CHAIRMAN D. COLLIS, SECRETARY