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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_69.12.15MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION, HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HAIL, HERMOSA BEACH, ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1969, AT 7:30 P.M. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:35 P.M. BY CHAIRMAN NOBLE ROLL CALL -- Present: Comm. Collis, Mulfinger, Watters, Chairman Noble Absent: Comm. Boice, Himmel, Stabler Motion made by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Mulfinger, to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of December 1, 1969, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. Motion made by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Mulfinger, to approve Resolutions P.C. 154-758 and 759. Motion carried unanimously. PRECISE PLAN #21 Request for reconsideration by Kenland Development Company (part of Change of Zone Request #Z-69-6) on property located northwesterly of the intersection of Valley Drive and 2nd Street (continued from Novem- ber 17, December 1, 1969). The City Planner stated that a letter was received from Richard Leonard of Kenland Development Company stating that they request an extension until the meeting of January 5, 1970. Comm. Collis stated that this was the third scheduled public hearing and that if Kenland is unable to present their plans at January 5t"s meeting, then they should withdraw their application until ready for presentation. Motion made by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Mulfinger, to continue the public hearing to the next regular meeting, January 5, 1970; and that, if the applicants are not ready with their presentation, they withdraw their application and resubmit it to the Planning Commission when ready. AYES: Comm. Collis, Mulfinger, Watters, Chairman Noble NOES: None CMNGE OF ZONE REMST Z-69-9 - 2 - Request, initiated by City Council, for change of land use zone class- ification, from C-2 with R-3 Potential to R-3 multiple family on lots 3-12, block 33, Hermosa Beach tract, located on the east side of Hermosa Avenue between 14t�h and 16+h Streets (continued from December 1, 1969). The City Planner stated that the City has already indicated that a precise plan is necessary for a change of zone classification from C-2 with R-3 Potential to R-3. Public hearing opened at 7:46 P.M. B. J. Donahue, 1640 Strand, Hermosa Beach, owner of lot 6, stated that he favors progress within Hermosa Beach; however, he feels that rules intended to be effective, too many times, hinder progress. Mr. Donahue further stated that if all the land in the block were vacant, then the precise plan, as presented, would have much merit; however, there is only one vacant lot, which is his, and the remainder of the block will probably be around for 15-25 years, and by that time, the precise plan, along with a Mediterranean atmosphere, will be outdated. Mr. Donahue read through the list of development standards and stated that he could find no quarrel with items 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 10. However, Mr. Donahue objected to the following items: 4. "Roofs -- shall be mansard, hip or gable and shall be designed to harmonize with other apartment structures ..." Mr. Donahue objected to a control of any type. 5. "Facades -- building facades or fronts shall strive to achieve a Mediterranean atmosphere...." He felt that when the block is ready to be developed, in 20-25 years, these styles might be obsolete. 6. "Landscaping -- landscaping should reflect a "Spanish" or courtyard atmosphere." Again, Mr. Donahue felt this particular atmosphere would be outmoded. 6a. "(Alternate) Landscaping -- a landscaping easement over the front yard should be granted to the City if a pro- menade walk development is approved by the City Coun- cil...." Mr. Donahue objected to the "promenade" idea and questioned its practicality. 10. "Special lighting district -- the City may, as part of the promenade development... establish a gas or decorative electric lighting district." Mr. Donahue's objection to item 10 was its connection to the "promenade" idea. Mrs. Edna Lehman, 1520 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach, owner of lots 8 and 9, stated that she protests the whole idea of a "superblock." -3- She further added that she favors a variety of development. Comm. Collis asked whether Mrs. Lehman had discussed the precise plan with any architect or builder. Mrs. Lehman replied that she had not but that she has been involved in art professionally for a number of years and can envision the "superblock" concept as most unpractical. Comm. Collis stated that he did not feel that any architect or build- er would feel restricted by the proposed precise plan, that in Orange and Ventura Counties, cities are leaning toward more of this type of control. Chairman Noble stated that rather than a restriction, the standards are an incentive for people to build more than the ordinary type building. Mrs. Donahue, 1640 Strand, Hermosa Beach, stated that she wants no part of the "superblock" idea; she detests Mediterranean style homes; and she favors straight R-3. Mr. Inscho, 305 So. Poinsetta, Manhattan Beach, stated that he did not feel that the term "Mediterranean" was clearly defined and that going to court would be the only way to determine the meaning. Further, he did not believe that an arbitary building inspector should be the one to decide what is Mediterranean or not. Mr. Inscho stated that if the City wanted to set up a board to approve the architectural style, it should appoint qualified architects rather than businessmen. Also, the board should study the entire area not just one section in order to assure equal treatment. Public hearing closed at 8:24 P.M. Comm. Collis stated that item 4 (roofs) was really not restrictive be- cause, technically, a mansard roof is a flat roof, with a decorative trim. Comm. Malfinger stated that item 5 (facades) was not forcing people to build Mediterranean because the text reads, "shall strive to achieve a Mediterranean atmosphere." Chairman Noble stated that the purpose of the precise plan is to assist in assuring a better type of development, in a more deluxe fashion, in order to attract a different caliber of people -to the City. He further stated that he did not feel that any of the proposed standards would impede anyone wishing to build. Comm. Watters wondered whether an owner could appeal in the case where a building inspector claims a violation of the precise plan exists. Mr. Crawford stated that if an owner wished to vary from the standards, then they could apply to the City for a variance. However, if an owner follows the precise plan, then a Building Permit would be automatically . 4. issued, without referral to any body. Mr. Crawford stated that he felt items 6, 6a and 10 could be dropped without harming the future development of the block, since if the City later wants to assist the owners by developing a promenade or extra wide sidewalk with landscaping, it has the machinery to do so. Motion made by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Watters, to adopt Precise Plan #22 and forward a recommendation to approve the zone change sub- ject to it to the City Council. AYES: Comm. Collis, Mulfinger, Watters, Chairman Noble NOES: None Motion made by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Malfinger, to adopt Res- olution P.C. 154-760, adopting Precise Plan #22, with the elimination of items 6, 6a and 10 on the basis that it has been determined that if the zone be changed to R-3 at this time, it must be subject to Precise Plan #22 for the 1400-1500 block of Hermosa Avenue; that the Comm. finds it expedient to adopt -the Precise Plan in the best interest of the community; that the Planning Commission does not find any item in the Precise Plan capricious or liable to cause undue hardship; that the Precise Plan allows a great flexibility in development. AYES: Comm. Collis, Mulfinger, Watters, Chairman Noble NOES: None CONDITIONAL USE _PERMIT C-6 20 Request of Jack Bliss and Donald Lee for a Conditional Use Permit to sell alcoholic beverages and provide entertainment on lots 5 and 6 of block 44, Hermosa Beach tract, located at 1332 Strand (continued from December 1, 1969). The City Planner indicated that this was a continued hearing; that Comm. Watters had familiarized himself with the proceedings of the previous meetings; that all Commissioners had personally viewed the site and the surrounding uses. He then read the Police Report to the Planning Commission, recommending denial and stating that the premises is new and unused, so experience is non-existent; area itself is a police problem and the police department can see no change in the situation; and the concern of the police department is that additional beer licenses in a highly concentrated recreational area create police problems. Public hearing opened at 8:56 P.M. Donald Lee, 1530 Strand, Hermosa Beach, applicant, presented interior layout plans to the Planning Commission; stated that "sound deadening" -5- materials were to be added to the construction; and that the maximum proposed seating would be about 100-150 persons. Jack Bliss, 23525 Arlington Avenue, Torrance, applicant, stated, as a rebuttal to the Police Chief's report, that the .recreation department had initiated a teenage dance program, under Mr. Bliss' direction, and the police reacted negatively to the program but the program was highly successful anyway; that their proposed use would cause no additional prwblems because the number of beer bars and criminal acts have been on the down trend in the City; and that the residences surrounding the use were acthally in a commercial zone. Comm. Watters questioned whether the restrooms would be adequate for 100-150 people. Mr. Lee replied that at the present they were not but, if the application were approved, then the rooms would be enlarged to meet the code. Comm. Watters wondered what kind of food the applicants proposed to serve. Mr. Lee replied that the ABC board does not allow ovens for this type of use, therefore, cold sandwiches will be served. Corrm. Watters asked what was meant by the term "young adults would be attracted to this type of an establishment." Mr. Lee replied that their use hopes to cater to anyone 21 or over; however, the average age will probably be 23 years. Public hearing closed at 9:07 P.M. Chairman Noble felt that, at this time, in view of the surrounding public and private uses, and taking the Police Report into account, the pro- posed use would be incompatible to the area. Comm. Watters wondered whether the ABC license was non -transferable or not. The City Planner stated that once the license is issued, unless revoked by ABC, the license could be sold at any time to anyone accept- able to ABC. Comm. Collis stated that he was in agreement with Chairman Noble and felt the request must be considered in context of the area and its problems, but that should the Planning Commission deny the application, it would not be a reflection upon the applicants and that they gave an excellent presentation. Comm. Watters stated that, according to fixture development plans, in five years this use would not be acceptable in this area but felt that as an interim use, it might be acceptable. He further added that he felt the Strand is well policed at this time since the police problems are already concentrated in the area. Comm. Watters' concern, at pres- ent, was the transferal of the ABC license and the conditional use permit, since he feared the use might halt other developments in the area. -6- Comm. Mulfinger stated that he could not see how the issuance of a con- ditional use permit for this use would help the City and that, in his opinion, a beer bar in the area would hinder other retail commercial developments. Motion made by Comm. Watters, seconded by Comm. Mulfinger, to approve Conditional Use Permit C-69-20, with the stipulation that the conditional use permit be non -transferable. AYES: Comm. Watters NOES: Comm. Collis, Mulfinger, Chairman Noble Motion made by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Mulfinger, adopting Res- olution P.C. 154-761, denying Conditional Use Permit C-69-20. It has been determined by the Planning Commission that the use is incompatible, at this location, at this time; that the Commission agreed with the Police Report that the use would create a probability of increased police problems, which would overtax the citizens and the police department. AYES: Comm. Collis, Mulfinger, Watters, Chairman Noble NOES: None CONDITIONAL USE P=T C-62-21 Request of Vasek Polak for a Conditional Use Permit to conduct used car sales from an open air lot, on lots 124, 125, 126 and 127 of Southern California Convention Hall and Marine Park tract, located at 3009 Pacific Coast Highway (new hearing). The City Planner read the staff's analysis to the Planning Commission. A summation is as follows: A. Required considerations 1. Hours of operation - 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 2. Distance from residential use 3. Possible noise, smoke, light, etc. 4. Off-street parking - none on premises 5. Hazard from congregation of cars - none apparent 6. Precautions taken to assure compatibility with surrounding areas 7. Size of streets servicing area B. Conditions placed by -Planning Commission on other auto sales lots 1. No outside speakers or amplified telephone bells 2. No loud or obnoxious noise come from the premises J -7- 3. Hours of operation not to exceed 9:00 p.m. 4. Landscaping be provided along street frontage 5. Lights be so shielded as not to fall directly on resi- dential property 6. All buildings have solid foundation 7. All signs conform to sign regulations. No flags or pennants allowed. Meeting recessed at 9:32 P.M. Meeting resumed at 9:37 P.M. Vasek Polak, 3009 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, applicant, stated that he would do everything necessary to please the City and the citizens. Paul Peacock, owner of adjacent apartment units, stated that his tenants are bothered by the auto fumes and hoped a high wall would be erected. Mr. Crawford stated that a 6 foot solid wall was the maximum restriction. Mike Romano, 732 Longfellow, Hermosa Beach, stated that the bright are lights shining into his home was the biggest problem and wished to see the applicant shield or change them; that he hoped the telephone bells and call system previously used on this lot could be quieted; and that, further, his concern was for the saturation of vehicles in the area. Mr. William Humphries, 723 Longfellow, Hermosa Beach, stated that he also hoped that the lights would be shielded; that the area has become a raceway with customers driving the cars around the block and wondered if it would be possible to install a 4-way sign at Longfellow and Tennyson Place. Public hearing closed at 9:54 P.M. Comm. Collis wondered whether a business could operate without the proper restroom facilities. Mr. Crawford stated that every business has to com- ply to code and that the building and fire departments must clear the buildings before the issuance of their business license. Motion made by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Mulfinger, to approve the application. AYES: Comm. Collis, Mulfinger, Watters, Chairman Noble NOES: None Motion made by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Mulfinger, to adopt Res- olution P.C. 154-762, granting a conditional use permit, subject to the conditions, 1 through 7, recommended by the staff; that the hours of operation will be from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; that a 6 foot masonry wall be erected on the westerly side of the property; and that the public works department seriously consider the erection of a 4-way stop sign S at Longfellow and Tennyson Streets. It was the finding of the Plan- ning Commission that, subject to the above conditions, the business is compatible with the area. AYES: Comm. Collis, Mulfinger, Watters, Chairman Noble NOES: None REVZEw OF C-69-10 A Conditional Use Permit issued to Steve Triantij to conduct a take- out food business at 201 Hermosa Avenue. Approved June 16, 1969, sub- ject to review in 6 months. Mr. Crawford stated that no particular problems have occurred during their first 6 months of operation and that the staff felt that the conditional use permit could be extended. Motion made by Comm. Mulfinger, seconded by Comm. Watters, to extend the conditional use permit one year from this date. AYES: Comm. Collis, Mulfinger, Watters, Chairman Noble NOES: None MISCELLANEOUS Review of proposed ordinance to amend Section 1104 (Potential Zone) of City Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154. (Referred back by City Council for further study relative to Planned Development Zone). To be placed on the next regular meeting, January 5, 1970. Proposedr.;ordinance to create Planned Development Districts where present development standards are too rigid or inadequate (continued from December 1, 1969). Continued to the next regular meeting, January 5, 1970. Proposed ordinance requiring a Conditional Use Permit for entertainment in the C-2 and C-3 zones. Continued to the next regular meeting, Jan- uary 5, 1970. Meeting adjourned at 10:24 P.M. Next regular meeting will be January 5, 1970 CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing Minutes have been-�xaproved by te Plannin ''a ssion of the City of Hermosa Beach at $ regul�a mast' held o the' of January, 1970. F. �/ �] . DATE �� �� JOE B. NOBLE, CHAIRMAN JAMES D. COLLIS, SECRETARY