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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_74.03.11MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, HERMOSA BEACH, ON MONDAY, MARCH 11, 1974, AT 7:30 P.M. Meeting called to order by Chairman Collis at 7:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, Widman (arrived late), and Chmn. Collis Absent: Comm. Chiu and Noble APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Burt, to approve the minutes of the February 25, 1974 meeting of the Planning Commission as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, and Chmn, Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Chiu, Noble, and Widman C-74-4 PD Request of J. Cariker for a PD Permit to construct a five -unit townhouse condominium at 962 First Street. (cont'd) City Planner Crawford reviewed this item, continued from the February 11, 1974 Planning Commission meeting in order to revise the plot plan and relate it to the Planned Development Ordinance. He said the plan falls within the required standards except for livability space: 2000 square feet required; 260 square feet provided on the ground by a four -foot wide yard on each side of the building; additional livability space and recreation space to be provided on top of the building by a separate roof deck for each unit accessible by five separate stairways. The plan provides access to each two - bedroom unit from within the garage; separate laundry room and storage for each unit; fireplaces and large windows overlooking the ocean. He said the plan exceeds the density allowed by the General Plan, and the ordinance states that the density of any plan under Planned Development shall not exceed the density provided by the General Plan. In response to a question by Comm. Hough, Mr. Crawford explained that except for -Planned Development, the Zoning Ordinance takes precedence over the General Plan, since the General Plan is still a resolution. Public hearing opened 7:47 p.m. James Cariker, 1035 Manhattan Avenue, said the revised subterranean garages give a better appearance and keep the height of the building down, and that CC&R's have not been prepared. No one else wished to speak on the item. Public hearing closed 7:50 p.m. Comm. Rosenberger asked where the landscaping was to be located. Mr. Crawford said it was indicated in three areas: a 5' x 10' area in front, two 10' x 13' areas between the units, and the 4' area around the perimeter of the building. Chmn. Collis identified the basic Issue as whether this type of development meets the goals and objectives established by the ordinance, considering the proposed density and open space. Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 1974 Page 2 Comm. Rosenberger questioned usability of recreation of roof. Chmn. Collis stated that in his opinion roof -top open space was not adequately accessible. Comm. Rosen- berger added that condominiums are supposed to be equal to home ownership. He felt the open space on the roof was not convenient, nor was the basement laundry area. Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve the proposed develop- ment of a five -unit townhouse condominium at 962 First Street. Ayes: None Noes: Comma Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, and Chmn. Collis Absent: Comm. Chiu, Noble, and Widman Motion failed to pass. Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Burt, to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-951 denying the request of James Cariker to construct a five -unit townhouse condominium on Lot 20, Trafton Heights, known as 962 First Street, for the following reasons: 1. The preliminary development plan does not conform to the General Plan. 2. The proposed development does not provide the required livability space. 3. The proposed development does not provide the required recreation space. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, and Chmn. Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Chiu, Noble, and Widman Comm. Widman arrived at meeting. C-74-5 PD Request of M. J uckes for a Planned Development Permit to construct a townhouse condo- minium on 2.6 acre site at 21st Street and Prospect Avenue. (cont'd) Mr. Crawford explained that this item was continued from the previous hearing in order to readvertise since the first advertisement indicated 38 units without noting that the existing dwelling would remain, making a total of 39 units. He said the applicant has submitted a revised proposal, eliminating the orlg4nal street and substituting two dead end driveways; some of the area originally in street and setback now being included in green space. Other changes are gate entrances, stucco and wood trim, fireplaces on six units, and elimination of tandem garages. Public hearing opened 8:29 p.m. Mike W. J uckes, 1217 24th Street, said the proposed construction falls within the requirements of the General Plan, having 15 dwelling units per acre. He felt the staff presentation covered the matter and had nothing new to add. No one else wished to speak. Public hearing closed 8:30 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 1974 Page 3 Comm. Rosenberger noted that there are no walkways to units 1-11; the addition of sidewalks would help to eliminate the alley effect of the west driveway. Comm. Burt felt that the plan could be improved. Comm. Hough felt that the development is not in harmony with the surrounding area due to the look -alike treatment of the units. Chmn. Collis suggested additional parking; revision of the entrance to look less like an alley; improvement along the two streets, perhaps trees in the parkway; and screen- ing of the patios. He said he would not approve based on these floor plans, e.g. inadequate kitchens, four bedrooms with one bathroom. He said that alternative plans should be presented to the Planning Commission. Comm. Widman referred to a letter addressed to the City Council on previous hearings regarding density of the area, and claiming that the density figure should be obtained by averaging this property with the rest of the block. He requested that a copy of P.C. 154-852 be considered before rendering a decision on this plan. Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Burt, to continue to the Planning Commission meeting of April 8, 1974 for additional study of the proposed units. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, Widman, and Chmn. Collis Noes: None Abseht: Comm. Chiu and Noble C-74-6 Request of Cantisani and Capdevilla for a Conditional Use Permit in order to operate a take-out window in a cafe and to provide beer and wine service withi,meals to sit- down customers only at 26 22nd Street. (new) Mr. Crawford explained that the request for take-out windows on 22nd Street and on the alley (unnamed) is part of a proposal to convert the old bathhouse into a restaurant. There is a 201 wide sidewalk in front of the building; the alley is 10' wide and is used by automobiles. He said the request to serve beer and wine with meals is for sit- down customers only; state law prohibits serving alcohol to customers on the street through the window; no bar is requested nor intended; and the serving of beer and wine would be conditioned by Alcoholic Beverage Control as well as by the City. He said that a communication from the Acting Chief of Police shows that the applicants have been checked through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and have no records. Letters were submitted from Carol Breidenbach, 2140 Strand, opposing the sale of wine and beer unless it can be confined to the sit-down customers only, and no loud music; and from Mrs. Robert Hicks, 20 22nd Street, objecting to sale of alcoholic beverages through a take-out window or at a bar, but not opposing sale of beer and wine to sit- down dinner customers. Mr. Crawford said the request shows hours of 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.; staff suggests 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. to coincide with curfew. He said that the parking would be on -street since it Is an existing commercial location, remains non -conforming, and no additional off-street parking is required. Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 1974 Page 4 Public hearing opened 9:19 p.m. The applicants were not present. Bruce Dunn, 2216 Strand, speaking for himself do not oppose the sale of beer and wine within the ability of the people in the neighborhood once they are initiated. No one else wished to speak. Public hearing closed 9:25 p.m. and John Mix, 2210 Strand, said they the limits set forth, but question to control such sales in the future Comm. Widman noted that other take-out cafes had been required to mark paper goods and maintain trash containers. Chmn. Collis said he opposes the request since this type of operation should be con- fined to one area rather than dispersed throughout the community, should not be allowed in what is basically a residential area, and that beer and wine are not necessary to the success of the operation. Comm. Rosenberger felt that corner eateries could have wine and beer service if con- fined to meals only. Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Burt, to approve the requests for take- out food service, and to serve beer and wine with meals, subject to the following conditions: 1. Hours of operation, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 P.M. 2. Service of beer and wine with meals only and in crystal glasses only. 3. Window service on 22nd Street only. No window service on alley. 4. No chairs, benches, tables, signs on sidewalk on 22nd Street. S. Exterior color, all signs subject to approval of Hermosa Improvement Commission. 6. Signs visible from exterior may not cover more than 20% of window area. 7. That operation be at all times as represented before the Planning Commission. 8. That permit for beer and wine be temporary and subject to review in six months. 9. That two 30 gallon trash containers in concrete shells, similar to City -owned containers downtown, be provided at all times window service is provided. 10. That the adjacent street, sidewalk, and alley be kept clear of debris and trash at all times. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, and Widman Noes: Chmn. Collis Absent: Comm. Chiu and Noble Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Widman, to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-952 approving the request of Cantisani and Capdevilla for a Conditional Use Permit to have take-out food service on 22nd Street, and to serve beer and wine with meals subject to the ten conditions listed above. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, Widman, and Chmn. Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Chiu and Noble Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 1974 Page 5 DETERMINATION OF USE Request of L. Bergstrom for determination of legally -permitted units in apartment house located at 1912 Hermosa Avenue. Mr. Crawford reviewed the history of the property as shown in existing documents. He said that units A and B on the floor plan meet minimum housing standards; the sleeping room Is not permitted in an R-3 zone and does not meet minimum health and safety standards of the current state code. Public hearing opened 9:48 p.m. Mrs. Robert Patton, 2028 Strand, representing her mother, Mrs. Louise Bergstrom, 41 21st Street, refuted statements in the presentation for which she felt no proof existed, objected to omission from the listing of documents showing nine units, and declared that the owner has paid property tax, business license, trash disposal fees and Health Department fees on nine units, allowed interior inspections, and submitted all records to the City. She said the sleeping room can be altered to meet current housing code requirements. She recited the various documents and indicated that on the basis of the records the City could not determine whether or not seven or nine units were initially created, that prosecution would have no evidence. She felt that Planning Commission approval of nine units would be to City's advantage as the City would then have accurate records for the future. Perhaps other owners of questional units would come forward, if the units were not taken from them. Public hearing closed 10:03 p.m. Comm. Rosenberger asked if business license fees are cross-referenced with building records. Mr. Crawford said that cross-referencing began last year for the first time; that the business license is totally unrelated to land use; and that the City is proscribed from using business license taxes to regulate when the tax is for revenue. Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Burt, to approve the eight dwelling units and sleeping room as legally non -conforming subject to the condition that the owner will bring the units up to minimum health and safety codes. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, Widman, and Chmn. Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Chiu and Noble Comm. Rosenberger requested that the following paragraph of Mary Patton's letter of February 21, 1974 to City Manager Earl Diller be included in the minutes: "Also, in some areas of California, Residential Building Reports are now part of escrow check lists. This results in the seller or realtor requesting the report at the start of escrow and insures that the buyer will receive it before escrow closes. It has been suggested that we approach local escrow companies and ask their cooperation. suggest this again." Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 1974 Page 6 C-72-5 Request to add beverage dispenser to game machine business at 1330 Strand. Mr. Crawford outlined the request for modification of a Conditional Use Permit for Hermosa Recreation (Game Palace) to include one (1) coin -operated vending machine for the dispensing of cold soft drinks (in cans). Item #3 of that Permit stipulates no food or drinks. Public hearing opened 10:23 p.m. Warren I. Wolfe, Vice President, Hermosa Recreation, said he is requesting permission for a soft drink machine because he is one of the few merchants open full time rather than seasonally; he has had requests for soft drinks; people bring in drinks from other establishments in paper cups and spill them, causing cleaning and repair bills; selling soft drinks would defray costs and perhaps bring in revenue gain; and he has two trash containers about the size of 45 gallon oil drums because of imported food and beverages. George Chpy,1340 Strand, has a cafe next to the Game Palace, and objects to the pro- posed soft drink dispenser. He said the machine is already in and operating; he has to pick up the cans; that kids somehow get beer in the cans, smoke pot and drink beer, and prefer cans because they can drink while riding their bicycles; and that the landlord told hirm.nobody in the building would be dispensing food or beverages in competition with his cafe. He said the problems have occurred just since the machine was put in operation, about five weeks ago. In response to a question from Chmn. Collis, Mr. Choy said he has not reported the actions of the children to the police. Rosemary Foreman, 31 14th Court, said she has complained to the City Council; there are no trash containers in evidence, and Game Palace sweeps trash out the back door; the burgler alarm sometimes goes off at night. She said the boys are about eight or nine years old, they do drink beer from soft drink cans, make noise and annoy the neighbors. She said they no longer report it to the police because the police have called the neighbors "trouble makers" and said the kids were just full of high spirits because it was a full moon. Comm. Hough asked why the machine was operating without a permit. Mr. Wolfe replied that the machine was installed about four or five weeks ago and was operating until he stopped it. He said there is no restriction in his lease concerning the sale of soft drinks. He said they have two trash cans; they use the trash bins of a cafe in exchange for parking space. Comm. Hough asked whether the operators had considered banning food and beverages from the game center. She indicated that her own experience shows this to be possible. Mr. Wolfe said he had considered it, and came to the conclusion that it was impossible, and wanted the revenue if he had to have the nuisance. Public hearing closed 10:53 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 1974 Page 7 Comm. Rosenberger noted that the use of soft drink cans would compound the problems of that area with the children, in addition to the danger of the aluminum cans and POP tops. Chmn. Collis strongly recommended that the applicant post notices that no food or beverages are permitted. Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Rosenberger, to approve the request for a beverage dispenser. Ayes: None Noes: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, Widman, and Chmn. Collis Absent: Comm. Chiu and Noble Request denied, but can be appealed to City Council. Motion by Comma Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Hough, to adopt P.C. Resolution 154-953 denying the request of Warren Wolfe to add a beverage dispenser on the basis that it would increase health and safety hazards now existing and would aggravate existing juvenile problems in the area. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, Widman, and Chmn. Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Chiu and Noble AMENDMENT #6 TO THE GENERAL PLAN Mr. Crawford submitted a map of the arterial and collector streets, and stated that a completely revised text of the major street element would be presented at the next meeting. Corrections made to the map by the Commission were: 1. Gould (collector) from Valley west to the ocean should go down Greenwich. 2, l6th from Ardmore to Pacific Coast Highway is a collector. 3. Ardmore from Second to Herondo is not included as a collector. 4. Longfellow is not a collector. Public hearing opened 11:20 p.m. Ken Bertossi, 629 Gould Terrace, said the residents of Gould request that this part of the discussion be tabled until they can submit specific objections and alternative proposals to the Planning Commission. He said they feel that the extension of Artesia and the change of Gould to arterial is inconsistent with the long-range plan for Hermosa Beach. He said they will propose keeping Gould as a collector and using the remaining part of street width for a bike path through a 40' parkway; and that through traffic should be routed through the commercial district, not through a resi- dential area. Dan Sapin, 635 Gould Terrace, concurred in requesting a delay, approved the bike path and pa'Irkway, and is concerned with the increase in traffic and noise that would result from widening Gould to four lanes. Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 1974 Page 8 Giyora Doeh, 649 Gould Terrace, said there is a speed problem on the downhill street which would be increased by widening to four lanes. Edward L. McDougall, 605 Gould Terrace, said the traffic coming down the hill is a hazard; there is a necessity to cut down traffic, not build it up. He said he would object to a right turn lane. Public hearing closed 11:31 p.m. Chmn. Collis recommended continuing this item until the residents from the area could present an alternate plan to the Planning Commission. Material submitted by the 18th of March could be presented to the workshop meeting on March 25, 1974. Sof ordered. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD Proposed ordinance establishing a Design Re-0 ew Board, regulations therefor and designating Hermosa Improvement Commission as said Board. Mr. Crawford said this ordinance originated with the Planning Commission in 1968; in 1972, City Council suggested that the Planning Commission discuss and recommend an Architectural Review Board. He said the Improvement Commission drew up the ordinance creating a Design Review Board for the Board of Zoning Adjustments and Planning Commission to review and transmit to the City Council. Public hearing opened 11:41 p.m. George Schmeltzer, 1015 : 15th Place, gave a brief description of the proposed ordinance, and the Hermosa Improvement Commission's interest in seeing it adopted. Public hearing closed 11:44 p.m. Comm. Rosenberger asked whether the Board would have any means of enforcement. Mr. Schmeltzer replied that applicants could not proceed with plans without approval of the Board, except by appeal to City Council, and that negotiation and persuasion were anticipated as the main pressures of the ordinance. Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve the Ordinance establishing the Design Review Commission , and recommend to the City Council. Ayes: Comm. Hough, Rosenberger, and Chmn. Collis Noes: Comm. Burt Abstain: Comm. Widman Absent: Comm. Chiu and Noble Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Hough, to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-954 approving the proposed ordinance establishing a Design Review Board for the City of Hermosa Beach with the Improvement Commission acting as said Board, to be sent with cover letter to the City Council. Ayes: Comm. Hough, Rosenberger, and Chmn. Collis Noes: Comm. Burt Abstain: Comm. Widman Absent: Comm. Chiu and Noble Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 1974 Page 9 C-73-11 Request of J. Gerlach for modification of building setback on Planned Development C-73-11, 1628 Manhattan Avenue. Mr. Crawford reviewed briefly the approved Conditional Use Permit for four townhouses on Manhattan Avenue. Mr. Gerlach has requested modification of rear yard setback from the five feet shown on the plot plan to the three feet allowed by the zoning ordinance as a survey has shown the lot to be irregularly shaped. The three feet rear yard will only exist at the north end, the south end being more than five feet. Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Chmn. Collis, to approve the request. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, Widman, and Chmn. Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Chiu and Noble 1212 LOMA DRIVE Request to place usable open space on roof of proposed four -unit apartment building to be located at 1212 Loma Drive. Mr. Crawford reviewed the plans for 1212 Loma Drive, with changes including roof deck with separate membrane, janitor's closet and wet bar for use of the tenants, trash bins relocated under the stairway, and barbeque and picnic table added. Meets all other requirements. Mr. Robert L. Schratz, 1613 Raymond Avenue, presented a book of photographs of the surrounding buildings. Chmn. Collis said he does not consider driveways as usable open space, nor is roof space actually usable as open space. He said he will recommend that the Planning Commission change the ordinance and not consider driveways as part of open space. Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Burt, to approve the request for open space on the roof of the proposed apartment. Ayes: None Noes: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, and Chmn. Collis Abstain: Comm. Widman Absent: Comm. Chiu and Noble ZONING ORDINANCE REVISION Proposed amendment to Combined Lot Provisions of Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, as amended. Mr. Crawford explained that the public hearing is to consider the Zoning Ordinance amendment to revise the sections on Combined Lot Area and Planned Development of Combined Lots. Public hearing opened 12:30 a.m. No one wished to be heard. Planning Commission Minutes March 11, 1974 Page 10 Public hearing closed 12:30 a.m. Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve the Zoning Ordinance Revision. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, and Chmn. Collis Noes: None Abstain: Comm. Widman Absent: Comm. Chiu and Noble Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Hough, to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-955 approving revision of Zoning Ordinance N.S. 154, Section 1203.1 and 1203.2 for the following reasons: 1. to limit adverse density development in R-1 zones, 2. to encourage the maintbnance of combined lots, and 3. to discourage 25' lot development. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, and Chmn. Collis Noes: None Abstain: Comm. Widman Absent: Comm. Chiu and Noble Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Chmn. Collis, to adopt resolution of record Resolution P.C. 154-956 stating that in thel:opinion of the Planning Commission, driveways and parking areas should not be considered usable open space. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Hough, Rosenberger, Widman, and Chmn. Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Chiu and Noble Motion by Comm. Hough, unanimously approved, to direct a resolution to the League of California Cities requesting that the Planning Commission Seminar be held annually rather than biannually. The inspection of areas where the zoning map conflicts with the General Plan, having been canceled on March 9, was reset for Saturday, March 16, 9:30 a.m. at Prospect School. Meeting adjourned 12:45 a.m. to regular adjourned workshop meeting on March 25, 1974. CERTIFICATION hereby certify that the foregoing minutes were approved by the Planning Commission of the City of Hermosa Beach at a public hearing a on the llth day of March, 1974. JAMES D. COLLIS, CHAIRMAN JAMES ROSENBERGER, ACTING SECRETARY