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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_74.07.22MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, HERMOSA BEACH, ON MONDAY, JULY 22, 1974, AT 7:30 P.M. Meeting called to order by Acting Chairman Chiu at 7:40 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Chiu Absent: Comm. Rosenberger and Chmn. Collis APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve the minutes of the meeting of July 8, 1974, of the Planning Commission as submitted. Comm. Haller questioned the usage, in Z-74-3, page 5, of the required findings without stating the reasons expressed in each particular instance. It was agreed that in the future the reasons for making the required findings will be specified precisely. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Chiu Noes: None Absent: Comm. Rosenberger and Chmn. Collis Comm. Peirce asked the disposition of Z-74-2, request of Joe Alflen for zone change. Mr. Crawford said the City Council granted the appeal and denied a written request by Mr. Alflen that his application be withdrawn. City Council then referred it back to the Planning Commission. The request will come to the Planning Commission at the next regular meeting and then return to City Council. APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Haller, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-973 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Chiu Noes: None Absent: Comm. Rosenberger and Chmn. Collis Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-974 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Chiu Noes: None Absent: Comm. Rosenberger and Chmn. Collis Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-975 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Chiu Noes: None Absent: Comm. Rosenberger and Chmn. Collis Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-976 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Chiu Noes: None Absent: Comm. Rosenberger and Chmn. Collis PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - July 22, 1974 Page 2 Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Peirce, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-977 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Chiu Noes: None Absent: Comm. Rosenberger and Chmn. Collis AMENDMENT #11 - OPEN SPACE City Planner Crawford explained that the Open Space Element, prepared in subcommittee, is presented as Amendment #11 to which has been added the Scenic Highways Element. He said the text that accompanies that plan is taken from the Guidelines for Local General Plans of the Council on Intergovernmental Relations, Sept., 1973. After passing of this element there is further work to be done with local agencies including Coastal Zone Commission to see that the City's proposed plan and map fit with the other agencies, or that they have no objections concerning the Scenic Highways portion; the Open Space Element is completed. Chmn. Chiu asked if the liaison work concerns only the Scenic Highways Element; and if the three components of Amendment #11 can be handled separately. Mr. Crawford's answer to both was affirmative, but he added that the final document should make clear that the three interrelate. Comm. Hough read a letter from Dr. Rogers indicating that he had no part in final decisions of the Committee, and asked that it be entered into the record, and that copies be sent to Committee members. She said that areas in Open Space may be zoned Open Space with potential for R-2 or R-3; the Element is not specific about this. Mr. Crawford said the City Council imposes and changes the zones; the Planning Commission may recommend but does not make the changes. The Planning Commission would then revise the Open Space map to accommodate any changes made by the City Council. Comm. Burt said he felt the area next to the water tower should not be in Open Space. Regarding the Implementation Section, Chmn. Chiu asked if the Commission wishes to make any mention of the acquisition of scenic easements. He explained the concept of purchase of developmental rights, used to preserve historic sites in the East and in the Chicago area. Land owners are aided in realizing the value of their property without destroying the historical site by being granted certain development rights which can be sold to adjacent land owners. Comm. Hough questioned the inclusion of all of Valley -Ardmore in the scenic corridor. Chmn. Chiu asked whether we have any official plants. Mr. Crawford said the official tree is the New Zealand Christmas tree; the official flower is the daisy; and the whole of Hermosa Beach has been designated an official wild bird sanctuary by the City Council (N.S. 2778 adopted 6/5/68). Comm. Chiu favored inclusion of this information in the Conservation Element. Chmn. Chiu approved the zoning of ocean as Open Space. Comm. Haller asked how the provision could be made meaningful in order to preserve and keep it as open space; whether it is necessary to post boundaries and patrol for violations. Mr. Crawford said it is possible to mark the boundaries with buoys and to protect against litter and oil spillage. Chmn. Chiu suggested including in Section 4 with an explanation attached; Mr. Crawford said he thought it should be in the Conservation Element. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - July 22, 1974 Page 3 Comm. Peirce questioned B., page 1, regarding purchase of trailer park. Mr. Crawford said the trailer park would be very usable as a park adjacent to the school; it is not covered with substantial buildings; is adjacent to the playground; and has reasonably good access from three directions. Comm. Peirce said he is concerned with the need for more parks on the east side of the highway. Concerning Principle 4 D., Comm. Hough asked for comments of the Commission on whether "residential" should be included. It was agreed that "and residential" would be inserted after "industrial". Page 4. Designation & Description of Proposed Open Spaces - #2. Delete second para- graph, "The zoning regulations shall require a minimum of 200 square feet of usable open space for each dwelling unit." It was determined to be not applicable since lot coverage in the Open Space Zone is limited to 10°5%. Chmn. Chiu made a correction in Chart C, State Required. Subtotal should be "252" acres, and the total 11612" acres. Comm. Hough asked whether the Commission preferred to have the "Implementation" written as required action or as suggested policy guidelines only. Chmn. Chiu sug- gested that it be written as "recommendations". Comm. Peirce said it should be a stronger, imperative statement. Comm. Hough preferred the stronger statement; "shall". Comm. Haller and Burt preferred "shall". The decision was to leave it as written. Implementation: 1. School grounds, d. - It was determined to leave as is since any change would come before the Planning Commission with the proposal of a Precise Plan. 5. Ocean - It was determined to omit commercial fishing; allowing no use other than recreation and navigation. 7. Private Open Space - Comm. Hough asked whether the block between Prospect Heights and Guadalupe should be included. The Planning Commission agreed unanimously to leave it in. Chmn. Chiu suggested increasing the dedication fees regarding the Quimby requirement; present fees being $200, and $500 in the subdivisions. All agreed to the increase of fees, to be used for acquisition only. Add item #8 under Implementation to establish a dedication fee of $500 per unit for apartments for park acquisition use, subject to increases as City Council may desire. Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Burt, to approve the text as corrected and set for public hearing, August 12, 1974. Chmn. Chiu asked whether the Environmental Impact Report as listed on the agenda, is available. Mr. Crawford said it is not completed but will be provided prior to the public hearing. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Chiu Noes: None Absent: Comm. Rosenberger and Chmn. Collis Comm. Peirce said it seems inappropriate for the Board of Zoning Adjustments to consider the Environmental Impact Report in some areas such as plans and ordinances; and that an applicant should not have to go to both places for an Environmental Impact Report on a Conditional Use Permit as it is a duplication of effort for them and for the applicant. He said he doesn't think they are carrying out their function as man- dated by law. Mr. Crawford said there is a problem in sending the EIR's to the Board of Zoning Adjustments first, before coming to the Planning Commission. He said this order was established so the Planning Commission could take the advice of the Board of PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - July 22, 1974 Page 4 Zoning Adjustments as well as the request of the applicant in judging whether the permit should be granted, but it creates an almost unreasonable delay between the time of the application and the Planning Commission hearing, with no time left for continuing. Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Hough, to recommend by memorandum to the City Council that the resolution be amended to provide that those matters scheduled for public hearing by the Planning Commission have their EIR's heard and approved by the Planning Commission. Comm. Peirce said this would result in speedier service, and should apply to ordinance amendments, zone changes, Conditional Use Permits and Planned Developments. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Chiu Noes: None Absent: Comm. Rosenberger and Chmn. Collis SEISMIC SAFETY ELEMENT Chmn. Chiu asked about the status of the Seismic Element. Mr. Crawford said the Seismic Safety Element, prepared by Planning Intern Darrell Yagodich, was included in the agenda so that the Commissioners might indicate their feelings about the material, which is about all that can be gathered without professional assistance from a geologist. In reply to a query by Comm. Hough, he added that Redondo and Manhattan Beach are involved in a coordinated seismic safety program which Hermosa Beach may join for a fee of about $2400. He explained the study as having three basic parts: first, the field work, testing the soil, core samples, etc.; second, devising and recommending new laws or changes in the Building Code affecting different kinds of building in different locations, involving voluntary and involuntary risk; and third, the safety element, areas of maximum safety, routes, transportation plan, responsibility and authority in time of crisis. Comm. Peirce suggested the possibility of having the study completed as a college project. Comm. Burt, Chiu, and Hough favored joining the Beach cities in their study. Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Hough, to notify the City Council that the Planning Commission prefers to join with Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach in a Seismic Safety Element and use their consultant at the cost of approximately $2400. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Chiu Noes: None Absent: Comm. Rosenberger and Chmn. Collis Chmn. Chiu, on behalf of the Planning Commission, expressed gratitude to the student intern, Darrell Yagodich, for the work he has done on the Seismic Safety Element and requested a memo complimenting him on the fruits of his efforts. R-3 ZONE AMENDMENT REVISIONS Section 600, 1. Comm. Peirce suggested changing to "Any use in the R-1 or R-2 zone..." 2. Mr. Crawford said in the basic Environmental Impact Report guidelines statewide, the EIR begins with more than four units, while multiple dwellings are defined as three or more units; and asked whether the Planning Commission wants to exempt three and four units from the requirement of a Conditional Use Permit. Comm. Haller and Chmn. Chiu favored leaving #2 as is, stating that some of the worst impacts come from three and four unit projects. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - July 22, 1974 Page 5 Mr. Crawford said the revisions are still in continued public hearing and can be heard and approved on August 12; and that he will have the Section 604 Exception rewritten before that time. PROPOSED CONDOMINIUM ORDINANCE Mr. Crawford said the proposed condominium ordinance was continued to discuss at workshop meeting. Comm. Haller said she thought it should include provision for guest parking and a landscaping plan; that although landscaping is required in the final plan, it might be more appropriate to have it initially in case any changes need to be made. Chmn. Chiu said the consensus is to schedule for public hearing. 1974-75 WORK PROGRAM Mr. Crawford said the City Council frequently refers Planning Commission recommendations right back to the Planning Commission for additional comments or public hearings, or for more work in joint workshops. Comm. Peirce suggested work in joint sessions after the City Council has reviewed an item and received input from their public hearing. Chmn. Chiu said he would like to add the topic of meetings with adjoining neighbors' Planning Commissions to discuss the various elements, and asked Mr. Crawford to Indicate to Chmn. Collis that he approve and send a letter to this effect. Also Chmn. Chiu would like to add the topic of area housing council to create an area housing element. Information had been sent to City Council with comments on the desirability; City Council considered it, deleted words "approval of the concept", and referred to staff. Will send letters of mayors of Redondo and Manhattan Beach, County Board of Supervisors. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Motion by Comm. Hough to delay election of officers until there is a full commission. CITY COU14C I L REFERRALS Re: Planned Development/Precise Plan, C-2, C-3 and R-3 zones. Mr. Crawford said it is not clear whether Councilman Widman refers to all new businesses within the C-2 and C-3 zone, or to new construction within those zones. He said reviewing all new businesses would be impossible; the Design Review Board is reviewing new construction; and the Business License Permit Board reviews all but those requiring a Conditional Use Permit. Chmn. Chiu suggested tabling this item as the Planning Commission is unclear as to its intent and would like to hear Councilman Widman's comments when it is convenient for him, perhaps at the next meeting. Re: Biltmore Site Zoning. Mr. Crawford said the Planning Commission recommendation will reach the City Council after it gets through the Board of Zoning Adjustments. Re: Bicentennial Committee. Comm. Hough volunteered to represent the Planning Commission on the Bicentennial Committee to work with neighboring cities to set up a joint South Bay Program to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the United States of America in 1976. Chmn. Chiu confirmed her appointment. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - July 22, 1974 Page 6 PLANNING COMMISSION MATTERS Mr. Crawford said a copy of the Goodkin report is enclosed in the packets. He said this precise plan has been adopted by the City Council and is supposed to be guiding the city in its decisions on Downtown improvement, including such matters as resi- dential use in the commercial zones, and staged development. He said he has offered a downtown plan which could be a first stage of this plan. Comm. Peirce asked Chmn. Chiu if the Downtown Committee has a long-range plan. Chmn. Chiu replied that he has been going to their meetings which have been concerned primarily with short-range concerns, and asked for Mr. Merl's comments. Mr. Merl said they have recently discussed conceptual ideas for Downtown; three-story height limitation; pedestrian -oriented walkways; Loreto Plaza; the Biltmore site; and the encroachment of residential into commercial areas, which they see as a real danger. Comm. Burt scheduled a meeting of the Zoning Committee for 4 p.m., Monday, July 29, pursuant to revising Planned Development. Meeting adjourned 9:50 p.m. CERTIFICATION hereby certify that the foregoing minutes were approved by the Planning Commission of the City of Hermosa Beach at a public hearing held on the 22nd ay of uly, 1974. DATED GLORIA HOUGH, ACTING SECRETARY L71-, CMW CHJUSACTING CHAIRMAN