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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_75.01.27ANUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMCSSION HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, HERMOSA BEACH, ON MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 1975 AT 7:30 F.M. Meeting called to order by Chairman Rosenberger at 7:34 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Comm. Burt, Chiu, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Absent: None Also present was Rod Merl, Acting Planning Director APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Peirce, to approve the minutes of the January 13, 1975 meeting as submitted. Chmn. Rosenberger ascertained that letters had been sent to the City Manager requesting that a representative of the Building Department be present at the meetings, and to the City Council requesting a joint meeting as soon as possible. Vote on the motion above: Ayes: Comm. Burt, Chiu, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Haller, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-1000 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Chiu, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None 637 MANHATTAN AVENUE Determination of legal use - request for recognition of two units (continued). Mr. Merl said the Planning Commission has received a letter from the Building Department in response to questions raised, which reaffirms that the Planning Commission has exclusive jurisdiction over the zoning aspects in regard to legal determination; however, matters relating to housing code and building codes are to be resolved by the Board of Appeals. He said the Building Department feels that there is not a violation. Public hearing opened 7:39 P.m - Mrs. Mary E. Stehman, 637 Manhattan Avenue, said to her knowledge the house was built as a duplex; she was there at the time. She said the bathroom and kitchen for the sleeping unit were part of the original structure. Comm. Collis asked if this was in R-2 and permitted at the time of construction. Mr. Merl affirmed. Motion by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Haller, to approve. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - January 27, 1975 page 2 Ayes: Comm. Burt, Chiu, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS 140 Pier Avenue (continued) Request for alcoholic beverages (beer and wine) and entertainment. Mr. Merl said the applicant has withdrawn his request as he has found a more suitable location. Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Burt, to receive and file. So ordered. 16 - 14th Street Request for sale of alcoholic beverages (beer and wine) and take-out window service (sandwiches, salads). In answer to a request by one of the commissioners, Mr. Merl presented a map showing the spatial locations of existing licenses throughout the city, determined from a list from the Alcoholic Beverage Control, the one location not shown on the map being the Veterans of Foreign Wars post. He reviewed the application of Thomas J. Sternberg, said there is a petition in opposition to granting the license, and that Mr. Sternberg has received ap- proval of sign and exterior design from the Improvement Commission. He said he had requested Building, Engineering and Police Departments to comment; Chief Stonier's reply was that he does not foresee any problem. Public hearing opened 7:51 p.m. Thomas Sternberg, 6 Voyage Street, Marina Del Rey, said he will serve healthy sandwiches and salads, and considers beer and wine a necessary adjunct to these kinds of food. He said he will decorate in a French country atmosphere; seating capacity will be ten tables or about 40 people. He said he will have a bike parking stand and has discussed bike parking with the Planning Department. Comm. Chiu asked if he has discussed his plans with the Downtown committee. Mr. Sternberg said he has not. Comm. Chiu asked how he proposed to take care of garbage from the take- out window. Mr. Sternberg said he is sharing with another business the hiring of a dump- ster; and there will be no take-out window; he may sell sandwiches to take out if requested but there will be no pass -through window. Chmn. Rosenberger asked if he has discussed the business with the neighbors, as a petition has been received. Mr. Sternberg said no, he had not expected any disapproval as he is only expanding on what was there previously; the only addition would be beer and wine. Public hearing closed 7:57 p.m. Chmn. Rosenberger said the petition was signed by 13 neighbors in the area; but had no information on the reasons behind the petition. Mr. Merl affirmed that owners within 300 feet had been notified. Comm. Chiu suggested a garbage collection district similar to the parking district. Mr. Merl said Engineering is drawing up plans for consolidating bins; this is a peripheral location and may not benefit, but he can.ask Engineering to expand its investigation, He said they propose to reduce unsightly bins, prevent blockage of vehicles, and it will be more economical to pick up. PLANNING COMSSION MINUTES - January 27, 1975 page 3 Comm. Collis said he feels the Planning Commission should have an established policy or direction for this type of business; some basis for making decisions. Figures show that the numbers of establishments in Hermosa Beach is very high. Chmn. Rosenberger said Hermosa Beach is a tourist center bringing in many outsiders for recreation; his main concern would be whether there are problems such as police complaints and citizen complaints. Comm. Burt said there are already 21 such establishments serving beer, wine and hard liquor, preponderantly in the Downtown area and he feels the city does not need another one. Motion by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve with the following conditions: 1. Sale of beer and wine with meals only; no separate area for serving of beer and wine. 2. Any change in hours of operation as reflected on the application to require Planning Commission review and approval. 3. Permit is granted to applicant only and a transfer of said permit is subject to Planning Commission review and approval. 4. Review in six months. 5. Approval by Hermosa Improvement Commission of all exterior improvements and signing. 6. No pass -through window for service of food to the exterior. Ayes: Comm. Chiu, Haller, Cough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: Comm. Burt and Collis Absent: None Motion by Comm. Peirce, seconded by Comm. Haller, to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-1001 granting the request with conditions as listed in the motion above. The applicant has voluntarily stated that his primary purpose is to serve sandwiches and salads; it falls within the General Plan usage; and there were no spoken objections from the audience to this request. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Chiu, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, Chmen. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None Comm. Chiu suggested establishing a policy of requiring, as a condition prior to consider- ation by the Planning Commission, that all applications for businesses in the downtown area be referred first to the Downtown committee for advice to the Planning Commission. After discussion, the Commissioners decided to inform the committee when applications are filed with the city so they can comment, as well as sending the agenda; to ask for a response whether positive or negative; and to assume that they agree unless they specify otherwise; however, this is understood as an informative step and decisions will not be predicated on it. It may be recommended, but not required, that the applicant confer with the committee, at the time he requests application for a permit. 530 Pacific Coast j wa Request for sale of alcoholic beverages (beer and wine). Mr. Merl said this was previously operated as the "Ninth Wave"; Conditional Use Permit rescinded because of problems with the driveway entry, cleanliness, and lighting. The PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - January 27, 1975 page 4 new applicant is aware of the problems. He intends to display and sell art work (not a part of the application). He said Building, Engineering and Police Departments were asked to comment; Chief Stonier's reply was that this address has frequently been a police problem. He referred to the map showing spatial relationship of liquor sales, and the seven conditions recommended by staff. Thomas R. Houlihan, 719 Indiana Court, E1 Segundo, said he checked into the driveway problem and does not feel the curb cut should be widened because of the narrow driveway, which does not permit a car to enter at an angle. He had a display to illustrate the problem; distance between buildings is 918", and distance between the bottom of the slopes of the curb cut is 817". He said entering at an angle would probably cause damage to the buildings and the car, or cause the driver to back into traffic; and would eliminate one on -street parking space. Hr. Houlihan said he has started interior remodel- ing with wall paneling, and will plan the remodeling around his art work which is metal sculpture. He said he has no plans for food and would have to replace all cooking facil- ities; he could serve sandwiches for a start. He said he would not be averse to having service of sandwiches listed in the conditions. He will advertise on the sign as Art Gallery and will not make things on the premises. He said he would like to open up a window which has been blocked. Public hearing closed 8:46 p.m. Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Peirce, to approve the Conditional Use Permit with conditions as follows: 1. Six month review. 2. No transferability without Planning Commission review and approval. 3. No modification of operating conditions (such as hours, and operation as an art gallery with art objects displayed at all times) without Planning Commission review and approval. Hours of operation to be 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Maintain as art gallery because of past police problems and maintenance problems which require upgrading of the establishment. 4. Driveway entrance shall be at least as wide as the driveway if feasible as determined by the City Engineer. 5. Maintenance of the facility grounds in a neat manner at all times and the provision of adequate trash storage and pick-up. 6. Maintenance of adequate exterior lighting at all times. 7. Approval of any exterior modification and signs by Improvement Commission before any changes to the appearance of the building are undertaken. 8. Sandwiches shall be available for purchase. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Chiu, Haller, Hough, Peirce and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: Comm. Collis Absent: None PLANNING C014ESSION MINUTES - January 27, 1975 page 5 Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Haller, to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-1002 approving the Conditional Use Permit for sale of beer and wine at 530 Pacific Coast Highway, to be known as "The Other World", based on the eight conditions listed in the above motion. The Planning Commission feels that this particular usage will improve the atmosphere of that location and will be more positive to the neighborhood than the previous use. Reasons for requiring the art gallery to be maintained: to upgrade the use of the site; to eliminate police problems; maintenance of the facility. It is within the General Plan use. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Chiu, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None 1200 Hermosa Avenue Request for sale of alcoholic beverages (Shenanigan's). Mr. Merl said the Conditional Use Permit was granted for sale of beer and wine with food. The applicant now requests permission for sale of hard liquor. A letter has been received from the City Attorney with reference to electronic games and imposition of the condition that food must be served with alcoholic beverages. Mr. Merl said this will be a modifi- cation of the original Conditional Use Permit. Public hearing opened 9:06.P-m- Ann Russell, 24401 Long Valley Drive, Hidden Hills, said they want to serve liquor for the purpose of making money; the games are electronic table tennis and clean sweep. Chmn. Rosenberger asked if she felt she had lived up to the conditions of May 13th in the matter of separate beer and wine service area. She said she had; people eat there. Comm. Hough asked if the signs by the door had been approved by the Improvement Commission. Mrs. Russell said no one has taken them down, she has received no letter and has had no protest. In answer to whether formal approval had been granted she said "no". Comm. Burt said he felt the games were brought in by misrepresentation. Mrs. Russell said the purpose of the games was "money." Comm. Hough questioned the use of a man playing a guitar, since entertainment would have required a Conditional Use Permit. Ray Waters, 615 24th Place, said he has been there several times and does not think the games detract from the place. Rosemary Foreman, 37-14th Ct., said the original objectors, minus one, at the Downtown Committee had no objections to the games or serving liquor. She said the Downtown Com- mittee felt the business has been handled in such a manner as to be a credit to the city and the restaurant business. It is not adjacent to residences and there has been no trouble there. She said she is speaking for Mrs. Dessau and herself in favor of approving the liquor license. Public hearing closed 9:19 p.m. Comm. Haller said she wishes to compliment Mrs. Russell as the restaurant is definitely an asset to the city and enhances the corner and the area. She said she has no objec- tions to the liquor license or the electronic games. Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Haller, to approve modification of the Conditional Use Permit to include liquor for general sale in conjunction with a restaurant, with no separate area for the alcoholic beverages, and food to be available at the counter as well as the tables. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - January 27, 1975 page 6 Ayes: Comm. Burt, Chiu, Haller, Hough, Collis, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: Comm. Peirce, as he felt they should retain the original stipulation that alcoholic beverages should be served only with meals. Absent: None Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Haller, to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-1003 approving modification of the original Conditional Use Permit to allow sale of alco- holic beverages, with the conditions as they were with the changes stated as above. It is consistent with the General Plan. Change -was made to allow alcoholic beverages served with food available because the establishment is well run, and has helped to upgrade the downtown area. The other change should be that electronic games only will be permitted; no mechanical games or pool tables. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Chiu, Haller, Hough, Collis and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: Comm. Peirce Absent: None 2699 Pacific Coast Highwa�r Request for take-out restaurant facility. Mr. Merl reviewed the proposal for a Pizza Man/Chicken Delight take-out/delivery service, and the recommended conditions. In reference to condition #1, use of the alley for delivery vehicles, Comm. Collis said the alley is very narrow and partially blocked by trash containers. Comm. Haller said a garage in the back is using the alley for parking which also restricts passage through the alley. Public hearing opened 9:37 p.m. Dennis Osborn, 14053 Califa, Van Nuys; and Joe Peterson, 815 Orange Grove, Burbank, said the request for later hours is due to delivery of pizza; T.V. advertising is directed to the later hours. They have limited seating; may request a license for alcoholic beverages later as a convenience for customers. Comm. Chiu asked what emission control they have in the cooking facility. Mr. Peterson replied that they have an exhaust fan which primarily lets out steam; the oils are caught in screens. He said the signing is leased to a company which is responsible for taking out permits and getting the designs approved; there will be two signs, one for each business. Public hearing closed 9:45 P.M. Motion by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Burt, to approve subject to the conditions be low : 1. Delivery vehicles use a lleTyay entrance rather than Pacific Coast Highway to reduce conflict with heavy traffic flow. 2. Six month review. 3. Any adjustment to hours or conditions of operation be subject to Planning Commission review and approval. 4. Permit is issued to applicant only and is not transferable without Planning Commission review and approval. 5. Exterior modification, landscaping, and all signing subject to approval of Improvement Commission. PLANNING COMMCSSION MINUTES - January 27, 1975 page 7 Ayes: Comm. Burt, Chiu, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None Motion by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Burt, to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-1004, approving the take-out establishment of chicken and pizza to be known as Chicken Delight and Pizza Man subject to conditions as above, since there was a similar business at this location previously, and it falls within the usage designated on the General Plan. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Chiu, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None REVIEW 2447 Pacific Coast HiEtyaX Review of staff report. Mr. Merl distributed copies of a petition. He said one of the conditions was for review of the traffic situation by the City Engineer; one report was received and a second is in the packet. Regarding the retaining wall, a registered engineer's report is required before the permit can be issued. In answer to specific questions, the traffic counts were taken 8/26/74 to 9/2/74 on 24th Place; and 8/27/74 to 9/2/74 on 24th Street, for 24 hour periods, and were made after one-waying 24th Street. Mr. Merl said the traffic problem has existed since 1972; the signers of the petition request Planning Commission assistance in getting police enforcement in response to calls on parking violations. Comm. Hough suggested changing to cul-de-sac for some streets to block them off from entrance to Pacific Coast Highway. Comm. Collis said there must be ingress for fire and emergency equipment. Mr. Merl suggested a partial barricade, or a visual barrier. A speaker from the audience said people drove around the counter since it extended only halfway across the street and requested that the study be repeated in a different manner. He said there are cars parked on the street every day in violation of the signing and they can get no response to calls to the police. Chmn. Rosenberger directed that this information be sent to City Council with a request that this matter be reopened and the recommendations of Mr. Putz reviewed. (Recommendations from Enclosure #4 of the petition) Motion by Comm. Peirce, seconded by Comm. Hough, that a letter be directed to the City Council enclosing the letter and packet of material received from the people of 24th Place and 24th Street, since certain recommendations have been made to alleviate the hazards on this street and nothll'g has been done. So ordered. Mr. Merl said there has been a question on the curb, gutter, sidewalk, with difference of opinion as to the interpretation. Chmn. Rosenberger said the interpretation should be per the City Attorney. So ordered. He said the matter of the retaining wall has come up in previous applications and the city is aware; the situation is listed for corrections. Add that it be required and acted upon by the owner. Mr. Collette said he understands they will make another wall; it is the responsibility of the owner. 1' 2_Strand Review for recording studio (continued) Mr. Merl said the applicant is requesting permission for a recording studio at the site of the former game palace. Noise is a concern; the applicant indicates sound proofing. Chief Stonier's report said there may be a noise problem, especially for the residents on 14th Street behind the recording studio. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - January 27, 1975 page 8 Don Sciarrotta, Quantum Recording Co., 1425 Marcelina Street, Torrance, said he wants to buy the property as it is big enough to expand his facilities and have all facets of his business in that block. He said he is not considering adding to the building, but would make it look more attractive with used brick or good soundproofing material, as he needs good isolation for recording. He said he will not live there; it will be in operation 24 hours per day but no one will live there. Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Burt, to approve with the following conditions: 1. Must improve outside of building with outside remodeling and signing reviewed and approved by Improvement Commission. 2. Soundproofing must be approved by City Engineer. 3. Subject to six-month review. Mr. Sciarrotta said no chemicals are being used that will escape into the air. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Chiu, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None 1200 Hermosa Avenue Review of Conditional Use Permit - Shenanigan's. Receive and file. So ordered. UTILITY PLAN Mr. Patrick Rosetti, of L. J. Thompson Engineering, employed by the city in preparing assessment district for street lighting, reviewed for the Commission the history of the program previously used, and said the city has requested a different vehicle which would give more flexibility in installation than the 1919 Act. He pointed out on the map the locations of work completed. Chmn. Rosenberger said the problem noted in the locations was that the simplest installa- tions are being done first as they are easier and cheaper, but the purpose of lights was to reduce crime; he questioned whether they should allow cost or conditions to determine the lighting policy. Mr. Rosetti said implementation is at the discretion of the Plan- ning Commission and City Council. AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN Open Space Element_��I11 Comm. Hough, Chmn. of Open Space Committee, gave a detailed report on,recent developments regarding open space, her meeting with Dr. Joyce and Dr. McComb, and the meeting of Dr. Joyce and the subcommittee of the City Council with Dr. McComb. Comm. Hough stated that the parkette at 6th and Prospect would be purchased with Proposition 1 money and the one at l9th and Prospect would be purchased on terms, $60,000 over 10 years. If paid in 5 years, no interest charge. The city and the schools are also talking about a trade of 17th Street and two city lots at Valley Vista for part of North School's playground. She requested continuance of this item to the next regular meeting on February 10. Comm. Hough moved to commend Rod Merl and the Planning Staff for their work. Seconded by Comm. Haller. So ordered. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - January 27, 1975 page 9 Land Use Element #9 Mr. Merl distributed additional materials on #9, and said a letter was received from Mr. Berggren who is concerned with expediting of #9 as it affects him personally. He reviewed the proposed changes; in light of the City Attorney's ruling it is necessary to deal with review and modify items now in #9. New items could not be added without new public hearings. He suggested making these modifications very quickly, and start- ing on the second change; the city does not have a General Plan until it has all nine elements. He said the primary concerns are clarification and consistency. Chmn. Rosenberger suggested that the Commissioners met in groups of two to go over these items with Mr. Merl before the next meeting. Mr. Berggren said he wrote a letter to the Commission; he feels the Commission has the responsibility to move on this particular issue sepcifically as it relates to land owners, to get zoning in accordance with the General Plan. Mr. ODell, Planning Department Consultant, said the city needs to establish a data bank for the City of Hermosa Beach in order to get the funds for development from federal revenue sharing monies. Motion by Comm. Collis to continue the remaining items to the next meeting. Subcommittee meetings were scheduled as follows: Zoning - last Wednesday of the month, 4 p.m. Development - first Wednesday of the mont]'a, 4 p.m. Meeting adjourned 11:50 p.m. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes were approved by the City Planning Commission of Hermosa Beach at a public hearing held January 27, 1975. Jim Rosenberg r, Chairman