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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_75.05.12MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, HERMOSA BEACH, ON MONDAY, MAY 12, 1975 AT 7:30 P.M. Meeting called to order by Chmn. Rosenberger at 7:40 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce (arrived late), Chmn. Rosenberger Absent: None Also present was Rod Merl, Planning Director APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve the minutes of April 28, 1975, as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: Comm. Peirce APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Haller, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-1018 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: Comm. Hough Absent: Comm. Peirce Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve Resolution P.C. 1019 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: Comm. Peirce Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve Resolution P.C. 1020 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: Comm. Peirce Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Haller, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-1021 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Collis, Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Abstain: Comm. Hough Absent: Comm. Peirce Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-1022 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: Comm. Haller Abstain: Comm. Hough Absent: Comm. Peirce PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - May 12, 1975 page 2 Comm. Peirce arrived. Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-1023 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Noes: Comm. Haller Abstain: Comm. Hough Absent: None Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-1024 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None LEGAL DETERMINATIONS 1129-1131 Tenth Street Mr. Merl reviewed the analysis and recommendation of Mr. Pat Brown, Building and Safety Director. He said it has been licensed as three units; is zoned R-1 and was R-1 at the time of construction; and that in view of the analysis by the Build- ing Department, staff concurs with the Building Director's recommendation that only a single family usage be recognized unless new documentation is presented. Public hearing opened 8:47 p.m. Mr. Humphries, 1130 Tenth Street, wished confirmation that there should be only one unit on that size lot, and that more could not be built there. He said he has lived in Hermosa Beach for about 25 years and at this address for 17 years. Mrs. Altofer, 1137 Tenth Street, said the garage is not used; many different people move in and out, park in the driveway and on the front lawn, and block other people's driveways when parking on the street. She said they have no street number visible, nor mailbox, and they are bothered by visitors knocking on their door to ask direc- tion to the house. Mr. Mark Dennett, 1118 Tenth Street, said he is not too concerned if they are just legalizing what is existing. He said they have a severe parking problem on the street; the tenants park on the front yard and in the street, blocking other drive- ways; and there is also an apartment complex next door which adds to the parking problem. He said he is asking for improvement of off-street parking and would definitely ask for provision of off-street parking for the number of units they have. Public hearing closed 7:59 p.m. Mr. Merl said the applicant has submitted the tax record which shows three units and that he has testimony from people who know the apartments have existed since 1957• Chmn. Rosenberger asked if one parking space per unit was required in 1957, and if this dwelling was illegal since construction. Mr. Merl said that it appeared to be SO. Motion by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve as legal usage the three units at 1129-1131 Tenth Street in the R-1 zone. PLANNING COMB'ILSSION MINUTES - May 12, 1975 page 3 Ayes: None Noes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Absent: None Motion by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Haller, to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-1025, finding that the property at 1129-1131 Tenth Street, consisting of three units, is an illegal use within the R-1 zone, based on the documentation and testimony pre- sented to the Planning Commission on May 12, 1975. The property was R-1 at time of construction and has remained R-1 to date; any additional living units on the pre- scribed premises would be illegal; and at the time of construction there was a single car garage and no additional off-street parking has ever been provided, creating additional traffic congestion within a congested area. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None Chmn. Rosenberger required that the Planning Commission receive a report within 60 days as to the action taken in enforcement of this Resolution, whether affirmative or negative. Chmn. Rosenberger announced that the applicant has the right to appeal in writing to the City Council within ten days of notification. 2112 Monterey -Blvd. Mr. Merl reviewed the analysis and said that staff concurs in the Building Depart- ments recommendation that the three units be recognized. He said they have existed since 1933 which predates the ordinance on vehicles. Public hearing opened 8:13 p.m. Mr. Herald McLendon, 2204 Via Guadalona, Palos Verdes Estates, owner, said he moved there in 1931 and bought the premises in 1933; in 1938 he bought the lot across Loma Drive and built a double car garage. He said the building permit of 1954 was for enlargement, not a conversion; he enlarged the garage and cut a door from the garage into the house. He said he understands that if 50% or more of the dwelling is damaged it will revert back to R-2. Margaret Hughes, 2108 Loma Drive, said she doesn't think anyone uses the one -car garage; they park in front of it. She said she understands the property with the double car garage has been sold to a separate owner; that means there will be no garage across the street. She said she understands that two different parties have bought the two properties. Mr. McLendon said the garages are available; he cannot make the tenants use them. He said the property is sold but it is not out of escrow; it is not sold until he gets his money; and if it is sold to two people that's their problem. He said there would be room to restore three garages on the property if he wanted to do it. Public hearing closed 8:26 p.m. Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm Collis, to approve since it was within the regulations at the time it was built. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - May 12, 1975 page 4 Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Collis, to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-1026 approving legal non -conforming status based on the fact that the Building Department records show that the property when built and enlarged was within the current zoning ordinances and building regulations of that time. Since that was in 1933, it pre- dates any ordinance concerning parking. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None HOUSING ELEMENT Mr. Merl said the Housing ]dement was basically a descriptive document. The Plan- ning Commission expressed a desire to be more specific as to implementation. This document reflects the consolidation of the more substantive factors of the element. It is now an element that is basically descriptive with policy statements on imple- mentation. Public hearing opened 8:40 p.m. No one wished to be heard. Closed 8:40 p.m. Comm. Haller suggested continuance to assimilate the new materials and felt that some changes are still to be made. She requested that the changes be included and reworded in the current revision. Chmn. Rosenberger said anyone interested needs a fully revised copy; people need an opportunity to read it in order to take part in a public hearing. Motion by Comm. Collis to continue. Chmn. Rosenberger said he would second provided that it is publicized as a continued public hearing and copies of this document, currently revised, are made available, at least in the library and/or city hall so that when this hearing is reopened people will have an opportunity to speak on it. He said it will have long range effects on the city and people should know about it. Comm. Peirce said he fails to see what long term use the city has for this; it could be passed right now to meet one -of the requirements of the state. Comm. Hough seconded the motion; Chmn. Rosenberger continued to the second meeting in May. PARCEL MAP 5358 Final parcel map for a two -unit condominium at 605-607 Hollowell. Motion by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Peirce, to approve. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM Mr. Merl said the Planning Commission is asked for input to the City Council con- cerning the capital improvements program; the City Engineer has revised his chart to show where the funding comes from for each project. PLANNING COMMISSION MLNUTES - May 12, 1975 page 5 Chmn. Rosenberger said the chart shows four projects that come from General Funds, totalling $127,000, of which $100a000 is for the City Yard building and the rest for the public. He said he points this out to the City Council as an unequal dis- tribution of funds; and suggested moving General Funds money over to Parks. He said the South Park acquisition and completion has been promised for years. Mr. Merl said they are in contact with the owner for the final piece of property for South Park. He said Parks and Recreation request that the Planning Commission adopt their figures as these were drawn up five years ago and are not realistic. Chmn. Rosen- berger said if the figures need revision for the Parks & Recreation funds, do that for all the figures. Comm. Hough recommended that the public building modification for handicapped persons be moved up in priority and should have more money from general funds for hand rails, ramps, modification of restrooms, etc. She feels also that more money should be put into sidewalk repair. Mr. Merl recommended that signalization of Pier and Manhattan be added because of the difficulty of crossing there with cars coming up the hill. Chmn. Rosenberger added that perhaps an island would be required there for pedestrians. Comm. Haller said she considers the signalization at loth and Hermosa unnecessary. Comm. Hough and Chmn. Rosenberger agreed that it should be eliminated from the list. Comm. Hough suggested that the money be budgeted for proper drainage in front of the peper tree and the apple tree. Chmn. Rosenberger said that should be considered an item of priority. Chmn. Rosenberger asked the Commissioners to convey further suggestions to Mr. Merl and requested that staff write their comments in letter form and send to City Council. He requested that the Planning Commission, be notified of budget hearings and invited to participate. Mr. Merl suggested that the items be prioritized. HERMOSA CAR WASH-1000 Pacific Coast Highway Mr. Merl said a letter was received at the last meeting requesting review of a con- dition made in January 1974 that a sign be raised a minimum of 4 ft. by April 1, 1975. He said his understanding from the City Attorney is that a review can be requested at any time. Vern Maynard, 1000 Pacific Coast Highway, said that when he agreed to raise it he was told the sign was over city property; later he found that it wasn't over city property. He said it is as high or higher than several other signs, as Pup 'n Taco, and the high school sign. He said to take the sign down and raise it again would be an economic hardship at this time. He said it is 11' to the bottom of the large sign, and 10' where the ground rises; the lower sign is about 41, or 7' above the ground on his property. Comm. Hough said her recollection is that the sign and height were fine and then when the grading was done it raised the ground level which has the effect of lower- ing the sigh; then because of the laws and desire to support the Improvement Com- mission the Planning Commission asked that it be raised. It had nothing to do with city property; the swinging signs raised the question of city property but that was not a part of the original question. Chmn. Rosenberger said when Mr. Maynard came back two times for changes based on the grade, he went along with the change in a year's time and did not indicate that there would be any problem. He said he still feels that he would like to see that sign raised as a sign that low blocks off a view of the area which should not be blocked off. PLANNING COM ESSION MINUTES - May 12, 1975 page 6 Comm. Collis said he agrees with Comm. Hough's statement; he does not remember anything about its being over city property; and that Mr. Maynard agreed at the time and ought to live with the condition. Comm. Hough said she feels the sign should be moved up according to the agreement. Motion by Comm. Collis, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve the appeal. Ayes: None Noes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, Chmn. Rosenberger Absent: None Chmn. Rosenberger said the appeal has been denied by unanimous vote of the Plan- ning Commission; the applicant has ten days from notification to appeal to City Council for their action. MARCEL COIL= - 24 Pacific Coast HiFhwa Mr. Merl said this is a request for review of conditions imposed as part of the conditional use permit. He read a letter from Mr. Collete dated May 5, 1975, citing the reasons for wishing exemption of the requirement that there be a sidewalk and curb. Comm. Collis asked if the City Engineer has gone out to the property in view of this letter. Mr. Merl replied that the City Engineer has agreed that there may be problems in putting in the curbing but believed it is feasible. Comm. Haller said there is no curbing anywhere along there and she does not see why it is necessary; planting would be more attractive. Comm. Collis said he looked at it and thinks there are certainly problems, and that it is important to bear in mind certain hardship cases. He said it is not neces- sarily fair to ask the Planning Commission to make a judgment without a plan showing the design and the problem created; he would like to have the City Engineer comment on this letter and state what the problems are specifically. Comm. Hough said if the cost of the curb is an economic hardship now, the Planning Commission should not delay opening of the building, but stipulate that the Com- mission will look into this and perhaps require it after study. Comm. Haller agreed and noted that Mr. Collette has been going before the Commissions for a long time, and still has to go for a variance to waive underground wiring. Motion by Comm. Hough to allow Mr. Collette to open his business as soon as possible with the stipulation that a study will be made on the curb by the City Engineer, to be followed by a review in which a determination will be made about the curb. Mr. Marcel Collette said there is no curb on either side of the street; there is no curb in front of the liquor store; an entrance to the house will have to be eliminated entirely (an arch and stairway); if the curb is made it will be higher and water will come into the apartment; and at the end of the curb, where there would result 22' difference in level, the water would go into the neighbor's driveway. He said a small garden at the end of the property rather than a curb would contain the water. He said there will be no loose dirt; all will be either paved or gardened. He asked the Planning Commission to consider that any kind of consultation will take time; it tools him 22 months just to get a date set for a meeting with the Building Dept. He said he cannot afford the $10,000 that these modifications would cost; he would have to close the business. Comm. Peirce seconded the motion above. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - May 12, 1975 page 7 Mr. Merl asked for and received verification from Chmn. Rosenberger that the Plan- ning Commission does not wish this matter to delay issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Chmn. Rosenberger requested the report in six weeks or less. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None SEISMIC ELEMENT Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Burt, to approve and send to City Council. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None HILL STREET Mr. Merl said Mr. Rickert wishes to present a conceptual idea of integrating design factors and open space/access easements for bike and pedestrian traffic in response to questions that arose from the last meeting. Comm. Peirce said he would like to see this particular street kept as open space, based on looking at the site and the amount of parks in the south end of the city; to allow this area to be built on the vacated street without open space would in- crease the density. Comm. Collis asked the proposed means of development consider- ing the topography of the area and what sort of development they had in mind. Dean Abbott said it would be a residential development; that this is a schematic drawing, not firm, and they cannot tell absolutely the size of the lots. He said they would like to have a green belt through the area; it is shown 9' wide, opening to 161. He said the square footage of the lots will be about 2000 minimum. Comm. Haller requested that the City Attorney comment on this kind of package, that would include the vacation, design, easement for pedestrian and bicycle traffic and precise plan. So ordered. ARDMORE AVENUE CLOSURE Mr. Merl said the City Engineer has requested input from the Planning Commission because on Wednesday the state is ready to decide on sealing off Ardmore at Herondo, which is carrying out the Circulation Element. Motion by Comm. Haller, seconded by Comm. Hough, to recommend that the City Engineer go ahead with the proposal to seal off Ardmore permanently at Herondo. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Collis, Haller, Hough, Peirce, and Chmn. Rosenberger Noes: None Absent: None COMMERCIAL ELEMENT - DOWN1Y WN Mr. Merl said he would like input on the substantive question of policy downtown, the types of businesses desired, and the appearance. He said he feels it is important to close 13th to have controlled traffic situation, and that the area should be more pedestrian -oriented. PLANNING COMMSSION MINUTES - May 12, 1975 page 8 Mr. Merl also noted the reasonableness because of topography of commercial develop- ment to the 3-story limit in downtown. Comm. Collis said it is important because of pedestrian traffic that the physical plant be constantly maintained; all four sides of buildings should be considered important in terms of their elevations. Mr. Merl said the maximum needed for emergency equipment is 10' so they could develop 8' in walkways behind the buildings, improve the back elevations, increase the use of validated parking, and decrease police problems there by making the area more public. He said the trash cans will have to be removed; the idea of centralized commercial area is that people will walk around from store to store. Chmn. Rosenberger added that the stores will have to open up rear doors to channel traffic that way and to make the area part of the building and not an alley. Comm. Haller suggested closing Hermosa to -the Pier in the summer time. Mr. Merl said the businessmen are not in favor; they want to get the validated lot and remove the meters. Comm. Peirce suggested closing the end of Pier from Beach Drive to the Strand first, and show it to be a success. Comm. Collis said the type of business to be encouraged are retail businesses and beer and wine places are not conducive to that area at all. Comm. Haller said out- door cafes are more appealing; she opposes take-out windows. Motion by Comm. Hough that the Planning Commission concurs in concept with staff recommendations for the downtown segment of the commercial element. So ordered. Comm. Peirce said that Taco Bill now has a popcorn machine sitting on the Strand in front of his place of business. Mr. Merl said he would file a complaint for the Planning Commission, and also has a complaint on his sign violation. CONDITIONAL USE P&MT STANDARD REQ€9REbMTS Mr. Merl said he has discussed the proposed guidelines with the City Attorney who had no objections to any of them; also discussed them with other departments to see that their needs were dealt with. Concerning Parking Lot standards, Chmn. Rosenberger said establishment of general rules might work to the disadvantage of the small businessman; it will be the responsibility of the city to see that the requirements are viable in every case. He suggested changing `dull" system of lighting to "adequate" system; and that the guidelines should be recommendations only, and not mandatory. Comm. Hough questioned the legality of towing away parked cars. Mr. Merl said it can be done if the owner agrees to this arrangement; if he does not agree it would be up to the Planning Commission as to whether to include it in the conditions. He said it can be noted that these are standards and not mandatory, but they will serve to inform the applicant of the kinds of things he may expect to deal with. Chmn. Rosenberger said #1,2 (as amended) and 3 of the parking lot standards will be used as guidelines if the Commission agrees. So ordered. Comm. Hough said she had no comments on the standard conditions for take-out windows. Comm. Haller said they whould be discouraged. Comm. Collis said they should be permitted on the Strand only and nowhere else in the downtown area. Concerning the proposed standards for service of alcohol at restaurants, Comm. Hough said she does not disagree with 3, 4, 5, and 6, but does disagree with #1 and 2. She objected to the requirement of service of hot meals, and thinks these two PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - May 12, 1975 page 9 conditions discriminate against the kind of restaurant that is desired in the area. Comm. Haller said if hot meals are required then there is no need to worry about counter service. Mr. Merl suggested changing the word "service" to "availability", in #2. Chmn. Rosenberger requested addition of a statement at the beginning of each of these that they are guidelines and are at the descretion of the Commission. OPEN SPACE ZONE Staff requests that the Planning Commission call for a public hearing to designate 4 public lands as Open Space. Motion by Comm. Hough to set for public hearing at the next regular meeting. So ordered. R-2B REQUIREMENTS Comm. Collis said he feels that use of zero lot line with permission of the owner of adjoining lots should be removed from the ordinance, and that there must be control ownership of the property to build to zero lot line. Under the present provision, the adjacent property owner may find, at some future time, that he has created a hardship for himself that he was not aware of at the time. Chmn. Rosenberger asked for a report from the city as to how much R-2B has been used, its status, problems, where and how used, to be available at the next regular meeting. NOISE ELEMENT Mr. Merl requested that the Noise Element be set for public hearing. Chmn. Rosen- berger said it is not complete, and changes must be made before public hearing. He asked that the Commissioners deliver their suggestions to Mr. Merl before the next regular meeting, and a date for public hearing can be set at that time. Comm. Peirce said the Noise Element has the potential of affecting more people in Hermosa Beach than any other except land use; this is really important. He said it should include Los Angeles International Airport, the noise from light aircraft on weekends, and motorcycles. Chmn. Rosenberger added excessive use of sirens, and types of sirens being used. He suggested breaking it down by census tracts. COMMISSIONERS' ITEMS Comm. Peirce asked the status of the barricade on 2nd Street (Mr. Merl said it has gone to Coastal. Zone Commission), and the Biltmore site (City Manager has received authorization from City Council to appoint an MIA licensed appraiser to establish fair market value of the land). Comm. Hough said the trash collectors are working before 7:00 a.m. in violation of the ordinance. Meeting adjourned 10:50 p.m. CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes w approve a public earing held by the City Planning Commission of Hermosa ach on , 1975 r FAMES ROSENBIl3M, CHAIRMA H011 , Y c' _ S' DATE