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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_75.08.11MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, HERMOSA BEACH, ON MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 1975, AT 7:00 P.M. Meeting called to order by Acting Chmn. Hough at 7:22 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Loosli, Chmn. Collis (arrived late) Absent: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger Also present was Rod Merl, Planning Director APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Comm. Haller, seconded by Comm. Burt, to approve the minutes of July 28, 1975, with correction: Page 9, last paragraph: They are to be kept open to insure continuance of public benefit to redress the gross lack of open space in Hermosa Beach. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough,Loosli Noes: None Absent: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger, Chmn. Collis APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Haller, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-1048 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Haller, Hough, Loosli Noes: None Abstain: Comm. Burt Absent: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger, Chmn. Collis Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Haller, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-1049 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Haller, Hough, Loosli Noes: None Abstain: Comm. Burt Absent: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger, Chmn. Collis Motion by Comm Burt, seconded by Comm. Haller, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-1050 as submitted. Ayes: Comm. Haller, Hough, Loosli Noes: None Abstain: Comm. Burt Absent: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger, Chmn. Collis Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Haller, to approve Resolution P:C. 154-1051 as submitted. Planning Commission Minutes - August 11, 1975 Page 2 AYES: Comm. Haller, Hough Noes: Comm. Loosli Abstain: Comm. Burt Absent: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger, Chmn. Collis Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Haller, to approve Resolution P.C. 154-1052 with corrections: They are to be kept open to insure continuance of public benefit to redress the gross lagk of open space in Hermosa Beach. Ayes: Comm. Heller, Hough, Loosli Noes: None Abstain: Comm. Burt Absent: Comm. Learned, Rosenberge, Chmn. Collis Dl 737; 739 2_1_st STREET Request of Robert J. Vargas to construct nine townhouse condominiums on an R-1 lot. Mr. Merl explained that the Board of Zoning Adjustments voted to continue this item at at its last meeting for further deliberation; consequently, the Planning Commission will not be able to act on the item at this meeting and should continue the public hearing. Public hearing opened 7:36 p.m. Mr. Herb Basant, 2207 Pacific Coast Highway, said this was purchased as R-1 and he feels it should remain R-1. He said an increase from three to nine units on the three lots would mean twelve more cars on 21st street. He said that five years ago, when an attempt was made to put 36 units on these same lots, there was an impact report on the traffic; 21st Street is a narrow street, 24th Street is one-way, Springfield is a dead end, and the streets have not changed since that time. He said if this is done, 21st Street would have to be widened. He said there are two lots just below these, from 21st to 24th; if these condominiums go in, the next developer will want condominiums and the R-1 zone will be gone. He said he is willing to change his property from C-1 to R-l. (Chmn. Collis arrived while Mr. Basant was speaking.) Planning Commission Munites - August 11, 1975 Page 3 Chmn. Collis said the Planning Commission can make no commitments at this time; the Planning Commission can take action only after the environmental Impact report has been received from the Board of Zoning Adjustments, and the item will be continued. Mr. Richard Baeuchler, 2021 Springfield, said he could bring photographs and drawings of how really dangerous the conditions are with traffic on that street; if you put in condominiums without adequate parking arrangements, there will be even more parking problems. He said he was not notified of this hearing, and would like to have notification of all hearings on this request. He said the nearest park is about '—z mile away, and the children play in the streets; there are no vacant lots, and there is no yard space. Mrs. McCormick, 640 21st Street, said one side of 21st Street has 1/3 of the area with no parking; the other side of the street has 2/3 of the area with park- ing, which is used by the apartments. She said there is no place for guests to park on 21st, Ava or Springfield. She said ther is no place to park and traffic down the hill is very bad after 4;30 p.m.; and requested that the Planning Commission take another look at these things. Mr. Cutler, 717 24th Street, said it would seem that the Planning Commission is interested in whether or not the owner is making a profit, and in taxes of empty lots vs. filled lots. He asked if they are interested in beauty and low density; and what other factors are really salient after receiving the environmental impact report. He said he has a question as to the kinds of persons who live in apart- ment or condominiums as opposed to people who would live in a single family home. He said he was not making an economic distinction but was referring to life style. The Commissioners reviewed for him the many factors involved in making decisions, and the procedures followed in the planning process and how they have through changes in the R-1 and R-2 zones worked to upgrade the community. Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Haller, to continue to the next regular meeting. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller Hough Loosli, and Chmn. Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger Chmn. Collis discussed the need for community interest and support in changes in zoning and general plan elements. 208-212 MANHATTAN AVENUE & 205 SECOND STREET Final Development Plan. Mr. Merl said there have been no specific changes to the plans, and they are consistent with the Planning Commission's requirements. Public Hearing opened 8:38 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes - August 11, 1975 Page 4 Catherin Smith, 6318 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey, representing Charles Gotanda, Terrace Investments, said she would like to go on record as saying that the Plan- ning Commission does a good job of looking into the project proposals and taking all factors into consideration; and they want to build in a manner that helps to further the goals of this area. She said the plans are identical except for the planter dividing the driveway, as stated before. Public hearing closed 8:40 p.m. Motion by Comm. Haller, seconded by Comm. Hough, to approve with the conditions as previously stated. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Gough, Loosli, Chmn. Collis Noes: None Absent:' Comm. Learned, Rosenberger Motion By Comm. Haller, seconded by Comm. Hough, to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-1054 approving the Final Developmnet Flan and Tentative Tract Map #2540 as consistent with the preliminary development plan, with conditions as established in the preliminary development plan. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Loosli, Chmn. Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger NOISE ELEMENT (continued) Mr. Merl said this is the last revision of the Noise Element incorporating at] previous suggestions; two have been received since from Comm. Loosli and Comm. Haller. Comm. Loosli suggested the addition, under Implementation, F. 24, to "recommend that the City establish a two -foot landscaping front setback on the ground floor level in all commercial zones." He said that landscaping helps reduce noise and echoes, and that a two -foot setback, at the ground floor level only, would give an opportunity for more interesting architectural development as well as landscaping for a noise barrier and aesthetic value; at present no setback is required in the commercial zones. Chmn. Collis said he would not like to see an arbitrary requirement of two feet established as a part of the Noise Element; he does not think two feet would be adequate for planting or do much to control noise; and if it is required, it should be a part of zoning rather than a part of the Noise Element. Comm. Haller said she has confidence in the design review procedure but does not object to the suggestion; it would be a guideline for the commercial zone that would have to be in an ordinance to be effective. Comm. Hough said she does not object. Comm. Burt said it belongs in zon ing, not in the Noise Element. Planning Commission Minutes - August 11, 1975 Page 5 Comm. Haller said a truck route ordinance is needed calling out not only the streets but the penalties if it is violated. She said the Planning Commiission should send a directive to City Council on establishment of a truck route ordi- nance, and she has provided one that might serve as an example. Comm. Hough pointed out a possible conflict with the Scenic Element on page 26, requiring rewording. Mr. Merl suggested adding "that the spacing and process of development would be one to make it consistent with the recommendations of the Scenic Element of the General Plan." Comm. Hough also pointed out a typographical error on page 18, para. 6, "because"; and requested addition of "animal" noise to the list on page 24, item #2. Chmn. Collis concurred. Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Haller, to approve with following changes: Implementation, page 27, item #24: "recommend that the City establish a land scapjng front setback on the ground floor level in all commercial zones. Item #25: "designate that the following streets are critical areas requiring immed- iate attention in ameliorating serious noise impact: Hermosa Avenue, Manhattan Avenue, Valley Drive, and Prospect Avenue. Page 26: "that the spacing and process of development would be one to make it consistant with the recommendations of the Scenic Element of the General Plan. Page 18: correction of error, para. 6, "because" Page 24, item #2: addition of "animal" noise to list. Vote on motion above: Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Loosli, Chmn. Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger Chmn. Collis requested that staff prepare Resolution P.C. 154-1055 to be on the next agenda. HARPER AVENUE Proposed easement modifications to the eleven -unit tract map on Harper Mr. Merl said the applicant has reques.ted continuance as he is out of town, and in addition, there will be further modification to be reviewed by the Board of Zoning- Adjustments at its next meeting. Public hearing opened 9:12 p.m. No one wished to be hear. Continued 9:12 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes - August 11, 1975 Page 6 Motion by Comm. Haller, seconded by Comm. Hough, to continue to the meeting of August 25. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Loosli, Chmn -Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Learned, Resenberger CONDITIONALUE PERMIT CONDITIONS Mr. Merl said the intention of the City Coundil was to allow the Planning Com mission to consider and make modifications either at this time or after it has been before the Board of Zoning Adjustments. He explained that conditional use permit conditions are liseed in two places without reference to one another, and that the proposed addition #17 under Section Auld be a cross-reference to clearly identify where the conditional use permit conditions are located; it is possible that eventrually they could be combined. Comm. Hough said she is still working with the zoning ordinances issued two years ago, and she does not have item #14 regarding coffee houses. Chmn. Collis directed staff to request City Council to authorize a new edition of the zoning ordinances current to June 30, 1975, with sufficient copies for all Commissioners and for the library; in a form that can be readily revised with semi-annual page changes and periodic revisions so that the documents can be maintained. Motion by Comm. Haller, seconded by Corm. Hough, to continue to the next regular meeting of August 25, to continue the public hearing, and to incorporate the following changes: Section 4.C. -- deletion of Item (1) and rewording by staff of Item (2) to be at the next meeting. Section 3 -- add #17. See also Section 801 "Limitations on Permitted Uses in C-1, C-2, and C-3 zones". Section 3.B. (4) delete second paragraph in parentheses. So ordered. HOUSING ORDINANCE Three proposed ordinances regarding legal determinations. Mr. Merl said the ordinances are to relieve the Planning Commission of the responsibility for review of legal determinations; to establish a Housing Appeals Board to conduct this activity; and to set up a specific procedure forthe processing of legal determinations with some discussion as to whether to create a new Board or to assign the responsibility to an existing Board. He said the City Attorney maintains that the Resolution is an interim document in use until the ordinance is created; establishment of the ordinance will strengthen the city's position in court. Public hearing opened 9:40 p.m. No one wished to be heard. Closed 9:40 p.m. Page 7 Minutes of the Planning Commission - August 11, 1975 Motion by Comm. Haller, seconded by Comm. Burt, to recommend approval of both of the ordinances; and to recommend that the Board of Zoning Adjustments be given the responsibility for review of legal determinations, specifying two- year terms. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Loosli, Chmn. Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger SAFETY ELEMENT Mr. Merl said the element attempts to identify many significant factors such as medical support systems, emergency communications and Civilian Defense; and to identify hazards and community problems. He said statistical data has been accumulated that was not previously available in the community; and a small alert contingency plan has also been created. He asked that the Commissioners review the document and call in any changes. Continued to next regular meeting. 26PAC I F I C COAST HIGHWAY Six-month review of conditional use permit for take-out food (continued) Mr. Merl said there has been some question concerning the signing as approved by the Improvement Commission. Dennis Osborne (Pizza Man/Chicken Delight), applicant, said he has not had the money to put up the roof sign, so he has not painted out the window sign. Mr. Merl said there have been no police problems. Motion by Comm. Haller to approve for one year with the condition that when the roof sign is put up, the window sign will by removed as agreed. So ordered. 1138 STRAND Six-month review of conditional use permit for take-out food. Mr. Merl said the review was made by Mr. King. Terry Spragg, (Lemon Treat), said the trash receptacle is heavy gauge cardboard with a metal bottom, sealed to prevent seepage onto the sidewalk. On item #2 he said he was before the Improvement Commission several weeks ago. They had a snap shot of his signs, he told them that he takes in the hanging sign every night, and there was no objection -.although there was no specific approval or disapproval. Items #3 and #7, he said there is a hose attachment on the inside sink, he cleans the front area daily, and hoses it every 3-4 days. Page 8 Planning Commission Minutes - August 11, 1975 He said to add a hose bib in front would be an extensive plumbing bill, and what he has now is, in essence.; a hose bib. Item A, he said the take-out window is a separate business entirely from the restaurant; he stated that he does sell lemonade through the second window, and that it is a separate business. Item #8, he said people are instructed to stand against the building; there are few people in line, perhaps five on rare occasions. Chmn. Collis said the only way to eliminate the problem is to eliminate bikes on the Strand; he is not concerned about the window; but he would like to see trash receptacles consistent with the city's which are concrete with metal liners, which would help to beautify the area. Mr. Spragg recounted some of his many attempts to beautify the area; to upgrade the type of traffic and the image of that area; his requests for removal of the old restroom, and assition of recreational facilities. He said as a citizen and businessman, he has put in a lot of effort to get something done byt nothing has been done to date. He said he intends to continue the business and his efforts to upgrade the area ; he will exhaust all resources of city government; and may have to go to the media if he can get no action. Comm. Loosli recommended that the Planning Commission request a ruling from the Improvement Commission regarding the hanging sign. Comm. Haller asked if Mr. Spragg would hose the area daily; he agreed. Motion by Chmn. Collis, seconded by Comm. Hough to approve continuation of the conditional use permit with six-month review; with recommendation to the Improvement Commission that a definitive ruling by made on the portable hanging sign and that they respond to the Planning Commission within three months. Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Loosli, Chmn. Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger Chmn. Collis directed staff to make a study of the commercial district in the beach area south of the pier for the purpose of making recommendations tentatively scheduled for the first meeting on October, 1318 STRAND Six-month review of conditional use permit for take-out food. Mr. Merl said Mr. King's survey shows that everything is all right with the exception of the sign. Mr. Altamura is not present. Motion by Comm. Hough, seconded by Comm. Burt, to continue the conditional use permit for six months with stipulation that he get the signs approved by the Improvement Commission; and that the applicant be notified that the conditional use permit is contingent on his appearance before the Improvement Commission. Page 9 Planning Commission Minutes - August 11, 1975 Ayes: Comm. Burt, Haller, Hough, Loosli, Chmn. Collis Noes: None Absent: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger PARKING DISCUSSION Continued to next regular meeting. COMMISSIONERS' ITEMS Each Commissioner is asked to prioritize the list of goals and objections for the next fiscal year and send to Mr. Merl prior to the next meeting; to be included on the agenda. Comm. Haller requested that the R-3 zone changes be added to the agenda and set for public hearing for the first meeting in September. Comm. Loosli requested that the zone change from C-3 to Open Space on Pier Avenue School be considered at the August 25 meeting. He said the Improvement Commission unanimously disapproved its use as a parking lot. The Commissioners discussed the lack of clarical help and multiple responsibilities of the Planning Department. Chmn. Collis requested that Comm. Haller draft a letter to the City Council advising them that the Planning Commission feels, due to the continuing requirements of the planning process that appropriate steps may need to be taken in order to augment the Planning Department so that the Commission is able to receive the agenda items sufficiently ahead of time before their regular meetings, preferably one week in advance. The Commissioners considered the lot coverage definition as requested in a memorandum from Pat Brown, Director of Building and Safety, dated August 6, 1975. Chmn. Collis said it should be made explicit, as it currently is, from the birds - eye view, the other Commissioners agreeing to concurr with the manner in which Mr. Brown is now defining lot coverage. Staff made no recommendation regarding this item but left it up to the Planning Commission. Meeting adjourned 11:05 p.m. hereby certify that August 11 , 1975 by the SUE HALLER, SECRETARY DATE CERTIFICATION the foregoing minutes were approved at a public hearing held Planning Commission of the City of Hermosa Beac JAMES COLLIS, CHAIRMAN L�