HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_75.09.08ViNUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PJANNING COMMISSION HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL
C11AMBERS, CITY HALL, HERMOSA BEACH, ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1975, AT 7:30 P.M.
Meating called to order by Chmn. Collis at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Comm. Burt, Learned, Loosli, Rosenberger, Chmn. Collis
Absent: Comm. Haller, Hough
Also present was Rod Merl, Planning Diredtor.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to approve
the minutes of August 25,
1975 as submitted.
Ayes: Comm. Burt, Learned, Loosli, Chmn. Collis
Abstain: Comm. Rosenberger
APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS
Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to approve
Resolution P.C. 154-1058
as submitted.
Ayes: Comm. Burt, Loosli, Chmn. Collis
Abstain: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger
Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to approve
Resolution P.C. 154-1059
as submitted.
Ayes: Comm. Burt, Loosli, Chmn. Collis
Abstain: Comm. Comm. Learned, Rosenberger
Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to approve
Resolution P.C. 154-1060
as submitted.
Ayes: Comm. Burt, Loosli, Chmn. Collis
Abstain: Learned, Rosenberger
Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to approve
P.C. 154-1061
as submitted.
Ayes: Comm. Burt, Loosli, Chmn. Collis
Abstain: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger
Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to approve
Resolution P.C. 154-1062
as submitted.
Ayes: Comm. Burt, loosli, Chmn. Collis
Abstain: Comm. Learned, Rosenberger
R-2 AMENDMENTS
Mr. Merl reviewed the proposed amendments to the R-2 zoning code. He said the
Board of Zoning Adjustment has completed the environmental review and returned the
proposal to the Planning Commission for final action.
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, SEPTEMBER 8, 1975
page 2
Public hearing opened 7:36 p.m. Amember of the audience (Mrs. Ryan) questioned
whether the hearing could be held without a full Commission. Mr. Mers said he has
discussed the matter with the City Attorney and all those present at the original
hearing would be able to vote; Comm. Burt would have to abstain. He said the original
vote was on the form of the proposal; following the Board of Zoning Adjustment
approval the Planning Commission is now acting as a reviewing body.
Public hearing opened 7:42 p.m.
Peter Tucker, 235 34th Street, said that with lot coverage limited to 65% as seen
from the air, plus the open space requirement, he can build on only 52% of his lot;
he thinks the Planning Commission is red -lining the R-2 zones, creating slums;
a loan company will not lend money for improvements; if a structure burns down,
they will not be able to rebuild; he will not pay R-2 taxes if he can only build
R-1; and the city is over 95% developed so they can not talk about density now.
Comm. Rosenberger explained that the density in the area under discussion is above
the limits set by the General Plan, which has been in force since 1966; the Planning
Commission is talking about conforming to the General Plan, which they are legally
required to do.
Mr. Tucker suggested that the city clean up the bootlegs first; and that all R-2
owners should have been notified.
Mr. Mark Chiesa, 316 26th Street, asked who received notices of the hearing; said
he is concerned about the the bootleg problem; and seconded Mr. Tucker's statements.
Mr. John O'Connor, 411 29th Street, said he is upset because he was not notified
of any action being taken; though he is not sure of his lot size, he is in agreement
if the Commission is just following through on the General Plan, but if the proposal
is still in question he is against the changes because he would like the ability to
build on his property.
Mr. Valers, 455 Gould, asked if 28th Court between Ingleside and Morningside has
been abandoned; there are people encroaching on it; he believes the city gave him
five lots for back taxes and would like verification. He was advised to contact
Mr. Putz, City Engineer.
Mary Wallace FunkII, 655 8th Place, said she wanted to have a future in income
property; it looks like she is being slashed form two two-uint to two one -unit
properties; property taxes are going up and she cannot get justification out of her
property; and she wishes to concur with everything Mr. Tucker said, including bootlegging.
Mrs. Betty Ryan, 532 Pine, said that everyone present is opposed; the changes are
being make and they don't know the reasons why; she would like to have copies of
the minutes showing the reasons why the subcommittee came to these decisions; and
before the city penalizes the people who are doing things legally, penalize the people
who are doing things illegally.
Mrs. Winters, 425 Gould, 642 7th Street, said the Planning Commission is creating
a situation where they will have high rise in Hermosa Beach; the present setback
ruling should be changed; she has no particular objection to the height limit.
MINUTES OF THE PLANNNIN COMMISSION MEETING, SEPTEMBER 8, 1975 page 3
She said she does object to the fact that she bought R-2 22 years ago expecting
to build two residences fdr income during her retirement years, and now cannot build
two units because the lot is not wide enough for four garages. She belives people
are going to be put in a position of having to sell because they will not be able to
use their property and maintain the residential usage.
Mr. George Becker, 2432 Myrtle, said he is deeply concerned about the forthcoming
legislation; he does not belive the Planning Commission has a quorum this evening; the
Resolution says this area is preponderatly single-family whem it is preponderatly
double units; and he asked if there are not greater problem than density before the city.
He said people with duplexes will have them for 35 or 40 years, having the benefit
of their property but he will not have his. He said the Planning Commission cannot solve
the density problem by limiting this ares that is nearly fully developed now; and it
cannot predict the attrition of the duplexes that are in this area now.
Mr. Larry Schoenfelder, 454 28th Street, said he believes that requirements are already
very difficult in terms of what is now on the books in addition to State requirement
of the 1.5 rule. He asked if the Planning Commission could propose to the City
Council that this whole question be put to all the voters of Hermosa Beach as he
believes it affects many more owners than R-2 lot owners. He said he knows one R-2
owner who was not notified who has a 30 X 80 lot.
Mr. O'Connor suggested that a survey be made to see if others were not notified,
as he was not.
Public hearing Closed 8:50 p.m.
The Commission discussed the bootleg problem and efforts made to combat it -,as this
was one of the major concerns of the R-2 owners; and the changes in density allowed
as reflected in du/a over the past several years. Mr. Merl said the City Attorney
still recommends, if the Commission concurs, that the land area requirement be
separted from the rest of the ordinance. Cbma. Collis said he was not in accord
with Section 500 (2) restricting development to two units regardless,of the
size of the lot. Mr. Merl said that under Planned Unit Developement it could be
developed to the density of the General Plan, R-2 PD Standards. Ccmm. Rosenberger
said he thinks it appropriate to have such development under the Planned Unit Development
and he is in agreement with the intention of the ordinance as written, allowing only
two units regardless of size.
Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to adopt the proposed revisions
Ajth R- zone as forwas�led to the Planning Commission by the Board of Zoning
us me .
AANyes: Comm. Loosli, Rosenberger, Chmn. Collis
AgstLned:Co omm a urg
Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to adopt Resolution P.C.
154-1063, to be written as Res. 154-1048 of July 28, with the following additions:
Chmn. Collis: quantitative analysis of building heights.
Comm. Loosli: from Jan. 71 to 1975 only two new dwellings were built with heights
greater than 30'.
Comm. Rosenberger: Add statistics in regard to efforts to bring zoning into conformance
with the General Plan, as in the Environmental Impact Report, Item VI.
Comm. Burt: Most of the lots affected could not be built R-2 anyway
because of 2:1 parking requirement.
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, SEPTEMBER 8, 1975 page 4
Ayes: Comm. Loosli, Rosenberger, Chmn. Collis
Noes: Comm. Learned
Abstained: Comm. Burt
Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Burt, that the Planning Commission
recommend to the City Council as possible -future amendments in consideration the
following two proposals:
Adequate enclosed trash storage areas (as determined by the Environmental
Control Officer) shall be provided for all dwelling units.
Garage storage space shall be provided for residents of apartments.
Ayes: Comm. Burt, Learned, Loosli, Rosenberger, Chmn. Collis.
Chmn. Collis advised that the decision may be appealed to the City Council by Filing
an appeal with the City Clerk, in writing, within 10 days.
Comm. Rosenberger recommended to staff that the right of appeal be displayed on a
poster board during all actions of all commissions.
PROPOSED R -3 ANE NDMENTS
Mr. Merl said the Building Director did not have his comments ready at this time.
The City Attorney had some concern relative to the Conditional Use Permit for three
units or more; there might be danger of violation of equal protection as normally req-
uirements are very specific; and suggested that there be certain minimum criteria
applicable to every piece of property developing a certain number of units with other
flexible terms beyond that. Comm. Rosenberger said he agrees with the requested change.
Comm. Loosli said the R-3 public hearing should not be opened because two Commissioners
are not present, and according to the City Attorney ruling would not be able to vote
on the final version. He said he feels that opinion should be reviewed and the
hearing not opened until some clarification is received. Comm Rosenberger said the
chances of keeping the same Commissioners for every hearing over a period of four
months or more is minimal. Chmn, Collis agreed; it has a tendency to continue to
delay actions and decisions far into the future and he does not feel that the decision
would be representative of the entire Commission's feelings on certain issues.
He said he would like clarification and reaffirmation if that is his recommended
continuance of this item.
Public hearing opened 9:51
Amember of the audience asked if owners were notified by mail. Mr. Merl replied that
the hearing was advertised in the newspaper as legally required.
Public hearing closed 9:53 P.m.
Mr Merl read the proposed R-3 changes for the benefit of the audience.
Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Rosenberger, to continue the proposed R-3
amendments to the next regularly scheduled meeting of September 22.
Ayes: Comm. Burt, Learned, Loosli, Rosenberger, Chmn. Collis
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, SEPTEMBER 8, 1975 page 5
HARPER TRACT EASEMENTS
Mr. Merl reviewed the three proposed easement modifications for the Harper Tract,
two of which were approved at the August 25 meeting. The third failed with a 2-2-
vote. He said the City Attorney has established a policy that a matter that fails
on a tie vote can be reheard when a sufficient number of commissioners is present
to break the tie, therefore the third modification, a request for an unimproved
easement along the northern boundary leading to the school, has been readvertised
for public hearing.
Public hearing opened 10:01 p.m.
Mr. Jason Lane said the easement will be only to use in the future if there is ever
a park there; the city does not want access to the school ground but may want an
easement to a park Comm. Burt asked if they would fence the lot before it is
sold. Mr Lane said they would.
Charles Webb, 1242 19th Street, said he opposes the easement;there is no use for it
so why put it in.
Mrs. Gail Geppert, 1861 Harper Avenue, said she, her husband and three daughters
are opposed to'the easement; it is only about 100 yards to the school or proposed
park by the street; the easement would serve only the residents of Redondo Beach,
as they are on the boundary; and it would be a trash and policing problem.
Public hearing closed 10:16 p.m.
Chmn. Collis said he voted to deny the requested easement along the northerly lot
line; it is unnecessary to serve the residents of Hermosa Beach; the topography of
tYa t area is such that area is such that a considerable walkway would have to be
made to benefit a very small segment of the community; and it could create policing
problems for residents on either side.
Comm. Burt said, in regard to discussion about a future pauk, that the School Board
has said that Hermosa View will be the Last school to be closed
Comm. Rosenberger said he can not think of any easement now thatis not littered,
cluttered with weeds, and uncontrollable; it would have to be lighted if ever used;
and he does not see the distance saved as worth the problems that would arise.
Motion by Comm. Bart, seconded by Comm. Rosenberger to approve with the following
conditions:
L. Review and approval by the City Attorney
2. Concurrance by the Hermosa Beach City School District
3. That if the easement is to be improved, there shall be a public hearing review
by the City of Hermosa Beach, Planning Commission
4. That the easement shall be dedicated (if the City Attorney and the City Council
approve) to both the Hermosa Beach City School District and the City of Hermosa
Beach.
5. Subject to all State and local laws and requirements.
Ayes: None
Noes: Comm. Burt, Lear m- d, Rosenberger
Abstained: Comm. Loosli
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, SEPFEMBER 8, 1975 page 6
Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Rosenberger to adopt Resolution P.C. 154-1064
denying the easement along the north boundary of Trace #32237 for the following reasons:
1. We know the easement is not, at this time, and belive it will not, in the future,
become necessary
2. It would present problems to the School Distrdt and Police Dept in terms of
vandalism, trash and debris.
3. We do not feel that it is necessary to serve the few lots in the proposed
develoment and the neighbors to the north. The location of the school is in close
proximity to the surrounding property owners and therefore the easement becomes
insignificant:
4. The topography is such that some expense would have to be incurred by a public
agency in order to provide an improved access to the school property, which is not
being contimplated at this tim e by the school or the city.
Ayes: Comm. Burt, Loosli, Rosenberger, Chmn. Collis
Noes: Comm. Learned
Chmn. Collis advised that the decision could be appealed by filing with theCity
Clerk within ten days of this meeting.
211 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY
Request by Mr. Guy Starsman for a Conditional Use Permit for the sale of alcoholic
beverages in conjunction with the operation of a cocktail lounge.
Mr. Merl said the request is to establish a previous use, and it had been closed for
more that 90 days He said the applicant had originally requested hours from 10 a.m. to
2 a.m., but before beh Board of Zoning Adustment he had asked that hours be
revised to 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Comm. Rosenberger asked how many of the ten parking
spaces are designated to this building. Mr. Merl said they are not designated;
the requieement would be three.
Mr. Jerry Vengel, owner of the building, said in addition to the ten spaces, they are
adjacent to a city parking lot.
Mr. Charles Nisley, 925 Pepper Street, ElSegundo, and Guy Startsman, 128 Meyer Court,
Hermosa Beach, partners said they requested the change of hours to allow a flexible
schedule; they will mot be open from 6 a.m. Comm. Rosenberger emphasized his
concern with exterior lighting and with cleanliness in front of the building.
Mr. Startsman sAid they will wash the sidewalk every morning, and have a spigot
in the front.
Motion by Comm. Burt, seconded by Comm. Learned, to approve subject to the conditons
following:
1. Subject to all other applicable state or local ordinances, or regulations
2. Subject to review and approval of the City Attorney.
3. No alteration in approved hours of service without the Planning Commissions
approval and subsequent notification of Alcoholic Beverage Control
of all changes. Hours shall be from 6: am to 2:00 A.M.
4. Owner shall be responsible for maintaining area in a neat and orderly conditon
at all times and shall clean ortside area daily Provision shall be made for
adequate trash storage and pick-up.
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, SEPTEMBER 8, 1975 page 7
5. Subject to six month review.
6. Maintenance of adequate exterior lighting at all times.
7. Approval of any exterior modification and signs by Hermosa Improvement Commission
before any changes to tJe appearance ofthe building are undertaken
8. There is to be no live entertainment, and the sound level of recorded music.
is to be kept to a level that will not be audibly outside of the premises
9. The owners shall:.- be fesponsible for the management of their establishment
and the behavior of heir customers in terms of excessive noise or actions
abusive to persons or property.
ISO. If the Chief of Police determines that apolice problem exists on the premises
the owners will provide a doorman, to be approved by the Chief of Police to
maintain order and reasonable quiet, said doorman to be on the premises during
all business hours.
11. Cleaning in front in front of the building each day of operation
Ayes: Comm. Burt,'Learned, Loosli, Rosenberger, Chmn. Collis
Motion by Comm. Bury, seconded by Comm. Learned, to adopt Resolution P:C. 154-1065
with the conditions as listed above, 1-11, for the reasons that it has been unchanged
usage for many years and was terminated more than 90 days prior to this date
be of the death of the owner; new owners are taking over and there haven't
been any police problems with the operation in the past and do not anticipate any in
the future; there are sufficient safeguards in the conditions to protect the City;
and having the building occupied with stipulations, we hope to enhance the area over
its present conditions.
Ayes: Comm. Burt, Learned, Loosli, Rosenberger, Chmn. Collis
SAFETY ELEMENT
Mr. Merl reviewed the Safety Element which he explained includes, in addition to
fire problems, other relevant areas such as medical support, railroad crossings with
no protective devices,communicatlon problems and coordination of services, _.
with an appendix including the episode plan, smpg alert, and fire report to the
council.
Public hearing opened 10954 p.m. No one wished to be heard. Closed 10:55 p.m.
Comm. Rosenberger suggested the following corrections:
Budget expenditures - to be labeled Fire Dept Budget Expenditures.
Page 41 Paragraph 4 - use the word "obstacles" rather than =nbustables'•
Figure 4 - label (Civil Defense, Area G)
Page 6, Item 2 - use word "maximize" rather than minimize.
Figure 5 - First Street is a wide street.
Figure 8- should have the label and a key, visible.
Figure 12 - Need better zerox copy; it is hard to read.
Figure 14 - Label, and number at the top.
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, SEPTEMBER 8, 1975 page 8
Page 17 - Is the overlay map mentioned to be a part of the element. (Mr Merl said
it has not yet been developed)
Page 19 - References to Map 14.
Page 22 - Reference to the Emergency Operations Plan clarified so it can be found and
understood.
Page 32 - Pier Avenue School is shown as an operations center; it is designated as
unsafe in an earthquake; should designate another facility.
Comm Loosli said he has other corrections which he will bring in to Mr. Merl.
Mr. merl said he would incorporate all changes and have ready for final review at
the next meeting.
Motion by Chmn. Collis, seconded by Comm. Rosenberger to continue with the direction
to staff to modify as indicated. So ordered.
CONDITIONAL USE AMENDMENTS
Mr. Merl said this had been continued to have more members in attendance, and that
the Board of Zoning Adjustment has suggested one change under B. 4., relating the
disposal of refuse to operation hours.
Comm. Rosenberger suggested that B 4 should read "the business shall maintain the
area immediately adjacent to the take-out window in a clean and orderly manner,"
as be believed it would be difficult to enforce trash removal every four hours,
as suggested by the Board of Zone Adjustment.
Motion by Comm. Rosenberger, seconded by Comm. Loosli, to adopt the revised conditions
with the following revisions:
A. (2) Add the sentence: "This illumination is to be maintained in working order
at all times."
B (4) Change as in the minutes above.
C. Changes as proposed in the August 21, memo, and renumbering of the items.
Ayes: Comm. Burt, Learned, Loosli, Rosenberger, Chmn Collis.
PLANNING COMMISSION GOALS
Comm . Rosenberger requested that the list of goals be reissued at the next meeting.
Three areas of interest cited in the discussion were 1) the 5-year capital improvement
program, 2) optional elements, and 3) the establishment of subcommittes.
PARKING DISCUSSION
Comm. Rosenberger asked that this be moved up on the next agenda.
TRUCK ORDINANCE
Mr. Merl said this copy was provided for comments from the Commissioners. It was
suggested that trash trucks be added under D. 19-112. Comm. Rosenberger noted that in
'MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, SEPTEMBER 8, 1975 Page 9
Sec. 19-108, mobile homes are excluded; "restricted street" should be defined;
and in Sec. 19-113, last Paragraph, add the word "commercial" ("It shall be unlawful
for any person to park any commercial motor .......")
Chmn. Collis suggested that Comm. Rosenberger work with Mr. Merl on the Truck Ordinance.
Comm. Rosenberger moved to continue.
COMMISSIONERS' ITEMS
In response to previous requests, Mr Merl said, in regard to the car wash sign,
he has sent a memorandum to the owner, and to the City Manager asking assistance
in correcting that problem. He believes the City Manager has instructed the
Building Dept. to take action.
The signs on Allstate Savings have been reviewed by the Design Review Board, and that
has been corrected.
The chairman of the Improvement Commission has indicated he will not be present at the
Sept. 11 meeting, so they have asked for another date for the joint meeting.
Anew date was set for Sept. 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Comm. loosli said he is involved in negotiations with the trust for public lands
to obtain an option for land at 21st and Prospect for park purposes.
Mr. Merl said the first meeting of the Southwest Area Planning Council will be held
Friday on the econmic element of the County General Plan; he will make reservations
for anyone wishing to attend. Comm. Burt said he would go. Mr. Merl said he will
provide a roster of up -coming subject matter.
Meeting adjourned 11:59 P•m•
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes were adopted by the City Planning Commission
of Hermosa Beach at a public hearing held on the 8th day of September 1975•
DATE
James Collis, Chairman
Sue Haller, Secretary