MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. February 6, 2017

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1 MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills Estates was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 4045 Palos Verdes Drive North, by CHAIRMAN SCHACHTER. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CHAIRMAN SCHACHTER led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 3. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Commissioners Absent: Staff Present: Carman, Scott, Thomas, Zigrang, Schachter, Yoo Medawar Planning Director Wahba, Associate Planner Thom, Senior Planner Naughton 4. PLANNING COMMISSION REORGANIZATION Planning Director Wahba stated that at their last meeting, the City Council appointed Vice Chairman Yoo as the Planning Commission Chair and Commissioner Medawar as the Planning Commission Vice Chair. Director Wahba presented Chairman Schachter with a plaque for his service. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMISSIONER SCOTT moved, seconded by COMMISSIONER SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 9, AUDIENCE ITEMS None. 7. CONSENT CALENDAR A. WAIVE READING IN FULL OF ALL RESOLUTIONS THAT ARE PRESENTED FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON TONIGHT S AGENDA AND ALL SUCH RESOLUTIONS SHALL BE READY BY TITLE ONLY. 1

2 COMMISSIONER SCOTT moved, seconded by COMMISSIONER SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM 7-A. 8. BUSINESS ITEMS A. RESOLUTION NO. PA-33-16, A request for the Planning Commission to adopt a resolution to deny a Neighborhood Compatibility Determination and a Variance to install a 50 panel, 4 high ground-mounted solar array in the front yard. APPLICATION: Mr. and Mrs. Morley Mendelson; LOCATION: 4 Silver Saddle. Planning Director Wahba stated that at the last meeting, the Planning Commission directed staff to bring back a resolution denying application no. PA Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission approve Resolution No. PA There will be a 20-day appeal period for this item. COMMISSIONER SCOTT moved, seconded by COMMISSIONER SCHACHTER, TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. PA AYES: Carman, Scott, Thomas, Schachter, Zigrang, Chair Yoo NOES: ABSENT: Medawar ABSTAIN: B. PLANNING APPLICATION NO. PA-01-17; APPLICANT: MR. AND MRS. MASOOD ZAMAN; LOCATION: 5234 BLUEMOUND ROAD; A request for a Neighborhood Compatibility Determination to construct one and two-story additions to an existing onestory residence. Two Minor Deviations are requested, 1) for an increase of lot coverage by not more than 10% (38.5% max); and 2) for the encroachment of the proposed residence into the required front yard which does not project closer to the property line than the forward most building line. Associate Planner Thom summarized the Staff Report (as per written material). COMMISSIONER SCOTT stated that it appears that the front entryway area is not being counted as front yard coverage. Associate Planner Thom responded that it is part of the encroachment. Jeff Lyon, Architect, provided an overview on the scope of the design of the project. Masood Zaman, 5234 Bluemound Rd., provided an overview on the scope of the project, an explanation for the delay in completing the project, and a statement regarding incidents with neighbors. Rachel Daly, 5235 Bluemound Rd., stated that she is concerned that the design will change the character of the neighborhood as most homes are ranch style. 2

3 Lori Hathaway, 5227 Bluemound Rd., stated that she is concerned with the delay in the project and stated that there is a concern with workers going into her property without permission. Kenny Libutti, 5241 Bluemound Rd., inquired about the length of time it will take to complete the proposed project. Mr. Zaman responded that he would like to complete the project by the summer. In response to a question by COMMISSIONER ZIGRANG, Mr. Zaman responded that he will live at the property during construction. Planning Director Wahba stated that assuming the project is approved by the Planning Department, plans will need to be submitted to building and safety. This project is a month project. Rachel Daly, 5235 Bluemound Rd., stated her concerns with the time the project will take to complete. Lisle Dewar, 5211 Willow Wood Dr., stated that workers from Mr. Zaman s project have also been in her backyard without permission and stated her concerns. Ms. Dewar stated that workers were using power tools in the evening and on Thanksgiving Day and it was reported to the City. Ms. Dewar also stated that there was an incident where the Sheriff s Department was called because there were workers in her backyard. Richard Harriett, 5206 Bluemound Rd., stated his concern with the style of the house and the effect on property values. Mr. Zaman stated that he attempted to contact Ms. Dewar but was unsuccessful. Mr. Zaman stated that there was an urgency to repair a fence and to remove a tree that was falling. THE PLANNING COMMISSIONERS discussed concerns with the design and provided suggestions regarding the project with Mr. Lyon, Architect. Planning Director Wahba summarized changes to consider, which include, moving the design back, lowering the plate height on one side, lessen the stone work, introduce horizontal or vertical wood elements on the house, moving the second story back will help reduce the mass from the street, and consider re-working the first floor and moving it towards the back. COMMISSIONER SCOTT stated that his concern is that the second-story is set at the front wall and the multiple gable roof lines emphasize height. COMMISSIONER ZIGRANG suggested that the design be softened. COMMISSIONER CARMAN suggested that a unique style of window treatment would be helpful to give it character. COMMISSIONER SCOTT stated that the privacy issue with the windows be incorporated into the project. 3

4 COMMISSIONER THOMAS asked if there is any way to give them a timeframe for completion. Planning Director Wahba stated that this is a unique situation and he will look into what can be done but it probably will not be less than one year. CHAIRMAN YOO moved to, CONTINUE THIS ITEM TO THE PLANING COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 6, Planning Commissioner Wahba stated that there will not be a 500 radius notification since this item has been continued to a date certain. C. PLANNING APPLICATION NO ; APPLICANT: ROLLING HILLS COVENANT CHURCH; LOCATION: 2221 AND 2222 PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH. Installation of signage within the public right-of-way. This item is continued from the Planning Commission meeting of 6/6/16. Planning Director Wahba summarized the Staff Report. COMMISSIONER SCOTT stated that the sign on the north side is an improvement but would like that it be pushed back if possible; the main sign, his concern is with the size, the perpendicular placement of the sign, and the stone base; the east sign, it is too close to the Drive. COMMISSIONER CARMAN stated her concern with the size of the sign and would not want the sign to be larger and to be consistent with City signs. Susan Johnson, Rolling Hills Covenant Church, thanked the Planning Commission for going out to the site and for the input from Council. Ms. Johnson stated that she would like to get to a place where the sign is compatible and provided examples of changes that could be made to achieve that. Ms. Johnson stated that safety and visibility were some of the reasons for the proposed perpendicular position of the sign. Dale Stalk, Rolling Hills Covenant Church, stated that the reason for the stone base is to diffuse the up-lighting. The PLANNING COMMISSIONERS discussed the location of the North Campus sign. Susan Johnson, Rolling Hills Covenant Church, clarified that the location of the sign is in the same location. Bob Alley, Rolling Hills Covenant Church, stated that there is a deceleration lane where the North Campus sign is located. Mr. Alley stated that the sign is approximately inches from the three-rail fence. The PLANNING COMMISSIONERS agreed that there is no objection to the changes to the North Campus sign. COMMISSIONER ZIGRANG stated that he would like to see the east street view entrance sign to be setback further from the street. Ms. Johnson stated that the sign can be moved all the way back to the three-rail fence. 4

5 COMMISSIONER CARMAN stated that she would like the east street view entrance sign be smaller as it is a secondary sign. COMMISSIONER SCHACHTER stated that he would like the wattage of the main sign be lessened. COMMISSIONER ZIGRANG suggested that the sign be setback further and moved to a 45 degree angle, but if it remains in the proposed location then the sign should be smaller. COMMISSIONER ZIGRANG also suggested using edge lighting. Bob Alley, Rolling Hills Covenant Church, commented that it may block the view as vehicles are exiting the driveway. The PLANNING COMMISSIONERS agreed that they would like the main sign moved closer to the fence and if the location can be moved as suggested, the size of the sign may remain as proposed. COMMISSIONER CARMAN stated that she would like the new sign to be the same height as the existing sign. The PLANNING COMMISSIONERS agreed that the edge lighting may be a better option than the up-lighting and eliminate the stone base. COMMISSIONER SCHACHTER moved, seconded by COMMISSIONER THOMAS to APPROVE THE NORTH CAMPUS STREET VIEW SIGN AS PROPOSED; THE STREET VIEW EAST ENTRANCE SIGN MOVED BACK TO A REASONABLE AND PRACTICAL DISTANCE IN WORKING WITH STAFF; AND THE SOUTH MAIN CAMPUS SIGN MOVING THE SIGN TO THE WEST OF THE DRIVEWAY AS CLOSE TO THE THREE- RAIL FENCE AS REASONABLY POSSIBLE AND CHANGE TO EDGE LIGHTING AND ELIMINATE THE STONE BASE. Planning Director Wahba stated that the PLANNING COMMISSION has provided direction to the applicant on PA and staff will work with the applicant on the revisions and present this item to the City Council. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. PLANNING APPLICATION NO ; APPLICANT: SCOTT DARNELL, ON BEHALF OF SRE DCM PV, LLC; LOCATION: HAWTHORNE BLVD. (PENINSULA POINTE); An amendment to Planning Application (City Council Resolution No. 2374). Modification of the Conditional Use Permit to allow 1,845 SF of medical office use and reduction of Assisted Living Units from 89 to 84; modification of the Precise Plan of Design for changes to surface stall parking arrangement and outdoor recreation areas; and amendment of a Variance to allow two additional parking stalls in the side setback area. 5

6 Planning Director Wahba stated that a letter was received from Rutan & Tucker, LLp regarding the CEQA process. Due to the information being raised in this letter, staff recommends that this item be continued to the Planning Commission meeting of March 6, 2017 to give staff and the City Attorney an opportunity to review the letter and provide further information. COMMISSIONER SCOTT moved, seconded by COMMISSIONER SCHACHTER to CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PLANNING APPLICATION NO. PA TO THE MEETING OF MARCH 6, Planning Commissioner Wahba stated that there will not be a 500 radius notification since this item has been continued to a date certain. 10. COMMISSION ITEMS COMMISSIONER SCOTT stated that he was contacted by Bruce Steckel regarding the fence line on Palos Verdes Drive East at the bottom end of the golf course and he stated that they will be pulling back the fence line to re-open the trail. Planning Director Wahba stated that he did see the rocks and grass that was brought of up at a previous meeting and that all will be removed when the new three-rail fence is installed and the drainage improvements are done. 11. DIRECTOR ITEMS A. PLANNING COMMISSIONERS ACADEMY, MARCH 1-3, Planning Director Wahba provided information on the Planning Commissioners Academy. B. SBCCOG 18 TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, Planning Director Wahba provided information on the SBCCOG 18 TH Annual General Assembly. C. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS TO TRAFFIC AND SAFETY, ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AND EQUESTRIAN COMMITTEE. Planning Director Wahba and the Planning Commission agreed to the following assignments: Commissioner Scott to the Traffic and Safety Committee, Commissioner Thomas to the Environmental Advisory Committee, and Commissioner Zigrang to the Equestrian Committee. 12. MATTERS OF INFORMATION A. CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS OF JANUARY 24, 2017 B. DRAFT PARKS AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES (1/17/17) 6

7 C. DRAFT PARKS AND ACTIVITIES COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES (12/19/16) COMMISSIONER SCOTT moved to RECEIVE AND FILE ITEMS 12-A THROUGH 12-C. 13. ADJOURNMENT At 9:07 p.m. CHAIRMAN YOO adjourned the Planning Commission meeting to March 6, Carol Corea Minutes Secretary Douglas R. Prichard City Clerk 7