r) Planning Commission February 20, 2014

Transcription

1 Minutes Regular Meeting r) Planning Commission February 20, 2014 CALL TO ORDER A Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Sanchez at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, California. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Commissioners Absent: Officials Present: Biro, Diehl, Galan, Goodman, Mitchell, Rodriguez, Sanchez None Anita Krceger, Associate Planner Alex Plascencia, Assistant Planner Marianne Gestelunri, Assistant Planner Veronica Tam, Housing Element Consultant Aaron Jones, Community Development Director Diane Cleary, Minutes Secretary SALUTE TO THE FLAG Commissioner Biro led the Commissioners and audience in a Salute to the Flag. APPROVAL OF ORDER OF AGENDA Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Diehl, to approve the Order of the Agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR #4 THROUGH #7 Motion by Commissioner Diehl, seconded by Commissioner Mitchell, to approve the following Consent Calendar items, and by its concurrence, the Commission: 4. APPROVED AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE MEETING OF February 20, APPROVED THE FOLLOWING : Regular Meeting of January 16, RECEIVED AND FILED THE STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE: January 21, RECEIVED AND FILED WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Motion carried unanimously AUDIENCE OATH Chair Sanchez asked that those people in the audience who wish to address the Commission on any of the hearing issues stand and take the following oath: Do each of you swear or affirm that the testimony you shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? People in the audience stood and answered, "I do "

2 EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS - None EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS - None DRAFT PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. APPROVE AN EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING RESTAURANT 2709 MANHATTAN BEACH BLVD. Motion by Commissioner Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Biro, to open the Public Hearing at 7:03 p.m. regarding Case No PC-001, the applicant being Chicken Maison, to consider an Exemption Declaration and Conditional Use Permit, to allow the expansion of an existing restaurant to greater than 2,000-square feet within a commercial building on property located within a Commercial (C- 1) zone at 2709 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Hearing no objections, Chair Sanchez so ordered. Assistant Planner Alex Plascencia gave a staff report and reviewed the zoning, surrounding area, view of the site and stated the shopping center is laid out in an L-shaped property. He said the anchor tenant is the 99 Cent Store and is located off of two main arterials. He reviewed the background and stated Chicken Maison wishes to expand into the space of Cop-A-Tan, placing the restaurant at about 3500 square feet which triggers the requirement of a CUP (greater than 2,000 square feet). He reviewed the request for the expansion for a larger kitchen and walk in cooler and additional 10 seats to help serve their needs to include take out dining and added food storage to help serve their other restaurants. He reviewed issues to include noise and parking, noting there is no history of noise complaints and will not result in increased noise. He said there will be no impact to surrounding uses. He reviewed the parking requirements to include a net reduction in 4 parking spaces. He stated staff believes the request is reasonable and the parking requirement would be less than before and recommended approval. Ramsey Karame, Chicken Maison, stated they have been there since 2006/2007 and supported Redondo Beach. He said the demand requires extra space and will help with their catering. Marcie Guillermo, District 1, requested that the owners add greenery and planters on the outside such as in Torrance. Motion by Commissioner Goodman, seconded by Commissioner Diehl to close the Public Participation Section at 7:13 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Community Development Director Aaron Jones stated a requirement could be added for the addition of potted plants or a planter box on the location. In response to Commissioner Biro, Community Development Director Aaron Jones stated any installation needs to be a commercial grade and to meet all sidewalk clearance requirements. Motion by Commissioner Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Goodman to reopen the Public Participation Section at 7:15 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Karanne agreed with planters as long as they are safe, and he is willing to work with staff on their requirements. Motion by Commissioner Goodman, seconded by Commissioner Biro, to close the Public Participation Section at 7:16 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. PAGE 2

3 In response to Commissioner Biro, Community Development Director Aaron Jones stated the designation or assignment of parking spaces in the center is not allowed to include take out parking. In response to Commissioner Rodriguez, Community Development Director Aaron Jones stated the applicant already has vans and trucks that visit the site Assistant Planner Alex Plascencia explained that there is parking in the back typically used by the employees and the vans should be utilized there as well. In response to Chair Sanchez, Community Development Director Jones stated the parking in the back is considered part of the total parking of the center. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Goodman, to approve Case No PC-00l, an Exemption Declaration and Conditional Use Permit, to allow the expansion of an existing restaurant to greater than 2,000-square feet within a commercial building on property located within a Commercial (C-1) zone, located at 2709 Manhattan Beach Blvd., subject to the 5 findings and 7 conditions in the staff report, with Condition No. 8 to allow for planters. Motion carried unanimously. 9. APPROVE A FITNESS FACILITY 531 N. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY Motion by Commissioner Diehl, seconded by Commissioner Mitchell, to open the Public Hearing at 7:20 p.m. regarding Case No PC-002, the applicant being Fit on Studios, LLC, to consider an Exemption Declaration, Conditional Use Permit, and Coastal Development Permit, to allow the operation of a fitness facility within an existing commercial building on property located in a Commercial (C-2A) zone in the Coastal Zone, located at 531 N. Pacific Coast Highway. Hearing no objections, Chair Sanchez so ordered. Community Development Director Jones informed of a Blue Folder item which includes letters of support. Associate Planner Anita Kroeger gave staff report and reviewed the vicinity map and zoning, tenants, and vacant tenant space which the applicant would like to occupy. She reviewed the site and the request, the hours of operation and the number of staff and clients. She noted issues anticipated with noise and stated a sound system and soundproofing will be installed into every room and wall, with no sound passing from one room to another or to the tenant space next door. She also noted a condition which states the door will be closed at all times when classes are in session. She reviewed the parking requirements and stated it will be the same for the retail space and the hours of operation are reasonable. She said staff recommends longer hours of operation to avoid the applicant coming back with another request. She said they meet all requirements of the Coastal Development Permit and said staff recommends approval. Louie Tomaro, architect for the project, stated the applicant is looking forward to moving to Redondo Beach and accepts all conditions of the project. Rebecca Anzinino, 1603 Haynes Lane, spoke in favor of the business and requested that the permit be granted. Fernando Coral, 520 N. Gertruda Avenue, stated he lives directly behind the location and expressed concern with the noise. He said there is a back door on the south side of the facility with a side door and patio area for Coyote Cantina. He said if the door is open during the hours, the noise will be very loud. He noted a cycling place by Whole Foods which is also very loud. He said the owners of the plaza do not do much maintenance and expressed concern with opening the doors to keep the facility cool. He PAGE 1

4 also said his bedroom is about 50 feet from the door, and the parking will be an issue during evening hours. Veronica Coral, 520 N. Gertrude Avenue, stated anyone walking around the building or the side creates noise, and stated those working there have been trying to be quiet. She said she can hear everything and the noise travels right into their room. She noted her husband was injured and she expressed concern with his recuperation and rest. She also expressed concern with enough parking and people looking for parking on her street. In response to Commissioner Gaian, Mr. Coral stated that the door that opens on the side is by the speedometer shop. Cliff Reston, owner of the property, gave a history on the tenancy and appreciated the property owners. He said he listens to the tenants regarding their issues. He noted issues with some of the possible tenants and supported Fit On which is similar to a spin class. He also said parking at King Harbor is common and seasonal but has never been an issue on the south and noted the owners of the property for Petco supports the project but would like to review any parking issues. Motion by Commissioner Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Mitchell to extend Mr. Reston's time. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Reston reviewed the tenant area and convenient parking, and said the rear parking is underutilized. He said he feels comfortable with the applicant and noted they are local. Mike Brown, 515 N. Gertrude, expressed concern with noise in the back if the door isn't kept closed. He also said the AC unit does vacate the water on the top with a big puddle all the time. He said parking on the street is an issue and stated the signage just changed to dead end. He said people race up to the end and have to turn around and believed the new project at the City lot will be a concern. Franca Stadvec, co-owner of Fit On Studios, stated they wanted to give back to the community with health and fitness. She said they opened Fit On at 2407 Sepulveda which has helped many people with many issues. She said they plan to bring the energy to Redondo Beach and will work with the neighbors on noise issues and any other issue. In response to Commissioner Mitchell, Ms. Stadvec stated the fitness training will all take place indoors and the hours will be the same percentages as in Manhattan Beach. She also said they can stay open until 9 p.m. and noted a fifth of the classes will take place at night and the majority of the business is moms coming to the 8:30 a.m. class. In response to Commissioner Diehl, Mr. Tomaro stated the wall between Gertrude and the subject site is an 8-inch black masonry wall which is fire rated, and the studio will be a controlled environment and wellair-conditioned with new air conditioning units. In response to Commissioner Galan, Ms. Stadvec stated Cross Fit Redondo holds classes outdoors and is completely different with roll up doors with not a controlled environment. She said Fit On holds all classes indoors with sound proofing between the walls. Commissioner Diehl pointed out that people can park further down on the lot. Ms. Stadvec stated they encourage their clients to ride their bikes and stated they are willing to address all issues. PAGE 4

5 Chair Sanchez asked if there are plans to have loud music or subwoofers in the facility. Michael Stadvec stated he instructs the cycling classes and explained that there is quantity sound and quality sound. He said they choose equipment that is quality and no subwoofers would be used which is not healthy. He also said sound pressure level monitors will be installed and noted they have never had problems in Manhattan Beach or Oak Street in the back. He noted soundproofing will take place in and out and the decibel levels will be tested outside. Chair Sanchez pointed out that STC standards only reference down to about 120 Hz and noted anything lower than 100 Hz is when the problem of noise takes place. Mr. Stadvec stated they will be doing testing. Marcie Guillermo, District 1, stated the owners need to be sensitive to the neighbors and work with them on the noise levels, such as cumulative noise. Commissioner Diehl pointed out that Condition No. 5 addresses noise. Community Development Director Jones stated that Condition No. 6 will be amended based on testimony received. Commissioner Gaian believed there is a lot of space between the workout area and the opening, and the doorway is not next to the spinning class. In response to Commissioner Biro, Associate Planner Kroeger noted encouragement over the years of broadening the hours so businesses wouldn't have to come back. Community Development Director Jones stated broadening the hours is consistent with Commission practice and typically 9 p.m. is not perceived to be a late hour with no requirement that the applicant stay open that late. In response to Chair Sanchez, Community Development Director Jones stated the floor plan includes the storage room and the hallway that prevent noise from directly escaping. Community Development Director Jones also amended Condition No. 6 to state: "That the doors to the facility shall remain closed at all times except to allow individuals to enter and exit the facility and that adequate air condition be added to ensure compliance with that requirement." Commissioner Goodman suggested broadening the hours is reasonable, particularly if there were issues with noise. Commissioner Gaian hoped that expanded hours will give the opportunity to expand their business. Commissioner Rodriguez concurred with leaving the business hours open to allow for the opportunity of fund raisers or special events. Chair Sanchez pointed out that the applicant is willing to work with the neighbors on sound issues. Motion by Commissioner Goodman, seconded by Commissioner Mitchell, to close the Public Participation Section at 8:06 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. PAGE 5

6 tt, Motion by Commissioner Diehl, seconded by Commissioner Goodman, to approve Case No PC-002, an Exemption Declaration, Conditional Use Permit, and Coastal Development Permit, to allow the operation of a fitness facility within an existing commercial building on property located in a Commercial (C-2A) zone in the Coastal Zone, located at 531 N. Pacific Coast Highway, subject to the 5 findings and 13 conditions in the staff report, with Condition No. 6 amended. Motion carried unanimously. 10. CONSIDER UPDATES AND AMENDMENTS TO THE HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN CITY-WIDE Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez, to open the Public Hearing at 8:08 p.m. to consider updates and amendments to the Housing Element of the General Plan and a recommendation to the City Council on certification of Mitigated Negative Declaration No MND-002 and adoption of the Housing Element. Hearing no objections, Chair Sanchez so ordered. Assistant Planner Marianne Gastelum gave a report and discussed the Blue Folder items, and stated the task of the Planning Commission is to review and consider the updates and amendments to the Housing Element and recommend to the City Council on certification of Mitigated Negative Declaration No MND-002 and adoption of the Housing Element. Housing Element Consultant Veronica Tam gave a presentation and discussed the following: Housing Element Content HCD Requested Revision O Public Outreach O Modified housing programs Program 1 Deferred Payment Loan Program O Include more specific actions and time Program 2 Handyperson Program O Include more specific actions and timing Program 4 Preservation of Affordable Housing O Include specific provisions for preserving affordability of Heritage Pointe Program 7 Affordable Housing Development O Include more specific actions and timing Program 13 Amendments to Zoning Ordinance O Consider reducing parking standards O Clarification of CUP requirement for multi-family housing and consider Design Review in lieu of CUP In response to Commissioner Diehl, Housing Element Consultant Tam stated it is required under state law to provide a zoning for emergency shelters but there is no obligation to build anything, and the task is within one year of the Housing Element adoption. In response to Commissioner Biro, Housing Element Consultant Tam stated any requested changes would have been made before submitting documents to the state. Community Development Director Jones stated the Commission had very few comments on the initial review and no recommendations for changes in language or zoning that would cause revision of the document. PAGE 6

7 DRAFT Housing Element Consultant Tam believed there were no substitutive changes to the document at the Planning Commission meeting. In response to Commissioner Biro, Community Development Director Jones stated that fees were discussed but stated a discussion was not incorporated of fee amendments in the Housing Element, since they are adjusted and adopted by the City Council. Housing Element Consultant Tam stated the fee calculation is a point in time and is just a comparison. Community Development Director Jones explained that a benchmark in relationship to surrounding communities didn't have a place in the document that will run the time but was followed up in terms of an action to look at the fees and adjust them. Commissioner Biro stated his comment on fees in October was an observation but non material to the policy document. Commissioner Goodman suggested in the future presenting information on what the Commission said prior. Commissioner Mitchell suggested having a plan for a formal process. Housing Element Consultant Tam stated part of the program is to either adopt an ordinance or do a procedure on how to grant reasonable accommodation which would be part of the zoning amendments to be brought before the Planning Commission and City Council within a year of adoption. Marcie Guillermo, District 1, expressed concern with the followup items and questioned why Redondo Beach had to accept 1,397 units as compared to the other cities and the followup was to check with staff. She suggested taking this item back to administration to be discussed. She also said the letters from the Department of Transportation indicate further impacting already congested state highway corridors creating safety issues. She said the Public Utilities Commission states that new developments may increase traffic volumes not only at street intersections but also at crossings. She stated the document was approved by the Assistant to the City Attorney only as to form, and content should be included. She also expressed concern with putting a document on the City Website that is not true and believed that followups were not done properly and asked that the Commission not approve this item. Community Development Director Jones stated there is a RHNA reform effort underway at SCAG and the Housing Consultant will be attending and noted the City is actively involved in the RHNA count designation. He said the City does not have to build a housing unit and no property in the City has to be rezoned in this effort tonight, noting there is a potential housing development number and is not a number that says housing must be built. He stated the Caltrans letter addresses congestion and development and the commenter notes that the Housing Element would not directly result in the construction of new housing units, and this issue has been addressed in the response to comments before the Commission this evening. He stated the old notice may still be up on the Website which will be updated, but this meeting has been appropriately noticed, posted, published and mailed. He asked that the Commission support staff recommendation tonight. Motion by Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Diehl, to close the Public Participation Section at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Diehl, seconded by Commissioner Mitchell, to approve the updates and amendments to the Housing Element of the General Plan and recommend to the City Council on certification of Mitigated Negative Declaration No MND-002 and adoption of the PAGE 7

8 Housing Element and adoption of Resolutions Nos PCR-001 and PCR-002. Motion carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS - None PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Brand, District 2, gave a background on the emergency moratorium on AES and summary of the point of the unanimous opposition to the power plant by the Council, the point of the unanimous moratorium and the point of the ordinance to be considered. He said a needs analysis has to be created at the California Energy Commission by creating a conflict with the local laws, otherwise the Energy Commission will not determine whether the power is needed unless there is local law that conflicts with a power plant here. He said we don't need a power plant and AES is applying for more than double. He said Measure A was a rezoning to phase out power generation on the coast and rezone it for commercial and open space. He said a power plant would not provide much revenue to the City and takes up 50 acres of the waterfront. He also said the TOT from a hotel would return much more and noted four power plants have recently been retired on the coast. He stated the plants are no longer coastal dependent uses, and reindustrialization of the waterfront is unwanted with health issues and air pollution, going up 5 to 15 times particulate emissions. Motion by Commissioner Diehl, seconded by Commissioner Goodman to extend Councilmember Brand's time. Motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Brand also said AQMD is looking at instituting mitigation fees for a new power plant but the Governor wants to take these fees to help balance the state budget. He also said the power lines are not needed with a power plant that go all the way to the 405 freeway, and asked that the Commissioners call him with questions. Commissioner Goodman pointed out that nobody opposed a needs assessment and a provision to not allow any energy storage anywhere in the City seemed unnecessary and overly restrictive and a separate issue. Commissioner Gaian questioned no electrical storage within the entire City to having nothing and suggested that the Commission be informed in the future. He also questioned the term no industrial. Commissioner Diehl suggested having a knowledge base on these issues. In response to Commissioner Biro, Councilmember Brand stated that Measure A didn't pass due to $500,000 spent by AES on campaigning, fear, and land use. Commissioner Rodriguez suggested obtaining all facts and information before making decisions. Community Development Director Jones stated the soonest this item will be back before the Commission is April 17, Commissioner Gaian stated the ballot on Measure A states it is to stop electrical generation and noted a moratorium issued for two years. Councilmember Brand pointed out that a simple moratorium does not create a conflict. PAGE 8

9 In response to Commissioner Goodman, Councilmember Brand clarified that everything west of PCH is a coastal zone. Commissioner Goodman expressed concern with the wording stating no storage generation anywhere in the City. Marcie Guillermo suggested putting in more green areas in the open spaces and to be mindful of noise. COMMISSION ITEMS AND REFERRALS TO STAFF ITEMS FROM STAFF In response to Commissioner Diehl, Community Development Director Jones stated the City Council held a hearing with direction to prepare a public art ordinance which is pending with the City Attorney. ITEMS FROM STAFF 11. Report on General Plan status update, process and cost. Community Development Director Jones gave a report and also discussed the status of the General Plan update and outlining two procedures, to include the comprehensive update and the other incremental or living general plan update process. He said the current fund balance for general plan revision is less than expected, collecting and reserved $200k, and for a full plan update, in excess of $2 million is needed. He also said the City has done a good job of keeping the plan in compliance with all state planning law and being fully consistent. He also said new topics could be considered. In response to Commissioner Goodman, Community Development Director Jones stated the City is built out and most policies about regulation of growth and development tend not to change. He said the General Plan is reflective of keeping things much as they are and improve but not drastically shift gears. He said due to lack of funding, he did not see a major community process. Commissioner Biro suggested having a mechanism in place from all development and items going forward that set aside a fee, with possible resources available in the future. Community Development Director Jones stated with new development forward, funding of $1 million will be provided within the timeframe of five years and to get the update complete. Commissioner Diehl noted that the committee all agreed with no more building and to look back at all of the numbers. In response to Commissioner Galan, Community Development Director Jones stated staff is waiting for the owner to move forward regarding the car wash on Torrance Boulevard. COUNCIL ACTION ON MATTERS - None ADJOURNMENT: 9:13 P.M. There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Rodriguez moved, seconded by Commissioner Goodman, to adjourn the meeting at 9:13 p.m. to a Regular Meeting to be held at 7:00 p.m. on March 20, 2014 in the Redondo Beach City Council Chambers, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, California. Motion carried unanimously. PAGE 9

10 Respectfully submitted,,, Aaron Jones Community Development Director FEBRUARY PAGE 10