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2005-09-08 PC MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA SEPTEMBER 8, 2005 Chairman Funk called the meeting of the El Segundo Planning CALL TO ORDER Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the City of El Segundo City Hall, 350 Main Street, El Segundo, California. Commissioner Frick led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. PRESENT: FELLHAUER, FRICK, FUNK, KRETZMER, WAGNER ABSENT: NONE None. Chairman Funk presented the Consent Calendar. None. PLEDGE TO FLAG ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS CONSENT CALENDAR CALL ITEMS FROM CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Fellhauer moved, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, MOTION to approve the August 25, 2005, Planning Commission Minutes as presented. Motion passed 5-0. Planning Manager Christensen stated that the handout distributed this WRITTEN evening is an excerpt from the City's Zoning Code related to COMMUNICATIONS adjustments, which will be discussed during Agenda Item 1-2. None. PUBLIC HEARINGS, NEW BUSINESS Chairman Funk presented Agenda Item No. 1-2, Environmental PUBLIC HEARINGS, Assessment No. 654 and Subdivision No. 04-10 (VTPM No. 61175). CONTINUED Applicant: James Obradovich. Address: 712 Virginia Street. Property BUSINESS, EA NO. Owner: Lot 5, Tract 2620 Corporation. 654, SUBD NO. 04-10 (VTPM NO. 61175) Planning Technician Schopp presented staff report and staff recommendation (of record). A subdivision request (VTPM) for Responding to Commissioner Wagner's request for clarification, condominium 1 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, September 8, 2005 Page 1 Planning Technician Schopp advised that the building will be sited an purposes to allow the additional 14.5 inches to the east than what was originally proposed; construction of a four - and that the north elevation setback has been increased by 3 inches unit multi -family and the south elevation increased by 2 inches. She noted that this structure on an project exceeds the minimum required. existing parcel. Vice -Chairman Kretzmer questioned if the residents have indicated approval of the project as revised. Planning Technician Schopp stated that the residents have only indicated support for the improvements/enhancements to the project. Chairman Funk noted her appreciation of everyone who met to address the issues of concern with this project. Chairman Funk opened the public hearing. Elizabeth Srour. representing the applicant Ms. Srour expressed her belief that the applicant has done an outstanding job in trying to create and encourage an owner -occupied residency; stated that the units are nicely articulated and well delineated; noted that the proposed changes are beneficial to the project as well as to the community; advised that the architect has created a feeling of a single-family home from the front; stated that all the parking and infrastructure of this project are contained within this site and are not visible from the street; and noted that this project is compatible with the environment in this area. She advised that this project complies with all development standards, and that in some cases, it exceeds what the code requires, such as increased setbacks. Ms. Srour stated that the landscaping and fencing will enhance the privacy for both the people who live at this site as well as the adjacent property owners; and with regard to the fence height on the north side, she advised that the applicant is willing to consider a higher fence height and that he will work with the City and the adjacent neighbor on that issue. Ms. Srour mentioned that on that north side, the building steps in and out, ranging from approximately a 5'10" setback to a 10' setback; stated that the three front doors on that north side are set back 10 feet from the property line, allowing for a 15-foot setback from the adjacent structure; and she explained that this project is enclosed on three sides, adding to the sound barrier. She stated that the main living areas for the units are on the south side, away from the single-family home to the north. She added that the project as currently proposed addresses the overall concerns of the Commission and the neighbors. She noted her appreciation of staff for facilitating the meeting with the neighbors; and 2 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, September 8, 2005 Page 2 advised that the applicant concurs with the conditions of approval. Alan Carlson, 714 Virqinia Mr. Carlson stated that he is not opposing this project, but indicated his opposition to this area being rezoned 13 years ago to R-3. He expressed his belief this project is out of place in this residential neighborhood; and stated that at this point in time, he is not sure whether the property line fence should be any higher than proposed, noting he will take a wait -and -see position. He noted his appreciation of the applicant for making the changes that concerned the residents. Addressing Chairman Funk's inquiry regarding the process to increase the height of the fence, Assistant City Attorney Berger explained that the City's code requires the applicant to apply to the City for a variation on the height of the fence; and he noted that the applicant's representative had indicated this evening a willingness to submit that application to the City. He stated that upon receiving an application, staff and the Director would undertake an investigation process to study if findings can be made to support the variation in the fence height; and that the determination would then be put into written form and presented to the Planning Commission as a receive and file matter, noting that the Director's decision can be appealed to City Council. Ms. Srour advised that the applicant will work with the Carlsons during the course of construction; and explained that the permanent fence will be one of the last things that is erected, probably the last 60 to 90 days of construction. Ms. Srour noted for Chairman Funk that the construction project is anticipated to take one year, depending on weather conditions. Ms. Srour noted for Commissioner Wagner that the construction is expected to start this December. Philipp Caines, 704 Virginia Mr. Caines stated that he lives on the south side of the proposed project; noted his appreciation of the applicant for making the changes that concerned the neighbors; and expressed his belief that while the neighbors would prefer a single-family dwelling at this location, they believe everyone has come to a satisfactory agreement with this proposal. He stated that the neighbors are still concerned with the added volume to the waste disposal/sewage system in the area; and requested that the construction work on the sewer system be coordinated with the City's sewer improvement project for this street and 3 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, September 8, 2005 Page 3 the applicant's work on hooking up to the main sewer. He noted that the neighbors are still concerned with the lack of parking in this neighborhood and that there is concern for the safety of young school children walking to and from school. With regard to access in and out of this site, Ms. Srour explained that there are beneficial design aspects of this project, such as the very visible corridor entering and exiting from the driveway — noting that it's completely open as one approaches the street from the garage; and advised that there's ample room for the cars to negotiate pulling forward and driving out in a forward direction. In addition, she pointed out that there is a parkway and sidewalk and a very substantial setback of approximately 25 feet. She noted her support for coordinating the sewer line projects; and stated that the applicant will work with the City in that effort. There being no further input, Chairman Funk closed the public hearing. Commissioner Frick asked for input on how a resident can petition the City for a zone change in any area of the City. Director Jurjis explained that if a resident is concerned with zoning, they may write a letter to the Director of Planning and Building and Safety Department; that staff would review the possibility of that requested zone change and study its feasibility, and if there is a possibility, that request for zone change would go through the City's review process. Commissioner Kretzmer stated that just because one proposes a project that meets code does not mean that the Planning Commission has to approve it if there is reason to believe the project negatively impacts that area. He expressed his belief that this is the wrong project for this area, that the proposal would better fit on Main Street. He addressed his concerns with the high density in this area and with the safety of pedestrians and vehicular traffic in this area. Commissioner Frick commented on the Planning Commission's prior consideration of this proposal and the Commission's direction for the applicant to work with the residents in coming to a more acceptable project. She recommended that if the neighbors are concerned with the R-3 zoning of the remaining properties in this area, that they get in touch with the City to request a zone change. Chairman Funk commented on a property owner's right to develop within the City's established guidelines for a particular zone, expressing her belief it would be difficult to deny this proposal. She stated that the Commission had directed the applicant to meet with the residents to 4 El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, September 8, 2005 Page 4 work out issues of concern; and she noted her appreciation in the productivity of that meeting, proposing revisions for an improved project in this R-3 zone. Vice -Chairman Kretzmer commented on considering the interests of all property owners; and expressed his belief that this project is not in the best interests of this area. He stated that this project creates a number of potential hazards and that it enhances hazards which already exist. Commissioner Wagner thanked the applicant for meeting with the residents and for making the changes in response to the residents' concerns. Commissioner Wagner moved, seconded by Commissioner Frick, to MOTION approve Environmental Assessment No. 654 and Subdivision No. 04-10 (VTPM No. 61175), thus adopting Resolution No. 2587. Motion passed 4-1, with Vice -Chairman Kretzmer voting no. Director Jurjis noted his anticipation that the next agenda will include an REPORT FROM item for a Planning Commissioner to present a report to City Council on DIRECTOR the year's activities of this Commission. Planning Manager Christensen stated that the second meeting in September will likely be cancelled due to the lack of agenda items. None. None. None. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 13th DAY OF OCTOBER, 2005. r , Jf Seimqffe 16rjis, Secretary of k obin Funk, Chairman of the Planning Commission the Planning Commission and Director of Planning City of El Segundo, California and Building Safety PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS OTHER BUSINESS ADJOURNMENT El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes, September 8, 2005 Page 5