2006-03-23 PC MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA
MARCH 23, 2006
Vice -Chair Frick called the meeting of the El Segundo Planning CALL TO ORDER
Commission to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the City of
El Segundo City Hall, 350 Main Street, El Segundo, California.
Commissioner Fellhauer led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
PRESENT: FELLHAUER, FRICK, KRETZMER (arrived
7:05 p.m.), ROTOLO, WAGNER
ABSENT: NONE
None.
Vice -Chair Frick presented the Consent Calendar.
None.
PLEDGE TO FLAG
at ROLL CALL
PUBLIC
COMMUNICATIONS
CONSENT
CALENDAR
CALL ITEMS
FROM CONSENT
CALENDAR
Commissioner Rotolo moved, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, to MOTION
approve the March 9, 2006, Planning Commission Minutes as
presented. Motion passed, 4-0 (Chairman Kretzmer had not yet
arrived).
Planning Manager Christensen advised that a letter dated March 23, WRITTEN
2006, from Continental Development Corporation had been distributed COMMUNICATIONS
to the Planning Commission; and advised that this letter (of record)
relates to Environmental Assessment No. 692 and Variance No. 06-1.
Vice -Chair Frick presented Agenda Item No. H-2, Environmental PUBLIC HEARINGS,
Assessment No. 692 and Variance No. 06-1. Applicant and Property NEW BUSINESS,
Owners: 2221 PPA, LLC. Address: 2221 Park Place. EA NO. 692 AND
VAR NO. 06-1
Chairman Kretzmer arrived.
A Variance to allow an
Planning Technician Schopp presented staff report (of record) and increase in the
stated that the March 23, 2006, letter from Continental Development number of compact
El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes
March 23, 2006
Page 1
I Corporation indicates support of this proposal.
Chairman Kretzmer questioned if consideration had been given to there
being adequate space for parking maneuverability.
Planning Technician Schopp advised that this proposal has been
reviewed and approved by the Fire Department for fire lane access; and
stated that the space for vehicle maneuvering falls within the
parameters of the requirements for parking areas.
Chairman Kretzmer opened the public hearing.
Robert Ward. voiect architect and applicant
Mr. Ward advised that this variance is the result of the proposed taking
of land along Douglas Street; noted that the applicant was no longer
able to provide sufficient parking to accommodate the existing square
footage of the building; and that the City and the applicant were able to
come up with an alternate parking plan that maintains the same number
of parking spaces by creating more compact parking spaces. He
expressed his belief there is adequate room for all vehicular
maneuverability and safety.
Commissioner Rotolo questioned if the applicant had conducted a
thorough review of other alternatives and parking reconfigurations of
the lot.
Mr. Ward indicated yes; explained that this architectural firm created the
original parking layout in 2000; and that prior to building the expensive
underground parking garage for 17 parking spaces, numerous
alternatives had been considered.
Chairman Kretzmer questioned whether this parking is widely used and
whether assigned parking is used.
Mr. Ward advised that this parking area is fully occupied almost 100
percent of the time; and stated there is no assigned parking
arrangement.
Commissioner Rotolo asked for input on the offsite parking.
Mr. Ward stated there are 15 offsite parking spaces that were part of an
agreement with the neighboring property owner, noting there is a
covenant between the two buildings.
parking stalls; to
provide reduced back-
up distance for six
parking spaces; to
allow a front setback
encroachment for
parking spaces and
the northeast corner
of the existing
building; and to allow
a reduction in the
existing legal, non-
conforming property
perimeter
landscaping.
El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes
March 23, 2006
Page 2
There being no further input, Chairman Kretzmer closed the public
hearing.
Commissioner Wagner stated that the architects have done an
excellent job in the parking reconfiguration, resulting in a good plan.
Vice -Chairman Frick concurred with Commissioner Wagner's
comments.
Chairman Kretzmer commended staff for a comprehensive report and
for working with the applicant and property owners to come up with a
feasible solution to this situation.
Commissioner Rotolo stated that the applicant has done an excellent
job in pursuing all alternatives, resulting in a good solution for all
involved.
Chairman Kretzmer expressed his belief that all four findings have been
met to support the variance request.
Commissioner Fellhauer moved, seconded by Vice -Chair Frick, to
MOTION
approve Environmental Assessment No. 692 and Variance No. 06-1,
thus approving Resolution No. 2598. Motion carried 5-0.
Chairman Kretzmer presented Agenda Item No. 1-3, Environmental
PUBLIC HEARINGS,
Assessment No. 697 and Zone Text Amendment No. 06-1. Applicant:
CONTINUED
City of El Segundo. Property Owner: Various. Address: Citywide.
BUSINESS,
EA 697 and ZTA 06-1
Commissioner Rotolo recused himself from this matter, noting he is
currently doing business with the owner of a property that would be
affected by a decision.
Planning Technician Schopp presented staff report (of record); advised
that staff is requesting the Commission postpone making a decision on
this matter this evening; and to continue this hearing to April 13, 2006, in
order to allow for completion of the 20-day public review and comment
period on the Negative Declaration, which ends on April 12, 2006.
In response to Chairman Kretzmer's inquiry regarding the discussion of
this matter this evening, Assistant City Attorney Berger stated it is his
recommendation that the Commission not discuss this matter this
evening and that it be continued to April 13tn
Chairman Kretzmer asked that staff provide an oral report on this matter
at the next Planning Commission meeting.
El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes
March 23, 2006
Page 3
Director Jurjis stated that staff will provide a staff report at the next
Planning Commission meeting.
Chairman Kretzmer moved, seconded by Commissioner Wagner, to MOTION
continue Environmental Assessment No. 697 and Zone Text
Amendment No. 06-1 to the April 13, 2006, meeting. Motion carried, 4-
0, absent Commissioner Rotolo.
Planning Manager Christensen stated that there will be agenda items for REPORT FROM
each meeting in April. She noted that Commissioner Rotolo will not be DIRECTOR
able to attend the next meeting and asked that the remaining
Commissioners advise staff as soon as possible if they are not able to
attend a meeting, noting that public notification will need to be made in a
timely manner if there is not a full quorum.
None PUBLIC
COMMUNICATIONS
Chairman Kretzmer welcomed everyone to the first Planning PLANNING
Commission meeting of spring. COMMISSIONERS'
COMMENTS
None. OTHER BUSINESS
The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m. ADJOURNMENT
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 13th DAY OF APRI ' 0G.
Seimone JtVjis6,ecretary of Mike Kretzmer, Chairman of
the Planning Commission the Planning Commission
and Director of Planning, City of El Segundo, California
Building Safety
El Segundo Planning Commission Minutes
March 23, 2006
Page 4