The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutPC Min 1977-04-06 . . . MINUTES OF THE PLANNING CO~MISSION MEETING OF APRIL 6, 1977 The Planning Commission of the City of Seal Beach met in regular session on Wednesday, April 6, 1977, in the Council Chambers of the City Administration Building. The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Cook at 7:30 p.m. and the Pledge to the Flag was led by Commissioner Lanning. Present: Absent: Lanning, Madsen, Ripperdan, Cook Knapp (absence excused) After discussion, the minutes of March l6, 1977 were approved as presented. Secretary reviewed the method to present testimony in public hearings. l. Public Hearings A. Ronald C. Smith, V-4-77 (continued) Secretary reviewed the application and advised the request had been readvertised for public hearing. The question of portability w~s discussed. The zoning ordinance does not define "portable" but the definition by Webster was cited. Planning and Building Department staff do not interpret the subject structure as portable since it permanently attached by piping, etc. Surfside Colony advises that modifications have been made and they consider the structure portable. Dr. Smith was present to answer questions. He stated there was no modification in the house and the pool with Jacuzzi should not be considered a spa. Mr. Brown, replying to a question, advised that by outside inspection, the wiring would not meet code. In addition, there was open wiring and switches in the eQuipment shed. Dr. Smith stated the work was done by a licensed contractor and felt it would all be done properly. Also stated George Reid, former building inspector. had inspected and said it was okay. City files indicate. no building permits issued, no inspections or approvals; only letters advising of violation. Discussion in detail of the encroachments. No other comments from the public, hearing closed. Mrs. Lanning moved to deny Variance V-4-77, seconded by Ripperd~n and passed unanimously. Resolution No. l054. Secretary advised the appli~ant of his right of appeal. B. Jeffry Berrey, V-5-77 Applicant is requesting variance to permit installation of a 50 ft. amateur radio antenna with occasional minor encroachment into the rear yard setback. Secretary gave background of determination previously made by the Commission on location and height. Hearing open. Discussion of existing roof mounted antenna; whether permits had been obtained and if it would be removed. Applicant advised no permits obtained because he thought it similar to T.V. antenna and no permit necessary. Existing antenna to be removed upon installation of new antenna. It was pointed . . . out that proposed antenna would be telescoping with a maximum height of 22 ft. when not in use. Jerry Stowell, 404 Jade Cove \~a.v, spoke in opposition expressing his concern for safety to his home if the antenna collapsed and whose liability it would be. Mr. Brown advised that Building Department would be checking for wind loading prior to issuance of a permit, but the city does not accept liability. Mr. Berrey advised that he had liability insurance to cover the antenna. Hearing closed. Mr. Ripperdan moved to approve the 'Variance V-5-77 with the condition' that the antenna be lowered when not in use. Seconded by Cook. Ayes: Cook, Madsen, Ripperdan Noes: Lanning Motion carried. Resolution l055. C. Dr, Rodolfo Bobadillo, V-6-77 Applicant had submitted a request for a fireplace projection at A-79, Surfside. Secretary advised that the Doctor's agent had submitted a letter requesting withdrawal of the application because modifications had been made to meet code. Public hearing opened and closed. Mr. Cook moved to deny the application for Variance V-6-77 without prejudice, seconded by Lanning, and passed unanimously. Res. No. l056. D. Adoption of Various Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (cont'd) The proposal is for minor amendments to the zoning ordinance and consideration of the Negative Declaration. Hearing opened. Mr. Cook objected to a reduction in unit size, reduction in required parking, and expressed concern about curb openings for on-site parking by the conditional use permit process. Secretary Neprud explained that the staff felt these were minimum standards only to provide for the desire for small units. He felt the smaller units would decrease intensity of population. By the same thinking, it was felt that smaller units would not require as much parking. Mr. Neprud advised that other cities vary on their requirements for unit size and parking and it was difficult to make comparison. Mrs. Lanning had no objection to unit size, but opposed reduction in parking. Ripperdan concurred. Mr. Cook pointed out that reduction could become a major problem for possible future conversion to condominiums. . Mr. Ripperdan moved to retain the existing requirement of 2 parking spaces per unit in Districts I and II. Seconded by Lanning and passed unanimously. Mr, Cook moved to require minimum floor area of 750 sq, ft, (28-70l(l)(d)) and 700 sq. ft, (28-80l(4)). Motion died for lack of a second. Mr. Ripperdan moved to require minimum floor area of 700 sq. ft. (28-70l(l)(d)) and 600 sq. ft. (28-80l(4)). Seconded by Lanning. Ayes: Noes: Lanning, Madsen, Ripperdan Cook Motion carried. ,. Discussion followed regarding curb opening provision. Mr. Cook felt it should be handled by variance procedure. Secretary advised there was only a minor change in wording to clarify the provision. He explained a variance required the showing of hardship while the conditional use permit procedure still provides a public hearing but allows the Commission to grant the curb cut if it improves the parking arrangement. Mr. Cook moved to amend 28-2209(l)(b) to the variance procedure. Secretary advised that if this was the wish of the Commission, they should just delete the section and the variance procedure would still be available. Mr. Cook amended his motion to detete 28-2209(l)(b), Seconded by Madsen. Ayes: Noes: Cook, Madsen Lanning, Ripperdan Motion failed. Mr. Cook moved to approve the Nesative Declaration and ptoposed ordinance, as amended, and reco~end to City Council their approval and adoption. Seconded by Mrs, Lanning and passed unanimously. 'Resolution No. l057. 2. Oral Communications There were no oral communications. 3. Written Communications . All written communications were in conjunction with specific agency items. 4. New Business A. Apartment Conversion to Condominiums Secretary reported on conversion of apartments to condomi'niums. The staff reco~ended the conditional use permit procedure which could safeguard amenties. If this met with Commission approval, an amendment would be prepared and public hearing scheduled. Staff also recommended that a policy resolution be adopted by the Commission setting forth major items to be reviewed. This would not be an amendment to the ordinance, but a guideline for applicants. Discussion of suggested items of review and whether some should be mandatory. Secretary pointed out this would be a policy resolution and not firm requirements. Some situations would be unable to meet all of the items. Staff directed to schedule public hearing. Secretary reported on the proposed low decorative fences in the public right-of-way, and the City Attorney's determination. His recommendations forwarded to the City Council and they determined that low fences could be considered as part of the landscaping. City Attorney also felt the insurance coverage requires was sufficient. The City Council approved the proposal by minute order and a formal resolution will be presented at their next meeting. . . . . 'Mr. Cook asked what effect this approval would have on the past determination that fences should be placed on the lot line, Mr. Neprud stated that the special conditions in this case were the governing factor and any other person desiring the same right would have to prove the uniqueness of their situation. Mr. Cook felt that by allowing fences, we have turned over public property to private owners. This end result was not the original intention. Mr. Ripperdan expressed appreciation on the book about the Naval Weapons Station. The others concurred. No further business, the meeting was adjourned,at 8:50 p.m. ''>-..:> '~<OG U?e.,.,~".. J. Lois Arnold ---> Recording Secretary