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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 1981-12-16 il~.' MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 1981 THE PLANNING COMMISSION MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1981 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 211 8th STREET. SEAL BEACH. THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:40 P.M. BY CHAIRMAN COVINGTON AND THE PLEDGE TO THE FLAG WAS LED BY COMMISSIONER GILKERSON PRESENT: EXC 15ED ABSENCE: Jessner, Gilkerson, Covington, Goldenberg Leibert The minutes of the December 2, 1981 meeting were approved as submitted. 1. NEW BUSINESS Staff ,requested that agenda item "B", Bay Motel Site, be considered before item "A", Fountain Plaza, since no representatives for item "A" were present. Gilkerson moved to amend the agenda as requested. Motion seconded by Goldenberg and unanimously approved. B. Bay Motel Site, Study Session The proposal is for 25 condominiums (including 4 moderate income units) on a site which would permit 11.6 units. In addition, unit size, parking ~_. form, turning radi us and building hei ght do not conform to code requirements. Bill Ridgeway, 5828 E. 2nd Street, Long Beach, project designer, stated that their feasibility study demonstrated that 25 units are needed to make an economically viable project. The four moderate income units are required by the Coastal Commission. The proposed turning radius complies with the architectural standards tables for angle parking. He pointed out the proposed amenity features in the project. Gilkerson stated that this project is considerably over density and no variances have been granted for over density since the current'densities were adopted in 1978. In addition, if densities of this type are'approved, it would set a precedent for any other over density projects. Jessner asked for background information on Policy Resolution 1162, existing densities and variances. .1. Covington noted that Policy Resolution 1162 resulted from public testimony to the Planning Commission and City Council on the perception of minimum standards for condominiums in the City. Secretary provided historical information on existing densities, condominium policies and noted that no density variances had been granted since 1978. Goldenberg asked if the applicant and agent were aware of the code require- ment when the project was designed. Mr. Ridgeway stated that they were aware of the code requirements and had met with Nick Romaniello on the concept for the site. '. Minutes of Planning Commission meeting of l2/l6/81 Page 2 Jerry Reedy, 5881 Naples Plaza, spoke about current economics in the build- ing industry and the need for the project as proposed. Jessner asked how long the motel has been owned by the present owners. Hr. Reedy stated that the motel has been under present ownership for three years. Goldenberg was concerned about the number of code deviations in the present proposal. Hr. Reedy indicated that all variances except 'density can be eliminated. Covington stated that the Planning Commission has been discussing: , - in lieu fees for increased density - rounding up for fractions of a unit - low/moderate income housing projection methods He recommended that the Planning Commission and staff develop methods to implement these three subjects. ' A. Fountain Plaza Ltd., PR-3-81 . The proposal is for the new construction of 53,700 square,feet of office space in four, two-story buildings on the 2.7 acre State Lands site at First Street and Pacific Coast Highway. Background information was provided by staff and the Commission was requested to continue the matter until January 6, 1982 so that engineering conditions can be developed for the project. Covington stated that the Planning Commission should have an opportunity to review the negative declaration on the project which was prepared by the State Lands Commission and requested copies for the Commission. Bruce Conn, 6340 Dorothea Road, Long Beach, stated that the original concept for the property was retail and restaurant. The concept was changed to offices due to economic factors in the lease documents. ." Covington asked if they proposed to convert the buildings to office condominiums. Mr. Conn stated that the offices would be leased/rented only due to the 49 year period of the lease. Jessner noted that the plans submitted were very preliminary. In order to properly evaluate the project, complete preliminary plans must be submitted. Those plans must include: plot and floor plans, all elevations and landscaping. Jessner asked if the proposed project would impact the bike trail to the San Gabriel River. Staff noted that the bike trail runs along the river and no longer crosses the site. Minutes of P1 anning Commi ss i on meeting of 12/16/81 Page 3 , Director of Planning, Jean Danielson, recommended that the applicants explore all possible and practical methods to save the mature palm trees in the center site. Matter continued to January 6, 1982. '2. SUBJECTS COMMISSIONERS MAY WISH TO DISCUSS. Gilkerson suggested that the Commission consider amending the Zoning Ordinance designations from R-l, R-2 and R-3 to Low Density (LD), Medium Density (MD), High Density (HD) with the square footage included. Jessner suggested that staff look into mechanisms to allow fractions of a unit to be rounded up. Goldenberg asked about time limit or other conditions on Planning approvals and/or building permits. He suggested that a method of imposing time limit conditions on completing a project be developed. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. . ./7/" ( ,) v~4:J ~,/ Recording Secretary .