HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 1971-01-06
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MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 6, 1971
The Planning Commission of the City of Seal Beach met in regular session on
Wednesday, January 6, 1971, in the Council Chambers at the City Administration
Building. The meeting was opened at 7:35 P.M. by Chairman Knapp and Vice Chairman
Ripperdan led the Salute to the Flag.
Present:
Absent:
Dorr, Knapp, Lanning, O'Toole, Ripperdan
None
The minutes of the meeting on December 23, 1970 were approved as presented.
1. Public llearing - Seal Beach Center (Peter Trama), UV-1-7l
Joe Beard, authorized agent of Peter Trama.who operates the Red Candle Restaurant,
made application for a Use Variance to permit on-site liquor sales at the
restaurant located at 1017 Pacific Coast Highway (Seal Beach Center). A previous
Use Variance had been in effect at this location, but no application for renewal
was made and the permit expired as of December 15, 1970. Mr. David DeLoach,
attorney, represented Mr. Beard at the hearing, and spoke regarding the problems
that had occurred, pointed out a new manager was in charge who had tried to
comply with all conditions required by the past Use Variance. lie questioned
whether the Planning Commission had the power to discontinue a license. The
operator would be willing to comply with any conditions to be able to continue.
The City Attorney explained that since the old Use Variance had expired, this
app1ication must be considered as an original request and not a renewal. Letters
were referred to from the County Health Dept. citing violations and improvements
needed to comply with Code and from the City Manager citing violations and
revoking the entertainment license. Applicant stated the Health Dept. had now
approved the operation, but no substantiating letter was presented. Mrs.
Margaret Klein, l2ll,Marlin, stated the applicant had assured the city administration
and neighboring residents ~f the quality of food and type of operation he would
maintain and did not. She felt strongly that this Center cannot support the
type of business he promised. Mrs. Mary Collier, Coastline Dr., concurred with
Mrs. Klein and spoke about the deterioration of the operation. Mrs. Martin
Wilferd, 1450 Coastline, said she lives opposite the Red Candle and opposed
approving on-site liquor. Mr. DeLoach pointed out the owner had a great deal of
money in his liquor license and that Mr. Beard, as manager, has demonstrated his
desire to cooperate. Mrs. Klein asked what sincerity had been shown by violation
of liquor sales after the use variance expired. Mrs. Lanning asked for Resolution
No. 382 to be read listing conditions. In the continuing diSCUSSion, it was noted
that all conditions had been violated and no cooperation was shown. Mrs. Dorr,
231 6th St., stated the food was excellent when first oRe~ed and then quality
deteriorated. Mr. Trama was present and stated he did/r~!e for renewal because
he was in the East due to family illness. Harold Walker, a Red Candle employee,
stated the place had been changed and good food was being served. Charles Lusty,
owner of a beauty shop on Main St., said residents on the Hill knew the area had
been set aside for a shopping center when they bought and this is a common use.
He also stated that Mr. Beard had made many improvements in t~e atmosphere and food.
Mrs. Collier agreed that she did not protest this use ori~inally and when the
restaurant was first opened d1d enjoy it, but it lately had become disgraceful and
not befitting the community. The Secretary reported on letters and personal visits
to the restaurant attempting to get the owner to comply with imposed conditions and
the lack of cooperation he received. Mr. Beard explained improvements he had made.
Mr. Beard's attorney advised the Commission that they would agree to any conditions
the Commission desired and suggested a shorter period of time for the permit and
allow his client to demonstrate good faith. Mr. L1ndstrom, 215 14th St., suggested
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conditions that could be stipulated. Hearing closed. Secretary advised the
Commission of the options and procedures. Commission discussed testimony and
felt continuous violations cannot be ignored. Mrs. Lanning moved to deny the
request for Use Variance. Seconded by Mr. Ripperdan and passed unanimously.
Resolution No. 511.
The Chairman called for a recess at 9:15 P.M. Meeting reconvened at 9:20 P.M.
2. Public Hearing - Dr. & Mrs. S. Wise (J. Ronald Burns), V-1-7l
Dr. and Mrs. Wise, represented by Mr. Burns, requested a variance to permit an
addition to-their existing residence that would encroach 2'11" into the rear yard.
The property is located at 104 Harvard Lane. Mr. Burns stated this plan was the
best arrangement for traffic flow in the residence, and would make better
appearance than second story addition. Discussion followed regarding amount of
available space for an addition without encroaching. Chairman advised that the
applicant must show hardship or denial of privilege. Dr. Wise stated that
the family needed more room and the property line was on a slant making it
difficult to add to the structure without encroaching. After additional discussion
of other possibilities the hearing was closed. Miss Dorr moved to deny the request
because no hardship shown and there are available possibilities for an addition
without an encroachment. Seconded by Mr. Ripperdan. Passed unanimously.
Resolution No. 512. Secretary advised applicant of right of appeal.
3. Oral Communications
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Swen Lindstrom, 215 14th St., reserved the right to speak on Agenda Item 7A
(David Ward variance, V-23-70).
4. Written Communications
General Planning Program was received from the Orange County Planning Dept. Letters
from Don Davis and Surfside Colony, Ltd. relating to later agenda items also received.
Miss Dorr requested that a letter of thanks for the service to cities be prepared
and sent to the Orange County Planning Department. Secretary to so prepare and
present to the Commission at the next meeting.
5. Unfinished Business
A. David Ward, V-23-70
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Mr. Ward's request for second story encroachment in the rear yard, two sets of
tandem parking and one two-car stacking device for parking requirements was
considered at a public hearing on December 16, 1970. Mr. Lindstrom spoke about
concern of increasing density in the City and overloading public facilities as
well as being concerned about setting a precedent. Mrs. Lanning requested information
regarding control of flooding. Mr. Gerhart explained. Staff recommended conditions
were read. Discussion of legal ramifications. Mr. Leyte and Mrs. Dorr were
concerned about 1ncreased density. City Attorney advised that if approved and
clearly labeled as a test case with strict conditions no precedent would be
established. Mr. Gerhart advised of apartments in Beverly Hills and Pasadena
where similar parking devices are installed under less favorable conditions and
have proved to be satisfactory. Commission members felt that, if approved, Planning
and Building Dept. representatives make regular investigations and report to them.
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Tom Brady, 1607 Electr1c, expressed concern this test could lead to more units.
Mr. Ripperdan and Miss Dorr felt other requirements currently in effect would
provide controls. Miss Dorr moved to approve the variance subject to conditions
in the staff report and as suggested by the City Attorney. Seconded by Mrs.
Lanning.
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
Dorr, Lanning, O'Toole, Ripperdan
None
None
Knapp Motion carried. Resolution No. 513.
6. New Business
A. Plan Review - Norman L. Holloway, PR"'l-71
Mr. & Mrs. Holloway presented plaB for an addition over a portion of a front
entry garage. All setbacks are maintained and the addition is architecturally
compatible. Mr. Ripperdan moved to approve the plans as submitted. Seconded
by Mrs. Lanning. Passed unanimously. Resolution No. 514.
B. Plan Review - Stephen Krieger, PR-2-7l
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Mr. &~~s. Kreiger presented plans for a single family residence in Surfside.
A letter was received from the Board of Directors indicating their approval.
Plans show the height exceeding the 35 foot limit. Contractor stated the final
plans would correct this. Mr. Knapp moved to approve the plans with the stipulation
that the height not exceed 35 feet. Seconded by Mrs. Lanning and passed
unanimously. Resolution No. 515.
7. Other Business
Discussion of bootlegged apartments and converted garages and the problems of
enforcement.
No further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:55 P.M.
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Lois Arnold '--
Recording Secretary
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