HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 1991-04-03
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
APRIL 3, 1991
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. ROLL CALL
III. SCHEDULED MATTERS
1. Archaeological Element Task Force Report
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Approval of March 20, 1991 Minutes
V.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. CUP #2-90 (ABC Renewal)
Carriage Trade Liquor
4.
CUP #12-89 (Video Game Renewal)
Super Saver Cinema Seven
5. CUP #4-91 & HEIGHT VARIATION [MPR] #2-91
207\ Third Street * Aviani
VI.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - At this time .embers of the public
~y address the Planning Commission regarding any item
wi thin the Subject matters of the cOJlllllission provided no
action may be tkaen on off-Agenda items unless authorized
by law.
VII.
STAFF CONCERNS
VIII.
COMMISSION CONCERNS
IX.
ADJOURNHENT
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF APRIL 3, 1991
PLEDGE OF ]to. J.J .EGIANCE
The Pledge of Alleg1ance was led by Commissioner orsini.
ROLL CA T.J.
Present: Chairman Fife
Commissioners Sharp, McCurdy, Dahlman, Orsini
Also:
Department of Development Services staff present:
Lee Whittenberg, Director
Barry Curtis, Administrative Assistant
Michael Cho, Intern
Joan Fillmann, Executive Secretary
SCHEDULED MATTERS
1. Archaeological Element Task Force Report
Chairman Fife requested Comm1ssioner comments.
Commissioner Sharp indicated he felt strongly that any comm1ttee
report should be presented by the committee and be signed by its
chairman. If there is a disagreement, a minority report should be
submi tted also. What has now been presented to the Planning
Commission is sent by the City Council and is from one individual
who is not the Archaeolog1cal Task Force's chairman. It was not
determined exactly who the report was from but it was signed by
Moira Hahn only. Commissioner Sharp related he had a telephone
call from a Task Force member who wanted the views of three Task
Force members stated. There are five Archaeological Element Task
Force members and allegedly three members met together in possible
Brown Act violation. Commissioner Sharp felt this document and the
problems clouding it should be cleared up at the City Council level
prior to Planning Commission consideration.
commissioner Dahlman said it was his understanding there was a
difference of opinion on several matters with agreement for the
most part. He suggested obtaining further information from the
Task Force and asked if the Task Force could legally meet again and
present the proposal signed by the Chairman? He felt the Commission
should talk to all Task Force members if they cannot meet again,
take advantage of their experience and the work they did.
commissioner McCurdy questioned why the City of Seal Beach needs an
Archaeological Element at all? The State and Federal governments
have regulations. Mr. Curtis clarified that this matter has been
forwarded to the Planning Commiss1on from the City Council. The
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Page 2 - Plann1ng Commission Minutes of April 3, 1991
Commission needs to forward the matter to Planning Department staff
to schedule Publ1c Hear1ngs. During the Publ1c Hearing and
environmental review processes both sides of the report can come
out.
commissioner Sharp asked Mr. curtis what staff estimated would be
spent on environmental research? Mr. Curtis said he was unaware of
the budget at this time but if the environmental work is done by an
outside consultant it would cost $20,000 or more and would have to
be a budgeted item. Staff is working on a proposal to raise
building permit fees to get monies for General Plan updates.
Commissioner Dahlman asked if an EIR was required? Mr. curtis said
a Negative Declaration might be possible and would be substantially
cheaper.
commissioner McCurdy said that when the housing was built on Marina
Hill it didn't turn out to be a sacred burial ground. When another
developer wanted to build a thousand homes there it wasn't a sacred
burial ground. When the Mola Development Co. proposal was
submi tted, the Wetlands Restoration Society came along and the
property became a sacred Indian burial ground. He said it was his
op1nion that the need for an Archaeological Element arose as a
direct result of the Mola proposal and is mostly a subterfuge to
defeat the Mola proposal. He said he could not feel that that was
sufficient reason to have an Archaeological Element.
Commiss1oner Dahlman said he hadn't understood it that way and he
wouldn' t want to endorse another obstacle to development. However,
he noted an expert PhD spoke to the Commission several months ago
explaining why the City needed an Archaeological Element. He
agreed w1th the expert on preserving archaeological sites as they
are of tremendous value.
Chairman Fife asked staff several questions: (1) Where the Stobbe
version of the Task Force report was appended? Mr. curtis
indicated staff would provide it to the Commiss1on, that it was not
in this packet; (2) Had that version undergone any changes since
February 29th? Mr. curtis said he was unaware of any changes since
that time but could not answer specifically; (3) If this was
referred to staff, before it comes to Public Hearings, did staff
envision getting a majority and minority report? Mr. curtis said
he believed that would be what staff would come back with. The
report referred back to the Commiss1on is actually the report from
Moira Hahn, which is what the Commission is mandated to look at;
(4) Has the Council mandated this report constitute the report of
the Archaeological Element Task Force? Mr. curtis said yes, th1s
is the report that the City Council accepted and referred to the
Planning Commission.
commissioner Sharp said that during the City Council meeting at
which a motion was made to accept the Task Force report (signed by
Moira Hahn), when that motion was made it was seconded by a
Page 3 - Planning Commisslon Minutes of April 3, 1991
. Councilperson who stated flatly that the only report she would
second was the original report and not the one being presented.
However, the motion was voted on and passed. To make certain he
had heard the proceedings correctly, Commissioner Sharp requested
review of the video tape. It was very plain what happened --- the
original motion was never seconded and yet it was passed. He
indicated the issue of two Task Force needs to be clarified for the
Commission by the Council so Public Hearings are not started with
a tainted document. "All along it hasn't been clarified and it
isn't clear as to what we're worklng with or why we're doing it".
commissioner Dahlman questioned the report presented as it was
dated February which he understood to be the last updated version
of the original before the disputed meeting. Commissioner Sharp
read the last paragraph of page 1, which indicated that this report
is to be contrasted with the original report and therefore this
could not be the original report. Commissioner Orsini sald that at
the original meeting, Linda Stobbe came forward and asked her
version be submitted with this report. Mr. curtis said the report
attached, starting on page 9, is the original report of the
committee which was motioned by the Councll to be sent to the
Commission.
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It became apparent that the Stobbe version was not included in this
packet. The Commission asked staff to get it to them. Chairman
Fife indicated he was inclined to refer it back to the City
Council, requesting the two reports be clearly marked and confirm
that this is the complete document the want the Commission to
review.
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by McCUrdy that the Planning Commission
receives and filed with the understanding that Planning Department
staff will augment this document with the "Stobbe Version" which
was intended to be attached but is not, in fact, attached.
MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0
AYES: Sharp, Orsini, McCUrdy, Fife, Dahlman
***
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Approval of March 20, 1991 Minutes
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by Dahlman to approve the Planning
Commission Minutes of March 20, 1991 with a correction at page
10: add "The Code of the City of Seal Beach. CA" at line 6,
after "read".
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MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 1
AYES: Sharp, McCUrdy, Fife, Dahlman
ABSTAIN: Orsini
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Page 4 - Planning Commission Minutes of April 3/ 1991
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. Conditional Use Permit #2-90
12101 Seal Beach Boulevard
Carriage Trade Liquor
staff Report
Mr. curtis delivered the staff report. [Staff report on file in
the Planning Department]. The applicant, Gopal Seth, is requesting
an indefinite extension of an existing off-sale general liquor
license for Carriage Trade Liquor. Staff recommended approval of
CUP #2-90 through the adoption of Resolution #1615 with 7
conditions outlined in the staff report.
Public Hearing - Chairman Fife opened the Public Hearing. The
applicant was not present and no one came forward to speak for or
against the application.
commission Comments
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by McCurdy to approve Condi tional Use
Permit #2-90 via the approval of Resolution 11615 with the seven
conditions outlined in the staff report.
MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0
AYES: Orsini, Sharp, Fife, Dahlman, McCurdy
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4. Conditional Use Permit #12-89
12343 Seal Beach Boulevard
Super Saver Cinema Seven
Staff Report
Mr. Curtls delivered the staff report. [Staff report on file in
the Planning Department]. The applicant, Super Saver Cinema Seven,
requested an indefinite extension of CUP #12-89, which permitted
the placement of up to twelve coin-operated amusement devices
within a movie theater located at 12343 Seal Beach Blvd. Staff
recommended the Commission approve a twelve (12) month extension of
CUP #12-89 subject to approval of Resolution 1616 containing
thirteen (13) conditions.
Commlssion Comments
The Commission discussed at length security problems in the parking
lot of Rossmoor Center, the responsibility of the theater, the
shopping center and the security guards.
Page 5 - Plann1ng Commission Minutes of April 3, 1991
4It The Commission noted the staff report indicated contacts with the
Seal Beach Police Department revealed an assault and battery on
February 23 and on March 9 an assault with a deadly weapon (crow
bar and baseball bat) brandished against theater employees.
Commissioner McCurdy said it might be better to look at removing
the theaters from the Center rather than removing only the
amusement devices. Chairman Fife agreed, saying the coin operated
machines may be "just a small increment to the overall problem".
He indicated the problem seems to be the theaters are attracting an
element of people that previously didn't come around there and the
Center is getting more dangerous. He felt the theaters probably
are not doing anything to encourage this, it just happens. He
suggested an armed security guard with a cellular phone would be a
good asset. Mr. curtis said he had discussed armed security guards
with the Police Department. Captain Molihan had no objections to
armed security guards as long as they were licensed. Commissioner
Orsini said the individual guards are not licensed but the agency
they work for is licensed. Commissioners McCurdy and Dahlman
expressed concern with Condition #11, saying the City and the
Police Department should control crime in public places.
Commissioner Dahlman said he would like Condition #11 reviewed by
the City Attorney.
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Public Hearing
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Joseoh Ciampoli - General Manager. Super Saver Cinema Seven
Mr. Ciampoli said he took over the theater management on December
15, 1990. He stated the theaters hired a security guard for Friday
and saturday nights and it has been working well. The guard's
primary function is to call the Seal Beach Police if there's a
disturbance. The guard is not allowed to go into the parking area
because the theaters' insurance does not cover employees beyond
their canopy. Mr. Ciampoli said he "runs a tight ship". The
shopping center's association covers the parking lots under its
rules. He said he has not heard any other merchants complain about
shoplifting or vandalism but there has been a tremendous increase
in business. He felt the parking lot problems are not gang related
but that skateboards and rollerblades are a problem. He said he
does pay a common area fee but he didn't know how many guards the
shopping center's association provides. The center appears to have
several guards that rotate shifts. There has always been at least
one mobile guard around. Mr. Ciampoli said the guard drives an
electric cart and estimates his age to be 50 or 60 years. The
parking lot 1S the center's responsibility and he would therefore
be opposed to Condition #11 as the park1ng lot is not the theater's
property. Mr. C1ampoli said he has not seen a the lease agreement
between the theaters and the center because his home office in
Texas had not sent him a copy. Chairman Fife said "... I have a
definite perception that the parking area around the Rossmoor
Center is becoming an increasingly dangerous place. And I don't
care if nobody in the world is telling you that, I'm telling you
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Page 6 - Plann1ng Commiss10n Minutes of April 3, 1991
that. And I have heard that from a lot of people "Mr.
Ciampoli said "No one's doubting that Mr. Fife. I have already
approached the shopping center about additional lighting on the
side of the building and it's going to be done this week ... so I'm
fully aware of what the problems are in the shopping center. But
the shopping center is not the theater. If you feel the theater
generates that I feel you're wrong. I feel the situation here is
that we have teenagers that have no place to go. Essentially they
come out to the shopping center. The shopping center happens to be
... a magnet, not the theaters ... we have a policy with the Police
Department that we actually tell these people, with Police
1nstruction, to stay away from the theater --- those that cause
problems. The magnet is the shopping center. I don't feel it's the
theater". Chairman Fife disagreed, not1ng there have been
teenagers in the area for many years and the problems that seem to
be developing since the theater came in didn't seem to exist before
then. The Commission discussed who should pay for the necessary,
addi tional security. They indicated it might be unfair to have the
theater bear the financial cost but municipalities have no
liability for not providing police protection. Their budgets are
strapped and they can not necessarily absorb the costs. So far, it
doesn't look like the shopping center itself is ready to absorb
those costs. Commissioner Sharp indicated the theater manager was
not necessarily opposed to Condition #11 but couldn' t comply
because the theater has control to the end of their canopy, the
shopping center controls the parking lot. Chairman Fife said he was
reluctant to believe the theater couldn't place that guard. Mr.
Ciampoli said there are people who taunt or intentionally aggravate
theater employees but the employees call the Seal Beach Police who
respond in about 5 - 6 minutes or less. Local security responds
quickly. Commissioner Dahlman suggested the theater and shopping
center get together and resolve this issue. Mr. Ciampoli said he
would be more than willing to work with the center and offer any
advice or suggestions he could. Mr. Ciampoli said the
skateboarders are very dangerous. He related an incident where a
youngster on rollerblades was skating in the street, skating
between cars, and shot by his car as he was just accelerating from
a stop. He felt the gangs were a loosely knit group of teenagers
who just find some place to hang around on a Friday. He didn't
think we are dealing with anything like the Long Beach gangs.
Commissioner Dahlman said "We hope not, but it's a lot worse than
what's been going on in the past. I know you're new 1n town, but
we really have pretty high standards. We're spoiled. Assaults
wi th crowbars is big stuff around here". Mr. Ciampoli said he
appreciated that and said two of his employees were 1nvolved in the
crowbar incident. Mr. Ciampoli said "This whole situation has only
come up recently... I haven't had a chance to really catch up on
the maintenance and the normal routine problems of hiring staff and
locking that down ... I came in the 15th of December ... I haven't
been able to come out and really resolve a problem or go to the
Merchants' Association and say 'Hey, we have a problem, let's
increase our secur1ty' ... in fact I haven't had a change to go to
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Page 7 - Planning CommlSSlon Minutes of April 3, 1991
one of their meetings. I've put in a tremendous amount of hours in
this place to try to bring the thing physically up shape and to
work some crowd control situations. I've got those pretty much in
order now. I've got new management that's been put In. I've got
four relief managers which I never had in the beginning. These
things will allow me to be more freedom so that I will be able to
be more creative as far as the shopping center is concerned ... I'm
not the only business in that area ... what has to happen is we all
have to get together and say this nonsense has got to cease ...".
Chairman Fife asked Mr. Ciampoli if he would object to Condition
#11 if it were modified to require the security guard to be located
during the same hours (outlined in staff report) but within the
lobby and apron area of the theaters? Mr. Ciampoli said he would
not object and he had planned on expanding this summer. Mr.
Ciampoli said he would like this issue dropped to allow him to make
the decision as to when they should/should not be used. He didn't
believe the Planning Commission should take that decision away from
him. He wanted to control the hours when the security guard should
be used on the property. Mr. curtis said staff can not condition
the center to have a security guard on site, it could only
condi tion the applicant to do so. The applicant would be forced to
deal with and work out an agreement with the center. The Police
Department recommendation was for a security guard to be on site in
the back part of the center only to deter loitering. Commissioner
Dahlman said that the last time the Police Department talked to the
Planning Commission they didn't say that at all and felt Mr. curtis
was getting this information from a recent meeting with Captain
Molihan. Last fall captain Molihan said he would prefer Rossmoor
Center security be left to the Police Department and not have
security guards. Mr. curtis related that at his recent meeting
with Captain Molihan that the center's problems have escalated in
severity, and due to lack of manpower, the Police Department is
unable to be at the Center at all times. The Police would like a
security person at the Center at all times. Commissioner Dahlman
said he had suggested the theater and center get together and give
the Police Department the monies they would have used on security
and those monies could be used to fill those hours --- except that
a Police Officer's pay is four to five times more than a security
guard.
No further speakers came forward and the Public Hearing was closed
by Chairman Fife.
commissioner Sharp stated Condition #11 must be deleted for the
present time to give the new theater manager a chance to work
thlngs out.
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by McCurdy to approve Conditional Use
Permit #12-89 (Renewal) through the adoption of Resolution No. 1592
by (1) amending Condition #1 from twelve months to a six month
extension; (2) delete Condition #11; (3) delete Condition #12;
Page 8 - Planning Commlssion Minutes of April 3, 1991
. (4) renumber Condition #13 to #11 and change the twelve months to
six months; (5) Planning Department staff is to investigate the
interface between the lessee's rights and duties and the shopping
center's rights and duties in three months.
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MOTION CARRIED: 3 - 2
AYES: Orsini, Sharp, Mccurdy
NOES: Fife, Dahlman
ABSTAIN: None
Commissioner Dahlman, in discussing thlS motion, said he would
suggest deferring this matter for two weeks to allow the theater
manager to meet and confer with the shopping center manager to
agree on how they will accomplish Condition #11 and report back to
the Planning Commission.
Commissioner orsini said an individual store is not llable for
parking lot security. The center is responsible for the parking
area. It' s up to the shopping center to increase business by
keeping the center safe. Therefore, Condition #11 is not fair to
this applicant --- the theater should not be asked by the Planning
Commission to work out an agreement with Rossmoor Center
management. Commissioner Dahlman clarified his statements on this
issue --- he was not saying that the Commission should require the
theater to do A, Band C because there is a problem requiring the
shopping center owner to do those things. If they are allowed to
meet and decide how they want to propose to manage this problem,
perhaps by the next Planning Commission meetlng they will have a
good proposal of how to take care of it and then the Commission can
go ahead with something that at least represents an improvement
from this. Commissioner Dahlman said the theaters attract many
people to the Shopping center and referenced Commissioner McCurdy's
suggestion to move the theaters from the center. If the Commission
approves something tonight the issue is removed from Planning
Commission consideration for at least six months. Commissioner
Orsini said that if the Commission wants to move every existing
problem "... we might as well close the beach ... we've got just as
many fights that go on at the beach at night during the summer ...
so that doesn't make sense". Commissioner Dahlman said "It may
have been an inflammatory speech but I just believe in my optimism
that they can get this done by working together during the next
couple of weeks". Commissioner Sharp said he felt Mr. Ciampoli and
the Rossmoor Center manager probably don't have the authority to
make this deal because Super Saver Cinema Seven is owned by
Assoclated Theaters, Inc. in El Paso, Texas and Rossmoor Center is
owned by Century National Insurance Company, North Hollywood, CA
and they have the authority. He felt it would take more than two
weeks to work out an agreement --- up to six months. The
Commission should give the theater and shopping center a chance to
work things out and he suggested a six month Commission review.
Commissioner Dahlman said he was not in favor of tying their hands
but Planning Department staff included a solution to the crime
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Page 9 - Planning Commiss1on Minutes of April 3, 1991
problem in the parking lot and the Commission is getting ready to
delete it. Commissioner orsini said "We have a Motion and a
Second, let's call for the vote".
D1scuss1ng the report from staff in three months, Cha1rman Fife
indicated he would like to see the language of the master shopping
center lease regarding this tenant as it pertains to the issue of
secur1 ty. To know what he contractually can do and what he
contractually cannot do. Commissioner McCurdy, agreeing that that
would be important, indicated it doesn't have much to do w1th the
C01n operated amusement devices. He felt the Commission should
look at the whole shopping center and its security problem.
5. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #4-91 and HEIGHT VARIATION #2-91
207 and 207 ~ THIRD STREET, SEAL BEACH
RESOLUTIONS No. 1616 and 1617
Staff Report
Mr. curtis delivered the staff report. [staff report on file in
the planning Department]. The applicants, Michael and Annelle
Aviani, request permission to construct a covered roof access
structure (CRAS) , to remodel and build a major addition to the
front unit of a duplex at 207 and 207~ Third Street.
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Conditional Use Permit #4-91 - This is the first application for a
maJor addition to a structure which is non-conforming due to
density and tandem parking since the City adopted new provisions
allowing these type of additions in January 1991.
The applicants want to add 1,152 square feet to the front unit of
their duplex. The addition/remodel will enlarge the existing
kitchen, living and dining rooms on the first floor plus add a new
second story contain1ng a master bedroom/bath and laundry room
(relocated from the first floor) and an additional bedroom
(identified as a "den/office" on the plans).
Staff recommended the commission deny this request without
prejudice, allowing the applicants to redesign the proposal to meet
current ~ provision and resubmit the amended plans prior to the
required one year resubmittal problem.
Height Variation #2-91 - This is the first applicat10n for a CRAS
under the new Height Variat10n process adopted by the City Council
in February 1991. In reviewing the new criteria, staff found the
CRAS to be slightly larger (8 square feet) than the min1mum area
required and recommended it be reduced in size to 6~ square feet.
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The Planning Commission agreed to break the hearing into two parts
and have two separate Public Hearings and votes --- one for
CUP #4-91 and another for Height Variation #2-91.
Page 10 - Planning Commission Minutes of April 3, 1991
4It Public Hearing on Condit10nal Use Permit #4-91
Discussing Al Brown's recent building proposals, the Planning
Commission noted the City Counc11 reversed the1r rejection on
appeal and allowed Al Brown to solidify the walls in his proposal
and in effect, create additional bedrooms. Chairman Fife said "I
interpret that as ... the Council has repealed and eliminated the
last sentence of Section 2S-2407(2)(g) and if that's the Council's
wish, and it seems to be that 1t is, I don't see any reason hold1ng
up this particular applicant. If he wants to add four or five
bedrooms he should be allowed to".
4It
4It
Commissioner McCurdy said the present Code does not define
"bedrooms" to an extent concerning density that would make this
"office" a "bedroom". He felt the office would be an office
because it has poor access to a bathroom. Chairman Fife said it
could be a "bedroom" as defined by the ~ but that "... really no
longer matters". Commissioner Dahlman asked 1f the Council's
ruling on Al Brown's application was a one time decis10n or was it
sett1ng an example for the Commission? Comm1ssioner Sharp sa1d "I
would certainly feel that's what they wanted to do if they're going
to over rule us on that one". Commissioner McCurdy said "Mr.
Brown's case was a complete lack of parking, with five units and
two parking spaces ... at least this has two parking spaces per
unit". Chairman Fife said "That's my point. This has two units on
the lot and he has the required number of parking for two un1ts,
four spaces albeit tandem ... a much more conforming project. Mr.
Brown's projects have been allowed to add bedrooms, so I fail to
see why this person shouldn't also ... he's non-conforming as to
density so ... we're really applying the old law but the old law
has been interpreted by the Council to fundamentally allow the
addit10n of bedrooms under the Minor Plan Review process, even if
you're non-conform1ng due to density". Mr. Whittenberg sa1d that' s
been the Council's 1nterpretation in two specific cases but he was
not sure they would reach that same decision on a future
application. The Comm1ssion felt there should be more guidance
from Council but noted any Commission determination could be
appealed to the Council.
Public Hearing - CUP #4-91
Mike Aviani * 207 Third Street - Said this application culminates
a two year effort to build a house that is similar to what his
neighbors are building. He said his office is truly an office.
Commissioner Orsini asked staff if pat10 areas must be located
between the garage and house? Mr. Curtis said the Code requ1res a
six foot separation between habitable structures on the same
property; this is a fire separation issue. Mr. Aviani said he
really uses this patio and would not like to lose it.
Page 11 - Plannlng Commission Minutes of April 3, 1991
4It Commissioner Dahlman noted Mr. Aviani remodeled in 1978 from three
bedrooms to two bedrooms, intending to enlarge the building to make
it more suitable for their living.
commissioner Mccurdy asked the applicant about living arrangements.
Mr. Aviani said he currently lives in the back unit, a garage
apartment, but after the remodel he plans to live in the front
house. Staff said Mr. Aviani's remodel in 1978 was one of the last
remodels allowed with tandem parking.
No one from the audience wishing to speak for or against CUP #4-91,
Chairman Fife closed the Public Hearing.
commissioner Sharp said "Due to the length of time that we put in
on the last issue we had here, the depth of study, the depth of
hearings that we had and the Council felt that we were completely
wrong, that we should have done lt the other way. This gentlemen
has the parking which is one of the maln issues apparently, I make
a motion ...":
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by Orsini to approve Conditional Use Permit
#4-91 by the adoption of Resolution No. 1617.
4It
MOTION
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 1
Orsini, Sharp, McCUrdy, Fife
None
Dahlman
***
HEIGHT VARIATION 12-91
Staff Report
Mr. Curtis delivered the staff report.
the Planning Department].
[Staff report on file in
commission Comments
commissioner Sharp asked if decreasing the covered roof access
structure (CRAS) by 1.5 feet would make it look more or less
architecturally compatible? Mr. Curtis said it would look smaller
but would blend with the roof. Commissioner McCurdy felt the CRAS
stands out "like a sore thumb" on the flat roof.
4It
Mr. Curtis solicited Commission guidance on the minimum vertical
distance required of CRAS - (1) strict adherance to Code, allowing
the absoute minimum or (2) allowing addltional footage for
architectual compatibiity wlth the house. Staff feels it should be
architecturally in keeping with the house. Commissioner Dahlman
said he didn't feel it was the Commission's business to dictate
what shape or form building should take. Commissioner McCurdy
disagreed, saying he felt the Commission should make sure it
architecturally conformed to the roof of the house. Chairman Fife
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Page 12 - Plann1ng Commission Minutes of Apr11 3, 1991
said the old rules would allow seven feet over the maximum feet to
accompl1sh your access. Mr. curtis said the rule was policy but
never codified. Mr. curtis explained a spiral staircase can be
used in this case because it's from a habitable roof deck but it's
non-living space under 500 square feet. If it were the required
exit from a hab1table area a spiral staircase could not be used.
Spiral staircases must be a minimum of five feet in diameter and
there are minimum sizes for stair treads.
Public Hearing on Height Variation #2-91
Mike Aviani * 207 Third Street - Said the size of the CRAS was
chosen because he was unsure if he would be allowed the five foot
d1ameter circular staircase. He said he was concerned with the
dimension where the door swings out as 1t may not be accomplished
in 6.5 feet. The door opens in. In case of a fire, it would be
beneficial to have the door swing toward the staircase rather than
away from it. Mr. Curtis said staff could research the issue of
door size and the approval could be conditioned to allowed the CRAS
to be increased from 6.5 feet if necessary to the absolute minimum
to service the doorway.
Chairman Fife closed the Public Hearing as no one wished to speak
further on this issue.
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by Dahlman to approve Height Variation
#2-91 by adoption of Resolution No. 1618 with the condition that
the size be reduced to as small as necessary but still compatible
to maintain a full interior swing of the minimum required door.
MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0
AYES: Orsini, Sharp, McCUrdy, Fife, Dahlman
***
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Walt Miller * 229 & 231 Seal Beach Boulevard
Mr. Miller talked about improving Seal Beach Boulevard, stating
three property owners were present representing about 225 feet of
street frontage. He would like to see the zoning changed to mixed
use allowing commercial and residential combined. He said his
personal choice would be an artisan approach --- have someone live
above the place slhe worked. Present park1ng allows park1ng in a
single row. He asked to have this issued placed on the Planning
Commission agenda.
Mr. whittenberg indicated Mr. Miller and his neighbors had
contacted the Planning Department and had a number of extensive
d1scussions. Staff understands their position and is willing to
work to find resolution to some long-standing, unresolved issues
Page 13 - Planning commission Minutes of April 3, 1991
4It along Seal Beach Blvd. It would be appropriate to request staff to
present a historical report to the Planning commission of what has
occurred in the past and what would be necessary to pick up that
unresolved process and take it through to completion. Staff could
do this for the April 17th meeting. It would be necessary to amend
the General Plan and the zoning ordinances which would require
Public Hearings but they could be held concurrently.
commissioner orsini indicated it is common practice to have more
than one use on certain streets. One section can be isolated for
mixed use. Commissioner orsini said he would like to have it put
on the Planning Commission Agenda.
Chairman Fife asked staff to include the following in its report:
(1) how much parking could be added to the East side of Seal Beach
Boulevard in that stretch without having to ask permission from the
Navy Department for anything and (2) if there is any possibility
the Navy Department would grant an easement for additional parking
along that strip. Mr. Whittenberg said the street is City property
so staff can calculate the number of parallel spaces possible.
4It
Frank Prvor * Seal Beach Blvd. - Said he owned property next to
Walt Miller and was in agreement with this proposal.
Serata Fielding * Seal Beach Blvd.- Said she owns Growing Tree Pre-
School. She, Mr. Pryor and Mr. Miller are here as a group with the
objective of changing Seal Beach Boulevard. The 200 block needs
improvement.
STAFF CONCERNS
There were no Staff Concerns.
COMMISSION CONCERNS
Commissioner Orsini thanked the City for the opportunity allowing
him to attend the Planning Commissioner's Institute held in
Monterey, CA. He said it was extremely informative.
Commissioner Sharp expressed concern for tanks at Seal
and Lampson Avenue. Eight white tanks plus four black
there and it looks like the start of a dumping ground.
investigate.
Beach Blvd.
barrels are
Staff will
Commissioner Sharp asked the status of the trailer parking lot in
College Park West? Mr. curtis said staff is in the process of
workJ.ng with Orange County Flood Control, since they hold the
easement, to see if parking can be allowed. Staff has sent
documents for their review.
Commissioner McCurdy said the old Arco station is beginning to look
like a dump. Staff is to investigate.
4It
Page 14 - Planning commission Minutes of April 3, 1991
4It Commissioner Dahlman asked about alcohol advertising in windows
how are we doing and what enforcement work needs to be done? Mr.
curtis said only two or three stores are 'grandfathered' at this
time. Code enforcement continues on an as needed or as reported
basis.
commissioner Dahlman referencing the draft ErR for the Mola project
suggested a change under "Animal Life". He felt the "No" should be
changed to "Maybe" under whether the project would present a
barrier to animal migration.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Fife adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
~o~~
Joan Fillmann
Executive Secretary
Planning Department
4It
***
These Minutes are tentative and subject to the approval of the
Planning Commiss1on.
***
The Planning Commission Minutes of Ap~l 3, 1991\W~ approved by
the Planning Comm1ssion on ~~ I~, 1991. ~
.'