HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 1992-05-06
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AGENDA
MAY 6, 1992
I.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II.
ROLL CALL
III.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Minutes of April 15, 1992
2.
Minor Plan
Address:
Applicant:
OWner:
Request:
3.
Minor Plan
Address:
Architect:
OWner:
Request:
IV. SCHEDULED MATTERS
Review #92-11
A-60 Surfs ide
Pete & Kay Youngsma
Pete & Kay Young sma
Enclosure of southerly third floor
deck and installation of a roof deck
over northerly third floor deck.
Review #92-10
200 & 202 15th Street
Mark Osborne
Charles & Deborah Dickinson
Addi tion of new second story balcony
to seven unit apartment building.
4. Conformi ty with General Plan Finding - Property
Transfer from Orange County to Golden Rain
Foundation.
5. Review of Ordinance No. 1453 and Proposed
Resolution regarding the Planning Commission.
6. Review of Ordinance No. 1452 regarding Merger of
Parcels in contiguous OWnership.
V.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.
Minor Plan
Address:
Applicant:
OWner:
Request:
Review 191-17 [Continued
1621 Seal Way
Ralph Hanson
Ralph Hanson
Cover and enclose
second-floor deck
conforming duplex.
from 4/15/92]
an existing
of a non-
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Page 2 - City of Seal Beach Planning Commission - May 6, 1992
8.
Conditional
Address:
Applicant:
owner:
Request:
Use Permit #92-2
101 Main st., suite 0
Ronald & Pat Sesler
Jim Watson
ABc/On-sale beer &
conjunction with
(seaSide Grill).
Height variation
Address:
Applicant:
owner:
Request:
9.
VI. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
VII. STAFF CONCERNS
VIII.
COMMISSION CONCERNS
IX.
ADJOURNMENT
wine license in
new restaurant
192-9
105 Surf Place
Jerry Greer
Thomas Dutton
Construction of a covered roof
access structure (CRAS ) in
conjunction with a second story
addition.
CITY OF SEAL BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION
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Agenda Forecast:
MAY 20
CUP #6-91 (Los Cabos Restaurant/ABC renewal)
New Standards: Expansions to Non-Conforming Bldgs.
Public Hearing: Growth Management Element
CUP '12-89 (SUper Saver Cinema Seven/CUP review)
Covered Roof Access (Review on certain Addresses)
J1JN 03
J1JN 17
JUL 01
Election: Chairman & Vice Chairman
CUP #8-89 (Baja Bills Restaurant/ABC renewal)
CUP #8-91 (Noel's Restaurant/ABC renewal)
AUG 05
AUG 19
SEP 02
SEP 16
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OCT 07
OCT 21
NOV 04
NOV 18
DEC 02
DEC 16
CUP #14-91 (Spaghettini Rest./Entertainment)
CUP #15-91 (Cafe Lafayette/ABC renewal)
CUP #16-92 (Noel's Restaurant/Entertainment)
CUP #17-91 (Pasta Grotto/ABC renewal)
CUP #12-90 (Bonadonnas/ABC renewal)
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES of MAY 6, 1992
The regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting of May 6, 1992
was called to order by Chairman Fife at 7:30 p.m. in City Council
Chambers.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Law led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Chairman Fife
Commissioners Dahlman, Sharp, Orsini, Law
Staff
Present:
Department of Development Services:
Lee Whittenberg, Director
Barry Curtis, Administrative Assistant
Joan Fillmann, Executive Secretary
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.
MINUTES OF APRIL 15, 1992
Approval of the April 15, 1992 Planning Commission Minutes was
deferred to the May 20, 1992 meeting because the photocopy
process inadvertently left out two pages of text.
2.
MINOR PLAN REVIEW #92-11
A-60 SURFS IDE
Staff Report
Ms. Fillmann delivered the staff report. [Staff report on
file in the Planning Department]. The applicants, Pete and
Kay Youngsma, requested approval to (1) enclose a southerly
third floor deck and (2) to 1nstall a roof over a northerly
third floor deck. Ms. Fillmann specifically noted Condition
#5, wherein the applicants are to comply with Uniform Building
Code (UBC), Section 3303 as it perta1ns to emergency exit1ng
requirements.
commission Comments
Commissioner Law asked if an exterior ladder had been
previously approved as an emergency exit? Ms. Fillmann said
yes, but at this residence the requ1red emergency eX1t is
proposed to be a second exterior ladder and will have to be
approved through the City'S plan check process and meet the
UBC intent as an emergency exit.
Chairman Fife corrected the deck measurement; the staff report
incorrectly states the deck is 25' wide when it is 19' w1de.
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Page 2 - Planning Commission Minutes of May 6, ~992
Chairman Fife asked about the original variances granted on
this property. Mr. curtis said the 1964 Variance allowed an
entry stairway to the first floor to intrude into the side
yard setback. Several houses on A row have been allowed to
have stairways ln the side yard setbacks because they wanted
the houses elevated in case of floods. A ladder is a
permitted intrusion into a side yard and would not require a
Variance.
UBC requires this applicant to have two (2) separate stairways
from the third floor to the ground when they have a three
story house. They currently have one interior stairway from
the third floor to the ground and one exterior ladder from the
thlrd story to the ground. For new construction or maJor
remodel on a lot of 1000 square feet or less a City ordinance
for Surfside allows one stairway plus requires fire sprinkling
throughout the house.
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commissioner orsini said he did not think an exterior fixed
ladder to be used as an emergency exit was particularly safe
and he would vote approval only because exterior ladders have
been previously approved. Commissioner Dahlman noted
Commisslon approval of this appllcation does not vOld UBC
exiting requirements. The Commission discussed ladders made
of wood versus metal. Mr. Whittenberg said wood ladders are
the preferred material because metal ladders corrode due to
exposure to salt and water. Commlssioner Orsini asked if and
by whom routine inspections were made of these ladders? Mr.
Whittenberg said it is the homeowner's responsibility to
maintain their structure in a safe condition. It is not a
ci ty responsibility. commissioner Orsinl said he wlshed
there was a mechanism or condition to ensure ladders were made
of the best possible material and maintained regularly. Mr.
Whittenberg said that to conform with UBC requirements the
plans go through the Fire Department in the plan check
process. Chairman Fife said a person using a ladder as a fire
exi t would have to be very agile because it would require
climbing onto a window sill, reaching out to grab the ladder
and swinging onto the ladder rungs. The UBC doesn't require
any access facilitator. Chairman Fife asked if it would be
within the commission's prerogative to require annual
inspections of the exiting ladders? Mr. Whittenberg said
staff could explore this issue with the City Attorney's Office
and report back. Chairman Fife asked staff to do this.
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by Law to approve Minor Plan Review
#92-11 subject to five (5) conditions of approval as outlined
in the staff report.
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MOTION CARRIES:
AYES:
5 - 0 - 0
Sharp, Law, Fife, Dahlman, Orsini
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Page 3 - Planning Commission Minutes of May 6, 1992
3. MINOR PLAN REVIEW #92-10
200 and 202 15TH STREET
Staff Report
Mr. curtis delivered the staff report. [Staff report on file
in the Planning Department]. The applicant, Mark Osborn for
owner's Charles and Deborah Dick1nson, requests approval to
add an 8' x 10' second floor balcony in conjunction with an
interior and exterior property maintenance of a nonconform1ng
seven-unit apartment building.
commission Comments
Commissioner Dahlman said he was encouraged by the addition of
two new parking spaces, however he felt this is a major
rehabilitation of a nonconforming structure which is seven
units where four units could be rebuilt. Mr. Whittenberg said
~ revisions regarding nonconforming structures will
probably take place at the June 3rd meeting. Mr. Curt1s said
the weight bearing walls are not being changed, this is an
exterior rehabil1tation.
Chairman Fife asked 1f this property owner could request to
enclose this balcony? Mr. curtis said yes, it meets setback
requirements and the owner could request to add up to 10% of
the allowable floor area.
commissioners Orsini, Sharp and Law said they liked the
application because the owner is improving the property,
add1ng two park1ng spaces thus bringing the property more into
conformity and not adding square footage.
MOTION by Law: SECOND by Sharp to approve Minor Plan Review
#92-10 subject to the three (3) conditions outlined in the
staff report.
MOTION CARRIES:
AYES:
5 - 0 - 0
Law, Sharp, Fife, Dahlman, Orsini
***
SCHEDULED MATTERS
4.
CONFORMITY WITH GENERAL PLAN FINDING -
Property Transfer from Orange County to Golden Rain Foundation
Staff Report
Commissioners Law and Sharp, as Leisure World residents and
shareholders of the Golden Rain Foundation, abstained from
participating in this discussion and left the Council
Chambers.
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5.
Page 4 - P1anning Commission Minutes of May 6, ~992
Mr. Whittenberg presented the staff report. [staff report on
file ln the Planning Department]. The Golden Rain Foundation
requests a finding of conformity with the Clty'S General Plan.
The property is approximately a 320 square foot parcel
currently part of the Leisure World Branch of the Orange
County Library and it would be sold by Orange County to the
Golden Rain Foundation.
Commisslon Comments
Chalrman Fife asked if once this sale is completed will the
property go back on the tax rolls? Mr. Whittenberg said yes.
Chairman Fife asked if the loss of this property would ln any
way interfere with the library's function? Mr. Whittenberg
sald no.
commissioner Dahlman asked why Golden Rain would want to
acquire this? Mr. Whittenberg said the Golden Rain Foundation
has been making lease payments on this parcel Slnce 1974.
This transfer would have them making tax payments, not lease
payments.
Chairman Fife asked if the public could access Leisure World
via the library? Mr. curtis said access to Leisure World is
through a key gate and the library is located outside of
Leisure World.
commissioner Orslni noted this sale would not take needed
property away from the library and Orange County has agreed to
the sale.
Chairman Flfe said he thought the origlnal property transfer
was probably a mistake.
MOTION by Orsini; SECOND by Dahlman to find the proposed
property transfer is consistent with the General Plan and is
categorically exempt under CEQA.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
ABSTAIN:
3 - 0 - 2
Orsini, Dahlman, Fife
Sharp, Law
***
REVIEW of ORDINANCE No. 1453 and PROPOSED RESOLUTION
REGARDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Staff Report
Mr. Whittenberg delivered the staff report. [Staff report on
file in the Planning Department]. Mr. Whittenberg explained
the City Council considered this matter at their April 27th
meeting and forwarded it to the Planning Commission for review
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page 5 - P1anning commission Minutes of May 6, ~992
and comments. Ordinance No. 1453 amends Chapter 17 of the
munlcipal Code relating to the creation and functions of the
Planning Commission. The major area of Council concern was
the required Commission vote for approval of certain
applications. The City Council revised the Ordinance to
require a majority vote of the entire Commission on all
matters coming before it. state law makes provislon for
sltuations where it is not possible to have quorum. Another
major change the City Council discussed is an unwritten
commission policy to hold over an agendized item when the
Commissioner from that district is not present. The City
Attorney's Office and staff will render the Council and
Commission a policy statement indicating that will be the
general policy of the Planning commission. Additionally,
Commlssion expense relmbursement will be dealt with as a
resolution, not part of Ordinance No. 1453.
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commission Comments
commissioner Sharp said in past years the Planning Commission
had many absences and asked how would this be handled under
the new Ordlnance? Chairman Fife discussed how a
Commissioner's office would be vacated, saying the Ordinance
does not cover whether or not permission must be granted or an
absence must be approved in advance. There should be an
lndication of the tlme period within which three unexcused
absences constitutes an automatic vacating of the office ---
is it three absences in your entire term --- three cumulative
from the time you first came on the Commission --- three in
one year? There should be a formal indication that an office
has been vacated by reason of this self-executing clause. Mr.
Whittenberg said no consideration is being given to amending
this Code section by the city Attorney's Office. It is
usually three unexcused absences in a one-year time period.
If the Planning commission reached this point, staff would
request Council formalization of that vacation. Staff will
report this idea to the Council and City Attorney's Office.
Chairman Fife discussed Council elections/Commisslon
appointments at section 17-3. Mr. Whittenberg said it should
be lndicated that the terms of the Commissioners expire in
concert with the term of their appointing Council member.
Mr. Whittenberg said his understanding was the Commisslon
desires clarification re the term of appointment of Commission
members coinciding with the Council members term. As far as
vacation of a Commissions seat due to unexcused absences,
clarification as to the time period in which that occurs and
the insertion of language regarding formal Council action to
declare that seat vacant.
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Page 6 - P1anning Commission Minutes of May 6, 1992
Mr. whittenberg said he would recommend the Commisslon
recommend to the Council that the vacation would occur upon
three unexcused absences in a twelve month tlme period and
that Council would need to formally declare that seat vacated
at thelr next regularly scheduled Council meeting after the
vacation under the terms of the ordinance.
Commissioner Dahlman said this would be an appropriate time to
standardize clarifying verbiage adding that the Planning
Commission meets on the first and third Wednesdays monthly.
The Planning commission Handbook states "The usual time for
Plannlng Commission meetings is the first and third Wednesdays
following the first Monday of the month". He said he
personally did not have a preference.
commissioner orsini asked about affirmative votes. Mr.
Whittenberg said the Ordinance before the Commission would
require any matter before the Planning Commission receive
three affirmative votes to be approved.
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by Law for the Planning Commission to
report back to the City Council that it recommends the
following changes should be considered:
section 17-3 regarding rewording the language to
indicate the terms of the Planning Commissioners
would expire upon the expiration date of the
appointing Council Member's term of office.
Under Section 17-5 that clarifying language be
added regarding a period. of time under which a
vacation would occur would be three unexcused
absences in a twelve month period of time and that
a report from the Director of Development Services
to the City Council indicating that a vacation has
occurred would be required under Code provisions.
Clarify Section 17-3 re the first and third
Wednesdays as Planning Commission meeting dates.
MOTION CARRIES:
AYES:
5 - 0 - 0
Fife, Dahlman, Law, Sharp, Orsini
commissioner orsini asked about Planning commissioners having
conflict(s) of interest. Mr. Whittenberg clarified that if
the Planning Commission has less than five members present and
of those members present one or more has a conflict of
interest, the members having the conflict of interest would
declare that conflict and absent themselves from the Council
Chambers. Then if there was not a quorum, the Government Code
procedures would allow calling those members back lnto the
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Paq8 7 - Planning Commission Minutes of Kay 6, 1992
Chambers, they declare what their conflict is and then they
can vote on the matter.
***
6. REVIEW of ORDINANCE No. 1452 re
MERGER of PARCELS in CONTIGUOUS OWNERSHIP
staff Report
Mr. Whittenberg delivered the staff report. [Staff report on
file in the Planning Department]. Mr. Whittenberg explained
thlS action is needed to bring Chapter 21, Section 21-22 of
the City's municipal Code into conformity with State law
(Subdivision Map Act, Government Code, section 66451.10 -
66452.21). The current Code provisions were written in 1983
to effectuate a 1981 amendment to the Subdivision Map Act. In
1984 the State amended this section of the Subdivision Map Act
and changed the requirements and the current provisions of the
City's Code are not complying with State law.
commission Comments
commissioner orsini asked if there was a fee for a lot merger?
Mr. Whittenberg said the lot line adjustment fee would be $50
or $75.
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by Dahlman to receive and file this
staff report.
***
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7. MINOR PLAN REVIEW #91-17
1621 SEAL WAY
Staff Report
Mr. curtis delivered the staff report, noting this matter has
been continued from the April 15, 1992 Planning Commission
meeting. [Staff report on file ln the Planning Department].
The applicant, Ralph Hanson, requested permission to cover and
enclose an existing second story deck, adding approximately
192 square feet of area to his nonconforming duplex.
Commisslon Comments
There were no Commission comments.
Public Hearing
Chairman Flfe opened the Public Hearing.
Ralph Hanson * 1700 Harbor Way. Seal Beach
Mr. Hanson told the Commission he wants to enclose the balcony
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Page 8 - Planning Commission Minutes of May 6, 1992
to keep out the driving rains of winter storms, which damage
the ground floor living room. The deck itself does not leak.
He assured the Commission this enclosure will remain a sun
porch and will not become a bedroom. The Commission asked if
the windows are removable or sliding? Mr. Hanson said the
windows are both --- they can be easily removed and/or slide
exposlng screens.
commissioner Orslni said this property is located at a point
where the beach starts taking a turn. If this balcony were
enclosed the houses to the right will lose their view toward
the pier. Mr. Hanson showed a photo of this view, stating the
house next to his, to the immediate right, is actually at the
point referred to. Commissioner Orsini said if the Commission
approves this enclosure there would be a chain reaction and
the other homes could not be turned down. Mr. Orsini said he
saw more than 10% - 20% view loss. Mr. Hanson, referencing
his photo, said there would be no view loss of the pier from
hlS unlt because the pier is too far away, they actually look
at a volleyball area.
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Regarding views and ocean front lots, Mr. Hanson sald everyone
ln that area has an 1800 view from the front of their lot,
it's hard to legislate views from the side or through someone
else's property. Mr. Hanson stated he had reviewed the Aprll
15, 1992 Planning Commission minutes and walked the area in
question, conducting his own survey.
Mr. Hanson pointed out that even on uncovered balconies
furniture and plants could block a view. commissioner Orsini
said umbrellas are not permanent structures, like a deck
enclosure. Mr. Whittenberg noted that if someone built a new
house on the property, they could build to the property line,
completely obscuring the view.
commissioner Sharp said the view issue will be ever-present
and he didn't think the Commission had the rlght to deny this
enclosure unless Mr. Hanson were blocking the Vlew entirely.
Commissioner Orsini said "... I got four phone calls on this
one because they know what's going to happen ... you are all
of a sudden have a rampage ... how do you justify it? ... two
wrongs don't make a right ... the theory of 'we approved it in
the past so let's keep approving it' it's got to be
better".
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commissioner Orsini and Mr. Hanson agreed there are other
decks in the area that are enclosed and they agreed on the
water problem. But Commissioner Orsini felt the deck should
be enclosed only partially. For example, make a lower parapet
wall-like enclose and extend the roof. He suggested roll-down
tarps to keep the dri ving rains out. The neighbors are
concerned about loss of views in the summertime. Mr. Hanson
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page 9 - Planning Commission Minutes of May 6, 1992
this arrangement would not be as water tight and you cannot
guarantee side-to-side views.
Dave Hoxeng * 1400 block of Seal Way
Mr. Hoxeng spoke in favor of Minor Plan Review #91-17. He
said consldering the uniqueness of this property it would be
improper to now allow Mr. Hanson to complete his project.
Tom Greeley * Seal Way * Seal Beach
Mr. Greeley spoke in opposition to Minor Plan Review #91-17.
He stated he has lived in Seal Beach twenty years and owns the
house next door to Mr. Hanson. Mr. Greeley thought Mr. Hanson
was trying to maximize the area of his rental property. He
said the reality is that it's an expansion of a nonconforming
property.
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Reva Olsen * Seal Way * Seal Beach
Ms. Olsen spoke in opposition to Minor Plan Review #91-17.
Ms. Olsen stated people are buying a view when they purchase
homes in this area. She cautioned that a domino effect could
occur lf the Commission approved this enclosure, noting if she
enclosed her deck she would block six building's views. She
urged the Commission to not keep approving projects today
solely because they had been approved in the past.
Ralph Hanson
Mr. Hanson spoke in rebuttal, saying he would not financially
gain from enclosing the balcony, other than saving on repairs
from water damage each year.
Public Hearing closed by Chairman Fife.
commission Comments
commissioner Sharp asked Director Whittenberg if this project
could be denied on a Vlew issue? Mr. Whittenberg said the
Commission has dlscretion under general police powers to deny
a request only if it is found to threaten the public health,
safety and welfare. He indicated the existing nonconforming
si tuations are not a basis for a denial of this request
because this request meets the setback and height
requirements.
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commissioner orsini debated denial pursuant to municipal Code
section 28-2407.2 (d) . Commissioner orsini asked if the
Commissioners could interpret the municipal ~ sections or
was staff the only entity who could interpret it? He said
Section 28-2407.2(d) says the roof can be extended but not
enclose the patio deck. Mr. Whittenberg said this matter was
brought up at the April 15th Commission meeting and staff
subsequently reviewed the issue with the City Attorney's
Office who felt that Code provision does allow both requests
to be approved. The Planning Commission's authority is based
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Page 10 - Planning Commission Minutes of May 6, 1992
on pollce powers to deny the request or portions of it based
on adverse impact on health, safety and welfare. Mr.
Whittenberg said he could not tell Mr. Orsini why section 28-
2407(d) was placed in the Code because most of those
provlsions were put in place ln the late 1970' s to early
1980's and no one present then is present now. That Code came
about during the 1970's and the last major amendments to the
Code were in 1984. The Minor Plan Review process is
informational to allow the Commission to be aware of the types
of requests that are coming before the City as far as
expanslons to nonconforming structures. This particular
Section, under the Minor Plan ReVlew process, with no major
additlons was basically an information process, not a
discretionary process. The major additions is a more
discretionary process. At the Council-Commission study
session regarding expanslon of nonconforming uses, there was
not a lot of discussion from anyone to dramatically change
that process other than to involve a wider notification
process and they would be scheduled as Public Hearing matters
as opposed to Consent Calendar actions.
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commissioner Dahlman said the paragraph does not say "Minor
structural alterations shall be approved unless you can find
the health, safety and welfare of the public is impaired".
This is not a permitted improvements. This Code section
allows the Commission to listen to the testimony and possible
approve ~ disapprove an application. The Commission's hands
should not be bound by this language. Mr. Whittenberg said a
memo was provided by the City Attorney's Office that discussed
this issue in relation to the proposed modifications to the Al
Brown apartment structures; he would be glad to provide that
memo. Commissioner Dahlman expressed frustration with the
City Attorney's Office, saying "But the City Attorney came
here and told us we shouldn't go to look at projects before
... this is somehow ethically wrong ... they say things that
don't make sense sometimes ... and I'm afraid this is another
example". Mr. Whittenberg said he thought the City Attorney
didn't say to not look at a property but rather to not talk to
the persons on the property on how you might vote on the
matter. Commissioner Dahlman said Attorney Colantuono said do
not personally go and visit a project that's on your agenda,
this would give you bias. Commissioner Dahlman continued
"This is obviously wrong; this is not common sense".
Chalrman Fife said the Commission must consider not only the
obvious uses but also the uses to which something may be put;
that's an objective standard. He felt nothing would really
prohibit making this enclosed porch a sleeping area.
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Mr. Whittenberg said he felt when the Commission is talking
about a view issue you're talking about a public welfare
issue. When dealing with a view issue the Commission should
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page ~~ - Planning commission Minutes of Hay 6, 1992
remember a Vlew is not guaranteed slde-to-side to any property
in that area under a situation where someone is proposing to
build a new home. A new structure could be built to the
property at the front property line, 25' high. This would
comply with Code and would not come before the Commission.
Chairman Fife said the city may need a view ordinance of
general applicability.
MOTION by Orsini; SECOND by Dahlman to partially approve Minor
Plan Review #91-17, allowing the roof to be extended over the
deck and to allow the required railing around the deck at the
minimum height to be enclosed.
MOTION FAILS:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
2 - 0 - 3
Orsini, Dahlman
Fife, Sharp, Law
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MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by Law to approve Minor Plan Review
#91-17 as proposed with the three (3) conditions listed in the
staff report.
MOTION CARRIES:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
3 - 0 - 2
Sharp, Law, Fife
Orsini, Dahlman
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Mr. Whittenberg stated there is an appeal period to the Clty
Council; any questions should be directed to Mr. Whittenberg
or the City Clerk's Offlce.
Chairman Fife called a recess from 9:30 p.m. to 9:47 p.m.
8. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 192-2
101 MAIN STREET, SUITE 0 * SEASIDE GRILL
Staff Report
Mr. curtis dellvered the staff report. [Staff report on file
in the Planning Department]. The applicants, Ronald and
Patricia Sesler, are requesting an on-sale beer and wine
license in conjunction with a new restaurant, SeaSide Grill,
at 101 Main Street, suite o. Staff has received no public
comments from mailed the Notice. Staff's main concern is the
hours of operation, preferring 10:00 p.m. daily.
commissioner Orsini expressed a conflict of interest (he lives
wlthln 300' of this new restaurant). He left the Council
Chambers.
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Page 12 - P~anning Commission Minutes of Kay 6, 1992
Mr. curtis said staff had begun Code enforcements on the two
Main street establishments displaying liquor sale advertising
in their windows and the flower merchant on Marina Drlve
having flowers on the sidewalk; these items were mentioned at
the previous commission meeting.
Mr. curtis corrected the staff report --- there are 24 not 25
on-site parking spaces. The property is deficient 5 not 4
parking spaces. Technically this is a liquor license transfer
but because the other restaurant was closed so long it's
considered a new application.
commission Comments
Commissloner Dahlman said a parking mitigation fee is to be
lncluded; it will be $500 per year for five grandfathered
spaces.
commissioner Dahlman corrected condition #3 to read "without
permits".
Chairman Fife suggested more realistic hours of operation:
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday - Thursday; 7:00 a.m. to 11:00
p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Public Hearing Opened
Ronald Sesler * [No address glven]
Mr. Sesler said he liked 11:00 p.m. closing but would prefer
12:00 a.m. on the week-ends, would like hlS hours to
correspond to other Main Street merchant's hours for special
events but on holidays he and hlS wife would be at home.
The Commission discussed hours of operation of restaurants on
Main Street. Mr. Curtls said most Main Street restaurants
close at 10:00 p.m. but Hennessey's and Kinda LaHinda close at
2: 00 a. m.. Commissioner Dahlman said Old Town resldents would
like to see Hennessey's close before 2:00 a.m. and recent
applications have been approved to 11:00 p.m. Chairman Fife
suggested SeaSide's hours be 11:00 p.m. on week-ends and
speclal occasions with a review and reconsideration ln 12
months.
Jack smith * 1405 Seal Way. Seal Beach
Mr. smith said he has lived in Seal Beach 25 years. He has
known Ron Sesler for five years and said he is a good
restaurant man. Additionally, he likes the midnight hour for
Friday and Saturday for financial reasons.
Public Hearing Closed The applicant did not desire a
rebuttal period and Chalrman Fife closed the Public Hearing.
.
.
.
Page 13 - Planning Commission Minutes of May 6, 1992
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by Dahlman to approve Conditional Use
Permit #92-1 by the adoption of Resolution No. 92-8 subject to
the ten (10) condltions set forth in the staff report with
changes to those conditions as follows:
#3. No video games or similar amusements shall be permitted
on the premises without ~e-e8~aiftmeft~~~~ permits
from the City.
#8. Wi th the applicants consent, the hours of operation shall
be from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday and special
events/holidays.
and the addition of a condition #11 to read:
#11. The City shall bill the applicant $500 per year in
parking mitigation fees for the five (5) delinquent
parking spaces.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
ABSTAIN:
4 - 0 - 1
Sharp, Dahlman, Law, Fife
Orsini
***
9. HEIGHT VARIATION #92-9
105 SURF PLACE
RESOLUTION No. 92-9
staff Report
Mr. curtis delivered the staff report. [Staff report on flle
in the Planning Department]. The applicant, contractor Jerry
Greer, requests approval to construct a covered roof access
structure (CRAS) in conjunction with a second story additlon
at 105 Surf Place. For the Records, Mr. Curtis read a note he
received from Francis Johnston of 125 Coastline who is against
Variances.
Commission Comments
Chairman Fife corrected the staff report to acknowledge all
references are to Height Variation #92-9 not #92-12.
commissioner Dahlman noted this application inltlates an
interesting issue: because this proposed CRAS exceeds the
height limit by 1.5 feet and not the allowed 7', is he
entitled to a wider CRAS?
commissioner Dahlman suggested staff prepare the Commlssion a
spread sheet of what the Planning Commission has approved in
the past so any future policies on CRASs can be consistent.
.
.
.
Page 14 - Planning Commission Minutes of May 6, ~992
The Commission dlscussed the design of this CRAS. Mr. curtis
stated that what the Planning Commission has approved in the
past for stralght run staircases has been 6' to 7' in helght
and 12\' long. This proposed CRAS is 5'6" x 14~' .
Chalrman Fife said he interpreted the staff report's remarks
to mean that since there's a minimum intruslon into the excess
height allowance relief should be given on the horizontal
dimension if it helps his architectural needs. He asked how
Mr. curtis would square that idea with the language which says
a CRAS must be the minimum size both vertically and
horlzontally to cover the stalrcase? It was noted that thls
CRAS is 56' to 60' square feet where it is over the height
limit which is not larger than other CRASs prevlously
approved.
Commlssioner Dahlman noted there is no provision to treat an
applicant that's 7' above the height differently than an
applicant that's 6" above the height limit.
Chairman Fife said that the Commission has told a number of
applicants that no matter how much better their CRAS would
look the emphasis on minimum vertical and horizontal Slze.
ThlS is nice but can we expand the horizontal dimension?
Public Hearing
Jerry Greer * 640 Island View * Seal Beach
Mr. Greer introduced himself as the contractor for property
owner Thomas E. Dutton. He stated that to stay away from a
"sore thumb" CRAS he raised the ridge 1.5' and put the stalr
underneath. This gave him a wider stairway with a wider
dormer roof with windows which shed natural light over the
entire stairway.
commissioner Orsini said he appreciates this design. His only
question concerns minimal adjustments to CRAS designs
resulting in large CRASs again. Mr. Curtls said the
Commission would be considering each CRAS on its own merits.
Thomas Dutton * 125 Surf Place * Seal Beach
Mr. Dutton said he is the homeowner and in favor of thlS
design because the house has a potentially good view of the
Hellman Ranch property.
PubllC Hearing Closed - No one wished to speak further either
for or against this application and Chairman Fife closed the
Public Hearing.
.
.
.
page 15 - Planning ComMission Minutes of May 6, 1992
MOTION by Dahlman; SECOND by Sharp to approve Height Variation
#92-9 by adopting Resolution No. 92-9, subject to two (2 )
conditions of approval.
MOTION CARRIES:
AYES:
5 - 0 - 0
Dahlman, Sharp, Fife, Law, Orsini
***
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no persons wishing to speak during this period.
STAFF CONCERNS
Mr. Whittenberg said he had provided all Commissioners an advance
copy of a report entitled "Off-site Hazardous Waste Facilities, ZTA
92-1". This will be on the May 20, 1992 Planning commission agenda
for Public Hearing.
On May 20, 1992 the Commission will hold Publ1C Hearings on the
Growth Management Element to the General Plan and Zone Text
Amendment 92-1, Off-site Hazardous Waste Facilities.
COMMISSION COMMENTS
commissioner orsini asked if the Commission can make changes or
insertions to Conditional Use Permits when they come before the
Commission for review? staff said yes, that's appropriate on
review.
commissioner orsini referenced a resident's letter to a local
newspaper talking about legal limits and his name was brought up,
1nferring there was favoritism in the Planning Comm1ssion's
consideration for Tootsie's restaurant (CUP #92-1). Commissioner
Ors1ni said he 1S Tootsie's corporate secretary but receives no pay
and owns no stock. Commissioner Dahlman said he had not given Mr.
Orsini any special consideration. Chairman Fife sa1d CUP #92-1 was
reviewed on its merits.
Chairman Fife asked staff if they had had a chance to reV1ew the
telephone box in the middle of the sidewalk with no safety
reflectors and the nitrogen gas cylinder chained to a policy at
Seal Beach Boulevard and st. Cloud? Mr. Whittenberg said he had
mentioned this to the Building Inspector but has not had the
opportunity to follow-up; this will be done.
Chairman Fife suggested staff propose to the City Council the
Planning Commission consider a general ordinance for handling view
issues. Such an ordinance would cover what is a view issue,
.
.
.
Page ~6 - Planning Commission Minutes of May 6, ~992
Mr. Whlttenberg said he would prepare a report for
Commission consideration WhlCh would focus on various concerns.
The Commission could review and modify this before it is sent to
Councll. This will be done for the June 3rd meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Fife adjourned the meeting at 10:40 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
~~
oan Fillmann
Recording Secretary
***
These Minutes are tentative until approved by the Planning
Commission.
***
The Planning Commlssion Minutes of ~ 6, 1992 were approved by the
Plannlng Commlsslon on f'.(\. ~ dO- 1992.~