HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 2004-02-18
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA for February 18, 2004
7:30 p.m.
District 1 - Ellery Deaton
District 2 - Jim Sharp
District 3 - Gordon Shanks
District 4 - Henry Eagar
District 5 - Phil Ladner
Department of Development Services
Lee Whittenberg, Director
Alexander Abbe, Assistant City Attorney
Mac Cummins, AICP, Associate Planner
Carmen Alvarez, Executive Secretary
[J City Hall office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and
Fnday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed noon to 1 :00 p.m.
[J The City of Seal Beach complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you
need assistance to attend this meeting please telephone the City Clerk's Office at
least 48 hours in advance of the meeting (562) 431-2527.
[J Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live on Seal Beach TV3. They are
rebroadcast on Sunday evenings, Channel 3 at 4:00 p.m.
[J Videotapes of Planning Commission meetings may be purchased from Seal Beach
TV3 at a cost of $20 per tape. Telephone: (562) 596-1404.
[J Copies of staff reports and/or wntten materials on each agenda Item are on file in
the Department of Development Services and City Iibranes for public inspection.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of February 18, 2004
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
The following is a brief explanation of the Planning Commission agenda
structure:
AGENDA APPROVAL: The Planning Commission may wish to change the order of the
Items on the agenda.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Anyone wishing to address the Planmng CommissIon, only
on items not on tonight's agenda, may do so during this time penod. No action can be
taken by the Planning Commission on these communications on this date, unless
agendized.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: Public Hearings allow citizens the opportunity to speak in
favor of or against agendized items. More detailed information is found in the actual
agenda attached. If you have documents to distribute, you should have enough copies
for all Planning Commissioners, City staff and the public. Please give one to the
secretary for the City files. The documents become part of the public record and will not
be returned.
CONSENT CALENDAR: Consent Calendar items are considered routine Items that
normally do' not require separate consideration. The Planning Commission may make
one motion for approval of all the items listed on the Consent Calendar.
SCHEDULED MATTERS: These items are considered by the Planning Commission
separately and require separate motions. These transactions are considered
administrative and public testimony is not heard.
STAFF CONCERNS: Updates and reports from the Director of Development Services
(Planning and Building Departments) are presented for information to the Planning
Commission and the public.
COMMISSION CONCERNS: Items of concern are presented by the Planning
Commissioners and discussed with staff.
All Droceedinas are recorded.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Agenda for February 18, 2004
7:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. ROLL CALL
III AGENDA APPROVAL
By Motion of the Planning Commission, this is the time to:
(a) Notify the public of any changes to the Agenda;
(b) Re-arrange the order of the Agenda; and/or
(c) Provide an opportunity for any member of the Planning Commission, staff, or
public to request an item be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate
action.
IV
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
At this time, members of the public may address the Planning Commission
regarding any items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Planning
Commission, provided that the Planning Commission may undertake no action or
discussion unless otherwise authorized by law.
V
CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and are enacted by
one motion unless prior to enactment, a member of the Planning Commission,
staff, or the public requests a specific item be removed from the Consent
Calendar for separate action.
1. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2004.
2. RECEIVE AND FILE: Information Reports
VI SCHEDULED MATTERS
VII PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. Conditional Use Permit 01-16 (Indefinite Extension)
12420 Seal Beach Blvd (Rubio's Restaurant)
Applicant/Owner:
Art Rodriguez & Associates / Levine Investments
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CIty of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of February 18, 2004
Request:
To approve an indefinite extension of an existing
Conditional Use Permit request for the ability to serve
beer and wine for on-sale consumption and to have
an approximately 500 square foot, 30-seat outdoor
dining area.
Recommendation: Approval subject to conditions and adoption of
Resolution 04-6
4. Height Variation 04-1
Conditional Use Permit 04-3
1701 Crestview Avenue
Applicant/Owner:
Request:
Zuhrab Ghazarian
To construct a non-habitable architectural feature in
excess of the 25-foot height limit. Specifically, the
applicant proposes to construct a covered roof access
structure to exceed the height limit by approximately 7
feet. Additionally, the applicant is proposing to have a
subterranean garage of approximately 2,300 square
feet, which would have an approximately 25-foot wide
drive isle and perpendicular parking for 4 vehicles.
The Municipal Code requires a Conditional Use
Permit for any garage larger than for 3 vehicles.
Recommendation: Approval subject to conditions and adoption of
Resolution Nos. 04-7 and 04-8
VIII STAFF CONCERNS
IX COMMISSION CONCERNS
X ADJOURNMENT
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of February 18, 2004
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Mar 03
Mar 17
ADr07
ADr 21
May 05
May 19
Jun 09
Jun 23
Jul07
Jul21
. Aua 04
Aua 18
SeD 08
SeD 22
Oct 06
Oct 20
Noy 03
Noy17
Dee 08
Dee 22
2004 Aaenda Forecast
Conditional Use Permit 00-9 (Indefinite Extension) Raloh's Market
TO BE SCHEDULED:
[J
Study Session:
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Staff Report:
Study Session:
Study Session.
Permitted Uses & Development Standards in Commercial Zones
(5/6/98 )
Undergrounding of Utilities
ADA Handicapped-Accessible Restrooms
Parking Issues in Old Town
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of February 18,2004
Chairperson Sharp Galled the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission
to order at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2004. The meeting was held in the
City Council Chambers and began with the Salute to the Flag.1
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Sharp, Commissioners Deaton, Eagar, Ladner, and Shanks
Also
Present: Department of Development Services
Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services
Mac Cummins, Associate Planner
Alexander Abbe, Assistant City Attorney
Absent: None.
AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION by Shanks; SECOND by Ladner to approve the Agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Sharp, Deaton, Eagar, Ladner, and Shanks
None
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Chairperson Sharp opened oral communications.
There being no one wishing to speak, Chairperson Sharp closed oral communications.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2004.
2. RECEIVE AND FILE: Information Reports
1 These Minutes were transcrrbed from audiotape of the meeting
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg CommIssIon
Meetmg Mmutes of February 18, 2004
MOTION by Shanks; SECOND by Eagar to approve the Consent Calendar as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Sharp, Deaton, Eagar, Ladner, and Shanks
None
None
SCHEDULED MATTERS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. Conditional Use Permit 01-16 (Indefinite Extension)
12420 Seal Beach Blvd (Rubio's Restaurant)
Applicant/Owner:
Request:
Art Rodriguez & Associates I Levine Investments
To approve an indefinite extension of an existing
Conditional Use Permit request for the ability to serve
beer and wine for on-sale consumption and to have
an approximately 500 square foot, 30-seat outdoor
dining area.
Recommendation:
Approval subject to conditions and adoption of
Resolution 04-6.
Staff Report
Mr. Cummins delivered the staff report. (Staff Report is on file for inspection in the
Planning Department.) He provided some background information and noted that the
Planning Commission (PC) approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 01-16 on
December 5, 2001 subject to several conditions, one of which was a one-year review
period to allow the City to monitor any concerns or problems related to the alcohol land
use. He stated that during the one-year review period Staff received no complaints
related to this location. He said that Staff is recommending approval of the indefinite
extension of CUP 01-16.
Commissioner Questions
Commissioner Eagar referred to Page 8 of the Staff Report, item 23, and asked if
Rubio's could also have a last call for alcohol sales 30 minutes before closing time. Mr.
Cummins responded that the PC could include this as a condition if they so desired.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meetmg Mmutes of February 18, 2004
Commissioner Eager stated that he would like to see this included in the Conditions of
Approval.
Public Hearina
Chairperson Sharp opened the public hearing.
Mr. Art Rodriguez, representative for Rubio's, stated that he has no problem with any of
the conditions of approval and he would be happy to respond to any questions.
Chairperson Sharp asked whether Rubio's would accept the restriction for stopping the
service of alcohol 30 minutes prior to closing time. Mr. Rodriguez stated that this might
be a problem as alcohol service until closing time has already been established. He
noted that both the City and Alcohol & Beverage Control (ABC) granted Rubio's
permission to be open until 11 :00 p.m. and to serve alcoholic beverages until that time.
He stated that any alcohol has to be removed from the tables by 11 :00 p.m. and the
sale of alcohol at Rubio's is incidental to the sale of food.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Sharp closed the public
hearing.
Commissioner Comments
Chairperson Sharp stated that he saw no reason to limit the time for serving of alcohol
as long as it is off the table by 11 :00 p.m.
Commissioner Eagar stated that he was in agreement as long as all alcohol is removed
by 11 :00 p.m.
MOTION by Shanks; SECOND by Eagar to approve Indefinite Extension of Conditional
Use Permit 01-16 and adopt Resolution 04-6 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Sharp, Deaton, Eagar, Ladner, and Shanks
None
None
Mr. Abbe advised that the adoption of Resolution No. 04-6 begins a 10-day calendar
appeal period to the City Council. The Commissioner action tonight is final and the
appeal period begins tomorrow morning.
4. Height Variation 04-1
Conditional Use Permit 04-3
1701 Crestview Avenue
Applicant/Owner:
Zuhrab Ghazarian
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg Commission
Meetmg Mmutes of February 18, 2004
Request:
To construct a non-habitable architectural feature in
excess of the 25-foot height limit. Specifically, the
applicant proposes to construct a covered roof access
structure to exceed the height limit by approximately 7
feet. Additionally, the applicant is proposing to have a
subterranean garage of approximately 2,300 square
feet, which would have an approximately 25-foot wide
drive isle and perpendicular parking for 4 vehicles.
The Municipal Code requires a Conditional Use
Permit for any garage larger than for 3 vehicles.
Recommendation:
Approval subject to conditions and adoption of
Resolution Nos. 04-7 and 04-8
Staff Report
Mr. Cummins delivered the staff report. (Staff Report is on file for inspection in the
Planning Department.) He provided some background information on this item and
noted that approximately one year ago the City Council (CC) had approved an
ordinance requiring that any home with a garage larger than for 3 cars would require a
public hearing before the PC.
He described the surrounding land uses as follows:
NORTH:
SOUTH,EAST
& WEST:
Gum Grove Nature Park and the Hellman Property.
Single-family residential dwellings in a Residential Low Density
(RLD) Zone.
With regard to Height Variation (HV) 04-1 Mr. Cummins stated that in reviewing this
type of application the PC must consider the following:
1. Whether such variation is appropriate for the architectural style of the building.
2. Whether such variation is appropriate for the character and integrity of the
neighborhood.
3. Whether such variation significantly impairs the primary view from any property
located within 300 feet.
He said that this application shows the Covered Roof Access Structure (CRAS)
measures 82.5 square feet, which is slightly larger than the City-approved policy
guideline of 62.25 square feet. He said that Staff has approached the applicant about
revising the plan to comply within the policy guidelines and the applicant has indicated
that they would be willing to do this.
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg CommIssIon
Meetmg Mmutes of February 18. 2004
The Associate Planner then stated that with regard to Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
04-3 the applicant proposes to have a subterranean 4-car garage with a 25-foot wide
drive aisle. He noted that the garage door would measure 12 feet by 7 feet and the
garage would have four separate 10x18 foot parking stalls with the drive aisle
perpendicular to the garage. He said that as a matter of City policy, Staff believes that it
is generally better to take more cars off the street whenever possible. He stated that
Staff recommends approval of CUP 04-3 and HV 04-1 subject to conditions. He
indicated that neither the overall size and bulk of the house nor the issue of a
subterranean garage would fall within the scope and jurisdiction of the public hearing
tonight. He said that the City does not have an Architectural Review Board and the
request before the PC is whether or not a 4-car garage should be allowed. He noted
that if the applicant wished to build a subterranean 3-car garage without changing the
natural grade of the property, by right he could do so.
Commissioner Questions
Chairperson Sharp asked why a 25-foot wide driveway is necessary. Mr. Cummins
stated that the applicant could respond to this question.
Commissioner Deaton said that as she understands, a roof deck must have a 3-feet
minimum guardrail above which the 25-foot height limit would follow. Mr. Cummins
stated that City Code allows application for a variation of up to 7 feet above the 25-foot
height limit. He said that any roof deck requires a 3-foot high guardrail and the City's
height limit is measured from the average natural grade of the property to the highest
pitch of the guardrail or the pitch of the roof, whichever is the highest point of the
structure. He stated that the Height Variation process allows for CRAS within this area
to protrude up to help block any drainage of water into the stairway and into the house.
Commissioner Shanks asked if when the Staff Report refers to exceeding the height
limit by 7 feet, it is actually 5 feet. Mr. Cummins stated that exact heights are not stated
to allow for minor deviations, however in reviewing plans for this CRAS it exceeds the
height limit by 5 feet 6 inches.
Public Hearina
Mr. Zuhrab Ghazarian stated that regarding the 25-foot drive aisle; this is the
requirement for a car to make a turnaround. ChaIrperson Sharp asked if the driveway is
to be 25 feet from the entrance from the street on up to the garage. Mr. Ghazarian said
that a standard size driveway would be constructed up to the garage door.
Commissioner Deaton asked what style of CRAS stairway would be used to fit within
City guidelines. Mr. Ghazarian stated that the CRAS must meet the height limit
guideline, which is 7 feet above the structure. Commissioner Deaton countered that Mr.
Cummins had just clarified that it would be 5 feet 6 inches above the height limit. Mr.
Ghazarian stated that this was the measurement above the guardrail. Mr. Ghazarian
stated that if the CRAS ends 7 feet above the roof line, this would exceed the parapet
by 4 feet, which should be sufficient. Commissioner Deaton again asked what style of
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg Commission
Meetmg Minutes of February 18, 2004
stairway would be constructed. Mr. Ghazarian stated that it would be a rectangular
stairway.
Mr. Cummins noted for the record that a letter was received from Tom and Suzanne
Maracich expressing their opposition to the Height Variation portion of this request.
Mr. Matt Murphree expressed his concern over the bulk of this project and questioned
whether it was not the responsibility of the PC to address these types of issues. Mr.
Abbe interjected that the issue of bulk and density is not an issue before the PC tonight.
Mr. Murphree asked if there would be a hearing to address the bulk issue. Mr.
Whittenberg interjected that City Ordinances allow by right a person to build a home
subject to certain setback and height standards, which are 5-foot side yard setbacks, a
10-foot rear yard setback, and depending upon the orientation of the garage at the front
of the property, a 10-foot setback for a side entry garage and an 18-foot setback for a
front entry garage. He stated that if these setback requirements are met, you could
construct a square box, 25 feet high, as long as you meet the lot coverage standard.
He said that the PC does not have the right to review these types of issues or to change
the ordinance, but can recommend changes to the CC. Mr. Murphree stated that he
believes this is a subject that needs to be addressed.
Ms. Kathy Parker stated that she had a copy of the Declaration of Establishment
Conditions and Restrictions recorded June 4, 1957, which states that no trailer,
basement, tent, shack, garage, barn or other out building erected in said tract shall at
any time be used as a residential temporary or permanently. She asked how a maid's
quarters in the garage could be approved when the CC&Rs prohibit this. Mr.
Whittenberg stated that the maid's quarters is not a part of the garage but is a separate
structure. Ms. Parker then noted that the front view of the plans does not show the
5-foot 6-inch CRAS. She said that she does not want this structure to go above the
height limit. She also asked how the PC would determine that this project would suit the
neighborhood. She stated that she was still not clear on how this project could include
a maid's quarters in the garage.
Mr. Scott Parker asked why the elevated structure does not appear in the front view
drawing of the project? Mr. Whittenberg stated that the architect would have to respond
to this question. Mr. Parker asked if the plans do not show the structure on the front
view, does this mean that it would not be visible from the front of the house? He then
noted that the roof deck would create an invasion of privacy for the surrounding homes.
He asked why the applicant would wish to construct this type of house when the
surrounding residents on that street are resentful of having a project like this. Mr.
Parker stated he was in favor of the garage, but opposes the CRAS.
Ms. Kathleen Goria stated that she moved to Seal Beach in 1996 seeking a smaller
community and a better school district. She said she is surprised that the PC would not
notify residents that this project was to be heard before the PC. She stated that she
agrees with the previous speakers and feels that the house at is out of scale with the
existing homes on the block. She questioned the judgment of the PC that it would allow
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Mmutes of February 18, 2004
this project. She stated that she opposes the bulk of this home and questioned how the
PC could put the intimacy of the town neighborhoods at risk. She encouraged the PC to
listen to the concerns expressed tonight and that it would be an irresponsible decision to
approve this project.
Chairperson Sharp stated that several years ago extensive hearings were held with
regard to the 7 -foot extension above the height limit for CRAS. He said that CC
approved this and, therefore, the PC is not approving anything that is illegal.
Ms. Marlene Lopez spoke in opposition to HV 04-1 and to the bulk of this project. She
said that she has experienced the same thing on 10th Street where she resides. She
stated that she did not understand how the PC could allow buildings to be approved
without any notice to the neighborhood about what is going to be placed there. She
indicated that someone who owns the property right behind hers recently purchased the
property next to hers. She stated that these structures had height variations that were
apparently approved, however, she never received notification of a public hearings.
She expressed her concern that the issues of height and bulk should be looked into as
many residents are losing sunlight and their view when these large homes go in next to
their residences. Chairperson Sharp advised Ms. Lopez that this was an issue she
should discuss at a later time with the Director of Development Services.
Mr. Jeff Jones asked if approval of the CUP for the garage would prevent this space
from being used for anything other than parking cars. Chairperson Sharp stated that it
would be illegal to use this space for anything other than a garage unless a formal
hearing is held before the PC. Mr. Jones asked if the CUP would state this. Mr.
Cummins stated that a condition typically applied to CUPs requires that if any change is
made to the floor plan this must come before the PC for an amendment or a new CUP.
Mr. Jones also expressed concern that the plans do not show the rooftop structure in
the south elevation drawing. He stated that he had received approval for a roof deck,
but it does not exceed the height limit, and it was not a problem designing it so that it did
not exceed the height limit. He indicated that the issue of constructing overly large
homes within the City should be addressed.
Ms. Karen Salem stated that she lives next door to 1701 Crestview Avenue. She said
that another home on the other side of her lot was constructed and it does not obstruct
the sunlight. She indicated that she is concerned that with the 10-foot setback at 1701
Crestview Avenue and the roof deck it will severely obstruct any sun that she may get in
her back yard. She also noted that she would be losing the privacy of her back yard.
She said she opposes approval of HV 04-1 allowing the CRAS to exceed the height
limit.
Mr. Jean Pierre, architect for Mr. Ghazarian, stated that the applicant collects vintage
cars and this is the reason for the 4-car garage. He noted that the garage is not visible
from the street. He said that the design of the homes meets all Zoning standards and
with regard to the CRAS the portion that exceeds the height limit lies toward the back of
the house and would not be visible from the front of the house, this is why it does not
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CIty of Seal Beach Planmng CommIssIon
Meetmg Mmutes of February 18, 2004
show on the south elevation drawing. He also noted that there would be a 40-foot back
yard setback, which is larger than the existing back yard. Commissioner Eagar asked
how large the home is. Mr. Pierre stated that the main house measures approximately
5,000 square feet, and the garage structure measure approximately 2,300 square feet
and lies below grade. Commissioner Deaton asked if the 2,300 square feet is all
garage space. Mr. Pierre confirmed that this was the case. He stated that the maid
quarters, wine cellar, and storage area are a separate area next to the garage and are
also subterranean. He said that he worked hard to create an attractive project and did
not intend to upset neighboring residents.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Sharp closed the public
hearing.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Shanks stated that with regard to the home at 1545 Crestview Avenue
referred to by residents as "The Mausoleum," all residents on this street think it is an
abomination and are concerned about more homes of this type being constructed. He
said that this home was built according to City Code eliminating the need for a hearing
before the PC or CC. He noted that since then a recommendation has been made to
CC to require that any similar projects of this kind come before the PC. With regard to
1701 Crestview Avenue, Commissioner Shanks noted that the home would be setback
from the street with what looks like an attractively decorated front. He noted that the
existing house is a single-story home that also lost its back yard privacy when two-story
homes went in around it. He stated that although the issue of privacy is a valid one,
two-story homes are constructed all the time. He indicated that the CRAS on this
project will be constructed towards the rear of the home and the applicant is within his
rights to request approval of this feature. He commented that because of the style of
the home at 1545 Crestview Avenue every other applicant wishing to build a large
house on The Hill would be subject to complaints. He said he would vote to approve
CUP 04-3 and HV 04-1.
Commissioner Deaton asked if notice of the public hearing on this project was
circulated. Mr. Cummins reported that residents within 300 feet of 1701 Crestview
Avenue were noticed and notice was published in the Sun Newspaper. Commissioner
Deaton stated that the Department of Development Services approves plans and the
PC has nothing to do with these approvals. She said that because the project at 1545
Crestview Avenue met all the City building standards, no notice was required and the
PC could not address that project at all. She said that as a result of this project the
ordinance limiting garages to three cars was approved so that larger garages cannot be
constructed without first coming before the PC for a public hearing. Commissioner
Deaton then stated that with regard to CRAS, if they conform to the City-approved
guidelines, they should not be offensive. She emphasized that the CRAS will cover the
stairway to prevent water leaking into the house. She commented that although the
privacy issue can be disconcerting, this is a beach community and many homes have
the CRAS, and the PC has no right to deny a deck as long as it complies with City
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CIty of Seal Beach Plannmg CommissIon
Meetmg Mmutes of February 18. 2004
Code. She then referred to the CC&Rs and stated that she was under the impression
that the issue of maids quarters was discussed when 1545 Crestview Avenue was
addressed, and the opinion was that these would be null and void. Mr. Whittenberg
stated that the City does not enforce CC&Rs as they are private covenants between
property owners and it is their responsibility to enforce them. Commissioner Deaton
asked how residents could do this if the City issues building permits. Mr. Whittenberg
stated that if the project meets Building Code and City Code requirements building
permits would be issued. Commissioner Deaton stated that if the City does not enforce
CC&Rs then is there any way that residents can enforce them? Mr. Whittenberg stated
that they could elect to do so through the legal process.
Commissioner Eagar addressed Mr. Pierre and noted that many of the neighbors are
upset with the HV. He asked if Mr. Pierre had looked at any other options for lowering
the height? Mr. Whittenberg interjected that in order to allow public testimony the public
hearing would have to be re-opened. Commissioner Deaton interjected that perhaps
Mr. Cummins could respond to this question. Mr. Cummins stated that there are ways
to design a stairway so that a CRAS is not necessary, but the location of the roof deck
on this project makes it difficult to relocate the stairway.
Chairperson Sharp said that he sees no reason to deny this application and the
architect has done a good job of placing the CRAS to the rear of the house. He
indicated that the PC could do nothing about view or privacy, as there are no laws that
govern this.
MOTION by Shanks; SECOND by Ladner to approve Height Variation 04-1 and adopt
Resolution 04-7 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
4-0-1
Sharp, Deaton, Ladner, and Shanks
Eagar
None
MOTION by Shanks; SECOND by Ladner to approve Conditional Use Permit 04-3 and
adopt Resolution 04-8 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Sharp, Deaton, Eagar, Ladner, and Shanks
None
None
Mr. Abbe advised that the adoption of Resolution Nos. 04-7 and 4-8 begins a 10-day
calendar appeal period to the City Council. The Commissioner action tonight is final
and the appeal period begins tomorrow morning.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2004
STAFF CONCERNS
Mr. Whittenberg stated that public notice was provided to residents within a 300-foot
radius of 1701 Crestview Avenue because of the Conditional Use Permit for the 4-car
garage. He said Height Variations only require a 100-foot notice but because of the
CUP, notice of both requests was sent to a 300-foot radius. He indicated that the
property at 1545 Crestview Avenue did not request these types of approvals so they
were not required to come before the PC. He stated that because the project at 1545
Crestview Avenue involved a change in the grade of the property, the City has since
that point adopted a Grading Ordinance and plans that require a different hearing
process.
Mr. Whittenberg then proceeded to extend early birthday wishes to Chairperson Sharp
who will be celebrating his 90th birthday.
The Director of Development Services then noted that an invitation to attend the
"Growth Visioning Workshop" on March 3, 2004 has been provided to the
Commissioners.
Mr. Cummins formally welcomed a number of students from USC completing a course
assignment by attending a Planning Commission meeting. He noted that one of the
requirements is that the students also speak with a Planning Commissioner so he asked
that the Planning Commissioners consider remaining for a short while after the meeting
to meet with the students.
COMMISSION CONCERNS
Commissioner Deaton stated that the City should begin to address the issue of
mansionization. She said the entire character of the City is in jeopardy of being
changed. Mr. Whittenberg suggested that this item be agendized for a future meeting at
which point a memo could be forwarded to CC requesting authorization for Staff to
begin work on this issue. Commissioner Deaton stated that the retaining wall at 1545
Crestview Avenue is huge. Mr. Whittenberg stated that the retaining wall met the Code
requirements at the time that it was approved.
Commissioner Eagar stated that homeowners at Centex Homes would like the left turn
lane on Seal Beach Boulevard into the Centex development be lengthened to
accommodate two more cars. Mr. Whittenberg referred Commissioner Eager to the
Director of Public Works.
Chairperson Sharp displayed an invitation to a tour conducted by the Orange County
Water District. He said he has taken the tour, which is very interesting, and he
encouraged the Commissioners to participate.
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ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Sharp adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
~~~-A"~
Carmen Alvarez, Executive Secretary
Planning Department
APPROVAL
CIty of Seal Beach Plannmg CommIssIon
Meetmg Minutes of February 18, 2004
The Commission on March 3, 2004 approved the Minutes of the Planning Commission
Meeting of Wednesday, February 18, 2004. ~.
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