Area Planning Commission
Regular MeetingLos Angeles, CA · February 8, 2007
Minutes
OFFICIAL
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
South Valley Area Planning Commission Minutes
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Marvin Braude Constituent Services Center
6262 Van Nuys Boulevard, First Floor Meeting Room
Van Nuys, California 91401
MINUTES OF THE SOUTH VALLEY AREA PLANNING COMMISSION HEREIN ARE
REPORTED IN ACTION FORMAT. COMPLETE DETAILS, INCLUDING THE DISCUSSION,
RELATING TO EACH ITEM ARE CONTAINED IN THE HEARING TAPES FOR THIS
MEETING. COPIES OF TAPES ARE AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING CENTRAL
PUBLICATIONS, AT (213) 978-1255.
The meeting was called to order by Commission President Matt Epstein at 4:38 p.m.
Commissioners present: George Andros, Steve Cochran, Gordon Murley, Barbara Romero
Commissioner absent: None
1. DEPARTMENTAL REPORT - ITEMS OF INTEREST
Planning Staff made a brief presentation of the Department’s Strategic Planning.
2. COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. Advance Calendar
Commissioner Cochran will not be available on March 22, 2007.
B. Commission Requests
• A request was made by Commissioner Cochran to include in the next
meeting agenda a discussion regarding his teleconference participation
of the meeting when he is on business trips.
The Commission agreed to this request.
• The President recommended to amend the Policy on Submittal of Written
Materials on Agendized Items adopted January 25, 2007 to reduce the
number of required copies of documents from 20 copies to 8 copies.
All four Commissioners present unanimously approved the amendment
by consent without objection.
3. AA- 2005-1537-PMLA-M-A1
Related Case: ZA-2005-1715-ZAA
CEQA: ENV 2005-1715-MND Council District: 3
Plan Canoga Park-Winnetka-Woodland Location: 22276-22266 West Avenue
Hills-West Hills San Luis
Expiration Date: 01/30/07
Appeal Status: Not further appealable to
City Council .
PUBLIC HEARING COMPLETED AUGUST 04, 2005
AN APPEAL, in part of the Advisory Agency’s approval, of a request to delete the
Bureau of Engineering requirements to improve Avenue San Luis to Hillside Collector
Street Standards, for the proposed two-parcel single-family subdivision of one 15,300
square-foot lot in the R1-1 zone.
APPLICANT: Michael Gesas, Owner
APPELLANT: Michael Gesas, Owner
STAFF RECOMMENDED GRANTING OF APPEAL IN PART BY MODIFYING
CONDITION 1A.
Lynn Harper (213) 978-1310
Staff presented the case and answered questions of the Commission.
The President opened the public comment.
Applicant’s representative spoke regarding their request to modify
Conditions of Approval by deleting the Bureau of Engineering’s requirement,
Condition C-1a, regarding street improvement on Avenue San Luis. He also
answered questions of the Commission.
The President closed the public comment.
The Commission deliberated.
Motion: Grant the appeal in part; by modifying Conditions of
Approval C-1a; sustain the findings and other conditions of
the Deputy Advisory Agency; and adopt ENV 2005-1538-MND.
Moved: Murley
Seconded: Andros
Ayes: Cochran, Epstein
Absent: Romero
VOTE: 4-0
SOUTH VALLEY AREA 3 February 08, 2007
PLANNING COMMISSION
4. TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 67643-1A
CEQA: ENV 2006-8290-MND Council District: 2
Plan: Sherman Oaks-Studio City- Location: 4513-4521 North Fulton Avenue
Toluca Lake-Cahuenga Pass Expiration Date: 01/17/07 ext.
Appeal Status: Further appealable to City
Council
PUBLIC HEARING
AN APPEAL, of the entire decision by the Deputy Advisory Agency in approving
Tentative Tract 67643 for the demolition of a 16-unit apartment, for the construction
of an 18-unit condominium in the R3-1 zone with a total of 45 parking spaces
(2.5 parking ratio).
APPLICANT: Tala Associates
APPELLANTS: Lisa Seidmon (Representing 40 Neighbors)
STAFF RECOMMENDED DENIAL OF APPEAL.
Nick Polimeni (818) 374-5046
Staff presented the case and answered questions of the Commission.
The President opened the public hearing.
Appellant’s representative testified for the appeal referring to her letter dated
February 8, 2007.
Applicant’s representative and one speaker testified for the project.
Fourteen speakers, including a representative from the Neighborhood Council,
testified in support of the appeal
Both representatives of the applicant and appellant rebutted.
Department of Transportation representative testified in response to the community’s
concerns on traffic issues and answered questions of the Commission.
Council District representative testified in support of the appeal and recommended
a continuance to allow more time for review of the CEQA clearance and other issues.
The President closed the public hearing.
Motion: Continue the public hearing on March 8, 2007 to allow time
for review of the CEQA clearance and other issues.
SOUTH VALLEY AREA 4 February 08, 2007
PLANNING COMMISSION
Moved: Romero
Seconded: Murley
Ayes: Andros, Cochran, Epstein
VOTE: 5-0
5. DIR-2003-8567-DRB-SPP
CEQA: ENV-2003-8568-CE Council District: 5
Plan: Sherman Oaks-Studio City-Toluca- Location: 3721 N. Ventura Canyon Avenue
Lake-Cahuenga Pass Expiration Date: 02/12/07
Appeal Status: Not further appealable
to City Council
PUBLIC HEARING
AN APPEAL, of the Director of Planning’s Disapproval of Design Review and
Project Permit Compliance, pursuant to Section 11.A , of the Mulholland
Scenic Parkway Specific Plan.
PROJECT: Construction of a new 4,534 square-foot (including an 849 square-foot,
attached two-car garage/stair entry/storage level), two-story over garage, single
family residence, on a 13,995 square-foot lot. The maximum proposed building height
is 36 feet. The project is in the Outer Corridor, downslope, and not visible from
Mulholland Drive.
APPLICANT: Kemyar Tafreshi
Reuben Walters, Representative
STAFF RECOMMENDED DENIAL OF APPEAL.
Daniel O’Donnell (818) 374-5066
Staff presented the case.
The Vice President opened the public hearing.
An attorney representing the neighborhood and five other speakers testified against
the project and in support of the Planning staff recommendation.
Applicant himself testified for the project and answered questions of the Commission.
Representative from the neighborhood rebutted.
Council District representative testified in support of the staff recommendation to deny
the appeal.
The Vice President closed the public hearing.
The Commission deliberated.
SOUTH VALLEY AREA 5 February 08, 2007
PLANNING COMMISSION
Motion: Deny the appeal; sustain the determination of the Director
of Planning and adopt the findings.
Moved: Andros
Seconded: Romero
Ayes: Cochran, Murley
Recused: Epstein
VOTE: 4-0
6. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
None
There being no further business to come before the South Valley Area Planning Commission,
the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
______________________________________
Matt Epstein, President
_____________________________________
Fely C, Pingol, Commission Executive Assistant
South Valley Area Planning Commission
Adopted on ______030807________________________
SOUTH VALLEY AREA 6 February 08, 2007
PLANNING COMMISSION
Agenda
Informacion en Español acerca de esta junta puede ser obtenida llamando al (213) 978-1300.
SOUTH VALLEY AREA PLANNING COMMISSION
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 08, 2007, 4:30 P.M.
MARVIN BRAUDE CONSTITUENT CENTER
6262 VAN NUYS BOULEVARD, FIRST FLOOR
VAN NUYS, CA 91401
Matt Epstein, President
Gordon Murley, Vice President
George Andros, Commissioner
Steve Cochran, Commissioner
Barbara Romero, Commissioner
Fely C. Pingol, Commission Executive Assistant
(213) 978-1300; FAX (213) 978-1029
EVERY PERSON WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION MUST COMPLETE A SPEAKER’S
REQUEST FORM AT THE MEETING AND SUBMIT IT TO THE COMMISSION EXECUTIVE
ASSISTANT.
POLICY FOR DESIGNATED PUBLIC HEARING ITEM NOS. 4 AND 5:
Pursuant to the Commission’s general operating procedures, the Commission at times must necessarily
limit the speaking times of those presenting testimony on either side of an issue that is designated as a
public hearing item. All requests to address the Commission on public hearing items must be submitted
prior to the Commission’s consideration of the item.
TIME SEGMENTS noted * herein are approximate. Some items may be delayed due to length of
discussion of previous items.
To ensure that the Commission has ample opportunity to review written materials, members of the
public who wish to submit written materials on agendized items should submit them to the
Commission Office, 200 North Spring Street, Room 532, Los Angeles, CA 90012, at least 10 days
prior to the meeting at which the item is to be heard in order to meet the mailing deadline.
The Commission may RECONSIDER and alter its action taken on items listed herein at any time during
this meeting or during the next regular meeting, in accordance with the Commission Policies and
Procedures and provided that the Commission retains jurisdiction over the case..
AGENDAS are posted for public review in the Main Street lobby of City Hall East, 200 No. Main Street,
Los Angeles, California, and are accessible through the Internet World Wide Web at
http://www.lacity.org/pln/index.htm.
If you challenge these agenda items in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or
someone else raised at the public hearing agendized here, or in written correspondence on these matters
delivered to this agency at or prior to the public hearing.
If you seek judicial review of any decision of the City pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure
Section 1094.5, the petition for writ of mandate pursuant to that section must be filed no later than
the 90th day following the date on which the City's decision became final pursuant to California Code
of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6. There may be other time limits which also affect your ability to seek
judicial review.
GLOSSARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL TERMS:
CEQA - Calif. Environmental Quality Act ND - Negative Declaration
EIR - Environmental Impact Report MND - Mitigated Negative Declaration
CE - Categorical Exemption
1. DEPARTMENTAL REPORT - ITEMS OF INTEREST
2. COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. Advance Calendar
B. Commission Requests
3. AA- 2005-1537-PMLA-M-A1
Related Case: ZA-2005-1715-ZAA
CEQA: ENV 2005-1715-MND Council District: 3
Plan Canoga Park-Winnetka-Woodland Location: 22276-22266 West Avenue
Hills-West Hills San Luis
Expiration Date: 01/30/07
Appeal Status: Not further appealable to
City Council .
PUBLIC HEARING COMPLETED AUGUST 04, 2005
AN APPEAL, in part of the Advisory Agency’s approval, of a request to delete the
Bureau of Engineering requirements to improve Avenue San Luis to Hillside Collector
Street Standards, for the proposed two-parcel single-family subdivision of one 15,300
square-foot lot in the R1-1 zone..
APPLICANT: Michael Gesas, Owner
APPELLANT: Michael Gesas, Owner
STAFF RECOMMENDS GRANTING OF APPEAL IN PART BY MODIFYING
CONDITION 1A.
Lynn Harper (213) 978-1310
SOUTH VALLEY AREA 2
PLANNING COMMISSION February 08, 2007
4. TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 67643-1A
CEQA: ENV 2006-8290-MND Council District: 2
Plan: Sherman Oaks-Studio City- Location: 4513-4521 North Fulton Avenue
Toluca Lake-Cahuenga Pass Expiration Date: 01/17/07 ext.
Appeal Status: Further appealable to City
Council
PUBLIC HEARING
AN APPEAL, of the entire decision by the Deputy Advisory Agency in approving
Tentative Tract 67643 for the demolition of a 16-unit apartment, for the construction
of an 18-unit condominium in the R3-1 zone with a total of 45 parking spaces
(2.5 parking ratio).
APPLICANT: Tala Associates
APPELLANTS: Lisa Seidmon (Representing 40 Neighbors)
STAFF RECOMMENDS DENIAL OF APPEAL.
Nick Polimeni (818) 374-5046
5. DIR-2003-8567-DRB-SPP
CEQA: ENV-2003-8568-CE Council District: 5
Plan: Sherman Oaks-Studio City-Toluca- Location: 3721 N. Ventura Canyon Avenue
Lake-Cahuenga Pass Expiration Date: 02/12/07
Appeal Status: Not further appealable
to City Council
PUBLIC HEARING
AN APPEAL, of the Director of Planning’s Disapproval of Design Review and
Project Permit Compliance, pursuant to Section 11.A , of the Mulholland
Scenic Parkway Specific Plan.
PROJECT: Construction of a new 4,534 square-foot (including an 849 square-foot,
attached two-car garage/stair entry/storage level), two-story over garage, single
family residence, on a 13,995 square-foot lot. The maximum proposed building height
is 36 feet. The project is in the Outer Corridor, downslope, and not visible from
Mulholland Drive.
APPLICANT: Kemyar Tafreshi
Reuben Walters, Representative
STAFF RECOMMENDS DENIAL OF APPEAL.
Daniel O’Donnell (818) 374-5066
SOUTH VALLEY AREA 3 February 08, 2007
PLANNING COMMISSION
6.. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The Area Planning Commission shall provide an opportunity in open meetings for the
public to address it, on items of interest to the public that are within the subject matter
jurisdiction of the Area Planning Commission. (This requirement is in addition to any other
hearing required or imposed by law.) Persons making requests are encouraged to do so
in writing and should submit 10 copies to the Area Planning Commission for its
consideration.
Persons wishing to speak must submit a speaker’s request form prior to the
commencement of the public comment period.
Individual testimony within the public comment period shall be limited to five (5) minutes
per person and up to ten (10) minutes per subject.
The next regular meeting of the South Valley Area Planning Commission
will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2007
at the Marvin Braude Constituent Center
6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91401
An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer
As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los
Angeles does not discriminate. The meeting facility and its parking are wheelchair
accessible. Sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, or other auxiliary aids
and/or other services may be provided upon request. To ensure availability of services,
please make your request no later than three working days (72 hours) prior to the meeting
by calling the Commission Executive Assistant at (213) 978-1300.
SOUTH VALLEY AREA 4 February 08, 2007
PLANNING COMMISSION
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