Area Planning Commission

Informacion en Español acerca de esta junta puede ser obtenida llamando al (213) 978-1300 CENTRAL AREA PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013, After 4:30 P.M. th CITY HALL, 10 FLOOR ROOM 1060 200 NORTH SPRING STREET LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 Franklin Acevedo, President Chanchanit Martorell, Vice President Marsha L. Brown, Commissioner Young Kim, Commissioner Samantha L. Millman, Commissioner James K. Williams, Commission Executive II (213) 978-1300 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(S): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. 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 on the item. TIME SEGMENTS noted * herein are approximate. Some items may be delayed due to length of discussion of previous items. 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 or by e-mail at APCCentral@lacity.org. To ensure that the Commission has ample opportunity to review written materials, members of the public who wish to submit written materials on agenda items should submit them to the Commission office, 200 North Spring Street, Room 272, Los Angeles, CA 900152, 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 N. Main Street, Los Angeles, California, and are accessible through the internet World Wide Web at http://www.planning.lacity.org/pln/index.htm. In the case of a Commission meeting cancellation, all items shall be continued to the next regular meeting date or beyond, as long as the continuance is within the legal time limits of the case or cases. If you challenge these agenda items in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at this public hearing, 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 th 1094.5, the petition for writ of mandate pursuant to that section must be filed no later than the 90 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 – California Environmental Quality Act MND – Mitigated Negative Declaration CE – Categorical Exemption ND – Negative Declaration EIR – Environmental Impact Report 1. DIRECTOR'S REPORT A. Items of interest: 2. COMMISSION BUSINESS A. Advanced Calendar B. Commission Requests C. Minutes of Meeting – October 22, 2013 D. Election of Officers (Continued from October 22, 2013) 3. ZA-2012-3076-ZV-ZAA-ZAD-1A Council District: 4 – LaBonge CEQA: ENV-2012-3077-ND Expiration Date: 12-24-13 Plan: Hollywood Appeal Status: ZV further appealable to City Council approved PUBLIC HEARING LOCATION: 1953 ALEXANDRIA AVENUE REQUESTED ACTION: An appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to deny pursuant to Section 12.27-B of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, a Zone Variance from Section 12.09-A.2 to permit the conversion of a first floor consisting of non-habitable space into an additional dwelling unit resulting in a total of three dwelling units in lieu of the maximum of two units permitted on the R2 Zoned property; deny a Zone Variance from Section 12.21-A,5(i)(1) to permit automobiles to back out onto a street or sidewalk to leave the parking stall or driveway where such parking stall or driveway serves more than two dwellings; deny a Zoning Administrator’s Adjustment from the following: Section 12.21-C,5 to permit accessory structures (garage and a trash enclosure) within the front yard setback in the Hillside area; Section 12.21-C,1(g) to permit a trash enclosure of 8 feet 10 inches in height and the third retaining wall of 11 feet in height to be constructed in the front yard in lieu of the maximum permitted height of 3 feet 6 inches and to permit more than 50 percent of the front yard to be paved for driveways; Section 12.21-C5(d) to permit a separation between the proposed parking garage and the dwelling of 4 feet in lieu of 10 feet; Section 12.21-C,2(b) to permit a passageway of 4 feet in lieu of the 12 feet required for a three-story building; and Section 12.09-C,2 to permit a side yard of 4 feet in the side yard for the trash enclosure in lieu of 5 feet; and to permit the continued maintenance of 4-foot 6-inch and 5-foot 2-inch side yards in lieu of 6 feet otherwise required; deny pursuant to Section 12.24-X,26 a Zoning Administrator’s Determination to allow a third retaining wall of 11 feet in height in lieu of one retaining wall with a maximum height of 12 feet or two retaining walls with maximum heights of 10 feet with a minimum horizontal distance between them of 3 feet otherwise permitted by Section 12.21-C,8 of the Code: all in conjunction with the conversion of the first floor of an existing duplex into a dwelling unit resulting in a total of three dwelling units, and the construction of a new two-car garage in addition to an existing two-car garage on a lot zoned R2; Not Adopt the recommendation of the lead agency to adopt Negative Declaration ENV-2012-3077-ND as the environmental clearance for this action. Central Los Angeles Area 2 December 10, 2013 Planning Commission  Applicant: Carl Bryan Walsingham Rep.: Michael Woodward Appellant: Same RECOMMENDED ACTION: Sustain the Zoning Administrator’s decision to deny pursuant to Section 12.27-B of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, a Zone Variance from Section 12.09-A.2 to permit the conversion of a first floor consisting of non-habitable space into an additional dwelling unit resulting in a total of three dwelling units in lieu of the maximum of two units permitted on the R2 Zoned property; deny a Zone Variance from Section 12.21-A,5(i)(1) to permit automobiles to back out onto a street or sidewalk to leave the parking stall or driveway where such parking stall or driveway serves more than two dwellings; deny a Zoning Administrator’s Adjustment from the following: Section 12.21-C,5 to permit accessory structures (garage and a trash enclosure) within the front yard setback in the Hillside area; Section 12.21-C,1(g) to permit a trash enclosure of 8 feet 10 inches in height and the third retaining wall of 11 feet in height to be constructed in the front yard in lieu of the maximum permitted height of 3 feet 6 inches and to permit more than 50 percent of the front yard to be paved for driveways; Section 12.21-C5(d) to permit a separation between the proposed parking garage and the dwelling of 4 feet in lieu of 10 feet; Section 12.21-C,2(b) to permit a passageway of 4 feet in lieu of the 12 feet required for a three-story building; and Section 12.09-C,2 to permit a side yard of 4 feet in the side yard for the trash enclosure in lieu of 5 feet; and to permit the continued maintenance of 4-foot 6-inch and 5-foot 2-inch side yards in lieu of 6 feet otherwise required; deny pursuant to Section 12.24-X,26 a Zoning Administrator’s Determination to allow a third retaining wall of 11 feet in height in lieu of one retaining wall with a maximum height of 12 feet or two retaining walls with maximum heights of 10 feet with a minimum horizontal distance between them of 3 feet otherwise permitted by Section 12.21-C,8 of the Code: all in conjunction with the conversion of the first floor of an existing duplex into a dwelling unit resulting in a total of three dwelling units, and the construction of a new two-car garage in addition to an existing two-car garage on a lot zoned R2; Not Adopt the recommendation of the lead agency to adopt Negative Declaration ENV-2012-3077-ND as the environmental clearance for this action. Staff: Sue Chang (213) 978-1318 4. ZA-2012-912-CUB-CUX-1A Council District: 14 – Huizar CEQA: ENV-2012-913-MND Expiration Date: 12-10-13 Ext. Plan: Central City Appeal Status: Not further appealable PUBLIC HEARING – Continued from the June 25, and September 24, 2013 meeting LOCATION: 501 W. 9TH STREET, 843-861 S. GRAND AVENUE REQUESTED ACTION: An appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve, a Conditional Use to permit the sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption, with live entertainment and patron dancing and the maintenance and operation of a health spa located in two sites within the basement with spa and massage treatment rooms in conjunction with the reopening of a 183 room hotel with a ground floor restaurant, a ground floor bar/lounge, the reuse of an existing theatre for live entertainment, banquets and dancing, a basement event center, a basement lounge, an outdoor garden bar, a rooftop bar and pool deck and in-room alcohol access cabinets in the [Q]R5-4D Zone. Consideration of Mitigated Negative Declaration No. ENV-2012-913-MND. Central Los Angeles Area 3 December 10, 2013 Planning Commission  Applicant: Embassy Partners, LLC Rep.: Elizabeth Peterson, EPG, Inc. Appellant: Unite Here, Local 11 Rep.: Rachel Torres RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1. Deny the appeal. 2. Sustain the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve a Conditional Use to permit the sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption, with live entertainment and patron dancing and the maintenance and operation of a health spa located in two sites within the basement with spa and massage treatment rooms in conjunction with the reopening of a 183 room hotel with a ground floor restaurant, a ground floor bar/lounge, the reuse of an existing theatre for live entertainment, banquets and dancing, a basement event center, a basement lounge, an outdoor garden bar, a rooftop bar and pool deck and in-room alcohol access cabinets in the [Q]R5-4D Zone. 3. Adopt the Findings of the Zoning Administrator. 4. Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration No. ENV-2012-913-MND as the environmental clearance for this action. Staff: Charles Rausch (213) 978-1318 5. ZA-2012-520-CUB-CUX-1A Council District: 14 – Huizar CEQA: ENV-2012-521-MND Expiration Date: 12-10-13 Ext. Plan: Central City Appeal Status: Not further appealable PUBLIC HEARING - Continued from the May 14, July 23, and September 24, 2013 meetings LOCATION: 418-434 S. HILL STREET REQUESTED ACTION: An appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve a Conditional use pursuant to Sections 12.24-W,1; 12.24-W,18(a); and 12.24-W,18(c) to permit: the sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages in three restaurants, a banquet center, a lobby bar and in in-room mini-bars in the renovated Hotel Clark; public dancing within the hotel banquet center and on the outdoor second level pool deck; and the maintenance and operation of a health spa with massage treatment rooms within the Hotel. Consideration of Mitigated Negative Declaration No. ENV-2012-521-MND as the environmental clearance for this action. Applicant: Clark Street Realty Associates, LLC Rep.: Elizabeth Peterson Group, Inc. Appellant: Unite Here Local 11 Rep.: Melanie Luthern RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1. Deny the appeal. 2. Sustain the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.24-W,1; Section 12.24-W, 18(a); and 12.24-W,18(c) of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, a Conditional Use to permit: the sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages in three restaurants, a banquet center, a lobby bar and in-room mini-bars, public dancing in the hotel banquet room and the pool deck dance floor and Central Los Angeles Area 4 December 10, 2013 Planning Commission  the maintenance and operation of a spa with massage treatment rooms in the Hotel Clark. 3. Adopt the Findings of the Zoning Administrator. 4. Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration No. ENV-2012-521-MND as the environmental clearance for this action. Staff: Charles Rausch Jr. (213) 978-1318 6. ZA-2013-1165-ZAA-SPR-1A Council District: 4 – LaBonge CEQA: ENV-2013-1166-MND Expiration Date: 1-11-14 Plan: Wilshire Appeal Status: Not further Related Case: ZA-2013-1169-PAD-1A appealable PUBLIC HEARING LOCATION: 950 S. FAIRFAX AVENUE REQUESTED ACTION: An appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve pursuant to Section 12.28 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, an Adjustment to permit a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.8 times the buildable are of the lot in lieu of the maximum 1.5 FAR otherwise permitted by Section 12.21.1-A in the C2 Zone and an adjustment to permit a 1-foot side yard in lieu of 7 feet otherwise required by Section 12.10-C,2 in the R3 Zone along the site’s alley frontage, to approve a Site Plan Review to allow the use, construction and maintenance of 149 dwelling units and to adopt Negative Declaration ENV-2013-1166-MND as the environmental clearance for this action. Applicant: Andrew Colquitt, Alliance Realty Partners Rep.: Matt Dzurec, Armbruster, Goldsmith & Delvac, LLP Appellant: Barbara Meiers RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1. Deny the appeal. 2. Sustain the approval of the Zoning Administrator. 3. Adopt the Findings of the Zoning Administrator. 4. Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration No. ENV-2013-1166-MND. Staff: Fernando Tovar (213) 978-1303 7. ZA-2013-1169-PAD-1A Council District: 4 – LaBonge CEQA: ENV-2013-1166-MND Expiration Date: 1-11-14 Plan: Wilshire Appeal Status: Not further Related Case: ZA-2013-1165-ZAA-SPR-1A appealable PUBLIC HEARING LOCATION: 910 S. FAIRFAX AVENUE REQUESTED ACTION: An appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve pursuant to Section 12.24-N of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, plans for a Reduction of Site previously approved under Case No. CUZ-1977-185-PAD) to reduce the lot area from 123,119 square feet to 49,124 Central Los Angeles Area 5 December 10, 2013 Planning Commission  square feet (approximately 24,579 square feet in the C2 Zone and approximately 24,545 square feet in the R3 Zone) and to reduce the building floor area from 55,717 square feet to 36,863 square feet all in the C2 Zone.; to adopt Negative Declaration ENV 2013-1166-MND as the environmental clearance for this action. Applicant: Lawrence B. Gill, Shalhevet High School Rep.: Craig Lawson and Co., LLC Appellant: Barbara Meiers RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1. Deny the appeal. 2. Sustain the approval of the Zoning Administrator. 3. Adopt the Findings of the Zoning Administrator. 4. Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration No. ENV-2013-1166-MND. Staff: Fernando Tovar (213) 978-1303 8. AA-2013-1206-PMLA-1A Council District: 4 – LaBonge CEQA: ENV-2013-2018-MND Expiration Date: 12-10-13 Plan: Hollywood Appeal Status: Not further appealable PUBLIC HEARING LOCATION: 806 N. LAS PALMAS AVENUE PROPOSED PROJECT: A Parcel map to subdivide a 6,354 net square-foot parcel in the RD1.5-XL Zone into four (4) lots for construction, use and maintenance of four (4) single family dwellings, each with a 2- car garage. The project involves demolition of a single family residence, a concrete driveway, and several trees including one oak tree. REQUESTED ACTION: An appeal of the Deputy Advisory Agency’s decision approving a parcel map request to subdivide a 6,354 net square-foot parcel in the RD1.5-XL Zone into four (4) lots, pursuant to Ordinance No. 176,354 for the construction, use and maintenance of four (4) single family dwellings, each with a 2-car garage. Applicant: Quattour Investments, LLC Appellant: Don Hunt, South Hollywood Neighborhood Association RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1. Deny the appeal. 2. Sustain the approval of the Deputy Advisory Agency. 3. Adopt the Findings of the Deputy Advisory Agency. 4. Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration No. ENV-2013-2018-MND. Staff: Theodore Irving (213) 978-1366 Central Los Angeles Area 6 December 10, 2013 Planning Commission 9. 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 Central, Area Planning Commission will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at City Hall 200 North Spring Street, 10th Floor Los Angeles, California 90012 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 or by e-mail at APCCentral@lacity.org. Central Los Angeles Area 7 December 10, 2013 Planning Commission