Area Planning Commission
Regular MeetingLos Angeles, CA · February 17, 2016
Minutes
OFFICIAL
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission Minutes
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Henry Medina West L.A. Parking Enforcement Facility
11214 W. Exposition Boulevard, Second Floor, Roll Call Room
Los Angeles, CA 90064
MINUTES OF THE WEST LOS ANGELES AREA PLANNING COMMISSION HEREIN ARE
REPORTED IN ACTION FORMAT. COMPLETE DETAILS, INCLUDING THE DISCUSSION,
RELATING TO EACH ITEM ARE CONTAINED IN THE AUDIO RECORDING FOR THIS
MEETING. AUDIO RECORDINGS ARE AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING CENTRAL
PUBLICATIONS, AT (213) 978-1255 AND ARE ALSO ACCESSIBLE ONLINE AT
planning.lacity.org.
The meeting was called to order by President Thomas Donovan at 4:49 p.m., with Commissioners
Joseph Halper, Esther Margulies, Marian Merritt, and Lisa Waltz Morocco present.
_________________________________
ITEM NO. 1
DEPARTMENTAL REPORT
Senior Planner Theodore Irving spoke on the Mobility Plan and Small Lot Ordinances.
_________________________________
ITEM NO. 2
COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. Advance Calendar
B. Commission Requests
Building & Safety to speak on Orders to Comply.
C. Approval of the Minutes – February 3, 2016 - Postponed to the March 2, Meeting
_________________________________
Commissioner Donovan announced that Item No. 7 would be taken out of order to consider a
continuation request.
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ITEM NO. 7
ZA-2015-1473-CDP-1A
CEQA: ENV-2013-3872-ND Council District: 11 – Bonin
Community Plan: Venice Last Day to Act: N/A
PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED.
PROJECT SITE: 1217 – 1219 South Cabrillo Avenue
IN ATTENDANCE
Jon Foreman, Senior City Planner, representing the Planning Department; Justin Block, the
applicant’s representatives, Robin Rudisill, appellant.
MOTION:
To continue the matter to March 16, 2016.
Moved: Margulies
Seconded: Merritt
Ayes: Donovan, Halper, and Waltz Morocco
Vote: 5-0
MOTION PASSED
_________________________________
Commissioner Donovan announced that Items No. 3 and 4 would be heard together, as they are
related, but a separate action would be taken for each matter.
_____________________________________
ITEMS NO. 3 and 4
ZA-2014-1710-CDP-1A
CEQA: ENV-2014-1711-CE Council District: 11 – Bonin
Community Plan: Venice Last Day to Act: 02-17-16
Related Case: DIR-2015-3337-MEL-1A
PUBLIC HEARING – Continued from October 7, 2015 and December 16, 2015
PROJECT SITE: 920 Superba Avenue
DIR-2015-3337-MEL-1A
CEQA: ENV-2014-1711-CE Council District: 11 – Bonin
Community Plan: Venice Last Day to Act: 02-17-16
Related Case: Related Case: ZA-2014-1710-CDP-1A
PUBLIC HEARING – Continued from October 7, 2015 and December 16, 2015
PROJECT SITE: 920 Superba Avenue
IN ATTENDANCE:
Theodore Irving, Senior City Planner, and Kevin Jones, City Planner, representing the Planning
Department; Todd Nelson and Mike Jolly, the applicant’s representatives, Sue Kaplan and Robin
Rudisill, the appellants.
MOTION FOR ZA-2014-1710-CDP-1A:
Commissioner Margulies put forth the actions below in conjunction with the following project:
West Los Angeles 2 February 17, 2016
Area Planning Commission
A Coastal Development Permit authorizing the demolition of an existing single-family dwelling and
the construction of a new, approximately 3,326 square-foot, two-story, single-family dwelling with
an attached two-car garage and rooftop deck.
1. Deny the appeal in part and grant the appeal in part to modify the Conditions of Approval.
2. Sustain the decision of the Zoning Administrator to approve a Coastal Development
Permit authorizing the demolition of an existing single-family dwelling and the construction
of a new, approximately 3,326 square-foot, two-story, single-family dwelling with an
attached two-car garage and rooftop deck, in the single permit jurisdiction of the California
Coastal Zone.
3. Adopt the modified Conditions of Approval.
4. Adopt the Findings.
5. Affirm that Categorically Exemption No. ENV-2014-171 1-CE is adequate environmental
clearance for the project.
Commissioner Waltz Morocco seconded the motion and vote proceeded as follows:
Moved: Margulies
Seconded: Waltz-Morocco
Ayes: Donovan, Halper, Merritt
Vote: 5–0
Motion Passed
MOTION FOR DIR-2015-3337-MEL-1A:
Commissioner Merritt put forth the actions below in conjunction with the following project:
A Planning Director’s Mello Act Compliance Determination.
1. Deny the appeal.
2. Sustain the decision of the Director of Planning in approving a Mello Act Compliance
Determination for the demolition of a Residential Unit and construction of a new Residential
Unit; finding that no affordable units exist at 920 Superba and that the proposed development
of one new Residential Unit is Categorically Exempt No. ENV-2014-1711-CE, pursuant to Part
2.4.2 of the Interim Mello Act Administrative Procedures.
4. Adopt the Conditions of Approval.
5. Adopt the amended Findings.
Commissioner Waltz Morocco seconded the motion and vote proceeded as follows:
Moved: Merritt
Seconded: Margulies
Ayes: Donovan, Halper, Waltz-Morocco
Vote: 5-0
Motion Passed
_________________________________
Commissioner Donovan announced that Items No. 5 and 6 would be heard together, as they are
related, but a separate action would be taken for each matter.
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Area Planning Commission
_____________________________________
ITEM NO. 5 and 6
ZA-2014-3174-CDP-1A
CEQA: ENV-2014-3175-CE Council District: 11 – Bonin
Community Plan: Venice Last Day to Act: 02-17-16
PUBLIC HEARING – Continued from October 21, 2015 and December 16, 2015
PROJECT SITE: 733 West Oxford Avenue
ZA-2014-3176-CDP-1A
CEQA: ENV-2014-3175-CE Council District: 11 – Bonin
Community Plan: Venice Last Day to Act: 02-17-16
PUBLIC HEARING – Continued from October 21, 2015 and December 16, 2015
PROJECT SITE: 731 West Oxford Avenue
IN ATTENDANCE
Theodore Irving, Senior City Planner, representing the Planning Department; Steve Kaplan and
Howard Robinson, the applicant’s representatives, Robin Rudisill and Steve Freedman,
appellants, and Rob Glushon, the appellants’ representative.
MOTION FOR ZA-2014-3174-CDP-1A:
Commissioner Halper put forth the actions below in conjunction with the following project:
A Coastal Development Permit authorizing the construction of a new single-family dwelling.
1. Deny the appeal in part and granted the appeal in part to modify the Conditions of Approval.
2. Sustain the action of the Zoning Administrator in approving, pursuant to Los Angeles
Municipal Code Section 12.20.2, a Coastal Development Permit authorizing the construction
of a new single-family dwelling within the single-jurisdiction area of the California Coastal
Zone.
4. Adopt the attached modified Conditions of Approval.
5. Adopt the attached Findings.
6. Find Categorical Exemption No. ENV-2014-3175-CE to be adequate environmental
clearance for the project.
Commissioner Margulies seconded the motion and the vote proceeded as follows:
Moved: Halper
Seconded: Margulies
Ayes: Donovan, Merritt, Waltz Morocco
Vote: 5-0
MOTION PASSED
MOTION FOR ZA-2014-3176-CDP-1A:
Commissioner Halper put forth the actions below in conjunction with the following project:
1. Deny the appeal in part and grant the appeal in part to modify the Conditions of Approval.
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Area Planning Commission
Agenda
Información en Espanol acerca de esta junta puede ser obtenida Ilamando al (213) 978-1300
WEST LOS ANGELES AREA PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016, after 4:30 P.M.
HENRY MEDINA WEST L.A. PARKING ENFORCEMENT FACILITY
11214 W. EXPOSITION BOULEVARD, SECOND FLOOR, ROLL CALL ROOM
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, 90064
Thomas Donovan, President
Esther Margulies, Vice President
Joseph W. Halper, Commissioner
Marian Merritt, Commissioner
Lisa Waltz Morocco, Commissioner James K. Williams, Commission Executive Assistant II
EVERY PERSON WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION MUST COMPLETE A SPEAKER’S REQUEST
FORM AND SUBMIT IT TO THE COMMISSION EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT.
POLICY FOR DESIGNATED PUBLIC HEARING ITEM No(s) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
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.
In all instances, however, approximately equal time is allowed for presentation of pros and cons of matters to be
acted upon. 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, all concerned parties
who wish to submit written materials on agendized items should submit them to the Commission Office,
200 North Spring Street, Room 532, Los Angeles, 90012, at least 10 days prior to the meeting at which the
item is to be heard, in order to meet the mailing deadline. Note: Materials received after the mailing
deadline will be placed in the official case file. Telephone (213) 978-1300.
Day of hearing submissions (10 copies must be provided) are limited to 2 pages plus accompanying
photographs, posters, and PowerPoint presentations of 5 minutes or less.
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.planning.lacity.org.
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 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
A. Items of interest
2. COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. Advance Calendar
B. Commission Requests
C. Minutes of Meeting – February 3, 2016
3. ZA-2014-1710-CDP-1A Council District: 11 – Bonin
CEQA: ENV-2014-1711-CE Plan: Venice
Related Case: DIR-2015-3337-MEL-1A Expiration Date: 2-17-16 (Extended)
Appeal Status: Not further appealable
PUBLIC HEARING – Continued from the October 7, 2015 and December 16, 2015
meetings
Location: 920 SUPERBA AVENUE
Requested Action:
An appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision, pursuant to Los Angeles Municipal
Code Section 12.20.2, to approve a Coastal Development Permit authorizing the
demolition of an existing single-family dwelling and the construction of a new,
approximately 3,326 square-foot, two-story, single-family dwelling with an attached two-
car garage and rooftop deck, in the single permit jurisdiction of the California Coastal
Zone, and to adopt the action of the Lead Agency in issuing Categorical Exemption
ENV-2014-1711-CE as the environmental clearance for the subject action.
APPLICANT: Chris Mitchell, CAI Multi-Unit PCI, LLC
Representative: Dave Wyrick, Crown Acquisitions, Inc.
APPELLANT: Sue Kaplan, Lydia Ponce, Robin Rudisill, Gabriel Ruspini
Recommended Action:
1. Deny the appeal.
2. Sustain the decision of the Zoning Administrator to approve a Coastal Development
Permit authorizing the demolition of an existing single-family dwelling and the
construction of a new, approximately 3,326 square-foot, two-story, single-family
dwelling with an attached two-car garage and rooftop deck, in the single permit
jurisdiction of the California Coastal Zone.
3. Adopt the Findings of the Zoning Administrator.
4. Affirm that Categorical Exemption No. ENV-2014-1711-CE is adequate
environmental clearance for the project.
Staff: Theodore Irving (213) 978-1366
West Los Angeles 2 February 17, 2016
Area Planning Commission
4. DIR-2015-3337-MEL-1A Council District: 11 – Bonin
CEQA: ENV-2014-1711-CE Plan: Venice
Related Case: ZA-2014-1710-CDP-1A Expiration Date: 2-17-16 (Extended)
Appeal Status: Not further appealable
PUBLIC HEARING – Continued from the October 7, 2015 and December 16, 2015
meetings
Location: 920 SUPERBA AVENUE
Requested Action:
An appeal of the Director of Planning’s Mello Act Compliance Determination pursuant to
California Government Code Sections 65590 and 65590.1 (commonly called the Mello
Act) and the City of Los Angeles Interim Administrative Procedures for complying with
the Mello Act. Consideration of Categorical Exemption No. ENV-2014-1711-CE.
APPLICANT: Chris Mitchell, CAI Multi-Unit PCI, LLC
Representative: Todd Nelson, Armbruster, Goldsmith & Delvac, LLP
APPELLANT: Robin Rudisill, Lydia Ponce, Sue Kaplan, Gabriel Ruspini (POWER)
Recommended Action:
1. Deny the appeal.
2. Sustain the Determination of the Director of Planning in approving a Mello Act
Compliance Determination for the demolition of a Residential Unit and construction
of a new Residential Unit; finding that no affordable units exist at 920 Superba and
that the proposed development of one new Residential Unit is Categorically Exempt
No. ENV-2014-1711-CE, pursuant to Part 2.4.2 of the Interim Mello Act
Administrative Procedures.
Staff: Kevin Jones (213) 978-1366
5. ZA-2014-3174-CDP-1A Council District: 11 – Bonin
CEQA: ENV-2014-3175-CE Plan: Venice
Expiration Date: 2-17-16 (Extended)
Appeal Status: Not further appealable
PUBLIC HEARING – Continued from the October 21, 2015 and December 16, 2015
meetings
Location: 733 W. OXFORD AVENUE
Requested Action:
An appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve pursuant to Los Angeles
Municipal Code Section 12.20.2 a Coastal Development Permit authorizing the
construction of a new single-family dwelling within the single-jurisdiction area of the
California Coastal Zone. Consideration of Categorical Exemption No. ENV-2014-3175-
CE.
APPLICANT: 733 Oxford, LLC
Representative: Howard Robinson & Associates, LLC
APPELLANT: Barbara Duker and (Yumio Dornberg, Robin Rudisill, Steve Freedman,
West Los Angeles 3 February 17, 2016
Area Planning Commission
Kara Steiniger, Judith Wyluda, David Karlsberg, Francesca Bress, Eric
Bress, Nancy Poertner, Michael Benveniste, Genoveva Orona, Pamela
Michaels, Alexandra Jamison)
Recommended Action:
1. Deny the appeal.
2. Sustain the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve pursuant to Los Angeles
Municipal Code Section 12.20.2 a Coastal Development Permit authorizing the
construction of a new single-family dwelling within the single-jurisdiction area of the
California Coastal Zone.
3. Adopt the Conditions of Approval.
4. Adopt the Findings.
5. Affirm that Categorical Exemption No. ENV-2014-3175-CE is adequate
environmental clearance for the project.
Staff: Theodore Irving (213) 978-1318
6. ZA-2014-3176-CDP-1A Council District: 11 – Bonin
CEQA: ENV-2014-3177-CE Plan: Venice
Expiration Date: 2-17-16 (Extended)
Appeal Status: Not further appealable
PUBLIC HEARING – Continued from the October 21, 2015 and December 16, 2015
meetings
Location: 731 W. OXFORD AVENUE
Requested Action:
An appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve pursuant to Los Angeles
Municipal Code Section 12.20.2 a Coastal Development Permit authorizing the
construction of a new single-family dwelling within the single-jurisdiction area of the
California Coastal Zone. Consideration of Categorical Exemption No. ENV-2014-3177-
CE.
APPLICANT: 733 Oxford, LLC
Representative: Howard Robinson & Associates, LLC
APPELLANT: Barbara Duker and (Yumio Dornberg, Robin Rudisill, Steve Freedman,
Kara Steiniger, Judith Wyluda, David Karlsberg, Francesca Bress, Eric
Bress, Nancy Poertner, Michael Benveniste, Genoveva Orona, Pamela
Michaels, Alexandra Jamison)
Recommended Action:
1. Deny the appeal.
2. Sustain the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve pursuant to Los Angeles
Municipal Code Section 12.20.2 a Coastal Development Permit authorizing the
construction of a new single-family dwelling within the single-jurisdiction area of the
California Coastal Zone.
3. Adopt the Conditions of Approval.
4. Adopt the Findings.
5. Affirm that Categorical Exemption No. ENV-2014-3177-CE is adequate
environmental clearance for the project.
Staff: Theodore Irving (213) 978-1318
West Los Angeles 4 February 17, 2016
Area Planning Commission
7. ZA-2015-1473-CDP-1A Council District: 11 – Bonin
CEQA: ENV-2013-3872-ND Plan: Venice
Expiration Date: N/A
Appeal Status: Not further appealable
PUBLIC HEARING
Location: 1217 – 1219 S. CABRILLO AVENUE
Requested Action:
An appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve a Coastal Development
Permit to allow a two-unit residential condominium, in conjunction with Preliminary
Parcel Map No. AA-2013-3873-PMLA, located within the single permit jurisdiction area
of the California Coastal Zone. Consideration of Negative Declaration No. ENV-2013-
3872-ND.
APPLICANT: John Staff, J. Staff Architect
Representative: Justin Block, Law Offices of Block & Block
APPELLANT: Robin Rudisill, Manuel Katz, Stephen Pouliot, Brian Finney, Lydia
Ponce, Mark Kleiman, Irv Katz, Sue Kaplan, George Gineris
Recommended Action:
1. Deny the appeal.
2. Sustain the actions of the Deputy Advisory Agency in approving, pursuant to Section
12.20.2 of the LAMC, a Coastal Development Permit to allow a two-unit residential
condominium within the single permit jurisdiction area of the California Coastal Zone.
3. Adopt the Findings of the Deputy Advisory Agency and the Zoning Administrator.
4. Adopt Negative Declaration No. ENV-2013-3872-ND
Staff: Joese Carlos Navarro-Romero (818) 374-5037
8. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The Area Planning Commission shall provide an opportunity in open meetings for the
public to address any 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.
West Los Angeles 5 February 17, 2016
Area Planning Commission
The next regular meeting of the West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission
will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at:
HENRY MEDINA WEST L.A. PARKING ENFORCEMENT FACILITY
11214 W. EXPOSITION BOULEVARD, SECOND FLOOR, ROLL CALL ROOM
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, 90064
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 Planning Commission
Office at (213) 978-1300 or by e-mail at APCWestLA@lacity.org.
West Los Angeles 6 February 17, 2016
Area Planning Commission
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