Area Planning Commission
Regular MeetingLos Angeles, CA · June 1, 2016
Minutes
OFFICIAL
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission Minutes
Wednesday, June 1, 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 HEARING TAPES FOR THIS MEETING.
COPIES OF COMPACT DISC RECORDINGS ARE AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING CENTRAL
PUBLICATIONS, AT (213) 978-1255 AND ARE ALSO ACCESSIBLE THROUGH THE WORLD
WIDE WEB AT http://planning.lacity.org.
The meeting was called to order by President Thomas Donovan at 4:52P.M .
Commissioners present: Joseph Halper, Esther Margulies, Marian Merritt, Lisa Waltz Morocco
Commissioners absent:
1. DEPARTMENTAL REPORT
Debbie Lawrence, Senior Planner, reported on the various public hearing places for the
Westside Mobility Team policy plan, and the approval of the Caruso Palisades Project by
the City Planning Commission. The senior planner brought back a previous director's
report on the posting of notices in the Coastal Zone. After the Senior Planner's report,
she turned the departmental reporting period over to Jonathan Hershey, who reported on
the Venice Local Coastal projects.
2. COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. Advance Calendar
There were no changes to the advance.
B. Commission Requests:
Commissioner Waltz Morocco announced she will not be available for the July 6
regular West Los Angeles APC meeting.
3. ZA-2014-4191-ZV-ZAA-1 A
CEQA: ENV-2014-4192-ND Expiration Date: June 1, 2016
Community Plan: Appeal Status: Deny: ZV
Brentwood Pacific Palisades Appealable to City Council
Council District: 11 - Bonin Grant: ZV is Not Further Appealable
PUBLIC HEARING
LOCATION: 11810 West Mayfield Avenue
Requested Action:
An appeal of the Zoning Administrator's decision to deny, pursuant to Charter Section 562
and Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Section 12.27-B, a Zone Variance to permit the
conversion of a recreation room into a 20th dwelling unit in lieu of the otherwise permitted
19 dwelling units, a Zone Variance to permit a reduced lot area of 550 square feet per
dwelling unit in lieu of the otherwise required 800 square feet in conjunction with the 20th
dwelling unit, and pursuant to LAMC 12.28, a Zoning Administrator's Adjustment to permit
a 6-foot 3-inch reduced passageway in lieu of the otherwise required 14 feet in conjunction
with the conversion of a recreation room into a dwelling unit within an existing apartment
building on a lot in the R3-1 Zone, and to not adopt Negative Declaration No. ENV-2014-
4192-ND as the environmental clearance for the project.
APPLICANT: Poinsettia Properties, LLC
Representative : Alicia Ley, Michael Pauls Associates
APPELLANT #1: Devin Bunten, Abundant Housing Los Angeles
APPELLANT #2: Cynthia Perez-Brown
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt the Findings of the Zoning Administrator.
2. Deny the appeal.
3. Sustain the action of the Zoning Administrator's decision to deny:
a. a Zone Variance to permit the conversion of a recreation room into a 20th dwelling
unit in lieu of the otherwise permitted 19 dwelling units, a Zone Variance to permit
a reduced lot area of 550 square feet per dwelling unit in lieu of the otherwise
required 800 square feet in conjunction with the 20th dwelling unit, and pursuant to
LAMC 12.28,
b. the Adjustment to permit a 6-foot 3-inch reduced passageway in lieu of the
otherwise required 14 feet in conjunction with the conversion of a recreation room
into a dwelling unit within an existing apartment building on a lot in the R3-1 Zone
4. Do Not Adopt the Negative Declaration no. ENV-2014-4192-ND as the environmental
clearance for the project.
Senior City Planner: Theodore Irving (213) 978-1366
Discussion:
The Senior City Planner, Theodore Irving , reported on the conversion of a recreation room
into a dwelling unit. The Planner went over the rules of a Zones Variance and the reasons
for the denial of the appeal. The commission asked multiple questions regarding the staff
report.
The applicant/appellant's representative was given (5) five minutes to present their report
for the appeal. The commission opened the public comment period for general comments.
The rebuttal time of (3) three minutes was given to the applicant/appellant's
representative, and the public comment period was closed .
The commission deliberated over facts and testimonies heard to form a motion .
West Los Angeles Area June 1, 2016
Planning Commission 2
Motion:
1. Adopt the Findings of the Zoning Administrator.
2. Deny the appeal.
3. Sustain the action of the Zoning Administrator's decision to deny:
a. a Zone Variance to permit the conversion of a recreation room into a 20th dwelling
unit in lieu of the otherwise permitted 19 dwelling units, a Zone Variance to permit
a reduced lot area of 550 square feet per dwelling unit in lieu of the otherwise
required 800 square feet in conjunction with the 20th dwelling unit, and pursuant to
LAMC 12.28,
b. the Adjustment to permit a 6-foot 3-inch reduced passageway in lieu of the
otherwise required 14 feet in conjunction with the conversion of a recreation room
into a dwelling unit within an existing apartment building on a lot in the R3-1 Zone
4. Do Not Adopt the Negative Declaration no. ENV-2014-4192-ND as the environmental
clearance for the project.
Moved: Waltz Morocco
Seconded: Halper
Ayes: Margulies and Donovan
Nayes: Merritt
Vote: 4- 1
4. ZA-2010-2200-CUB-CLQ-PA1-1A
CEQA: ENV-2015-3326-CE Expiration Date: June 1, 2016
Community Plan: Bel Air- Beverly Crest Appeal Status: Not Further
Council District: 5 - Koretz Appealable
PUBLIC HEARING
LOCATION: 654-662 N Sepulveda Boulevard
Requested Action:
An appeal of the Zoning Administrator's decision , in part (Conditions 3, 7, 8, 9, and 15),
pursuant to the Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.24-M, to approve plans for the
continued sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption
in conjunction with the addition of seating for 10 patrons at an existing outdoor terrace in
the [Q]C2-1VLD Zone, previously approved under Case No. ZA-2010-2200-CUB. Find
that the project is categorically exempt, ENV-2015-3326-CE, from environmental review
pursuant, Article Ill, Section 1 and Class 5, Category 34, of the City of Los Angeles CEQA
Guidelines.
APPLICANT: Susan D. Lord
Representative : John J. Parker, Pacific Crest Consultants
APPELLANT: Patricia A Nation
West Los Angeles Area June 1, 2016
Planning Commission 3
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt the Findings of the Zoning Administrator.
2. Deny the appeal.
3. Sustain the action of the Zoning Administrator's decision to approve in part
(Conditions 3, 7, 8, 9, and 15), pursuant to the Los Angeles Municipal Code Section
12.24-M, plans for the continued sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic
beverages for on-site consumption in conjunction with the addition of seating for 10
patrons at an existing outdoor terrace in the [Q]C2-1VLD Zone, previously approved
under Case No. ZA-201 0-220-CUB.
4. Find that the project is Categorically Exempt, ENV-2015-3326-CE, from
environmental review pursuant, Article Ill, Section 1 and Class 5, Category 34, of the
City of Los Angeles CEQA Guidelines.
Associate Zoning Administrator: Jojo Pawsawang (213) 978-1214
Discussion:
Planning Staff, Fernando Tovar, presented background information on the continued sale
and dispensing of a full line of alcohol for this project. He articulated a descriptive report
of the property. The planning staff completed his report by informing the commission of
the corrections to the grant clause, and technical errors to the determination letter dated
January 28, 2011. The commission asked a few questions that requested a response by
the City Attorney.
The appellant was called to speak for (5) minutes, and an additional (2) minutes was given
to the appellant to complete presentation statements. The applicant was given a total of
(7) seven minutes to speak, and there were many supporters who came against the
appeal. The commission opened the public comments period to listen to those who spoke
for and against the appeal. Rebuttal time of (3) three minutes was given to applicant and
the appellant. Questions were asked of the Planning Staff, and the public comment period
was closed. The commission deliberated and presented the motion.
Motion:
1. Adopt the modified Findings of the Zoning Administrator.
2. Deny the appeal.
3. Sustain the action of the Zoning Administrator's decision to approve in part
(Conditions 3, 7, 8, 9, and 15), plans for the continued sale and dispensing of a full
line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption in conjunction with the addition of
seating for 10 patrons at an existing outdoor terrace in the [Q]C2-1 VLD Zone,
previously approved under Case No. ZA-2010-220-CUB.
4. Find that the project is Categorically Exempt, ENV-2015-3326-CE, from
environmental review pursuant, Article Ill, Section 1 and Class 5, Category 34, of the
City of Los Angeles CEQA Guidelines.
5. Modify the Grant Clause, and Condition No. 8.
Moved: Margulies
Seconded: Merritt
Ayes: Halper, Waltz Morocco, Donovan
Vote: 5-0
West Los Angeles Area June 1, 2016
Planning Commission 4
4. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
There was one speak for general public comment.
There being no further business to come before the West Los Angeles Area Planning
Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:22P.M.
Thomas Donovan, President
~Commission Executive Assistant I
West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission
West Los Angeles Area June 1, 2016
Planning Commission 5
Agenda
Información en Espanol acerca de esta junta puede ser obtenida Ilamando al (213) 978-1300
WEST LOS ANGELES AREA PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 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
Renee Glasco, Commission Executive Assistant I
(213) 978-1300
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, 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. In all
instances, however, 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 272, 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.
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 online 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 Request
C. Minutes of Meeting
3. ZA-2014-4191-ZV-ZAA-1A
CEQA: ENV-2014-4192-ND Expiration Date: June 1, 2016
Community Plan: Appeal Status: ZV - Further
Brentwood Pacific Palisades Appealable by Applicant only
Council District: 11 – Bonin ZAA - Not Further Appealable
PUBLIC HEARING
LOCATION: 11810 West Mayfield Avenue
Requested Action:
An appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to deny, pursuant to Charter Section
562 and Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Section 12.27-B, a Zone Variance to
permit the conversion of a recreation room into a 20th dwelling unit in lieu of the
otherwise permitted 19 dwelling units, a Zone Variance to permit a reduced lot area of
550 square feet per dwelling unit in lieu of the otherwise required 800 square feet in
conjunction with the 20th dwelling unit, and pursuant to LAMC 12.28, a Zoning
Administrator’s Adjustment to permit a 6-foot 3-inch reduced passageway in lieu of the
otherwise required 14 feet in conjunction with the conversion of a recreation room into a
dwelling unit within an existing apartment building on a lot in the R3-1 Zone, and to not
adopt Negative Declaration No. ENV-2014-4192-ND as the environmental clearance for
the project.
APPLICANT: Poinsettia Properties, LLC
Representative: Alicia Ley, Michael Pauls Associates
APPELLANT #1: Devin Bunten, Abundant Housing Los Angeles
APPELLANT #2: Cynthia Perez-Brown
West Los Angeles 2 June 1, 2016
Area Planning Commission
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt the Findings of the Zoning Administrator.
2. Deny the appeal.
3. Sustain the action of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to deny
a. a Zone Variance to permit the conversion of a recreation room into a 20th dwelling
unit in lieu of the otherwise permitted 19 dwelling units, a Zone Variance to permit
a reduced lot area of 550 square feet per dwelling unit in lieu of the otherwise
required 800 square feet in conjunction with the 20th dwelling unit, and pursuant to
LAMC 12.28,
b. the Adjustment to permit a 6-foot 3-inch reduced passageway in lieu of the
otherwise required 14 feet in conjunction with the conversion of a recreation room
into a dwelling unit within an existing apartment building on a lot in the R3-1 Zone
4. Do Not Adopt the Negative Declaration no. ENV-2014-4192-ND as the
environmental clearance for the project.
Senior City Planner: Theodore Irving (213) 978-1366
4. ZA-2010-2200-CUB-CLQ-PA1-1A
CEQA: ENV-2015-3326-CE Expiration Date: June 1, 2016
Community Plan: Bel Air – Beverly Crest Appeal Status: Not Further
Council District: 5 – Koretz Appealable
PUBLIC HEARING
LOCATION: 654-662 N Sepulveda Boulevard
Requested Action:
An appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision, in part (Conditions 3, 7, 8, 9, and 15),
pursuant to the Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.24-M, to approve plans for the
continued sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site
consumption in conjunction with the addition of seating for 10 patrons at an existing
outdoor terrace in the [Q]C2-1VLD Zone, previously approved under Case No. ZA-2010-
2200-CUB. Find that the project is categorically exempt, ENV-2015-3326-CE, from
environmental review pursuant, Article III, Section 1 and Class 5, Category 34, of the
City of Los Angeles CEQA Guidelines.
APPLICANT: Susan D. Lord
Representative: John J. Parker, Pacific Crest Consultants
APPELLANT: Patricia A. Nation
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt the Findings of the Zoning Administrator.
2. Deny the appeal.
3. Sustain the action of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve of the Zoning
Administrator’s decision, in part (Conditions 3, 7, 8, 9, and 15), pursuant to the Los
Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.24-M, to approve plans for the continued sale
and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption in
conjunction with the addition of seating for 10 patrons at an existing outdoor terrace
West Los Angeles 3 June 1, 2016
Area Planning Commission
in the [Q]C2-1VLD Zone, previously approved under Case No. ZA-2010-220-CUB.
The project was
found to be Categorically Exempt. Adopt the Notice of Exemption No. ENV-2015-
2304-CE as filed, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
guidelines, Section 15300-15333.
4. Find that the project is Categorically Exempt, ENV-2015-3326-CE, from
environmental review pursuant, Article III, Section 1 and Class 5, Category 34, of the
City of Los Angeles CEQA Guidelines.
Staff Planner: Jojo Pawsawang (213) 978-1214
5. 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.
The next regular meeting of the West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission
will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 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 4 June 1, 2016
Area Planning Commission
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