Area Planning Commission
Regular MeetingLos Angeles, CA · July 20, 2016
Minutes
OFFICIAL
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission Minutes
Wednesday, July 20, 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 planning.lacity.org.
The meeting was called to order by President Thomas Donovan at 4:42 pm.
Commissioners present: Joseph Halper, Esther Margulies, Marian Merritt, Lisa Waltz Morocco
1. DEPARTMENTAL REPORT
Theodore Irving, Zoning Administrator, updated the commission on the following points:
City Council
June 26 – Passed a Draft Ordinance for the second dwelling units that will comply
with the State AB1866.
June 28 – Passed an Ordinance for extending the appeal period that will reduce
the amount of extension request.
City Planning Activities
June 23 – City Planning Commission discussed the Home Sharing Ordinance
Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
July 14 – City Planning Commission discussed and voted on changes to Baseline
Mansionization Ordinance and Baseline Hillside Ordinance.
Restructuring of the Planning Department and the new hires and promotion, and
welcome addition of Kevin Keller as the Deputy Director of Planning Department.
The Senior Planner concluded his report by announcing his promotion as a Zoning
Administrator, and he also inform the commission that Jae Kim will be taking his place as
Senior Planner for the West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission.
2. COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. Advance Calendar:
The Zoning Administrator, Theodore Irving, stated that there was a request from the
applicant to continue case no. DIR-20151-363-BSA-2A, 1834 & 1836 N. Old Ranch
Road to a date that would be agreeable to the applicant and appellant. The
commission stated that it will be voted by consent for the continuance once the written
request have been received from the applicant and appellant..
B. Commission Requests:
ZA-2012-130-CDP-MEL, 16990-16700 West Sunset, was brought back to the table.
Zoning Administrator, Theodore Irving, stated he spoke to the Zoning Administrator,
Charlie Rausch, confirming the mail out of the determination letter. Several members
of the public spoke.
C. Approval of Meeting
Motion:
To approve the minutes for June 15, 2016
Moved: Waltz Morocco
Seconded: Margulies
Ayes: Halper, Merritt and Donovan
Vote: 5-0
Motion:
To approve the minutes for July 6, 2016
Moved: Merritt
Seconded: Margulies
Ayes: Halper, Waltz Morocco, and Donovan
Vote: 5-0
3. NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
There were no presentation given by a Neighborhood Council representative on any related
items listed on July 20, 2016, agenda.
4. DIR-2015-1282-DRB-SPP-1A
CEQA: ENV-2015-1283-CE Expiration Date: July 23, 2016
Community Plan: Brentwood - Pacific Palisades Appeal Status: Not Further
Council District: 11-Bonin Appealable
PUBLIC HEARING
LOCATION: 881 Alma Real Drive
Proposed Project:
Project Permit and Design Review Compliance denial for the installation of two wall signs,
one on each of the two parapet faces of the subject building.
Requested Action:
An Appeal of the Director of Planning’s Determination in denying a Project Permit
Compliance and Design Review for the installation of two wall signs on two of the parapet
faces of the subject building.
APPLICANT: Eric S. Kroh
The Palisades Village Center Associates, LLC
APPELLANT: Charlie Love Brooms and Molly Loves Peanut Butter, LLC
Representative: Jack Rubens, Esq. Sheppard, Mullin, Richter,
Hampton, LLP
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West Los Angeles Area July 20, 2016
Planning Commission
Recommended Actions:
1. Deny the appeal;
2. Sustain the Determination of the Director of Planning in approving a Specific Plan
Project Permit and Design Review Compliance for the installation of two wall signs as
proposed on one each of two parapet façades of the subject building.
3. Find that the project is Categorically Exempt, No. ENV-2015-1283-CE, from the
environmental review pursuant to Article III, Section 1 and Class 11, Category 1 of the
City of Los Angeles CEQA Guidelines.
Planning Staff: Harden A. Carter (213) 978-117578
Discussion:
Planning Staff, Harden A. Carter presented the department’s position in describing the
installation of two wall signs. He reviewed the recommendation of the planning department,
and provided information of how the signage did not comply with the City’s regulations
design review board guidelines. The commission asked questions regarding the report.
The public comment period was opened. The appellant gave a power point presentation
for the appeal. Detail questions were asked by the commission. The applicant was not
available at the public hearing.
The appellant was give three (3) minutes to rebut. The planning staff announced a
technical error in calculating the signage dimension, and width. The commission closed
the public comment period, and to form a motion.
Motion:
1. Deny the appeal;
2. Sustain the Determination of the Director of Planning in approving a Specific Plan
Project Permit and Design Review Compliance for the installation of two wall signs as
proposed on one each of two parapet façades of the subject building.
3. Find that the project is Categorically Exempt, No. ENV-2015-1283-CE, from the
environmental review pursuant to Article III, Section 1 and Class 11, Category 1 of the
City of Los Angeles CEQA Guidelines.
4. Amend the findings.
Moved: Halper
Seconded: Margulies
Ayes: Merritt, and Donovan
Nayes: Waltz Morocco
Vote: 4-1
5. ZA-2014-4444-CDP-MEL-1A
CEQA: ENV-2014-4445-MND Expiration Date: July 23, 2016
Community Plan: Brentwood – Pacific Palisades Appeal Status: Not Further
Council District: 11-Bonin Appealable
PUBLIC HEARING
Location: 17475 West Revello Drive
3
West Los Angeles Area July 20, 2016
Planning Commission
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 to allow the relocation of
a swimming pool/spa installation in conjunction with a hillside single-family dwelling located
in the R1-1 Zone in the dual jurisdiction permit area of the California Coastal Zone, and a
Mello Act Determination. Mitigated Negative Declaration No. ENV-2014-4445-MND was
adopted as the environmental clearance for the project.
APPLICANT: Brenda Mestach
Representative: John J. Parker, Pacific Crest Consultants
APPELLANTS: Todd Sadow, Blake Mirkin, Jon Congdon, and Rudy Hirschman
Recommended Action:
1. Deny the appeal;
2. Sustain the action of the Zoning Administrator to approve pursuant to Los Angeles
Municipal Code Section 12.20.2, a Coastal Development Permit to allow the relocation
of a swimming pool/spa installation in conjunction with a hillside single-family dwelling
located in the R1-1 Zone in the dual jurisdiction permit area of the California Coastal
Zone, and a Mello Act Determination
3. Adopt the action of the Lead Agency’s decision in issuing the Mitigated Negative
Declaration No. ENV-2014-4445-MND as the environmental clearance for the project.
Associate Zoning Administrator: David Weintraub (213) 978-3304
Discussion:
David Weintraub, Planning staff, gave a background description of the project. A
chronological path of the various permits relating to the dwelling unit. The floor was opened
to the commissioners to ask questions or expression of concerns by the commission.
The public comment period was opened, and the appellant expressed reason for the
appeal. The applicant was allotted the same amount of time to speak regarding the project.
Rebuttal time was given to both applicant and appellant, and the public comment period
was closed.
The commission deliberated and a motion was constructed.
Motion:
1. Deny the appeal;
2. Sustain the action of the Zoning Administrator to approve pursuant to Los Angeles
Municipal Code Section 12.20.2, a Coastal Development Permit to allow the relocation
of a swimming pool/spa installation in conjunction with a hillside single-family dwelling
located in the R1-1 Zone in the dual jurisdiction permit area of the California Coastal
Zone, and a Mello Act Determination
3. Adopt the action of the Lead Agency’s decision in issuing the Mitigated Negative
Declaration No. ENV-2014-4445-MND as the environmental clearance for the project.
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West Los Angeles Area July 20, 2016
Planning Commission
Moved: Waltz Morocco
Seconded: Margulies
Ayes: Merritt, Halper, and Donovan
Vote: 5-0
6. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
There was one speaker for the public comment period.
There being no further business to come before the West Los Angeles Area Planning
Commission, the meeti g adjourned at 9:14P.M.
Thomas Donov , President
West Los Ange es Area Planning Commission
Renee A. Glasco..-Q6mmission Executive Assistant I
West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission
ADOPTED
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
APR - 5 2017
CITY PLANNING DEPARTMENT
COMMISSION OFFICE
5
West Los Angeles Area July 20, 2016
Planning Commission
Agenda
Informacion en Español acerca de esta junta puede ser obtenida llamando al (213) 978-1300
WEST LOS ANGELES AREA PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2016 4:30 P.M.
HENRY MEDINA WEST L.A. PARKING ENFORCEMENT FACILITY
nd
11214 WEST EXPOSITION BOULEVARD, 2 FLOOR, ROLL CALL ROOM
LOS ANGELES, CA 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 AT THE MEETING AND SUBMIT IT TO THE COMMISSION EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT.
POLICY FOR DESIGNATED PUBLIC HEARING ITEM(S): 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 on 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 agenda 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. 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 N. Main Street, Los
Angeles, California, and are accessible online at http://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 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 1094.5, the petition for writ of mandate pursuant to that section must be filed no later than the
th
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. DEPARTMENTAL REPORT
A. Items of interest.
2. COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. Advanced Calendar
B. Commission Requests
• Senior City Planner update and discussion on Letter of Determination for ZA-
2012-130-CDP-MEL – 16990-16700 W. Sunset Blvd
D. Approval of the Minutes – June 15, 2016 & July 6, 2016
3. NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
Presentation by Neighborhood Council representatives on any neighborhood council
resolution, or community impact statement filed with the City Clerk, which relates to any
agenda item listed or being considered on this agenda.
4. DIR-2015-1282-DRB-SPP-1A
CEQA: ENV-2015-1283-CE Expiration Date: July 23, 2016
Community Plan: Brentwood - Pacific Palisades Appeal Status: Not Further
Council District: 11-Bonin Appealable
PUBLIC HEARING
LOCATION: 881 Alma Real Drive
Proposed Project:
Project Permit and Design Review Compliance denial for the installation of two wall signs,
one on each of the two parapet faces of the subject building..
Requested Action:
An Appeal of the Director of Planning’s Determination in denying a Project Permit
Compliance and Design Review for the installation of two wall signs on two of the parapet
faces of the subject building.
APPLICANT: Eric S. Kroh
The Palisades Village Center Associates, LLC
APPELLANT: Charlie Love Brooms and Molly Loves Peanut Butter, LLC
Representative: Jack Rubens, Esq. Sheppard, Mullin, Richter,
Hampton, LLP
Recommended Actions:
1. Deny the appeal;
2. Sustain the Determination of the Director of Planning in approving a Specific Plan
Project Permit and Design Review Compliance for the installation of two wall signs as
proposed on one each of two parapet façades of the subject building.
3. Find that the project is Categorically Exempt, No. ENV-2015-1283-CE, from the
environmental review pursuant to Article III, Section 1 and Class 11, Category 1 of the
City of Los Angeles CEQA Guidelines.
Planning Staff: Harden A. Carter (213) 978-1175
West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission 2 July 20, 2016
5. ZA-2014-4444-CDP-MEL-1A
CEQA: ENV-2014-4445-MND Expiration Date: July 23, 2016
Community Plan: Brentwood – Pacific Palisades Appeal Status: Not Further
Council District: 11-Bonin Appealable
PUBLIC HEARING
Location: 17475 West Revello Drive
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 to allow the relocation of a
swimming pool/spa installation in conjunction with a hillside single-family dwelling located in
the R1-1 Zone in the dual jurisdiction permit area of the California Coastal Zone, and a Mello
Act Determination. Mitigated Negative Declaration No. ENV-2014-4445-MND was adopted
as the environmental clearance for the project.
APPLICANT: Brenda Mestach
Representative: John J. Parker, Pacific Crest Consultants
APPELLANTS: Todd Sadow, Blake Mirkin, Jon Congdon, and Rudy Hirschman
Recommended Action:
1. Deny the appeal;
2. Sustain the action of the Zoning Administrator to approve pursuant to Los Angeles
Municipal Code Section 12.20.2, a Coastal Development Permit to allow the relocation of
a swimming pool/spa installation in conjunction with a hillside single-family dwelling
located in the R1-1 Zone in the dual jurisdiction permit area of the California Coastal
Zone, and a Mello Act Determination
3. Adopt the action of the Lead Agency’s decision in issuing the Mitigated Negative
Declaration No. ENV-2014-4445-MND as the environmental clearance for the project.
Associate Zoning Administrator: David Weintraub (213) 978-3304
6. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The Area Planning Commission shall provide an opportunity in open meetings for the public
to address 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 at the discretion of the Commission
President.
West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission 3 July 20, 2016
The next regular meeting of the West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission
will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at
HENRY MEDINA WEST L.A. PARKING ENFORCEMENT FACILITY
nd
11214 WEST EXPOSITION BOULEVARD, 2 FLOOR, ROLL CALL ROOM
LOS ANGELES, CA 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. Language
interpreters, 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 (7) seven working days prior to the meeting by calling the Commission
Executive Assistant at (213) 978-1300 or by e-mail at APCWestla@lacity.org.
West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission 4 July 20, 2016
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