Area Planning Commission
Regular MeetingLos Angeles, CA · August 10, 2016
Minutes
OFFICIAL
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission Minutes
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Ramona Hall Community Center
4580 North Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, California 90065
MINUTES OF EAST 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 RECORDING FOR THIS MEETING. COPIES OF
COMPACT DISCS RECORDINGS ARE AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING CENTRAL PUBLICATIONS,
AT (213) 978-1255 AND ARE ALSO ACCESSIBLE ONLINE AT http://planning.lacity.org.
The meeting was called to order by Commission President Christopher Arellano at 4:45 P.M., and the
roll was called by the Commission Executive Assist. The following Commissioners were present:
Donna Choi, Johann Diel, and Teri Stein.
The following Commissioner was absent: Patricia Alarcon.
1. DEPARTMENTAL REPORT
Items of interest
Senior City Planner, Blake Lamb, presented the Departmental Report. She highlighted
several items of interest for the East LA Area Planning Commission, among them: the Con
Fields Specific Plan, the new proposed Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) in the
El Sereno community. The commission asked questions regarding the process of creating
an HPOZ, Blake Lamb gave a brief explanation of the process.
2. COMMISSION BUSINESS
A. Advance Calendar
There were no changes to the Advance Calendar.
B. Commission Requests
There were no commission requests.
3. NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL PARTICIPATION
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
There were no representation from the Neighborhood Council to speak.
4. ZA-2015-0838-CUW-1A Council District: 13 - O’Farrell
CEQA: ENV-2015-0839-MND Location: 1650 North Echo Park Ave.
Plan Area: Silver Lake-Echo Park-Elysian Valley Expiration Date: 8/24/16 Ext.
Appeal Status: Not further appealable
Continued from April 27, 2016 and June 8, 2016
Meeting
PUBLIC HEARING
Requested Action:
AN APPEAL of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to deny pursuant to Los Angeles
Municipal Code Section 12.24-W, 49 a Conditional Use to permit the installation of twelve
(12) new panel antennas, twelve (12) new remote radio units, one (1) microwave dish, and
two (2) equipment cabinets behind new screening on the rooftop of an existing 49-foot 6-
inch tall building, and to deny consideration for the proposed new wireless facility to reach a
height of 59-feet 6-inches, in lieu of the maximum of 45 feet otherwise allowed by Section
12.21.1-A of the Municipal Code. Do not adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration no. ENV-
2015-0839-MND as the environmental clearance for the request.
Applicant: Verizon Wireless
Representative: Stella Shih, Reliant Land Services
Appellant: Verizon Wireless
Representative: Stella Shih, Reliant Land Services
Recommended Action:
1. Deny the appeal;
2. Sustain the Zoning Administrator’s decision to deny, pursuant to Los Angeles Municipal
Code Section 12.24-W, 49 a Conditional Use to permit the installation of twelve (12) new
panel antennas, twelve (12) new remote radio units, one (1) microwave dish, and two (2)
equipment cabinets behind new screening on the rooftop of an existing 49-foot 6-inch tall
building, and to deny consideration for the proposed new wireless facility to reach a
height of 59-feet 6-inches, in lieu of the maximum of 45 feet otherwise allowed by
Section 12.21.1-A of the Municipal Code;
3. Adopt the Zoning Administrator’s Findings;
4. Do not adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration ENV-2015-0839-MND as the
environmental clearance for the project.
Staff: David Weintraub (213) 978-3304
Discussion:
Associate Zoning Administrator David Weintraub presented the Staff Report. An issue of
great interest was whether the project’s location is historic. The Applicant and Appellant
were the same party for this item. Kevin Sullivan presented for the applicant/appellant,
describing the site’s history up to this point, stating that this location does not qualify for
historical status. The commission asked questions of the applicant and staff regarding new
information that has been submitted regarding the historical status of this site. The Planning
Deputy for Council District 13 stated the Councilmember’s opposition to this project, as
presented, due to height and screening concerns.
East Los Angeles Area 2 August 10, 2016
Planning Commission
The commission closed the public comment period and began to deliberate. The
commission asked for input from staff and the City Attorney input with the findings.
MOTION:
1. Grant the appeal.
2. Overturn the Zoning Administrator’s decision to deny, pursuant to Los Angeles Municipal
Code Section 12.24-W, 49 a Conditional Use to permit the installation of twelve (12) new
panel antennas, twelve (12) new remote radio units, one (1) microwave dish, and two (2)
equipment cabinets behind new screening on the rooftop of an existing 49-foot 6-inch tall
building, and to deny consideration for the proposed new wireless facility to reach a
height of 59-feet 6-inches, in lieu of the maximum of 45 feet otherwise allowed by Section
12.21.1-A of the Municipal Code;
3. Adopt the Zoning Administrator’s Findings, subject to the revised findings submitted into
the record.
4. Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration ENV-2015-0839-MND as the environmental
clearance for the project.
Moved: Commissioner Stein
Seconded: Commissioner Choi
Ayes: Commissioners Arellano and Diel
Absent: Commissioner Alarcon
5. ZA-2015-4549-CUB-1A Council District: 13 – O’Farrell
CEQA: ENV-2015-4550-CE Location: 3050 North Coolidge
Plan Area: Silver Lake – Echo Park - Avenue
Elysian Valley Expiration Date: September 11, 2016
Appeal Status: Not Further
Appealable
PUBLIC HEARING
Requested Action:
An appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision, pursuant to Los Angeles Municipal Code
Section 12.24-W,1, to approve a Conditional Use Permit to allow the sale of beer and wine
for on-site consumption in conjunction with a proposed café with outdoor dining in the
[Q]CM-1VL-RIO Zone, and find the project to be Categorically Exempt ENV-2015-4550-CE,
from environmental review pursuant to Article III, Section 1 and Class 5, Category 34 of the
City of Los Angeles CEQA Guidelines.
APPLICANT: Laurie Wilson, Spoke Bicycle Café
Representative: Margaret Taylor, Apex LA
APPELLANT: Richard Cortez, RAC Design Build
Kevin Mulcahy, RAC Design Build
Recommended Action:
1. Deny the appeal.
East Los Angeles Area 3 August 10, 2016
Planning Commission
2. Sustain the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve a Conditional Use Permit to
allow the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption in conjunction with a proposed
café with outdoor dining in the [Q]CM-1VL-RIO Zone.
3. Adopt the Findings of the Zoning Administrator
4. Find that the project to be Categorically Exempt ENV-2015-4550-CE, from
environmental review pursuant to Article III, Section 1 and Class 5, Category 34 of the
City of Los Angeles CEQA Guidelines.
Planning Staff: Rocky Wiles (213) 202-5464
Discussion:
Associate Zoning Administrator Aleta James presented the Staff Report. Kevin Mulcahy
presented the appellant’s position, mentioning parking and the CUB use as a concern.
Margaret Taylor then spoke on the applicant’s behalf, highlighting the benefits of the project,
as proposed. Council District’s Planning Deputy then spoke stating the Councilmember’s
support of this project, as proposed, backing some mitigating conditions already mentioned
by the AZA. There were 11 speakers in support of the project, and 7 speaker cards against
- with many of those against not in attendance. The applicant and appellant then used their
rebuttal time to further state their case. The commission asked if the appellant felt if parking
or the CUB use was a bigger concern, the appellant answered that the issues were related.
The commission closed the public comment period and began to deliberate.
MOTION:
1. Deny the appeal.
2. Sustain the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve a Conditional Use Permit to
allow the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption in conjunction with a proposed
café with outdoor dining in the [Q]CM-1VL-RIO Zone.
3. Adopt the Findings of the Zoning Administrator
Moved: Commissioner Choi
Seconded: Commissioner Diel
Ayes: Commissioners Arellano and Stein
Absent: Commissioner Alarcon
6. DIR-2015-1721-SPP-1A Council District: 1 – Cedillo
CEQA: ENV-2015-1722-MND Location: 720 North Crane
Plan Area: Northeast Los Angeles Boulevard
Expiration Date: August 10, 2016
Appeal Status: Not Further Appealable
PUBLIC HEARING
Proposed Project:
Project Permit Compliance for the construction of a 1,606 square-foot dwelling on a vacant
3,212 square-foot lot. The proposed new two-story single-family dwelling is 33 feet in height
and will include the construction of an attached 367 square-foot carport.
East Los Angeles Area 4 August 10, 2016
Planning Commission
Requested Action:
An appeal of the Director of Planning approval of a Project Permit Compliance Review for a
1,606 square-foot dwelling on a vacant 3,212 square foot lot. The proposed new two-story
single-family dwelling is 33 feet in height and will include the construction of an attached 367
square-foot carport located in the Mount Washington-Glassell Park Specific Plan.
APPLICANT: Claudia Olteanu
APPELLANT: Jason Scott Collier
Recommended Action:
1. Deny the appeal.
2. Sustain the Determination of the Director of Planning in approving a Project Permit
Compliance for the construction of a 1,606 square-foot dwelling on a vacant 3,212
square foot lot. The proposed new two-story single-family dwelling is 33 feet in height
and will include the construction of an attached 367 square-foot carport
3. Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration ENV-2015-1722-MND.
4. Adopt the Mitigation Monitoring.
Planning Staff: Greg Shoop (213) 978-1243
Discussion:
City Planner Greg Shoop presented the staff report. The appellant, Jason Scott Collier,
presented the position that rendering and photos submitted into the record were not accurate,
sighting street width near the project as an example. The appellant also noted the
challenges imposed on the community during construction and maintenance as an issue.
The applicant declined to present, but made themselves available for questions from the
commission. Greg Shoop addressed some of the appellant’s concerns, citing that the
inconvenience to the community would be temporary. There were no public speakers. The
appellant then used their allotted rebuttal time to mention some of the challenges with
building on this particular site, primarily the grading process. The appellant also mentioned
that protected trees exist on the site. The applicant mentioned their willingness to interact
with the community in the design and build phase in order to be a good neighbor and cited
construction procedures and deliveries to alleviate concerns. Greg Shoop then explained the
building process, including conditions mandated by Urban Forestry Division to address any
protected trees on the site.
The commission closed the public comment period and began to deliberate.
MOTION:
1. Deny the appeal.
2. Sustain the Determination of the Director of Planning in approving a Project Permit
Compliance for the construction of a 1,606 square-foot dwelling on a vacant 3,212
square foot lot. The proposed new two-story single-family dwelling is 33 feet in height
and will include the construction of an attached 367 square-foot carport
3. Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration ENV-2015-1722-MND.
4. Adopt the Mitigation Monitoring.
Moved: Commissioner Diel
Seconded: Commissioner Stein
Ayes: Commissioners Arellano and Choi
Absent: Commissioner Alarcon
East Los Angeles Area 5 August 10, 2016
Planning Commission
Agenda
Información en Español acerca de esta junta puede ser obtenida Ilamando al (213) 978-1300
EAST LOS ANGELES AREA PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016, 4:30 P.M.
RAMONA HALL COMMUNITY CENTER
4580 NORTH FIGUEROA STREET
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90065
Christopher Arellano, President
Donna Choi, Vice President
Patricia Alarcon, Commissioner
Johann R. Diel, Commissioner
Teri Stein, Commissioner
Harold Arrivillaga, Commission Executive Assistant
(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): 4, 5, and 6
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, 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. 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 on line 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 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
3. NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL PARTICIPATION
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. ZA-2015-0838-CUW-1A Council District: 13 - O’Farrell
CEQA: ENV-2015-0839-MND Location: 1650 North Echo Park Ave.
Plan Area: Silver Lake-Echo Park-Elysian Valley Expiration Date: 8/24/16 Ext.
Appeal Status: Not further appealable
Continued from April 27, 2016 and June 8, 2016
Meeting
PUBLIC HEARING
Requested Action:
AN APPEAL of the Zoning Administrator’s decision to deny pursuant to Los Angeles
Municipal Code Section 12.24-W, 49 a Conditional Use to permit the installation of twelve
(12) new panel antennas, twelve (12) new remote radio units, one (1) microwave dish, and
two (2) equipment cabinets behind new screening on the rooftop of an existing 49-foot 6-
inch tall building, and to deny consideration for the proposed new wireless facility to reach a
height of 59-feet 6-inches, in lieu of the maximum of 45 feet otherwise allowed by Section
12.21.1-A of the Municipal Code. Do not adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration no. ENV-
2015-0839-MND as the environmental clearance for the request.
Applicant: Verizon Wireless
Representative: Stella Shih, Reliant Land Services
Appellant: Verizon Wireless
Representative: Stella Shih, Reliant Land Services
Recommended Action:
1. Deny the appeal;
2. Sustain the Zoning Administrator’s decision to deny, pursuant to Los Angeles Municipal
Code Section 12.24-W, 49 a Conditional Use to permit the installation of twelve (12) new
panel antennas, twelve (12) new remote radio units, one (1) microwave dish, and two (2)
equipment cabinets behind new screening on the rooftop of an existing 49-foot 6-inch tall
building, and to deny consideration for the proposed new wireless facility to reach a
height of 59-feet 6-inches, in lieu of the maximum of 45 feet otherwise allowed by
Section 12.21.1-A of the Municipal Code;
3. Adopt the Zoning Administrator’s Findings;
East Los Angeles 2 August 10, 2016
Area Planning Commission
4. Do not adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration ENV-2015-0839-MND as the
environmental clearance for the project.
Staff: David Weintraub (213) 978-3304
5. ZA-2015-4549-CUB-1A Council District: 13 – O’Farrel
CEQA: ENV-2015-4550-CE Location: 3050 North Coolidge
Plan Area: Silver Lake – Echo Park - Elysian Valley Avenue
Expiration Date: September 11, 2016
Appeal Status: Not Further Appealable
PUBLIC HEARING
Requested Action:
An appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s decision, pursuant to Los Angeles Municipal Code
Section 12.24-W,1, to approve a Conditional Use Permit to allow the sale of beer and wine
for on-site consumption in conjunction with a proposed café with outdoor dining in the
[Q]CM-1VL-RIO Zone, and find the project to be Categorically Exempt ENV-2015-4550-CE,
from environmental review pursuant to Article III, Section 1 and Class 5, Category 34 of the
City of Los Angeles CEQA Guidelines.
APPLICANT: Laurie Wilson, Spoke Bicycle Café
Representative: Margaret Taylor, Apex LA
APPELLANT: Richard Cortez, RAC Design Build
Kevin Mulcahy, RAC Design Build
Recommended Action:
1. Deny the appeal.
2. Sustain the Zoning Administrator’s decision to approve a Conditional Use Permit to
allow the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption in conjunction with a proposed
café with outdoor dining in the [Q]CM-1VL-RIO Zone.
3. Adopt the Findings of the Zoning Administrator
4. Find that the project to be Categorically Exempt ENV-2015-4550-CE, from
environmental review pursuant to Article III, Section 1 and Class 5, Category 34 of the
City of Los Angeles CEQA Guidelines.
Planning Staff: Rocky Wiles (213) 202-5464
6. DIR-2015-1721-SPP-1A Council District: 1 – Cedillo
CEQA: ENV-2015-1722-MND LOCATION: 720 North Crane
Plan Area: Northeast Los Angeles Boulevard
Expiration Date: August 10, 2016
Appeal Status: Not Further Appealable
PUBLIC HEARING
East Los Angeles Area 3 August 10, 2016
Planning Commission
Proposed Project:
Project Permit Compliance for the construction of a 1,606 square-foot dwelling on a vacant
3,212 square-foot lot. The proposed new two-story single-family dwelling is 33 feet in height
and will include the construction of an attached 367 square-foot carport.
Requested Action:
An appeal of the Director of Planning approval of a Project Permit Compliance Review for a
1,606 square-foot dwelling on a vacant 3,212 square foot lot. The proposed new two-story
single-family dwelling is 33 feet in height and will include the construction of an attached 367
square-foot carport located in the Mount Washington-Glassell Park Specific Plan.
APPLICANT: Claudia Olteanu
APPELLANT: Jason Scott Collier
Recommended Action:
1. Deny the appeal.
2. Sustain the Determination of the Director of Planning in approving a Project Permit
Compliance for the construction of a 1,606 square-foot dwelling on a vacant 3,212
square foot lot. The proposed new two-story single-family dwelling is 33 feet in height
and will include the construction of an attached 367 square-foot carport
3. Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration ENV-2015-1722-MND.
4. Adopt the Mitigation Monitoring.
Planning Staff: Greg Shoop (213) 978-1243
7. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The Area Planning Commission shall provide an opportunity in open meetings for the public
to address them 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 East Los Angeles Area Planning Commission
will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at
Ramona Hall Community Center
4580 North Figueroa Street,
Los Angeles, California 90065
An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
East Los Angeles Area 4 August 10, 2016
Planning Commission
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 seven (7) working days prior to the meeting by
calling the Commission Executive Assistant at (213) 978-1300 or by email at
APCEastla@lacity.org.
East Los Angeles Area 5 August 10, 2016
Planning Commission
Get email alerts for Los Angeles
A daily email when new agendas and minutes are posted.