City Planning Commission

OFFICIAL CITY OF LOS ANGELES City Planning Commission Minutes January 26, 2006 8:30 a.m. First Floor Meeting Room, Marvin Braude San Fernando Valley Constituent Services Center 6262 Van Nuys Boulevard, Van Nuys, California 91401 MINUTES OF THE CITY 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 TAPES ARE AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING CENTRAL PUBLICATIONS AT (213) 978-1256. The meeting was called to order by the Commission President, Jane Ellison Usher at 8:40 a.m. Commissioners present: Diego Cardoso, Regina M. Freer, Robin R. Hughes, Sabrina Kay, Fr. Spencer T. Kezios and William Roschen. Commissioners absent: Andres F. Irlando, Michael K. Woo. 1. DIRECTOR’S REPORT A. Council actions and schedule. B. Other items of interest. The interim Planning Director, Mark Winogrond, and Deputy Director, Bob Sutton gave a Director’s Report. 2. COMMISSION BUSINESS A. Advance Calendar. B. Commission Requests. The Chair added several items to the Advance Calendar. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD No speakers. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF PAGE 1 JANUARY 26, 2006 4. CPC-2005-4736-GPA Council District: 2 CEQA: ENV-2005-4737-ND Location: Milbank Street between Van Nuys Plan: Sherman Oaks-Studio City- Blvd. and Woodman Ave. Toluca Lake-Cahuenga Expiration Date: 04-16-06. Pass Appeal Status: N/A Public Hearing completed on October 24, 2005. Pursuant to City Charter Section 555 and Section 11.5.6 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC), a General Plan Amendment to the Transportation Element of the General Plan and the Sherman Oaks-Studio City-Toluca Lake-Cahuenga Pass Community Plan to redesignate the portion of Milbank Street, between Van Nuys Boulevard and Woodman Avenue from a Collector Street to Local Street designation. No project is proposed. Applicant: City of Los Angeles STAFF RECOMMENDED APPROVAL. Franklin N. Quon, (818) 374-5036. DISCUSSION: Staff gave an overview of the proposed project and answered questions of the City Planning Commission. There were no speakers under public comment. This item was agendized on the consent calendar as it was deemed to be routine and non- controversial. As such, the City Planning Commission voted on the matter without further discussion. The City Planning Commission approved the staff recommendation by consent without objection. 5. CPC-2005-8628-ZC-ZAA-SPR Council District: 15 CEQA: ENV-2005-8629-MND Location: 255 W. 5th Street Plan: San Pedro Expiration Date: 3-1-06 Appeal Status: ZC appealable to City Council, if disapproved; ZAA and SPR appealable to City Council. Continued from January 12, 2006. LIMITED PUBLIC HEARING CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF PAGE 2 JANUARY 26, 2006  Pursuant to Section 12.32 of the Municipal Code, a Zone Change from C2-2 and [T][Q]C2- 2 (Commercial Zone) to [T][Q]C2-2 (Commercial Zone) to amend a “Q” (Qualified) condition of approval from a 2004 zone change (Condition No. 3 of Ordinance No. 176,221) to permit a 170 foot high building in lieu of the 150 foot maximum height permitted; and Pursuant to Section 12.28 A of the Municipal Code, an Area Adjustment from Section 12.14 C 2 to permit: a. the side yard abutting Fifth Street to have a minimum width of 14-feet along a portion of the site in lieu of the minimum required 16-feet; b. the side yard abutting the alley to be five feet in width in lieu of the minimum required 16-feet; and, Pursuant to Section 16.05 of the Municipal Code, Site Plan Review findings for projects which result in an increase of 50 or more dwelling units, for the proposed development of a new, 16 story, 170-foot high, 318 unit residential condominium building and a 5-level, 60 foot high parking structure providing 725 parking spaces on an approximately 113,194 square foot site. (Note a separate case, Tentative Tract No. 64785, has been filed for condominium purposes and will require a separate public notice and hearing before the Advisory Agency). Applicant: Carlyle/Galaxy San Pedro, L.P. STAFF RECOMMENDED APPROVAL SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS. Jon Foreman, (213) 978-1171. DISCUSSION: Staff gave an overview of the proposed project and answered questions of the City Planning Commission. There were no speakers under public comment. The City Planning Commission took the following action: Commissioner Fr. Kezios moved to adopt the staff recommendation; Commissioner Freer seconded the motion. Motion was approved. Vote: 7-0 CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF PAGE 3 JANUARY 26, 2006 6. CPC-2005-6038-ZC-SPR Council District: 7 CEQA: ENV-2005-6040-MND Location: 9618 N. Van Nuys Boulevard Plan: Mission Hills-Panorama City- Expiration Date: 01-26-06 North Hills Appeal Status: ZC appealable to City Council, if disapproved; SPR appealable to City Council. Public Hearing completed on December 9, 2005. Pursuant to Section 12.32 of the Municipal Code, a Zone Change from [Q]C2-1VL (Commercial Zone) and P-1VL (Automobile Parking Zone) to RAS4-1VL (Residential/Accessory Services Zone); and Pursuant to Section 16.05 of the Municipal Code, Site Plan Review findings for projects which result in an increase of 50 or more dwelling units, for the proposed construction, use and maintenance of 55 affordable apartment units, located within 1,500 feet of a major bus route, 4 stories, not to exceed 50 feet in height, with 55 resident parking spaces, on a 35,283 square foot lot. All apartments will be reserved for low income residents making between 30 to 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Applicant: AMCAL Multi-Housing Inc. Arjun Nagarkatti/Jay Ross STAFF RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF ZONE CHANGE TO (T)(Q)RAS4-1VLM SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS AND APPROVAL OF SITE PLAN REVIEW FINDINGS. Lynda J. Smith, (213) 978-1170. DISCUSSION: Staff gave an overview of the proposed project and answered questions of the City Planning Commission. There were no speakers under public comment. The City Planning Commission took the following action: Commissioner Kay moved to adopt the staff recommendation; Commissioner Hughes seconded the motion. Motion was approved. Vote: 7-0 CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF PAGE 4 JANUARY 26, 2006 7. CPC-2005-1231-ZC-GPA-ZAA-SM- Council District: 3 F Location: 18440, 18434 & 18430 Strathern Street CEQA: ENV-2004-3089-MND Expiration Date: 02-05-06. Plan: Reseda-West Van Nuys Appeal Status: Appealable to City Council. Continued from 11-17-05. Public Hearing completed on September 19, 2005. Pursuant to Section 11.5.8 of the Municipal Code, a General Plan Amendment (Period Plan Review for Window No. 148, Geographic Area 4) to the Reseda-West Van Nuys Community Plan from Low Density to Low Medium I Density Residential; and Pursuant to Section 12.32 of the Municipal Code, a Zone Change from (T)RS-1 (Suburban Zone) to RD3-1 (Restricted Density Multiple Dwelling Zone); and Pursuant to Section 12.28 A of the Municipal Code, an Adjustment from Section 12.09.1 B 4 to permit an increase in the maximum number of dwelling units permitted on the subject property in the RD3 zone from 21 to 22 units; and Pursuant to Section 12.28 B of the Municipal Code, a Slight Modification from Section 12.21 C 2(a) to allow 8 feet of space between seven of the proposed buildings in lieu of the minimum 10 feet required; and Pursuant to Section 12.24 X 7 of the Municipal Code, a Determination to allow construction of a wall, not to exceed 6 feet in height, in the required front yard, for the demolition of 3 single family dwellings and construction of 22 detached condominium dwellings, 2-stories, approximately 25 feet in height, with 44 garage parking spaces for the residents, and 11 open guest parking spaces, on a 64,927 net square foot lot. (Note: An additional application, Tentative Tract No. 61229, has been filed for condominium purposes which will require a separate public notice and hearing before the Advisory Agency.) Applicant: Mark Handel, Calabasas 3000, L.P. STAFF RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE ZONE CHANGE TO (T)(Q)RD6-1 AND APPROVAL OF THE DETERMINATION SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS; DISAPPROVAL OF THE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, ADJUSTMENT AND SLIGHT MODIFICATION. Franklin N. Quon, (818) 374-5036. DISCUSSION: Staff gave an overview of the proposed project and modified two findings. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF PAGE 5 JANUARY 26, 2006  The representative requested a continuance to the February 23, 2006 City Planning Commission. The City Planning Commission denied the request. There were no speakers under public comment. The City Planning Commission took the following action: Commissioner Freer moved to adopt the staff recommendation, Commissioner Cardoso seconded the motion. Motion was approved. Vote: 7-0 8. CPC-2004-7036-CU Council District: 12 CEQA: ENV-2004-7037-MND Location: 11052 N. Independence Avenue Plan: Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Expiration Date: 01-26-06 Appeal Status: Appealable to City Council Public Hearing completed on December 5, 2005. Pursuant to Section 12.24 U 24 of the Municipal Code, a Conditional Use to permit the expansion, continued use and maintenance of an existing private school in the A2-1, (T) RA-1-K, and RA-1 zones; and 1) The expansion of the use to include a 5.16 acre parcel and approval for the construction, use and maintenance of nine (9) parking spaces and a 1,200 square foot storage building on this parcel; 2) The retention of three existing modular buildings (including a 3,840 square-foot modular classroom building, a 1,463 square-foot modular Information Technology and Library building and a 1,436 square-foot modular Administration/classroom building); 3) The construction, use and maintenance of a 15,250 square-foot multi-purpose building/gymnasium; 4) The construction, use, and maintenance of nine (9) new parking spaces on OS- 1XL zoned L.A. County Flood Control District property and the continued use and maintenance of the existing 13 parking spaces on L.A. County Flood Control District property; 5) A school bus loading zone in the public right-of-way on the Rinaldi Street frontage; 6) A school cross walk in the public right-of-way on Rinaldi Street; and 7) Modifications and clarifications to the Conditions of Approval from prior case No. ZA-2000-1176-CUZ-PA1 to acknowledge and permit the following activities, which are currently part of the school calendar, including: a) Three (3) summer camp overnights and one (1) school year overnight with hours from 5:00 p.m. Friday until noon on Saturday; CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF PAGE 6 JANUARY 26, 2006  b) Summer Camp open houses on weekends with hours from noon to 5:00 p.m; c) Periodic sports tournament games on the campus by teams other than Sierra Canyon School teams; d) One (1) private party picnic (not to exceed 150 people) on a weekend during the school year; e) Entrance evaluations on various Saturdays from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. (January through April); and f) Clarification that meetings held on campus with less than 50 people in attendance are not considered “Events”. The proposed project consists of the expansion of the use to include a 5.16 acre, RA-1 zoned, parcel (now under school ownership) and approval for the construction, use and maintenance of a 1,200 square foot storage building and additional parking areas on this parcel; the retention of three existing modular buildings (totaling 6,766 square feet); the construction, use and maintenance of a 15,250 square-foot multi-purpose building/gymnasium; approval to permit the construction, use and maintenance of nine additional (9) parking spaces on L.A. County Flood Control District property, which is zoned OS-1XL; and modifications and clarifications to the Conditions of Approval from prior case No. ZA-2000-1176-CUZ-PA1. There is no proposed increase in student enrollment. Applicant: Howard Wang, et al; Sierra Canyon School STAFF RECOMMENDED DISAPPROVAL AS FILED AND APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS. Diana Lowrance, (213) 978-1209 DISCUSSION: Staff discussed the revised staff recommendation and gave an overview of the request. The representative gave an overview of the request and answered questions of the City Planning Commission. The Chair took comments under public comment from six speakers who proposed modifications to the conditions of approval and/or who raised specific issues related to the request. The Council Office submitted a letter in support of the request into the record. The City Planning Commission modified the following conditions of approval: Add a new condition h. to Condition No. 1 Modify Condition No. 4 and No. 6 b. Delete Condition 6 g. Modify Condition Nos 14, 16, 17, and 22. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF PAGE 7 JANUARY 26, 2006  The City Planning Commission took the following action: Commissioner Fr. Kezios moved to approve the revised staff recommendation, adopt the conditions of approval, as modified by the City Planning Commission and, adopt the findings as amended; Commissioner Cardoso seconded the motion. Motion was approved. Vote: 7-0 9. CPC-2005-6118-VCU-SPR Council District: 12 CEQA: ENV-2004-0164-EIR Location: 11023 Lurline Avenue Plan: Chatsworth-Porter Ranch Expiration Date: 01-26-06 Appeal Status: Appealable to City Council Public Hearing completed on October 31, 2005. Pursuant to Sections 12.24 T and 12.24 U 24(b) of the Municipal Code, a Vesting Conditional Use to allow for the construction, use, and maintenance of a private secondary school in the A2-1 (Agricultural) and RE11-1 (Residential Estate) zones with a maximum enrollment of 550 students (grades 9 through 12); and Pursuant to Section 12.24 F of the Municipal Code, the following Deviations from the LAMC: a. a deviation from LAMC Section 12.21.1 to permit a maximum building height of 69 feet for portions of the Classroom Building in lieu of the maximum 45 feet permitted in Height District No. 1. (Cond. No. 8 a); b. a deviation from LAMC Section 12.21.1 to permit a maximum building height of 69 feet for portions of the Administration Building in lieu of the maximum 45 feet permitted in Height District No. 1. (Cond. No. 8 c) c. a deviation from LAMC Section 12.21.1 to permit a maximum building height of 69 feet for portions of the Performing Arts Building in lieu of the maximum 45 feet permitted in Height District No. 1. (Cond. No. 8 b) d. a deviation from LAMC Section 12.21.1 to permit a maximum building height of 54 feet for portions of the Athletics Building in lieu of the maximum 45 feet permitted in Height District No. 1. (Cond. No. 8 d) e. a deviation from LAMC Sections 12.06 C 1 and 12.07 C 1 to permit a front yard setback of 7 feet, 3 inches along Rinaldi Street for a portion of the proposed Classroom Building and parking level, in lieu of the required 25 foot front yard setback. (Cond. No. 7 b) f. a deviation from LAMC Sections 12.06 C 1 and 12.07 C 1 to permit a front yard setback of 10 feet, 9 inches along Rinaldi Street for a portion of the proposed Athletics Building, in lieu of the required 25 foot front yard setback. (Cond. No. 7 c) g. a deviation from LAMC Sections 12.06 C 1 and 12.07 C 1 to permit portions of the security kiosk and related traffic control equipment to encroach within the required 25 foot front yard setback along Rinaldi Street. (Cond. No. 7 a) h. a deviation from LAMC Sections 12.06 C 1 and 12.07 C 1 to permit an equestrian CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF PAGE 8 JANUARY 26, 2006  trail (and related improvements) within the required 25 foot rear yard along the westerly property boundary. (Cond. No. 7 d) i. a deviation from Sections 12.06 C 1 and 12.07 C 1 of the LAMC to permit portable/modular buildings for temporary classrooms and support uses within a portion of the required side yard along the northerly property boundary. (Cond. No. 7 e) j. a deviation from Sections 12.06 C 1 and 12.07 C 1 of the LAMC to permit the swimming pool, pool deck, pool equipment building and stairs which will provide access to the aquatics center bleacher seats within a portion of the required side yard along the northerly property boundary. (Cond. No. 7 f) k. a deviation from LAMC Sections 12.06 C 1, 12.07 C 1, and 12.22 C 20 (f) to permit retaining walls to be constructed at select locations within the front, side and rear yards at varying heights, ranging from 0.5 to 14 feet, as shown on the site plan attached to the application, which in some instances exceed the permitted wall heights pursuant to LAMC Section 12.22 C 20 (f). (Cond. No. 6) l. a deviation from LAMC Section 12.22 C 20 (f) to permit to permit hedges, shrubs and trees to be located in the front, side and rear yards to exceed the heights otherwise permitted for fences and walls pursuant to LAMC Section 12.22 C 20 (f). (Cond. No. 5) m. a deviation from LAMC Section 12.21 C 1 (b) to permit buildings to be located on the subject dual-zoned property with required yards or other open space around a building, or a portion thereof, located in the RE11 zone to be maintained in the more restrictive A2 zone, which otherwise is not permitted. (Cond. No. 7 g); and Pursuant to Section 16.05 of the Municipal Code, Site Plan Review findings for projects which result in an increase of 50,000 square feet or more of non-residential floor area. for the proposed demolition of an existing single-family residence and accessory structures to allow for the construction, use and maintenance of a 550-student (maximum enrollment) private secondary school on a 4.89 (net) acre project site which is zoned (T) RE11-1 and A2-1. New construction would total approximately 120,542 square feet in four buildings. Proposed buildings include: a classroom building (with classroom, art and science areas, student services, and administrative functions); a performing arts center (with a 600-seat auditorium); an administration building (with offices, a student center, dining hall, staff areas and an attached aquatics center); and an athletics center (with a gymnasium, athletic department offices, weight training, and cardio-aerobics rooms). Parking will be provided for 236 cars (in an at-grade parking garage located under the Classroom and Athletics Buildings and the Performing Arts Center). Applicant: Sierra Canyon High School Foundation; James Skrumbis STAFF RECOMMENDED DISAPPROVAL AS FILED; APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS AND APPROVAL OF THE SITE PLAN REVIEW FINDINGS. Diana Lowrance, (213) 978-1209 DISCUSSION: Staff gave an overview of the proposed project. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF PAGE 9 JANUARY 26, 2006  The representative also gave an overview of the proposed project and answered questions of the City Planning Commission. The representative for Council District 12 commented in support and requested the deletion of Condition No. 130. The Chair took comments under public comment from a speaker in opposition who submitted into the record, a petition with 380 signatures in opposition to the proposed project. The Chair commented on the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and the mitigation measures and proposed a 30-day continuance. The representative agreed to continue the matter to February 23, 2006, and submitted an extension of time to that date. The City Planning Commission took the following action: The Chair moved to continue the matter to February 23, 2006; Commissioner Freer seconded the motion. Motion was approved. Vote: 6-0 (Commissioner Hughes not present) 10. CPC-2005-1002-ZC-SPE-CDP-MEL-ZAA- Council District: 11 SPP-SPR Location: 100 E. Sunset Avenue CEQA: ENV-2004-1407-EIR Appeal Status: Appealable to City Council Plan: Venice Expiration Date: 12-08-05 Continued from 10-27-05 and 12-08-05. Public Hearing completed on August 22, 2005. Pursuant to Section 12.32 of the Municipal Code, a Zone Change from M1-1 (Limited Industrial Zone) to CM-1 (Commercial Manufacturing Zone); and Pursuant to Section 11.5.7.F of the Municipal Code, a Specific Plan Exception from the following Sections of the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan (Ordinance 177,693): a. Section 10.F.3 to permit maximum building heights of up to 56-feet in lieu of the maximum permitted 30-feet for buildings with flat roofs, or maximum 35-feet for buildings with varied roof lines; b. Section 11.A. 3 to permit the subject property to be developed floor area ratio (FAR) of 2.05 to 1, in lieu of the maximum permitted FAR of 1.5 to 1; and Pursuant to Section 12.28 of the Municipal Code, an Adjustment from: f. Section 12.17.1 C 1 to permit a side yard setback along Main Street of 5- feet in lieu of the minimum required 7-foot setback; g. Section 12.17.1 C 2 to permit 175 dwelling units in lieu of the maximum CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF PAGE 10 JANUARY 26, 2006  permitted 156 units in the requested CM-1 Zone (Note: the project will also include 39 density bonus units for a total of 214 units); and Pursuant to Section 12.20.2 of the Municipal Code, a Coastal Development Permit; and Pursuant to Government Code Sections 65590 and 65590.1 a Mello Act Compliance review for projects in the Coastal Zone. (The Mello Act is a statewide law which requires local governments to comply with certain requirements designed to preserve and increase the supply of affordable housing in the Coastal Zone.); and Pursuant to Section 11.5.7.C of the Municipal Code, a Project Permit Compliance with the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan; and Pursuant to Section 16.05 Site Plan Review findings for projects which result in an increase of 50 or more dwelling units, for the demolition of an existing Metro Bus terminal and the proposed construction of an approximately 255,766 square foot mixed use building varying in height from 3 to 5 stories, 30-feet to 56-feet in height consisting of 214 residential condominium units and 10,000 square feet of commercial floor retail space, including a 7,000 square foot health club, 1,000 square foot coffee shop and 2,000 square feet of neighborhood serving retail. The project includes 39 density bonus units, of which 17 will be affordable to very low income residents. The project will provide a total of 662 parking spaces including 341 spaces for residents, 59 spaces for guests and 262 spaces for the commercial tenants. Parking will be provided in two subterranean levels. The site is approximately 136,618 square feet in size. Note: A separate case has been filed (Vesting Tentative Tract No. 61526) for subdivision purposes which will require a separate public hearing before the Advisory Agency. Applicant: Robert D’Elia, RAD Jefferson, LLC STAFF RECOMMENDED APPROVAL OF THE ZONE CHANGE TO (T)(Q)CM1-1, APPROVAL OF THE MELLO ACT COMPLIANCE; DISAPPROVAL OF THE SPECIFIC PLAN EXCEPTION, COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT, ADJUSTMENT, PROJECT PERMIT COMPLIANCE AND THE SITE PLAN REVIEW. Jon Foreman, (213) 978-1171. DISCUSSION: Staff stated that a revised project proposal had been submitted, however, it was submitted untimely. Therefore, staff did not have sufficient time to analyze the revised proposal and make a recommendation to the City Planning Commission. The representative gave an overview of the revised project proposal and answered questions of the City Planning Commission. The Chair took comments under public comment from five speakers in support of the revised project proposal and from 16 speakers in opposition. Three speakers gave general comments. The representative for Council District 11 proposed the matter be continued to give all CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF PAGE 11 JANUARY 26, 2006  parties the opportunity to review the revised project proposal. The Chair proposed the matter be continued. After a lengthy discussion, the City Planning Commission concurred the matter could not be acted on at this meeting and proposed the matter be continued. The representative agreed to a continuance to March 9, 2006, and submitted an extension of time to that date. The Chair gave a timetable to all parties to facilitate meetings and dissemination of information. The City Planning Commission took the following action: Commissioner Kay moved to continue the matter to March 9, 2006; Commissioner Freer seconded the motion. Motion was approved. Vote: 5-0 (Commissioner Cardoso recused; Commissioner Hughes not present) There being no further business to come before the City Planning Commission, the meeting adjourned at 4:50 P.M. ___________________________________________ Jane Ellison Usher, President ___________________________________________ Gabriele Williams, Commission Executive Assistant II City Planning Commission Adopted on February 09, 2006 CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF PAGE 12 JANUARY 26, 2006