City Planning Commission

Información en EspaÁol acerca de esta junta puede ser obtenida Ilamando al (213) 978-1300 CITY PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2007, 8:30 A.M. ROOM 1010 - CITY HALL 200 NORTH SPRING STREET, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Jane Ellison Usher, President S. Gail Goldberg, Director William Roschen, Vice President Eva Yuan-McDaniel, Deputy Director Diego Cardoso, Commissioner Regina M. Freer, Commissioner Robin R. Hughes, Commissioner Sabrina Kay, Commissioner Fr. Spencer T. Kezios, Commissioner Cindy Montañez, Commissioner Michael K. Woo, Commissioner Gabriele Williams, Commission Executive Assistant II POLICY FOR DESIGNATED PUBLIC HEARING ITEM: Nos: 6, 8 and 11. 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. EVERY PERSON WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION MUST COMPLETE A SPEAKER=S REQUEST FORM AND SUBMIT IT TO THE COMMISSION STAFF. In November 2006, the Commission adopted rules regarding written submissions to ensure that it has reasonable and appropriate opportunity to review your materials. The mailing and email addresses, deadlines, page limits, and required numbers of copies for your advance submissions may be found at www.planning.lacity.org. under ‘Forms and Instructions”. Day of hearing submissions (15 copies must be provided) are limited to 2 pages plus accompanying photographs, posters, and PowerPoint presentations of 5 minutes or less. Non-complying materials will NOT be distributed to the Commission. TIME SEGMENTS noted * herein are approximate. Some items may be delayed due to length of discussion of previous items. 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 W orld Wide Web at www.planning.lacity.org. Click the AMeetings and Hearings@ quick link. CPC agenda are available under any of the seven service areas. 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 agenized 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. DIRECTOR=S REPORT A. Council actions and schedule. B. Legal actions and rulings update. C. Other items of interest. 2. COMMISSION BUSINESS A. Advance Calendar. B. Commission Requests. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD The Commission shall provide an opportunity in open meetings for the public to address it, for a cumulative total of up to thirty (30) minutes, on items of interest to the public that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. (This requirement is in addition to any other hearing required or imposed by law.) PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK MUST SUBMIT A SPEAKER=S REQUEST FORM. ALL REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION ON NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST TO THE PUBLIC THAT ARE WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMISSION MUST BE SUBMITTED PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD. Individual testimony within the public comment period shall be limited as follows: (a) For non-agendized matters, up to five (5) minutes per person and up to ten (10) minutes per subject. (b) For agendized matters, up to three (3) minutes per person and up to ten (10) minutes per subject. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR THESE ITEMS WILL BE DEFERRED UNTIL SUCH TIME AS EACH ITEM IS CALLED FOR CONSIDERATION. The Chair of the Commission may allocate the number of speakers per subject, the time allotted each subject, and the time allotted each speaker. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 2 DECEMBER 13, 2007 4. CPC-2006-7068-ZC-HD-ZAA-SPR Council District: 13 CEQA: ENV-2006-6941-EIR Expiration Date: Extended Plan: Hollywood Appeal Status: Appealable to Council Public Hearing completed on September 28, 2007. Project Location: 6230 Yucca Street Requested Action: Pursuant to Section 12.32 of the Municipal Code, a Zone and Height District Change from C4-2D-SN (Commercial Zone, total Floor Area not to exceed 3 times the buildable area of the lot) to C4-2-SN (Commercial Zone; total Floor Area not to exceed 4.5 times the buildable area of the lot).; and Pursuant to Section 12.28 of the Municipal Code, an Adjustment to permit (a) zero foot side yard setbacks in lieu of the minimum 16 foot side yards otherwise required, and (b) a zero foot rear yard in lieu of the minimum 20-foot rear yard otherwise required; and Pursuant to Section 16.05 Site Plan Review for a development which creates 50 or more dwelling units. Proposed Project: Demolition of an existing building and construction of a 16-story, 114,652 square foot mixed- use building containing approximately 13,790 square feet of commercial space, 10 “live/work” units, and 85 residential condominium units. The project proposes to provide 242 parking spaces in a six-level parking structure (3 subterranean levels and 3 above-ground levels) on a 25,476 square foot site currently classified in the C4-2D-SN zone. Applicant: Second Street Ventures Representative: Armbruster & Goldsmith, LLP STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ZONE CHANGE TO (T)(Q)C4-2D-SN, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS; DENY WITHOUT PREJUDICE THE ADJUSTMENT; AND APPROVAL OF THE SITE PLAN REVIEW. Lynda Smith, (213) 978-1170 5. CPC-2006-6519-ZC-HD-ZV-ZAA-SPR Council District: 13 (Related to VTT-66997) Expiration Date: 2-15-08 CEQA: ENV-2006-6520-MND Appeal Status: Appealable to Council Plan: Hollywood Public Hearing completed on April 27, 2007. Project Location: 5663-5647 W. Melrose Avenue and 5742-5766 W. Camerford Avenue Requested Actions: Pursuant to Section 12.32 of the Municipal Code, a Zone and Height District Change from C4-1D (Commercial Zone with development limitations) to RAS4-1 (Residential/Accessory CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 3 DECEMBER 13, 2007  Services Zone); and Pursuant to Section 12.27 of the Municipal Code, a Zone Variance from the following: a. Section 12.10 C to permit 54 residential units on the R3-1XL zoned portion of the project fronting Camerford Avenue in lieu of the otherwise permitted 33 units; (or one unit per 500 square feet of lot area in lieu of the otherwise permitted one unit per 800 square feet of lot area) in order to provide an equal distribution of all 96 units over the entire site. b. Section 12.11.5 C to permit the lot area used in calculating residential density on the proposed RAS4-1 zoned portion of the project fronting Melrose Avenue to include the area required for a 15 foot street dedication resulting in 62 units in lieu of 58 units (or one unit per 376 square feet of lot area in lieu of the otherwise permitted one unit per 400 square feet of lot area). c. Section 12.21.1 A1 to permit a maximum building height of 61 feet and one inch (61’- 1”) in lieu of the maximum permitted height of 30 feet for the R3-1XL zoned portion of the project fronting Camerford Avenue; and Pursuant to Section 12.28 of the Municipal Code, an Adjustment from the following: a. Section 12.10 C as follows: (a) to permit the R3-1XL zoned portion of the project fronting Camerford Avenue to observe a reduced front yard of 10 feet in lieu of the minimum 15 feet required, and (b) a reduced rear yard of zero feet in lieu of the required 15 feet. b. Section 12.11.5 C as follows (a) to permit proposed RAS4-1 zoned portion of the project fronting Melrose Avenue to observe a reduced front yard of zero feet in lieu of the minimum required five feet, and (b) a reduced rear yard of zero feet in lieu of the required minimum 5 feet; and Pursuant to Section: 16.05 of the Municipal Code, Site Plan Review Approval for projects which result in an increase of 50 or more dwelling units. Proposed Project: Demolition of existing nightclub and residential bungalows and construction of a five-story, maximum 61’-1” high, mixed use project consisting of 93 market rate and three very low income residential condominium units (total of 96 units), and approximately 3,350 square feet of commercial space. The proposed project will provide 21 retail parking spaces, 192 residential parking spaces and 24 guest parking spaces for a total of 237 parking spaces to be located on one ground level and one subterranean parking level on an approximately 53,734 gross square foot site divided by an alley. (Note: Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 66997 for condominium purposes was approved by the Advisory Agency on November 19, 2007.) Applicant: Watt Genton Associates Representative: Allen Matkins; Michael Gonzales ` STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ZONE CHANGE/HEIGHT DISTRICT CHANGE TO (T)(Q)RAS3-1; DENY THE VARIANCE TO PERMIT 54 RESIDENTIAL UNITS IN LIEU OF 33 UNITS ON THE PORTION FRONTING CAMERFORD AVENUE; CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 4 DECEMBER 13, 2007  APPROVAL OF THE OTHER REQUESTED VARIANCES AND ADJUSTMENT, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS; AND DISAPPROVAL OF THE SITE PLAN WITHOUT PREJUDICE. Madhu Kumar, (213) 978-1162 6. VTT-66997-1A Council District: 13 (Related to CPC-2006-6519-ZC-HD- Expiration Date: 12-24-07 ZV-ZAA-SPR) Appeal Status: Appealable to Council CEQA: ENV-2005-6520-MND Plan: Hollywood PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED Project Location: 5641-5663 W. Melrose Avenue; 5742-5766 West Camerford Avenue; 704-724 North El Centrol Avenue Requested Action: An appeal, from the entire decision of the Deputy Advisory Agency’s approval of Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 66997. Proposed Project: Construction of a new 96-unit residential condominium with 216 parking spaces including 24 guest parking spaces and 3,350 square feet of commercial space with 21 parking spaces, on a 50,659 net square foot site in the R3-1XL and RAS4-1 zones. Applicant: Steve Seemann, Melrose Avenue/Camerford Ave., LLC Appellants: Doug Haines; Robert Blue, Susan Einstein, Edward Hunt STAFF RECOMMENDS GRANT THE APPEAL IN PART; MODIFY CONDITIONS OF THE DEPUTY ADVISORY AGENCY DECISION. Sarah Molina, (213) 978-473-9983 7. CPC-2006-10383-ZC-ZV-ZAA-ZAI- Council District: 4 SPR Expiration Date: 12-17-07 CEQA: ENV-2006-10384-MND Appeal Status: Appealable to Council Plan: Wilshire Public Hearing completed on October 15, 2007. Project Location: 100-126 N. Western Avenue and 101-123 N. Oxford Requested Action: Pursuant to Section 12.32 of the Municipal Code, a Zone Change from R4-1 and C2-1 to RAS4-1; and Pursuant to Section 12.27 of the Municipal Code, Zone Variances from Section 12.11.5 s a follows: A. To permit commercial uses on the second level of a building in the RAS4 zone which is otherwise not permitted; B. To permit more than 5 persons to be engaged in the production or servicing of materials in a building in the RAS4 zone which is otherwise not permitted; C. To permit the establishment of a master alcohol permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 5 DECEMBER 13, 2007  for both on-site and off-site consumption in conjunction with a building in the RAS4 zone which is otherwise not permitted; and D. To permit (i) up to three projecting or wall signs, a maximum of 95 square feet each, for apartment identification (ii) one or more illuminated and non illuminated commercial signs with a maximum total area for all retail signs of 35 square feet per tenant varying in type, size, and placement from Code requirements; and Pursuant to Section 12.28 of the Municipal Code, an Adjustment to Section 12.11.5 C to provide zero foot setbacks on all sides of the proposed project on the first through fourth levels of the building in lieu of minimum five foot setbacks otherwise required; and Pursuant to Section 12.21 A 2 of the Municipal Code, an Interpretation that the following uses are similar to those listed in Section 12.11.5.A: a 40,000 square foot supermarket; food court; spa and health club with massage parlor; medical/dental offices and medical clinic; specialty wine and liquor sales; art gallery or similar cultural institutions; and all neighborhood serving retail uses, including but not limited to a retail sales store, coffee shop, newsstand, parcel delivery store, pet store, video/CD/DVD rental and sales store, etc.; and Pursuant to Section 16.05 of the Municipal Code, Site Plan Review Approval for a development project that results in an increase of 50,000 gross square feet of non- residential floor area, and an increase of 50 or more dwelling units. Proposed Project: Demolition of an existing market and accessory parking lot and construction of a 7-story, approximately 206,900 square foot mixed use project with approximately 89,000 square feet of commercial/retail use, including a grocery store, on the ground and second levels, and approximately 187 studio and one-bedroom dwelling units above. The height of the building will be 91 feet. The proposed project includes approximately 640 parking spaces, located on two levels of above ground parking and two and one half levels of subterranean parking located on a 74,836 square foot, sloping site. Applicant: H.K. Town, LLC Representative: Kevin McDonnell, Jeffer, Mangels, Butler and Marmaro STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ZONE CHANGE TO (T)(Q)RAS4-1 ON SITE 1, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS; DISAPPROVAL OF THE VARIANCE TO PERMIT A MASTER ALCOHOL PERMIT TO PERMIT SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR ON- SITE AND OFF-SITE CONSUMPTION; APPROVAL OF THE OTHER REQUESTED VARIANCES, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS; DISAPPROVAL OF THE REQUESTED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR’S INTERPRETATION REGARDING SPA/HEALTH CLUB WITH MASSAGE PARLOR USE AND SPECIALITY WINE AND LIQUOR SALES; APPROVAL OF INTERPRETATION RELATING TO OTHER USES; AND APPROVAL OF THE SITE PLAN. Kevin Jones, (213) 978-1172. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 6 DECEMBER 13, 2007 8. VTT-63403-1A AND Council District: 14 ZA-2005-6616-ZV-ZAA-ZAD-1A Expiration Date: 12-13-07 CEQA: ENV-2005-6596-MND Appeal Status: Appealable to Council Plan: Central City North PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED Project Location: 695 Santa Fe Avenue Requested Action: 1). An Appeal, from the Deputy Advisory Agency’s entire disapproval of Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 63403 and; 2). An Appeal, from the Zoning Administrator’s decision to disapprove Joint Live-Work Quarters for artists and artisans in the M3-1 zone and a reduction in the yard requirements to permit a zero foot front yard setback in lieu of the required 15 feet, a five foot side yard setback along Imperial Street and Santa Fe Avenue in lieu of the required 11-feet, and a zero foot rear yard setback in lieu of the required 20 feet minimum. Proposed Project: Proposed merger and re-subdivision of 13 lots into one lot for an 8-story, 182 joint live-work artists and artisan condominium in three buildings with 3,000 square feet of retail space and 307 parking spaces on a 101,952 net square-foot site in the M3-1 zone. Applicant: David Seewack, AMP LLC Representative: Craig Lawson & Co., LLC Appellant: Same as applicant STAFF RECOMMENDS DENY THE APPEAL AND SUSTAIN THE DEPUTY ADVISORY AGENCY AND THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR’S DECISIONS. Theodore Irving, (213) 978-1366. After 1 p.m. 9. CPC-2007-540-ZC Council District: 10 CEQA: ENV-2007-541-ND Expiration Date: NA Plan: Wilshire Appeal Status: NA Public Hearing completed on October 1, 2007. Project Location: An area generally bounded by the west side of Fairfax Avenue, Pickford Street to the south, Ogden Drive to the east, and Pico Boulevard to the north. Requested Action: Pursuant to Section 12.32 ( c ) of the Municipal code, a Zone Change from [Q]R3-1-O and R3-1-O to [Q]R3-1-O. The zone change imposes [Q] Qualified Conditions that would apply CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 7 DECEMBER 13, 2007  to the R3 zoned lots within the area and would require a maximum height limit of 35 feet or a maximum height limit of 45 feet, where applicable, provided the project adheres to the urban design standards specified in the [Q] Conditions. The proposed [Q] Conditions also require increased landscaping, building articulation, and yards for new development and are designed to preserve the neighborhood character of the area. No change is proposed to the currently permitted residential density of the R3 zone. Proposed Project: No project is proposed. Applicant: City of Los Angeles STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE REQUESTED ZONE CHANGE TO [Q]R3-1-0. Patricia Diefenderfer, (213) 978-1179 10. CPC-2006-9769-GPA-ZC-CU-ZV- Council District: 9 SN Expiration Date: NA CEQA: ENV-EIR SCH NO. 2007051122 Appeal Status: NA Plans: Southeast Los Angeles (Subarea 1) and Central City (Subarea 2) Public Hearing completed on November 13, 2007. Project Location: 5413 S. Avalon Boulevard (Subarea 1); and The block bounded by 16th Street, South San Pedro Street, 15th Street and Griffith Street consisting of 1505-1525 (odd) E. 16th Street, 1504-1518 (even) S. San Pedro Street, 711-821 (odd) E. 16th Street, 706-836 (even) E. 15th Street (Subarea 2). Requested Action: Pursuant to Section 11.5.8 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, a General Plan Amendment to the Southeast Los Angeles Community Plan from Limited Industrial to Open Space (Subarea 1) and a General Plan Amendment to the Central City Community Plan from Public Facilities to Light Industrial (Subarea 2); and Pursuant to Section 12.32 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, Zone Changes from: M1-1 to OS-1 (Subarea 1) and from PF-2D-O to M2-2D-O-SN (Subarea 2); and Pursuant to Section 13.11 of the Municipal Code, the creation of a Sign Supplemental Use District (Subarea 2); and Pursuant to Section 12.24.U.19 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, a Conditional Use Permit to permit a community center, museum, event center, and office space in the OS Zone (Subarea 1); and Pursuant to 12.27 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, a Zone Variance to permit 67 parking spaces in lieu of the required 170 parking spaces (Subarea 1). CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 8 DECEMBER 13, 2007  Proposed Project: Subarea I - Construction of a 4.5 acre Wetlands Park (Phase I) on a nine acre parcel and the use of an existing 71,500 square foot structure for a transit museum, community center, and/or office use in the second phase. A variance for a reduction in parking from approximately 170 spaces to 67 spaces may be required with the establishment of the Phase II uses. Subarea 2 - The erection of two double-faced billboard signs. Applicant: City of Los Angeles STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE PLAN AMENDMENT/ZONE CHANGE TO OPEN SPACE/OS-1 (SUBAREA 1) AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL/M2-2D-O-SN (SUBAREA 2), SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS; APPROVAL OF THE SIGN SUPPLEMENTAL USE DISTRICT (SUBAREA 2); APPROVAL OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND ZONE VARIANCE, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS; CERTIFICATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR SCH NO 200705112) AND ADOPTION OF THE STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS. Marianne Askew, (213) 978-1203. Council District: 11 11. CPC-2007-5138-ZC Expiration Date: NA CEQA: ENV-2007-5139-ND Appeal Status: N/A Plan: Brentwood-Pacific Palisades PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED Project Location: An area generally bounded by Sunset Boulevard to the north, San Vicente Boulevard to the south, South Rockingham Avenue and South 26th Street to the west, and South Canyon View Drive to the east, and includes the parcels fronting South Rockingham Avenue on the west side of the street. The RE11 zoned properties located within the project area boundaries are not included in the proposed rezoning area. Requested Action: Zone Change from RA-1 to RE20-1 within the boundaries specified, pursuant to Section 12.31 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code. Proposed Project: No project is proposed. Applicant: City of Los Angeles STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ZONE CHANGE TO RE20-1. Erick Lopez, (213) 978-1243. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 9 DECEMBER 13, 2007 12. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION OF PLANNING POLICY AND GOALS The Commission may ADJOURN FOR LUNCH at approximately 12:00 Noon. Any cases not acted upon during the morning session will be considered after lunch. The next regular meeting of the City Planning Commission will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 20, 2007 at the Van Nuys City Hall, 14410 Sylvan Street ND Council Chamber, 2 Floor Van Nuys, CA 91401 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. Translation services, sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or other services must be requested 72 hours prior to the meeting by calling the Planning Commission Secretariat at (213) 978-1300. or by email at CPC@lacity.org. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 10 NOVEMBER 8, 2007