City Planning Commission

CITY PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2009, 9:00 A.M. !! TH 10 FLOOR - CITY HALL 200 NORTH SPRING STREET, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA William Roschen, President S. Gail Goldberg, Director Regina M. Freer, Vice President Vincent P. Bertoni, Deputy Director Sean O. Burton, Commissioner John M. Dugan, Deputy Director Diego Cardoso, Commissioner Eva Yuan-McDaniel, Deputy Director Robin R. Hughes, Commissioner Fr. Spencer T. Kezios, Commissioner Ricardo Lara, Commissioner Cindy Montañez, Commissioner Michael K. Woo, Commissioner James Williams, Commission Executive Assistant I POLICY FOR DESIGNATED PUBLIC HEARING ITEM Nos. 9 and 10. 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. The Commission has 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 at www.planning.lacity.org. Click the Meetings and Hearings@ link. Commission meetings may be heard on Council Phone by dialing (213) 621-2489 or (818) 904-9450. GLOSSARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL TERMS: CEQA - Calif. Environmental Quality Act ND - Negative Declaration EIR - Environmental Impact Report MND - Mitigated Negative Declaration CE - Categorical Exemption CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 1 FEBRUARY 12, 2009  PLEASE NOTE: THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING WILL CONVENE AT 9:00 AM. 1. DIRECTOR’S REPORT A. Update on City Planning Commission Status Reports and Active Assignments 1. Ongoing Status Reports 2. City Council/PLUM Calendar and Actions 3. List of Pending Legislation (Ordinance Update) B. Legal actions and rulings update C. Other items of interest D. Report on "Housing in Proximity to Freeways" 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 FEBRUARY 12, 2009 4. CPC-2008-756-VZC-VCU-CU-CUB-ZV- Council District: 4 ZAA-SPR Expiration Date: 2-12-09 (Extended) CEQA: ENV-2007-717-EIR, SCH Appeal Status: Appealable to City No. 2007031050 Council. VZC appealable by Plan Area: Hollywood applicant if disapproved in whole or in part. PUBLIC HEARING – Completed on November 17, 2008 – Continued from January 8, 2009 Location: 959 N. Seward Street, 6624 W. Romaine Street, 6505 through 6555 W. Barton Avenue Requested Actions: 1. Pursuant to Section 12.32 of the Municipal Code, a Vesting Zone Change from MR1-1 (Restricted Industrial Zone) to M1-1-SN (Limited Industrial Zone). Note: At its meeting of January 8, 2009 the City Planning Commission recommended approval of a zone change to (T)(Q)M1-1 and continued consideration of the “SN” suffix to its meeting of February 12, 2009. 2. Pursuant to Sections 11.5.7, 12.32 and 13.11 of the Municipal Code, an application to Amend the Boundaries and Regulations of the Hollywood Signage Supplemental Use District (Ordinance Number 176,172) to: A. include the subject property; and B. incorporate new language into the Hollywood Signage Supplemental Use District to further regulate signage on the subject site. 3. Pursuant to Section 21082.1(c)(3) of the Public Resources Code, certify Environmental Impact Report (EIR), ENV-2007-717-EIR, SCH No. 2007031050, for the above referenced project. Adoption of the proposed mitigation monitoring program, the Statement of Overriding Considerations and the required findings for the adoption of the EIR. Proposed Project: Construction of an office complex catering primarily to entertainment-type users for offices, post- production, and editing facilities consisting of two office buildings and a parking structure. The proposed office buildings range in height from three- to five-stories (45 to 76 feet), total about 241,568 square feet, and include an approximately 4,000 square foot employee commissary restaurant which proposes on-site alcohol sales Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. through 8:00 11:00 p.m. The proposed project would provide between 516 and 750 parking spaces in an eight-story (up to 71 feet) parking structure, which includes six roof mounted satellite dishes an additional 10 to 16 feet high. The applicant also proposes approximately 6,200 square feet of signage throughout the site, the majority of which would be wall signs varying in size from 20 feet wide by 30 feet high to 60 feet wide by 20 feet high. The proposed project is located on a 156,717 square foot irregular shaped site with street frontages on Barton Avenue, Seward Street and Romaine Street. Applicant: Snyder 959 Seward, LLC: Michael E. Wise, Jerome H. Snyder, Milton I. Swimmer, Clifford P. Goldstein, Barbara M. Craft, Corinne Wise, Darren Swimmer and Steven Swimmer Representative: Mark Armbruster, Heather Lee CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 3 FEBRUARY 12, 2009  Recommended Actions: 1. Disapprove the requested Vesting Zone Change from MR1-1 to M1-1-SN as filed. 2. Approve and Recommend that the City Council Adopt a Vesting Zone Change from MR1-1 to (T)(Q)M1-1-SN (see attached maps) subject to the attached Conditions of Approval. 3. Approve and Recommend that the City Council Adopt the requested Amendments to the Hollywood Signage Supplemental Use District (Ordinance Number 176,172) to include the subject property (see attached map) and the incorporation of new language (Exhibit E) into the Hollywood Signage Supplemental Use District to regulate signage on the site. 4. Approve and recommend that the City Council certify Environmental Impact Report (EIR), ENV-2007-717-EIR, SCH No. 2007031050, for the above referenced project. Adoption of the proposed mitigation monitoring program, the Statement of Overriding Considerations and the required findings for the adoption of the EIR. 5. Adopt the attached Findings. 6. Recommend that the applicant be advised that time limits for effectuation of a zone in the “T” Tentative classification or “Q” Qualified Classification are specified in Section 12.32.G of the L.A.M.C. Conditions must be satisfied prior to the issuance of building permits and, that the “T” Tentative classification be removed in the manner indicated on the attached pages. 7. Advise the applicant that, pursuant to California State Public Resources Code Section 21081.6, the City shall monitor or require evidence that the mitigation conditions, identified as “(MM)” on the condition pages, are implemented and maintained throughout the life of the project and the City may require any necessary fees to cover the cost of such monitoring. Staff: Kevin Jones (213) 978-1172 5. CPC-2008-2452-ZC-ZV-DB-SPR Council District: 10 CEQA: ENV-2008-2453-MND Expiration Date: 2-25-09 Plan Area: Palms-Mar Vista-Del Rey Appeal Status: Appealable to City Council. Zone Change appealable by applicant if disapproved in whole or in part. PUBLIC HEARING – Completed on December 12, 2008 Location: 9901 W. Washington Boulevard Requested Actions: 1. Pursuant to Section 12.32.F of the Municipal Code, a Zone Change from C2-1 (Commercial Zone), CR-1 (Limited Commercial Zone) R5-1 and P-1 (Multi-Family Residential and Parking Zone) to (T)(Q)RAS4-1 (Residential/Accessory Service Zone). 2. Pursuant to Section 12.27 of the Municipal Code, a Zone Variance from Section 12.21.A.5 of the Municipal Code to permit varying reductions in the parking facility design for reduced drive aisles and reduced parking stall widths, associated with the addition of residential uses and seismic upgrade to structural columns in the existing three level subterranean garage. 3. Pursuant to Section 12.22.A.25 of the Municipal Code a 35% Density Bonus of 34 units over the permitted 97 units for a residential project totaling 131 units reserving 11% of the permitted number of units (11 units in this case) for Very Low Income households. One on- menu Affordable Housing incentive is being requested for a 35% increase in the floor area ratio. Parking will be provided in accordance with Section 12.22.A.25(d)(1) of the LAMC. 4. Pursuant to Section 16.05 of the Municipal Code, Site Plan Review approval for a new development project which will result in an increase of more than 50 residential units. 5. Pursuant to Section 21082.19(c)(3) of the California Public Resources Code, Adopt the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration and Environmental Findings. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 4 FEBRUARY 12, 2009  Proposed Project: The construction, use, and maintenance of a new six-story, 90-foot tall, approximately 146,112 square foot mixed-use building containing 131 apartment units (11 units reserved for very low income residents) over 12,148 square feet of ground level commercial (2,000 square feet restaurant, 2,914 square feet office, 7,234 square feet retail) with ground level plus three levels of subterranean parking containing a minimum of 191 parking spaces. The project site is approximately 39,103 square feet. Applicant: 9901 Luxe, LLC, Neil Shekhter Representative: Renee Meschul Recommended Actions: 1. Approve and Recommend that the City Council adopt a Zone Change from CR-1, C2-1, R5-1 and P-1 to (T)(Q)RAS4-1; 2. Approve a Zone Variance from Section 12.21.A.5 of the Municipal Code to permit varying reductions in the parking facility design for reduced drive aisles and reduced parking stall widths, associated with the addition of residential uses and seismic upgrade to structural columns in the existing three level subterranean garage. 3. Approve a 35% Density Bonus and one on-menu Affordable Housing incentive to permit a 35% increase in the floor area ratio; 4. Approve the requested Site Plan Review Approval for projects which result in an increase of 50 or more dwelling units. 5. Adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Environmental Findings contained in the staff report. 6. Approve the attached Findings. 7. Recommend that the applicant be advised that time limits for effectuation of a zone in the AT@ Tentative or AQ@ Qualified classification are specified in Section 12.32.G of the L.A.M.C. Conditions must be satisfied prior to the issuance of building permits and, that the (T) Tentative classification be removed in the manner indicated on the attached page. Staff: Lynda Smith (213) 978-1170 6. CPC-2008-3125-CA Council District: ALL CEQA: ENV-2008-3103-CE Expiration Date: N/A Plan Area: ALL Appeal Status: N/A PUBLIC HEARING – Not required Location: Citywide Requested Actions: 1. Amendments to Sections 12.04, 12.32 and 13.01 and addition of Section 13.12 to the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) to establish the River Improvement Overlay (RIO) Supplemental Use District. 2. Adoption of the Categorical Exemption No. ENV 2008-4569-CE. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 5 FEBRUARY 12, 2009  Proposed Project: A proposed ordinance (Appendix A) amending the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) to establish the River Improvement Overlay District (RIO) as a new supplemental use district for vicinities near rivers and tributaries. Applicant: City of Los Angeles Recommended Actions: 1. Adopt the staff report as its report on the subject. 2. Adopt the Categorical Exemption as the CEQA clearance on the subject and recommend its adoption by the City Council. 3. Approve the attached findings. 4. Approve the proposed ordinance (Appendix A) and recommend adoption by City Council. Staff: Thomas Rothman (213) 978-1370 7. CPC-2007-3036-CA CEQA: ENV-2007-3037-MND Council Districts: 1,2,3,4,5,6,9,12, Plan Area: Canoga Park-Winnetka- 13,14 Woodland Hills-West Hills-Reseda-W. Expiration Date: N/A Van Nuys-Encino-Tarzana-Van Nuys-N. Appeal Status: N/A Sherman Oaks-Sherman Oaks-Studio City-Tolouca Lake-Cahuenga Pass- Hollywood-NE Los Angeles-Silverlake- Echo Park-Central City North-Boyle Heights PUBLIC HEARING – Not Required Location: Citywide Requested Actions: 1. Establishment of the Los Angeles River Improvement Overlay District (LA-RIO) District, 2. Adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration. Proposed Project: To establish the Los Angeles River Improvement Overlay (LA-RIO) (Appendix A), which will implement the first River Improvement Overlay District (RIO). The LA-RIO consists of a required point system for new development near the Los Angeles River to implement design standards and guidelines that foster improved private property and public right of way development with regard to watershed, urban design, and mobility. In addition the LA-RIO includes green street standards and guidelines for public and private streets to increase pedestrian and bicycle safety and accessibility, increase native habitat areas, and increase opportunities to treat and infiltrate stormwater. Applicant: City of Los Angeles Recommended Actions: 1. Adopt the staff report as its report on the subject. 2. Approve the attached findings and recommend approval by the City Council. 3. Adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Findings as the CEQA clearance on the subject and recommend its adoption by the City Council. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 6 FEBRUARY 12, 2009  4. Approve the proposed ordinance (Appendix A) and recommend adoption by City Council. Staff: Thomas Rothman (213) 978-1370 8. CPC-2008-4567-ICO Council District: 9 CEQA: ENV-2008-4568-CE Expiration Date: N/A Plan Area: Southeast Los Angeles Appeal Status: N/A PUBLIC HEARING Location: Generally includes 28th Street between Stanford Avenue and Central Avenue and 27th Street between Griffith Avenue and Central Avenue excluding commercially zoned and occupied parcels along Central Avenue. Requested Actions: 1. The City Planning Commission shall make a recommendation to the City Council regarding the proposed establishment of an Interim Control Ordinance (ICO) in the 27th and 28th Street Historic District neighborhood. 2. Adoption of the Categorical Exemption No. ENV 2008-4569-CE. Proposed Project: The establishment of an Interim Control Ordinance (ICO) to temporarily prohibit the issuance of building and demolition permits for the erection, construction, demolition, addition to or alteration of any building or structure located in the 27th and 28th Street Historic District neighborhood. The ICO shall include an Urgency Clause making it effective upon publication and shall run for one year with two six month extensions by Council Resolution or until the City Council adopts appropriate land use regulatory controls. Applicant: City of Los Angeles Recommended Actions: 1. Approve an Interim Control Ordinance (Exhibit E-2) imposing temporary regulations on the issuance of building and demolition permits for the erection, construction, demolition, addition to or alteration of any building or structure within the proposed 27th and 28th Street HPOZ. 2. Approve the Staff Report and the Exhibits as the Commission Report. 3. Adopt Categorical Exemption No. ENV 2008-4569-CE (Exhibit E-3). 4. Adopt the attached Findings. Staff: Sergio Ibarra (213) 978-1204 9. CPC-2008-4565-ICO Council District: 9 CEQA: ENV-2008-4566-CE Expiration Date: N/A Plan Area: Southeast Los Angeles Appeal Status: N/A PUBLIC HEARING Location: Generally includes 52nd Place between Avalon Boulevard to the west and McKinley Avenue to the east, excluding commercially zoned parcels along Avalon Boulevard. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 7 FEBRUARY 12, 2009  Requested Actions: 1. Establishment of an Interim Control Ordinance (ICO) in the East 52nd Place Tifal Brothers Historic District neighborhood and adoption of the Categorical Exemption for the above referenced project. 2. Adoption of the Categorical Exemption No. ENV 2008-4566-CE. Proposed Project: The establishment of an Interim Control Ordinance (ICO) to temporarily prohibit the issuance of building and demolition permits for the erection, construction, demolition, addition to or alteration of any building or structure located in the East 52nd Place Tifal Brothers Historic District neighborhood. The ICO shall include an Urgency Clause making it effective upon publication and shall run for one year with two six month extensions by Council Resolution or until the City Council adopts appropriate land use regulatory controls. Applicant: City of Los Angeles Recommended Actions: 1. Approve an Interim Control Ordinance (Exhibit E-2) imposing temporary regulations on the issuance of building and demolition permits for the erection, construction, demolition, addition to or alteration of any building or structure within the proposed East 52nd Place Tifal Brothers HPOZ and recommend that City Council adopt an ICO. 2. Approve the Staff Report and the Exhibits as the Commission Report. 3. Adopt Categorical Exemption No. ENV 2008-4566-CE (Exhibit E-3). 4. Approve the attached Findings. Staff: Sergio Ibarra (213) 978-1204 10. 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, February 26, 2009, at the Van Nuys City Hall, 14410 Sylvan Street Council Chamber, 2ND 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 8 FEBRUARY 12, 2009