City Planning Commission

CITY PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016 after 8:30 a.m. VAN NUYS CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBER, 2 ND FLOOR 14410 SYLVAN STREET, VAN NUYS, CALIFORNIA 91401 David H. Ambroz, President Vincent P. Bertoni, AICP, Director Renee Dake Wilson, AIA, Vice President Kevin J. Keller, AICP, Deputy Director Robert L. Ahn, Commissioner Lisa M. Webber, AICP, Deputy Director Caroline Choe, Commissioner Jan Zatorski, Deputy Director Richard Katz, Commissioner John W. Mack, Commissioner Samantha Millman, Commissioner Veronica Padilla-Campos, Commissioner Dana Perlman, Commissioner James Williams, Commission Executive Assistant II (213) 978-1300 POLICY FOR DESIGNATED PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS 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. Written submissions are governed by Rule 10 of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission Rules and Operating Procedures, a copy of which is posted online at http://planning.lacity.org/Forms_Procedures/CPCPolicy.pdf. Day of hearing submissions (20 copies must be provided) are limited to 2 pages plus accompanying photographs. Submissions that do not comply with these rules will be stamped “File Copy. Non-Complying Submission.” Non-complying submissions will be placed into the official case file, but they will not be delivered to or considered by the CPC, and will not be included in the official administrative record for the item at issue. 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. 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. 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 days prior to the meeting by calling the Commission Executive Assistant at (213) 978-1300 or by e-mail at CPC@lacity.org. 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 http://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 Información en Español acerca de esta junta puede ser obtenida llamando al (213) 978-1300 CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 27, 2016 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 2. COMMISSION BUSINESS A. Advance Calendar B. Commission Requests 3. NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL PRESENTATION: 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. The Neighborhood Council representative shall provide the Board or Commission with a copy of the Neighborhood Council's resolution or community impact statement. THESE PRESENTATIONS WILL BE TAKEN AT THE TIME THE AGENDA ITEM IS CALLED FOR CONSIDERATION. 4. 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 OCTOBER 27, 2016 2 5. CONSENT CALENDAR (Item Nos. 5a, 5b, 5c) Consent Calendar items are considered to be not controversial and will be treated as one agenda item. The Consent Calendar will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless the item is removed from the Consent Calendar, in which event the item will be considered as time allows on the regular agenda. 5a. CPC-2016-974-CU-ZV Council District: 1 - Cedillo CEQA: ENV-2016-975-MND Last Day to Act: 11-10-16 Plan Area: Central City North PUBLIC HEARING – Completed on July 20, 2016 PROJECT SITE: 1253 - 1263 North Bishops Road; 510 – 520 Cottage Home Street PROPOSED PROJECT: The project involves a the demolition of an approximately 11,700 sf annex/shop building and the construction, use, and maintenance of an approximately 40,598 sf Arts Complex (consisting of an approximately 17,082 sf Arts building, an approximately 13,741 sf theater, and an approximately 9,775 sf garage) located on an existing private school campus (Cathedral High School). The project will provide 78 on-site parking spaces. No increase in enrollment or hours of operation are proposed. REQUESTED ACTIONS: 1. Pursuant to Section 21082.1(c)(3) of the California Public Resources Code, the Commission will consider adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration, (ENV-2016-975- MND) for the subject use. 2. Pursuant to Section 21081.6 of the California Public Resources Code, the Commission will consider adopting the Mitigation Monitoring Program for ENV-2016-975-MND. 3. Pursuant to Section 12.24-U,24 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, a Conditional Use to permit the construction, use, and maintenance of a new Arts Complex located on an existing private high school in the [Q]R3-1 Zone, and pursuant to LAMC 12.24-F: a. Permit a 54-foot building height in lieu of the 45 feet otherwise permitted, b. Permit a zero-foot front yard in lieu of the 15 feet otherwise required, an c. Permit a zero-foot side yard in lieu of the 5 feet otherwise required. 4. Pursuant Section 12.27, of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, a Zone Variance to permit 78 on-site parking spaces in lieu of the 382 spaces otherwise required Applicant: Martin Farfan, Cathedral High School College Preparatory Representative: Christopher Murray, Rosenheim & Associates, Inc. Staff: Jenna Monterrosa, City Planner (213) 978-1377 Jenna.monterrosa@lacity.org CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 27, 2016 3  5b. CPC-2015-3905-DB-SPR Council District: 6 – Martinez CEQA: ENV-2015-3906-MND Last Day to Act: 10-27-16 Plan Area: Van Nuys – North Sherman Oaks PUBLIC HEARING – Completed on June 21, 2016 PROJECT SITE: 7111 – 7133 North Sepulveda Boulevard PROPOSED PROJECT: The construction, use, and maintenance of a six-story, mixed-use building providing 180 residential units (including 20 very-low income units) and approximately 4,750 square-feet of ground floor commercial space with 327 on-site parking spaces in C2- 1VL Zone REQUESTED ACTIONS: 1. Pursuant to Section 21082.1(c)(3) of the California Public Resources Code, adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration (ENV-2015-3906-MND) for the above referenced project. 2. Pursuant to Section 21081.6 of the California Public Resources Code and Section 15097 of the CEQA Guidelines, adopt the Mitigation Monitoring Program for ENV-2015- 3906-MND. 3. Pursuant to Section 12.22-A,25 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C.), a 35% Density Bonus (with a set aside of 15%, 20 units, for Very Low Income households); a Density Bonus Parking Incentive (Parking Option 1) to allow 1 parking space for the 0-1 bedroom units and 2 parking spaces for the 2-3 bedroom units; and one (1) On-Menu Incentives and (2) Off-Menu Waivers as follows: a. Pursuant to L.A.M.C Section 12.22 A.25 (f)(1), an On-Menu Incentive to permit a 20% decrease in the required rear yard to 15-feet in lieu of the required 18- feet. b. Pursuant to Section 12.22-A,25(g)(3), an Off-Menu Waiver to permit an increase in building height to six stories and a maximum 63-foot building height in lieu of the permitted three stories and 45-feet in the C2-1VL Zone; and, c. Pursuant to Section 12.22-A,25(g)(3), an Off-Menu Waiver to a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 3.7:1 in lieu of the permitted FAR of 1.5:1 in the C2-1VL Zone. 4. Pursuant to Section 16.05 of the L.A.M.C., a Site Plan Review for a development project which creates or results in an increase of 50 dwelling units. Applicant: Fayz Holdings, LLC Representative: Matthew Hayden, three6ixty Staff: Jordann Turner, City Planner (213) 978-1365 jordann.turner@lacity.org 5c. CPC-2016-1168-GPA-ZC-BL Council District: 6 - Martinez CEQA: ENV-2016-1169-MND Last Day to Act: 10-31-16 Plan Area: Mission Hills-Panorama City-North Hills PUBLIC HEARING – Completed on August 16, 2016 PROJECT SITE: 14701-14719 West Plummer Street CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 27, 2016 4  PROPOSED PROJECT: The demolition of existing structures and the construction, use, and maintenance of 28 small lot homes in conjunction with a small lot subdivision. Each of the small lot homes will be two- stories, with a maximum height of approximately 23 feet, and will have two covered parking spaces. A total of 56 residential parking spaces and nine guest parking spaces will be provided on site. REQUESTED ACTIONS: 1. Pursuant to Section 21082.1(c)(3) of the California Public Resources Code and Section 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines, consider the environmental analysis in Case No. ENV- 2016-1169-MND; 2. Pursuant to Charter Section 555 and Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Section 11.5.6, a General Plan Amendment to amend the Mission Hills – Panorama City – North Hills Community Plan to re-designate the Project Site from Low Residential to Low Medium I Residential land use; 3. Pursuant to LAMC Section 12.32-F, a Zone Change from RA-1 to (T)(Q)RD3-1; 4. Pursuant to LAMC Section 12.32-R, the removal of a 24-foot building line along the northern side of Plummer Street established pursuant to Ordinance No. 99,739. Applicant: AG Plummer, LLC Representative Ronal Cargill / Cargill Planning & Pre-development Services Staff: May Sirinopwongsagon, City Planner (213) 978-1372 may.sirinopwongsagon@lacity.org 6. CPC-2015-300-GPA-ZC-SPR Council District: 6 – Martinez CEQA: ENV-2015-301-MND Last Day to Act: 10-31-16 Plan Area: Mission Hills-Panorama City-North Hills Continued from 9-22-16 PUBLIC HEARING – Completed on July 19 and August 16, 2016 PROJECT SITE: 7662 -7700 North Woodman Avenue 7711 North Ventura Canyon Avenue PROPOSED PROJECT: The construction, use, and maintenance of two new apartment buildings, containing a total of 288 age- restricted (62 years and older) dwelling units with 1,221 square feet of ground floor commercial/flex space and 252 parking spaces on one level of at-grade parking and four levels of residential dwelling units above the parking. The proposed building would be a maximum of 58 feet in height. REQUESTED ACTIONS: 1. Pursuant to Sections 21082.1(c)(3) and 21081.6 of the California Public Resources Code, adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration (ENV-2015-301-MND) and Mitigation Monitoring Program for the project. 2. Pursuant to City Charter Section 555 and LAMC Section 11.5.6-B, a General Plan Amendment to the Mission Hills-Panorama City-North Hills Community Plan to: CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 27, 2016 5  a. Re-designate the subject site from Limited Manufacturing land uses to General Commercial land uses. b. Amend Footnote No. 3 on the subject property to allow Height District 1 on the site, in lieu of Height District 1VL for properties with a General Commercial Land Use designation. 3. Pursuant to LAMC Section 12.32, a Zone Change from M1-1 and RSP-1 to (T)(Q)RAS4-1. 4. Pursuant to LAMC Section 16.05, Site Plan Review to permit a development that results in an increase of 50 or more dwelling units. Applicant: Reisman Family Trust Representative: Ken Stockton Architects, Inc. Staff: Heather Bleemers, City Planner (213) 978-0092 heather.bleemers@lacity.org 7. VTT-72813-CN-1A Council District: 4 – Ryu CEQA: ENV-2014-4618-MND Last Date to Act: 10-27-16 Plan Area: Van Nuys – North Sherman Oaks PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED PROJECT SITE: 15353-15385 West Weddington Street PROPOSED PROJECT: The demolition of an existing 169-unit apartment complex and the subdivision of three lots in conjunction with the construction, use, and maintenance of a new 270-unit residential condominium development containing 32,266 square feet of open space, 599 parking spaces within a subterranean parking garage and 24 surface parking spaces, on a 3.94 acre (171,492 square-foot) site. Consider adoption of Mitigated Negative Declaration No. ENV-2014-4618-MND for the project pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15074(b), and adoption of related Mitigation Monitoring Program pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15074(d). APPEAL: 1. Pursuant to L.A.M.C. Section 17.06, an appeal of the entire decision of the Advisory Agency’s approval of Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 72813-CN for the subdivision of the site and the development of 270 residential condominiums in accordance with Section 17.03 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code; and 2. An appeal of Mitigated Negative Declaration No. ENV-2014-4618-MND. Applicant: George Saad, Empire USA, LL Appellant: Jeff Modrzejewski, CREED LA Staff: Heather Bleemers, City Planner Fernando Tovar, Associate Zoning Administrator (213) 978-0092 (213) 978-1303 heather.bleemers@lacity.org fernando.tovar@lacity.org CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 27, 2016 6 8. VTT-73939-CN-1A Council District: 7 – Wesson* CEQA: ENV-2015-4183-MND Last Day to Act: 10-27-16 Plan Area: Mission Hills-Panorama City-North Hills *caretaker PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED PROJECT SITE: 9433 Sepulveda Boulevard 15500 – 15508 Plummer Street PROPOSED PROJECT: Subdivision for 75 detached residential condominium units with 169 parking spaces inclusive of 19 guest spaces on a 136,492 square-foot (3.13 net acres) lot. Consider adoption of Mitigated Negative Declaration No. ENV-2015-4183-MND for the project pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15074(b), and adoption of related Mitigation Monitoring Program pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15074(d). APPEAL: Appeal of the Deputy Advisory Agency’s determination letter in its entirety to address the following concerns: Density, Traffic, Parking, and Water. Applicant: Williams Homes, Scott Smith Representative: Eric Lieberman Appellant: Charles Johnson Staff: Nelson Rodriguez, City Planning Associate (818) 374-9903 nelson.rodriguez@lacity.org 9. CPC-2015-4184-GPA-ZC-BL-SPR Council District: 7 – Wesson* CEQA: ENV-2015-4183-MND Last Day to Act: 10-27-16 Plan Area: Mission Hills-Panorama City -North Hills *caretaker PUBLIC HEARING – Completed on August 30, 2016 PROJECT SITE: 9433 Sepulveda Boulevard 15500 – 15508 Plummer Street 15420 – 15450 Plummer Street PROPOSED PROJECT: The development of a 75-unit detached residential condominium with a townhome style of 4 to 6 unit buildings spread throughout the entire site with private yards, individual garages with two parking spaces for each unit, common open space park areas, and an interior common access area for vehicles. Unit sizes will vary from approximately 1,190 square feet to 1,390 square feet and will have CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 27, 2016 7  either two or three bedrooms. The maximum height of the three story townhomes will be 41 feet with roof top decks. The project includes a total of 169 parking spaces. REQUESTED ACTIONS: 1. FIND, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15074(b), after consideration of the whole of the administrative record, including the Mitigated Negative Declaration, No. ENV-2015-4183-MND (“Mitigated Negative Declaration”), and all comments received, with the imposition of mitigation measures, there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment; FIND the Mitigated Negative Declaration reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City; FIND the mitigation measures have been made enforceable conditions on the project; and ADOPT the Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Mitigation Monitoring Program prepared for the Mitigated Negative Declaration. 2. Pursuant to Charter Section 555 and Section 11.5.6 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC), a General Plan Amendment from Medium Residential and Low Residential to Low Medium II Residential, to have a uniform Plan designation on the project site. 3. Pursuant to Section 12.32 of the LAMC, a zone change from R3-1 and R1-1 to RD1.5, to have uniform zoning on the project site. 4. Pursuant to Section 12.32-R of the LAMC, removal of a 22 foot building line along Plummer Street. 5. Pursuant to Section 16.05 of the LAMC, a Site Plan Review approval for the construction, use and maintenance of a project that results in 50 or more residential units. Applicant: Williams Homes, Scott Smith Representative: Eric Lieberman Staff: Nelson Rodriguez, City Planning Associate (818) 374-9903 nelson.rodriguez@lacity.org 10. DIR-2015-3578-DB-1A Council District: 5 – Koretz CEQA: ENV-2015-3579-CE Last Date to Act: 10-27-16 Plan Area: Palms-Mar Vista-Del Rey PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED PROJECT SITE: 3647 South Hughes Avenue PROPOSED PROJECT: The proposed project involves the approval of three on-menu Density Bonus Incentives, pursuant to LAMC Section 12.22 A.25 (Affordable Housing Incentives-Density Bonus) in exchange for restricting one (1) unit for Very Low Income households within a new 8-unit multi-family building. The requested incentives are: a. Floor Area Ratio. An allowance for a 3.4: 1 Floor Area Ratio in lieu of the normally required 3:1 Floor Area Ratio. b. Height. An 11 foot increase in height to 56 feet in lieu of 45 feet. c. Side Yard. A 20% reduction of the north side yard setback to 6 feet and 4 inches in lieu of the required 8 feet. Determine based on the whole of the administrative record, the Project is exempt from CEQA pursuant CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 27, 2016 8  to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15332(Class 32 – Infill Development) and there is no substantial evidence demonstrating that an exception to a categorical exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2 applies. APPEAL: Appeal of the entire Director’s Determination approving a Density Bonus project totaling eight (8) dwelling units, reserving one (1) dwelling unit of the total for Very Low Income household occupancy for a period of 55 years, with the following requested incentives: a. Floor Area Ratio: An allowance for a 3.4:1 Floor Area Ratio in lieu of the normally required 3:1 Floor Area Ratio. b. Height: An 11 foot increase in height to 56 feet in lieu of 45 feet. c. Side Yard: A 20% reduction of the north side yard setback to 6 feet and 4 inches in lieu of the required 8 feet. Applicant: Ruby and Guang Huei Lee Appellant #1: Brian Brooks, abutting property owner Appellant #2: Howard Weisburg, abutting property owner Staff: Debbie Lawrence, Sr. City Planner (213)978-1163 debbie.lawrence@lacity.org 11. ADVISORY NOTICE FOR PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES AND TUNNELS Council District: N/A CEQA: Not Applicable Last Day to Act: N/A Plan Area: Citywide PROJECT SITE: Citywide PROPOSAL: An Advisory Notice to Applicants of projects that include a pedestrian bridge or tunnel crossing a public right of way, as directed by the City Planning Commission. The Advisory Notice is not a new policy, plan or guideline; rather it is an informational document for the purpose of calling attention to existing adopted goals, objectives, policies and programs in the City’s General Plan that address the design of pedestrian bridges and tunnels. The Notice includes standard project conditions and project design features commonly applied to such projects that could help improve the pedestrian orientation of projects and ensure that all new projects contribute to an enhanced pedestrian environment. REQUESTED ACTIONS: 1. Endorse the Advisory Notice to Applicants related to Pedestrian Bridges and Tunnels. 2. Instruct the Department of City Planning to initiate updates to the Downtown Design Guide and Citywide Design Guide to address the above topics, as outlined in the subject staff report. 3. Direct staff to study the feasibility of future Zoning Code amendments, including requiring discretionary review for projects that propose pedestrian bridges and tunnels. Applicant: City of Los Angeles Staff: Bryan Eck, City Planner (213) 978-1304 Bryan.eck@lacity.org CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 27, 2016 9 12. ADVISORY NOTICE FOR ABOVE-GRADE PARKING Council District: N/A CEQA: Not Applicable Last Day to Act: N/A Plan Area: Citywide PROPOSAL: An Advisory Notice to Applicants of discretionary projects that include above-grade parking. The Notice is not a new policy, guideline, or plan; rather it is an informational document for the purpose of calling attention to existing adopted goals, objectives, policies, and programs in the City’s General Plan that address the design of above-grade parking. The Notice includes standard project conditions and project design features commonly applied to such projects that could improve the project’s pedestrian orientation. REQUESTED ACTIONS: 1. Endorse the Advisory Notice to Applicants related to Above-Grade parking. 2. Instruct the Department of City Planning to initiate updates to the Downtown Design Guide and Citywide Design Guide to address the above topics, as outlined in the subject staff report. 3. Direct staff to study the feasibility of future Zoning Code amendments regulating above-grade parking and general parking requirements. Applicant: City of Los Angeles Staff: Bryan Eck, City Planner (213) 978-1304 Bryan.eck@lacity.org The next scheduled regular meeting of the City Planning Commission will be held on: Thursday, November 10, 2016 Los Angeles City Hall City Council Chamber Room 340 200 N. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 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 7 days prior to the meeting by calling the Planning Commission Secretariat at (213) 978- 1300 or by email at CPC@lacity.org. CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 27, 2016 10