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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970-10-20�r# MINUTES HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION Council Chambers, Civic Center Huntington Beach, California TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1970 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Bazil, Higgins, Porter, Slates, Miller, Duke, Kerins COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None NOTE: A TAPE RECORDING OF THIS MEETING. - IS ON FILE IN THE PLANNING DEPART- MENT OFFICE. MINUTES: On motion by Porter and seconded by Duke, the Minutes of the Huntington Beach Planning Commis- sion of June 30, July 7 and July 14, 1970, were accepted as transcribed and mailed by the Secretary. AGENDA ITEMS TO BE CONTINUED: CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION NO. 70-48 Applicant: Sully -Miller Contracting Co. To permit the dumping of organic and non -organic materials in a sand and gravel pit. Located approximately 660 ft. east of Goldenwest St. on the north side of Ellis Ave. in the M1 Light Industrial District. The Acting Secretary informed the Commission that he has received a letter from the applicant requesting a continuance to the latter'part of December to allow time for the City to find out if subject property has been approved for acquisition within future Central Park. A MOTION:WAS MADE BY KERINS AND SECONDED BY MILLER TO CONTINUE CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION NO. 70-48 TO DECEMBER 15, 19709 AT -THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Bazil, Higgins, Porter, Slates, Miller, Duke, Kerins NOES: None-, ABSENT: None THE MOTION CARRIED. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 7286 Subdivider: La Cuesta 93 lots on 18.22 net acres of land, located at the northeast corner of Indianapolis Ave. and Bushard St. The Acting Secretary read a letter submitted by Valley Consultants, Inc., representing the developer, requesting withdrawal of Tentative Tract Map No. 7286. Mr. Harlow informed the Commission that the developer met with some difficulties as the property was the subject of litigation. As a result of this litigation, the developer has requested withdrawal of the tentative map. A MOTION WAS MADE BY PORTER AND SECONDED BY KERINS TO GRANT WITHDRAWAL OF TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 7286. ROLL CALL.VOTE: AYES: Bazil, Higgins, Porter, Slates, Miller, Duke, Kerins NOES: None ABSENT: None THE MOTION CARRIED. Minutes: H.B. Planning Commission October 20, 1970 Page 2 CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION NO. 70-40 Applicant:- William E. Blurock To permit the following: 1 A 17 story retirement tower having 287 residential units. 2 Off-street parking for the 17 story residential tower to be provided at a ratio of one space for each three resi- dential units in lieu of the,required 2 spaces per unit in the R1 zone (one space per unit plus 2 guest parking space per unit is required in the multiple family zone). 3) 131 off-street parking spaces for the 950 seat sanctuary in lieu of the 317 spaces required by ordinance by allowing credit for the remaining required spaces as follows: a) joint use of 48 parking spaces provided for°the residential tower. b) joint use of 54--parking spaces provided on adjacent school property. c)-83 on -street parking spaces. Located on the south side of Adams Ave. between 17th and Main Streets, in the R1-0 Single Family Residence District combined with oil production. The Acting Secretary in- formed the Commission that portion of the request to permit construction of the church and related facilities, was approved on October 6,_ 1970. Mr. Harlow stated that the portion of the request for the 17 story retirement tower, the off-street parking reduction for the retirement tower and sanctuary was continued to this meeting because of the failure to achieve- four affirmative votes for either appro- val or denial of the request. Mr. Harlow stated that this action was taken pursuant to the provisions of the By -Laws. Commissioner Higgins abstained from voting on this matter due to the conflict of interest. The Commission again reviewed the request and a lengthy discussion followed. A MOTION WAS MADE BY PORTER AND SECONDED BY DUKE TO DENY THAT PORTION OF CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION NO. 70-40 FOR 17 STORY RETIREMENT TOWER, THE OFF- STREET PARKING REDUCTION FOR SAID TOWER AND SANCTUARY. FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: 1. The density and the high rise structure is inconsistent with the R1 neighborhood. 2. Approval of the request would be a grant of special privileges inconsistent with other R1 property. 3. Although,surrounded by adjacent uses that are or will be high rise in nature, this is not sufficient justifi- cation. 4. Granting conditional exceptions for high density or high rise structures will set a precedent for future requests. 5. The applicant failed to demonstrate a hardship. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Porter, Duke, Slates, Kerins NOES: Bazil, Miller ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: Higgins THE MOTION CARRIED. MINORITY REPORT: The following report was submitted by- ommissioner Bazil with Commissioner Miller concurring: The Home Council and the majority of the Planning Commis- sion have expressed the opinion that this is a desirable project but they did not approve of the location. For the following reasons, I feel that this is a satisfactory lo- cation: 1. 17th St. and Adams Ave. are both arterial streets. -2- 10/20/70-PC Minutes: H.B. Planning Commission October 20, 1970 Page 3 2. The site is well buffered by a drilling island across the street, a school between the site and Palm Ave. and it is over 300 ft. from residential development. 3. 17th St. is zoned M2 from Palm Ave. to Ocean Ave., with the probability of commercial zoning as all attempts to zone it multiple residential have failed. 4. Commercial zoning now exists on the drilling island at the corner of Palm and 17th St. 5. Two blocks northeast, our Civic Center is to be located, making 17th St. a major connection to the beach area. 6. All studies to date indicate office -professional zon- ing north of the Civic Center. 7. The property north of the High School is zoned commer- cial. This with 17th St. will provide more than ade- quate close -by shopping for the development. 8. While not a reason for approval of the site, pertinent facts about the project are: a) At 3 public hearings, only one homeowner in the downtown area has voiced his objection; b) no objections were made by the condominium 'developer or land owner west of the project; c) it would seem that the City has a responsibility to allow some low cost housing for senior citizens and I believe that this approach is far better than cheap low level urban sprawl; and, d) there is a possibility that this de- velopment would satisfy the federal government as proof of providing low cost housing, if our housing element study shows it is needed. CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION NO. 70-50 Applicant: John R. Turner To permit a 500 ft. expansion to an existing runway at the Meadowlark Airport. Also, to allow two existing trailers to be used for temporary office and flight school. Located on the north side of Warner Ave., east of Bolsa Chica St. in the R1 Single Family Residence District. The Commission received 11 letters of opposition pertaining to the expansion of an existing runway. The Commission also received reports from the Fire Department regarding incidents involving air - crafts from Meadowlark Airport, outstanding fire code vio- lations at said airport, a report submitted by the Building Department regarding violations pertaining to existing buildings at said location and a copy of memo as submitted to the City Council by the City Administrator stating if the Planning Commission grants said request, additional conditions of approval be included. There was also a letter submitted by residents within the area stating their oppo- sition regarding the airport hazards. A video tape of the subject property was shown. The hearing was opened to the audience. John Turner, applicant, addressed the Commission and asked Robert Dingwall to speak on his behalf. Mr. Dingwall addressed the Commission and stated that he wants to discuss this matter on behalf of all pilots in Huntington Beach. Mr. Dingwall stated that the recom- mendation of the Airport Committee was that a buffer zone could be provided and could be accomplished in a vertical manner, whereby, residences would be screened -from noise, dust and direct lights from the facility by a blast fence which would be installed. -3- 10/20/70-PC Minutes: H.B. Planning Commission , October 20, 1970 Page 4 _ Mr. Turner stated that the present runway and taxiway has cost him in the excess of $7,000.00 and.he-would like to keep the airport at least 5 more years. Mr. Turner. further stated that of the 140 tie downs at the airport, 25 are twin engine aircraft. - Commissioner Miller stated that he would like to hear from experts regarding the air- port. Dr. John Kirby,,pilot and aeronautical engineer,' addressed the Commission and stated that the additional 500 foot extension -of the_airport.runway would provide, in most instances, a 70 percent increase in aircraft take- off performance, thereby adding to safer airport operations. Mr. Dingwall spoke regarding the altitude of various planes at the time they reach the end of the runway and also stated that the construction of a blast fence, together with trees, could effectively reduce the noise and dust nuisance at the northerly end of the airport. Commissioner Kerins asked about the flight.school and if it is a part of airport facilities. Mr. Turner stated that these facilities were on month to month basis. Mr. Kerins asked Mr. Turner if he intends to expand the flight school facility. Mr. Turner stated that he will restrict the airport to 3 flight schools. Mr. Dingwall suggested that the Commission take a field trip and inspect the airport. Dr. Robert Leibeck, pilot and aeronautical engineer, addressed the -Commission and spoke regarding the runway layout and emergency landing provisions at the airport, adding that he believed the runway extension provides for safer aircraft departure. Dr. Kirby spoke on analyzing this problem stating that Cessna 150 and Cessna 172 have enough room to land on the runway. He stated that the extension of runway would add safety factor to eliminate take -off and landing problem. Tom Livewgood, 5461 Meadow- lark Dr., opposed the request on grounds that the -airport is hazardous and dangerous to surrounding area. He stated that the airport should not be operated at night, because there is not sufficient lighting. John Jackson, 5301 Heil Avenue, stated that the Commission should consider the aesthetic value of surrounding property. Mr. Jackson stated that the 375 ft. buffer would not be ideal but it would eliminate some noise and dust for adjacent properties; also, a 12 ft. blast fence should be installed. Mr. Jackson fur- ther stated that power lines on Heil Ave. should be lit to prevent any danger for landing of aircrafts. Commissioner Porter suggested that the Planning Staff inform the public utilities of - hazard on Warner Ave..due to the high power lines. Mr. Porter stated that the Edison Co. should -participate in discussion for safety at the airport. It was noted that the FAA would prefer to lower said power lines or the possibility to underground same to assure safety. Mr. & Mrs. Leon.J. Bierlein, 5462 Bonanza Dr., opposed the request on grounds that they get west wind which creates a lot.of dust and noise. Lon M. Durhum, 5352 Bonanza Dr., stated that people in the area do not want an increase in the number of movements at the airport facility. Tom Livewgood suggested that the Commission should review this matter in six months. Albert Ward, 5341 Heil Ave., opposed the request, also stating that it creates noise and dust. -4- 10/20/70-PC Minutes: H.B. Planning Commission October 20, 1970 Page 5 There being no other comment, the hearing was closed. Discussion was held. Commissioner Duke asked why the runway was extended without obtaining a permit. Mr. Turner stated that he was not aware of such a requirement. Commissioner Bazil asked what length of time subject property would be used as an airport. Mr. Turner stated that the property owner has indicated that if leasee has the proper finances, the lease would be extended. Mr. Bazil asked what was meant by a long term lease. Mr. Turner stated that a minimum of 5 years would be in order. The Chairman suggested that the Commission take separate motions on said request. A MOTION WAS MADE BY BAZIL AND SECONDED BY PORTER TO APPROVE PORTION A (RUNWAY EXTENSION) UPON THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. The runway extension shall be reduced to 320 ft.; how- ever, in no case shall the extension be closer than 375 ft. from houses on Heil Ave. 2. A blast fence shall be installed 100 ft. north of the end of the north property runway. The precise location, size and building materials shall be approved by the Board of Zoning Adjustments. 3. That portion of the runway and taxiway north of the blast fence shall be removed. 4. Obstruction lights shall be installed on the blast fence and any trees along the north property line. Also, any trees along the north property line shall be limited to 20 ft. in height. Placement and type of lights shall be approved by the Board of Zoning Adjustments. 5. Provisions shall be made for dust and noise control on the site. Such dust and noise control -methods shall be approved by the Board of Zoning Adjustments. 6. Signs shall be posted to inform pilots of the proper use of the airport and runway area. 7. All violations of the City Code shall be corrected within 60 days. 8. A review by the Planning Commission of conditions 1 through 7 shall be made on December 15, 1970 to deter- mine the applicant's compliance with the above condi- tions. This conditional exception shall become null and void if the Planning Commission determines that conditions 1 through 7 have not been complied with. 9. Conditional Exception No. 70-50 shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission during the month of October, 1971 to determine whether or not additional conditions should be required. However, in the event the Planning Commission determines that added safety precautions should be imposed, said conditional exception may be reviewed prio-�:._to October 31, 1971. In case of a re- view by the Planning Commission, the applicant shall be notified in writing at least 10 days prior to the review. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Bazil, Higgins, Porter, Miller, Duke, Kerins NOES: Slates ABSENT: None THE MOTION CARRIED. A MOTION WAS MADE BY PORTER AND SECONDED BY BAZIL TO APPROVE PORTION B (2 EXISTING TRAILERS TO BE USED FOR TEMPORARY OFFICE AND FLIGHT SCHOOL) UPON THE FOLLOWING CONDITION: -5- 10/20/70-PC Minutes: H.B. Planning Commission October 20, 1970 Page 6 1. The use of the trailers as temporary facilities shall terminate on October, 1971 or construction shall be started and proceeding without undue delay on perma- nent structure. AND FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: 1. Precedent to use trailers as temporary offices has been established. 2. Use will terminate in one year unless construction will have started on a permanent structure. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Higgins, Porter, Miller, Kerins, Bazil NOES: Duke, Slates ABSENT: None THE MOTION CARRIED. Commissioner Duke stated that he feels trailers should not be used as business fa- cilities. FINDINGS OF FACT: 1. The subject property was annexed to the City as R1. 2. The use of said property has been airport. 3. Extension of runway wirl substantially increase safety of the airport. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 7019 Subdivider: La Cuesta 195 lots on 40.01 acres of land. Located at the northwest corner -of Atlanta Ave. and Brookhurst St. The Planning Commission re- viewed the suggested conditions of approval. _ There was no one present to speak in favor or opposition. A MOTION WAS MADE BY KERINS AND SECONDED BY MILLER TO APPROVE TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 7019 UPON THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. The tentative tract received October 6, 1970 shall be the approved layout. 2. All "Standard Conditions of Approval" that are appli- cable shall be complied with. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Bazil, Higgins, Porter, Slates, Miller, Duke, Kerins NOES: None ABSENT: None THE MOTION CARRIED. CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION NO. 70-51 Applicant: Leonard Lindborg To permit the construction of a 23 unit apartment complex on a 45,000 sq. ft. parcel of land causing an increase in density of one unit per 1957 sq. ft. in lieu of one unit per 2000 sq. ft. permitted by ordinance. Also, to permit carports to be constructed on the rear property line in lieu of fully enclosed garages and the 5 ft. rear yard setback. Located 150 ft. east -of Huntington St., north of Garfield Ave. in the R2 Two Family Residence District. The hearing was opened to the audience. Clyde Cropper, representing the applicant, offered to answer questions. 10 Minutes: H.B. Planning Commission October 20, 1970 Page 7 There being no other comment, the hearing was closed. The Planning Commission held a discussion. A MOTION WAS MADE BY MILLER AND SECONDED BY PORTER TO APPROVE CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION NO. 70-51 UPON THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. A plan shall be referred to the Board of Zoning Adjust- ments to establish such conditions of approval as deemed necessary. AND FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: 1. The subject property is situated in pond area. 2. The proposed development will enhance the area. 3. The proposed plan would not be improved by eliminating one unit. 4. The parcel could be divided into 5 lots, and if needed, conditional exception would have been granted for in- creased density. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Bazil, Slates, Higgins, Porter, Miller, Kerins NOES: Duke ABSENT: None THE MOTION CARRIED. Commissioner Duke stated that he feels the applicant did not show sufficient hardship for said request. ZONE CASE NO. 70-21 RESOLUTION OF INTENT Change of Zone from RA Residential Agricultural District to R3 Limited Multiple Family Resi- dence District. The subject property is located approximately 1320 ft. east of Beach Blvd., approximately 1830 ft. south of Atlanta Ave. The hearing was opened to the audience. Ashley P. Quirk, 612 S. Flower St., Los Angeles, Cal., addressed the Commission and stated that he feels the proposed R3 would be a better buffer zone for the existing R1 area. Mr. Quirk stated he was one of the owners of the subject property. There being no other comment, the hearing was closed. The Commission discussion was held. A MOTION WAS MADE BY HIGGINS AND SECONDED BY KERINS TO DENY ZONE CASE NO. 70-21 FOR THE FOLLOWING REASON: 1. The R3 zone is unreasonable and development as such would not be compatible with the surrounding area. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Bazil, Higgins, Porter, Slates, Miller, Duke, Kerins NOES: None ABSENT: None THE MOTION CARRIED. ZONE CASE NO. 70-18 Applicant: Russel Jay Change of zone from RA Residential Agricultural District and Ml Light Industrial District to MH Mobilehome District. Located on the north side of Slater Ave., between Gothard and Goldenwest Streets. -7- 10/20/70-PC Minutes: H.B. Planning Commission October 20, 1970 Page 8 the subject property. from voting due to conflict of audience. A video tape was shown of Commissioner Bazil abstained interest. The hearing was opened to the Russell =Jay, applicant, stated that he feels this proposal would be a good buffer since there is a mixture of zones, i.e., residential, industrial and subject property is adjacent to proposed city yard. Bill Hartge, City Engineer, informed the Commission that to his knowledge, no soil report has been submitted to his department regarding peat conditions. The following property owners addressed the Commission and opposed the request: Glen Tighe, 17331 Canna Circle; Earl Appleby, 17372 Canna Circle; and, L.G. Kramer, 7132 Ford Drive. Mrs. Ruth Slater, adjacent pro- perty owner, addressed the Commission and spoke in favor. There being no other comment, the hearing was closed. The Commission held a dis- cussion. A MOTION 14AS MADE BY KERINS AND SECONDED BY PORTER TO DENY ZONE CASE NO. 70-18 FOR THE FOLLOW- ING REASON: 1. This property should remain in an industrial classification to maintain continuity of land use along Gothard St. between the Corporation Yard and General Telephone Co. facility to the south. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Higgins, Slates, Porter, Miller, Kerins, Duke NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: Bazil THE MOTION CARRIED. SITE PLAN NO.,70-5 Applicant: Yankee Fish Fry, Inc. To permit the on -sale of beer in the C2 Community Business District. Located on the northwest corner of Brookhurst St. and Adams Ave. located within the Towne House Plaza (19893 Brookhurst St.) The Acting Secretary informed the Commission that the staff, including the Police Department, concur with the applicant's statement and do not feel that this use will have an adverse effect on the surrounding area. Commission discussion followed. A MOTION WAS MADE BY KERINS AND SECONDED BY MILLER TO APPROVE SITE PLAN NO. 70-5 FOR THE AFOREMENTIONED REASON. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Bazil, Higgins, Slates, Porter, Miller, Duke, Kerins NOES: None ABSENT: None THE MOTION CARRIED. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 7289 Subdivider: Wm. Lvon Development Co. 16 lots on 8.1 acres, located on the north side of Warner Ave., 660 ft. east of Edwards St. The Acting.{Secretary stated that this item is b,e,fore the Planning Commission for clarifi- cation of condition;of approval No. 4d, "A 6 inch. wide, 6 ft. -PC -8- 10/20/70 r 'y Minutes: H.B. Planning Commission October 20, 1970 Page 9 high masonry wall shall be constructed along the east property line. The height of said wall shall be measured from whichever side is higher at finished grade. The Commission reviewed said con- dition. A MOTION WAS MADE BY BAZIL AND SECONDED BY PORTER THAT CONDITION 4d SHOULD REMAIN AS CONDITION OF APPROVAL FOR TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO.7289. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Bazil, Higgins, Slates, Miller, Porter, Duke, Kerins NOES: None ABSENT: None THE MOTION CARRIED. . CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION NO. 70-44 Applicant: Real Property Management The Acting Secretary informed the Commission that this item was referred back to them to establish findings of fact. The Commission listed the following findings as facts relied upon to render their decision: 1. It will upgrade the area and be an asset to the City. 2. It will serve as a land mark at the northerly entrance on Pacific Coast Highway. 3. Neither high rise buildings nor commercial boat docks are permitted in the City. 4. A conditional exception was the preferred action over a zone change as a zone change does not assure the surrounding property owners as to the type of develop- ment that may or may not occur. 5. A zone change was filed to implement the proposed development. 6. As a result of the conditional exception the zone change would be best to accommodate the high rise and density and the R4 zone could best accomplish this. 7. They have provided for the transition in density from R1 across the channel and the high rise. 8. The Master Plan density is substantially the same as that proposed. 9. A development of this nature will bring substantial tax benefit to the City. A MOTION WAS MADE BY SLATES AND SECONDED BY PORTER THAT THE ABOVE FINDINGS OF FACT WERE THE FINDINGS RELIED UPON TO RENDER THEIR DECISION AND THAT THE STAFF SHOULD LISTEN TO THE TAPE TO INCLUDE ANY FINDINGS NOT SPECIFIED. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Slates, Porter, Miller, Kerins NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: Duke, Bazil, Higgins THE MOTION CARRIED. It was the consensus that the Acting Secretary would submit a copy of the findings to them for approval prior to transmitting on to City Council. Additional Information: The applicant has filed a zone change application to rezone the property to conform to the proposal development plan. -9- 10/20/70-PC Minutes: H.B. Planning Commission October 20, 1970 Page 10 Commissioner Bazil: Commissioner Bazil suggested that the statt study a hi-gH rise ordinance, whereby the Commission could approve such projects by a use permit application. Commissioner Kerins: Commissioner Kerins questioned the status on billboar s and temporary directional signs. The City Attorney stated that his office needs more time to study said ordinance. MEMO: Bill Hartge, City Engineer, submitted a cost esti- mate and a map showing four alternates of a pro- posed precise alignment for Talbert Ave. from Gothard St. to Edwards St. It was the consensus of the Commission that said precise plan of street alignment of Talbert Ave. should be set for a public hearing. COMMUNICATION: The Commission received a progress report regar ing anta Ana River Study, submitted by Donald D. Shipley, Committee Chairman. The Acting Secretary informed the Commission -that Commissioner Kerins is a member of said committee. COMMISSIONER BAZIL: Commissioner Bazil suggested that the statt initiate rezoning on property located approximately 1320 ft. east of Beach Blvd., and approximately 1830 ft. south of Atlanta Ave. to an RI zone, if approved by the . City Attorney for said rezoning. K. A. Reynoldsi Secretary THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING ADJOURNED TO NOVEMBER 1.0, 1970, AT 2:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS. -10- 10/20/70-PC