M I N U T E S
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
Founded 1875
"Populus felix in urbe felici"
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1996 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 P.M. ROOM 213, CITY HALL
1. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:10
p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Gruber led the Pledge
of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL: Present: Kenneth Breisch, Chairperson
Frank Gruber
Lou Moench
Eric Parlee
John Zinner
Absent: Berton R. Bradley
Kathy Weremiuk
Also Present: Kyle Ferstead, Commission Secretary
Suzanne Frick, Director of
Planning/PCD
Amanda Schachter, Senior Planner
Mary Strobel, Deputy City Attorney
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes were not submitted for
approval.
5. PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Ms. Frick gave the Director's Report. She informed the
Commission that a public workshop would be held regarding
the Beach Improvement Group (BIG) project on March 17th
from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in various locations. Also upcoming
for the Commission are the following public hearings: on
March 20th, the Circulation Element; on April 10th,
development review hearings; and on April 17th, a
continuation of the Circulation Element.
Commissioner Gruber asked if the Downtown Design meetings
have been scheduled. Ms. Frick stated that those meetings
have not been scheduled at this time.
Commissioner Moench asked about a California Supreme Court
ruling made this date. Deputy City Attorney Strobel
stated that a report on Ehrlich versus Culver City will be
given at the next meeting of the Commission.
Commissioner Parlee asked about the Local Governments
Conference being held in San Francisco in early May with
the theme of "liveable cities". Ms. Frick explained that
each Commissioner is allowed $100 a year for conference
travel.
Commissioner Parlee asked about the Airport Subcommittee
meetings. Ms. Frick stated that the next meeting is
scheduled for April 2, 1996. Commissioner Parlee
commented that they are behind schedule.
6. STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL ACTION: Consent Calendar
Commissioner Zinner made a motion to approve the Statement
of Official Action for VAR 95-028, as submitted.
Commissioner Parlee seconded the motion, which was
approved by voice vote.
6-A: VAR 95-028, 917 2nd Street.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Consent Calendar
7-A: Reversion to Acreage Map, TM 96-001, 2715 Fourth Street,
OP-2 (Ocean Park Low Multiple Residential) District,
Applicant: Mayer Khadavi, Application for a Reversion to
Acreage Map (Tentative Parcel Map) to permit the reversion
to acreage from Parcel Map 22268, a 4-unit condominium
subdivision. This reversion to acreage will result in a
single parcel which is not subdivided for condominium
development. (Planner: L. Beck)
Staff Report
Commissioner Parlee made a motion to approve item 7A
as submitted. Commissioner Gruber seconded the
motion, which was approved by voice vote.
7-B: Request for Extension of Vesting Tentative Tract No. 51738
for Tenant-Participating Conversion Case TPC-305, 914
Twentieth Street, R2, a request for an extension to
Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 51738 for Tenant-Participating Conversion (TPC-305) to Permit Conversion of
A Six-Unit Apartment Building To Condominiums. (Planner:
S.H. Keene)
Staff Report
Chair Breisch asked if staff knows where the previous
tenants of 914 20th Street are residing. Staff stated
that the TPC is still valid and this issue was not
raised.
Commissioner Parlee made a motion to approve item 7B
as submitted. Commissioner Moench seconded the
motion, which was approved by voice vote.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.
9. OLD BUSINESS: NONE.
10. NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Gruber commented on a facsimile he received
regarding 1734 Colorado Avenue and the use of the
property. Ms. Frick asked for a copy of the fax and
stated that staff would investigate.
11. COMMUNICATIONS:
A. Planning Commission Caselist
B. Zoning Administrator Caselist
C. Cumulative Projects List
D. Appeal of Planning Commission Decision to City Council
1. None
12. DISCUSSION:
12-A: Discussion of development standards for wall, fence,
sculpture, archway and other elements in frontyard
setbacks
Ms. Frick reminded the Commission that they had
requested this issue be discussed after the hearing on
the entry-arch variance.
Commissioner Parlee commented on lighting used in
front yards in the R-1 District, and other districts;
as well as acceptable street furniture and design
guidelines.
Commissioner Gruber commented on the safety aspects of
fences, hedges or walls, and either street lighting or
front yard lighting.
Commissioner Moench asked why this topic was being
discussed. Ms. Frick explained that the Commission
made this request to discuss encroachments in the
front yard setback following the variance denial of
the entry-arch on Second Street.
Commissioner Zinner commented that for the variance,
lighting was not the issue, but rather design,
aesthetics and the size of the arch in the front yard
setback.
The Commission discussed the issue of night lighting
and the size allowed for objects in the front yard
setback. It was agreed that this topic should be
addressed as part of the Open Space Element Update.
13. COMMISSION AGENDA: NONE.
14. PUBLIC INPUT: NONE.
15. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
APPROVED: JULY 10, 1996
5/23/96