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CITY OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE LA HABRA HEIGHTS
PLANNING COMMISSION
December 17, 2002
OPENING CEREMONIES
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairman Bruce Douglas called a meeting of the La Habra Heights Planning Commission to
order at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center, 1245 North Hacienda Road, La Habra Heights,
California.
2. ROLL CALL
Those present: Chairman Bruce Douglas, Vice-Chairman Ginger Skinner, Commissioners
Stephen Blagden and Robert Wolfe. Also present Director of Planning Sheryl Brady, Planning
Technician Barbara Doppieri, Deputy City Engineer Patrick Lang and City Attorney Ken
Rozell.
Absent: Brian Bergman
3. FLAG SALUTE
Roy Francis led the flag salute.
4. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC
Elizabeth Karman, 1000 Encanada – Stated there is a new web site that is not sponsored by
the City that will provide information to the Community; www.heightsheritage.org.
5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF POSTING OF AGENDA FOR MEETING OF
December 17, 2002
Ms. Brady stated the agenda had been posted in accordance with the state law.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Chairman Douglas, Vice-Chairman Skinner and Commissioner Wolfe agreed to continue with
action minutes. Commissioner Blagden disagreed.
Commissioner Blagden asked to reopen the minutes of October 29, 2002.
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Commissioner Blagden moved to continue all minutes until the Commission could review the
videotapes. Seconded by Vice-Chairman Skinner and approved as follows
AYES: Douglas, Blagden, Skinner and Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bergman
ABSTAIN: None
OLD BUSINESS
Mrs. Brady swore in those wishing to testify.
7. Tentative Parcel Map 26055 (Roberts) Southwest intersection of Dorothea Road/Fullerton
Road
Vice-Chairman Skinner excused herself from this item due to her close proximity to the site.
Mrs. Brady presented the staff report stating this was a request for an extension of time to
record a final map. Mrs. Brady states staff was supporting the time extension.
Chairman Douglas asked if the Commission had any questions for staff; seeing none he opened
the public hearing.
Kent Roberts, 120 La Habra Blvd., La Habra, CA – stated the delay has been with the
County Health Department over the percolation test; the Health Department required that the
test be done twice; the Health Department stated they should be done with their approvals
within 45 days and then he could record the map.
Seeing no one else come forward Chairman Douglas closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Blagden stated he wanted to add a condition to the approvals.
Mrs. Brady indicated that was not appropriate.
Commissioner Blagden moved to approve Tentative Parcel Map 26055 granting a one-year
extension of time to record the final map and approval of Resolution 2002-25. Seconded by
Commissioner Wolfe, and approved as follows:
AYES: Douglas, Blagden and Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bergman
ABSTAIN: Skinner
PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. Standards Modification 2002-16 (Francis) 1936 Chota Road
Mrs. Brady presented the staff report, stating this application was submitted by Ernie Ybarra to
request a Standards Modification for View Preservation to exceed the 750 sq. ft. building area
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for construction of a residential building addition and patio cover and Standards Modification
for setback encroachment to encroach 4 feet within the required 25-ft side yard setback area for
construction of a residential building addition. The site is located at 1936 Chota Road. The
site is 1.07 acres in size and is zoned RA-1 with a Rural General Plan designation and is
located within View Preservation District A. The subject site is developed with a single story
single family dwelling. A 660 sq. ft. hobby room and 1431 sq. ft. patio cover totaling 2091 sq.
ft. is proposed. The proposed hobby room within the existing building line of the existing
garage, which encroaches within the side yard setback area. The proposed patio cover will be
situated in the rear portion of the existing dwelling and does not encroach within the setback
areas. Staff believes the findings can be made in support of both the Standards Modification
for View Preservation and Setback Encroachment. The project has been reviewed
environmentally and a Categorical Exemption has been issued in accordance with CEQA. Staff
is recommending approval of Standards Modification 2002-16 for Standards Modification for
View Preservation and Setback Encroachment for construction of a residential building
addition and patio cover subject to a list of conditions and adoption of Planning Commission
Resolution 2002-26.
Chairman Douglas asked if the Commission had any questions of staff, seeing none he opened
the public hearing.
Ernest Ybarra, Architect, 12724 Whittier Blvd., Whittier – stated he agreed with staffÕs
recommendation and the conditions of approval.
Seeing no one else come forward Chairman Douglas closed the public hearing.
Vice-Chairman Skinner complimented the applicant, the architect and staff for a clear project;
stated she is ok with the addition into the setback.
Chairman Douglas agreed.
Commissioner Wolfe agreed with Vice-Chairman Skinner and Chairman Douglas.
Commissioner Blagden moved to approve of Standards Modification 2002-16 and Resolution
2002-26. Seconded by Commissioner Wolfe and approved as follows:
AYES: Douglas, Blagden, Skinner and Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bergman
ABSTAIN: None
9. Standards Modification 2002-06 & Tree Removal Permit 2002-03 (Aloyan) 854 Reposado
Mrs. Brady presented the staff report stating this application was submitted by William
Renshaw to request a Standards Modification for View Preservation to exceed the 750 sq. ft.
building area and 16-ft. in height limitation for construction of a residential building addition
and Tree Removal Permit for the removal of 40 trees. The site is located at 854 Reposado
Drive. The site 2.32 acres in size and is zoned RA-1 with a Rural General Plan designation and
is located within View Preservation District A. In November, the applicant and project
engineer certified that the installation of the story poles is a true and accurate depiction of the
proposed project. A site visit revealed that the story poles were not properly installed after the
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project was properly noticed. The story poles need to install as per City standards and re-
certified. Therefore, staff is recommending continuance to the Planning Commission meeting
of January 28, 2003.
Chairman Douglas asked if the Commission had any questions of staff, seeing none he opened
the public hearing.
William Renshaw – Architect, P.O. Box 1702, Chino, CA - pled with the Commission to
hear the item at this meeting.
Commissioner Blagden stated the Commission had not yet done a site inspection, so the item
would need to be continued.
Commissioner Wolfe asked the applicant what was the hardship in continuing this item for one
month.
Mr. Renshaw stated the time frame wasnÕt the main hardship.
Michael Aloyan, 854 Reposado - stated he was confused on the application, the trees that
were cut down have started growing back.
Bonnie Bauuch, 832 Reposado – stated she has lived there 37 years; tennis court next door
approved before 1997, required the planting of and maintenance of landscaping; all landscaping
taken out; no trees were dead between the tennis court and her property.
Dick Sands, 855 Reposado – stated he lives across the street; objects to the height; very
drastic; architectural sign is not complete.
Barbara Clemmons, 875 Reposado – discussed the removal of the trees; wood still in large
piles; previous owner required to add the landscaping; guest house was remodeled without
permits and has a kitchen; story poles; information board blank; she invited all of the
Commission to her home to see the impact; asked the Commission to be diligent only after all
the violations are resolved; applicant leaves his trash out at the side of the road.
Mr. Sands stated the tree stumps are still there; they are 1-2 feet high.
Chairman Douglas then closed the public hearing.
Mr. Brady read LHHMC Section 9380.3; stated according to the code the trees have been
removed; she explained staff had tried to gain access to investigate the guesthouse to no avail;
the day the staff did their site visit there was no trash left at the street.
Chairman Douglas asked to have the original conditions of approval of the tennis court attached
to their staff report in January.
Mr. Aloyan stated the inspector could come tomorrow.
Mr. Rozell stated if the Commission finds the applicant has not complied with past approvals
they have no obligation to make discretionary approvals.
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Commissioner Blagden stated he wanted a report on the violations that are found.
Commissioner Blagden moved to continue this item to the January 28, 2003 meeting.
Seconded by Commissioner Wolfe and approved as follows
AYES: Douglas, Blagden, Skinner and Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bergman
ABSTAIN: None
10. Standards Modification 2002-18 (Hernandez) 1750 Fullerton Road.
Vice-Chairman Skinner excused herself from this item because of its proximity to her home.
Mrs. Brady stated this application was submitted by Mike Douglass to request a Standards
Modification for View Preservation to exceed the 500 sq. ft. building area and 16 feet in height
limitation and Grading Modification for construction of a residential dwelling. The site is
located at 1750 Fullerton Road. The site is 1 acre in size and is zoned RA-1 with a Rural
General Plan designation and is located within View Preservation District A. A two-story
dwelling and attached 4-car garage totaling 6539 sq. ft. is proposed. The elevation plan
complies within the height limitations based on an average slope of 21%. Staff believes that
the findings can be made in support of the Standards Modification for View Preservation. The
proposed development also includes a Grading Modification. According to Engineering, the
findings cannot be made in support of the proposed development. The proposed project has
been reviewed environmentally and a Categorical Exemption has been issued in accordance
with CEQA. Staff is recommending denial of Standards Modification 2002-18 including the
Grading Modification for construction of a single-family dwelling and to direct staff to prepare
a resolution of denial.
Chairman Douglas asked if the Commission had any questions of staff.
Commissioner Blagden stated the story poles are not correct.
Chairman Douglas stated that as of yesterday there was only one story pole still standing.
Chairman Douglas asked regarding the Grading Modification.
Mr. Lang stated it was the cut and height of the slope; applicant hadnÕt met the burden of proof;
after packet was release to the Commission the applicant submitted a new plan that could meet
the burden of proof.
Commissioner Blagden stated there were about 10 trees to be removed; easements; legal access
to use that driveway instead of cutting another road, architectural review; dimensions missing
on the floor plans.
Chairman Douglas then opened the public hearing.
Ken Wilch, Civil Engineer, Hacienda Blvd., Hacienda Heights – stated he prepared the site
plan; 12-15 foot slope from street to pad elevation; location of driveway to get adequate site
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distance; trying to balance the site for cut and fill; didnÕt know they needed grading
modification; reduced the slope; drew up several options but property owner wants it in the
location it is in; brought driveway down; can meet the findings for a grading modification.
Commissioner Wolfe advised the applicant to put the story poles back up.
Commissioner Blagden stated the requirement calls for the 4 corners and the ridgeline; asked
regarding the easement; wanted length and width of floor plans dimensioned.
Mr. Wilch stated the owner does have an easement and can use the common driveway, but
chooses not to.
Mike Douglass, Architect, 115 W. 4th Street, Long Beach - stated will dimension the plans;
working on the architectural setback of the walls; stated he can map the trees.
Commissioner Blagden stated he wanted the applicant to use common driveway; long retaining
wall; house could step down the lot; placement of the pool in fill dirt.
Mr. Douglass stated the shared driveway could be a hazard; homeowner should have a right to
privately enter his property; balanced cut and fill condition.
Commissioner Blagden stated he wanted to see the conditions of approval for the final map of
this property; had concerns regarding story poles and wanted an 11 x 17 plan of the site on the
sign.
This item was continued to the January 28, 2003 meeting.
Commissioner Wolfe moved to continue this item to January 28, 2003. Seconded by
Commissioner Blagden and approved as follows:
AYES: Douglas, Blagden and Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bergman
ABSTAIN: Skinner
Chairman Douglas asked staff to bring story poles and notice boards back to a later commission
meeting.
Mrs. Brady to bring this item back to the Commission on January 28, 2003.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wolfe moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. to the Special Meeting of January 7,
2003. Seconded by Commissioner Blagden and approved as follows:
AYES: Douglas, Blagden, Skinner and Wolfe
NOES: None
ABSENT: Bergman
ABSTAIN: None
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Bruce Douglas, Chairperson
ATTEST:
Sheryl Brady, Director of Planning