CITY OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
LA HABRA HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION
AUGUST 22, 2006
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairman Larry Black called a meeting of the La Habra Heights Planning Commission to order at 7:48 P.M. at the Community Center, 1245 Hacienda Road, La Habra Heights, California.
2. ROLL CALL
Present: Chairman Larry Black, Vice Chairman Layne Baroldi, Commissioners Brent Grebbien and Margarita McCoy. Also present: Community Development Director Justin Powers and Assistant City Attorney Laurence Permaul.
Absent: Commissioner Steve Garcia, not excused.
3. FLAG SALUTE
Chairman Black led the flag salute.
4. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC NOT ON THE AGENDA
Stephen Blagden, Citron Road, noted home sizes on the monthly Planning report, which are larger than the community character in which they will be located; should come to the Planning Commission.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR JULY 25, 2006
Vice Chairman Baroldi moved to approve minutes of the July 25, 2006 Planning Commission Meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner McCoy and approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Black, Grebbien and McCoy
NOES: None
ABSENT: Garcia
6. STANDARDS MODIFICATION 2006-17, GRADING MODIFICATION 2006-09 (Stangl) 1404 Peppertree Drive
Community Development Director (CDD) Powers reported that the applicants Thomas and Mary Stangl request a Standards Modification (SM 2006-17) for the setback encroachment of 22 feet within the 25-foot side yard setback area and a Grading Modification (GM 2006-09) for excessive impervious coverage by 672 square feet at 1404 Peppertree Drive to construct an outdoor living area that will include a fireplace, kitchen, swimming pool and retaining wall. The next door neighbor has written a letter of support for the project. Staff thinks that there is not enough buffer between the project and the neighbor to protect their privacy, noise and light trespass. There is alternative space in the back yard. Staff recommended denial of the project without prejudice.
Chairman Black asked if the Commission had any questions for staff.
Chairman Black opened the Public Hearing.
Tom Stangl, applicant, noted that after careful consideration, the Civil Engineer had decided that the best place for the project was in the side yard. He stated that they are open to suggestions. He could make the encroachment a little less.
Bob Wolfe, spoke in favor of the sideyard location for the project as being the only feasible spot. He noted that in his opinion this would not be a ÒsignificantÓ loss of privacy for the neighbor.
Peter Gambino, Civil Engineer for the project, spoke on the impervious coverage figures and noted that he can make corrections on some areas that will correct this; the project site was carefully considered and we concluded this was the best site, including for safety.
The Commission members discussed alternative areas and styles for the pool with Mr. Gambino.
Chairman Black closed the public comment and brought discussion back to the Commission.
After discussion, the Commission consensus was that the encroachment in the side setback was entirely too much.
Vice Chairman Baroldi moved to deny without prejudice Standards Modification 2006-17 and Grading Modification 2006-09 for the project at 1404 Peppertree. The motion was seconded by Commissioner McCoy and approved as follows:
AYES: Baroldi, Black, Grebbien and McCoy
NOES: None
ABSENT: Garcia
Margarita McCoy asked what they are supposed to do with Article 7 that they received?
CDD Powers stated that they will bring back a Resolution recommending the approval of Articles 7 & 9. He noted that there is a deadline requiring us to have an approved Zoning Ordinance in October and finalized by November. He noted that he would provide the Planning Commission the latest redline version of Articles 7 and 9. He will also get them an updated time-line.
7. REPORT ON PLANNING/BUILDING CASELOAD
CDD Powers explained that applications for several large houses were listed as incomplete and he does not decide what goes to the Planning Commission until complete.
The Commission asked what the threshold on size is for sending a project to the Planning Commission and noted that this is important.
Possibility of a Special Meeting on September 5, 2006.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Black adjourned the meeting at 9:04 P.M. to the next regular meeting on September 26, 2006 or a Special Meeting to be determined.
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Larry Black, Chairman
ATTEST:
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Justin Powers, Community Development Director