CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
RENT STABILIZATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
October 4, 2023
6:00 PM
Recordings of the Rent Stabilization Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: October 4, 2023 / 6:02 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Bronte, Gurman, Lindsey-Cerqueira, Miller, Tryfman, Vice Chair Baseman, Chair Milkowski
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Nestor Otazu, Cameron Kesinger, Robin D. Harris, Karen Myron
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Members of the public may address the Commission regarding any items not on the Agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. By State law, the Commission may not discuss or vote on items not on the Agenda.
Public Input: Anonymous written public comment
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By Order of the Chair and absent objection from the Commission, the agenda was approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Rent Stabilization Commission special meeting of September 6, 2023.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Tryfman, SECONDED by Commissioner Bronte to adopt the minutes as presented (6-0).
AYES: Commissioners Bronte, Lindsey-Cerqueira, Miller, Tryfman, Vice Chair Baseman, Chair Milkowski
Rent Stabilization Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 4, 2023
NOES: None
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
2. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO RESOLUTION RSC 16 RELATED TO THE PROACTIVE
HABITABILITY INSPECTION PROGRAM FOR COMMISSIONER REVIEW AND
DISCUSSION
Staff seeks review, feedback, and further discussion from the Rent Stabilization Commission on proposed amendments to Resolution RSC-16, adopted April 6, 2022, related to a proactive habitability inspection program.
Staff Presenter: Nestor Otazu, Deputy Director of the Rent Stabilization Division Public Input: Dan Yukelson
Mark Elliot
Staff presented proposed changes to RSC-16 and Commissioners asked questions and expressed concerns related to several of the proposals.
Specifically, some Commissioners conveyed reservations about the proposed shift from RSC 16’s initial physical baseline inspection for all units to a landlord attestation and tenant flagging system and inquired whether other City resources could be dedicated to make the prior recommendation’s initial baseline inspection viable. Commissioner Bronte requested that the Commission be presented with an initial baseline inspection attestation checklist in addition to the attachment provided by staff, which was proposed as an addition to the Landlord-Tenant Handbook. Commissioner Bronte also asked that Deputy Director Otazu present the Commission with changes that were made to the provided checklist from the checklist which was originally presented to the Commission during previous discussions leading to the adoption of RSC-16 in April 2022. Vice Chair Baseman recommended that staff revisit the revised checklist to condense it for clarity, arguing that it was impractical as presented and overly comprehensive in scope.
Deputy Director Otazu agreed to prepare the requested items for Commissioners and offered to present relevant portions of the Civil Code and the Health and Safety Code which define habitability to the Commission. The Commission agreed to continue discussing the various recommendations in the staff report at a future meeting.
Rent Stabilization Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 4, 2023
PROJECT UPDATES
3. Rent Stabilization Division Monthly Staff Report for August 2023 Staff seeks to inform the Rent Stabilization Commission on the Rent Stabilization Division’s monthly activity.
Public Input: None
o Report received and filed.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
• Commissioners expressed gratitude to staff for their recommendations and commitment to impartiality.
• Vice Chair Baseman requested information from staff about an upcoming Community Meeting in the Municipal Gallery.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• Deputy Director Otazu responded to Vice Chair Baseman’s inquiry by sharing information for an upcoming Community Meeting in the Municipal Gallery on October 16, 2023 from 10:00 AM12:00 PM. The meeting will also be broadcast on BHTV Channel 10 and allow for Zoom access. • Deputy Director Otazu indicated that the Division is still working to create a date with the City Council subcommittee for an Ad Hoc Meeting regarding a prospective Rent Subsidy Program
4. 2023 Meeting Schedule
• Received and filed
5. 2024 DRAFT Meeting Schedule
• Commissioners requested to change the October meeting to October 7th and the July meeting to July 1st
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: October 4, 2023 / 8:18 PM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
October 12, 2023
1:30 PM
Recordings of the Planning Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: October 12, 2023 / 1:30 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Wolfe, Demeter, Ostroff, Vice Chair Kaplan Commissioners Absent: Chair Ross
Staff Present: Masa Alkire, Cindy Gordon, Chloe Chen, Patrick Achis, Karen Myron, David Snow, Leslie Medina, Lieutenant Reginald Evans
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Members of the public may address the Commission regarding any items not on the Agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. By State law, the Commission may not discuss or vote on items not on the Agenda.
Public Input: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By Order of the Vice Chair, the agenda was approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Planning Commission regular meeting of September 28, 2023.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Demeter, SECONDED by
Commissioner Wolfe to adopt the minutes as presented (4-0-1).
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Demeter, Ostroff, Vice Chair Kaplan Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 12, 2023
NOES: None
ABSENT: Chair Ross
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
PLANNING COMMISSION / BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS / PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS – NEW BUSINESS
None
STUDY SESSION
2. PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SECURITY CAMERAS STUDY SESSION
An informational report on potential regulations for private residential security cameras in single-family residential areas of the City.
Project Planner: Patrick Achis, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: City Initiated
Public Input: None
The Commission received the staff report, asked clarifying questions, and provided input regarding potential regulations for private residential security cameras. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that such regulations are not necessary at this time.
Should the need arise, staff will bring the topic back for discussion at a future Planning Commission meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
• Commissioner Demeter extended thoughts and prayers to the people of Israel. • Commissioner Ostroff extended thanks to staff for their hard work on the revised Housing Element, which was recently published on the City’s website. • Vice Chair Kaplan reminded fellow Commissioners and staff that she will not be present at the November 9 Planning Commission meeting.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 12, 2023
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• City Planner Updates
o City Planner Masa Alkire advised the Commission of the following:
▪ The revised draft version of the City’s Housing Element was posted on the City’s website on Tuesday, October 10. In the week of October 16, it will be submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for a formal 60-day review. The revised version of the Housing Element will be presented to the Planning Commission for review at an upcoming meeting, and is available to view online at beverlyhills.org/housingelementupdate.
▪ The City has selected Michael Forbes as the next Director of Community Development. Mr. Forbes will be joining the City in the coming weeks.
3. Current Planning Projects List
o Received and filed
4. Building Permit Report – September
o Received and filed
5. 2023 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
6. 2024 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed; no conflicts were noted.
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: October 12, 2023 / 3:07 PM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
October 12, 2023
8:00 AM
.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: October 12, 2023 / 8:00 AM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Kimura, Nehoray, Millan, Vice Chair Alpert, Chair Nystrom
Commissioners Absent: None.
Staff Present: James Burnley, Vince Damasse, Samer Elayyan, Shana Epstein, Ilene Knebel, Tristan Malabanan, Rob Welch
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Public Speaker: None.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By order of the Chair, the agenda was approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Consideration of Minutes
Consideration of Minutes of the Public Works Commission regular meeting of September 14, 2023.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Nehoray, SECONDED by Commissioner Millan to approve the Consent Calendar item as presented (5/0).
AYES: Commissioner Kimura, Nehoray, Millan, Vice Chair Alpert, Chair Nystrom NOES: None.
CARRIED
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 12, 2023
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Operations Reports from City Departments, Consultants and Outside Agencies Utilities General Manager Rob Welch gave an update on the Metropolitan Water District (MWD).
On September 29, 2023, MWD announced that Diamond Valley Lake will be renamed in honor of Senator Dianne Feinstein following her passing. MWD will be hosting a dedication ceremony of the Grace F. Napolitano Pure Water Southern California Innovation Center on November 2, 2023, in Carson.
Utilities General Manager Rob Welch introduced Richard Werner, expert almond grower, as a guest speaker. He gave a presentation on biodiversity in plant life and preventing desertification.
Methods to prevent desertification include increasing the rotation in crops, growing trees as wind shields, and introducing clay and mycorrhizal fungi into desert soils. He also discussed potable water and methods to create drinking water from the sea or air, which include condensation devices, forward osmosis, and fog nets. In addition, he discussed tree grafting and gene enhancement for crop bearing plants and trees to increase harvests while reducing water demand. The Commission thanked him for his presentation and asked which methods presented the City of Beverly Hills could replicate at home, if desalination changes the required size of plants, and the biodiversity of almonds.
CONTINUED BUSINESS
2. Organics Program Update
Solid Waste Manager James Burnley gave an update on the city’s organics collection program. Out of 684 required businesses, 395 qualified for waivers from the organics collection program as they do not produce enough organics. There are currently 62 noncompliant businesses in the city. There are also 163 non-compliant multi-family properties in the city. Non-compliant notices will be sent out starting in October 2023. Starting in January 2024, non-compliant locations will be subject to fines. The city’s food recovery program is also continuing to operate smoothly. Tier 2 food generators (hospitals, schools, hotels, restaurants) will have to participate in food recovery programs starting in January 2024. The commission asked about the causes of non-compliant multi-unit residential buildings, which options can be taken to enforce the program, preventing foul odors and rodent infestations in the green organics bin, and how to prevent cross contamination from people misusing bins in shared alleyways.
3. Update on the Proposed Ordinance Amending the Beverly Hills Municipal Code to Regulate Polystyrene Foodware and Plastic Waste (presented before Tab 2per Director Epstein’s request)
Utilities General Manager Rob Welch provided an update on the proposed ordinance to regulate polystyrene foodware and plastic ware. A first draft of the ordinance was presented to the commission in April 2023. An ad hoc committee in August 2023 provided guidance on the current draft. The goal of the ordinance is to prohibit distribution and sale of single-use articles and expanded polystyrene, while allowing flexibility for any businesses experiencing undue hardships or items with no feasible alternative. Staff is asking for a recommendation to move forward to City Council. The commission objected to the exclusion of food trucks and street food vendors from the ordinance and asked for modification. Staff will modify and bring back the ordinance to the November Public Works Commission Meeting.
Public Speaker: Public comment was heard from Shawn Saeedian.
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 12, 2023
The commission took a break at 9:30 AM.
The commission returned from break at 9:38 AM.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
PROJECT UPDATES & STATUS ITEMS
4. La Brea Subarea Update
Water Resources and Operations Manager Vince Damasse and Project Manager Tristan Malabanan gave an update on the sand pit site and the La Cienega wells. The search is continuing for another location on La Cienega for well sites. One large site in a less residential area has been identified. The Commission asked about the zoning limitations in relation to one proposed site where a car wash is currently located.
5. Water Efficiency Update
Utilities General Manager Rob Welch gave an update on MWD’s planned maintenance on the Santa Monica feeder from November 6 – November 8, 2003, which will cause a temporary shutdown of the feeder providing water to Beverly Hills. Staff is working with MWD and LADWP to minimize service disruption for residents and communicate with residents on any outdoor water restrictions during that time period. He also provided an update on state level legislation aimed at increasing water conservation, including the Urban Water Use Objective, a drafted regulated water budget that is the sum of efficiency budgets for a subset of urban water uses and must be met by January 1, 2025. Compliance would be based on water use objective and water loss standards. The Commission asked about how it would impact water conservation in the city and the possibility of being forced to budget the residents’ water usage. Staff is writing a letter to provide feedback to the State Water Board and will share with the Commission so they can add their comments as well.
6. Capital Projects Update
Engineering Services Manager Samer Elayyan gave an update on multiple projects in the city, including the Coldwater Cañon water main replacements. The Commission asked for an update on finalizing the Burton Way project and about the reservoir bids.
7. Specific Information and Department Updates
Public Works Director Shana Epstein announced that the Water and Wastewater Rate item has been moved to the City Council Study Session on November 7, 2023. If approved, notice hearings would likely be scheduled in February 2024. The SSMP has been moved from “Continued” to “New business” on the City Council Agenda for their meeting on October 17, 2023. The Commission asked if the city could further investigate protected bike lanes. Director Epstein informed the Commission that the City Council has approved protected bike lanes on Beverly Boulevard, and that a modified version of the Roxbury Park bike lane will be presented to the City Council at a future date.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
8. Chair’s Report
Chair Nystrom asked staff to investigate further ways to enforce code compliance with recyclables, water usage, and other issues. She also asked for increased outreach to the community on changing ordinances.
Public Works Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 12, 2023
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
9. Director’s Report
Public Works Director Shana Epstein gave an update on upcoming events. The city’s composting event will be held on October 15, 2023, and the art show will be held October 21 – 22, 2023. The Commission asked about compost distribution requirements.
ADJOURNMENT
Date/Time: October 12, 2023 / 11:13 AM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
October 18, 2023
1:30 PM
Recordings of the Architectural Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: October 18, 2023 / 1:30 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Pynoos, Schreiber, Matson, Vice Chair Meyer, Chair Devlin
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Mark Odell, Deborah Hong, Karen Myron
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Members of the public may address the Commission regarding any items not on the Agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. By State law, the Commission may not discuss or vote on items not on the Agenda.
Public Input: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By Order of the Chair, the agenda was approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Architectural Commission regular meeting of September 20, 2023.
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Meyer to adopt the minutes as presented (5- 0).
Architectural Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 18, 2023
AYES: Commissioners Pynoos, Schreiber, Matson, Vice Chair Meyer, Chair Devlin
NOES: None
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Citing a financial interest in the property at 321 North Beverly Drive (Aesop), and a financial interest in real property less than 300 feet from the project at 300 North Rodeo Drive (Van Cleef & Arpels), Vice Chair Meyer recused from both items and left the meeting room at 1:34 PM.
2. 321 NORTH BEVERLY DRIVE
Aesop (PL2300403)
Request for approval of an architectural review for a façade remodel, a Sign Accommodation for multiple business identification signs, and a construction barricade with signage. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architectural Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Project Planner: Deborah Hong, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: Aesop
Project Representative: Pacific Crest Consultants
Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Schreiber, SECONDED by
Commissioner Pynoos to adopt the resolution as amended (4-0-1).
AYES: Commissioners Pynoos, Schreiber, Matson, Chair Devlin NOES: None
RECUSED: Vice Chair Meyer
CARRIED
3. 300 NORTH RODEO DRIVE
Van Cleef & Arpels (PL2300420)
Request for approval of an architectural review for temporary mural or similar environmental graphics on the façade of an existing commercial building. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architectural Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Project Planner: Deborah Hong, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: Paul Kanin, Van Cleef & Arpels
Architectural Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 18, 2023
Project Representative: John Warner – Permit Advisors
Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Matson, SECONDED by Commissioner Schreiber to adopt the resolution as presented (4-0-1).
AYES: Commissioners Pynoos, Schreiber, Matson, Chair Devlin NOES: None
RECUSED: Vice Chair Meyer
CARRIED
Vice Chair Meyer returned to the meeting at 2:05 PM
Vice Chair Meyer advised that he has a financial interest in real property less than 500 feet from the project at 459 North Rodeo Drive, but because that interest faces a different street, he does not believe there will be a material impact. Additionally, he has a financial interest in other real properties located more than 500 feet but less than 1,000 feet from the project site, and has considered whether the proposed project would change the Development potential; Income producing potential; Highest and best use; Character by substantially altering traffic levels, intensity of use, parking, view, privacy, noise levels, or air quality; or Market value of the real property in which he has a financial interest. Based on the nature of the proposed project, he finds that it would not change any of the stated factors, and thus will participate in the consideration of the matter.
4. 459 NORTH RODEO DRIVE
Dolce & Gabbana (PL2300421)
Request for approval of an architectural review for a façade remodel and Sign Accommodation for multiple business identification signs at an existing commercial building. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architectural Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Project Planner: Deborah Hong, Associate Planner
Project Agent: Dolce & Gabbana
Project Representative: Chris McFaul, Gruen Associates
Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Meyer, SECONDED by Commissioner Schreiber to adopt the resolution as amended (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Pynoos, Schreiber, Matson, Vice Chair Meyer, Chair Devlin
NOES: None
CARRIED
STUDY SESSION
None
Architectural Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 18, 2023
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
• Commissioner Matson inquired when the One Beverly Hills Project will be coming to the Architectural Commission. Urban Designer Mark Odell advised the date is unknown; the review may take place at more than one meeting.
• Chair Devlin asked if it is known when the painting of the mural on the Cartier construction barricade will begin. Vice Chair Meyer advised it has begun. • Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
o The October Mayor’s Cabinet meeting was cancelled.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• Urban Designer Updates
o Urban Designer Mark Odell advised the Commission of the following:
▪ At its October 11 meeting, the Cultural Heritage Commission received an update on the progress of the multi-family historic survey that is currently underway, reviewed additional sites for potential nomination as Golden Shield Award recipients, and approved a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for Givenchy, which will be located in the Anderton Court building - Beverly Hills Local Landmark No. 6.
▪ The Design Review Commission scheduled for November 2 has been cancelled.
5. 2023 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
6. 2024 DRAFT Meeting Schedule
o The June 2024 will be held on Monday, June 17 to avoid a conflict with Juneteenth; all other months the meeting will take place on the third Wednesday of the month.
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: October 18, 2023 / 2:19 PM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
October 26, 2023
1:30 PM
Recordings of the Planning Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: October 26, 2023 / 1:39 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Wolfe, Demeter, Ostroff, Vice Chair Kaplan, Chair Ross
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: Masa Alkire, Cindy Gordon, Edgar Arroyo, Judy Gutierrez, Alexandria Smille, Karen Myron, David Snow
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Members of the public may address the Commission regarding any items not on the Agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. By State law, the Commission may not discuss or vote on items not on the Agenda.
Public Input: None
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By Order of the Chair and absent objection from the Commission, the agenda was approved as amended, taking item #3 (1169 Hillcrest Road) ahead of #2 (9882 South Santa Monica Boulevard).
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Planning Commission regular meeting of October 12, 2023.
Commissioner Ostroff expressed concern that the minutes did not reflect the Commission’s intent regarding the Security Camera Study Session discussion that took place at the October Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 26, 2023
12, 2023 meeting. Staff advised that the meeting video was reviewed and that the minutes do reflect the direction that the Commission provided at the meeting. Chair Ross requested that the matter be placed on an upcoming meeting agenda so that the Commission has the opportunity to provide clarified or revised direction.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Wolfe, SECONDED by Vice Chair Kaplan to adopt the minutes as presented (4-0-1).
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Demeter, Ostroff, Vice Chair Kaplan NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Chair Ross
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
Taken out of Order
PLANNING COMMISSION / BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS / PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS – NEW BUSINESS
3. 1169 HILLCREST ROAD
Zone Text Amendment (PL2200388)
Request for a Zone Text Amendment to the Single-Family Residential Development Standards for Trousdale Estates. Amend Beverly Hills Municipal Code Sections 10-3-2603, -2604, -2605, and -2650 that allows certain residential property owners who have the right to request a second story to instead request a daylighting basement, and to allow grading off the existing level pad, through a new Trousdale R-1 Permit process.
Project Planner: Judy Gutierrez, Senior Planner
Project Applicant: Randall Van Wolfswinkel
Project Representative: Thomas Levyn – Glaser Weil
Jason Somers – Crest Real Estate
Public Input: None
Staff advised that, per the applicant’s request, this item will return to the Commission at its November 9, 2023 regular meeting to allow the applicant time to complete and submit an associated Trousdale R-1 Permit application. This item has been re-noticed in accordance with the City’s requirements. By Order of the Chair and absent objection from the Commission, the item will return to the Commission at its November 9 meeting.
Return to Order
CONTINUED BUSINESS
2. 9882 SOUTH SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD
Extended Hours Permit Renewal/Amendment and Conditional Use Permit (PL2300002) Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 26, 2023
A request to renew the existing Extended Hours Permit to allow the continued Extended Hours operation of the hotel’s rooftop and ground floor dining areas and to amend the Extended Hours Permit renewal period, and a Conditional Use Permit to allow an addition to an existing hotel. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Planning Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA. Continued from August 24, 2023 Planning Commission regular meeting.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Project Planner: Alexandria Smille, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: The Belvedere Hotel Partnership
Project Representatives: Michael Tenner, Victor De la Cruz, Offer Nissenbaum, Daniel Clinger
Public Input: Hagy Belzberg
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Demeter, SECONDED by Vice Chair Kaplan to adopt the resolution regarding the Extended Hours Permit as amended (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Demeter, Ostroff, Vice Chair Kaplan, Chair Ross
NOES: None
CARRIED
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Wolfe, SECONDED by Vice Chair Kaplan to continue discussion of the resolution and associated findings regarding the requested Conditional Use Permit to the December 14, 2023 Planning Commission regular meeting (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Demeter, Ostroff, Vice Chair Kaplan, Chair Ross
NOES: None
CARRIED
The Commission took a recess at 3:12 PM
The Commission reconvened at 3:25 PM.
PLANNING COMMISSION / BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS / PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS – NEW BUSINESS, continued
3. 9291 BURTON WAY (L’ERMITAGE HOTEL)
Conditional Use Permit, Development Plan Review, and Extended Hours Permit Renewal and Amendment and Zone Text Amendment (PL2300008) Request for renewal of a Conditional Use Permit, Development Plan Review, and Extended Hours Permit to allow for the continued operation of a hotel restaurant with open air dining and hotel rooftop uses with extended hours associated with the operation of the L’Ermitage Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 26, 2023
Hotel at the property located at 9291 Burton Way and amendments to the existing conditions of approval; a Zone Text Amendment to allow for expansion of restaurant bar and dining floor area to facilitate expansion of additional dining area within an existing ground floor restaurant and a new restaurant located on the rooftop of the hotel. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Planning Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Ex Parte Communications: Commissioner Wolfe disclosed attending at site visit and speaking with project representatives on September 11, and having separate phone conversations with Jake Manaster and Lori Gordon. Commissioner Wolfe advised he remains open-minded on the project. Commissioner Ostroff disclosed having a similar site visit and speaking with project representatives; and having separate phone conversations with Andy Licht and Lori Gordon. Commissioner Demeter disclosed attending a site visit with City staff and speaking with applicant representatives, and also speaking separately with Matti Bialer and Lori Gordon. Vice Chair Kaplan disclosed attending a site visit and speaking with project representatives on September 13, and advised that she remains open-minded on the project.
Chair Ross disclosed attending a site visit and meeting with applicant representatives, and receiving phone calls, but not speaking with Andy Licht and Jake Manaster. Chair Ross advised he remains open-minded on the project.
Project Planner: Edgar Arroyo, Senior Planner
Project Applicant: LBVH Hotel LLC
Project Representatives: Spencer B. Kallick – Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP, Scott Berger, Gaby Reims Alexander, Greg Villegas
Public Input: Nancy Krasne, Franny Rennie, Dr. Naima Lett, Nooshin Meshkaty, Kelli Schatz, Rose Kaiserman (comments read by Kelli Schatz), Parviz Benyamyni, Lou Parra, Karen Setian, Ed Wildrick
(comments read by Gaby Alexander), Stacia Kopeikin, Mara Bloom, Bobbe Joy Dawson, Lori Fienberg, Zev Norotsky, Tammy Weisman, Ilan Bialer, John Gullixson, Jake Manaster, Craig Berberian – Empire at Burton Way, David Mirharooni, Shari and Andrew Kairey, Sonia Berman, Mark Egerman, Houman Mahboubi, Charles Essig, Evan Meyer, Nicholas Rumanes, Joey Behrstock, Roger Dickes, Frank Bowling, Jill and Buddy Epstein, Jill and Lee Egerman, Lillian Raffel, Barry Bernstein, Alan Kaye, Amie Sherry, Karen (Kitty) Freeman, Noelle Freeman, Matti Bialer, Lisa Kay Schwartz, Daniel Batista, Peter Frost
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Kaplan, SECONDED by Commissioner Wolfe to direct staff to prepare a resolution recommending that the City Council approve the requested Zone Text Amendment, and a resolution approving the requested entitlements; both to return at the December 14, 2023 Planning Commission meeting for
consideration and potential adoption (5-0).
AYES: Commissioners Wolfe, Demeter, Ostroff, Vice Chair Kaplan, Chair Ross
NOES: None
CARRIED
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
October 26, 2023
STUDY SESSION
None
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
• Chair Ross requested that the Study Session discussion regarding residential security cameras be placed on the January 25, 2024 Planning Commission agenda. • Chair Ross thanked Principal Planner Cindy Gordon for providing freshly baked cookies for the Commission.
• Chair Ross reminded fellow Commissioners of the Holiday party scheduled for December 14. • Vice Chair Kaplan wished everyone a Happy Halloween and Happy Thanksgiving, and safe travels to all who will be traveling for the holidays.
• Chair Ross congratulated Commissioner Demeter for completing the Police Department’s Citizen’s Academy program.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• City Planner Updates
o City Planner Masa Alkire advised the Commission that at its meeting on Tuesday, November 7, the City Council will consider the appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision on the project at 55 N. La Cienega Boulevard.
4. Current Planning Projects List
o Received and filed
5. 2023 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
6. 2024 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: October 26, 2023 / 7:47 PM