CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
Room 280A
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
ARCHITECTURAL AND DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
SYNOPSIS
July 16, 2025
1:30 PM
Recordings of the Architectural and Design Review Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: July 16, 2025 / 1:30 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioner Daniels, Vice Chair Smooke, Chair Pynoos Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Meyer
Staff Present: Cindy Gordon, Chloe Chen, Patrick Achis, Ally Majka, Sevag Sassounian, 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 and absent objection from the Commission, the agenda was approved as presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Architectural and Design Review Commission regular meeting of June 18, 2025.
H-1
Architectural and Design Review Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis July 16, 2025
2. 9200 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD
Mandarin Oriental (PL2500231)
Request for approval of a construction-related window vinyl with signage and lifestyle graphics. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architectural and Design Review Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
3. 309 NORTH RODEO DRIVE
Celine (PL2500219)
Request for approval of an architectural review for a façade modification, a Sign Accommodation to allow multiple business identification signs, and an alley-oriented business identification sign. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architectural and Design Review Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Smooke, SECONDED by Commissioner Daniels to adopt Consent Calendar items #1, #2, and #3 as presented (3-0-1).
AYES: Commissioner Daniels, Vice Chair Smooke, Chair Pynoos NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Meyer
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
4. 121 NORTH LE DOUX ROAD
New Single-Family Residence (PL2500144)
Request for an R-1 Design Review Permit to allow the construction of a new two-story singlefamily residence located in the Central Area of the city, south of Santa Monica Boulevard.
Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architectural and Design Review Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA. Continued from the June 18, 2025 Architectural and Design Review Commission regular meeting.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Project Planner: Ally Majka, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: Massoud Nassi
Project Representative: Metropolis Architecture
Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Smooke, SECONDED by Commissioner Daniels to adopt the resolution as amended (3-0-1).
Architectural and Design Review Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis July 16, 2025
AYES: Commissioner Daniels, Vice Chair Smooke, Chair Pynoos NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Meyer
CARRIED
5. 304 SOUTH CAÑON DRIVE
New Single-Family Residence (PL2500148)
Request for an R-1 Design Review Permit to allow the construction of a new two-story singlefamily residence located in the Central Area of the city, south of Santa Monica Boulevard.
Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architectural and Design Review Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA. Continued from the June 18, 2025 Architectural and Design Review Commission regular meeting.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Project Planner: Ally Majka, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: David Namvar
Project Representative: Metropolis Architecture
Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Daniels, SECONDED by Vice Chair Smooke to adopt the resolution as amended (3-0-1).
AYES: Commissioner Daniels, Vice Chair Smooke, Chair Pynoos NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Meyer
CARRIED
The Commission took a recess at 2:39 PM
The Commission reconvened at 2:46 PM.
NEW BUSINESS
6. 626 NORTH ALPINE DRIVE
New Single-Family Residence (PL2500212)
Request for an R-1 Design Review Permit to allow the construction of a new two-story singlefamily residence located in the Central Area of the city, north of Santa Monica Boulevard.
Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architectural and Design Review Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Project Planner: Ally Majka, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: David Baradarian
Architectural and Design Review Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis July 16, 2025
Project Representative: Hamid Gabbay, Gabbay Architects Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Vice Chair Smooke, SECONDED by Commissioner Daniels to adopt the resolution as amended (3-0-1).
AYES: Commissioner Daniels, Vice Chair Smooke, Chair Pynoos NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Meyer
CARRIED
7. 410 NORTH BEVERLY DRIVE
Alice + Olivia (PL2500220)
Request for approval of an architectural review for a façade remodel, business identification signage, and a construction barricade. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Architectural and Design Review Commission will also consider finding the project exempt from further review under CEQA.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Project Planner: Sevag Sassounian, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: Alice + Olivia
Project Representatives: Sugarhouse Design; Jonathan Nahon, Mary Ann Artavia Public Input: None
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Daniels, SECONDED by Chair Pynoos to adopt the resolution as presented (2-1-1)
AYES: Commissioner Daniels, Chair Pynoos
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Meyer
ABSTAIN: Vice Chair Smooke
CARRIED
STUDY SESSION
8. INTERIM OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS (IODS) – MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
PROJECTS WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Receive Commission feedback on the draft IODS, developed in accordance with state housing law and Housing Element Program 12.1. Projects meeting the IODS would be exempt from architectural review but remain subject to all other required City approvals.
Project Planner: Patrick Achis, Associate Planner
Project Applicant: City-Initiated
Public Input: None
The Commission received the staff report, asked questions regarding the proposed interim objective design standards, and provided feedback on the standards, which will be shared Architectural and Design Review Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis July 16, 2025
with the Planning Commission when it considers the proposed draft ordinance. The item is tentatively scheduled to appear before the Planning Commission at its regular meeting on Thursday, August 28.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
• Vice Chair Smooke inquired about the current vacancy for the licensed landscape architect on the Commission. Staff advised that the vacancy has been re-posted with the application deadline of Friday, July 25.
• Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting
o Chair Pynoos provided brief updates from the Mayor’s Cabinet meeting; meeting video is available online.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• Project Manager Cindy Gordon advised the Commission of the following:
o National Night Out will take place in the 400 block of North Rexford Drive from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 5. The event is free and open to the public. o Applications for the next round of Team Beverly Hills are being accepted through Friday, August 15. For more information, visit beverlyhills.org/teambeverlyhills.
9. 2025 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: July 16, 2025 / 5:36 PM
CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS
455 North Rexford Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Room 280A
and
Manor House
Warrington Gardens
London W92PZ, United Kingdom
In-Person / Telephonic / Video Conference Meeting
TRAFFIC AND PARKING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING
SYNOPSIS
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
9:00 AM
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
The Meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Geller.
Date/Time: July 16, 2025 / 9:03 AM
Vice Chair Geller noted that the teleconference location listed on the agenda would not be utilized, as the Commissioner would be unable to participate remotely. Members of the public were still permitted to participate remotely via, phone, video, or email.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Vice Chair Geller welcomed Commissioner Michael Karric who was sworn on remotely on July 7, 2025.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Karric, Kamara and Schwartz, Vice-Chair Geller Commissioners Absent: Chair Afra-Maghen
Staff Present: Martha Eros, Daren Grilley, Jessie Holzer Carpenter, Ilene Knebel, Lt. Renato Moreno, Elijah Selby
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Members of the public may address the Commission regarding any items 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.
Traffic and Parking Commission Special Meeting Synopsis July 16, 2025
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 Traffic and Parking Commission regular meeting of June 5, 2025.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Schwartz, SECONDED by
Commissioner Kamara to approve the consent calendar item as presented (4/0).
AYES: Commissioners Kamara, Schwartz, Vice-Chair Geller ABSTAIN: Karric
NOES: None.
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
Police Department Report
Acting Captain Renato Moreno gave a general report about focused enforcement on areas being brought to their attention by residents (e.g., loud exhaust and speeding). Motor and Patrol Officers hours have been extended into the evening helping to remedy some concerns in the later hours.
He spoke about an upcoming grant to focus on primary collision factors, the recent Father’s Day Car Show on Rodeo Drive, and National Night Out on August 5. He also provided an update on the request to add photo red light cameras on Robertson Blvd.
The Commission commented about the high number of parking and speed violations and had questions about measuring the decibel level of vehicles.
Planning Quarterly Report
Community Development Project Manager Cindy Gordon provided an update on current projects in Planning and noted the Saks Project would have its third hearing before the Planning Commission and the continued high number of residential density bonus projects, the most common project that they see currently.
Monthly Educational Speaker Series
Transportation Planner Martha Eros introduced Kyle Gorman, Assistant Director of Partnerships and Programs with the New York City Department of Transportation. He shared a presentation about NYC’s Vision Zero plan that highlighted street designs that view streets as public spaces and support the city’s goal of zero traffic injuries/fatalities. His team is primarily focused on pedestrian travel as walking is the primary mode of transportation in NYC. Their top priority is making the pedestrian journey safe. They work together with local community groups to try and make sure open streets with cultural programming is maintained in different area of the City. They have also created high visibility crosswalks, plazas, and a wide variety of programming in these spaces.
The Commission asked about the economic impact these spaces had on local businesses and how they managed so many events.
Traffic and Parking Commission Special Meeting Synopsis July 16, 2025
CONTINUED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
2. Proposed La Cienega Park Midblock Crosswalk with Pedestrian Signal Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer Carpenter introduced Associate Project Manager Elijah Selby who is managing the design of the proposed La Cienega Midblock crossing between Olympic Boulevard and Gregory Way. The specifics of the project were explained in detail.
The Commission inquired about the current bus stop, connecting the crosswalk to adjacent pedestrian areas, the timing of the signal and the importance of a crosswalk at this location.
3. Olympic Boulevard Intersection Safety Improvements
Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer Carpenter provided an informational update on planned turn restrictions at non-signalized intersections along Olympic Boulevard. The Beverly Hills Police Department and Public Works have been meeting to discuss ways to collaborate to and address collision patterns and improve safety with a data-driven proactive approach. The first step is to install peak hour turn restrictions. Targeted enforcement will take place to educate the public on the changes and the area will be closely monitored to determine additional safety measures.
The Commission commented on the restrictions and suggested signage noting longer hours for restricting turns in certain areas, asked about collisions in peak and non-peak hours, discussed other businesses and their exit signage for turn restrictions, and the communication with ride share companies and apps and updates to our signage.
PROJECT UPDATES AND FOLLOW-UP ITEMS
4. Project Updates and Follow-up Items
Transportation Planner Jessie Holzer Carpenter reported that the nonprofit organization “People for Bikes,” released its annual city ratings. We received the same score as last year, 39, which is considered above average for all cities evaluated. It was conveyed that it is possible our score will rise when Metro opens, and bike lanes will create more connections for people traveling to and from the Metro stations.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
5. Chair’s Report
The Vice Chair commented about the recent Mayor’s Cabinet Meeting. The Commission welcomed Commissioner Karric.
COMMUNICATION FROM STAFF
6. Department Report
Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer Daren Grilley noted some upcoming events and also welcomed Commissioner Karric on behalf of Public Works Department staff.
Vice Chair Geller adjourned the meeting after a moment of silence for Blake Ackerman, a 2016 Beverly Hills High School graduate who was killed in a hit and run while bicycling in West Hollywood.
Traffic and Parking Commission Special Meeting Synopsis July 16, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: July 16, 2025 / 10:50 AM
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
July 24, 2025
1:30 PM
Recordings of the Planning Commission’s meetings are available online at www.beverlyhills.org
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
Date/Time: July 24, 2025 / 1:30 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Commissioners Kaplan, Ross, Vice Chair Milkowski, Chair Wolfe Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Demeter (recused)
Staff Present: Michael Forbes, Masa Alkire, Andre Sahakian, Alvaro Gomez, Karen Myron, David Snow, Zachary Heinselman
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 presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
Consideration of Minutes of the Planning Commission regular meeting of July 10, 2025.
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Kaplan, SECONDED by Vice Chair Milkowski to adopt the minutes as presented (3-0-1-1).
AYES: Commissioner Kaplan, Vice Chair Milkowski, Chair Wolfe Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
July 24, 2025
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Demeter
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Ross
CARRIED
REPORTS FROM PRIORITY AGENCIES
None
CONTINUED BUSINESS
2. 9570, 9588-9596, 9600-9610, AND 9620 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD; 128 SOUTH BEDFORD DRIVE; 120, 121 SOUTH PECK DRIVE; AND 125-133 SOUTH CAMDEN DRIVE (9600
WILSHIRE BOULEVARD SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT)
General Plan Amendment, Specific Plan, Zone Text and Map Amendments, Conceptual Plan, Vesting Tentative Tract Map, Encroachment Permit, Master Plan of Streets Amendment, Development Agreement and Final Environmental Impact Report (PL2200266)
A request for a new specific plan to allow the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the Saks Fifth Avenue Women’s Building, retention of the 9570 Wilshire commercial building, and development of new residential, retail, office, hospitality, social club, boutique hotel, open space, and related uses throughout the project site. Pursuant to the provisions set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act, the Commission will also consider a Final Environmental Impact Report. This item was continued from the June 10, 2025 Planning Commission Special Meeting.
Ex Parte Communications: None
Project Planner: Alvaro Gomez, AICP, Senior Planner
Project Applicant: HBC / Street-Works Development
Project Representative: Doug Adams, Street-Works Development; Guy Leibler, Saks Global; Ben Saltsman
Public Input: Mike Costigan – IBEW Local #11, Zach Strasters, Gus Torres – Local 250, Hector Rosales – Plumbers Local 78, Ken Goldman – Southwest Beverly Hills Homeowners Association, Kelilah Federman on behalf of CREED LA, Paul Moreno – Iron Workers Local 433, Bobbe Fels, David Gottlieb
The Commission took a recess at 4:26 PM
The Commission reconvened at 4:41 PM
After discussion, the Commission continued the item to a date certain, and directed staff to prepare additional information regarding local and more current trip generation estimates, an analysis of a potential curb cutaway on Wilshire Boulevard to accommodate rideshare and other pickups and drop-offs, information regarding the potential for additional noise mitigation measures, and additional clarity on the distribution of commercial uses (restaurant, retail, etc.).
The public hearing on this item remained open.
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
July 24, 2025
Motion: MOVED by Commissioner Kaplan, SECONDED by Commissioner Ross to continue the item to the August 14, 2025 Planning Commission regular meeting (4-0-1).
AYES: Commissioners Kaplan, Ross, Vice Chair Milkowski, Chair Wolfe NOES: None
RECUSED: Commissioner Demeter
CARRIED
PLANNING COMMISSION / BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS / PLANNING AGENCY PUBLIC HEARINGS – NEW BUSINESS
None
STUDY SESSION
None
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
• Commissioner Ross thanked everyone for their participation at today’s meeting. • The Commission thanked Commissioner Kaplan for her leadership and hard work in her year as Chair. Commissioner Kaplan in turn thanked fellow Commissioners for their hard work as well, particularly Commissioner Demeter, who encouraged her to apply to be a member of the Planning Commission.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF
• City Planner Updates
o On behalf of staff, City Planner Masa Alkire thanked Commissioner Kaplan for her service and leadership as Chair, and provided the following updates:
• Applications for the next round of Team Beverly Hills are being accepted through Friday, August 15. For more information, visit beverlyhills.org/teambeverlyhills. • National Night Out will take place in the 400 block of North Rexford Drive from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 5. The event is free and open to the public. • The Great Elephant Migration Art Installation remains on display in Beverly Gardens park through Friday, August 1.
• At its formal meeting on Tuesday, July 15, the City Council chose not to take action on the proposed ordinance that would prohibit the use of artificial turf in residential areas of the City at all times. Current regulations, which allow the issuance of artificial turf permits only while under declared Stage D water restrictions, remain in place.
• Also at its formal meeting on July 15, the City Council conducted the second reading of the ordinance regarding short term rental regulations. A related item regarding alternate proposed short term rental regulations for designed Landmark Planning Commission Regular Meeting Synopsis
July 24, 2025
properties will be presented to the Planning Commission for potential recommendation in the coming months.
3. Current Development Projects List
o Received and filed
4. 2025 Meeting Schedule
o Received and filed
ADJOURNMENT
Date / Time: July 24, 2025 / 5:29 PM