Minutes Regular Meeting
Planning Commission
September 21, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the Redondo Beach Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Gaddis at 6:30 PM, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, California, and teleconference.
Motion by Commissioner Boswell, seconded by Vice Chair Godek, to call the meeting to order. Motion carried unanimously, with no objection:
AYES: Light, Boswell, Lamb, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis NOES: None
ABSENT: None
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Commissioner Boswell led the Commissioners in a Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Light, Boswell, Lamb, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis.
Commissioners Absent: None
Officials Present: Cheryl Park, Assistant City Attorney Sean Scully, Acting Community Development Director
Antonio Gardea, Senior Planner
APPROVE ORDER OF AGENDA
Motion by Commissioner Hazeltine, seconded by Vice Chair Godek, to approve the order of the agenda. Motion carried unanimously, with no objection:
AYES: Light, Lamb, Boswell, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
BLUE FOLDER ITEMS – ADDITIONAL BACK UP MATERIALS
E.1. RECEIVE AND FILE BLUE FOLDER ITEMS
Acting Community Development Director Scully confirmed that there were no Blue Folder Items.
CONSENT CALENDAR
F.1. APPROVE THE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 F.2. APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF MARCH 29, 2023 - REVISED F.3. RECEIVE AND FILE THE PLANNING COMMISSION REFERRALS TO STAFF UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 Motion by Commissioner Hinsley, seconded by Commissioner Hinsley, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried unanimously, with no objection:
AYES: Light, Lamb, Boswell, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
None.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
H.1. RECEIVE AND FILE PUBLIC WRITTEN COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Chair Gaddis opened the floor to public comments.
Staff confirmed that there were no eComments or Public Comments.
Seeing no requests to speak, Chair Gaddis closed the floor to public comments.
EX-PARTE COMMUNICATION
Commissioner Lamb reported to have spoken Acting Community Development Director Scully and Commissioner Hazeltine.
Commissioner Hinsley confirmed to have nothing to report.
Commissioner Hazeltine reported to have spoken to staff and Commissioner Lamb.
Chair Godek reported to have spoken to staff, Commissioner Light, Commissioner Boswell, and Mayor Brandt.
Vice Chair Godek confirmed to have nothing to report.
Commissioner Boswell reported to have spoken to Chair Gaddis and a member of the public.
Commissioner Light reported to have spoken to Chair Gaddis.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
J.1. CONSIDERATION OF AN EXEMPTION DECLARATION AND PLANNING COMMISSION DESIGN REVIEW TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ACCESSORY BUILDING/STRUCTURE AN APPROXIMATELY 1,755 SQUARE FOOT GARAGE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPARATUS STORAGE ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE PUBLIC COMMUNITY FACILITY (P-CF) ZONE Motion by Commissioner Hazeltine, seconded by Commissioner Boswell, to open the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously, with no objection:
AYES: Light, Lamb, Boswell, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
Chair Gaddis administered the Audience Oath for individuals wishing to address the Planning Commission on the following Public Hearing.
Senior Planner Gardea provided the staff presentation regarding the request from the Fire Department apparatus storage construction. The PowerPoint presentation included the following details:
Planning Commission Design Review
Site Context
Plans
PCDR Criteria
Recommendation
Fire Division Chief Jason May, Applicant, spoke on the reasons for approving the request for the construction at the Fire Department apparatus storage and what the construction would entail.
Chair Gaddis inquired if the cost for the paint is included.
Senior Planner Gardea provided clarification.
Commissioner Light asked about the size of the building.
Fire Division Chief May clarified that the building is 65 feet tall.
Commissioner Boswell asked about the storage facility repair and the price.
Fire Division Chief May clarified that it is not a direct cost but a maintenance cost.
Commissioner Hazeltine asked if someone had considered adding a hedge closer to the residential area.
Fire Division Chief May confirmed that it was not considered during design.
Chair Gaddis opened the floor to public comments.
Staff confirmed that there were no eComments or Public Comments.
Seeing no requests to speak, Chair Gaddis closed the floor to public comments.
Commissioner Boswell asked about the size of the building and projected height.
Fire Division Chief May confirmed the building size.
Commissioner Lamb asked about the tan color paint and if it would blend in with its surroundings.
Chair Gaddis asked about the resolution and the language.
Senior Planner Gardea confirmed that the third finding of the resolution contains the language regarding the request from the Fire Department, and a color can be defined or provide an alternative.
Commissioner Lamb stated the procedures for this item.
Senior Planner Gardea confirmed the request.
Commissioner Hinsley inquired if notices were sent to the residences around the property.
Senior Planner Gardea confirmed that notices were sent and received no comments.
Motion by Commissioner Hazeltine, seconded by Vice Chair Godek, to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously, with no objection.
AYES: Light, Boswell, Lamb, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
Commissioner Hazeltine commented that placing a hedge would provide privacy for the residences around the area.
Acting Community Development Director Scully confirmed that additions were considered earlier in the process.
Commissioner Lamb agreed with Commissioner Hazeltine’s comment and added that there should be a consideration to have more green (trees) throughout the City.
Chair Gaddis asked if there was a priority to allow for more green within City facilities.
Acting Community Development Director Scully confirmed that it is a priority.
Commissioner Boswell asked about the material of the building.
Fire Division Chief May clarified.
Vice Chair Godek commented that the addition would be an improvement from what it looks like now.
Motion by Commissioner Hazeltine, seconded by Vice Chair Godek, to adopt a resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Redondo Beach approving an exemption declaration and Planning Commission design review to allow the construction of an accessory building/structure that exceeds 1,000 square feet in size and uses metal as an exterior finishing material on a lot greater than 10,000 feet at Fire Station Number 2 on property located within a public community facility (P-CF) zone at 2400 Grant Avenue, with an amendment to the findings to include the color scheme to match the station. Motion carried unanimously, with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Light, Boswell, Lamb, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
J.2. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT ORDINANCES AMENDING TITLE 10, CHAPTER 2, ZONING AND LAND USE AND TITLE 10, CHAPTER 5, COASTAL LAND USE PLAN IMPLEMENTING ORDINANCE OF THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND DETERMINING SUCH AMENDMENTS AS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT Commissioner Boswell left the dais at 7:11 PM.
Motion by Commissioner Hazeltine, seconded by Vice Chair Godek, to open the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously, with no objection:
AYES: Light, Lamb, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Boswell.
Commissioner Boswell returned to the dais at 7:15 PM.
Acting Community Development Director Scully provided the PowerPoint presentation, which included the following details:
Adoption of ADU Regulations
HCD’s Letter Dated May 12, 2023
City’s Proposed Ordinance Amendments
Recommendation
Commissioner Hazeltine asked how it would work for an ADU to be sold.
Acting Community Development Director Scully clarified that it is very limited where that could happen, but it would not be a residential property.
Commissioner Lamb asked if ADU requires an owner occupancy with no covenant.
Senior Planner Gardea clarified that it would not be an owner occupancy requirement.
Commissioner Lamb asked about converted garages.
Senior Planner Gardea confirmed that it is one ADU.
Chair Gaddis spoke on a property on Beryl and converted multiple ADUs in one property where their cars are now parked on the street.
Senior Planner Gardea clarified the process and what the Coastal Commission approved for parking permit limitations.
Chair Gaddis commented on the issues there will be regarding parking due to more ADUs being approved by the City. Asked for confirmation as the ADU guidelines are being presented by staff.
Assistant City Attorney Park stated that if the City does not amend its City code to include the HCD requirements, it would revert to State law and confirmed that there is a provision within the Ordinance allowing everything else to be approved, except what is not approved by the HCD.
Acting Community Development Director Scully confirmed that there is language added for protection.
Commissioner Lamb commented on the parking permits and how they can be useful. Asked how many ADUs were approved in 2022 and approximately how many for 2023.
Acting Community Development Director Scully confirmed about 25-30 per year based on prior numbers, but the number has increased.
Senior Planner Gardea estimated about 70 or more currently.
Commissioner Hazeltine spoke on density, which the Commission should consider when discussing.
Chair Gaddis asked about affordability in State law regarding ADUs and sprinklers mentioned in the Ordinance.
Acting Community Development Director Scully clarified that the language provided by staff is broader than what was provided by the HCD.
Assistant City Attorney Park noted the requirements for fire sprinklers in ADUs when needed.
Chair Gaddis asked about language regarding parking within the property.
Acting Community Development Director Scully provided clarification that HCD wanted flexibility on the parking accommodations.
Assistant City Attorney Park noted additional language regarding parking on the property.
Staff stated for the record that there are technical difficulties with eComments and asked the members of the public who would like to submit comments to email them to [email protected].
Commissioner Hinsley asked about the two feet option within the code and proposed that if it’s only two feet, then it should be required just two.
Senior Planner Gardea stated that it would be 18 plus 2.
Assistant City Attorney Park confirmed changes to the Ordinance.
Commissioner Light asked about the legality of not approving or making changes to the ordinances to comply with the request by the HCD.
Acting Community Development Director Scully provided clarification.
Commissioner Boswell commented on how the City is in a difficult position to comply with the HCD.
Commissioner Hinsley commented that the policies put in place by the City are reasonable to comply with the HCD.
Chair Gaddis opened the floor to public comments.
Staff confirmed that there were no eComments or Public Comments.
Seeing no requests to speak, Chair Gaddis closed the floor to public comments.
Motion by Commissioner Lamb, seconded by Commissioner Hazeltine, to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously, with no objection.
AYES: Light, Boswell, Lamb, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
Motion by Commissioner Lamb, seconded by Vice Chair Godek, to adopt a resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Redondo Beach, California, recommending that the City Council adopt ordinances amending Title 10, Chapter 5 Coastal Land Use Plan implementing Ordinance pertaining to accessory dwelling units in residential zones consistent with State Law, and recommending that the City Council determine such amendments as exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as amended and with the recommendations by the Planning Commission. Motion carried unanimously, with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Light, Boswell, Lamb, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
J.3. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT ORDINANCES AMENDING TITLE 10, CHAPTER 1, SUBDIVISIONS AND TITLE 10, CHAPTER 2, ZONING AND LAND USE AND TITLE 10, CHAPTER 5, COASTAL LAND USE PLAN IMPLEMENTING ORDINANCE OF THE REDONDO BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO URBAN LOT SPLITS AND TWO-UNIT DEVELOPMENTS SUBJECT TO SENATE BILL 9 (SB 9) AND DETERMINING SUCH AMENDMENTS AS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT Motion by Vice Chair Godek, seconded by Commissioner Hazeltine, to open the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously, with no objection:
AYES: Light, Boswell, Lamb, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
Acting Community Development Director Scully provided the PowerPoint presentation, which included the following details:
Adoption of SB 9
Redondo Beach Addressing SB9
What is SB9
What SB9 Allows – Urban Lot Splits
What SB9 Allows – Two-Units Per Lot
Reason for Permanent Ordinance
State Advisories to Consider: HCD Fact Sheet
Proposed Ordinance – Urban Lot Splits
Proposed Ordinance – Two-Unit Developments
Proposed Ordinance – Two-Unit Developments (Coastal Zone) Additional Considerations & Recommendations
Recommendation
Commissioner Lamb asked about the recommendations from staff and the details regarding lot splits and occupancy requirements.
Acting Community Development Director Scully and Assistant City Attorney Park clarified the City’s code and State law.
Chair Gaddis asked about possible outcomes should the HCD not approve the City’s Ordinance.
Assistant City Attorney Park provided clarification.
Commissioner Light spoke about another City that could be used as an example.
Chair Gaddis opened the floor to public comments.
Staff confirmed that there were no eComments or Public Comments.
Seeing no requests to speak, Chair Gaddis closed the floor to public comments.
Commissioner Hazeltine spoke on the City Ordinance regarding trees and would not want to make changes now.
Acting Community Development Director Scully spoke on the tree preservation ordinance based on information received from Public Works Director Seeman.
Commissioner Boswell inquired about wetlands or whether a prior wetland was developed.
Acting Community Development Director Scully confirmed that if it is a wetland, it will stay a wetland, but if it is developed, it will not be considered a wetland.
Chair Gaddis asked what would be the consequences for the City should there not be an SP 9 compliant Ordinance.
Assistant City Attorney Park did not locate any language that would revert to State law should the City not have something like the ADU discussion.
Acting Community Development Director Scully clarified that there would be a need to look at the Housing Element Plan.
Commissioner Lamb asked about the four findings in the resolution and compared them to those in the resolution regarding ADUs that were consistent with the California Government Code and wondered whether the SB 9 resolution is consistent with State law.
Assistant City Attorney Park provided clarification.
Motion by Commissioner Lamb, seconded by Commissioner Hazeltine, to close the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously, with no objection.
AYES: Light, Boswell, Lamb, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
Motion by Commissioner Hazeltine, seconded by Commissioner Lamb, to adopt a resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Redondo Beach recommending that the City Council adopt Ordinances amending Title 10, Chapter 1 subdivisions and Title 10, Chapter 2 Zoning and Land Use and Title 10, Chapter 5 Coastal Lan Use Plan implementing Ordinance pertaining to urban lot splits and two-unit developments subject to Senate Bill 9 (SB9), and recommending that the City Council determine such amendments as exempt from the California Environmental Quailty Act (CEQA). Motion carried unanimously, with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Lamb, Boswell, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS AGENDAS
None.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION PRIOR TO ACTION
None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
Acting Community Development Director Scully made the following announcements:
Reported that two new Commissioners will be coming in and thanked the two Commissioners that will be leaving.
There is a recruitment for an additional Senior Planner.
For the upcoming agendas several projects will be coming to the Commission for discussion.
Items from referrals to staff will be coming in future meetings as well.
Chair Gaddis thanked the two outgoing Commissioners for all their work and time provided to the Commission.
Commissioner Lamb asked about the next three months and possible items for the Commission’s consideration.
Acting Community Development Director Scully clarified items that staff is working on for the Commission’s consideration.
COMMISSION ITEMS AND REFERRALS TO STAFF
Commissioner Hinsley thanked staff for all the work and thanked his fellow Commissioners and applicants that have allowed the Commissioners to come into their homes and ask questions about their projects.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Hinsley, seconded by Comissioner Hazeltine, to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 PM. Motion carried unanimously, with no objection.
AYES: Light, Boswell, Lamb, Hinsley, Hazeltine, Vice Chair Godek, and Chair Gaddis.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
The next meeting of the Redondo Beach Library Commission will be a Regular Meeting to be held at 6:30 PM on October 19, 2022, in the Redondo Beach Council Chambers, at 415 Diamond Street, Redondo Beach, California, and via teleconference.
All written comments submitted via eComment are included in the record and available for public review on the City website. _________________________________
Sean Scully
ActingCommunity Development Director
MINUTES – PLANNING COMMISSION
Thursday, September 21, 2022