This is the time when any member of the public may bring a matter to the attention of the Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. The Ralph M. Brown Act limits the Planning Commission and staff's ability to respond to comments on non-agendized matters at the time such comments are made. Thus, your comments may be agendized for a future meeting or referred to staff. The Commission may discuss or ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.

Lloyd Johnson spoke regarding the readerboard sign that was denied by the Planning Commission, but approved on appeal to the City Council.

This is the time for the public to comment on any item on the Consent Calendar. As Consent Calendar items are considered routine in nature, they are normally enacted in one motion. The Chairperson may remove a questioned Consent Calendar item for separate action.

You are encouraged by this Commission to express your views on any matter set for public hearing. It is our procedure to first receive the report of the Planning staff, then to ask for public testimony; first from those in favor of the matter, followed by testimony from those in opposition to it, and, if there be opposition, to allow those in favor, rebuttal testimony only as to the points brought up in opposition. To testify on a matter, you need to simply come forward to the lectern at the appropriate time, give your name and address and make your statement. In addition, please sign in on the sheet provided at the podium so it will facilitate preparation of our minutes. Do not be concerned with your possible lack of experience in public hearings. We are interested in what you say, not your level of expertise as a public speaker. After a hearing has been closed, you may not further speak on the matter unless requested to do so by a member of the Commission.

Principal Planner Jeff Anderson presented the staff report. During the presentation, Mr. Anderson spoke about the Design Review Subcommittee recommendations and how they had been incorporated into the revised plan. In addition, he explained the reduction of the square footage and recommended that the windows on the south elevation be changed to clerestory windows.

Commissioner Cervantes asked about the construction on the property next door. Mr. Anderson stated that the property owners were making a permitted, first-story addition to their home.

Greg McLean, representing the applicant, spoke to the Commission regarding the reduction in square footage and the effort that was made to be sure the proposed home would be harmonious with the surrounding area. He also told the Commission that the applicants were willing to change the windows on the south elevation to clerestory windows, as recommended by staff. Mr. McLean answered questions by Commissioner Redholtz regarding the design of the second-story addition and the location of the bathrooms, bedrooms and the proposed office/study.

There was a discussion by the Commission regarding the revised plan. Commissioner Redholtz commented that the applicants had made an effort to reduce the square footage and make the home similar to other homes in the area, so he would support their request. Commissioners Stewart and Rozatti also expressed their support of the project, especially since there were no residents objecting to the proposed expansion. Commissioner Cervantes stated that there were other two-story homes in the area so this one would not be out of character.

Chairman Sotelo concurred with the comments from the remainder of the Commission and expressed his support of the revised plan.

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Stewart, to adopt findings as recommended by staff. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Stewart, to waive further reading of the body of the resolution and adopt Resolution No. 08-5265, approving Administrative Use Permit No. 08-06. Motion carried 5-0.

Chairman Sotelo stated that this action is final unless appealed to the City Council within ten days.

Planning Director Doug McIsaac suggested that Item No. D-2 should be heard out of order, since there were a number of people in the audience interested in this matter.

(2) Heard out of order

STUDY SESSION

PASEOS IN THE "PLANNED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NO. 1" (PCD-1) ZONE

(WOODSIDE VILLAGE)

A study session to discuss issues regarding fence and wall standards along paseos in the "Planned Community Development No. 1" (PCD-1) Zone (Woodside Village).

Staff recommends that the Planning Commission initiate a code amendment establishing fence and wall standards along paseos in the "PCD-1" Zone.

Principal Planner Jeff Anderson presented the staff report. He explained to the Commission that staff is concerned with the condition of the fencing along the paseos, as well as the lack of uniformity in their appearance. He also suggested that the type of fencing materials should be standardized so that fences installed in the future would have a uniform appearance.

Dana Sykes and Elise Missman spoke regarding the proposed paseo fencing standards and expressed their support for a standardized type of fence.

There was a discussion by the Commission regarding the deteriorating condition of many of the fences along the paseo. Chairman Sotelo asked if the City would offer assistance to homeowners building or replacing fences in this area. Staff explained that the replacement of worn out fencing or installation of a new fence would be on a completely voluntary basis. Commissioner Cervantes concurred with Chairman Sotelo and expressed his opinion that the homeowners would be encouraged to replace worn fencing if the City offered assistance to do so.

Commissioner Redholtz expressed his concern with the graffiti problem that exists along the paseo, and suggested that this needs to be addressed as well. Commissioner Rozatti stated her support of a code amendment to standardize fencing along the City’s paseo areas, since it would improve the appearance of the entire area. Commissioner Stewart also expressed his support of standardizing the fencing and added that this may encourage the replacement of worn out fencing, which needs to be repaired.

The Commission concurred that standardized fencing would help improve the appearance of the area. The Commission also asked staff to clarify once again that property owners along the paseo would not be forced to repair or replace existing fences. Staff told the Commission that no one would be required to replace their fencing to conform to the new standards.

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Stewart, to waive further reading of the body of the resolution and adopt Resolution No. 08-5266, initiating a code amendment to establish fence and wall standards along paseos in the "Planned Community Development No. 1 (PCD-1) Zone. Motion carried 5-0.

A study session to discuss issues regarding submittal requirements and development standards for the conversion of apartments to condominiums.

Staff recommends that the Planning Commission provide comment and direction as appropriate.

Planning Associate Ron Garcia presented the staff report. During his presentation, Mr. Garcia informed the Commission that their suggestions had been summarized for discussion and possible incorporation into the proposed ordinance.

Joanne Wilner and Royall Brown each offered comments regarding the proposed condominium conversion ordinance. Mrs. Wilner expressed her opinion that adequate on-site parking should be provided, as well as providing for recreational vehicle parking. In addition, she expressed her desire to see an ordinance that would protect prospective buyers, provide for well-maintained open spaces within the developments and provide adequate relocation expenses for displaced tenants. Mr. Brown stated that he would like to see zoning according to the geology of the area, as well as placing strict parking requirements on the developments to help prevent congestion on the adjacent streets.

There was a discussion by the Commission regarding the proposed requirements for condominium conversions. The Commission gave lengthy consideration to the proposed requirement to submit physical elements report, which would detail the condition of the roof, foundation, mechanical equipment, plumbing systems, sewage systems, walls, and sound attenuation.

Chairman Sotelo expressed his opinion that all residential structures in the City of West Covina should be in compliance with Building Codes regulating sewage systems, roofs and pest control, not just properties being reviewed for conversion into condominiums. He further stated his opinion that review of rental agreements, tenant households and information on tenants receiving state or federal aid were not land use issues.

The Commission also discussed whether the proposed code should allow condominium conversion applicants to apply for parking variances. The Commission considered various options, including not allowing on-street parking. It was the consensus of the Commission to consider the need for parking variances on a case-by-case basis. There was also discussion regarding the provision for relocation fees to be paid to existing tenants.

It was the consensus of the Commission to direct staff to proceed with a proposed code amendment and schedule the matter for public hearing at a future meeting.

This is the time when any member of the public may bring a matter to the attention of the Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. The Ralph M. Brown Act limits the Planning Commission and staff's ability to respond to comments on non-agendized matters at the time such comments are made. Thus, your comments may be agendized for a future meeting or referred to staff. The Commission may discuss or ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.

None

This is the time when any member of the Commission may bring a matter to the attention of the full Commission that is within the scope of duties assigned to the Commission. Any item that was considered during the public hearing portion is not appropriate for discussion in this section of the agenda. NO COMMISSION ACTION CAN BE TAKEN AT THIS TIME. If the Commission desires to discuss an issue raised by a resident or take an action, the Commission may vote to agendize the matter for the next meeting. The Commission may discuss or ask questions for clarification, if desired, at this time.

Commissioner Rozatti spoke regarding Planner’s Institute and Lion’s Club "Night On the Town" in May.

Commissioner Redholtz welcomed new Commissioner Cesar Cervantes to the Commission and commented on the readerboard sign approved by the City Council.

Commissioner Cervantes expressed his appreciation to staff for providing him with information as a new commissioner and commented on Planner’s Institute.

Commissioner Stewart asked what other businesses were coming to West Covina Heights and welcomed Commissioner Cervantes to the Planning Commission.

Planning Director Doug McIsaac presented a memorandum regarding concern expressed that lunch wagons were operating at fixed locations within the City of West Covina.

Peter Arellano, owner of Manny’s El Loco, spoke regarding his desire to see the City regulate this type of use. He further addressed the Commission regarding the possible loss of business to restaurants, vendors opening in parking lots after businesses are closed, and the possible lack of Health Department regulation and inspection.

Commissioner Rozatti told the Commission that she had become aware of lunch wagons setting up semi-permanent locations and was concerned that they not making a contribution to West Covina. In addition, she expressed her concern for the health and safety of citizens, since the trucks are not given a letter grade by the Los Angeles County Health Department. She further stated that she has observed several that are open on a semi-permanent basis in various locations throughout the City and would like to address this issue.

The Commission considered possible detrimental effects and loss of business for existing restaurants within the City of West Covina. In addition, the Commission considered whether or not the catering trucks operated under a City of West Covina business license and met Los Angeles County Health Department codes.

After the discussion, the Commission directed staff to investigate the Los Angeles County Health Department requirements and place this matter on a future agenda for a study session.

This is an oral presentation of City Council matters and actions of the listed meeting which are in the Commission’s area of interest.

-Administrative Use Permit No. 08-02, Variance No. 08-01, 1388 E. Garvey Avenue, Planning Commission denial overturned on appeal to City Council.

Motion by Redholtz, seconded by Stewart, to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.