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Venice News Updates

News of Venice, CA and Marina del Rey CA

Appeal of Planning Directive Denied

Posted by :reta On : October 24, 2014
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Category: Land Use and Planning Projects, Planning

Future small lot subdivisions that are popular in Venice will comply with the Venice Specific Plan as of 23 October.

Planning issued a directive in August clarifying that the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan (VCZSP) trumped the small lot subdivision. It was appealed and the appeal was heard 23 October and denied.

This is what Challis Macpherson, former chair of Land Use and Planning had to say about the appeal hearing.

What can I say……………….we won. Unanimous decision by City Planning Commission to deny appeals and uphold DIR 2014-2824-Dl. Life is good until the next fight anyways.

We got there just in time. Twenty plus Venice stakeholders were ready and willing to appear at 1:00 pm – but it was over by then. I emailed appreciation to them with many thanks.

Alan Bell, Planning Deputy Director, presented Planning’s argument for denying the appeal to DIR 2014-2824-Dl in its entirety in his own elegant, professional manner. The opposition (appellants) was left with whining about how they were stuck with projects that cost many thousands of dollars to plan and could not be built now because they didn’t conform to VCZSP. I am not sympathetic. Our specific plan has been in place since 1999, plus revision 2004.

As explained by Alan Bell in rebut after general testimony, if a project has been vested (which I presume means application process has started and there is a case number) it will continue on course. Projects not vested (no case number) will not.

We won big time for Venice and any developer’s future forced adherence to Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan; however, current projects that have cleared the planning system prior to this (vis-à-vis latest interpretation DIR 2014-2824-Dl) will continue. Adherence to VCZSP or not. There is no mechanism, to my knowledge, available to dismantle a project that has all necessary permits. I could be wrong on this. Check it out.

There is no softening that blow. Sorry.

DIR Appeal to be Heard 23 October

Posted by :reta On : October 21, 2014
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Category: Land Use and Planning Projects, Planning

Hearing for the appeal to Planning Directive DIR-2014-2814-D1 will be heard 23 October starting at 8:30 am in room 350, City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, 90012. (See comments by Challis Macpherson under Comments.)

The Small Lot Subdivision (SLS) directive was written to bring the SLS in line with the Venice Coastal Specific Plan.  It has been appealed by Len Judaken, developer of proposed project at Venice and Mildred.

Chris Robertson, deputy director of Land Use and Planning for Councilman Mike Bonin, says the Director’s Interpretation is intended to :

(1) Prevent small lot projects from exceeding the densities set in the Specific Plan on individual lots;

(2) Highlight where conflicts between the Municipal Code and the Venice Coastal Specific Plan exist and uphold the Specific Plan regulations where applicable; and

(3) Outline a review process for new small lot projects in the Venice Specific Plan area that takes into account the density, parking, and setback regulations of the Specific Plan and incorporates the use of the Small Lot Design Guidelines in the review of small lot subdivisions.

Planning

Posted by :reta On : October 7, 2014
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Category: Planning

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T-Mobile at 1515 Pacific will be heard by the zoning administrator 23 October at 1 pm at the West LA Municipal Building, LA 90025.

T-Mobile is seeking to modify an existing rooftop Wireless Telecommunications Facility (WTF) by replacing three existing antenna with six new antenna, associated screening structures. The installation will involve two new equipment cabinets and two new utility cabinets on the ground floor with associated fencing, and a new cable tray, all located within an existing building 42 feet tall building. They also seek a determination to permit a maximum height of 51-feet 4 inches for the modified WTF in lieu of the Venice Specific Plan height limit of 30 feet.

Questions and comments can be sent to Michael Sin at Michael.sin@lacity.org, 213-9789-1345. Refer to ZA2004-7596(CU)(PA3).

Hotel Erwin at 1697 Pacific Ave will be heard 5 November, 4:30 pm at the West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission, Henry Medina Building, 11214 W. Exposition Blvd, LA 90064.

In general the applicant requests the modification, reconfiguration, and expansion of the existing roof deck outdoor café from approximately 2,700 square feet to 4,723 square feet, and further modify the condition to decrease the maximum seating of the ground floor café from 72 to 52 seats and expand the maximum seating of the roof deck outdoor café from 98 to 175 seats all in conjunction with the continued operation of a hotel on a site in the C2-1-CA Zone.

One should obtain the “Notice of Public Hearing” document for all the details.

Questions and comments can be sent to Kevin Jones, Kevin.jones@lacity.org, 213-978-1361. Refer to APCW-2008-317-SPE-CUB-CDP-ZV-SPP-PA1.

521 Rose Ave will be heard 23 October, 9 am, at the West LA Municipal Bulding, 1645 Corinth Ave., LA 90025.

Owner is seeking a Coastal Development Permit to allow the demolition of more than 50 percent of an existing duplex, and to add 3,319 square feet to create a 3,510 square-foot, 30-foot tall duplex with four parking spaces on a 3,139 square-foot lot in the C4-1 Zone, within the single permit jurisdiction of the California Coastal Zone.

Questions and comments can be sent to Antonio Isaia, at Antonio.isaia@lacity.org, 213-978-1353. Reference ZA2014-2166(CDP).

Feed Restaurant at 1235, 1237, 1239 Abbot Kinney Blvd will be heard 23 October at 10 am at the West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth, LA 90025.

The applicant seeks the continued sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption in conjunction with an existing 2,535 square-foot restaurant (Feed Body & Soul) featuring live entertainment, with 38 interior and 32 outdoor seats within a 790 square-foot patio. Proposed hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, and 2) a Conditional Use, pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.24-W, 27 of the Code, to permit hours of operation beyond the hours of 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., which is otherwise not permitted within a commercial corner establishment/mini-shopping center.

This case was heard by Land Use and Planning committee at their last meet. It was decided then that live entertainment would stop and patio would be closed at midnight.

Questions and comments may be sent to Nora Dresser, at nora.dresser@lacity.org, 213-978-1346. Refer to ZA 2014-2224(CUB)(CU).

1235 Vienna Way will be heard 23 October, 10 pm at the West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth Ave., LA 90025.

Owner is seeking determination to allow the construction, use, and maintenance of a fence, vehicle gate, and decorative gateway with a maximum height of 7 feet 11 inches in lieu of the maximum 3-1/2 feet otherwise permitted in the front yard by Section 12.21-C,1(g) of the Code, in conjunction with the occupancy of a single-family residence
located on a 10,891 square-foot site in the R1-1VLD Zone.

Questions and comments may be sent to Matthew Quan, matthew.quan@lacity.org, 213-978-1320. Refer to ZA2014-1748(F).

1511 Abbot Kinney Appeal Denied

Posted by :reta On : October 2, 2014
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Category: Abbot Kinney, Land Use and Planning Projects, Planning

Tags:, , , , , ,

Owners of 1511 Abbot Kinney will be able to provide “in-lieu” parking to comply with Venice Specific Plan. Land Use and Planning committee and Venice Neighborhood Council both disapproved of project. Planning approved it and Jim Murez, former member of LUPC appealed the decision.

Arts-in-residence use allows for special parking. Developers use this zoning to build or redevelop and then change the use. They pay the in-lieu fee of $18,000 per parking space, which is an inexpensive way of skirting parking requirements.

Planning

Posted by :reta On : October 2, 2014
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Category: Planning

Zoning administrator will hear 450 Sherman Canal 16 October at 10 am, West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth Ave, LA 90025.

A Coastal Development Permit is sought for the proposed construction of a 40-foot tall, 3,724 square-foot single-family residence with an attached 456 square-foot garage, located on a vacant 2,850 square-foot lot within the dual-jurisdiction area of the California Coastal Zone.

Comments may be sent to Antonio Isaia at 213-978-1353, Antonio.isaia@lacity.org. Reference ZA2014-2039 (CDP).

1214 Abbot Kinney will be heard at 10:30 am, 16 October at West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth Ave., LA 90025.

A Coastal Development Permit is sought for the proposed change of use from a single-family residence to a 1,502 square-foot artist-in-residence on the third floor and 2,300 square feet of retail uses on the ground and second floor, within an existing three-story 3,802 square-foot building with an attached 864 square-foot garage, located on a 2,700 square foot-lot within the single- jurisdiction area of the California Coastal Zone, and Pursuant to Section 11.5.7 of the Code, a Project Permit Compliance from the Venice Coastal Zone Specific Plan to permit the abovementioned change of use.

Comments can be addressed to Antonio Isaia at 213-978-1353, Antonio.isaia@lacity.org. Reference ZA2014-1990(CDP)(SPP).

Planning

Posted by :reta On : September 27, 2014
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Category: Planning

The two-unit condominium project at 458 Venice Blvd will be heard 8 October, 9:30 am at the Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, room 1020.

The project is a two-unit condominium with four parking spaces on a 3235 square foot lot. A Coastal Development Permit is being sought to allow a one-lot subdivision for the construction of a two-unit condominium and the demolition of an existing single-family dwelling in the Dual Jurisdiction Coastal Zone. There is mention of a Mello determination.

Comments may be sent to Joey Vasquez, 213-978-1487, Joey.Vasquez@lacity.org.
Refer to Case No. AA-2013-3892-PMLA, ZA-2013-3894-CDP-MEL.

A new single-family home project at 920 Superba will be heard 9 October, 10:30 am at West LA Municipal Bulding, 1645 Corinth Avenue, LA 90025.

A Coastal Development Permit is sought for the demolition of an existing single-family dwelling and the construction of a new, approximately 3,326 square-foot, two-story, single-family dwelling with attached two-car garage and rooftop deck, on property located within the R2-1 Zone.

Comments should be addressed to Antonio Isaia at 213-978-1353, Antonio.isaia@lacity.org. Reference ZA-2014-1710(CDP).

Small Lot Subdivision Directive to be Appealed

Posted by :reta On : September 10, 2014
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Category: City, Planning, Venice

The Small Lot Subdivision directive (revised) issued 14 August 2014 was appealed and appeal is tentatively set to be heard 23 October 2014 by the City Planning Commission.

According to Michelle Levy, City planner and program supervisor of Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZ), the appeal of a director’s interpretation must be heard within 75 days.

The latest directive was written to make the small lot subdivision subordinate to the Venice Specific Plan.

History
This ordinance was written to allow smaller parcel sizes in multi-family zones than would normally be permitted as long as they complied with the density provisions established by zoning. It thus allows fee simple ownership of single-family homes on smaller lot sizes. It is better than a condo ownership because of all the common areas and legal problems that have accompanied that type ownership. It was approved 31 January 2005.

A directive was issued in 2009 to clarify the position of the Venice Specific Plan and the Small Lot Subdivision. Then chair of the Land Use and Planning committee (LUPC) Challis Macpherson appealed the directive in reference to parking and affordable housing. The February 2010 determination included language to clarifying Beach Impact Zone parking and requirements for replacement affordable units.

Since then there have been opportunities for input for the small lot subdivision ordinance which was in conflict with the Venice Specific Plan. Then chair of LUPC Challis Macpherson was very vocal in pointing out conflicting points.

The director’s interpretation of the ordinance issued 14 August 2014 was issued in response to the inputs and made the small lot subdivision ordinance subordinate to the Venice Specific Plan.

Planning

Posted by :reta On : September 7, 2014
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Category: Planning

920 Superba Ave will be heard 10:30 am, 9 October at West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth, Los Angeles. Hearing officer is Antonio Isaia.

425 Washington Blvd, Charcoal Restaurant will be heard 2 October, 9 am at West Los Angeles Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth Ave, LA 90025.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.24-W,1 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, a Conditional Use to permit the sale and dispensing of a full line of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption in conjunction with a proposed 3,497 square-foot restaurant with 112 seats and hours of operation between 11 a.m. and 12 midnight daily, and 2) Pursuant to 12.24-W,27, a Conditional Use to permit operating hours beyond 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., otherwise not allowed in a commercial corner/mini-shopping center.

Additional hours were not considered at LUPC, only the full line of alcoholic beverages, which was approved.

Comments may be sent to Antonio Isaia at 213-978-1350, Antonio.Isaia@lacity.org. Reference case No ZA2014-2337(CUB)(CU).

1136 Abbot Kinney Blvd will be heard 2 October, 9:30 am at the West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth Avenue, LA 90025.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.20.2 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code to permit the demolition of a 269 square-foot portion of, and the construction of a 2,030 square-foot addition to an existing, 996 square-foot, single-family dwelling, for a total of 2,757 square feet (including a 405 square-foot garage) and a change of use of a single-family dwelling to retail and office uses, located within the single jurisdiction of the California Coastal Zone.

Comments may be addressed to Kinikia Gardner, 213-978-1340, Kinikia.gardner@lacity.org. Reference Case No. ZA 2013-3013(CDP).

416 Grand Blvd will be heard 2 October, 10 am at the West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth Ave., LA 90025.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.20.2 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code to permit the construction of a new, two-story, 1,425 square-foot (including a two-car garage) single family dwelling located within the single jurisdiction of the California Coastal Zone.

Comments may be sent to Matthew Quan, 213-978-1320, Matthew.Quan, 213-978-1320, Matthew.Quan@lacity.org. Reference Case No. ZA 2014-1356(CDP).

418-422 Grand Blvd will be heard 2 October, 10:30 am at the West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth Ave, LA 90025.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.20.2 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code to permit the construction of a new, three-story, 5,183 square-foot, single-family dwelling located within the single jurisdiction of the California Coastal Zone.

Comments may be addressed to Matthew Quan, 213-978-1320, Matthew.Quan@Lacity.org. Reference Case No. ZA 2014-1358(CDP).

Planning

Posted by :reta On : September 1, 2014
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Category: Planning

T-Mobile at 1515 Pacific Ave modification hearing will be 25 September, 10:30 am, West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth Avenue, LA 90025.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.24-M of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, an Approval of Plans to modify an existing rooftop Wireless Telecommunications Facility (WTF) replacing three existing antenna with six new antenna, associated screening structures, the installation of two new equipment cabinets and two new utility cabinets on the ground floor with associated fencing, and a new cable tray, all located within an existing building 42 feet tall building. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.24-F, a determination to permit a maximum height of 51-feet 4 inches for the modified WTF in lieu of the Venice Specific Plan height limit of 30 feet.

Comments regarding ZA 2004-7956(CU)(PA3) can be addressed to Michael Sin, 213-978-1345, email: Michael.Sin@lacity.org.

Fence request for 1235 Vienna Way will be heard 25 September, 9:30 am at West LA Municipal Building, 1645 Corinth Avenue, LA 90025.

A Zoning Administrator’s Determination, pursuant to the provisions of Section 12.24-X,7 to allow the construction, use, and maintenance of a fence, vehicle gate, and decorative gateway with a maximum height of 7 feet 11 inches in lieu of the maximum 3-1/2 feet otherwise permitted in the front yard by Section 12.21-C,1(g) of the Code, in conjunction with the occupancy of a single-family residence located on a 10,891 square-foot site in the R1-1VLD Zone.

Comments, regarding ZA 2014-1748(F) can be addressed to Matthew Quan at Matthew.Quan@lacity.org, 213-978-1320.

Sunset Determination Due Soon

Posted by :reta On : August 29, 2014
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Category: Planning

There still may be time to voice an opinion for the record regarding 320 Sunset.

Department of Planning’s determination regarding 320 Sunset should be out soon.  The case was heard earlier this year but Planning set aside case for the Venice Neighborhood Council (VNC) input.  VNC turned it down at August VNC meet.

Sunset is the case that was approved by the Department of Planning as a bakery/retail but during that approval process decided to add a restaurant with a full line of alcohol and have offsite sales of beer and wine.

Address all concerns to maya.zaitzevsky@lacity.org for case number: ZA2013-3376 (CDP)(CUP)(SPP).