01-03-1972 - Laserfiche WebLink

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APPEAL #289 The Mayor opened the public hearing VA 71-62 on Appeal #289 filed by Lorraine B. LORRAINE B. ELAM Elam appealing the Planning Commission's denial of VA 71-62 to continue use of rear of property at 5106 West Hazard Avenue for auto reclaiming. The Director of Planning stated that just one year ago Council granted an application for auto dismantling at this location; that the Planning Commission and Planning Staff had recommended denial; that conditions of approval were that the variance was granted for a period of one year; fl~e front portion of the lot was to be landscaped; a driveway was to be constructed of gravel from the front to the garage; and a chain link fence with opaque screening would be provided around the wrecking yard; that the applicant is asking for a renewal and the Planning Commission and Staff unanimously - recommend denial; that the basic question is one of land (~se and planning; that the are is residential with the exception of this property and a small non-conforming use immediately to the east, where there is a battery shop; that the performance during the year the variance has been in effect has not been good; that the Planning Staff is not insensitive to the problems of the applicant, but the solution should not be at the expense of the surrounding property owners. He presented a video tape of the operation which was taken during the month of December, 1971. Mr. Robert Bethea, 13981 Sandhurst Place, spoke on behalf of Mrs. Elam. He stated they are asking for an extension of the variance for a period of approximately three months; that Mr. Ellis, who operates the wrecking yard, has located property in Huntington Beach but must obtain a Conditional Use Permit in order.to conduct his business there; that this procedure is in process at the present time; and that Mr. Ellis needs time to complete arrangements for this new location and.to move his business there. He further stated that Mr. Ellis has reasonably complied with the conditions put forth by the City Council at the time the original variance was granted; that an asphalt driveway was constructed, and an 8' opaque fence was put up around the junk yard area; that the property to the rear of Mr. Ellis's property has been rented to another party and they contribute substantially to the activity; and that they are requestin~ an opportunity for an orderly withdrawal from the property. Mr. A1 Parker, 5023 W. 7th Street, spoke in opposition to the appeal, He presented pictures taken during the day and stated there are more cars in the outside space than a month ago; that the operation in the rear has big trucks loading and unloading the wrecked automobiles, and uses the driveway; that a fence was built but fi': does not screen the wrecking operations. The Rev. Zamora, requested that, if the operation is allowed to continue, they not be allowed to use the driveway next to the battery shop; that they have been bringing in trucks full of autos and have been going through the whole area, using somebody else's property. Mr. James W. Trubey, 801 N. Morse Drive, presented pictures taken about the first of December, stating that the renter has not lived up to the conditions of the variance. In response to a question from Mr. Arnold I-Ioffman, the Mayor stated that if the appeal is granted for 90 days it cannot be extended again. CITY COUNCIL -14- January 3, 1972