Ira and Joyce Feldman's Conditional Use Permit

Revised 01/21/97

The Hearing is cancelled
Regional planning recommends Feldman revise the permit application due to inconsistencies

Copy of an internal memo to L A County Regional Planning Canceling public hearing

To: Regional Planning Commission
From: Donald Culbertson, Zoning Permits Case
January 8, 1997 Agenda #8 Conditional Use Permit No 95175 - {5)
December 31, 1996

This case involves the proposed use of an existing structure as a place of religious worship to be operated by the Four Square Church of Agua Dulce in combination with the operation of a "reception hall" by the owners of the subject property.

This request was scheduled for a public hearing before a hearing officer on December 3, 1996. At that time it became evident that there is considerable concern on the part of neighboring property owners with respect to the commercial nature of some the proposed activities, traffic, and noise impacts on surrounding properties. In addition, it was alleged that a variety of events have been conducted on the property without the required approvals. Further, issues regarding access and fire protection remain to be resolved.

The. hearing officer referred the matter to the Regional Planning Commission, continuing the hearing to January 8, 1997 before the Commission.

Subsequently, the applicants (Larry and Jan Hall) on behalf of the Four Square Church) have withdrawn their names from the application and the property owners (Ira and Joyce Feldman, through their agent, Lee Ambers) have requested that the hearing be postponed to a date uncertain.

In view of the foregoing, staff has disseminated a notice that the January 8, 1997 hearing has been canceled.

Therefore, no action is required by the Regional Planning Commission other than to affirm the removal of this item from the agenda until further notice.
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Letter On Regional Planning letterhead

SUBJECT: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 95-175-( 5 )

Staff originally received the application for the Four Square church under the premise that the subject property would be used as a place of religious worship and any functions strictly incidental thereto. This would mean, for example, that weddings held on the subject property would be strictly for members of the church.

However, following a review of your application, staff inspection of your property, and your recent inquiry regarding an increase in the occupancy load of the proposed sanctuary, it appears that your intent is to conduct a variety of activities that would not be considered incidental to a place of religious worship, If it is your intent to seek approval for such other uses, you must modify your application.

One option would be to expand the application to uses allowed in the A-1 zone, subject to a permit. Two examples would be a private recreation club or guest ranch. I have attached the definition of these uses as specified in County code. If you intend to sell alcoholic beverages or have any live entertainment whatsoever at; these events, this must specifically be included in the. application. A separate burden of proof is required for the sale of alcoholic beverages; these requirements are attached to your letter.

Another option would be to request a change in zone from A-1-20,000 (Light Agricultural-20,000 sq. ft. required area) to C-R-DP (Commercial-Recreational-Development Program) which permits other commercial recreational activities. However, zone changes are difficult to obtain; and an additional filing fee of $4,911.00 would be required.

Whether or not you decide to modify your application, you need to list all activities proposed on the subject property. Also note that if you intend to change the occupancy of the proposed sanctuary, the maximum occupant load must be determined by the Building and Safety Division of Public Works prior to the Public Hearing. Occupancy loads are used to calculate required parking, which will be a condition of the permit, if approved. Increasing the occupancy of a structure thereafter would entail the filing of a new Conditional Use Permit.

Staff also suggests that you consider submitting a request for a postponement of the hearing, scheduled January 8, 1997, before the Regional Planning Commission, until you are ready to submit a revised application. The additional time serves to your advantage for three reasons. Such a postponement would provide time for you to revise your application, to meet with neighboring property owners, and for County agencies (Public Works, Department of health services and County Fire) to respond to issues raised before the Hearing officer .

Be advised that in the interim, of course, no activity for which a discretionary permit is required may be conducted on the subject property, such as weddings, banquets and corporate parties. It has come to our attention that you continue to conduct parties, social activities and similar events on your property. We are also aware of advertisements in local publications, holding your property out for rent as a place to have weddings, events and other similar quasi-commercial activities for which a discretionary permit is mandatory. As you know from prior involvement with our Zoning Enforcement Section, this quasi-commercial use of agriculturally-zoned property is illegal, subjecting one to a misdemeanor prosecution.

If you have any additional questions concerning this letter, feel free to contact me or Mr. Fricano at 213-974-6443, Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

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