An appeal by the Las Virgenes Homeowners Federation of a Hearing Officer's June 24, 2025 approval of a variance to build a new 4,000-square-foot single-family home on a mapped significant ridgeline at 2354 Topanga Canyon Boulevard in the Santa Monica Mountains Planning Area (agenda). The item has been continued repeatedly without the hearing being opened. Staff recommended another continuance at the applicant's request, and the commission continued it to January 13, 2027.
A commissioner moved to follow the staff recommendation to continue the item; seconded (seconder not identified). Result: continued, 4-0.
McDonald's Corporation asked for a conditional use permit to rebuild its drive-through restaurant at 1306 North Altadena Drive in unincorporated Altadena, at the corner of Washington Boulevard. The old 2,277-square-foot building was damaged in the Eaton Fire and demolished. The plan replaces it with a 4,142-square-foot building and expands the drive-through from one lane to two. A minor parking deviation cuts required parking from 24 spaces to 17. The commission had continued the item from its June 24, 2026 hearing and told the applicant to redesign the freestanding sign so no variance was needed, and to keep working with staff on the facade and on adding a mural or other art. The approval allows parking between the building and the sidewalk, which staff called not pedestrian-friendly. It also lets the restaurant keep opening at 5 a.m., earlier than the 6 a.m. limit in the Altadena Community Standards District. Staff will negotiate the final design of the art panels and mural after the vote.
A commissioner moved to close the public hearing and find the project exempt under state and local CEQA guidelines; seconded (seconder not identified). Result: passed, 5-0.
A commissioner moved to approve Conditional Use Permit No. RPPL2023004561 and Minor Parking Deviation No. RPPL2023004570, subject to the attached findings and conditions; seconded (seconder not identified). Result: passed, 5-0.