Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

Good evening, everyone, and thank you for coming. Madam Secretary, can we get a roll call, please?

Commissioner Fowler?

Present.

Commissioner Rice?

Here.

Commissioner Trejo? Here. Commissioner Shaw-Williams? Here. Chairman Springs? Here.

Any communications from staff?

Yes chairman a staff received communication regarding item 6e and has been placed on the dais for the Planning Commission's review Thank you I'm trusting everyone picked up the agenda and in regards to rules of decorum If you haven't this should be out there on the table I

I don't see anything for minutes here. We're going to open it up for public comments. Anyone wishing to address the planning commissions on any items other than the public hearing may do so at this time. You can go to the mic in the back. Give us your name. It can't be with anything that's on the agenda, sir. Any public hearing? Is it a public hearing? Anything that's not a public hearing. Thank you. I need to get an approval for minutes for June 3rd, 2026.

Motion to approve the minutes for June 3rd, 2026. Second.

Second property moves in second. Call for any questions. We're going to call for a vote.

Commissioner Fowler. Aye. Commissioner Rice. Abstain. Commissioner Trahill. Commissioner Michelle Williams. Aye. Chairman Springs. Aye.

Okay. It wasn't here. Okay, we can start with our public hearing. Item number 6A.

Item 6A, a public hearing to consider an application by Brett Engstrom representing Coco Ichibana for special use permit number 26-00009, SUP 26-00009 to allow the onsite sale of beer and wine for a proposed approximately 2,200 square foot restaurant that is part of the Hollywood Park Tomorrow Retail Center HPSP Hollywood Park specific plan, zone property at 1249 South District Drive.

Chairman, the project file is present. Notice has been given in a time and place as required by law. Planning has received no written communications regarding this item. Planner Angel Leon Martel is present to give a short presentation.

Good evening, Chairman Springs and members of the Commission. The subject site for this special use permit request is located within the major mixed use general plan area and is zoned HPSP for the Hollywood Park specific plan. On November 1st, 2018, staff approved plot plan review number 2018-004 for the construction of the Hollywood Park Tomorrow Retail Center. On March 4th, 2020, the Building Safety Division issued a building permit for the approximately 350,000 square foot retail center, which is and large entertainment venues to the south and retail to the west. This request is to allow the on-site sale of beer and wine only for a proposed restaurant located within an existing tenant suite. The tenant space currently has two pedestrian entrances. The main entrance is located along the southwest side of the building. A secondary entrance is located at the rear along the northeast side of the building. There are no proposed changes to the ingress and egress of the tenant space. Parking for the proposed restaurant is located on site within a parking structure along front is located onsite within a parking structure along Prairie Avenue and surface parking along Century Boulevard. The applicant is seeking approval for the onsite sale of beer and wine only for a restaurant named Coco Ichibanya. The floor area consists of a reception and cashier station leading to an approximately 520 square foot dining area which contains 35 seats and is shown above the screen in green. Restroom areas are located toward the rear of the tenant space and shown on the screen in blue. Alcohol storage is located within the walk-in freezer and at the service area storage counter. The remainder of the floor area plan consists of a dishwashing area, service station, kitchen, walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer. The proposed hours of operation are between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 a.m. daily, during which the full food menu will be available at all times. The menu consists of Japanese-style curry and rice dishes, offering a variety of menu options featuring chicken, pork, seafood, omelets, and vegetable selections as well. The proposed drink menu includes tea, bottled domestic and imported beer, as well as wine. Alcohol service is restricted to the indoor dining area, where patrons will order from their server who will deliver the drinks to their seats. There will be 15 employees working at all times during the regular business hours. 16 security cameras will be installed in addition to those that already exist at the retail center. And there will be no additional security guards for the proposed restaurant. The State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control allows for on-site cell licenses for this census tract. There are currently seven on-site cell licenses and two recently approved by the Planning Commission in 2025. Rhythm Bar was approved in June and Panini Kebab Grill in November of last year. The applicant has submitted a public convenience and necessity letter for the commission's review and approval. The Hollywood Park retail site remains newly constructed and not fully occupied. a police substation was developed within the retail area and the Englewood Police Department will monitor all activity within the center. And due to the low tenancy rate, there are no reliable crime statistics available at this time. As conditioned, the proposed project will serve as an enhancement to the neighborhood setting and will continue to be compatible with the surrounding area. The site is developed in accordance with existing zoning and development standards for the HPSP zone properties. No comments were received for against the project. The project is consistent with the major land use general plan designation. A categorical exemption has been filed and the project is exempt from further environmental review. This concludes the presentation. I'm available to answer any questions you might have, and the applicant is also here tonight to answer your questions. Thank you.

Okay. Thank you. We're going to open up questions for you, first of all. We're going to start off with Commissioner Fowler. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I just have one question, Angel. I'm just trying to get the total count. I heard that from the beer and wine, from the licensing, they authorized four. We currently, if I heard you said you have seven. Does that include the two that we recently did? So that's nine, right?

Yeah, so this only shows the already authorized. This map shows only the already authorized licenses. The other two are still not authorized. So potentially two more. So nine.

And while there are currently no statistics, quite a few of those locations, though, do sell alcohol already. So have we heard of any...

So some of these locations aren't actually at the Hollywood Park retail site. For example, there's the Hollywood Park Casino, and then there's two at the shopping center. Okay. Yeah, down the street. So that's already three.

So they're spread out. Yes.

Okay, thank you. And then one of them does include the stadium.

Yeah, because this is going to be by Cosm, right? Not far from Cosm.

Like north.

North. Kind of north, yes. More like the theater.

You know where it is? It's really close to the basketball court.

Okay. Yes, right there. No further questions. Thank you. Commissioner Rice.

Are all of the restaurants within the Hollywood Park...

Microphone, please.

Are all of the restaurants within the Hollywood Park developmental Do they all have distilled spirits or beer and wine licenses? Do we have any with the sit downs, restaurants that don't have?

I can't recall all of them.

Most have requested some sort of alcohol license. It's also important to note that if this restaurant were not within the Hollywood Park specific plan, then the request would not be before you. So restaurants are allowed by right beer and wine only. Generally, these types of applications would come before the planning commission if they were requesting distilled spirits. Our code treats beer and wine as a normal beverage option that would come or be allowed by right as a full service restaurant. Just a note. You answered my second question.

Third one, The beer and wine, I think we have three that are in the census tract. Are all of those within the Hollywood Park development? The three that have been approved?

The three that have been recently approved? The last two were.

The last two.

The last two were. And then to follow up on the question about the restaurant, one of the restaurants that just came to mind is The Melt, which is a hamburger spot. which they have not asked for alcohol. So that's one, for example. I know there's others in the works, but I haven't received those.

I just want to make sure that all the restaurants are on equal par and they're able to stay competitive with one another in that environment. No further questions. Thank you.

Mr. Trejo?

Just a quick question on a comment you made. You said that the last two recently have been authorized or not authorized. Is that what you said?

Does that mean? The Planning Commission gave them the approval. However, it's basically they're not in effect yet through the state. So ABC has not yet given them approval? Yes, correct.

Okay.

That's all. Thank you.

Commissioner Shaw-Williams?

No questions. Thank you.

I have no questions. I'll wait for the applicant. If the applicant is here, take the mic in the back and give us your name and tell us about your project and why we should approve this.

Of course.

Really close.

Good evening, commissioners.

My name is Brett Engstrom.

I'm here on behalf of the applicant Coco Ichibanya. We have a pending special use request to allow the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption in conjunction with our proposed restaurant. Coco Ichibanya specializes in Japanese-style curry rice dishes, and they operate multiple locations throughout three states. This location will be located in the Hollywood Park development, and Coco Ichibanya will occupy a 2,200 square foot ground floor tenant space and offer 35 interior seats. The business will operate with a Type 41 license, allowing the sale of beer and wine in conjunction with the operation of a bona fide eating establishment. This license type requires that fresh meals be prepared on site, that there be a menu of food items available at all hours of operation, and that no more than 50% of gross receipts be derived from the sale of alcohol. Our proposed hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. We would like to thank planning staff for their assistance in preparing this request and bringing it to a hearing. We have read the proposed conditions and find them acceptable, and I'd like to turn it back to you for any questions you may have about our project.

Okay, we're going to open it up for questions. Commissioner Fowler. Thank you, Mr.

Chair. Yes, Mr. Is it Ekstrom?

Inkstrom. That was close enough.

Inkstrom, sorry. You did answer my second, my first question was, did you agree with the conditions that were spelled and outlined here. Is this a chain? Is this the first?

This is not. They have, I believe, eight locations throughout Southern California, one coming in Northern California, and two popping up in Texas. So they're a growing group.

And the other locations sell beer and wine?

Yes, ma'am.

Okay. No further questions.

Commissioner Rice.

I'm sure the drinks are quite expensive in that Hollywood Park development.

I THINK EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE IN HOLLYWOOD PARK, I'VE GOT TO SAY. I KNOW THE RENTS ARE PROBABLY EXPENSIVE. IT IS A NICE DEVELOPMENT. SO THEY ARE PAYING A LITTLE BIT IN RENT. BUT THE DRINKS WILL BE SIMILAR PRICES AS THE FOOD MENU ITEMS.

I HEARD YOU SAY SOMETHING AND I WAS WONDERING HOW YOU WOULD REGULATE IT. YOU SAID YOU CAN'T SELL MORE THAN 50% OF YOUR PROFIT CANNOT COME FROM ALCOHOL. IS THAT AN ABC REQUIREMENT?

That's an ABC requirement for restaurant licenses. And what that does is that makes sure that if you apply for a restaurant license, that you in fact operate as a restaurant. So they don't want you requesting a restaurant license, then doing away with your food menu. It has happened over the years. The ABC runs things much tighter these days. So they will, if there's any kind of question, they'll come in and look at your receipts.

I mean, you have an unusual environment that you're operating the restaurant in, that is in an entertainment area. A lot of people are going to be coming in and asking for drinks. That's why I was questioning how you're going to be able to manage.

Well, you know, the focus of our business is the food menu. It's the food preparation, meal service. That is the main focus. The beer and wine will very much be ancillary. I would say 20 to 30 to 50 percent of the clientele will not even order beer and wine. So based on the business plan and their experience at the other locations, we should be able to meet that guideline.

Okay.

Thank you. Of course, sir.

Commissioner Trejo.

Mr. Engstrom, will you require patrons to order food when they order drink?

That's our business plan. That's the way we operate. However, if you come in with a party and you don't feel hungry and you want to order a beer, everybody else is eating, you can do that.

If all your party order, say you have a party of 10... and all your party doesn't want to eat because they filled up at the stadium at a game, is that something that you will be allowing, just the drink only?

That is not our business plan, and we will not have an extensive selection of beer and wine, something that would draw somebody in just to drink. We'll have a few selections of beer, a few selections of wine, but nothing that a sports bar or a bar or something that really looks to draw in for alcohol sales is going to have. So I don't think it will be attractive to that particular clientele.

If you have a situation like that, will you encourage your servers to have them order an appetite?

By all means, yes. Our servers will be taught to push appetizers and push meal selections.

How do they do that at one of your other Southern California locations?

You know, as I said earlier, our main draw is our particular Japanese curry rice dishes. So people do not come in looking for the alcohol itself. It's this particular style of cooking. I do have a member of the restaurant group here. If you'd like to hear more about the particular style and food preparation, I could never do it service. And I would mispronounce every word involved. But the food service and the meal selections, that is the main draw of our locations.

And your servers are trained to encourage food for your patrons?

That's a great question. All the servers involved with alcohol sales or any of the servers will be required to attend an RBS training program.

What is RBS? I saw that on your letter.

Responsible Beverage Service.

So this is operated by either ABC or a qualified service provider, and our servers are trained on how to ask for proper ID, how to avoid over-service, how to handle alcohol sales in a professional manner.

Okay. Thank you. Of course.

Commissioner Shaw-Williams.

So what I'm hearing and understanding, based upon my colleagues' questions, basically it's just a restaurant that's going to serve Japanese-style food. That is the intention of most people who are coming to the restaurant. And beer and wine is just an added convenience and Am I correct in thinking that way?

You are entirely correct. And like I said, up to, I would say, 50% or even more are not going to order beer and wine. That's not the reason they're coming to this restaurant. We just offer it. I have kids. And when the kids were young, we would go out. And for a parent to get a half hour of downtime, I really enjoyed having one beer while I sat there.

Right.

So we'd like to offer just something for our patrons to enjoy themselves a little bit more, but it is not the main draw.

And do you do reservations? Do you take reservations at your restaurant?

I'm going to say no.

Oh, okay.

But we can always make room for commissioners if you guys are interested in trying.

But I would like to hear about, you said you had someone here who could speak to the specialty dishes that are served. That would be nice to hear about some of the Japanese-style curried rice dishes that this restaurant is going to be preparing.

I would like to invite him up if you'll allow him to speak.

Yeah. Yes. Thank you.

Okay, thanks for your time today. Just, yeah, just I got here, just like, let me introduce our menu.

Could you give us your name, please? Oh, yeah, sorry about that. My name is Kazuhiro Noguchi. I'm from, like, Coco Ichibanya.

Mm-hmm. So our specialty is like a Japanese-style curry. Just, you know, curry is like you can imagine just come with a rice and a curry sauce. Curry sauce looks like a gravy sauce. And our specialty is like customized for the customers. So you can choose like sizes and then spice level, also topping or vegetable. So most likely, he already explained about our menu concept, but... Most likely, you know, like eating rice. Nobody just like order the beer and wine, usually. But we have also like appetizer, just like, you know, it should be good with the alcohol. And we try to see the chance to sell more stuff in the Hollywood Park. So, you know, thanks for opportunities. And that's what I can say right now. So hopefully everything goes well.

Okay.

Is it good enough?

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

the questions okay thank you I just have a few questions um number one is you indicated that 50% of the people that come in actually do not order beer or wine if we did not approve this with that tamper your business with that tap into your business where it wouldn't be successful That's a yes or no?

I would say yes. Okay. Because when you do sit down, you have a glass of wine or beer, you tend to stay longer and order more food. So it would affect our overall business plan.

Okay. And lastly, if this is approved, would you be willing to name a dish after the Inglewood?

I'm going to look in the front row here for a head nod. I'm sure we could look into something like a specialty dish for the Inglewood location.

You know, Inglewood chop suey or Inglewood or whatever.

I'm sure something could be figured out. Okay, we're going to put that in our notes.

Thank you very much, sir.

Thank you.

Any final questions from our commissioners? Commissioner Fowler, any questions? No further questions. Commissioner Rice?

No questions, Chair.

Commissioner Trejo?

No further questions, thank you.

Commissioner Shaw-Williams?

No questions, thank you.

Okay, at this particular point, if we'd like to, for anyone that's for or against this particular project, you can go to the mic, give us your name, and give us your reasoning, please. Hearing, seeing none, we're going to close that segment. And... I'D LIKE TO GET A MOTION, PLEASE.

MOTION. I RECOMMEND THAT THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVE AND AFFIRM THE CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION EACE2026067 AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION APPROVING SUP26-00009. SECOND. OKAY.

IT'S BEEN PROPERLY MOVED AND SECONDED. WE'LL CALL FOR ANY QUESTIONS. HEARING NONE, WE'LL CALL FOR A VOTE.

Commissioner Fowler? Aye. Commissioner Rice? Aye. Commissioner Trejo? Aye. Commissioner Shell-Williams? Aye. Chairman Springs?

Aye.

Is there any appeal process? According to the IMC, anyone may appeal the decision of the Planning Commission on this matter. The appeal must be filed within 20 days from the notice of decision and shall be made by filing a written notice of appeal with the Planning Division and an appeal fee.

Okay, thank you. We look for a name for a dish from the city of Inglewood. Thank you.

Madam Secretary. Item 6B. Excuse me, Madam Secretary. I have to recuse myself on item 6B. Okay. Thank you.

Item 6B, a public hearing to consider an application by Sarkis Karagian for special use permit number 26-00010, SUP 2600010 to allow a service station on an approximately 10,700 square foot C2A airport commercial zone property at 4799 West Century Boulevard.

Chairman, the project file is present. Notice has been given in a time and place as required by law. Planning has received no written communications regarding this item. Assistant Planner Brian Espinoza is present to give a short staff presentation.

Good evening, Chairman Springs and members of the Commission. The subject site for this request is located at 4799 West Century Boulevard with the zoning designation of C2A and a general plan designation of commercial. In 1985, Building and Safety issued a certificate of occupancy for a one-story automobile service station with two lube bays. In 1987, a business license was issued to Century Texaco to operate a service station. In 1988, a business license was issued to Contreras Garage to operate an automotive repair shop. In November of 2013, the Planning Commission approved special use permit number 1189 to convert a portion of the existing automotive service building into a mini market. In 2022, the service station ceased operations. At the time that the certificate of occupancy was issued, a special use permit was not required to operate the service station. Amendments to the zoning code over time established a requirement for a special use permit to operate a service station The service station entire repair shop are currently operating without a valid city business license and on December 2nd of 2025 the code enforcement division began issuing daily citations to the property for operating without a business license a The property is located on the northeast corner of Century Boulevard and Inglewood Avenue. Land uses to the north are zoned C2A and are developed with residential uses. An alley north of the site provides a buffer between the service station and the adjacent residential properties. Properties to the east, south, and west are also zoned C2A building that is occupied by a mini market and tire shop. There are 16 security cameras located on site, three inside the market, and 13 monitoring the exterior of the property. The property has four vehicular entrances, with two driveways on Century Boulevard and two on Englewood Avenue. The site currently has five parking spaces. The applicant is proposing two additional spaces in order to comply with the parking requirement. The service station operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Access to the convenience store is limited from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Service is provided from the service station window during closing hours. The tire repair shop operates from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. The convenience market is staffed by four full-time employees and three part-time employees. And the tire shop is operated by three employees. If approved, the applicant must obtain site plan review approval and obtain signed permits for all unpermitted work conducted on the property. The unpermitted work consists of replacing the underground storage tanks, replacing the fuel pumps, and the interior improvements made to the convenience store. A final parcel map will be required to be recorded with the LA County Recorder's Office to consolidate two parcels into one. Code enforcement records indicate that the applicant has outstanding administrative citation fees for operating a business on the property without a valid business license. Prior to the issuance of any building permits, the applicant will be required to pay their current and retroactive fees owed to the Code Enforcement Division. The applicant will also be required to return to the Planning Commission for a one-year review within one year of the issuance of a business license. The proposed project is consistent with the general plan and supports the Englewood Municipal Code. A categorical exemption has been filed and the project is exempt from further environmental review. No letters were received for or against this request. This concludes my presentation and I'm available to answer any questions the Commission might have.

All right, thank you very much. Good report. We're going to open up questions for you, Commissioner Fowler.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just for clarification, what is currently operating on this site?

It would be the gas station, a tire shop, and the convenience store associated with that.

All are operating today?

Correct.

And the 24 hours is the station itself, the service station?

Correct.

And it's 24 hours today?

Yeah.

Have there been any reports from the police about activity?

We did not obtain reports for this request.

Okay, no further questions. Commissioner Rice?

That was the most important question I had. whether or not we have police activity and there's an issue with the station being on that corner. I'm trying to follow your timeline here. It looks as if the station was originally approved as a gas station by Texaco in 1980.

So service stations are permitted with an automotive repair shop as an ancillary use. But yes, it's always been a gas station.

Okay, and they've been replacing the tanks underground and all of that over all these years? They've been maintaining the tanks themselves? What I'm reaching for is to try and find out if they've been operating, just knowingly operating illegally and digging up the ground, putting in new tanks, putting in new pumps with no permits, and they've been just intentionally violating the law, or did they just find themselves in this situation where They fell between different code restrictions where we changed the code saying that now they're required to have a permit that they were able to grandfather in or they were permitted for before by not having to have special permits because they had a store and had an auto bay where they were servicing cars. So that meant they can have a service station. But once it closed in 2025, they got caught in the middle of a net here.

Right, Commissioner. So when they were issued the original certificate of occupancy for their service station, they were up to date, up to par on all their services.

Which year? Which year?

It was issued in 1965. So everything was up and current. However, in 22, when it became vacant, that's when it started getting cited for all these unpermitted services. such as the storage tanks and the fueling pumps and the canopies and the signs. So from 2022 to present, that's where we have all the code violations in place. But prior to that, the business was running current, had a business license, and it had a certificate of occupancy issued in 1965 when it was originally built.

You brought me up to 2022 where you said they started getting cited for the tanks.

Right. Those are the records that we have that in 2020... No further questions at this time, Chair.

Commissioner Shell-Williams.

Okay. So in 2022, they ceased operation. When was it that it was discovered that they were doing things without proper business licenses? How long had they been... OPERATING, HAD IT BEEN A YEAR IN 2024, 23?

SO WHEN THEY STOPPED OPERATION, I BELIEVE IN 2025, THE IMC PROVISION STATES THAT ONCE A BUSINESS STOPS OPERATING FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS, IT I'm sorry, 22, it becomes non-conforming, and therefore that's why it's in front of you today, because it's non-conforming per the Inglewood Municipal Code because it stopped operating for more than six months.

Okay. And it says tire repair. Does that mean they just repair tires, or do they sell tires too?

It would be both.

It would be both. Okay. No further questions. Thank you.

Okay, my question is in regards to the convenience store. When was the convenience store brought in? Was there a special use permit for the convenience store? Did it have to be one for that?

A special use permit was approved in November of 2013.

For the convenience store?

Correct. To convert a portion of the automotive repair shop to a convenience store. Say that one more time? Sorry. In November of 2013, the Planning Commission approved a conversion of a portion of the automotive repair store or shop to allow a convenience store.

But they closed that in 2022, correct?

Correct.

So now we're coming back for a permit for an approval to open up a service station in and a tire shop, would that include the convenience store as well?

Correct.

Okay, so we'll get on the applicant, if the applicant's here. Thank you very much, good report. You helped us out a great deal. So if the applicant is here, please go to the mic, tell us your story, we need to hear this. Please give us your name.

Good evening. My name is Vanya Stepani. I'm here on behalf of the applicant Sarkis and my colleague and architect Carlos Silvia is also here. So to answer your question regarding the closure, the closure was done

No, no, sir. I need you to tell us, I need you to tell us why we need to grant you a special use permit for your service station. That's what I need you to tell us.

Well, the service station was existing. Uh, they closed in 2022 to replace all the tanks and the pumps that was required by state of California to have all of the old tanks replaced. Um, So the gas station was closed due to the fact that we had to replace all the tanks. And we can't operate during the construction phase of replacing the tanks and replacing all the pumps and everything that was needed during the time.

So you closed your station because you had to replace the tanks?

Correct.

Okay, so at this particular point, we need to hear something of why do you think it's necessary for us to approve a permit for you to reopen because of what? Why should we do that?

I mean, I really can't answer to the fact of why you should or deny it. The gas station was existing, and the only thing I can tell you is that They were closed due to the fact that it was a mandate from California to have those tanks replaced because all older tanks have to be replaced of every gas station. So when they did close, it triggered a new set of rules for CUP, which we got into this issue.

Okay. Maybe we can help you out. I'm going to have my commissioners ask you questions. Maybe that can kind of help with you on why we should approve it for you. So we're going to start off our questions for you, sir, with Commissioner Fowler, please.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My question is, how did you come to not have the appropriate documentation to run a business? No business license. How did we get here?

The business did have a business license up to 2022, and it triggered.

My staff, you are operating today. Is that a true statement?

Correct, yes.

So you are operating today without a business license?

Correct.

And how do you plan to, you're asking us to approve this, how do you plan to correct?

So I was hired to mitigate any issues, get any permits, any licensing that is needed. I've been working with Brian Espinosa closely, trying to get anything that is needed to move forward if it's, if it's permits, if it's licensing, whatever you might need. We have been told not to do anything yet until this hearing to move forward. So we are ready to move forward to get any business licenses that we need, any permits that we need to just move forward.

So that was my final question to you. You are aware of what all is required? Yes, correct. And you are prepared to do that should we approve your permit? Yes.

Okay, thank you. You just indicated that you were told not to operate until you received all your necessary permits Is that what you just said?

No, we were told not to proceed with licensing or permits until we have this hearing and the outcome of this hearing. We would proceed from this point on obtaining all the permits and all the licenses that are needed.

Commissioner Rice.

You were requested by a regulating body within the state of California to change your tanks and pumps. Is that correct?

Correct.

OK. Are you or your client aware of which body would regulate the actual process of changing your pumps and tanks?

My colleague, Carlos, would be able to answer that.

How's everybody doing? My name is Carlos. What was the question again? I'm sorry.

I'm trying to find out which regulating body you understand that would regulate your replacement of the tanks and pumps in your station.

Right. The state of California came out with the regulation that any operating gas station or facility that own and operate an underground storage tank that is single wall needed to be removed by the end of 2025. Okay. Now, a lot of when that mandate came about is maybe 2020. A lot of gas stations or underground fuel system owners took advantage of the timeline because the state also provided funding to make that change. And that's what the client took advantage of as far as that downtime to take care of that mandate to remove those existing single wall underground tanks that will be obsolete by the end of 2025 and replace them with double wall underground storage tanks. Now, the lead agency that oversees the underground fuel systems within LA County jurisdiction, not counting the city of Inglewood, is LA County Department of Public Works.

Let me cut you off right there. The one that's not counting is the one that I'm concerned with. I'm going to ask staff a question. Does staff regulate construction and tanks being put underground and pumps and all of that?

Yeah, so there would be a requirement for them to file a plan check application for any construction-related activity that's happening on their site.

And we would have a building safety inspector on that job site?

There should be a building permit pulled and it be inspected.

Okay. When did you receive your first, okay, I'm going to assume you just didn't know that, although you said you did.

No, not in that. We came to find out during this whole process that the city of Inglewood did get involved with replacing the underground fuel tanks.

When did you receive your first code enforcement violation notice?

That I'm not aware of. The owner or the representative will know about that timeline.

I think it was... Commissioner Rice, they received their first citation in December of 2025.

And what was on that citation?

It was for operating the business without a license.

Was the code enforcement department or building safety aware that the pumps had been changed and the tanks had been changed underground? Anyone do any discovery on that?

It was later discovered that they replaced the underground tanks.

And were additional notices sent out from code enforcement saying that you did this and you should not have? Correct. And when were those notices, when did those start?

I don't have the exact date, but it was sometime in March of this year.

Yeah, shortly a few months after the original citation was issued.

Which, almost since December 2025, we're almost two years down the road. How do we get here?

From December 2025 till now, or maybe seven months, the very first moment that they got cited, that's when we started jumping on this with both feet trying to figure out what the next process will be. The client, of course, they're- Talking to the mic, please, sir. I'm sorry?

Talking to the mic.

Oh, sorry about that. Our client number one goal is to basically making sure that everything's done properly. Like we said, we weren't aware that the city of Inglewood was involved with the underground tanks. That was on our side's fault. So right now where we are is making sure that everything's permittable, with the city of Inglewood and whatever those steps to take will be, we're willing to go ahead and go forward.

Did the, and I misspoke on the calculation, it was like seven months, so correct myself on that. Did the code enforcement department request that you cease operations until you got a business license?

As far as I know, they had requested to get a business license, but they were getting fined every day for operations. It's a tricky situation because they were getting fined. They weren't able to get a business license because they couldn't obtain the permits. And we couldn't obtain the permits because we had to have this hearing first. So it was a lot of back and forth. He's willing to obtain the city license, but he wasn't allowed to due to the fact that he can't obtain the permits. We can't obtain the permits without submitting drawings and getting the drawings approved. And that can't be approved without this hearing.

Did any agency from the state of California come and check your tanks and sign off, give you a certification that everything was good?

Carlos would answer that.

Correct. As I mentioned, the lead agency is LA County Department of Public Works. When it comes down to gas tanks, it's South Coliseum Quality Management District. Both agencies came to do proper inspections during the installation process. And there's documentation to back that up as well.

Does staff have a record of that?

We don't have a record on file, but the applicant has it present with them.

No further questions, Chair. Commissioner Shaw-Williams.

Commissioner Rice was so thorough in his questions and the responses. I have no questions.

I do have some questions. Let me, but you answered a lot of the questions. If the state came in, they gave you an approval, they signed it off, and it was your response. First of all, how long have you been in business? That's number one.

Gas station?

Who oversees the station? Who oversees the business?

Sarkis oversees the station. I'm not sure as to how long he's been in business for. I don't have that documentation with me.

So are you aware of the business practice of the licensing and the things that you need to do once a license has been approved and what your next step is? Yes. And you failed to follow through?

No. So unbeknownst to us, we were under... Maybe it was a misunderstanding on our point, but we were under the impression that... having the tanks removed because it was a California mandate wasn't going to trigger a new set of rules and licenses.

So what were the new set of rules that you're speaking of? You said a new set of rules. You're talking about from the city of Inglewood?

Correct. So city of Inglewood, as the gentleman suggested earlier, that once your business has ceased to operate for six months, it triggers a new set of city licenses and CUP.

But did you not have a city license prior to them changing the tanks?

They did have it, yes.

So you knew that you would have to get a city license again.

Am I correct in saying that? No, I did not know, no.

Are you telling me, sir, that you're running a business in the city and you're telling me that you're unaware that you have to have a city license?

No, no, no. We are aware that you need a city license, but we were unaware of the fact that during construction, If we were closed for six months, it would trigger a new city license. We would have to obtain a new one. We did have a city license, and we know we had to get a city license, but we were unaware of the fact that if we were closed for six months, we would have to get a new city license.

Okay, I need staff to kind of help us out on this. Would you please, sir?

So it's our understanding that... the business, and I'm just getting a little bit of clarification as it relates to some ownership information, but generally when a business license ceases to operate, the business owner closes the use or whatever the case may be, then there's a six-month for someone to come in and reopen the business or reactivate the business license that would then essentially grandfather the use back to what its previous use was. In this case, there was a number of years that had expired between the time that they ceased operation and began operations. And one of the triggers in some instances, when there is an active business license associated or an active building permit associated with a construction-related project, then that theoretically can be stayed because there's building activity associated with the use. In this case, there was never a building application submitted that would have triggered any sort of notification to our finance department, our planning division, or any other city-related agency to know that the business was closed due to construction, not closed because someone else was coming to operate it. And so we've fallen into somewhat of a holding pattern. And so then in this case, we've required, because there was so much activity that was happening that was unregulated, And we had to require them to come then before the planning commission per the IMC to get a special use permit.

So let me see if we're correct on this. They were cited. Am I correct? How many times were they cited?

They've been issued daily since December.

Daily, you say? Yes.

Yes.

So you're telling us that they're aware.

Right. So essentially what happened is that they pulled the cart before the horse, right? So, you know, and they need the special use permit, right, in order for them to rectify the situation. So we need to, and it's within your discretion to be able to decide whether or not you want to grant them the ability to have this special use permit in order for them now to then be able to go back and permit this properly. Got you.

Okay. If we did not approve this, if we didn't approve it at all, sir, you would have an empty lot. It would just be a lot that's there.

Correct.

You've done all this work. put in new tanks, and you can't get an approval with the city.

It would be a loss, yes.

It would be a loss. Okay, thank you very much.

Chair, if I may? Yes. I just want to add that we did ensure that because they continue to operate knowingly and unlawful, unpermitted, after notification, we did include conditions that would trigger payment of retroactive fees. There should not be a, if the planning commission grants this use and approval, it should not happen without consequence, right? And so there does need to be, you know, we condition that these fees are paid so that there would be an opportunity to right the wrong.

Okay, very good. I think Commissioner Rice has a question. Do you have a question as well, Commissioner Paul?

No further questions.

Commissioner Rice?

The entity that had the business license with the city of Englewood in 2022.

Then that would have been a trigger to, that would have triggered a bunch of other things.

And this, are you guys within this? Working within the same entity that owned the business back in 2022?

Yes.

You are. And how long had you been operating before 2022?

I don't have that answer.

Does anyone know? Anyone here know if the station's ownership was there two, three, five years?

The staff now, how long did they have a business license before? They've been operating since 2014. 2014.

The same owner.

Okay.

So they're aware they need to get a business license renewed every year. Okay. I went by your station today. Beautiful station. I think you did a nice job. I'm going to give someone a lob. I mean, just throw this at you and hopefully you answer it right. Because someone has to say, you know what? We messed up. And we really don't want to lose a lot of money here. We did a beautiful job in Inglewood, and we're just trying to make it right. Who's that going to be?

That is our job, and that is why we are here. So we can rectify any issues that were caused beforehand and fix it and move on and get all the permits, whatever fees there are, get the licensing, and just operate the business in the city of Inglewood.

And you're the representative. The owner didn't show up.

The owner is in Japan.

No further questions, Chair.

I have no further questions either. Thank you very much, gentlemen. Thank you. At this time, we would like to open it up for those individuals who are for or against this particular project. Go to the mic and tell us your name and tell us why you're for or against it. Seeing, hearing none, we're going to close that segment. And any final questions or comments? Commissioner Fowler.

No further questions.

Commissioner Rice.

One more question. You were the spokesman for the owner in Japan. And the other gentleman with you? Okay, is there anyone here that manages the project, the property itself on a day-to-day basis who would have been there to receive citations and all this?

Go to the mic.

depending on moving forward with getting the license and the CUP and getting the permits and dealing with the citations at the same time. It wasn't that he didn't want to pay for it. It's just, A, he didn't have a grand total. He has citations that he's been receiving every day. But it was, like the gentleman said, the cart before the horse. A lot of things were done incorrectly, but not in the state of it was done correctly as to what the California regulations were requiring. It was a misunderstanding as to the city of Englewood, what we needed to do with them. And that was it.

You know, I find that hard to believe, sir. I can't imagine an owner saying, I don't know what the total is. If you don't know what the total is, is it not your responsibility to come and find out? That's a question.

Right. He was receiving citations every day. So the total amount kept on changing. There hasn't been a single amount that has been sent to him. It's just been citation after citation. And again, he's not trying to be malicious or anything. Okay, very good, sir.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

You know, I really find it hard to believe, and I'm not trying to put anybody on the spot. If someone comes and they represent you, the owners should have taken it upon themselves to come and answer some of the questions themselves. Anyway, that's just my take. At this time, we're going to, is there a motion on the floor?

Yes, of course To staff Do we if this project is approved? Do you have to make a condition that the fees and the fines be paid or is that already? We've included that as a condition that wasn't included and no one knows to date what the total of that is and

That that has to be calculated through our code enforcement division and so we will through the the site plan review process Will direct the applicant to work closely with code enforcement to rectify any Any fees or fines that need to be paid Is there a one-year review in the included?

Motion, Mr. Chair. Question? Motion, Mr.

Chair. Okay, please.

I move that we affirm the categorical exemption EA-CE-2026-065 and adopt the resolution approving SUP 26-00010 with the following conditions that had been articulated that there would be all fees brought current and paid with the condition of this approval along with a one-year review.

Okay, the motion is denied because there is no second.

Am I able to second? I was still processing everything.

She made the motion. I've already indicated that the motion was declined because there was no second. Now, do you want to restate your motion again?

Yes, Mr. Chair, I'd be happy to restate the motion. I move that we affirm the Categorial Exemption EA-CE-2026-065 and adopt the resolution approving SUP 26-00010 with the following conditions that there be a one-year review BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, THAT ALL FEES DO YEAR TO DATE THAT ARE PAID PRIOR TO THE APPROVAL.

CAN WE ADD A DATE OF ANY TYPE IN TERMS OF WHEN THOSE FEES CAN BE PAID, MUST BE PAID?

I'M CONCERNED THAT SINCE IT'S DAILY, HOW DO WE STOP THE DATE? HOW DO WE SAY THE DATE?

SO BEFORE YOU DO SOMETHING, MR.

We have a motion on the floor right now, so we don't want to... My question and concern, can we put a date as to when the payments for all the fees and the fines have to be paid by... Can we have a date on that, or is that...

Yes, so just a couple of points of clarification. So there is a condition... OF APPROVAL IN A RESOLUTION THAT HAS A TIMESTAMP OF THAT ALL FEES BE PAID PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF A BUILDING PERMIT. BUT HERE IS THE THING, TO YOUR POINT, COMMISSIONER FOWLER, THAT THERE IS A CONTINUOUS, AS LONG AS THE BUSINESS IS OPERATING UNPERMITTED, THEY ARE BEING FINED DAILY. NOW, ONE THING, AND THIS, YOU technically we have to figure out if this is something that the chair is amenable to there there is the potential to add a condition that would stay daily fines while the applicant is going through the approval process however the business would have to cease operation during the time that they're, so I'm just, I'm giving you this as an option. The problem is, is that if, and forgive me for speaking after a motion has been issued, but just thinking through this is that this body is going to approve a use that is currently operating unpermitted. And so to continue to allow that use without any recourse associated with their continued operations, they have to still go through the planning process, the building process. and get their plan check approved creates a bit of a conflict. And so I just want you to think, I mean, as we're thinking through this, I just want to make sure that it makes sense and it's something that they're going to be able to comply with as conditioned.

And I do have a question because I was under the impression that this was needed, that they are ready to go with everything And now I'm hearing that there's time that it's going to take to be prepared, in which case they'd still be getting fines, which I don't, that doesn't trouble me. But how long are we talking about? See, and that's why we couldn't come up with a date. We're trying to understand.

So just to answer your question, and being able to come up with a date At date certain is probably not the best way to approach it. Maybe it's 90 days or 120 days or something like that to give them time to go through the permit process. So that's one part. They are, as they mentioned... ready to begin paying whatever restitution needs to be paid from a fine standpoint once issued, once it's determined what that number is, and beginning the process of filing the necessary applications that would be required for them to get an approval. So those are the steps that they're ready to take after the appeal period expires should this body grant an approval tonight. But there is still the process of going through and getting those applications approved. So they would go through a special use permit, I mean, a site plan review.

Generally, you know, that process would be, what, four to six weeks now.

And then they can file concurrently a plan check application with building safety. So we would be able to potentially streamline the review process to compress the review, assuming that their technical experts are providing adequate documentation and proper plans. So that's something to think about. There is a daily fine being assessed for every day that they're operating unpermitted. To your point, they do need this special use permit in order to be able to do everything else. And I would add that to the Commissioner Rice's point that they did do a good job in redeveloping the site. And this was a site that Commissioner Trejo would ask about quite often as it was going through the process, right? And so, you know, it's... It would be a travesty that it is not able to operate, but we need to make sure that it's done properly.

So could the stipulation, an additional condition to my initial motion be... You would have to, at this point, there's a second on the motion, so you would have to amend the entire motion altogether. I'm trying to hear out loud so we know. If the amendment would need to be the additional...

So, Mr. Finn, at this particular point, we have a motion and we have a second. She wants to amend her motion, so we would have to take that motion back.

Microphone, please.

So two options. One, if you take back the motion and withdraw it, it's dead. And you can talk amongst yourselves to decide what you want to do for a future motion. Or you can amend the motion. So it's whatever your preference is.

So I was trying to, am I allowed to discuss now?

Yes, you are. You can amend the motion.

I would suggest we just withdraw this motion and make it dead, and then the four of you can have a conversation about how you want to proceed. Based upon what I've heard today, there are three options. One, to deny it completely. Two, to adopt the motion as recommended, which already imposes conditions that Mr. McCrumpy said. three to approve the motion, but add the condition that they cease operations until they get the permit.

So those are like... Well, it doesn't have to be that.

It could be... Those are the three general, and then you can go from there.

Okay. I withdraw the original motion, Mr. Chair. Okay. Your motion has been withdrawn. I think there needs to be a second. No, you don't need a second. No, okay.

Okay. Just to return to the point, the motion has been withdrawn, and it's going to be a discussion, so Among the commissioners, we have a comment.

Yeah, I wanted to ask about an additional condition.

So we want to ask, open up for staff to tell us what your recommendation, what you have considered. We have some thoughts as well.

Can I confirm what I thought I heard with staff?

At this time, can we get a five-minute break? We want to do a five-minute break at this time. So we'll convene in 8.20. We'll convene at 8.20. Amen. Okay, thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Our meeting is called back to order. Right now, there should be a motion on the floor. Prior to the motion on the floor, I need to have a discussion. I need for each one of my commissioners to go to the mic and tell us about one of your decisions or what we had talked about, what was discussed. Oh, in the deliberations?

Yes. Yes, we looked at all of the data and the information that was provided and we discussed how the conditions that should be in the best interest for the city as well as the business and we will have a motion that instruments or this we believe is fair to both. Okay, very good. Thank you. Commissioner Rice.

I was just concerned that we didn't have ownership here, we didn't have management, anyone that had understood the operations of the business itself, the relationships with clients, and the hardship that might be brought about by having the station closed. There was no cry for that from anyone, or from anyone from the public coming and speaking in favor of the station staying open, and then the two representatives that came DIDN'T SEEM TO HAVE A LOT OF INFORMATION OTHER THAN POTENTIALLY ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION TO OFFER AND THEN AN EXPLANATION OF WHAT HAPPENED, WHICH WE RECEIVED FROM STAFF. SO WE GOT SOME CLARIFICATION ON THAT.

COMMISSIONER SHAW- WILLIAMS.

WE ALSO DISCUSSED THAT THE FIRST MOTION OUTLINING CERTAIN CONDITIONS WHICH WERE ALREADY WITHIN THE BODY OF THE REPORT THAT WE HAVE AND OUTLINED. as a condition with regards to any fines to be paid. And it was also discussed that in operating a business, you should always be on top of what you need to do. You should always educate yourself. You should always call the city to make sure that you're dotting your I's and crossing your T's. That's very important. And to avoid, you know, this will avoid any business from getting into situations like this. If you get that first fine, you just really have to stay on top of everything.

Okay, we also talked about the business, if we don't approve it, how would the city look in regards to having a lot that's empty, vacant? So we also talked about the owner making sure that any future things that we do here at the City of Inglewood on the commission that the owner should always be aware and should be here so the owner could actually know what's being done. Having a representative is fine and sometimes it's more important that the owner is aware because now you have to go back to the owner and tell the owner what's happening. Our main concern is that you are aware of what's happening, that you knew what was happening, and that the owner knew as well, and you didn't move on it. That's really a heartbreaking thing for an owner to know something and then not move on it. It really is. Okay, that's it. I WANT TO SEE IF THERE'S A MOTION ON THE FLOOR. AND WE'RE GOING TO DO THE WHOLE ENTIRE MOTION.

THANK YOU, MR. CHAIR. I WILL MAKE A MOTION AGAIN. I MOVE TO AFFIRM THE CATEGORAL EXEMPTION EACE2026-065 AND ADOPT THE RESOLUTION APPROVING SUP26-00010 with one condition, that we stay the fines for 90 days, providing that the owner proceeds with the outline recommendations as stated by staff.

Second.

Okay, there's been property moves in second. We'll call for any questions. Hearing none, we'll call for a vote. Commissioner Fowler.

Aye. Commissioner Rice. Aye. Commissioner Williams. Aye. Chairman Springs.

Aye. Mr. Appeal Process. Aye.

According to the IMC, anyone may appeal the decision of the planning commission on this matter. The appeal must be filed within 20 days from the notice of decision and shall be made by filing a written notice of appeal with the planning division and appeal fee.

OK. So there's just some, I'm sorry. OK, so you have it, but there's certain things that must be done. you have to make sure these things are done. So please see your representative so he can tell you exactly what needs to be done, okay? Thank you. Okay. She has, okay, we still have to move on, right? She'll be back, right? Is Trejo in the audience? Is Commissioner Trejo?

She's coming. Here she comes.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for hanging in there with us. We'll get it done.

It's my background. It's my background.

Behind you. Yes. Otherwise, I'd be...

Okay. Item 6C, a public hearing to consider an application by 360 for special use permit number 26-00011, SCP-26-00011 to allow an electric vehicle charging service station on an MU-2A mixed use 2A zone property at 8515. South La Cienega Boulevard.

Chairman, the project file is present. Notice has been given in a time and place as required by law. Planning has received no written communications regarding this item. Assistant Planner Faith Smith is present to give a short staff presentation.

Good evening, Chairman Springs and the members of the commission. In 2011, the Planning Commission approved special use permit number 1136 to allow a new motorcycle dealership in an existing 12,400 square foot commercial building on an approximately 22,200 square foot property. In April 2012, the Planning Division approved a business license for automotive sales. The applicant is requesting a special use permit to allow an electrical vehicle charging service station on an MU2A zone property. The project site is located at the northwest corner of La Cienega Boulevard and Olive Street and is zoned MU2A, mixed-use 2A. Properties to the north and west are zoned MU2A and are developed with commercial uses. Properties to the south are zoned CS, commercial services, and are also developed with commercial uses. The 405 is east of the subject site. The proposed project includes the demolition of the existing one-story commercial building. The project includes the installation of eight power cabinets centrally located within the site, 24 EV charging dispensers, two switch bore assemblies, two utility transformers, one utility meter, and 10 light poles to provide site lighting. The proposed electric vehicle service station will contain 24 parking stalls for electric vehicle charging. No employee parking spaces are provided pursuant to Assembly Bill 2097. The proposed project will be served by two driveways on Olive Street, both designed for ingress and egress access. The proposed project will preserve and protect the existing five Palo Verde trees located along La Cienega Boulevard frontage. In addition, the applicant proposes to install three 24-inch evergreen elm trees along Olive Street and approximately 255-gallon shrubs varying from aloe vera, safari sunset aloe, casa blue flax lily, charred matte rush, and purple New Zealand flax throughout the site. The proposed project consists of a private electric vehicle charging service station serving only light duty vehicles operated by a commercial fleet. The facility will not be open to the general public and will operate continuously 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Vehicles are expected to arrive individually, utilize the onsite electric vehicle charging stations, and depart upon completion of their charging. The facility is anticipated to employ four to eight on-site employees that will assist with the maintenance and operation of the site. The site will be enclosed by a six-foot rock iron fence with metal perforated screening to provide security while maintaining visibility into the property. The proposed facility will include a security booth adjacent to the gate entrance. The site will be monitored by a on-site security personnel 24 hours per day. Site access will also be controlled and monitored through the secured gate entry and by the security personnel. The applicant proposes the installation of an approximately 790 square foot, one-story prefabricated building located at the northwest corner of the project site. The building will provide two on-site restroom facilities, a storage space, an office area, and an employee lounge. The exterior of the proposed prefabricated building consists of horizontal and vertical white corrugated metal pane siding complemented by glass windows. I've included just some 3D renderings. In this rendering, you can see the security booth, which is adjacent to the security gate. And this is the side where the existing Palo Verde trees will stay. And you can also see a clear view of the perforated metal screen fence. As conditioned, the proposed project will serve as an enhancement to its neighborhood setting and will be compatible with the surrounding area. The proposed project is consistent with the general plan and supports the Inglewood Municipal Code. If the Planning Commission approves the request, the applicant may be required to complete a site plan review application. A categorical exemption has been filed, and the project is exempt from further environmental review. No letters are received for or against this request. This concludes my presentation, and I am available to answer any questions the Commission might have. The applicant is also here tonight to answer any questions.

Thank you, Faith. Good report, Faith. Thank you. Open up questions. Commissioner Fowler.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Faith, I just wanted to make sure I heard it's private, not for general public.

That is correct. It is private, not for general public. Okay. My questions will be for the applicant. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Commissioner Rice.

Faith, I think I heard you say that there were two two-way driveways.

That is correct.

But in the... plan that we have here that shows entry on the west side and exit on the east side.

Sorry, one way. So one way, it's two driveways. One provides ingress and then one provides egress. My apologies.

No further questions here.

Commissioner Trejo, welcome back.

Thank you. That was a long one. No questions at this time. Wait for the applicants.

Ms. Shaw-Williams?

No questions. I'll also address the applicant. Thank you.

I have no questions either. I'll wait for the applicant. If the applicant's here, go to the mic and give us your name and tell us about this particular project.

Can you hear me now? Yes. Okay. Thank you. Good evening, everyone. My name is Mandy Ojeda with 360. We are here on behalf of Revel Real Estate, who is the developer of the property. As mentioned in the staff presentation, the site is proposed to be developed with a 24-hour parking stall, private EV charging station. We believe that this is the best and highest use for the site. It is located in an automotive neighborhood that's directly adjacent to the 405 freeway. The EV charging facility will support the Inglewood mobility and environmental missions outlined in the general plan and also supports patrons of the entertainment district adjacent near the site as well. The site will also provide additional landscaping, as mentioned, with the provision of trees, on-site landscaping, and improve the existing pedestrian right-of-way. So we are here to answer any questions that you might have tonight.

Okay.

Commissioner Baller, do you have any questions for this young lady? Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, I do. My first question is a little bit more about who would be using the site, because I understand it's not for general public, so...

It will be operated by a commercial operator, but the vehicles will service patrons in and around the city of Englewood.

I'm not clear on who gets to use it. Is it a club? I'm trying to understand who would be parking there.

It would be contracted with a commercial vendor who operates fleet charging vehicles. So their vehicles would basically come to the site to charge and then to depart. So they own the fleet of vehicles?

Correct, yes. And so that's for their purpose? Yes. Thank you. That was my only question. Okay.

Commissioner Rice?

Would you entertain... having a Waymo-type company where the vehicles drive themselves and come in and charge themselves?

It's for Waymo, but it would be for other similar-type fleet vehicles, servicing light-duty vehicles.

Okay. Thank you.

Ms. Rao?

To follow up a little bit on the questions by my two fellow commissioners, as far as the operator, I was going to say, give an example of What type of operator will be there besides Waymo? That was specific. But, like, what other type of fleet operator?

There are other types of fleet operators. I believe Zoo is another one that operates very similar vehicles. Which one? I'm sorry. Zoox. Z-O-O-K-S. Okay. Yeah. It also could be, you know, Amazon or other.

Oh, we lost you.

There it is. Oh. What happened to those good old mics that had wires to them, huh? And now we have electric vehicles as well. I can imagine driving down the street with an electric vehicle, and then all of a sudden it stops.

It can happen.

That's why you've got to keep it charged. Thank you so much. Okay, so we've got Waymo, Zoox, and Amazon, and I know they're just examples. I know that's not the vendor that you've contracted with. Could it be more than one vendor, or is it going to be exclusively one vendor?

The contract will be with one vendor. Just one vendor? Correct, for the entirety of the site.

Okay.

There will be one tenant for the site.

One tenant for the site. So then the security they pass would know... who the vendor is and what drivers will be going in?

Correct. All of the security and employees will be operated by the specific commercial tenant of the site. But the information that was provided in the staff report generally is what the site can accommodate in terms of employees on site. And there will be 24-hour security personnel as stated, but that would be handled individually with the commercial tenant.

So is it for a particular term? One year, five years, ten years? Long term?

The term of the lease has not been decided with the tenant at this point. Okay, thank you.

Commissioner Shaw-Williams?

Do you have any other EV stations that you operate, or is this the only one?

Yes, Revel operates 11 EV stations nationwide across the country. There's sites in New York, I believe San Francisco. This would be the first in Los Angeles.

Okay, and in terms of Zooks, I know they're in Las Vegas. Are they currently here yet in Southern California? Yes. I haven't seen any.

We saw one in your office, yes.

Really? Okay. Okay, no further questions. Thank you.

Okay, thank you. I have no questions. Thank you, ladies, very much. At this time, we'd like to open it up for any individuals that are for or against this particular project. You can go to the mic. Give us your name. and tell us your for or against this particular project. Seeing, hearing none, we're going to close this segment. And any final questions, Commissioner Fowler?

No further questions, Mr. Chair.

Commissioner Rice?

Question for staff with reference to vehicles entering on a Aleph, onto Aleph Street. Let's see, we have the entrances on the west side, and then they would exit on the east side. Did you guys do any type of traffic study Because Olive is the entrance that you would use going onto the 405 freeway. And that could get pretty congested from time to time. Do you do any kind of study on the traffic and vehicles coming in and out of the charging station and entering that intersection?

So. So for the traffic study, we will make sure that we, once it goes through site plan review, it will be routed to Public Works, and we'll make sure that all of the comments from the traffic division is taken in and answered during site plan review.

And then during that period, you can make a determination on whether or not we're making a left and a right off of Olive, or we're just coming up Olive Westmount and making a right only.

Correct, yeah, the traffic division, they would, if only a right turn, they can issue recommendations, they can issue a recommendation for a left-only or right-only turn.

On entering and exiting? Correct. Okay, thank you.

Okay, Commissioner Trejo?

Well, I like the location because it isn't near any residential, and I think it was stated that it's mostly automotive around, so... I think that that's a real plus, and I think with the landscaping, it is an enhancement to the site there. Thank you.

Commissioner Shaw-Williams.

I agree with Commissioner Trejo. It is going to uplift that area, and it's a good location, especially being close to the freeway. No further comments.

Okay, very good. Is there a motion on the floor?

Motion. I move that we affirm categorical exemption EACE2026-068 and adopt the resolution approving SUP2600011. Second.

So, the property moves in second. We call for any questions. Hearing none, we'll call for a vote. Commissioner Fowler?

Aye. Commissioner Rice? Aye. Commissioner Trejo? Aye. Commissioner Shell-Williams? Aye. Chairman Springs? Aye. Is there an appeal process?

According to the IMC, anyone may appeal the decision of the Planning Commission on this matter. The appeal must be filed within 20 days from the notice of decision and shall be made by filing a written notice of appeal with the Planning Division and an appeal fee.

Very good. That's your electric station. No gas, just electric now. Okay.

Item 6D, as in David, a public hearing to consider an application by Alvin Santos representing Doolin's Soul Food Restaurant for special use permit number 2600013, SUP 26, to allow outdoor dining and an event center in an existing one story, approximately 3,300 square foot commercial building on an HC historical core zone property at 202 East Manchester Boulevard.

Chairman, the project file is present. Notice has been given in a time and place as required by law. Planning has received no written communications regarding this item. Planner Angel Leon Martel is present to give a short presentation.

Good evening again, Chairman Springs and members of the commission. In 2001, Doolin's Soul Food Kitchen began operating in the city of Inglewood. On June 5th, 2019, the Planning Commission approved design review number 2019-005 to allow exterior improvements to the storefront of an existing multi-tenant commercial building. In December of 2022, the building permit was finalized, which approved pass-through windows, interior tenant improvements, and the expansion of the restaurant to the adjacent tenant space along La Brea Avenue. The subject site for the special use permit request is located within the downtown TOD general plan and is zoned HC or historic core. The property is located on the southeast corner of Manchester Boulevard and La Brea Avenue with commercial uses to the north, south, east, and west. This request is to approve the proposed outdoor dining and an event space for an existing restaurant. The applicant will convert the existing walkway area, which is approximately 500 square feet in area, into an outdoor dining patio. The building is accessible from the surface parking lot located along Manchester Boulevard and is developed with three pedestrian entrances. The main entrance is located along Manchester Boulevard. A secondary entrance is also located along the same facade. The third entrance is located at the northwest corner of the building. No changes to the pedestrian access are proposed. The site is currently developed with four on-site parking spaces. Vehicular access is provided via the existing driveway on Manchester. Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2097, the existing restaurant and proposed outdoor dining AREA IS NOT REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ANY PARKING. HOWEVER, THE PROPOSED EVENT CENTER DOES REQUIRE FOR ON-SITE PARKING SPACES TO ACCOMMODATE EMPLOYEES. IN ADDITION, THE RESTAURANT HAS ACCESS TO EIGHT PARKING SPACES LOCATED AT THE ADJACENT SURFACE PARKING LOT, WHICH IS LOCATED AT 204 SOUTH LABREA AVENUE. Doolin's serves lunch and dinner with offerings that feature chicken, seafood, oxtails, pork chops, and other Southern-style specialties. The restaurant also offers beer, wine, and sangria. Restaurant facilities are located within the building, and there is approximately 1,400 square feet of interior dining space. The proposed patio area is accessible from the interior of the restaurant from existing door openings. The proposed location of the outdoor patio is highlighted here in the screen in blue. About 10 tables and a total of approximately 20 seats will be provided for patrons. A new awning around the building Proposed meaning areas still highlighted because it will be available for events as well Approximately 20 tables and 64 seats will be available indoors for events Private events would include gatherings like birthdays catering and corporate meetings the event space will remain between the Will retain be retained for the existing business hours, which are 11 a.m. To 8 p.m. 7 days a week New awnings are proposed along the area and are highlighted here in red. A four foot high wall with a one foot high plexiglass panel enclosing the area are shown here. Light gray, you can kind of see it on the screen, and then the blue is the plexiglass. As conditioned, the proposed project will serve as an enhancement to its neighborhood setting and will continue to be compatible with the surrounding area. No public comments were received for against the project. The existing restaurant is equipped with one security guard and 12 interior and exterior security cameras. The exact amount and location will be determined during site plan review. A categorical exemption has been filed, and the project is exempt from further environmental review. This concludes the presentation. I'm available to answer any questions the Commission might have, and the applicant and business owner is here tonight to answer your questions.

Okay, thank you. Good report, Angel. Commissioner Fowler?

No questions. Thank you, Angel, for the report. No questions. Commissioner Rice? Applicant.

Just two questions. It looks like from your plot plan that the tables and chairs are curbside.

So accessibility will be looked at by our building and safety division during plan check, which is required of the applicant for these changes. They're actually going to change that so right now the outdoor the proposed outdoor patio area is kind of at an angle and therefore there's steps that are required as you get to the corner of La Brea and Manchester so they're actually going to be doing some work on that repaving that so it's gonna be like a new landing around the building and so definitely that would trigger that review okay no further questions Commissioner Trejo

Will the site be closed to the public when there's a special event, somebody's rented out both the indoor and outdoor?

Potentially, it is. Yes, potentially, but just like to reiterate that they have the pass-through take-out window, and they do have about 15 staff or more, I believe, that work there, and it only really takes four of their staff to cover the area when there's an event or a party.

So there will be outdoor, there will be the window where you can order, the public can order while there's an event going on.

Yes.

Okay, and I know that the proposed condition number nine says that there should not be any music permitted in the outdoor dining area, again, within a special event. Do they have music inside? Indoors, yeah. Indoors.

Okay, thank you.

Commissioner Shaw-Williams?

No questions at this time. Thank you.

My question is in regards to the outside dining area. It's going to be handicap accessibility for that? There's some steps that are coming down.

Yes, right now it's currently developed with steps, but it's actually going to be all flat and enclosed by the proposed wall. So there will not really be what looks like there won't be any accessibility issues along the Brea for sure. The entrance would basically be off of Manchester there. And during plan check, that will definitely be addressed and looked at by our building safety division.

Now, you mentioned something about a cover as well.

Oh, yes. New awnings, basically. They currently have awnings. along the Manchester facade, which basically ends right after the word kitchen there. So it's a partial awning. It doesn't cover the full length of the building on Manchester. So they're going to continue. They're going to replace it and continue it. So, you know, it'll have some curb appeal as well. They're also going to include it on the Brea Avenue because they want to, there is none there. There is no awning there now. So they want to make sure that there's shade and protection from, you know, somewhat of the elements in case of, you know, for the potential patrons that will be sitting there outside.

And you mentioned something about parking as well. Are we adding another parking area?

All the parking is existing. So here this site plan shows the existing four parking spaces. It starts with the 88 parking space there. They do have an agreement with the adjacent property, basically, that they're allowed to use eight of those surplus parking spaces. There's a total of 17 parking spaces. The tenant that's there at 204 South La Brea only requires four parking spaces.

Okay, very good. If the applicant is here, you can go back to the mic and just give us your name and about your project.

Can you hear me?

Yes, we can.

Okay, good evening. Commissioners, good evening. My name is Terry Doolin. I'm the owner of Doolin's Soul Food Kitchen. Doolins was fortunate enough to get a grant from the Destination Market Street program. So what we're doing is trying to make the building more aesthetically pleasing. We're trying to add curb appeal. And right now, we already have an existing event room. And all we're doing is trying to add a patio around that room to add some additional seating. And that building used to be the old Conroy's flower shop. So right now, there are old stairs that are dilapidated. We want to take those stairs out. They have no use any longer. There used to be flowers on those stairs way back in the day. And we want to take those stairs out and make a nice patio for people to relax on. So you can sit inside, sit outside. and also put a nice wall with a nice glass around so that the exterior of the building looks nice. Of course, we're going to paint everything. We're going to redo the signage. And we're just trying to make the building look nice and make it something that when you come to the corner of Manchester and La Brea, you see a nice building representing the city of champions.

Okay. Mr. Doolin, we're going to have some questions for you. We're going to start off with Commissioner Fowler.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Welcome, Mr. Doolin. I just had one question and one comment. One question is, could you just talk to me about, particularly if this is going to be, I know it's an addition to the event space, the parking. I needed some clarification because when there's an event, typically there would be more parking required.

Technically, we have 22 parking spaces and there's three that are allotted to the nursery school that's there. So we have the lion's share of the parking spaces, which is, I believe, 19. So we should be okay.

Well, we certainly appreciate you being one of our legacy businesses in the city. I'm going to take preferential treatment and beat the chair and want to understand With this new expansion, what's going to be on the menu that says Englewood whatever? I'm a short ribs person, but I'm just suggesting.

We definitely are going to have an Englewood City of Champions plate. We have about three tables that are right in the front of the restaurant, in front of the main dining room. And it's ADA accessible. But what we're doing is just taking that landing and that strip that's in front of the restaurant and just taking it all the way around. Of course, we're going to have it nice and flat so that it's accessible. So we're just really extending around the business. So it's already there, and a part of it is already there, and we're just extending it.

Will all of your outside dining be on the civic property or any of it on public property?

It's just going to be on the same property.

On your property?

Yeah, right around the restaurant, right on the outside. And then the... Yeah, we're taking out those stairs that used to be conroys, flowers.

And the awning work that you have, is it going to extend out beyond your property line?

Well, we're going to do whatever is... We're going to follow whatever the guidelines that are set before us, but we are planning to have an awning on that side to provide shade and

Okay.

Thank you. No further questions.

Okay. Commissioner Trejo?

No questions.

Thank you.

Commissioner Shaw-Williams?

Really no questions, just more or less a comment. I love the rendering, what I saw and how it's going to uplift that whole corner. And just reflecting back in 89, my husband actually proposed to me at Aunt Kizzy's Back Porch Kitchen in Marina Del Rey. That was our spot. No further comments or questions.

Very good. That was a good while ago there.

That was your dad, right?

I don't have any questions. I just have a couple of comments. I know Doolin's Soul Food Kitchen. I think they have a phenomenal menu, and they do catering as well. I lost my sister about a couple of years ago, and I lost my good buddy, one of our traveling buddies that I had, and Doolin's catered that event. And I'm really talking about Doolins. I think the rendering would be a fantastic, something fantastic for that particular corner. If you haven't gone to Doolins, you really need to go by. I think this World Cup is actually taking over Doolins because I think what happens is people are looking for a good soul food place to go and what comes up. Doolin's I Think you're doing a good job there. Mr. Doolin very much.

I appreciate it. Thank you so much.

So No, we at this particular point I had a very good friend They did her repass At Doolin's her name was Elaine Elaine Jackson It's my very good friend next-door neighbor for years.

Mm-hmm.

Yes.

You know, this guy does so much business, he probably wouldn't remember her name.

Cheryl.

I think Mr. Rulins indicated that you were going to name a plate after us. Is that what you said? Okay. I look forward to that. And also, he has senior discounts as well, so... Anyway, I'd like to open it up for anyone who is in favor of this particular project or against this particular project. Go to the mic, give us your name, and tell us you're for or against. Seeing, hearing none, we're going to close that segment. And any final questions, Commissioner Fowler? No further questions. Commissioner Rice?

No questions, Chair.

Commissioner Drill?

No questions, thank you.

Commissioner Rice?

I mean, shall we? It's late.

No further. I got an appetite right now, so.

Okay, is there a motion on the floor, please? Motion, Mr. Chair. I move to affirm the categorical exemption EACE-2026064. Adopt the resolution approving SUP26-00013. Second.

Okay, it's been properly moved and seconded. We call for any questions? Hearing none, we'll call for a vote. Commissioner Fowler?

Aye. Commissioner Rice? Aye. Commissioner Trejo? Aye. Commissioner Shell-Williams? Aye. Chairman Springs?

Aye. Mr. Doolin? I'm coming by to get me some soul food now. Me too. Me too.

You're welcome.

Okay, I think we have one more, right?

Item 6E, a public hearing to consider an application by Dan Castle representing Googie Car Wash for special use permit number 26-00014, SCP-26-00014 to allow an automated car wash facility on a C2 general commercial zone property at 6818 South La Cienega Boulevard.

Chairman, the project file is present. Notice has been given in a time and place as required by law. Planning has received written communications regarding this item. This written request has been placed on your dais for your review. Assistant Planner Faith Smith is present to give a short staff presentation.

Thank you Chairman Springs and members of the Commission. In 1966, building safety records indicate that a certificate of occupancy was issued for a two-story commercial building. In February 2002, planning staff approved a business license for a dental medical office. In September 2004, the planning commission approved special use permit number 974 to allow a 384 square foot nail salon in an existing 8,200 square foot two-story commercial building. The applicant is requesting a special use permit to allow an approximately 6,100 square foot automated car wash facility on an approximately 39,400 square foot property. The project site is located east of La Cienega Boulevard and west of Short Street. The site is on C2 general commercial and P1 automobile parking. Adjacent properties to the north and south are zone C2 and are developed with commercial and residential uses. Properties to the east are zoned P1 and R3, multiple family residential, and are developed with residential uses. The project site is currently occupied by an existing commercial building that will be demolished as part of the proposed project. The proposed project provides six parking spaces consisting of five employee parking spaces and one customer parking space. The proposed project includes three parallel vehicle queuing lanes designed to accommodate up to 18 vehicles on site. Vehicular access to the site will be provided via three driveways. The primary access point is an entrance only driveway on La Cienega Boulevard. Two additional driveways are located on Short Street. One functions as an exit-only driveway, while the other provides ingress and egress access. The Traffic Division provided three recommendations to improve the site circulation and traffic control. One, the installation of pavement striping. Two, the installation of approximately 50 to 100 feet of delineators. And three, the extension of the raised curb by an additional 50 to 100 feet. The car wash facility will include an approximately 3,120 square foot car wash tunnel, 20 vacuum stalls, a 1,700 square foot storage area, a 900 square foot equipment room, and an approximately 300 square foot administrative area that contains an office, employee break room, and restrooms. The applicant is requesting hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. in lieu of the code-required hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Planning Commission should evaluate whether the extended hours are appropriate. The automated car wash facility would employ a total of six employees, with staffing levels ranging from approximately two to six employees on site. The proposed site will be equipped with approximately 20 exterior cameras mounted on the building facade that will provide coverage of the parking lot, the vacuum stalls and surrounding exterior areas. Additionally, 20 interior cameras will be installed throughout the tunnel and office areas. The location and number of any additional cameras, if any, will be included on the plans during site plan review to the satisfaction of the planning division. The initial design, the applicant proposed a simple building with white and blue horizontal paneling accented with orange and blue steel architectural elements. In response to the planning staff comments, the applicant refined the architectural design to enhance its presence along the streetscape. The current proposal consists of a 6,100 square foot, one story automated car wash facility featuring white and blue horizontal paneling complemented with orange and blue steel architectural elements on all four elevations. Inspired by Googie architecture, the design incorporates contemporary architectural features that create a unique experience. Key design elements include orange steel columns, blue metal trim, circular glazing, and integrated LED lighting. The project includes perimeter landscaping designed to enhance the site's appearance and contribute to the streetscape along La Cienega Boulevard. Proposed plantings consist of a variety of drought tolerant and native species that would provide vertical interest, seasonal color, and visual variety throughout the site. As conditioned, the proposed project would serve as an enhancement to its neighborhood setting and would be compatible with the surrounding area. The proposed project is consistent with the general plan and supports the angle of an incivil code. If the Planning Commission approves the request, the applicant may be required to complete a site plan review application. A categorical exemption has been filed and the project is exempt from further environmental review. AS STATED, ONE LETTER WAS RECEIVED IN REGARDS TO THIS REQUEST. THIS CONCLUDES MY PRESENTATION, AND I'M AVAILABLE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THE COMMISSION MIGHT HAVE. THE APPLICANT IS ALSO HERE TONIGHT TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS.

THANK YOU. OKAY. THANK YOU. WE'RE GOING TO OPEN IT UP FOR QUESTIONS FOR YOU. FOR COMMISSIONER BAHLER?

NO QUESTIONS. I'LL WAIT FOR THE APPLICANT. THANK YOU.

COMMISSIONER RICE?

NO QUESTIONS FOR THE APPLICANT.

COMMISSIONER TRIO?

MY QUESTIONS ARE TO THE APPLICANT. THANK YOU.

Commissioner show Williams no questions applicant.

Okay. Mine is for the applicant as well Okay, it's the applicant is here. Go to the mic. Give us your name and tell us about your project Good evening.

My name is John Loper and I'm here with the applicant of Dan Cassell, who's the owner, and Kevin Cassell, who is the director of operations of the existing Googie Wash in Whittier, California. This would be an additional wash. We want to thank staff for all of their help in getting this process through. We've worked with them on the design and have tried to address all the comments that they had. And we're here for any questions you might have.

Okay, so we're going to open up questions for you. Let's start with Commissioner Fowler.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Can you tell me a little about the business? Is this a brand new business? Have you been in business? Is this your first wash?

Sure. So I'm Dan Cassell, and we've been operating Express Car Wash since 2019. It's our third location. We also have another one in development in another city, and it's... We'd be new to this area, but we're experienced operator and express car washes.

And where are your other locations?

City of Whittier and Lake Elsinore.

And just confirm with me again the times of operation that you had in mind.

Opening at 7 a.m. till 9 p.m.

Seven days a week?

Seven days a week.

And so do the patrons, so you're staffing people to pay?

Yes, yeah. Yeah, there would be three pay stations, but then we also man the pay stations and help anybody through that needs help.

Yeah, that was one of my concerns was that, particularly with those hours, that there would be someone there.

Yeah, we always have at least two people on site And it could be like four or five, depending on the day and how busy it is. But we always have people on site because some people have questions, their card doesn't read, or something comes up.

And talk to me about security.

Well, we will have security cameras. How many? Around the property, typically about 40. 4-0? 4-0.

Oh, OK. Yeah.

So they're in the tunnel. They're at the entrance and exit of the tunnel, and then at various locations where people are entering the site, exiting the site, and things. And we have really good lighting. So when it's dark out, you'll be able to see and feel safe on site. And then when we're closed, the tunnel will be locked down. And all the doors will be locked. There'll be an alarm. Pay stations have doors that close and seal them.

Are you able to monitor the site remotely?

Yeah, absolutely. Yep. I thought that was a good question.

All right, that's all for now. That's a good question. That's all, Mr. Chair, for now. Okay. Commissioner Rice?

I love your architectural work. I like that retro feel.

Thank you. Thank you. It takes me back. I want to give credit to Lisa. She's our chief creative officer, and she's very much involved. Lisa?

Great job.

But also, we got a lot of inspiration from the City of Englewood planning, from Bernard and Faith and Arturo about making some enhancements to the Googie-style architecture, which, you know, I think it makes a statement, and it's such a visible location, right? So many cars passing by on La Cienega.

The greatest concern would be mitigation for the sound. And it looks as if you really worked on that, making sure you're 50 feet away.

We have. Let me give this to John.

Sure.

One of the things we talked about when we were working on the sound, if you could put the site plan up, you could see that the car wash tunnel is as far away from Short Street which has the residences on it. And it is opened to the north and south up against commercial buildings so that the sound would not be directed towards any of the residential uses. We have a solid wall along the eastern side of the wash tunnel. There's no openings on that wall. so that sound isn't able to get through there towards Short Street. So that was a lot of how we lined up the site to think about sound transmission. There's also, for example, the vacuum. The motors for the vacuums are not on the vacuums. They're in the... equipment room. So it's isolated within the building, which is the noisy part of the vacuums. The only thing that is out in the individual parking vacuum spots are the hoses. So all the motors are in a central location inside the building to reduce sound.