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PC RES 2006-018 P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2 6-1 RESOLUTION F THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDEVERDES APPROVING GRADINGE IT (CASE . 2006-00055) FOR 4,800 CUBIC YARDS GRADING AND RELATEDRETAINING WALLS TO ACCOMMODATEDRIVEWAY, PARTIALLY SUBTERRANEAN GARAGE AN BASEMENT 31986 EMERALD VIEW DRIVE (LOT . 24 OF TRACT NO. 667) WHEREAS, on January 24, 2006 an application for a Grading Permit (Case No. 2006-00055) was submitted to the Planning Department to allow 4,800 cubic yards of grading and related retaining walls to accommodate a new driveway, partially subterranean garage and basement for a new single-family residence; and, WHEREAS, on March 2, 2006 the subject application was deemed complete for processing; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to the provision of the California Quality Act, Public Resources Code Section 21000 et.seq. ("CEQA"), the State's CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulation, Title 14, Section 15000 et.seq., the City's Local CEQA Guidelines, and Government Code Section 65962.5(F) (Hazardous Waste and Substances Statement), Staff found no evidence that Grading Permit (Case No. 2006- 00055) would have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore the proposed project has been found to be categorically exempt (Class 3, Section 15303); and, WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public meeting on March 28, 2006, at which all interested parties were given the opportunity to be heard and present evidence. NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DOES HERESY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS; Sect) 1; The grading does not exceed that which is necessary for the permitted primary use of the lot, because the primary use of the lot is residential, and the proposed grading is to accommodate a driveway, partially subterranean garage and basement, which is part of the residential use of the lot. Although the main reason for the basement area is to increase the size of the subject residence, the proposed grading and related basement does not exceed that which is necessary for the permitted primary use of the lot because the proposed project will comply with the maximum habitable area established for this specific lot. Further, the garage, basement and retaining walls will not be readily noticeable from surrounding public and/or private property, as the view of them will mostly be blocked by the proposed residence and the retaining walls will be aesthetically treated. P.C. Resolution No. 2006-18 Page 1 of 4 Section 2: The grading and/or related construction does not significantly adversely affect the visual relationships with, nor the views from, neighboring properties because the proposed grading will accommodate a subterranean structure and will not raise the ridgeline of the proposed structure as originally approved. Section 3: The nature of the grading minimizes disturbance to the natural contours and finished contours are reasonably natural because the subject site (Lot #24) was part of a mass grading operation to develop building pads to accommodate future residential homes. The subject site is a flat pad. As such, there will be no disturbance to natural contours because the proposed project will occur entirely below existing grade. Section 4: While the proposed project involves substantial modifications to existing manufactured slopes, these modifications will include terracing of the retaining walls with an aesthetic treatment that will blend the manufactured slope into a more natural appearance. Section 5: The grading would not cause excessive and unnecessary disturbance of the natural landscape or wildlife habitat through removal of vegetation because the proposed grading will occur on Lot#24, which is a vacant building pad that contains little vegetation, no natural landscape and no wildlife habitat. Section 6: The proposed project does not conform to the following grading criteria of Section 17.76.040.E.9: * tic. Except for the excavation of a basement or cellar, a fill or cut shall not exceed a depth of five feet at any point except where the Director or Planning Commission determines that unusual topography, soil conditions, previous grading or other circumstances make such grading reasonable and necessary." The project does not conform to this criterion, as there will be a cut that varies up to 18' high to accommodate access to the subterranean garage. * Ile.iv. Retaining walls may be allowed up to five feet in height, adjacent to driveways, only if required for access or slope stabilization." The project does not conform to this criteria as there are retaining walls on both sides of the driveway that vary in height up to 18' high. However, as per Section 17.76.040(E)(10), the Planning Commission hereby grants a grading permit for development in excess of the two criterion listed above because the Commission finds that a) Criteria (E)(1) through (E)(8) can be satisfied. b) The project is consistent with the purposes set forth in subsection A of the Grading Section in that it permits the reasonable development of land, P.C. Resolution No. 2006-18 Page 2 of 4 ensures preservation of the scenic character of the area consistent with reasonable economic use of the property, and ensures that the development occurs in a manner harmonious with adjacent lands. c) Departure from these standards will not constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with limitations upon other properties in the vicinity as this is an RPD, which "provide greater flexibility in the design of residential developments by encouraging:A) A more creative and imaginative approach to the design of residential developments". Additionally, there are other subterranean and partially subterranean structures within other surrounding neighborhoods, a similar driveway access to a subterranean garage has already been approved by the City Council on Lot#2 of the same tract, and the Council has reviewed this specific proposal and supports the proposed project; and, d) The proposed retaining walls will require a building permit and geological review, which will ensure their structural integrity. Additionally, the retaining walls and driveway will not be readily visible from the neighboring residence or the public right of way. Section 7: Any interested party may appeal this decision or any portion of this decision to the City Council. Pursuant to Section 17.02.040.C.1.j of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, any such appeal must be filed with the City, in writing, and with the appropriate appeal fee, no later than fifteen (15) days following the date of the Planning Commission's adoption of this resolution. Section 8: For the foregoing reasons, and based on the information and findings included in the Staff Report, Minutes, and other records of proceedings, the Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby approves Grading Permit (Case No. 2006-00055), thereby approving the grading of 4,800 cubic yards and related retaining walls to accommodate a new driveway, partially subterranean garage and basement for a new one-story, single-family residence, subject to the conditions of approval in Exhibit "A". P.C. Resolution No. 2006-18 Page 3 of 4 PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 28th day of March 2006, by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Karp, Lewis, Perestam, Ruttenbert, Tetreault, Vice Chairman Gerstner, Chairman Knight NOES: None ABSTENTIONS: None ABSENT: None , 4 i m Ki'. Chairman Adra111...... Joel Rojas Ali P Director o' Pia Hing, Bu • , g and Code =. •rcement; - d, Secretary to the Planning Commission P.C. Resolution No. 2006- 18 Page 4 of 4 EXHIBIT"A" P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2006-18 GRADING PERMIT (CASE NO. ZON2006-00055) CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR GRADING OF LOT#24/TRACT NO. 50667 (31986 Emerald View Drive) 1. Within 90 days of this approval, the owner shall submit a statement in writing that they have read, understand and agree to all the conditions of approval listed below. Failure to provide said written statement shall render this approval null and void. 2. Approval of this project does not, in any way, cause any changes to any of the conditions of approval or mitigation measures previously adopted for the Trump National Golf Club project. All previously adopted conditions of approval and mitigation measures shall remain in effect and are to be satisfied. 3. The Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement is authorized to make minor modifications to the approved preliminary plans or any of the conditions if such modifications shall achieve substantially the same results as would strict compliance with said plans and conditions. 4. Failure to adhere to any of these conditions shall result in the Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department's suspension of this permit, and a stop on all construction work. Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Staff and/or the City's Geologist will be visiting the site during construction to verify compliance with these conditions. 5. The developer shall obtain a building permit for the proposed basement. The permit shall be subject to review and approval by the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, the Building Official, and the City Geologist. 6. This Grading Permit applies to Lot#24 of Tract No. 50667 only. Specifically, it is to accommodate a driveway, partially subterranean garage and basement on Lot#24. The total amount of grading shall be no greater than 4,800 cubic yards. 7. Prior to the issuance of Building Permits, the developer shall show on the plans a sump pump system that includes a back-up sump pump and back-up generator, subject to review and approval by the City's Building Official. Said sump pump system shall be installed prior to issuance of a Certificate of Use and Occupancy for the residence.