ORD 678U ORDINANCE NO. 678U
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
TITLE 17 (ZONING) BY ADDING CHAPTERS 17.47 (MIXED
USE OVERLAY DISTRICT (MOOD)), 17.48 (RESIDENTIAL
OVERLAY DISTRICT (ROD)), AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT AND JUNIOR
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT DEVELOPMENT, AND
AMENDING CHAPTER 17.96 (DEFINITIONS) OF TITLE 17
(ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL
CODE, TO EFFECT THE REVISED FINAL 2021-2029
HOUSING ELEMENT
WHEREAS, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes is required by State Housing law to
update the Housing Element of its General Plan for the next planning period covering
2021-2029 (6th Cycle) to include policies, strategies, and actions to facilitate the
construction of new housing and preservation of existing housing to meet the needs of
the City's population during the 6th Cycle period, as well as to accommodate the City's
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation for new housing units in various
income categories throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, on August 24, 2021, the City Council and the Planning Commission
conducted a joint-study session as part of an extensive community engagement process,
which also included on-line surveying, messaging, stakeholder interviews and workshops
to collect public comments on the drafting of the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update;
and
WHEREAS, on October 12, 2021, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
public hearing to hear public testimony, reviewed and commented on the Draft Housing
Element, which was forwarded to the City Council for consideration; and
WHEREAS, on October 19, 2021, the City Council held a duly noticed public
hearing to hear public testimony and to review and comment on the Draft Housing
Element. The City Council directed City staff to make minor modifications and forward the
revised Draft Housing Element to the California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) for review; and
WHEREAS, on November 19, 2021, the Draft Housing Element was transmitted
to HCD for review and comment; and
WHEREAS, on January 18, 2022, HCD provided written comments to the City on
the Draft Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, the Initial Study and Negative Declaration was prepared and
distributed for circulation and review from January 13, 2022 through February 14, 2022;
and
WHEREAS, on May 17, 2022, HCD staff visited the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,
which included a tour of the City to better understand site constraints and challenges
facing the City in the identification of new housing sites; and
WHEREAS, on July 26, 2022, a public notice was published in the Daily Breeze
informing the public of the City Council's consideration to adopt a Negative Declaration
and approve a General Plan Amendment for the City's 2021-2029 Final Draft Housing
Element; and
WHEREAS, on August 9, 2022, the Planning Commission conducted a public
hearing to consider adopting a resolution forwarding recommendations to the City Council
to consider adopting a Negative Declaration and approving a General Plan Amendment
for the City's 2021-2029 Final Draft Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, after issuing notice pursuant to the requirements of the City's Zoning
Code and the State CEQA Guidelines, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes held a public hearing on August 11, 2022, at which time all interested parties were
given an opportunity to be heard and present evidence; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the Negative Declaration and the 2021-2029
Final Draft Housing Element on August 11, 2022 and City staff submitted the documents
to HCD; and
WHEREAS, on October 14, 2022 HCD issued a letter to the City acknowledging
receipt if the 2021-2029 Final Draft Housing Element on August 30, 2022 and reporting
the results of HCD's review, noting that the adopted element addressed many statutory
requirements described in HCD's prior review, but that further revisions were necessary
to comply with the State Housing Element Law; and
WHEREAS, between October 14, 2022 and September 14, 2023 the City
coordinated with HCD through an informal review process to revise the Housing Element
for compliance with State Housing Element Law, leading the City to prepare a
comprehensive site by site analysis prepared by its consultant Dudek that provides details
and justification for each site's feasibility as a housing site; and
WHEREAS, on September 14, 2023 the City submitted for informal review a 2021-
2029 Revised Final Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, on November 17, 2023 City staff and HCD staff discussed the
revisions and the City explained the comprehensive site by site analysis; and
WHEREAS, on November 30, 2023 HCD confirmed and finalized via email the list
of concerns that were discussed on November 17, 2023; and
WHEREAS, on December 15, 2023 City staff and HCD staff discussed the City's
responses to the November 30, 2023 list of concerns and HCD had to still review the
comprehensive site by site analysis; and
Ordinance No.678U
Page 2 of 8
WHEREAS, on January 25, 2024 City staff and HCD staff discussed the City's
responses to HCD's November 30, 2023 list of concerns, and HCD staff recommended
the City submit the revised document for formal review; and
WHEREAS, on February 7, 2024, following the required posting and noticing
period, the City submitted to HCD for formal review the Revised Final 2021-2029 Housing
Element dated January 30, 2024, both electronically and hard copy; and
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2024 City staff and HCD staff discussed the formal
review and HCD verbally provided final revisions to be made; and
WHEREAS, on March 14, 2024 City staff submitted the final revisions and HCD
staff confirmed that there were no additional comments and provided instructions to post
the revisions on the City's website and email the link to all individuals and organizations
that have previously requested notices relating to the City's housing element for at least
7 days, and then officially submit the revisions as part of the formal review; and
WHEREAS, on March 15, 2024 City staff posted the final revisions on the City's
website and emailed the link to all individuals and organizations that had previously
requested notices; and
WHEREAS, on March 22, 2024, seven days following the posting and emailing of
the revised document, City staff submitted the Revised Final 2021-2029 Housing Element
as revised March 15, 2024 to HCD staff to complete the formal review; and
WHEREAS, to effectuate the Housing Element by implementing zoning revisions
that will accommodate the capacity for the housing as proposed in the Housing Element
Update to meet the City's RHNA obligation, City staff prepared amendments to the
General Plan Land Use Element, Local Coastal Program (Coastal Specific Plan), Zoning
Code, Zoning Map, and Development Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs); and
WHEREAS, on March 26, 2024, the Planning Commission conducted a duly
noticed public hearing to consider adopting a resolution forwarding recommendations to
the City, Council to consider making a determination the Negative Declaration, as
amended by Addendum No. 1, adequately assessed the reasonably foreseeable
environmental impacts from the adoption and implementation of the revised Housing
Element approving a General Plan Amendment for the City's Revised Final 2021-2029
Housing Element, a General Plan Amendment for the Land Use Element, a Local Coastal
Plan (Coastal Specific Plan) Amendment, and zoning amendments inclusive of Zoning
Map amendments and amendments to the development standards for ADUs and JADUs,
to effectuate the Housing Element, including additional recommendations in the resolution
for City Council to consider; and
WHEREAS, on March 21, 2024 a public notice was published in the Palos Verdes
Peninsula News informing the public of a public hearing before the City Council on April
16, 2024, for its consideration to adopt an addendum to the Negative Declaration and
approve a General Plan Amendment for the City's Revised Final 2021-2029 Housing
Ordinance No.678U
Page 3 of 8
Element, a General Plan Amendment for the Land Use Element, a Local Coastal Plan
(Coastal Specific Plan Amendment), and zoning amendments inclusive of Zoning Map
amendments and development standards for ADUs and JADUs, to effectuate the Housing
Element; and
WHEREAS, Addendum No. 1 to the adopted Negative Declaration has been
prepared to address revisions to the Housing Element document to reflect HCD requested
revisions and evaluate the potential environmental effects that could occur as a result of
the revisions and Housing Program implementation measures, including, but not limited
to the related General Plan Land Use Element, the Coastal Specific Plan, and the zoning
implementing of the Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, on April 16, 2024 the City Council held a public hearing to consider
the recommendations of the Planning Commission, determine whether the Negative
Declaration adopted on August 11, 2022, as amended by Addendum No. 1, adequately
analyzed the impacts from the adoption and implementation of the Revise Final 2021-
2029 Housing Element, and to approve a General Plan Amendment for the City's Revised
Final 2021-2029 Housing Element, a General Plan Amendment for the Land Use Element
and Land Use Map, a Local Coastal Plan (Coastal Specific Plan)Amendment, and zoning
amendments inclusive of Zoning Map amendments and development standards for ADUs
and JADUs, to effectuate the Housing Element, including rezoning sufficient sites to
accommodate the City's regional housing needs allocation; and , WHEREAS, State
Housing Element Law requires that a Housing Element identify adequate sites, and as
necessary redesignation of property to a more intense land use category and increasing
density, to allow for the capacity of the City's obligation of the Regional Housing Needs
Assessment; and
WHEREAS, according to Senate Bill 197 (2022), a 6th Cycle Housing Element
adopted after the October 15, 2022 extended deadline will not be found in compliance
with State Housing Element Law until all necessary rezones are complete to
accommodate the City's regional housing needs allocation; and
WHEREAS, the City Council seeks to effectuate the City's 6th Cycle 2021-2029
Housing Element immediately, to address the City's obligations to the State's housing
shortage crisis; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code § 36937, subdivision (b), any
ordinance for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, containing
a declaration of the facts constituting the urgency, that is passed by a four-fifths (4/5) vote
of the City Council, shall take effect immediately upon its adoption; and
WHEREAS, the City Council seeks and intends to protect the health, safety, and
welfare of the residents of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes by adopting the
implementation actions to effectuate the City's Revised Final 2021-2029 Housing
Element, as further described herein.
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes does
II
hereby ordain as follows:
Ordinance No.678U
Page 4 of 8
Section 1. Recitals. The above recitals are incorporated herein by this
reference.
Section 2. Urgency Findings.
A. Government Code 65580 states, "[t]he availability of housing is of vital
statewide importance, and the early attainment of decent housing and a suitable living
environment for every Californian, including farmworkers, is a priority of the highest
order." California is experiencing a housing supply crisis, with housing demand far
outstripping supply. In 2018, California ranked 49th out of the 50 states in housing per
capita. This lack of housing supply in California has led to dramatically increasing housing
costs across the State.
B. Home prices in the City of Rancho Palos Verde are significantly higher than
those in most surrounding communities, with the average home value as of February
2024 for the single family homes listed was $1,909,216, according to Zillow Research
Data. As of April 9, 2024, only 49 properties were listed for rent in the City on Zillow, with
21 of those being apartments and townhomes ranging in rent from $1,750/month to
$5,750/month. Single-family homes (28 properties) were being offered for rent from
between $4,350/month and $18,000/month. In addition, land, environmental, and
infrastructure constraints combine to keep land prices high, and housing growth has not
occurred aside from the construction of accessory dwelling units on single-family parcels.
C. Providing for a diverse range of housing types is an important consideration
in a community. A diverse range of housing types helps ensure that all households in a
community, regardless of income level, size, age, and family type, have the ability to find
adequate housing that meets their needs.
D. According to the California Department of Finance E-5 Report, 2021, the
City's housing unit vacancy rate in 2020 was 4.8%, where the vacancy rate in Los Angeles
County was 6.4% and in the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)
Region it was 7.6%, indicate housing choice is very limited in Rancho Palos Verdes.
E. The City has some of the region's highest single-family housing prices,.
According to SCAG data, between 2000 and 2018, median home sales prices in Rancho
Palos Verdes increased 127% while prices in the SCAG region increased 151%, but the
City's median home sales price was still much higher than for the region overall in 2018,
at$1,250,000, versus only$560,977 for the SCAG region. Prices in Rancho Palos Verdes
have ranged from a low of 176.7% of the SCAG region median in 2007 and a high of
285.2% in 2009.
F. According to the ACS, the median monthly contract rent for the 2014
through 2018 period3 was $1,288 for the region, and nearly twice that in Rancho Palos
Verdes at $2,505. Only 49 properties, 28 of which are homes) are available for rent as of
April 2024 according to Zillow.
Ordinance No.678U
Page 5 of 8
G. Extremely low, very low, low, and moderate income households cannot
afford market-rate rental or ownership housing in Rancho Palos Verdes without assuming
a significant cost burden.
111
H. The increases in rents caused by the limited supply of rental housing force
families to pay a disproportionate amount of household income on rent, creating strain on
household finances. If households are forced to move out of the area because of
increased rents, this can lead to loss of community, stress and anxiety for those forced to
relocate, increased commute times and traffic impacts if displaced workers cannot find
affordable housing within the City, and interruption of the education of children in the
home.
I. A lack of affordable rental housing supply and increasing rents additionally
increase the risk that more households will become homeless and prevent homeless
individuals and families from escaping homelessness.
J. When people have access to safe and affordable housing, they have more
money for food and health care, are less likely to become homeless and in need of
government subsidized services, their children do better in school, and businesses have
an easier time recruiting and retaining employees.
K. Government Code Section 65589.5. states that the Legislature finds and
declares all of the following:
(1) The lack of housing, including emergency shelters, is a critical problem thatII
threatens the economic, environmental, and social quality of life in California.
(2) California housing has become the most expensive in the nation. The excessive
cost of the state's housing supply is partially caused by activities and policies of many
local governments that limit the approval of housing, increase the cost of land for housing,
and require that high fees and exactions be paid by producers of housing.
(3) Among the consequences of those actions are discrimination against low
income and minority households, lack of housing to support employment growth,
imbalance in jobs and housing, reduced mobility, urban sprawl, excessive commuting,
and air quality deterioration.
(4) Many local governments do not give adequate attention to the economic,
environmental, and social costs of decisions that result in disapproval of housing
development projects, reduction in density of housing projects, and excessive standards
for housing development projects.
L. In order to help facilitate the development of sufficient housing to alleviate
the regional and statewide housing crisis, the City is required to provide sufficient land in
its General Plan and Zoning Code to provide the City's fair share of housing to meet the
needs of the Southern California region. The City's fair share is developed through the
Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) process conducted by the Southern California
Association of Governments, which has determined in the City will have to provide
Ordinance No.678U
Page 6 of 8
sufficient land in its General Plan and Zoning for 647 new housing units in the City in its
Housing Element for2021-2029. A substantially compliant Housing Element that provides
for housing capacity to meet the City's RHNA obligation contributes to addressing the
housing shortage in the State of California.
M. In order for the Housing Element to be certified in compliance with the State
Housing Element Law, the Zoning Ordinance amendments, including the revision to the
Zoning Map and development standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior
Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), must be adopted in order to effectuate the Housing
Element.
N. Adopting the urgency ordinance allows the Zoning Ordinance amendments,
including the revision to the Zoning Map and development standards for ADUs and
JADUs, to be effective immediately, thereby eliminating the constraints to housing
identified in the Housing Element.
Section 3. CEQA Compliance. Based on its independent judgment, after
consideration of the whole of the administrative record, the City Council determines the
project was adequately assessed in the Negative Declaration adopted on August 11,
2022; and pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15162 and 15164, and Addendum No. 1
attached as Attachment A, the City Council finds no major revisions are required to the
Negative Declaration and no subsequent EIR or negative declaration is required for
II approval of the project.
Section 4. Amendment to the Code. Title 17 (Zoning) of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code is hereby amended to include the development standards for the
MUOD and ROD overlay districts, amendments to definitions, and amendments to the
ADU and JADU regulations as included as Attachment B.
Section 5. Zoning Map Amendment. The Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Map is
hereby amended to include the MUOD and ROD overlay districts and to revise certain
parcels to Residential Multiple m-22 as listed in the Housing Element and listed in
Attachment B. Amended Zoning Map is included as Attachment C.
Section 6. Severability. If any provision(s) of this Ordinance or the application
thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of
competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect any other
provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are declared to
be severable. The City Council hereby declares that they would have adopted this
ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, part or portion thereof,
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, clauses, phrases,
parts or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 7. Posting. The City Clerk shall certify the passage and adoption of this
Ordinance by the City Council and shall cause this ordinance to be published or posted
in accordance with Government Code section 36933 as required by law.
Ordinance No.678U
Page7of8
Section 8. Effective Date. Pursuant to Government Code section 36937, this
Urgency Ordinance shall take effective immediately upon approval of the same by a four-
fifths (4/5) affirmative vote of the City Council.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED by a 4/5th vote of the entire City Council
this 16th day of April 2024.
Jon ruikshank, Mayor
Attest:
eresa TaRaoka, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )ss
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
I, Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that
the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; and that the
foregoing Ordinance No. 678U was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of said
City at a regular meeting thereof held on April 16, 2024 by the following vote:
AYES: Alegria, Bradley, Ferraro, Seo and Mayor Cruikshank
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
eresa kaoka, City Clerk
Ordinance No.678U
Page 8 of 8
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
ADDENDUM NO. 1 TO THE ADOPTED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION FOR THE 2021-2029 HOUSING
ELEMENT AND ASSOCIATED HOUSING PROGRAMS
Prepared for March 2024
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 1 of 90
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 2 of 90
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
ADDENDUM NO. 1 TO THE ADOPTED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION FOR THE 2021-2029 HOUSING
ELEMENT AND ASSOCIATED HOUSING PROGRAMS
Prepared for March 2024
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
626 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 1100
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.599.4300
esassoc.com
Bend
Camarillo
Delray Beach
Destin
Irvine
Los Angeles
Oakland
Orlando
Pasadena
Petaluma
Portland
Sacramento
San Diego
San Francisco
San Jose
Santa Monica
Sarasota
Seattle
Tampa
D202001354.00
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 3 of 90
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY | ESA helps a variety of
public and private sector clients plan and prepare for climate change and
emerging regulations that limit GHG emissions. ESA is a registered
assessor with the California Climate Action Registry, a Climate Leader,
and founding reporter for the Climate Registry. ESA is also a corporate
member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the Business Council on
Climate Change (BC3). Internally, ESA has adopted a Sustainability Vision
and Policy Statement and a plan to reduce waste and energy within our
operations. This document was produced using recycled paper.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 4 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 1 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Addendum No.1 to the Adopted Negative
Declaration for the 2021–2029 Housing
Element and Associated Housing Programs
Project Title: City of Rancho Palos Verdes Addendum No.1 to the
Adopted Negative Declaration for the 2021–2029
Housing Element and Associated Housing Programs
Lead Agency Name and Address: Community Development Department
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Contact Person and Phone Number: Octavio Silva
Deputy Director of Community Development
Planning Manager
310.544.5234
Project Location: City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Project Sponsor’s Name and Address: City of Rancho Palos Verdes
30940 Hawthorne Boulevard
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
General Plan Designation(s): The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has a variety of
General Plan land use designations, including open
space (preservation, hillside, hazard), residential,
commercial (recreational, retail, office), infrastructure
facility, institutional (educational, public, religious),
recreational (active, passive), and cemetery.
Zoning: The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has a variety of
zoning districts, including open space (hazard,
recreational), residential (single and multiple),
residential planned development, commercial
(general, limited, neighborhood, professional,
recreational), institutional, and cemetery as well as a
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 5 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 2 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
coastal zone and overlay districts addressing natural
and urban design, cultural resources, and equestrian
and automotive uses.
Introduction
On August 11, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-49, adopting the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes’ 2021–2029 Housing Element (SCH #2022010162) and associated
environmental review, which included a Negative Declaration (ND) pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The adopted ND evaluated the potential environmental
impacts associated with adoption of the City’s 2021–2029 Housing Element (Approved Project)
and determined that no environmental impacts would occur as the Housing Element is a policy
document that provides the framework to accommodate and support the construction of new
housing units. The document does not propose or approve any physical development.
However, based on comments received from the California Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD), the City has revised the Housing Element to incorporate HCD’s
requested changes into the plan (Revised Project). The purpose of this document is to evaluate the
potential environmental effects that could occur as a result of the Revised Project.
Project Background
In August 2022, in compliance with California Government Code Section 65302(c), the City
adopted the City’s 6th Cycle 2021–2029 Housing Element, which provides a framework for meeting
the housing needs of existing and future resident populations within the City based on the 6th Cycle
Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). Los Angeles County was assigned an RHNA of
812,060 housing units, with the City receiving an allocation of 639 units. In addition, the 2021–
2029 Housing Element had to accommodate eight additional lower-income units that are carried
over from the 2013-2021 Housing Element, for a total of 647 units. The potential environmental
effects of the 2021–2029 Housing Element were analyzed in a ND, which was also adopted by the
City on August 11, 2022.
HCD reviewed the Housing Element for compliance with State law. In October 2022, HCD notified
the City’s Community Development Department via letter that although the Housing Element met
many of the statutory requirements, the document was ultimately not found to be in compliance.
As part of its review, HCD outlined additional document modifications required to be completed
to achieve compliance. HCD modifications included, but were not limited to, providing support
information related to affirmatively furthering fair housing efforts and clarifying the realistic
capacity of residential redevelopment outlined in the City’s Housing Element.
On September 14, 2023, after several consultation meetings with HCD, City Staff submitted a
revised draft of the City’s Housing Element to HCD for an informal 60-day review of the plan. The
revised 2021–2029 Housing Element (Revised Housing Element) included updates addressing
HCD’s requested modifications. A key component of the revised draft included the preparation of
a detailed site-by-site inventory analysis by Dudek that studied the physical development feasibility
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 6 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 3 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
of the City’s potential housing sites inventory, which was included as part of the Housing Element
(see Appendix F). The analysis included some hypothetical residential site layouts based on
physical site and area constraints that were studied, which in some cases resulted in updates to the
developable area and proposed density of a potential housing site.
On November 17, 2023, City Staff met with HCD representatives to discuss the review of the
Revised Project. Based on HCD’s review of the plan, a short list of additional modifications was
identified and relayed to City Staff verbally. The modifications include, but are not limited to,
clarifying Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing compliance and Housing Program implementation
measures. City Staff met with HCD representatives on December 15, 2023 and January 25, 2024 to
further discuss HCD modifications and City Staff responses. On February 12, 2024, a revised
Housing Element was submitted to HCD representatives for review. In response to HCD’s
comments, the Housing Element was updated to incorporate the requested information. Further
revisions were made to the Housing Element in March 2024 based on discussions with HCD.
This Addendum has been prepared with consideration of the adopted ND, which is hereby
incorporated by reference pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15150 and is available on the
City’s 2021–2029 Housing Element website at
https://rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18011/RPV_Housing-Element-IS_ND_Updated
Basis for an Addendum
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines establish the type of
environmental documentation that is required when changes to a project occur after an EIR is
certified or a negative declaration is adopted. CEQA Guidelines Section 15164(b) states that:
An addendum to an adopted negative declaration may be prepared if only minor
technical changes or additions are necessary or none of the conditions described
in Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR or negative
declaration have occurred.
In order to give a degree of finality to certified EIR’s and adopted negative declarations, Section
15162 (a) of the State CEQA Guidelines requires that a Subsequent EIR or negative declaration
need only be prepared if:
•Substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require major revisions of the
previous EIR or negative declaration due to the involvement of new significant environmental
effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects;
•Substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the project is
undertaken which will require major revisions of the previous EIR or negative declaration due
to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the
severity of previously identified significant effects; or
•New information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been
known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous EIR was certified as
complete or the negative declaration was adopted, shows any of the following:
–The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR or
negative declaration,
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 7 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 4 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
–Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in
the previous EIR,
–Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be
feasible, and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project, but
the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative, or
–Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those analyzed
in the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the
environment, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure or
alternative.
The analysis below evaluates the proposed revisions to the Approved Project analyzed in the
adopted ND, which includes the revisions to the Housing Element and the adoption of the land use
and zoning amendments to implement the Revised Project, to determine whether any new
significant environmental impacts which were not previously identified in the adopted ND would
result. As the adopted ND did not identify any significant impacts, there are no previously identified
significant impacts that would be substantially more severe. It has been determined by the analysis
in this Addendum, that none of the conditions requiring preparation of a subsequent ND have
occurred and that the Revised Project would not result in new significant impacts or a substantial
increase in the severity of previously identified impacts. Thus, pursuant to CEQA, this Addendum
is the appropriate documentation to address the changes to the Revised Project.
Changed Circumstances
No substantial changes to the immediate environmental setting or circumstances under which the
Revised Project would be undertaken have been identified since preparation of the adopted ND in
2022. The Project area is comprised of the City, where land use designations and zoning within the
City remain largely unchanged. Accordingly, existing conditions within the City have not
materially changed. The buildout year for the Revised Project has not changed from the Approved
Project, as the Revised Project is still for the years 2021–2029. Furthermore, a review of plans,
policies, and regulations applicable to the Revised Project and the Project area did not identify
changes that would result in new or significant environmental effects or substantially more severe
significant environmental effects. Overall, no changes in the physical or regulatory environment
have been identified since adoption of the ND in August 2022 that would result in new significant
impacts or a substantial increase the severity of the previously identified significant impacts.
Project Description
Approved Project
On August 11, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-49, adopting the City’s 2021–
2029 Housing Element (Approved Project) and associated environmental review, which consisted
of a ND pursuant to CEQA. The Approved Project includes policies, strategies, and actions to
facilitate the construction of new housing and the preservation of existing housing throughout the
City for the 6th Cycle planning period of 2021–2029. More specifically, the Approved Project
outlines the City’s plan to accommodate the 6th Cycle RHNA allocation of a total of 639 new
housing units in various income categories over the planning period. In addition, the Housing
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 8 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 5 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Element incorporates eight lower-income units that that were carried over from the previous
planning period (2013–2021), for a total of 647 units. In accordance with State law, the Housing
Element must demonstrate that the land inventory is adequate to accommodate the City’s share of
the region’s projected housing needs.1 As outlined in the Approved Project, the potential for 144
new ADUs over the eight-year period is identified to meet a portion of the RHNA. The remainder
of the RHNA would be achieved through new construction, including the development of vacant
parcels, expansion of uses on developed parcels, and the redevelopment of parcels. Rehabilitation
and preservation were not considered strategies in the Approved Project since the City does not
have significant housing rehabilitation needs and does not have any assisted housing units at risk
of conversion to market rates during the next 10 years.
The analysis of the housing site inventory provided in the Housing Element, which factored in the
developable size of each housing site, potential rezoning requirements, and maximum allowable
residential density, determined that the plan could accommodate 1,033 new residential units within
the City throughout the planning period, which provides a buffer of 386 units over the City’s
RHNA. While the Approved Project discussed the type of General Plan amendments and rezoning
required to achieve the RHNA, the necessary General Plan amendments and rezoning to
accommodate this amount of housing were not included as part of the Approved Project evaluated
in the ND.
The Housing Element outlines the 20 programs that will support the strategies and goals included
in the plan. To accommodate the RHNA, the Housing Element identifies goals and strategies to
conserve existing housing; provides adequate housing sites; assist in the development of affordable
housing; remove governmental and other constraints to housing development; and promote equal
housing opportunities in a strategic manner. The Housing Element also contains implementation
programs to support these strategies and goals. The goals and associated implementation programs
are based on findings from the needs analysis, assessment of fair housing, constraints analysis,
housing sites inventory, and input received from the community and stakeholders during the
preparation process of the Housing Element. The Housing Element included five overarching goals,
each of which is supported by one or more programs that would be implemented during the 2021–
2029 planning period:
•Goal 1: Housing Supply – Provide an adequate supply of housing for people of all ages,
incomes, lifestyles, and housing preferences, and types of households, including for households
with special housing needs. (Programs 1 through 8)
•Goal 2: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – Affirmatively further fair housing and
protect existing residents from displacement. (Programs 9 through 15)
•Goal 3: Address Governmental Constraints – Address City policies and practices that
constrain the City’s ability to provide housing for households at all income levels and for
households with special housing needs and bring City policies in line with recent changes in
State law. (Programs 16 and 17
1 The purpose of the land inventory or housing sites inventory is to identify specific properties that are suitable for
residential development in order for the City to meet its regional housing needs allocation.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 9 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 6 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
• Goal 4: Maintenance of the Housing Stock – Maintain and improve the condition of Rancho
Palos Verdes’ housing stock. (Programs 18 and 19)
• Goal 5: Energy Conservation – Promote energy conservation in residential buildings.
(Program 20)
Revised Project
As indicated above, in October 2022, HCD notified the City’s Community Development
Department via letter that although the Housing Element met many of the statutory requirements,
the document was ultimately not found to be in compliance. As part of its rev iew, HCD outlined
additional document modifications required to be completed to achieve compliance. HCD
modifications included, but were not limited to, clarifying the realistic capacity of residential
redevelopment outlined in the City’s Housing Element and providing additional information related
to affirmatively furthering fair housing efforts. A key component of the Revised Housing Element
includes the preparation of a detailed site-by-site inventory analysis by Dudek that studied the
physical development feasibility of the City’s potential housing sites inventory (see Appendix F).
In addition to the Revised Housing Element, the Revised Project includes other components
necessary to implement the Housing Element and comply with State requirements of having the
zoning requirements in place by Fall 2024. The Revised Project includes the following components:
• Revised Housing Element to address HCD’s comments
• General Plan and Zoning Amendments necessary to implement the Housing Element
– Include a High-Density Residential Land Use category in the Land Use Element
– Create a Mixed Use Overlay District (MUOD)
– Create a Residential Overlay District (ROD)
– Rezone two properties from single family to multifamily
– ADU regulations
– Local Coastal Plan
These components together are referred to as the Revised Project. Each of these components is
discussed below.
Revised Housing Element
Overall, the Revised Project retains the essential characteristics of the Approved Project and
provides clarifications and substantiation resulting in a more detailed, comprehensive plan that
addresses HCD’s comments.
In order to clarify the realistic capacity of residential redevelopment outlined in the City’s Housing
Element, the City contracted with Dudek to conduct a detailed site -by-site housing site inventory
analysis that evaluated the physical development feasib ility for each of the properties on the
housing sites inventory (refer to Table 36 of the Revised Housing Element). The analysis included
some hypothetical residential site layouts based on the physical site and area constraints, which in
some cases resulted in updates to the developable area, proposed density of a potential housing
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 10 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 7 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
site, and potential number of units that could be developed. Table 1, Comparison of the Site
Inventory in the Approved and Revised Housing Elements , provides a comparison of the estimated
number of units in the Approved Project compared with the projected number of units in the
Revised Housing Element.
Generally, the detailed analysis resulted in no adjustments or minor adjustments ranging in a loss
of 1 to 21 units for some sites or an increase of 1 to 30 units for other sites. However, one site (Site
4) resulted in a reduction of 148 units while another site (Site 22) resulted in an increase of 123
units. In addition, through this process and considering the screening analysis criteria used to
identify the housing sites under the Approved Project2, the City identified an additional housing
site, Site 15 (500 Silver Spur Road) that could accommodate 38 units. Of the 31 identified housing
sites in the Revised Housing Element, nine sites are currently vacant while the remainder are
developed, including the new housing site. Site 15 is within a previously identified area that
includes Sites 7 through 14. Similar to the majority of the other housing sites identified in the
Revised Housing Element, Site 15 is not located within an identified geologic hazard area,
including areas at risk of landslide or liquefaction, nor in a flood or inundation zone.
Similar to the Approved Housing Element, the Revised Housing Element sites are evenly
distributed in the eastern and western portions of the city and primarily consist of developed parcels
that are five acres or less in size. The majority of the housing sites are located along Hawthrone
Boulevard (Sites 1 through 6), Silver Spur Road (Sites 7 through 15) and Western Avenue (Sites
20 through 31). Of the 31 identified housing sites under the Revised Project, three sites are over 5
acres in size (Site 4 – 39.75 acres; Site 17 – 6.89 acres; and Site 19 – 20.87 acres) and 8 sites are
currently vacant (Sites 4, 10, 13, 14, 16 through 18, and 29).
As shown in Table 1, at maximum buildout, the Revised Housing Element could accommodate up
to 1,026 new residential units within the city, which is 7 residential units less compared to the
Approved Project. At maximum buildout, the Revised Housing Element would provide a buffer of
379 units over the City’s RHNA. However, to conservatively evaluate the City’s ability to
accommodate its RHNA, the Revised Housing Element assumes that housing developments on the
targeted sites would be developed at 80 percent of the maximum density allowed in the
recommended zone.
2 The screening analysis used by the City to identify housing sites for residential development used various criteria,
including location, environmental, and economic factors, such as proximity to transit priority areas, proximity to
community amenities (i.e., schools, open space, and retail/dining), surrounding land uses, adequate lot size,
geologic hazards, and impacts to views.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 11 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 8 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
TABLE 1
COMPARISON OF THE HOUSING SITE INVENTORY IN THE APPROVED AND REVISED PROJECTS
Approved Project Revised Project
Site No. Address
Parcel Size
(acres) Vacant
Current
Zoning
Max.
Density
(du/ac)
Max.
Units
Recommended
Rezoninga
Max.
Units
Projected Units
(80% Buildout)
1 27774 Hawthorne Blvd. 2.05 No RM-8 35 43 MUOD-45 46 37
2 28041 Hawthorne Blvd. 0.97 No CL 12 11 MUOD-12 11 9
3 30019 Hawthorne Blvd. 4.52 No CL 12 9 MUOD-35 39 31
4 30840 Hawthorne Blvd. 39.75 Yes I & OH 35 328 ROD-35 180 144
5 31098 Hawthorne Blvd. 3.85 No CN 12 36 MUOD-12 36 29
6 31100 Hawthorne Blvd. 2.52 No CN 12 24 MUOD-12 24 19
7 430 Silver Spur Rd. 0.53 No CP 45 17 MUOD-45 23 18
8 450 Silver Spur Rd. 0.43 No CP 45 19 MUOD-45 19 15
9 500 Silver Spur Rd. 1.52 No CP 45 21 MUOD-45 20 16
10 550 Silver Spur Rd. 1.44 Yes CP 45 9 MUOD-45 9 7
11 550 Silver Spur Rd. 0.87 No CP 45 19 MUOD-45 23 18
12 27580 Silver Spur Rd. 0.83 No CP 45 25 MUOD-22 18 14
13 Behind 430 Silver Spur Rd 0.41 Yes CP 45 3 MUOD-45 5 4
14 Behind 450 Silver Spur Rd 0.65 Yes CP 45 29 MUOD-45 8 6
15 500 Silver Spur Rd. (New Site) 0.85 No CP N/A N/A MUOD-45 38 30
16 Southeast of Clipper Rd & Palos Verdes Dr. S 1.56 Yes RS-4 12 12 RM-22 17 14
17 6.89 Yes RS-A-5 12 25 RM-22 22 18
18 West of Marymount site 3.71 Yes I 6 20 ROD-6 12 10
19 30800 Palos Verdes Drive East 20.87 No I 2 to 35 43 ROD-6 8 6
20 28300 S. Western Ave. 0.92 No CG 15 13 MUOD-45 16 13
21 28326 S. Western Ave. 0.93 No CG 15 14 MUOD-45 42 34
22 28500 S. Western Ave. 4.09 No CG 15 61 MUOD-45 184 147
23 28619 S. Western Ave. 2.35 No CG 30 70 MUOD-35 82 66
24 29000 S. Western Ave. 1.90 No CG 35 54 MUOD-45 42 34
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 12 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 9 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Approved Project Revised Project
Site No. Address
Parcel Size
(acres) Vacant
Current
Zoning
Max.
Density
(du/ac)
Max.
Units
Recommended
Rezoninga
Max.
Units
Projected Units
(80% Buildout)
25 29505 S. Western Ave. 0.55 No CG 35 17 MUOD-35 19 15
26 29519 S. Western Ave. 0.23 No CG 35 6 MUOD-12 1 1
27 29529 S. Western Ave. 0.77 No CG 45 23 MUOD-45 24 19
28 29601 S. Western Ave. 0.77 No CG 45 24 MUOD-45 24 19
29 North of 29601 S. Western Ave. 0.37 Yes CG 45 16 MUOD-45 11 9
30 29619 S. Western Ave. 0.43 No CG 45 15 MUOD-35 10 8
31 29701 S. Western Ave. 0.60 No CG 45 27 MUOD-22 13 10
Total 1,033 1,026 820
NOTES:
a The zoning district (i.e., MUOD-45, ROD-6, RM-22, etc.) provides the maximum density allowable in that zone. For example, MUOD-45 would allow a maximum of 45 units per acre while ROD-6
would allow 6 units per acre.
SOURCE: City of Rancho Palos Verdes Approved Housing Element; City of Rancho Palos Verdes Revised Housing Element.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 13 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 10 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Similar to the Approved Project, the Revised Housing Element anticipates that a portion of the
RHNA may be accommodated through the production of accessory dwelling units or ADUs. The
Revised Housing Element identifies the potential for 144 new ADUs through the planning period.
The Revised Project identifies that the remainder of the RHNA would be achieved through new
construction, including the development of vacant parcels, expansion of uses on developed parcels,
and the redevelopment of parcels, similar to the Approved Project. As with the Approved Project,
rehabilitation and preservation continue to not be considered strategies under the Revised Project
since the City does not have significant housing rehabilitation needs and does not have any assisted
housing units at risk of conversion to market rates during the next 10 years.
The Revised Housing Element includes the same goals and overall strategies of the Approved
Project and has modified the programs by adding four programs and removing Program #3. In
addition, some of the programs have been modified for clarification.3
In addition to the housing site inventory analysis, as shown in Table 2, Revised Housing Element’s
Programs, the Revised Housing Element provides clarifications and/or refinements to some of the
programs established in the Approved Project. (Table 2 provides a comparison of the
implementation programs in the Revised Housing Element with those in the Approved Project.)
Program #3 would be deleted and four new programs would be added to further support the
strategies and goals of the plan. As shown in Table 2, Programs #14, 15, 20 and 21 are new
programs that have been added to the Revised Housing Element. The addition of these four new
programs would help to implement incremental infill in existing low-density neighborhoods;
establish place-based City investments in public improvements and/or amenities, prioritize and
fund extremely low to low income housing; and streamline approval processes for large sites.
More specifically, Program #14 would assist with the redevelopment of at least two non -vacant
housing sites through City assistance and incentives such as deferring or reducing fees, expediting
permit processing, and working with developers regarding avail able financial resources. Program
#15 would establish place-based strategies to support City investments in public improvements
and/or amenities, such as median and parkway landscaping, landscape lighting, street furniture,
crosswalk enhancements, and stormwater capture features, in areas targeted for lower-income
housing development. Under this program, the City would also construct Ladera Linda Park and
Community Center in the eastern portion of the City. Program #20 recommends improvements to
the City’s Development Review Process to make the process more understandable and efficient
and to expedite the review process for development applications. Program #21 would establish
development assistance for large sites (over 10 acres) identified for lower income households,
including approval process streamlining; preparation of necessary survey(s); and waiver of
application fees.
3 The order and numbering of the programs have changed between the adopted Housing Element and the Revised
Housing Element, where some programs have been renumbered while the language has not changed
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 14 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 11 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
TABLE 2
REVISED PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS
Program Name Description/Objectives Timing Responsibility
1. Zoning Amendments to
Increase Housing
Development Potential
(Modification of Program
1 in Approved Project)
Establish Overlay Zoning Districts for Mixed Use (MUOD-45, -35, -22, and
-12), Residential High (ROD-35), and Residential Medium (ROD-6)
(modification of existing program to expand beyond Western Avenue);
Include other rezonings to fully accommodate the 2021–2029 RHNA after
accounting for potential ADU production during the planning period. New
overlays and rezonings to include appropriate zoning and development
standards to encourage achieving maximum allowable densities. Rezone
for at least eight lower-income carryover units from 5th Cycle. The
rezonings will meet all requirements pursuant to Government Code
section 65583.2, subdivisions (h) and (i), including by-right multifamily
uses in which 20 percent or more of the units are affordable to lower-
income households, accommodating at least 16 units per site, requiring a
minimum density of 20 units per acre and establishing residential only
performance standards. Development under MUOD standards will require
at least 25 percent residential development and will permit up to 100
percent residential. MUOD districts will also permit emergency shelters
(as defined in Government Code section 65583 (a)(4)) without a
conditional use or other discretionary permit with the same development
standards for emergency shelters as found in the CG district (as updated
by Program 16, below). The MUOD, ROD, and RM-22 districts will
eliminate the requirement for a view preservation analysis and eliminate
the requirement for a CUP for buildings over 16 feet developed on
Housing Element sites.
Complete necessary rezonings
within 12 months of statutory
deadline for adoption of 6th Cycle
HE Update.
Community Development Department
Planning Commission
City Council
2. General Plan
Amendment to Include a
High- Density Residential
Land Use Category
Establish General Plan land use category or categories that allows for
residential density of at least 45 dwelling units per acre, or higher, as
appropriate to provide General Plan consistency for sites to be zoned to
accommodate the City’s RHNA for lower-income households in Program
#1.
Concurrent with rezonings under
Program 1.
Community Development Department
Planning Commission
City Council
4. Accessory Dwelling Unit
(ADU) Unit Ordinance
Amendments
(Modification of Program
4 in Approved Project)
Bring local ADU ordinance into minimal compliance with State ADU laws. Make amendments for minimal
compliance with State laws within
one year of Housing Element
adoption.
Community Development Department
Planning Commission
City Council
5. Accessory Dwelling Unit
(ADU) Production
Monitoring
Monitor the trend of ADU construction to evaluate the effectiveness of
Incremental Infill and ADU construction in residential zones, especially
regarding occupancy and affordability. Modify the program if monitoring
indicates that the City will not fully accommodate it's RHNA due to a
shortfall of ADU production.
Monitor at least twice during the
Housing Element planning period.
Modify the program within six
months if monitoring indicates a
need for program updates to fully
accommodate the City's RHNA.
Community Development Department
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 15 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 12 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Program Name Description/Objectives Timing Responsibility
6. Affordable ADU
Incentive Program
(Modification of Program
6 in Approved Project)
Provide information on the various incentives to be offered by the City to
facilitate production of affordable ADUs, as follows:
• Tier 1: Workforce. Provide grants of $10,000 in exchange for
affordability covenants, targeting assistance for four units per year.
• Tier 2: Home Share. Administer a two-year trial for the creation of
ADU or JADU units through the provision of $15,000 "low-mod
income housing" and "affordable housing in-lieu" grants with a ten-
year affordability covenant. Creation of additional ADU and JADU
housing through this program would create property sharing
opportunities by two or more persons and render housing affordable
to persons who could not otherwise afford housing individually due to
the ability to share housing costs yet maintain individual privacy. This
could be of particular benefit to individuals with disabilities who need
occasional assistance or female-headed households seeking
additional security. The City will work with SBCCOG's Home Share
South Bay Silvernest program to help place tenants in ADUs and
JADUs. For this entire program, target six units per year citywide
during the trial period. If successful, continue the program on an
ongoing basis, targeting six units per year citywide.
Develop and implement the
program within one year of
Housing Element adoption.
Community Development Department
7. Accessory Dwelling Unit
Assistance Program
(Modification of Program
7 in Approved Project)
Develop pre-approved ADU plans, informational handouts, and
development specification sheets. Implement an ADU Calculator to estimate
the cost of converting part of a home or constructing a rental unit Develop
ADU Amnesty Program to legalize illegally converted ADUs in exchange for
affordability covenants on converted ADUs. Incentives include priority
permitting and inspections. Pursue funding from the State to assist
homeowners in ADU construction Publicize and provide links to State list of
grants and financial incentives for affordable ADUs pursuant to AB 671.
Partner with the SBCCOG to prepare proposals for the ADU Acceleration
REAP Project, which is to create incentives and reduce regulatory barriers
for building context sensitive ADUs to increase housing supply; support
long range housing planning efforts by South Bay jurisdictions; strengthen
regional/sub-regional partnerships, collaborations, and funding models;
and establish a sub-regional vision as a basis for future funding for ADUs.
The program is anticipated to yield:
• Estimate of the differences between market-rate rents and "very low
income" and "low income"
• RHNA categories to adjust subsidy amounts that will make ADUs
affordable
• Provide recommendations to accelerate ADU construction
• Report on success of outreach efforts
• Provide ADU forecasts under current conditions and new policies to
maximize ADU Construction
For this entire program, target ten units per year citywide.
Complete and implement within
one year of Housing Element
adoption. Partnering with
SBCCOG underway and ongoing.
Community Development Department
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 16 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 13 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Program Name Description/Objectives Timing Responsibility
8. No Net Loss Monitor housing sites inventory to ensure sites are adequate to
accommodate RHNA and take action to identify and zone additional sites
if necessary.
Ongoing Community Development Department
Planning Commission
City Council
9. Section 8 Rental
Assistance
(Modification of Program
9 in Approved Project)
Continue to assist the Housing Authority (LACDA) by conducting a
Landlord Outreach Program, informing the Housing Authority of the City's
status on providing affordable housing through the existing housing stock
and providing an Apartment Rental Survey to the Housing Authority.
Target ten new tenants with tenant-based vouchers in Rancho Palos
Verdes citywide during the Housing Element Planning Period.
Conduct apartment rental survey
within 12 months of adopting the
Housing Element update and
again in 2026. Conduct Landlord
Outreach Program in 2024 and
2027 and report to Housing
Authority within 6 months of
completing surveys and landlord
outreach, in 2025 and 2028.
Community Development Department
10. Citywide Affordable
Housing Requirement /
Housing Impact Fee
Continue to implement inclusionary requirements and housing impact fee
requirements. During the 2021–2029 period issue a NOFA to utilize in-lieu
fee funds. Prioritize use of affordable housing funds for projects in
locations with good access to transit, shopping, schools, parks, and
employment.
Ongoing; issue NOFA by 2024. Community Development Department
11. First-time Homebuyer
Assistance
(Modification of Program
11 in Approved Project)
Connect qualifying households with first-time homebuyer assistance
programs offered by other agencies: County Homeownership Program,
Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, and So Cal Home Financing
Authority First Home Mortgage Program.
Target 20 first-time homebuyers in Rancho Palos Verdes citywide during
the Housing Element planning period.
At a minimum, conduct outreach
efforts in 2024 and 2027 and as
new programs become available.
Community Development Department
12. Outreach for Persons
with Disabilities
Continue to work with the Harbor Regional Center to implement an
outreach program that informs families within Rancho Palos Verdes about
housing and services available for persons with developmental
disabilities.
Conduct outreach to RPV
individuals with disabilities and
households with members with
disabilities in 2024 and 2027.
Community Development Department
13. Low, Very Low-, and
Extremely Low-income
and Special Needs
Housing
(Modification of Program
13 in Approved Project)
Assist 30 Very Low- and Low-Income households and extremely low-
income and/or Special Needs households through a combination of
inclusionary units, ADUs, new affordable housing supported with in-lieu
fees, and assistance with securing Section 8 vouchers through LACDA.
To support this objective, the City will prioritize use of available funding to
assist extremely low-income renters in these groups generally, and will
provide priority processing for developments that commit to housing for
ELI, VLI, LI, and Special Needs households, provide additional regulatory
concessions and incentives for housing developments that include
ELI/VLI/LI/Special Needs units, support or pursue funding applications for
ELI/VLI/LI/Special Needs housing when requested by developers, and
conduct outreach and coordinate with affordable housing developers
through an annual NOFA process. To support this program, the City will
update the municipal code to ensure density bonus regulations are
consistent with State law, promote the use of density bonuses on the
City's website, and provide technical assistance (i.e., regular project
Issue NOFA annually for
availability of in-lieu fees to
support ELI/VLI/LI/Special Needs
housing; contact LACDA annually
to determine opportunities to
connect ELI households with
Section 8 vouchers. On an
ongoing basis, seek opportunities
to use in-lieu fees to incentivize
developers subject to inclusionary
requirements to deed restrict
inclusionary units to
ELII/VLI/LI/Special Needs
households as appropriate.
Update density bonus provisions
and provide density bonus
Community Development Department
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 17 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 14 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Program Name Description/Objectives Timing Responsibility
meetings with dedicated staff to facilitate timely project completion) to
developers in utilizing density bonus provision to maximize feasibility to
meet local housing needs.
promotional materials on the City
website by June, 2025. Provide
technical assistance to affordable
housing developers on an
ongoing, as-requested basis.
14. Assistance for
Redevelopment of Non-
Vacant Housing Sites
(New Program in the
Revised Project)
Assist with the redevelopment of at least two non-vacant housing sites
with housing during the 6th Cycle by conducting outreach to property
owners and offering a range of assistance and incentives for
redevelopment projects that produce housing consistent with or
exceeding the housing units projected in the Housing Sites Inventory.
Assistance will include deferring or reducing fees for subdivision of lots,
deferring or reducing fees for affordable housing, expediting permit
processing, and working with developers to identify and target specific
state and/or federal financial resources that can assist the projects to
move forward. City staff will also provide technical assistance, including
dedicated staff, to shepherd applications through the City's approval
process, to assist with funding applications, and to design projects to
qualify for City incentives.
Conduct outreach to owners of
Non-Vacant Sites listed in the
Housing Sites Inventory within six
months of Housing Element
certification. Provide technical
assistance and offer incentives on
an as-requested, ongoing basis.
Community Development Department
15. Place-Based
Strategies to Support
Areas Targeted for Lower-
Income Housing
Development
(New Program in the
Revised Project)
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes will invest in public improvements in
areas targeted for lower-income housing development. This includes the
Western Avenue Beautification project, including median and parkway
landscaping, landscape lighting, street furniture, crosswalk aesthetic
enhancements, and stormwater capture features. This will help to improve
the quality of life for households living on or near the mixed-use corridor.
The City will also construct a new Ladera Linda Park and Community
Center, including a new 6,800-square foot community center, play areas,
landscaping, and ancillary park improvements. The addition of this
amenity will help to increase the quality of life in the adjacent
neighborhoods, including Housing Element sites in the eastern part of the
city.
Complete Ladera Linda Park and
Community Center improvements
by December, 2024. Complete
Western Avenue Beautification
Project by December, 2025.
Public Works Department
16. Fair Housing Services Continue to contract with Housing Right Center for fair housing services. Ongoing Community Development Department
in collaboration with
Housing Rights Center
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 18 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 15 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Program Name Description/Objectives Timing Responsibility
17. Fair Housing
Information
Continue to provide Fair Housing brochure that describes fair housing
laws and rights, including tenant education regarding displacement; links
to the Housing Rights Center website; State Department of Fair
Employment and Housing; and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
• Fair Housing Services and Program information continues to be made
available on the City's website.
Review brochure and website
every two years and update as
needed. Distribute brochures
annually to public locations such
as City Hall, library, community
centers, senior center, and others
where they will be visible to
vulnerable populations. Publicize
availability of fair housing
information through City's web
site, social media, contact lists,
and a notice in the City's utility
billing statements at least
annually.
Community Development Department
18. Zoning Ordinance
Amendments to Remove
Governmental Constraints
(Modification of Program
16 in Approved Project)
• Bring Density Bonus Ordinance in line with State Density Bonus law
• Establish objective design standards in line with SB 330/SB 35
• Adopt use of HCD’s SB 330 Preliminary Project Application form
• Amend Zoning Ordinance to include Low Barrier Navigation Centers
as a by-right use in mixed-use overlay zones and non-residential
zones permitting multi-family housing, subject to meeting
requirements as allowed by AB 101
• Modify zoning ordinance for multifamily zones and mixed-use zones
permitting residential uses to specify that employee housing for six or
fewer persons shall be permitted in the same manner as other
dwellings of the same type in the same zone
• Modify zoning ordinance to make transitional and supportive housing
by-right uses in multifamily housing and mixed use overlay zones
• Modify zoning ordinance for CG zone to waive maximum coverage
limit of 50% for emergency shelters and eliminate standard CG zone
parking requirement and instead only require sufficient parking for
staff working at the shelter
• Include provisions in new MUOD-45 overlay zone for by-right
development of emergency shelters.
• Include provisions in all new MUOD and ROD-35 overlay zones to
require no more than 1 parking space per multifamily housing unit
with no requirement for covered parking.
• Include provisions in new MUOD-45, -35, and -22 overlay, new ROD-
30 overlay, and for RM-22 Housing Element sites, to allow at least 3
stories of height for multifamily residential buildings.
• Amend the zoning ordinance to provide a ministerial permit process
for residential care facilities for seven or more persons based on
objective standards.
Complete Municipal Code updates
within 36 months of Housing
Element Update adoption.
Community Development Department
Planning Commission
City Council
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 19 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 16 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Program Name Description/Objectives Timing Responsibility
19. Transparency in
Housing Standards and
Fees
Publish all development standards information and housing fee
information on the City’s website in compliance with California
Government Code Section 65940.1.
Within 6 months of HEU adoption. Community Development Department
20. Implement
Development Review
Process Improvement
Recommendations
(New Program in
Revised Project)
Implement recommendations of Michael Baker International’s assessment
of the City’s development review process to make the City’s development
review process more understandable, increase City staff’s ability to
efficiently handle development applications, and expedite the process of
reviewing and approving development proposals.
- Conduct an internal training workshop on at least an annual basis with
Planning Division staff to discuss concerns and questions regarding
Planning application review and update application checklists to
improve these processes. (Annually, Q1 of each Fiscal Year)
- Schedule a joint City Council and Planning Commission study session
to examine the Zoning (Development) Code and its nexus and impacts
to review timeframes of certain discretionary applications. (3/2025)
- Ensure that subjective comments used in Planning application response
letters refer to existing City documents. (12/2024)
- Create policies or handouts to clarify unclear Municipal Code
information provided by planning Staff in response to planning
submittals. (12/2024)
- Ensure that all documents that are referred in planning application
response letters comments are posted on the City’s webpage (5/2024
and ongoing)
- Develop a digital platform that gathers all applicable regulations and
ordinances for all parcels within City limits could be very beneficial for
customer due diligence and ensure a smoother review process. (12/2024)
- Hire additional Planning Division Staff to manage workloads (Ongoing)
Within time-frames indicated in
parentheses for each bulleted
item.
Community Development Department
21. Housing Site
Development Assistance
(New Program in
Revised Project)
To facilitate the development of large sites over ten acres in size listed in the
Housing Sites Inventory for lower income households, the City shall strive to
streamline the approval process for land divisions, lot line adjustments,
and/or specific plans or master plans resulting in a parcel size that enables
affordable housing development (e.g., less than ten acres in size). For all
sites over 10 acres in size listed in the Housing sites inventory, the City will
prepare the survey necessary to define the rezoning for the sites and
provide the survey information to the property owner to utilize in preparing
the subdivision application. The City will also waive the Land Division
application fee. Further, for projects that provide at least 20 percent of units
affordable to lower-income households, the City will expedite the entitlement
processing and provide lot division incentives, such as lot coverage
adjustments to accommodate expected units and landscaping. In addition,
for projects including at least 50 percent affordable housing, the City will
also process fee deferrals. The City will undertake ongoing outreach to
property owners regarding lot division incentives.
Initiate collaboration with site
owners to subdivide and create a
parcel smaller than ten acres in
size for high density housing
development within 6 months of
Housing Element adoption;
provide expedited processing,
process fee deferrals, and offer lot
division incentives upon request
by affordable housing developers.
Conduct outreach annually to
owners of eligible properties to
inform them of lot division
assistance and incentives.
Community Development Department
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 20 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 17 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Program Name Description/Objectives Timing Responsibility
22. Housing Code
Enforcement
(Modification of Program
18 in Approved Project)
Continue to manage the housing code enforcement on a complaint basis
and strive for voluntary compliance through the Code Enforcement Division.
Target 150 enclosed enforcement cases citywide during the Housing
Element planning period.
Ongoing Community Development Department
23. Housing Conservation
and Rehabilitation
The City will develop and implement a Residential Rehabilitation Program.
The first component will aim to bring substandard housing units into
compliance with City codes. The City’s program would combine a pro-
active canvassing of the City to identify substandard housing and a re-
active complaint driven inspection process. The City’s goal is code
compliance and vacation of substandard housing is not anticipated.
Property owners in violation of City codes are provided information on
rehabilitation loans or grants they may be eligible for in correcting code
violations. The program will assist lower income homeowners, including
senior and disabled households, with funding for necessary materials and
supplies for home repairs and improvements. The program would provide
grants for the following activities: accessibility improvements, exterior or
interior home repair, repair of fencing and/or landscaping, plumbing,
exterior painting, roof repair, and similar activities. The maximum grant
amount is $5,000 per household, unless for exceptional circumstances as
approved by the Community Development Director. To qualify for the
program, a household needs to meet the following conditions:
• Current household income must be at or below 80 percent of the
County median income based upon family size.
• The head of the household must be at least 55 years of age or have a
physical handicap that makes him/her unable to maintain the home.
The City will analyze the use CDBG funds or other available funds to
assist extremely low income and lower income households with needed
home repairs and improvements. The City's objective will be to provide
assistance to 10 households per year, or 80 households citywide over the
8-year planning period.
Develop and implement the
program within 18 months of
Housing Element adoption. Issue
a NOFA annually to notify
residents of available assistance.
Community Development Department
24. Energy Conservation Continue to encourage voluntary participation in the City's Green Building
Construction Program by offering permit streamlining as well as up to a
50% rebate for Planning and Building fees
Ongoing Community Development Department
NOTE: Program #3 under the Approved Project has been deleted from the Revised Project. However, the intent of that program has been incorporated into Implementation Programs #4 through #7 of the
Revised Project.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 21 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 18 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
General Plan and Zoning Amendments Necessary to Implement the
Housing Element
The Revised Project includes the necessary components to implement the Housing Element and
comply with state requirements, which includes having the rezoning of properties effective by Fall
2024. The following includes a discussion of each of these components.
General Plan Amendment
Consistent with Program 2, the Revised Project includes amendments to the Land Use Element and
Land Use Map to identify the parcels included in the housing sites inventory as well as to
incorporate the additional overlay control districts and reclassificat ion of the two residential sites
to RM-22. In addition, the amendment to the Land Use Element would amend the Population
Projections section to add text referencing the housing sites. The proposed amendments would also
add Subsections 6.7 and 6.8 to establish the MUOD and ROD overlay control districts. The MUOD
and ROD overlay control districts would also be added to the Land Use Map.
Mixed Use Overlay District
Consistent with Program 1, the Revised Project includes the establishment of a Mixed Use Overlay
District (MUOD) on select parcels with an underlying non-residential base district zone. The
MUOD would allow multi-family residential and mixed-use development with various densities
based on the location of the property. The MUOD overlay would allow development of residential-
only or mixed-use development. The purpose of the MUOD is to promote efficient use of land and
infrastructure, minimize automobile dependency and promote active areas in the City. The MUOD
overlay would revitalize commercial corridors and encourage increased housing choices and
affordability.
The MUOD would apply to 26 housing sites along Hawthorne Boulevard, Silver Spur Road, and
Western Avenue, as shown in Figure 1, Location of Housing Sites and Associated Housing
Programs. The provisions of the underlying base zone would apply to a property unless specifically
superseded by a MUOD project. The MUOD ordinance would include development standards,
including setbacks, a maximum building height of 60 feet, façade modulation and articulation
requirements, ground floor design requirements, open space, and parking requirements. A project
developed under the MUOD zoning would be eligible for a density bonus in accordance with
Chapter 17.11 (Affordable Housing) of the City’s Municipal Code. Projects that comply with the
MUOD ordinance would be approved ministerially although a separate application would be
required for a lot line adjustment, merger of parcels, or subdivision.
Residential Overlay District
Consistent with Program 1, the Revised Project includes the establishment of a Residential Overlay
District (ROD) on select parcels with an underlying institutional base district zone. The ROD would
allow residential or residential with limited non-residential development. The purpose of the ROD
is to promote a compatible mix of uses that would co-locate residents with on-site amenities and
increase housing choices and affordability. The ROD ordinance would allow infill development in
a pattern that would be compatible with surrounding neighborhoods.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 22 of 90
20
2
0
\
D
2
0
2
0
0
1
3
5
4
.
0
0
-
R
P
V
H
o
u
s
i
n
g
E
l
e
m
e
n
t
/
0
5
G
r
a
p
h
i
c
s
-
G
I
S
-
M
o
d
e
l
i
n
g
/
I
l
l
u
s
t
r
a
t
o
r
HIGHRIDGER
D
SIL
V
E
R
S
P
U
R
R
D
MIR
A
L
E
S
T
E
D
R
PALOSVE R D E S D R E
G
R
A
N
V
I
A
A
L
T
A
M
I
R
A
PALOS
V
E
R
D
E
S
D
R
S
HA
W
T
H
O
R
N
E
B
L
V
D
CREST
R
D
C
R
ENSH
A
W
B
L
V
D
WESTERNAVE
P
A
L
O
S
V
E
R
D
E
S
D
R
W
MO
NTEMALAGA DR
25
T
H
S
T
INDI
A
N
P
E
A
K
R
D
LOS ANGELES
TORRANCE
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
LOMITA
ROLLING HILLS
UNINCORPORATED
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
PALOS VERDES ESTATES
APN:7564-024-001Zoning: i
APN:7573-002-014Zoning: i
APN:7573-002-014Zoning: i
APN:7564-024-002Zoning: i
APN:7573-006-024Zoning: rs-4
APN: 7578-002-011Zoning: rs-a-5
APN:7444-001-003Zoning: cg
APN:7444-001-004Zoning: cg
APN:7444-001-005Zoning: cg
APN:7445-005-010Zoning: cg
APN:7550-009-024Zoning: cg
APN:7557-039-005Zoning: cg
APN:7557-039-006Zoning: cg
APN:7557-039-011Zoning: cg
APN:7557-039-014Zoning: cg
APN:7557-039-017Zoning: cg
APN:7557-039-018Zoning: cg
APN:7557-039-020Zoning: cg
APN:7573-001-014Zoning: cn APN:7573-001-015Zoning: cn
APN:7586-028-002Zoning: cp
APN:7586-028-007Zoning: cp
APN:7586-028-008Zoning: cp
APN:7586-028-009Zoning: cp
APN:7586-028-010Zoning: cp
APN:7586-028-015Zoning: cp
APN:7586-028-016Zoning: cp
APN:7586-028-019Zoning: cp
APN:7588-015-008Zoning: cl
APN:7578-031-031Zoning: cl
APN:7589-014-001Zoning: rm-8
0 0.5 10.25
Miles±
LEGEND
MUOD Parcels (26 parcels)
ROD Parcels (3 parcels)
Rezoned Parcels (2 parcels)
City Boundary
Parcels (Citywide) (15,579 parcels)
Z
:
\
S
h
a
r
e
d
\
P
r
o
j
e
c
t
s
\
2
0
2
0
\
D
2
0
2
0
0
1
3
5
4
.
0
0
-
R
P
V
H
o
u
s
i
n
g
E
l
e
m
e
n
t
/
0
5
G
r
a
p
h
i
c
s
-
G
I
S
-
M
o
d
e
l
i
n
g
/
I
l
l
u
s
t
r
a
t
o
r
Figure 1
Location of Housing Sites and Associated Housing Programs
SOURCE: Rancho Palos Verdes
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 23 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 20 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
The ROD would apply to three areas located along Hawthorne Boulevard (Site 4), w est of
Marymount site at the intersection of Palos Verdes Drive East and Ganado Drive (Site 18), and
along Palos Verdes Drive East (Site 19) as shown in Figure 1. Sites 4 and 18 are currently vacant
while Site 19 is developed. Sites 4 and 19 are larger than five acres in size. All three housing sites
are within developed areas of the City.
The provisions of the base zone would apply to the property unless specifically superseded by a
ROD project. The ROD ordinance would allow a maximum residential density of 35 dwelling units
per acre (du/ac) for Site 4 and a maximum residential density of 6 du/ac for Sites 18 and 19. For
calculating residential density, the ROD excludes areas of extreme slope (35 percent or steeper)
and/or areas which are determined unsuitable for development, based on submitted and approved
geologic reports. Proposed net densities, housing types, and buffering under the ROD ordinance
would be considered in combination with their compatibility with surrounding land uses. In
addition, the ROD ordinance would include development standards, including a maximum building
height of 60 feet, and setback, parking, and open space requirements. A project under the ROD
zoning would be eligible for a density bonus in accordance with Chapter 17.11 (Affordable
Housing) of the City’s Municipal Code. Projects that comply with the ROD Ordinance would be
approved ministerially although a separate application would be required for a lot line adjustment,
merger of parcels, or subdivision.
Rezone of Two Residential Properties
Consistent with Program 1, two residential properties (Sites 16 and 17 in the Housing Sites
Inventory) would be rezoned from Residential (RS) 4 and RS-A-5 to RM-22, respectively. The
RM-22 development standards contained in Chapter 17.04 (Multiple-Family Residential Districts)
of the City’s Municipal Code would apply. Chapter 17.04 provides setback requirements and allows
maximum building heights of 36 feet for multifamily residential buildings. Since Site 16 is located
within the coastal zone, the Revised Project includes an amendment to the City’s Local Coastal
Plan, which is discussed below.
Accessory Dwelling Units Regulations
Municipal Code Section 17.10 (Accessory Dwelling Unit And Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit
Development Standards) was adopted by the City in January 2021. In accordance with Section
17.10, ADUs and JADUs are allowed on or within existing multi-family structures for up to a
number equal to 25 percent of the existing dwelling units (rounded down). The non -livable space,
such as attics, garages, passageways, and boiler rooms, may be converted to livable space and
granted a certificate of occupancy. No more than two detached ADUs are allowed on a lot with
existing multi-family structures.
Consistent with Programs 4 through 7, the Revised Project would revise the ADU Ordinance so
that the ordinance is in compliance with State law and to incentivize ADU production within the
City over the planning period. The ADU Ordinance revisions would include inclusionary
requirements, where all new residential development of five or more units are required to provide
up to five percent of all units affordable to very low-income households or to provide up to ten
percent of all units affordable to low-income households, and a program to review and align the
City’s Density Bonus with State law.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 24 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 21 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Revisions to the City’s Local Coastal Plan
The Revised Project includes an amendment to the City’s Local Coastal Plan (Coastal Specific
Plan) to revise Subregion 4 Policy #1 to allow multi-family residential development on properties
designated as Residential 12-22 du/ac. This amendment is necessary to allow for the rezoning of
Sites 16 and 17 in the Housing Sites Inventory from Residential (RS) 4 and RS-A-5 to RM-22.
Surrounding Land Uses and Setting
Rancho Palos Verdes is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula of Los Angeles County. Surrounding
communities include Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, and the City of Los
Angeles. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is located on the coast and sits atop the bluffs. The City
is developed with a variety of land uses including established residential neighborhoods,
commercial corridors, open space preserves, public facilities, and parks.
Relevant City Plans, Goals, Policies, and Conditions
The City has various adopted plans, policies, and development standards, as well as standard
conditions of approval (COAs) that guide and regulate development within the City. The plans,
policies and standards have been adopted by the City for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental impact. In addition, the City adopted by resolution (Resolution No. 2018 -74) an
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) that evaluated potential environmental
impacts that could occur as a result of the 2018 General Plan and a Mitigation Monitoring Reporting
Plan (MMRP) containing the identified mitigation measures in the IS/MND.4,5 Since the IS/MND
and MMRP were adopted by the City by resolution (Resolution No. 2018 -74), the findings of the
IS/MND and the mitigation measures contained in the MMRP are considered to be regulatory
components of the City’s General Plan.
Future development projects in the City would be required to demonstrate consistency with the
City’s General Plan as well as applicable plans, policies, and development standards that have been
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating environmental effects. In addition, future projects
would be required to demonstrate compliance with the mitigation measures in the adopted MMRP
for the General Plan. The goals and policies of the City’s General Plan applicable to the Revised
Project are as follows:
Circulation Element
Goal 5: Where appropriate, use complete street concepts to integrate the needs of all users of
the roadway system consistent with the California Complete Streets Act of 2008.
Policy 2: Require any new developments or redevelopment to provide streets wide enough to
support the City’s future traffic needs and to address potential impacts to nearby
intersections resulting from such developments.
4 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12625/2018-General-Plan.
5 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes’ General Plan Update, 2018. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12282/Initial-Study-2018-
August.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 25 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 22 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Policy 4: Ensure that future residential developments provide direct access to roadways other
than arterials.
Policy 34: Encourage the use of alternative water and energy generation sources.
Policy 35: Promote, practice, and encourage workable energy and water conservation techniques.
Policy 36: Review any proposed development, major new resource uses, or significant changes
to resource systems for impacts to the surrounding neighborhood and community.
Policy 42: Encourage waste reduction and recycling programs.
Policy 43: Require all new developments to provide sanitary sewers connected to the County
Sanitation Districts’ system.
Policy 48: Promote compliance with regulations controlling pollution impacts generated by
development runoff.
Policy 49: Promote compliance with regulations controlling discharge of wastewater into the
ocean.
Conservation and Open Space Element
Policy 10: Stringently regulate irrigation, natural drainage, and other water-related considerations
in new developments and existing uses affecting existing or potential slide areas.
Policy 14: Maintain the existing natural vegetation of the City in its natural state in all existing
and proposed developments, to the extent commensurate with good fire protection
policies, and encourage the reestablishment of appropriate native plants, especially
fire-retardant natives such as saltbrush, near fuel modification setback areas.
Policy 15: Require a master landscape plan, with an Integrated Pest Management Plan, for any
proposed development, demonstrating enhancement and protection of natural
vegetation, selection of new complementing vegetation, and enhancement of
environmental factors.
Policy 29: Encourage the identification and protection of archaeologically sensitive areas and
sites, making such information available only to those individuals qualified under
guidelines set forth by the Office of Historic Preservation.
Policy 30: Forward environmental impact reports to the California State University, Fullerton,
and South Central Coastal Information Center’s clearinghouse.
Policy 31: Preserve locations of archeological and paleontological significance on site where
possible. Allow salvage excavation of the site where preservation cannot be
implemented.
Land Use Element
Goal 2: Carefully control and direct future growth towards making a positive contribution to
all elements of the community. Growth in Rancho Palos Verdes should be a cautious,
evolutionary process that considers the capacity limitations for the City, and the
environmental factors and quality of life on the Peninsula.
Goal 3: Preserve and enhance the visual character and physical quality of existing
neighborhoods and housing in a manner that serves the needs of the residents.
Goal 8: Retain the present predominance of single-family residences found throughout the
City. Allow for the maintenance and replacement of existing non-conforming
multifamily residential uses.
Policy 2: Require all new housing developed to include suitable and adequate landscaping, open
space, and other design amenities to meet the City’s standards.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 26 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 23 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Policy 3: Encourage and assist in the maintenance and improvement of all residential
neighborhoods so as to maintain local standards of housing quality and design.
Policy 6: Encourage energy and water conservation in housing design.
Policy 7: Require that development reasonably protects corridor-related views.
Policy 8: Prohibit encroachment on existing scenic views reasonably expected by neighboring
residents.
Policy 9: Enforce height controls to reasonably minimize view obstructions.
Policy 11: Require all new housing and significant improvements to existing housing to consider
neighborhood compatibility.
Noise Element
Policy 2: Control traffic flows of heavy construction vehicles en route to and from construction
sites to minimize noise.
Policy 8: Mitigate impacts generated by steady state noise intrusion (e.g., with land strip buffers,
landscaping, and site design.
Policy 9: Regulate land use so that there is a minimal degree of noise impact on adjacent land
uses.
Policy 10: Require strict noise attenuation measures where appropriate
Safety Element
Goal 1: Provide for the protection of life and property from both natural and human -made
hazards within the community.
Goal 2: Provide for the protection of the public through effective law enforcement and fire
protection programs and volunteer programs such as Neighborhood Watch and the
Community Emergency Response Team.
Goal 3: Develop and enforce health and sanitation requirements and develop emergency
communications and disaster preparedness programs to ensure the overall health and
safety of all residents.
Goal 4: Protect life and property and reduce adverse economic, environmental, and social
impacts resulting from any geologic activity.
Policy 2: Adopt and enforce building and fire codes, ordinances, and regulations using best
practices that include design and construction standards based upon appropriate levels
of risk and hazard.
Policy 3: Continue to require that all structures and facilities in the City adhere to City, State,
and National regulatory standards such as the California Building and Fire Codes and
other applicable fire safety standards.
Policy 4: Coordinate with the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Prevention Services to
ensure that proper defensible space and an adequate fuel modification program is
actively being implemented and enforced on properties within the Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zone.
Policy 7: Cooperate with the fire protection agency and water company to ensure adequate water
flow capabilities with adequate back-up throughout all areas of the City.
Policy 9: Develop and implement stringent site design and maintenance criteria for areas of high
fire hazard potential in coordination with fire protection agencies.
Policy 11: Coordinate with the Fire Department to provide adequate emergency access to all
streets, including the end points of cul-de-sacs, and along the sides of structures.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 27 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 24 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Policy 17: Ensure the availability of paramedic rescue and fire suppression services to all areas of
the City.
Policy 23: Avoid or minimize the risks of flooding to new development.
Policy 24: Evaluate whether new development should be located in flood hazard zones and
identify construction methods or other methods to minimize damage if new
development is located in flood hazard zones.
Policy 29: Promote new energy efficient buildings and retrofit existing public facilities to be as
energy efficient as feasible.
Policy 35: Implement policies and programs identified in the City’s Emissions Reduction Action
Plan (ERAP) in order to improve air quality in the City.
Policy 37: Continue to review development proposals for potential regional and local air quality
impacts per the California Environmental Quality Act, and if potential impacts are
identified, require mitigation to reduce the impact to a level that is less than significant,
where technically and economically feasible.
Policy 38: Continue to enforce Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations1 building
construction requirements and apply standards that promote energy conservation.
Policy 39: Continue to promote and encourage participation in the City’s Voluntary Green
Building Construction Program and award participating developers with a streamlined
entitlement process and up to 50 percent rebate on permitting fees.
Policy 40: Continue to implement the required components of the Congestion Management Plan
(CMP) and continue to work with Los Angeles County on annual updates to the CMP.
Visual Resources Element
Policy 4: Consider the visual character of neighborhoods consistent with the General Plan and
Neighborhood Compatibility Guidelines.
Policy 7: For developments that are proposed within areas that impact the visual character of a
corridor, require developers to incorporate treatments into their projects that enhance
a corridor’s imagery.
Policy 8: Require developments that will impact corridor-related views to mitigate their impacts.
Policy 9: Develop a program for the restoration of existing areas that negatively impact view
corridors.
Policy 10: Require residents and developers to mitigate light pollution associated with
developments.
Adopted General Plan IS/MND and MMRP (Resolution No. 2018-74)
Mitigation Measure AQ-1: During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing,
storage piles and unpaved disturbed areas shall be continuously stabilized or covered when material
is not being added to or removed from the pile.
Mitigation Measure AQ-2: During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing,
measures shall be taken in areas disturbed to prevent emitting dust and to minimize visible
emissions from crossing the boundary line.
Mitigation Measure AQ-3: During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing,
construction vehicles leaving the site shall be cleaned to prevent dust, silt, mud, and dirt from being
released or tracked off site.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 28 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 25 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Mitigation Measure AQ-4: During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing,
the Applicant’s contractor shall be responsible for minimizing bulk material or other debris from
being tracked onto the City’s public roadways, and if tracked, the Applicant’s contractor shall be
responsible for cleaning up the impacted City’s public roadways.
Mitigation Measure AQ-5: During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing,
no trucks shall be allowed to transport excavated material off-site unless the trucks are maintained
such that no spillage can occur from holes or other openings in cargo compartments, and loads are
either: covered with tarps; wetted and loaded such that the material does not touch the front, back,
or sides of the cargo compartment at any point less than 6” from the top and that no point of the
load extends above the top of the cargo compartment.
Mitigation Measure AQ-6: Prior to the issuance of any Grading or Building Permits, the Applicant
shall demonstrate to the Director of Community Development’s satisfaction that dust generated by
grading activities shall comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 403
and the City Municipal Code requirements that require regular watering for the control of dust.
Mitigation Measure AQ-7: During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing,
all excavating and grading activities shall cease when winds gusts (as instantaneous gusts) exceed
25 mph. To assure compliance with this measure, grading activities are subject to per iodic
inspections by City staff.
Mitigation Measure AQ-8: During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing,
construction equipment shall be kept in proper operating condition, including proper engine tuning
and exhaust control systems.
Mitigation Measure N-1: During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing,
storage piles and unpaved disturbed areas shall be continuously stabilized or covered when material
is not being added to or removed from the pile.
Mitigation Measure N-2: Place all stationary construction equipment so that emitted noise is
directed away from sensitive receptors nearest the project site. Non-noise producing equipment,
such as trailers, may be located as a sound barrier between the stationary noise sources and sensitive
receptors.
Mitigation Measure N-3: Locate equipment staging in areas that will create the greatest distance
between construction-related noise sources and noise-sensitive receptors during all project
construction.
Mitigation Measure N-4: Construct a temporary sound barrier/wall. The temporary construction
barriers can use particle boards or gypsum boards, with no gaps or holes in them that could
potentially deteriorate the noise attenuation effect.
Mitigation Measure N-5: Unless safety provisions require otherwise, adjust all audible back-up
alarms at the lowest volume appropriate for safety purposes.
Mitigation Measure N-6: Include sound-deadening material (e.g., apply wood or rubber liners to
metal bin impact surfaces) to line or cover hoppers, storage bins, and chutes.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 29 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 26 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Mitigation Measure N-7: When feasible to do so, the construction contractor shall provide staging
areas on-site to minimize off-site transportation of heavy construction equipment. These areas shall
be located to maximize the distance between staging activities and neighboring properties.
Mitigation Measure N-8: Use noise attenuating shields, shrouds, or portable barriers or encloses
to reduce operating noise of noise producing equipment, such as jackhammers and pavement
breakers.
In addition, the City’s COAs serve to reduce potential environmental impacts. Examples of COAs
that could be applicable to future development facilitated by the Revised Project include specific
architectural design and siting requirements dependent on the type of development; compliance
with established days and hours of construction; requirements for building height, setback and
building area certifications; submittal of landscaping and foliage plans and specifications; and
requirements regarding appropriate construction methods and standards in addition to the necessary
construction permits and approvals. In addition, when an application requiring discretionary
approval is reviewed the City generally will require project-specific COAs to minimize
environmental impacts along with any relevant mitigation measures identified through the CEQA
process.
Required Approvals
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes City Council will consider making a determination that the
Negative Declaration adopted in August, 2022 as amended by Addendum 1 adequately assessed
the environmental impacts from the adoption and implementation of the Revised Housing Element
and the components of the Revised Project after receiving the Planning Commission’s
recommendation. After adoption of the Revised Housing Element, the element will be submitted
to HCD to determine compliance with State law. The General Plan Land Use Element and Zoning
Code amendments would go into effect 30 days after the 2nd reading of the resolution. After
adoption of the Local Coastal Program amendments, the program would be reviewed by the Coastal
Commission.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 30 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 27 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Environmental Analysis
I. Aesthetics
Issues
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
AESTHETICS—Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? ☐ ☒
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including but not
limited to trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings
within a state scenic highway?
☐ ☒
c) In non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing
visual character or quality of public views of the site and its
surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced
from publicly accessible vantage point.) If the project is in
an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable
zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality?
☐ ☒
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare that would
adversely affect daytime or nighttime views in the area? ☐ ☒
Discussion
a) & c) The City is mostly built-out, with only a few vacant developable lots scattered throughout
the City, mostly within existing residential tracts, which can accommodate new development. As
shown in Figure 1 of the City’s Visual Resources Element of the General Plan, there are multiple
scenic vistas and view corridors throughout the city, primarily centered around canyons, ridgelines,
sea cliffs, and coastal areas.6 In addition, the City’s General Plan identifies Palos Verdes Drive,
Western Avenue, Hawthorne and Crenshaw Boulevards, Crest and Highridge Road, and Miraleste
Drive as vehicular view corridors.7
The Revised Project consists of modifications to the housing sites inventory and implementation
programs and includes the General Plan, zoning and Local Coastal Program amendments needed
to facilitate the residential development required to meet the City’s 6th Cycle RHNA. As with the
Approved Project, various housing sites identified in the Revised Project are located within
designated view and vehicular view corridors and scenic vistas, including but not limited to those
located along Western Avenue, Hawthorne Avenue, and near Long Point and Point Vicente along
Palos Verdes Drive. The new housing site (Site 15) along Silver Spur Road is not located within a
designated scenic vista or view corridor.8
As part of the Housing Element planning process, the City identified candidate housing sites based
on criteria, which considered a range of factors, including identifying properties that could
6 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Visual Resources Element;
Figure 1 Visual Resources. Accessed December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12622/XI-
Visual-Resources.
7 City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Visual Resources Element. Accessed March 2024.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12622/XI-Visual-Resources.
8 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Visual Resources Element.
Accessed December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12622/XI-Visual-Resources.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 31 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 28 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
accommodate adequate building heights without impacting adjacent residential views.9 In response
to HCD’s October 2022 comment letter on the Approved Housing Element, the City contracted
with Dudek to conduct a refined site-by-site analysis (Dudek Study) of the development capacity
of the housing sites, including the new housing site (Site 15), when applying the proposed MUOD,
ROD, and RM-22 rezoning (Appendix F of the Revised Housing Element).10 The Dudek Study
included an analysis of each housing site’s potential impacts to adjacent residential properties given
the City’s existing view preservation regulations. The Dudek Study identified the potential
maximum building height for each site, calculated as the potential approximate vertical clearance
between the average elevation of the parcel and the average elevation of adjacent residential
properties located uphill to be able to preserve a “view” from the residential properties to a nearby
“scene” as defined by Municipal Code section 17.02.040. To demonstrate the development capacity
for each site, the Dudek Study identified the percentage of the site that is developable, primarily
considering steep slopes as a limiting factor; the maximum recommended residential density based
on analysis of the topography of the site and surrounding properties to avoid view obstructions; the
recommended new zoning category; and the type of building that was te sted to fit on the site if
zoned as recommended.
Based on the Dudek Study, development of the 31 identified housing sites at the allowable heights
in the MUOD, ROD, and RM-22 was determined to not significantly affect scenic vistas and views.
Future development of the housing sites would be considered urban infill development, where
future development facilitated by the Revised Project would be of similar in use as existing
residential and mixed-use developments. In addition, Housing Sites 23 through 30 of the Revised
Housing Element are located within the High-Quality Transit Area (HQTA) identified along
Western Avenue near the City’s border with the City of San Pedro.11 Per Section 21099(d)(1) of
the CEQA Statute and Senate Bill (SB) 743, aesthetic and parking impacts of a residential, mixed-
use residential, or employment center project on an infill site within a transit priority area shall not
be considered significant impacts on the environment. Therefore, potential aesthetic impacts
associated with future development on Housing Sites 23 through 30 under the Revised Project
would be considered less than significant in accordance with Section 21099(d)(1) of the CEQA
Statute and SB 743.
In addition, future development under the Revised Project would need to demonstrate consistency
with the City’s General Plan, which includes various goals and policies related to the protection
and preservation of vistas and view corridors. Specifically, the Visual Resources Element includes
Policies 4 and 7 through 9, which direct new development and redevelopment to consider
surrounding views and view-corridors during the design phase to minimize impacts as well as
requires aesthetic compatibility with existing neighborhood and/or area character. Additionally, the
Land Use Element includes Goal 2 and Policies 2, 8, 9, and 11, that rely on land use and zoning
9 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2022. Citywide Screening Analysis Criteria Methodology.
10 Dudek, 2023. Rancho Palos Verdes Housing Element Sites Inventory Analysis. Appendix F of the Revised Housing
Element.
11 Southern California Association of the Governments (SCAG), Draft Connect SoCal 2024: 2024 Regional
Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy Data/Map Book for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2022.
Accessed December 2023. https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file-attachments/p0222-rancho-palos-
verdes.pdf?1655313774.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 32 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 29 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
controls to minimize impacts to scenic resources by guiding appropriate development and building
design and heights.
The proposed MUOD and ROD ordinances have been developed to be consistent with these
General Plan goals and policies with building heights that would meet the intent of these goals and
policies to preserve views and view-corridors. The proposed MUOD and ROD ordinances would
include development standards, such as setbacks, heights, articulation, and open space
requirements, to ensure compatibility with the existing landscape and visual character. The
development standards of the proposed MUOD and ROD ordinances would create visual interest
and variation through building articulation, setbacks, and height differences within and along scenic
and scenic vehicular corridors. Future development under the MUOD and ROD ordinances would
be designed in accordance with these development standards, which in turn would minimize visual
impacts consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan.
Future development on the two parcels proposed be rezoned to RM-22 (Housing Sites 16 and 17)
under the Revised Project would be designed in accordance with the RM-22 zoning development
standards, which allow maximum building heights of 36 feet as well as establish setback, lot size,
open space, and parking requirements. While maximum allowable heights would be increased on
these two parcels, the Dudek Study determined that an increase in allowable building height would
not result in any significant impacts to views or vistas since neither of these housing sites are located
within a City designated view corridor or vista and these areas of the City are already highly
developed where future development would be generally consistent with other residential uses.
In addition to the City’s General Plan, the City has additional guidelines and plans that address
visual resources throughout the city. These include the Guidelines and Procedures for
Neighborhood Compatibility; the Coastal Specific Plan; and the Western Avenue Vision Plan and
Western Avenue Corridor Street Enhancement Strategy.12 Future projects would be required to
comply with the requirements of these guidelines and plans, as applicable. Compliance with the
General Plan and other relevant guidelines and plans as well as the development standards in the
proposed MUOD and ROD ordinance would ensure high-quality development throughout the City
that would not have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista, or substantially degrade or
damage the visual character or visual resources in the area. Therefore, based upon the information
currently available, future development resulting from the Revised Project would not result in
significant impacts to scenic vistas/views or degrade the visual character or scenic quality of the
City. Thus, no new or substantially more severe impacts would occur than anticipated by the
adopted ND for the Approved Project.
b) There are no state designated scenic highways within or in the vicinity to the City; the portion
Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) in the City of Long Beach is the closest eligible state scenic
highway, approximately 10 miles east of the City.13 As such, future development under the Revised
Project would not substantially damage scenic resources within the viewshed of a designated State
12 The City’s View Restoration and Preservation Ordinance only applies to single family residential zoning and does
not apply to multifamily residential zoning.
13 Caltrans, 2024. California State Scenic Highway System Map – City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Accessed March
2024. https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d807c46cc8e8057116f1aacaa.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 33 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 30 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
scenic highway. Therefore, no impact would occur with implementation of the Revised Project. No
new or substantially more severe impacts would occur than anticipated by the adopted ND for the
Approved Project.
d) Future development of the Revised Project could introduce new sources of light and/or glare
within the City. Future development of the housing sites would be considered urban infill
development in areas that are currently urbanized and commonly experience the impacts of existing
light sources. Future development under the Revised Project would be designed and constructed in
accordance with Chapter 17.56 of the City’s Municipal Code, which would prevent light spillover
and the use of materials that would create new glare. Furthermore, the California Building Code
(CBC), which the City has adopted by reference into its Municipal Code, has several development
standards to control lighting. In accordance with the CBC, future development under the Revised
Project would require minimum light intensities for pedestrian pathways, circulation ways, parking
lots, and paths of egress for safety and wayfinding. CBC Section 130.3 requires that sign lighting
for any outdoor sign that is on during both day and nighttime hours must include a minimum 65
percent dimming at night. All exterior lighting associated with future development under the
Revised Project would comply with the CBC, which would minimize light and glare effects.
Therefore, based upon the information currently available, future development under the Revised
Project would not result in any significant impacts related to light and glare. Thus, no new or
substantially more severe impacts would occur than anticipated by the adopted ND for the
Approved Project.
II. Agriculture and Forestry Resources
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST RESOURCES—Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of
Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps
prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring
Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-
agricultural use?
☐ ☒
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a
Williamson Act contract? ☐ ☒
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest
land (as defined in Public Resources Code section
12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources
Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland
Production (as defined by Government Code section
51104(g))?
☐ ☒
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land
to non-forest use? ☐ ☒
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which,
due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of
Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest
land to non-forest use?
☐ ☒
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 34 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 31 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Discussion
a)–e) As indicated in the Land Use Element, there is no designated forest land or agriculture uses
within the City’s limits; however, non-commercial agricultural use is permitted in all single-family
residential and certain open space land use designation.14 According to the California Williamson
Act Enrollment Finder website, there are no active Williamson Act contracts or designated
agricultural land enrolled in the 2022 Williamson Act Enrollment within the city.15 The adopted
IS/MND for the City’s General Plan Update identified that an open space area designated as a
future park includes agricultural uses.16 This 17-acre open space area is undeveloped and lies over
an active landslide area. The City has an in-concept plan for the area to be developed as an access
point to the City’s Open Space Preserve area. This area is not used for agricultural use and the City
does not have future plans for agricultural purposes.17
None of the housing sites, including the new Site 15, identified in the Revised Housing Element
are located in the area for the future park or on areas currently used or proposed for agricultural
purposes. In addition, the Revised Project, would not change any agricultural and forestry resources
zoning in the City. Thus, as with the Approved Project, future development under the Revised
Project would not impact any existing designated agricultural lands or forest lands or resources,
lands with an active Williamson Act contract, or properties zoned as Timberland Production. Thus,
the Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more severe significant agricultural or
forestry impacts compared with the Approved Project.
III. Air Quality
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
AIR QUALITY—Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air
quality plan? ☐ ☒
b) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any
criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-
attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air
quality standard?
☐ ☒
c) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant
concentrations? ☐ ☒
d) Result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors)
adversely affecting a substantial number of people? ☐ ☒
14 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Land Use Element. Accessed
December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12620/VIII-Land-Use.
15 California Department of Conservation (DOC), California Williamson Act Enrollment Finder, 2022. Accessed
January 2024. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/WilliamsonAct/App/index.html.
16 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes’ General Plan Update, 2018. Accessed January 2024.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12282/Initial-Study-2018-August.
17 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan Update Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration, 2018. Accessed December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12282/Initial-Study-
2018-August.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 35 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 32 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Discussion
a) As indicated in the adopted ND, the City is located within the 6,745-square-mile South Coast
Air Basin (SCAB), which is regulated and monitored by the South Coast Air Quality Management
District (SCAQMD). SCAQMD is responsible for measuring the air quality of the region. The
SCAB is classified as a Federal nonattainment area for ozone (O3), particulate matter less than 2.5
microns (PM2.5) and lead (Pb) (southern Los Angeles County portion) and a state nonattainment
area for O3, PM2.5, and particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10). Since adoption of the ND,
SCAQMD adopted the 2022 Air Quality Management Plan (2022 AQMP) on December 2, 2022.
The 2022 AQMP outlines the air pollution control measures needed to meet Federal PM2.5 and O3
standards. The 2022 AQMP includes policies and measures to achieve Federal standards for
healthful air quality in the Basin. The 2022 AQMP addresses several Federal planning requirements
and incorporates updated emissions inventories, ambient measurements, meteorological data, an d
air quality modeling tools from earlier AQMPs.18
State CEQA Guidelines Section 15125 requires an analysis of a project’s potential conflict with
applicable governmental plans and policies. In accordance with the SCAQMD’s CEQA Air Quality
Handbook, two criteria were used to evaluate the Revised Project’s potential to conflict with the
SCAQMD’s 2022 AQMP.
Criterion No. 1
The first criterion evaluates the potential for a project to result in an increase in the frequency or
severity of existing air quality violations or cause or contribute to new violations or delay the timely
attainment of air quality standards of the interim emissions reductions specified in the AQMP. The
SCAQMD numerical significance thresholds for construction and operational emissions are
designed for the analysis of individual projects and not for long-term planning documents, such as
the Revised Project. Emissions are dependent on the exact size, nature, and location of an individual
land use type, combined with reductions in localized impacts from the removal of existing land use
types, as applicable (i.e., conversion of commercial or industrial uses to residential uses).
Construction
Construction of future development facilitated by Revised Project would generate air pollutant
emissions through the use of heavy-duty construction equipment. Details necessary to provide a
meaningful quantitative estimate of construction emissions would be speculative, as specific sites,
buildings and uses to be constructed or modified, construction schedules, and quantities of
earthmoving are unknown. Because this information is unknown, construction emissions modeling
is not feasible and would be speculative.
Nonetheless, construction of future development that would occur as a result of the Revised Project
would be limited in extent and duration and would emit air pollutants on short-term and temporary
basis. Construction truck fleets would be required to comply with the Advanced Clean Trucks
regulation, which was approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in June 2020 and
18 South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), 2022 Air Quality Management Plan, 2022. Accessed
December 2023. https://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/clean-air-plans/air-quality-management-plans/2022-
air-quality-management-plan/final-2022-aqmp/02-cover-and-opening-pages.pdf?sfvrsn=8.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 36 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 33 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
mandates zero-emission vehicle sales requirements for truck manufacturers and a one-time
reporting requirement for large entities and fleets.19 The regulation is designed to accelerate
widespread adoption of zero emission vehicles in the medium- and heavy-duty truck sector to
reduce on-road mobile source emissions on the path to carbon neutrality by 2045. In addition, trucks
would be required to comply with the CARB Airborne Toxic Control Measure to limit heavy-duty
diesel motor vehicle idling, which would reduce fuel combustion and associated emissions (Title
13 California Code of Regulations, Section 2485). In addition to limiting exhaust from idling
trucks, CARB also promulgated emission standards for off-road diesel construction equipment of
greater than 25 horsepower such as bulldozers, loaders, backhoes and cranes, as well as many other
self-propelled off-road diesel vehicles. The regulation adopted by the CARB on July 26, 2007,
reduces emissions by requiring the installation of diesel soot filters and the retirement, replacement,
or repowering of older, dirtier engines with newer emission control models (13 CCR, Section
2449). The compliance schedule requires construction equipment fleets to fully meet emissions
standards by 2023 in all equipment for large and medium fleets and by 2028 for small fleets.
Emission reduction measures generally consistent with the City’s General Plan IS/MND, Safety
Element Policy 35, Chapter 17.56 (Environmental Protection) of the Municipal Code, and the
City’s COAs could include the use of construction equipment certified to meet the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and CARB Tier 4 Final emissions standards, which
substantially reduces exhaust emissions of NOX, PM10, and PM2.5. Emissions of VOCs could be
reduced through the use of low-VOC containing architectural coatings. As such, construction
emissions from future development under the Revised Project would be reduced to below project-
level significance and not result in an increase in the frequency or severity of existing air quality
violations or cause or contribute to new violations or delay the timely attainment of air quality
standards.
Operation
The Revised Project would allow for an increase in residential units and non -residential square
footage that would occur as infill development throughout the City. Although operational details
of any future projects are unknown, future development facilitated by the Revised Project would
result in air pollutant emissions from building energy demand from new residential and limited
non-residential uses (e.g., residential-serving retail or commercial uses) and on-going
transportation emissions from vehicles traveling to and from the new residential and limited non-
residential uses. Future infill development of residential and limited residential-serving retail or
commercial uses would not be anticipated to require large stationary sources of emissions nor
generate substantial emissions from building energy demand as compliance with the Title 24
Building Energy Efficiency Standards would minimize building energy. Future infill development
of residential and limited residential-serving retail or commercial uses would also not be anticipated
to result in substantial increases in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and associated vehicle emissions.
The housing sites were identified to locate higher-density and mixed- use developments in infill
locations near other uses that would help to reduce VMT within the city.
19 California Air Resources Board (CARB), 2024. Advanced Clean Trucks. Accessed March 2024.
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/advanced-clean-trucks.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 37 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 34 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Therefore, operational emissions from buildout of the residential units and associated non-
residential floor area over time would not generate air pollutant emissions that would exceed the
project-level significance thresholds and not result in an increase in the frequency or severity of
existing air quality violations or cause or contribute to new violations or delay the timely attainment
of air quality standards. Based on the above, the Revised Project would not result in new significant
environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant
effects related to conflicts with or obstruction of the 2022 AQMP.
Criterion No. 2
With respect to the second criterion for determining consistency with AQMP growth assumptions,
the projections in the AQMP for achieving air quality goals are based on anticipated growth
regarding population and housing. Determining whether or not a project exceeds the assumptions
reflected in the AQMP involves the evaluation of consistency with applicable population, housing,
and employment growth projections and appropriate incorporation of AQMP control measure s.
Construction
Future development under the Revised Project would be required to comply with CARB’s
requirements to minimize short-term emissions from on-road and off-road diesel equipment,
including the Airborne Toxic Control Measure to limit heavy-duty diesel motor vehicle idling to
no more than five minutes at a location (Title 13 California Code of Regulations, Section 2485)
and SCAQMD regulations such as Rule 403 for controlling fugitive dust and Rule 1113 for
controlling VOC emissions from architectural coatings. The City’s COAs also require
implementation of dust control techniques, such as screening or watering, during grading and
compliance with SCAQMD Rule 445 regarding wood-burning devices. Compliance with these
measures and requirements would be consistent with and meet or exceed the AQMP compliance
requirements for control strategies intended to reduce emissions from construction equipment and
activities.
Construction of future development under the Revised Project would facilitate an increase in short-
term employment compared to existing conditions. Although any future construction facilitated by
the Revised Project would generate construction workers, it would be unlikely to create a
substantial number of new construction jobs; construction-related jobs generated by the future
development under the Revised Project would likely be filled by employees within the construction
industry in the greater Los Angeles County region. Construction industry jobs generally have no
regular place of business, as construction workers commute to job sites throughout the region,
which may change several times a year. Moreover, these jobs would be temporary, lasting only
through the duration of construction. As such, the Project would not result in an unanticipated
increase in population or jobs in the City.
Operation
Operation of future development under the Revised Project would be required to comply with
CARB motor vehicle standards, SCAQMD regulations for stationary sources and architectural
coatings, and applicable building energy standards including the Title 24 Building Energy
Efficiency Standards Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and the California Green Building Standards
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 38 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 35 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Code (CALGreen Code)_(Title 24, Part 11). The 2022 AQMP also includes land use and
transportation strategies that are intended to reduce VMT and resulting regional mobile-source
emissions.
Future development under the Revised Project would provide opportunities for building energy
conservation to meet and exceed required building energy standards to conserve energy and reduce
associated emissions. The Revised Housing Element includes Program #24, which incentives
participation in the City’s Green Building Construction Program by offering permit streamlining
and up to 50 percent rebates for Planning and Building fees. In addition, future development would
also be required to demonstrate consistency with the City’s General Plan goals and policies related
to energy efficiency and usage, including but not limited to Policies 34 and 35 from the Circulation
Element; Policies 29, 38, and 39 of the Safety Element; and Policy 6 of the Land Use Element, to
reduce building energy demand and improve energy conservation.
The Revised Project would promote mixed-use development as residential-serving uses would be
allowed with residential uses. Mixed-use development encourages reduced vehicle trips and VMT
as people may be able to obtain goods and services from co-located or nearby residential serving
retail uses without the need to generate passenger vehicle trips. The creation of the MUOD and
ROD overlay control districts would locate higher-density residential development in close
proximity to services and retail uses, which would serve to reduce future impacts to air quality by
reducing vehicle trips and VMT as people would live closer to existing commercial and retail goods
and services from co-located or nearby residential serving retail uses and closer to existing
employment areas within and around the City. Thus, the Project would result in a land use pattern
that would allow development that would reduce transportation-related emissions.
The AQMP is based on population, employment and VMT forecasts informed by the Southern
California Association of Governments (SCAG). A project might be in conflict with the AQMP if
the development’s growth is greater than that anticipated in the local general plan and SCAG’s
growth projections. In 2022, the City’s population was estimated at approximately 40,527 people.20
SCAG’s 2020 Connect SoCal projects the City’s population to increase to approximately 43,000
people by 2045.21 As discussed above, the Revised Project accommodates for population growth
by increasing residential density in infill locations and allowing for increased multi-family housing
units. The City is generally built out; thus, densification of infill sites with multi-family housing
units accommodates growth in an efficient manner, since mixed-use infill development encourages
reduced vehicle trips and VMT.
Based on the City’s average household size of 2.67 persons per household in 2020, a population
increase of approximately 2,190 people could be generated under the 80 percent buildout scenario
of the Revised Housing Element. Based on this, the City’s population under the Revised Project
could be approximately 42,717 residents, which would be within SCAG’s 2020 Connect SoCal
2045 projections. Therefore, the Revised Project would not result in new significant environmental
20 United States Census Bureau, 2024. QuickFacts: Rancho Palos Verdes City, California. Accessed March 2024.
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ranchopalosverdescitycalifornia/PST045222#PST045222
21 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), 2020. Connect SoCal - Jurisdiction-Level Growth
Forecast. Accessed March 2024. https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file-
attachments/0903fconnectsocal_demographics-and-growth-forecast.pdf?1606001579.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 39 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 36 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects related to
conflicts with or obstruction of AQMP control measures or anticipated growth.
b) & c) As discussed above, construction of future development resulting from the Revised Project
would generate localized air pollutant emissions from the use of heavy-duty construction
equipment. Fugitive dust emissions would result from demolition and earthmoving activities.
Details necessary to provide a meaningful quantitative estimate of construction emissions would be
speculative, as which specific sites, buildings and uses to be constructed or modified, construction
schedules, and quantities of earthmoving are unknown at this time. Because this information is
unknown, construction emissions modeling is not feasible and would be speculative.
Temporary construction associated with future development under the Revised Project would not
be concentrated in any one location and would occur in various places in the city with individual
projects occurring at different times and, thus, would not expose any one sensitive receptor location
to substantial localized emissions. Construction emissions would also be controlled via compliance
with applicable regulations and General Plan policies and adopted IS/MND MMRP. Construction
truck fleets would be required to comply with the Advanced Clean Trucks regulation,22 which
accelerates the widespread adoption of zero emission vehicles in the medium- and heavy-duty truck
sector to reduce on-road mobile source emissions on the path to carbon neutrality by 2045. In
addition, trucks would be required to comply with the CARB Airborne Toxic Control Measure to
limit heavy-duty diesel motor vehicle idling, which would reduce fuel combustion and associated
emissions (Title 13 California Code of Regulations, Section 2485). Heavy-duty construction
equipment fleets would also be required to comply with the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets
Regulation, which reduces emissions by requiring the installation of diesel soot filters and the
retirement, replacement, or repowering of older, dirtier engines with newer emission control models
(13 CCR, Section 2449). The compliance schedule requires construction equipment fleets to fully
meet emissions standards by 2023 in all equipment for large and medium fleets and by 2028 for
small fleets.
In addition, future development under the Revised Project would be required to comply with
SCAQMD regulations such as Rule 403 for controlling fugitive dust and Rule 1113 for controlling
VOC emissions from architectural coatings. Future development would also be required to
incorporate (as applicable) emission reduction measures generally consistent with the City’s
General Plan IS/MND, Safety Element Policy 35, and Chapter 17.56 (Environmental Protection)
of the Municipal Code. Such measures could include the use of construction equipment certified to
meet the USEPA and CARB Tier 4 Final emissions standards, which substantially reduces exhaust
emissions of NOX, PM10, and PM2.5. The City’s COAs also require implementation of dust
control techniques, such as screening or watering, during grading and compliance with SCAQMD
Rule 445 regarding wood-burning devices. As such, construction emissions from future
development under the Revised Project would not be anticipated to exceed project-level
significance and would not result in an increase in a cumulatively considerable increase in
nonattainment pollutants.
22 California Air Resources Board (CARB), 2024. Advanced Clean Trucks. Accessed March 2024.
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/advanced-clean-trucks.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 40 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 37 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Regulatory compliance along with consistency with the City’s General Plan policies and IS/MND
MMRP, Municipal Code, and COAs would be effective in reducing construction emissions from
future development to a level below the significance thresholds. Implementation of the Revised
Project would not result in new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the
severity of previously identified significant effects related to a cumulatively considerable increase
in nonattainment pollutants or localized construction emissions.
With regard to operation, future residential projects implemented under the Revised Project would
generate localized air pollutant emissions associated with generating building energy demand, and
landscaping equipment. As previously indicated, the specific size, location, timing, and operation
of such future projects are unknown and quantification of localized operational emissions from
individual projects would not be feasible and would be speculative.
Nonetheless, the future development of multi-family dwelling units and limited non-residential
uses (i.e., ground-floor retail or commercial uses) within the various identified areas located
throughout the city would not include uses that would generate substantial sources of operational
emissions. These uses are not associated with large stationary sources of emissions such as
industrial-sized boilers. Furthermore, any miscellaneous trucks, such as moving trucks and parcel
delivery trucks, would be subject to the five-minute regulatory idling limitation and would be
required to comply with the applicable provisions of the CARB 13 CCR, Section 2025 (Truck and
Bus regulation) to minimize and reduce PM and NOX emissions from existing diesel trucks.
Operation of future residential and limited non-residential uses would result in minimal emissions
from maintenance or other ongoing activities and use of architectural coatings and household
cleaning products.
Future development under the Revised Project would provide opportunities for building energy
conservation to meet and exceed required Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards to
conserve energy and reduce associated emissions. The Revised Housing Element includes Program
#24, which encourages participation in the City’s Green Building Construction Program by offering
permit streamlining and up to 50 percent rebates for Planning and Building fees. In addition, the
City’s Safety Element includes Policies 29, 38, and 39 to reduce building energy demand and
improve energy conservation. The Revised Project would promote mixed-use development as
residential-serving uses would be allowed with residential uses. Mixed-use development
encourages reduced vehicle trips and VMT as people may be able to obtain goods and services
from co-located or nearby residential serving retail uses without the need to generate passenger
vehicle trips. The creation of the MUOD and ROD overlay control districts would locate higher-
density residential development in close proximity to services and retail uses, which would serve
to reduce future impacts to air quality by reducing vehicle trips and VMT as people would live
closer to existing commercial and retail goods and services from co-located or nearby residential
serving retail uses and closer to existing employment areas within and around the City. Thus, the
Project would result in a land use pattern that would allow development that would reduce
transportation-related emissions.
Regulatory compliance along with implementation of General Plan policies would be effective in
reducing operational emissions from future development and associated non -residential
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 41 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 38 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
development to a level below the significance thresholds. Implementation of the Revised Project
would not result in new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity
of previously identified significant effects related to a cumulatively considerable increase in
nonattainment pollutants or localized operational emissions. No new or substantially more severe
impacts would occur than anticipated by the adopted ND for the Approved Project.
d) Similar to the Approved Project, the Revised Project provides the City’s approach to meeting
the City’s RHNA through the 6th Cycle planning period and includes the General Plan, Local
Coastal Plan and zoning amendments, all of which would result in a combination of residential and
mixed-use developments. As such, implementation of the Revised Project would not result in a new
land uses that are typically associated with the creation of objectionable odors (such as rendering
plants, landfills, treatment plants, etc.). Therefore, the Revised Project would not result in new or
substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
IV. Biological Resources
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES—Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through
habitat modifications, on any species identified as a
candidate, sensitive, or special-status species in local or
regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California
Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service?
☐ ☒
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or
other sensitive natural community identified in local or
regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the California
Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service?
☐ ☒
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected
wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal,
etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption,
or other means?
☐ ☒
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native
resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with
established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
☐ ☒
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting
biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or
ordinance?
☐ ☒
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan,
or other approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan?
☐ ☒
Discussion
a)–f) The City’s Natural Community Conservation Plan and Habitat Conservation Plan
(NCCP/HCP) identifies enhancement and preservation areas within the City and provides for
protection and management of diverse natural wildlife while allowing for compatible public use
and appropriate development growth. Figure 4-2 of the City’s NCCP/HCP shows the designated
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 42 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 39 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
preservation properties throughout the City that are subject to the requirements of the City’s
NCCP/HCP.23 In addition, the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve (Nature Preserve), a designated nature
preserve, is located primarily in the center of the City around and inland from Portuguese Point and
Inspiration Point (see Figure 5, Biotic Resources, of the Conservation and Open Space Element).24
The Nature Preserve was created to conserve and re-vegetate sensitive native habitats and provide
adequate habitat linkages between patches of conserved lands.
As part of the Housing Element planning process, the City identified candidate housing sites based
on criteria, which excluded potential sites that were located within or in close proximity to habitat
conservation or preserved nature areas, especially along Palos Verdes Drive South. Therefore,
based on the City’s screening criteria, none of the 31 housing sites identified in the Revised Housing
Element are located on the designated preservation properties identified in the City’s NCCP/HCP.25
The majority of the housing sites identified in the Revised Housing Element are not located near
the Nature Preserve or designated open spaces. While Sites 3, 5, 6, 17, 18, and 19 are located near
the Nature Preserve or open space areas, these sites are separated from the Nature Preserve by
existing development and roadways and changes in topography. In addition, none of the housing
sites are located on or near areas mapped as wetlands or riparian areas.26
Implementation of the Revised Project would locate future residential growth primarily on
developed, underused sites and on a few select vacant parcels (Sites 4, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18 and
29) within the City. Future development under the Revised Project on currently developed sites
would not cause significant changes to the diversity or number of species of plants or animals, or
in the deterioration of existing wildlife habitat as these sites have already been disturbed and are
within an urban, developed landscaped. The vacant parcels are also located within urban, developed
areas with no direct connections to designated open space or Nature Preserve areas. No riparian
habitat, wetlands, wildlife corridors or nurseries are anticipated to be affected with future
development under the Revised Project. Future development under the Revised Project would be
required to comply with applicable Federal and State agencies’ policies, plans, and regulations
established to protect biological resources, such as but not limited to the Federal and California
Endangered Species Acts, Clean Water Act, Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulations.
In addition, future development under the Revised Project would be required to be consistent with
the General Plan policies and requirements in the Municipal Code as they relate to the protection
and preservation of biological resources. Future development would be required to demonstrate
consistency with the goals and policies of the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s
General Plan, especially Policy 15, which requires preparation of a site-specific landscape plan to
23 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2019. City of Rancho Palos Verdes Final Natural Community Conservation Plan and
Habitat Conservation Plan. Figure 4-2 Preservation Properties. Accessed March 2024.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17121/NCCPHCP.
24 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Conservation and Open Space
Element; Figure 5, Biotic Resources. Accessed January 2024.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12625/2018-General-Plan.
25 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2022. Citywide Screening Analysis Criteria Methodology.
26 United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2024. National Wetlands Inventory. Accessed March 2024.
https://fwsprimary.wim.usgs.gov/wetlands/apps/wetlands-mapper/
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 43 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 40 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
demonstrate the enhancement and protection of natural vegetation, selection of new complementing
vegetation, and enhancement of environmental factors. In addition, future development would be
required to comply with Municipal Code Chapter 17.56 (Environmental Protection) includes
requirements related to construction equipment and site maintenance, including the use of
temporary fencing and removal of trash and debris, orientation and shielding of exterior lighting
for residential uses to minimize light pollution and spillover, and established construction hours to
minimize direct and indirect impacts to biological resources. Therefore, future development of the
housing sites identified in the Revised Project would not result in any significant impacts to
biological resources. The Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more severe
significant biological resources impacts compared with the Approved Project.
V. Cultural Resources
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
CULTURAL RESOURCES—Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a
historical resource as defined in §15064.5? ☐ ☒
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of
an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5? ☐ ☒
c) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside
of formal cemeteries? ☐ ☒
Discussion
a) & b) The Conservation and Open Space Element identifies the grove of trees planted at Ryan
Park; Malaga Cove Library; the lighthouse at Point Vicente, which has guided sailors since 1924
and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980; Portuguese Bend, which served
as a pick-up point for smuggling operations when the land was ruled by Spanish viceroys; Villa
Francesca (i.e., the peppertree gatehouse to the Portuguese Bend community), which was placed
on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986; the estate of Frank Vanderlip, principal founder
and developer of much of the Palos Verdes Peninsula; the Harden Estate (i.e., the Portuguese Point
gatehouse); the Portuguese Bend Riding Club and stables, which serves as the hub of a social sector
in the area; and Wayfarers Chapel, which was designed by Lloyd Wright, son of the renowned
American architectural pioneer Frank Lloyd Wright, and placed on the National Register of
Historic Places in 2005. These sites and structures represent the major historical points in Rancho
Palos Verdes. Several other features, such as the Narcissa gatehouse to Portuguese Bend, a re also
well known, but they are more points of interest than points of historical significance, given the
criteria promulgated in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
As with the Housing Element, under the Revised Project future housing units would be evenly
distributed in the eastern and western portions of the city, and the housing sites were identified
based on available information and with consideration of known environmental constraints,
including historic resources. Screening of the sites and the areas for rezoning included
consideration of historic resources. Based on the analysis, none of the sites that would be
redeveloped for housing or areas that would be rezoned are located on known historic sites or within
0.25 mile radius of a resource.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 44 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 41 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
With regard to archaeological resources, several significant archaeological sites are known to exist
within the City. The coastal area within the City is considered archaeologically sensitive and is
designated with an Overlay Control District in the General Plan. As indicated previously, the
housing sites were identified with consideration of known resources and none of the housing sites
are located in areas with known archaeological resources. In addition, future development in the
City would be required to comply with the General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element
Policies 29, 30, and 31, which encourage the identification and preservation of archaeologically
sensitive areas and sites in the city and requires sharing cultural resources information with the
appropriate information centers.
Based on the available information and methodology for housing sites selection, it is anticipated
that the Revised Project would result in a less than significant impact on historic and archaeological
resources. With these safeguards in place, implementation of the Revised Project would not result
in impacts related to historic resources, similar to the Approved Project. The Revised Project would
not result in new or substantially more severe significant cultural resources impacts compared with
the Approved Project.
c) With regard to human remains, outside of the Green Hills Memorial Cemetery, there are no
known sites with human remains that would be disturbed as a result of the Revised Project.
However, if human remains were to be discovered as part of construction or other ground-
disturbing activities, the City would be notified and work would immediately halt in accordance
with applicable regulations. The County coroner would be notified according to California Public
Resources Code Section 5097.98 and California Health and Safety Code Section 70850.5. If the
remains are determined to be Native American, the coroner would notify the Native American
Heritage Commission and the procedures outlined in CEQA Section 15064.5(d) and (e) would be
followed. Therefore, as with the Approved Project, the Revised Project would result in less than
significant impacts to human remains. The Revised Project would not result in new or substantially
more severe impacts regarding human remains compared with the Approved Project.
VI. Energy
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
ENERGY—Would the project:
a) Result in potentially significant environmental impact due to
wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy
resources, during project construction or operation?
☐ ☒
b) Conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable
energy or energy efficiency? ☐ ☒
Discussion
a) & b) The future development facilitated by the Revised Project would be infill development and
would occur primarily on developed and underutilized parcels and on a few vacant parcels within
the City. While the construction and operation of future development under the Revised Project
would increase energy use in the City, future development would be required to comply with all
applicable Federal, State, and local policies, plans, and regulations to conserve and reduce energy
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 45 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 42 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
usage. During construction, contractors would be required to comply with the CARB regulations
that restrict the idling of heavy-duty diesel motor vehicles and govern the accelerated retrofitting,
repowering, or replacement of heavy-duty diesel on- and off-road equipment to reduce the
inefficient, wasteful, or unnecessary consumption of energy. Future development would be subject
to the energy conservation requirements of the California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6 of the
California Code of Regulations, California’s Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and
Nonresidential Buildings), the CALGreen Code (Title 24, Part 11 of the California Code of
Regulations), and Title 15, Building and Construction, of the City’s Municipal Code.
The California Energy Code, which provides energy conservation standards for all new and
renovated residential buildings, provides guidance on construction techniques to maximize energy
conservation. Minimum efficiency standards are given for a variety of building elements, including
appliances; water and space heating and cooling equipment; and insulation for doors, pipes, walls,
and ceilings. The California Energy Code emphasizes saving energy during peak periods/seasons
and improving the quality of installation of energy efficiency measures. The CALGreen Code sets
targets for energy efficiency; water consumption; dual plumbing systems for potable and recyclable
water; diversion of construction waste from landfills; and use of environmentally sensitive
materials in construction and design, including ecofriendly flooring, carpeting, paint, coatings,
thermal insulation, and acoustical wall and ceiling panels. Future developments would also be
required to comply with various City Municipal Code sections, which set mandatory measures for
installing energy efficient features.
In addition, future development would also be required to demonstrate consistency with the City’s
General Plan goals and policies related to energy efficiency and usage, including but not limited to
Policies 34 and 35 from the Circulation Element; Policies 29, 38, and 39 of the Safety Element;
and Policy 6 of the Land Use Element, listed above. In addition, similar to the Approved Project,
the Revised Project includes Goal 5, which promotes energy conservation for residential buildings,
and Program 24, which incentivizes participation in the City’s Green Building Construction
Program by offering permit streamlining and up to 50 percent rebates for Planning and Building
fees. The redevelopment of properties with implementation of these policies would likely result in
the use of appliances and equipment with newer technology that is more energy efficient.
In addition, the Revised Project encourages opportunities for energy and water conservation and
reduced VMT. Furthermore, incorporating building energy efficiency measures into future
development under the Revised Project would align with building electrification as a major focal
point of State agencies and electric utilities in reaching the State’s renewable energy and GHG
reduction goals. Building energy efficiency measures would lessen the potential for future
development facilitated by the Revised Project to cause substantial strain on the electricity grid
during baseload and peak times as State agencies and electric utility providers continue to work to
strengthen and enhance the electricity grid, increase the supply of renewable electricity, and
enhance grid reliability and resilience. Therefore, consistency with the City’s General Plan goals
and policies, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, requirements, and
codes would ensure that future development that would result under the Revised Project would not
significantly impact energy usage within the City. Therefore, the Revised Project would not result
in new or substantially more severe significant energy impact compared with the Approved Project.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 46 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 43 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
VII. Geology and Soils
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
GEOLOGY and Soils—Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse
effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on
the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning
Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based
on other substantial evidence of a known fault? (Refer
to Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.)
☐ ☒
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? ☐ ☒
iii) Seismic-related ground failure, including liquefaction? ☐ ☒
iv) Landslides? ☐ ☒
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? ☐ ☒
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that
would become unstable as a result of the project, and
potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral
spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse?
☐ ☒
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of
the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks
to life or property?
☐ ☒
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of
septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal systems
where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste
water?
☐ ☒
f) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological
resource or site or unique geologic feature? ☐ ☒
Discussion
a.i)–a.iv) Similar to most areas in Southern California, the City lies within a region known to be
seismically active and is subject to periodic seismic shaking due to earthquakes along remote or
regional faults. Therefore, the potential exists for people and structures in the City to be exposed to
seismic-induced hazards, including the rupture of a known earthquake fault, strong seismic ground
shaking, seismicity-related ground failure, including liquefaction, and landslides. As shown in
Figure 4, Landslides and Liquefaction, of the Safety Element, the majority of landslide risk is
located in the central portion of the city from Crest Road to Portuguese Point and Inspiration Point,
with other landslide areas located around identified canyon areas within the city. The majority of
the City is not located in a liquefaction zone, with the exception of a portion of the eastern area
along Western Avenue.
As part of the Housing Element planning process, the City identified candidate housing sites based
on citywide screening criteria, which considered a range of factors, including identifying properties
located outside of hazards zone, including geologic hazards such as but not limited to coastal sea
cliff erosion zones, landslide areas, liquefaction zones, and steep slope (>25 percent) hazard
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 47 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 44 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
zones.27 The housing sites inventory of the Revised Project was evaluated further in the Dudek
Study, which identified the percentage of the site that is developable, primarily considering steep
slopes as a limiting factor; the maximum recommended residential density based on analysis of the
topography of the site; the recommended new zoning category; and the type of building that was
tested to fit on the site if zoned as recommended. Based on the City’s screening criteria and the
Dudek Study, the 31 housing sites, including the new site (Site 15), of the Revised Project were
identified for future residential development based on low potential for geologic hazards, including
fault rupture, strong seismic ground shaking, liquefaction, and landslides, to occur.
Future development projects that implement the Revised Project would be required to adhere to
requirements contained in the CBC and the City’s seismic building requirements contained in Title
15, Building and Construction, of the City’s Municipal Code. In addition, future projects would be
required to implement the City’s COAs related to engineering and construction methods and
preparation of a geotechnical report. The geotechnical report would be reviewed and approved by
the City’s Geologist prior to obtaining a building permit, which would further help to avoid or
reduce effects associated with geologic hazards. Future development would also be required to
demonstrate consistency with the Safety Element, including Goals 1 and 4 and Policies 2 and 3,
listed above to further minimize effects of geologic hazards. Therefore, due to the geologic
characteristics of the housing sites identified in the Revised Project, compliance with the applicable
Federal, State, and local regulations and standard industry standards and best practices, and
consistency with the City’s General Plan and Municipal Code, future development facilitated by
the Revised Project would not result in any significant impacts related to geologic hazards. The
Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more severe significant geologic hazards
impacts compared with the Approved Project.
b) Ground-disturbance activities (e.g., excavation and grading) associated with demolition of
existing development and construction of new development facilitated by the Revised Project could
result in erosion and topsoil loss. Areas of ground disturbance one acre or greater in size would be
required to comply with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Construction General Permit, which involves implementation of erosion- and sediment-control
Best Management Practices (BMPs) as detailed in a site-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Plan (SWPPP) prepared for the development. The BMPs would prevent erosion from occurring
and would retain any eroded soils within property boundaries. In addition, during construction,
future projects facilitated by the Revised Project would also comply with Chapter 15.04 (Building
Code) of the Municipal Code, which includes protective measures for the City’s stormwater system
against construction erosion, and the City’s NPDES Requirements for Permits in the Public Right
of Way, which requires projects with areas of ground disturbance of 2 acres or more to prepare a
Local (or full) SWPPP and a Wet Weather Erosion Control Plan for projects occurring over winter
months when the frequency of rain events are highest.28
27 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2022. Citywide Screening Analysis Criteria Methodology.
28 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2014. City of Rancho Palos Verdes National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
Requirements for Permits in the Public Right of Way. Accessed March 2024.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5345/NPDES-requirements-PDF
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 48 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 45 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Operation of the future development under the Revised Project would be designed in compliance
with Chapter 13.10 (Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control) of the Municipal Code.
Chapter 13.10 requires incorporation of low-impact (LID) design features and full
hydromodification mitigation for redevelopment projects that alter 50 percent or more of existing
impervious surfaces while redevelopment projects that alter less than 50 percent of existing
impervious surfaces would be required to implement hydromodification mitigation for the altered
area. While future development could increase onsite impervious surfaces, which could increase
stormwater runoff and erosion, compliance with the applicable federal, State, and local laws,
regulations, and policies would require incorporation of operational BMPs, such as permeable
surfaces, bioretention basins, and bioswales, to support groundwater recharge as well as LID design
features to minimize erosion. In addition, once constructed, all future development under the
Revised Project would be required to be landscaped in accordance with the applicable development
standards of the MUOD, ROD, and RM-22 ordinances, which would minimize the potential for
loss of topsoil.
In addition, future projects facilitated by the Revised Project would be required to demonstrate
consistency with the City’s General Plan, including Goal 4 and Policies 3 and 38 of the Safety
Element, and comply with the City’s erosion control plans. Future development would be required
to comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations related to erosion and loss of
topsoil. Compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and requirements related to erosion and
loss of topsoil would ensure that future development facilitated by the Revised Project would not
result in significant impacts related to erosion and loss of topsoil within the City. Therefore, the
Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more severe significant erosion and loss
of topsoil impacts compared with the Approved Project.
c) & d) The City has a history of landslides and has four categories of slope stability.29 As discussed
above, the majority of landslide risk is located in the central portion of the city from Crest Road to
Portuguese Point and Inspiration Point, including the ocean bluffs, with other landslide areas
located around identified canyon areas within the City (Safety Element, Figure 4, Landslides and
Liquefaction). The City has an established Coastal Setback zone along the bluff top where there are
geologic concerns and development is only permitted within the Coastal Setback zone when
additional geologic studies warrant a variance to the requirements of the zone within these areas.30
As discussed above, the sites identified in the Revised Project were selected based on citywide
screening criteria, including identifying properties located outside of hazards zone, including
geologic hazards such as but not limited to coastal sea cliff erosion zones, landslide areas,
liquefaction zones, and steep slope (>25 percent) hazard zones.31 The Dudek Study also identified
the percentage of the site that is developable, primarily considering steep slopes as a limiting factor;
the maximum recommended residential density based on analysis of the topography of the site; the
recommended new zoning category; and the type of building that was tested to fit on the site if
29 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Conservation and Open Space
Element (page COS-10). Accessed January 2024. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12625/2018-
General-Plan.
30 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Ranchos Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Conservation and Open Space
Element (pg. COS-12). Accessed January 2024. rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12625/2018-General-Plan.
31 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2022. Citywide Screening Analysis Criteria Methodology.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 49 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 46 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
zoned as recommended. Based on the Dudek Study, the sites identified in the Revised Project,
including the new site (Site 15), are in areas of low potential for geologic hazards, including
liquefaction, landslides, unstable or expansive soils.
Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would be infill development, as the
properties are located in areas that are generally developed and relatively flat. Future development
would be required to adhere to requirements contained in the CBC and Title 15 (Building and
Construction) of the Municipal Code. Future projects would be required to implement the City’s
COAs related to standard engineering and construction methods as well as the preparation of a site-
specific geotechnical report. The geotechnical report would be reviewed and approved by the City’s
Geologist prior to obtaining a building permit and would include site -specific design and
engineering recommendations to address soil conditions and geologic characteristics to reduce the
effects associated with liquefaction, landslides, and unstable or expansive soils.
Future development would also be required to demonstrate consistency with the Safety Element,
including Goals 1 and 4 and Policies 2 and 3, to further minimize effects of geologic hazards,
including liquefaction, landslides, and unstable or expansive soils. Therefore, due to the geologic
characteristics of the housing sites identified in the Revised Project, compliance with the applicable
federal, State, and local regulations, implementation of standard industry standards and best
practices, and consistency with the City’s General Plan and Municipal Code, future development
under the Revised Project would not result in significant impacts related to liquefaction, landslides,
and unstable or expansive soils. The Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more
severe significant geologic hazards impacts compared with the Approved Project.
e) The City owns about 150 miles of sewer mains, which convey sewage from about 10,000 service
connections to the treatment facility in the City of Carson. Through annexation of connected
properties into a Sewer Maintenance District, the Los Angeles County Public Works Department
has the responsibility to operate and maintain these pipes. A small portion of the City's homes are
not connected to the primary sewage collection system; they are either on approved local septic
systems or part of the Abalone Cove Collection System.
Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would be infill development within areas
that are served by existing sewer connections and wastewater system. For new development on
vacant parcels, future development would connect with the existing City’s wastewater system, in
accordance with Policy 43 of the Circulation Element of the City’s General Plan. Thus, the use of
septic systems is not anticipated for future development facilitated by the Revised Project and no
significant impacts related to septic tanks would occur. Therefore, the Revised Project would not
result in new or substantially more severe significant septic tank impacts compared with the
Approved Project.
f) Paleontological resources or fossil remains, are not considered endangered due to their wide
distribution through the Peninsula.32 Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would
32 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes’ General Plan Update, 2018. Accessed January 2024.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12282/Initial-Study-2018-August.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 50 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 47 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
be required to demonstrate consistency with the Conservation and Open Space Element Goal 2 and
Policy 28 and 31, which provide guidance for protecting and preserving paleontological resources.
In addition, future development would comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local policies,
plans, and regulations related to the protection and preservation of paleontological resources.
Compliance with applicable regulations and consistency with the City’s General Plan goals and
policies would ensure that future development facilitated by the Revised Project would not
significantly affect paleontological resources within the City. Therefore, the Revised Project would
not result in new or substantially more severe significant impacts to paleontological resources
compared with the Approved Project.
VIII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS—Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or
indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the
environment?
☐ ☒
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy, or regulation
adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of
greenhouse gases?
☐ ☒
Discussion
a) Future development that would be facilitated by the Revised Project would result in construction
at urban infill sites. Although construction details of any future projects are unknown, construction
of future projects would likely require the use of construction equipment that would typically emit
greenhouse gases (GHGs) from combustion of fossil fuels in diesel and gasoline-powered
equipment and vehicles and from the use of electricity that is generated partially from sources that
emit GHGs. Construction of future projects under the Revised Project would be limited in extent
and duration and would emit GHGs on a short-term and temporary basis. Construction truck fleets
would be required to comply with the Advanced Clean Trucks regulation, which was approved by
CARB in June 2020 and mandates zero-emission vehicle sales requirements for truck
manufacturers and a one-time reporting requirement for large entities and fleets. The regulation is
designed to accelerate widespread adoption of zero emission vehicles in the medium- and heavy-
duty truck sector to reduce on-road mobile source emissions on the path to carbon neutrality by
2045. In addition, trucks would be required to comply with the CARB Airborne Toxic Control
Measure to limit heavy-duty diesel motor vehicle idling, which would reduce fuel combustion and
associated emissions (Title 13 California Code of Regulations, Section 2485). Additionally,
construction equipment and vehicles would be required to use fuels that comply with the CARB
Low Carbon Fuel Standard, which reduces the carbon content of fuels and fuel production, which
is a strategy that would assist California in meeting the 2030 GHG emissions reduction target
enacted through SB 32.
Although operational details of any future projects are unknown, development resulting from the
Revised Project would result in GHG emissions from building energy demand from new residential
and limited non-residential uses (e.g., residential-serving retail) and on-going transportation GHG
emissions from vehicles traveling to and from the new residential and limited non-residential uses.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 51 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 48 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Similar to the Approved Housing Element, the Revised Housing Element contemplates
opportunities for building energy conservation to meet and exceed required building energy
standards to conserve energy and reduce associated GHG emissions. The Revised Housing Element
includes Program #24, which incentivizes participation in the City’s Green Building Construction
Program by offering permit streamlining and up to 50 percent rebates for Planning and Building
fees. In addition, the City’s Safety Element includes Policies 29, 38, and 39 to reduce building
energy demand and improve energy conservation. The City would continue to require the
incorporation of energy conserving (e.g., Energy Star or equivalent) appliances, fixtures, and other
devices into the design of new residential units as required by the Title 24 Building Energy
Efficiency Standards Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and the CALGreen Code (Title 24, Part 11),
and applicable Municipal Code requirements.
Incorporating building energy efficiency measures into future development resulting from the
Revised Project would align with building electrification as a major focal point of state agencies
and electric utilities in reaching the state’s GHG reduction goals. Incorporation of building energy
efficiency measures would lessen the potential for the Revised Project to cause substantial strain
on the electricity grid during baseload and peak times as state agencies and electric utility providers
continue to work to strengthen and enhance the electricity grid, increase the supply of renewable
electricity, and enhance grid reliability and resilience.
With respect to transportation-related GHG emissions, the Revised Project would promote mixed-
use development as residential-serving uses would be allowed with residential uses. Mixed-use
development encourages reduced vehicle trips and VMT as people may be able to obtain goods and
services from co-located or nearby residential serving retail uses without the need to generate
passenger vehicle trips. The creation of the MUOD and ROD overlay control districts would locate
higher-density residential development at infill sites in close proximity to services and retail uses,
which would serve to reduce future impacts to air quality by reducing vehicle trips and VMT as
people would live closer to existing commercial and retail goods and services from co-located or
nearby residential serving retail uses and closer to existing employment areas within and around
the City. Thus, the Project would promote strategies that would reduce transportation-related GHG
emissions.
Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would be required to comply with all
applicable Federal, State, and regional policies, plans, and regulations related to GHG emissions,
including but not limited to the Federal and California Clean Air Acts, Assembly Bill 32, CARB
2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality (Scoping Plan), and SCAQMD Regional
Comprehension Plan, as discussed in further detail below. In addition, future development would
also be required to show consistency with the Climate Change Policies in the Safety Element, which
promote continued enforcement of Title 24 energy efficiency standards and encourage participation
in the City’s Voluntary Green Building Construction Program. Additionally, the City adopted the
Emissions Reduction Action Plan (ERAP) in 2017, which outlines the City’s sustainable strategies
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 52 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 49 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
to reduce GHG emissions there are measures in the City’s ERAP, which encourage or require new
development to exceed Title 24 energy efficiency standards.33
As outlined above, the Revised Project includes provisions for building energy efficiency and
includes the MUOD and ROD overlay control districts which would promote higher-density
residential and mixed-use infill development, which would reduce VMT, generally consistent with
relevant General Plan policies to reduce building energy and transportation GHG emissions. Thus,
future development under the Revised Project is not anticipated to result in any significant impacts
or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects related to GHG
emissions. No new or substantially more severe impacts would occur than anticipated by the
adopted ND for the Approved Project.
b) The CARB 2022 Scoping Plan outlines the strategies the State will implement to achieve carbon
neutrality by reducing GHGs to meet the anthropogenic target and by expanding actions to capture
and store carbon through the State’s natural and working lands and using a variety of mechanical
approaches. The major element of the 2022 Scoping Plan is the decarbonization of every sector of
the economy. This requires rapidly moving to zero-emission transportation for cars, buses, trains,
and trucks; phasing out the use of fossil gas for heating; clamping down on chemicals and
refrigerants; providing communities with sustainable options such as walking, biking, and public
transit to reduce reliance on cars; continuing to build out solar arrays, wind turbine capacity, and
other resources to provide clean, renewable energy to displace fossil-fuel fired electrical generation;
scaling up new options such as renewable hydrogen for hard-to-electrify end uses and biomethane
where needed.
The 2022 Scoping Plan presents a non-exhaustive list of impactful GHG reduction strategies that
can be implemented by local governments within the three priority areas (see Appendix D of the
2022 Scoping Plan, Priority GHG Reduction Strategies for Local Government Climate Action
Priority Areas). An assessment of the Revised Project relative to the GHG reduction strategies in
the three priority areas is provided below. As discussed below, future development facilitated by
the Revised Project would support relevant and applicable strategies of the 2022 Scoping Plan.
Based on the discussions below, the Revised Project would not conflict with applicable 2022
Scoping Plan strategies and regulations to reduce GHG emissions.
Transportation Electrification
In support of the local government priority GHG reduction strategy for transportation electrification
in the 2022 Scoping Plan, the CARB approved the Advanced Clean Cars II rule which codifies
Executive Order N-79-20 and requires 100 percent of new cars and light trucks sold in California
be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The State has also adopted AB 2127, which requires the CEC
to analyze and examine charging needs to support California’s EVs in 2030 and to support decision-
makers allocation of resources to install new electric vehicle chargers where they are needed most.
Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would not conflict with this strategy as
individual projects would be required to comply with the applicable requirements of the Title 24
33 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Emissions Reduction Action Plan, 2017. Accessed December 2023.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11625/Emmissions-Reduction-Action-Plan-ERAP-PDF.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 53 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 50 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Building Energy Efficiency Standards Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and the CALGreen Code
(Title 24, Part 11). The CALGreen Code was updated in 2022 to include new mandatory measures
for residential and non-residential uses including requirements for electric vehicle supply
equipment and electric vehicle ready spaces to support the State’s plans for increased electric
passenger vehicles. As such, the Revised Project would support the electrification of transportation-
related sources of emissions and would reduce vehicle and equipment emissions. Thus, the Revised
Project would not conflict with this strategy.
Vehicle Miles Traveled Reduction
Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would not conflict with the local government
priority GHG reduction strategy in the 2022 Scoping Plan to reduce VMT. Although operational
details of any future projects are unknown at this time, the Revised Project includes the creation of
the MUOD and ROD overlay control districts as well as the upzoning of two housing sites to RM-
22, all of which allow a combination of higher-density residential, mixed-use, and limited non-
residential uses on infill sites within the City. Mixed-use development encourages reduced vehicle
trips as people may be able to obtain goods and services from co -located or nearby residential
serving retail uses without the need to generate passenger vehicle trips. The infill locations where
increases in housing would occur would encourage reduced VMT as people would be able to live
closer to existing commercial and retail goods and services from co -located or nearby residential
serving retail uses and/or closer to existing employment areas within and around the City. As such,
the Revised Project would not conflict with this strategy.
Building Decarbonization
California’s transition away from fossil fuel–based energy sources will bring GHG emissions
associated with building energy use down to zero as California’s electric supply becomes 100
percent carbon free. California has committed to achieving this goal by 2045 through Senate Bill
(SB) 100, the 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018. SB 100 strengthened the State’s Renewable
Portfolio Standard (RPS) by requiring that 60 percent of all electricity provided to retail users in
California come from renewable sources by 2030 and that 100 percent come from carbon-free
sources by 2045. The land use sector will benefit from RPS because the electricity used in buildings
will be increasingly carbon-free, but implementation does not depend (directly, at least) on how
buildings are designed and built.
Future development under the Revised Project would be required to comply with applicable State
and City requirements for building energy efficiency and electrification and would adhere to
applicable CALGreen (Title 24) requirements for energy efficiency and electrification of new
buildings. Additionally, incorporating building energy efficiency measures into future development
facilitated by the Revised Project would align with building electrification of State agencies and
electric utilities and lessen the potential for the Revised Project to cause substantial strain on the
electricity grid during baseload and peak times as state agencies and electric utility providers
continue to work to strengthen and enhance the electricity grid, increase the supply of r enewable
electricity, and enhance grid reliability and resilience. Thus, the Revised Project would support the
local government priority GHG reduction strategy for building decarbonization in the 2022 Scoping
Plan and would not conflict with this strategy.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 54 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 51 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Conclusion
As such, future development facilitated by the Revised Project would not conflict with an
applicable plan, policy or regulation for reducing GHG emissions. Thus, the future development
under the Revised Project would not likely result in new significant environmental effects or a
substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects related to conflicts
with an applicable plan, policy or regulation for reducing GHG emissions.
IX. Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—Would the
project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment
through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous
materials?
☐ ☒
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment
through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident
conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into
the environment?
☐ ☒
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely
hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-
quarter mile of an existing or proposed school?
☐ ☒
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous
materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code
Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a
significant hazard to the public or the environment?
☐ ☒
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or,
where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles
of a public airport or public use airport, would the project
result in a safety hazard or excessive noise for people
residing or working in the project area?
☐ ☒
f) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an
adopted emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
☐ ☒
g) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss,
injury, or death involving wildland fires, including where
wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where
residences are intermixed with wildlands?
☐ ☒
Discussion
a) & b) Hazardous materials encompass a wide range of substances, some of which are naturally
occurring and some of which are manufactured. Examples of hazardous materials include
pesticides, herbicides, petroleum products, metals (e.g., lead, mercury, arsenic), asbestos, and
chemical compounds used in manufacturing. Hazardous materials are used for a variety of
purposes, including service industries, various small businesses, medical uses, schools, and
households. Many chemicals used in household cleaning, construction, dry cleaning, film
processing, landscaping, and automotive maintenance and repair are considered hazardous.
Construction of the future projects under the Revised Project would use typical hazardous
materials, such as fuels, paints, and solvents, and could have the potential to encounter asbestos and
lead-based paint and contaminated soils during ground-disturbing activities, which could potentially
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 55 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 52 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
pose a risk to humans and the environment. However, all construction activities would be required
to comply with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and emergency plans related
to the transport, use, and handling of hazardous materials to avoid significant impacts. Future
development under the Revised Project that includes real estate transactions to acquire of the
housing site would be required to prepare a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in
accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E1527-13. The
Phase I ESA would be prepared to identify site-specific hazardous materials and characteristics as
well as demolition and remediation recommendations, which would help to minimize impacts
related to hazardous materials.
In addition, all construction contractors operating under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County are
required to prepare and implement a Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) in accordance
with Section 12.64.030 of the Los Angeles County Code of Ordinan ce.34 HMBPs are submitted to
and certified by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department to ensure compliance with all
applicable regulations and requirements and must include the hazardous materials inventory, site
map, contingency plan and the employee training plan information via the Statewide information
management system (also known as California Environmental Reporting System [CERS]). HMBP
are also required to be updated annually to ensure ongoing compliance with established and new
regulations and procedures.
Construction of future development (i.e., demolition or modification of an existing building) also
has the potential to encounter asbestos and lead-based paint and materials depending on the age of
the existing buildings on-site. Compliance with Section 1529, Title 8 of the California Code of
Regulations (CCR) would ensure adequate asbestos testing and abatement procedures are
incorporated into future projects. Compliance with Section 1532.1, Title 8 of the CCR would ensure
that lead-based paint and materials would be removed in accordance with the required procedures
and standards. All demolition or renovation that could result in the release of lead and/or asbestos
must be conducted according to the California Occupation Safety and Health Act (Cal/OSHA)
standards. Compliance with Sections 1529 and 1532.1, Title 8 of the CCR would ensure no impacts
to human health and the environment would occur during demolition of existing buildings during
redevelopment of a site identified in the Revised Project.
Additionally, future developments would be required to comply with applicable construction
standards and procedures established in the City’s Municipal Code, including but not limited to the
hazardous materials regulations of the Fire Code (Chapter 8.08, Fire Code) and the CBC and City’s
Building Codes (Title 15, Building and Construction). Therefore, compliance with Federal, State,
and local regulations would minimize risks associated with the routine transport, use, or disposal
of hazardous materials, including the risk of accidental release, during construction.
Operation of the future developments could include the use of typical household hazardous
materials, such as cleaning solutions, solvents, or petroleum products. Due to the nature of these
materials and the quantities that are typically used in residential and the permitted non-residential
34 County of Los Angeles Fire Department, 2024. Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) California
Environmental Reporting System Submittal. Accessed March 2024. https://fire.lacounty.gov/ca-environmental-
reporting/
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 56 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 53 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
uses (e.g., residential-serving retail or commercial uses), operation of future development would
not create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use,
or disposal of hazardous materials.
Thus, future development facilitated by the Revised Project would not result in significant impacts
or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects related to the
routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials.
c) Similar to the Approved Housing Element, the majority of the housing sites identified in the
Revised Project are located along Hawthrone Boulevard (Sites 1 through 6), Silver Spur Road (Sites
7 through 15) and Western Avenue (Sites 20 through 31). As part of the Housing Element planning
process, the City identified candidate housing sites based on criteria, which considered proximity
to schools; for this reason, there are a wide range of schools within 0.25-mile of the housing sites
identified in the Revised Project.
While construction and operation of future development under the Revised Project would include
the use of hazardous materials, future projects would comply with applicable federal, State, and
local environmental regulations related to new construction and hazardous materials storage, use,
and transport. In addition, various Federal, State, and local regulations and guidelines pertaining to
abatement of, and protection from, exposure to asbestos, lead, and other hazardous materials have
been adopted for demolition activities and would apply to new development, as discussed above.
All demolition or renovation that could result in the release of lead and/or asbestos must be
conducted according to Cal/OSHA standards. Compliance with these existing regulations would
ensure that schools and the public would not be exposed to any unusual or excessive risks related
to hazardous materials during construction and operational activities associated with future
development under the Revised Project. Therefore, the impact with respect to hazardous emissions
or handling of hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within 0.25 mile of
an existing or proposed school would be less than significant. No new or substantially more severe
impacts would occur compared with the Approved Project.
d) Point Vicente is the only site in the City that is included on a list of hazardous material sites
pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5. The site is the former location of a Nike missile
defense system and was remediated for lead soil contamination in 2003.35,36 As the site is currently
a public park, it is not included as a site identified in the housing site inventory identified in the
Revised Project. Furthermore, no additional hazardous material sites pursuant to Government Code
Section 65962.5 have been identified within the City since adoption of the ND for the Housing
Element in August 2021. Therefore, future development facilitated by the Revised Project would
not be located on an identified hazardous materials site and as with the Approved Project, the
Revised Project would not result in impacts related to hazardous materials sites. Therefore, the
35 California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), EnviroStor database, 2023. Accessed December 2023.
https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/?myaddress=city+of+racho+palos+verdes+.
36 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Safety Element. Accessed
December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12621/X-Safety.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 57 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 54 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more severe significant hazards impact
compared with the Approved Project.
e) The closest airport to the City is the Zamperini Field Airport, located just over four miles to the
northeast in the City of Torrance and the Los Angeles International Airport, located approximately
12 miles to the north in the City of Los Angeles. The City is not located within an airport influence
area and is not subject to the requirements of an Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP).
Therefore, the Revised Project would not expose people residing or working in the City to excessive
noise levels associated with an airport. No impact would occur, similar to the Approved Project.
Therefore, the Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more severe significant
airport noise impacts compared with the Housing Element.
f) Figure 5, Disaster Routes, of the Safety Element identifies the routes throughout the city that
should be used in the case of emergency or evacuation.37 As shown in Figure 5, Hawthorne and
Crenshaw Boulevards, Crest Road, Palos Verdes Drive, Miraleste Rive, and Western Avenue are
designated evacuation routes within the City. The City’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP),
adopted by the City in September 2018, establishes policies and structures for City government
management of emergencies and disasters.38 In addition, the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation
Plan (MJHMP), adopted by the City in 2020, evaluated the potential for different types of
emergencies and establishes plans and procedures for City government management of
emergencies and disasters in coordination with the City of Rolling Hills Estates.39
As discussed above, the majority housing sites identified in the Revised Project are located along
Hawthrone Boulevard (Sites 1 through 6), Silver Spur Road (Sites 7 through 15) and Western
Avenue (Sites 20 through 31). Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would be infill
development within the City’s urban areas that include an established emergency/evacuation
system. In addition, future development under the Revised Project would not interfere with the
City’s adopted EOP or MJHMP because the City would review development applications prior to
approval to ensure that the development would not create barriers to evacuation plans and that
emergency access can be met. In addition, future development under the Revised Project that
requires an encroachment permit would be required to prepare and implement a City -approved
traffic control plan for construction activities within roadways as part of the permit application
process. The traffic control plan would include site-specific transportation measures, such as
detours or coning off construction areas with traffic controllers, to demonstrate adequate emergency
and evacuation access during such activities. As a result, impacts related to physically interfere
with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan, including the City’s EOP
and MJHMP, would be less than significant. Thus, the Revised Project would not result in new or
substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
37 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Safety Element; Figure 5, Disaster
Routs. Accessed January 2024. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12625/2018-General-Plan.
38 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2018. City of Rancho Palos Verdes Emergency Operations Plan. Accessed March
2024. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12886/EOP-FINAL-September-2018-Full-Edition-PDF.
39 City of Rancho Palos Verdes and City of Rolling Hills Estates, 2020. Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Accessed March 2024. https://rpvca.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2935
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 58 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 55 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
g) CAL FIRE prepares fire hazard severity maps and maps areas of significant fire hazards based
on fuels, terrain, weather, and other relevant factors, referred to as Fire Hazard Severity Zones
(FHSZ). According to the City’s General Plan Safety Element, the Los Angeles County FHSZ map
identifies the entire City, excluding a portion of the City located east of Western Avenue to the City
boundaries, as a Very High Fire Severity Zone (VHFSZ).40 Development within these areas must
follow State, Federal, and local regulations related to development type, landscaping requirements,
fuel management, and brush clearance restrictions to reduce risks associated with wildfires.
All of the housing sites and areas identified in the Revised Project are within the VHFSZ. Future
development facilitated by the Revised Project would be infill development, primarily located
along Hawthrone Boulevard (Sites 1 through 6), Silver Spur Road (Sites 7 through 15) and Western
Avenue (Sites 20 through 31), which are developed, urban areas with limited open space. While 8
of the 31 housing sites are currently vacant, these sites are located within developed areas of the
City and none of these sites are immediately adjacent to large open space areas due to buffers
created from existing development and roadways and differences in topography. Construction and
operation of future development under the Revised Project would be required to comply with all
applicable Federal, State, and local laws, policies, and regulations related to development type,
landscaping requirements, fuel management, and brush clearance restrictions to reduce risks
associated with wildfires. Specifically, future development would be required to comply with the
requirements of the CBC and City Building Code, including Chapter 7A, (Materials and
Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure) of Title 26 (Building Code); County and
City Fire Codes; and landscaping requirements that reduce the risk of wildfire.
In addition, future development would be required to demonstrate consistency with the City’s
General Plan, Safety Element Goal 1 through 3 and Policies 2 through 4, 7, 9, 11, and 17 to ensure
future developments comply with applicable building codes and regulations. Applications for
future development under the Revised Project would be reviewed by the City prior to approval to
ensure that fire protection and emergency services can adequately serve the site prior to approval
or obtaining a building permit. Therefore, compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local
laws, policies, and regulations related to decreasing risk of wildfire and consistency with the City’s
Safety Element would reduce impacts associated with the future development resulting from the
Revised Project to a less-than-significant level. Thus, the Revised Project would not result in new
or substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
40 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Safety Element. Accessed
December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12621/X-Safety.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 59 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 56 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
X. Hydrology and Water Quality
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY—Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge
requirements? ☐ ☒
b) Substantially decrease groundwater supplies or interfere
substantially with groundwater recharge such that the
project may impede sustainable groundwater management
of the basin?
☐ ☒
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site
or area, including through the alteration of the course of a
stream or river or through the addition of impervious
surfaces, in a manner which would:
i) Result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site; ☐ ☒
ii) Substantially increase the rate or amount of surface
runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or
off-site;
☐ ☒
iii) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed
the capacity of existing or planned stormwater
drainage systems or provide substantial additional
sources of polluted runoff; or
☐ ☒
iv) Impede or redirect flood flows? ☐ ☒
d) In flood hazard, tsunami, or seiche zones, risk release of
pollutants due to project inundation? ☐ ☒
e) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality
control plan or sustainable groundwater management
plan?
☐ ☒
Discussion
a), c.i)–c.iv) There are no streams or rivers adjacent to housing sites identified in the Revised
project. Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would be required to adhere to all
applicable Federal, State, and local regulations related to stormwater runoff, erosion, and water
quality. Future development would be required to demonstrate consistency with the City’s General
Plan, including Policies 48 and 49 of the Circulation Element, Policy 10 of the Conservation
Element, and Policies 24, 37, and 38 of the Safety Element, to ensure that there would be no
significant impacts associated with stormwater runoff, erosion, and water quality.
As discussed above in Section VII, Geology and Soils, ground-disturbance activities (e.g.,
excavation and grading) associated with demolition of existing development and construction of
new development would be required to comply with the NPDES Construction General Permit a.
Under the NPDES Construction General Permit, areas of ground disturbance one acre or greater in
size would be required to comply with the NPDES Construction General Permit, which involves
implementation of erosion- and sediment-control BMPs as detailed in a site-specific SWPPP
required to be prepared for the development. The BMPs would prevent erosion from occurring and
would retain any eroded soils within property boundaries. Compliance with the requirements of the
City’s Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System (MS4) permit, Coordinated Integrated
Monitoring Program (CIMP), and Enhanced Watershed Management Program (EWMP) would
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 60 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 57 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
minimize effects associated with discharge of pollutants into the City’s stormwater system as these
regulations require pollutant reduction to the maximum extent practicable through BMPs.
In addition, during construction, future projects facilitated by the Revised Project would also have
to comply with Chapter 15.04 (Building Code) of the Municipal Code, which includes protective
measures for the City’s stormwater system against construction erosion, and the City’s NPDES
Requirements for Permits in the Public Right of Way, which requires projects with areas of ground
disturbance of 2 acres or more to prepare a Local (or full) SWPPP and a Wet Weather Erosion
Control Plan for projects occurring over winter months when the frequency of rain events are
highest.41
Operation of the future development under the Revised Project would be required to be designed
in compliance with Chapter 13.10 (Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control) of the
Municipal Code. Chapter 13.10 requires incorporation of low-impact (LID) design features and full
hydromodification mitigation for redevelopment projects that alter 50 percent or more of existing
impervious surfaces while redevelopment projects that alter less than 50 percent of existing
impervious surfaces would be required to implement hydromodification mitigation for the altered
area. The City’s Stormwater and Runoff Pollution Control (Municipal Code Chapter 13.10) also
requires projects to incorporate construction and post-construction BMPs to ensure stormwater
runoff is controlled in a manner that would minimize water quality degradation, ensure that
drainage patterns are not altered, and substantial erosion would not occur.
While the future development could increase onsite impervious surfaces, which could increase
stormwater runoff and erosion, compliance with the applicable Federal, State, and local laws,
regulations, and policies would require incorporation of operational BMPs, such as permeable
surfaces, bioretention basins, and bioswales, to support groundwater recharge as well as LID design
features to minimize erosion. In addition, once constructed, all future development under the
Revised Project would be required to be landscaped in accordance with the applicable development
standards of the MUOD, ROD, and RM-22 ordinances, which would minimize the potential for
erosion in stormwater runoff.
In addition, future projects facilitated by the Revised Project would be required to demonstrate
consistency with the City’s General Plan, including Goal 4 and Policies 3 and 38 of the Safety
Element, and comply with the City’s erosion control plans. In addition, City regulations including
Conformance with applicable requirements would also ensure that development would not result
in increased rates or amounts of surface runoff, exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems, or impede or redirect flood flows.
Therefore, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including the NPDES Construction
General Permit and the City’s Municipal Code requirements, and consistency with the City’s
General Plan goals and policies would ensure that future development implementing the Revised
Project would not result in significant impacts related to increased rates or amounts of surface
41 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2014. City of Rancho Palos Verdes National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
Requirements for Permits in the Public Right of Way. Accessed March 2024.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5345/NPDES-requirements-PDF
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 61 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 58 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
runoff, exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems, or impede or
redirect flood flows within the city. Therefore, the Revised Project would not result in new or
substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
b) & e) The City’s potable water sources are obtained from imported water purchased from
Metropolitan Water District and distributed by California Water Service. Groundwater is not used
for potable supply.42
Future development under the Revised Project would minimally affect groundwater recharge
because the majority of the identified sites in the housing inventory are currently developed,
including the new housing site (Site 15), where development of future residential and mixed-use
uses would not substantially increase the amount of onsite impervious surfaces. Chapter 13.10,
Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control, of the Municipal Code, requires incorporation of
low-impact (LID) design features and full hydromodification mitigation for redevelopment projects
that alter 50 percent or more of existing impervious surfaces while redevelopment projects that
alter less than 50 percent of existing impervious surfaces would be required to implement
hydromodification mitigation for the altered area. While the future development of the currently
vacant parcels would increase impervious surfaces on those sites, compliance with the applicable
Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and policies would require incorporation of the BMPs,
such as permeable surfaces, bioretention basins, and bioswales, to support groundwater recharge
as well as LID design features to minimize effects to groundwater recharge.
Therefore, compliance with all applicable laws and regulations would ensure future development
implementing the Revised Project would not decrease existing groundwater supply; interfere
substantially with groundwater recharge; nor conflict with or obstruct the implementation of a water
quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan. No impact to groundwater would
occur with adoption of the Revised Project, similar to the Approved Project. Therefore, the Revised
Project would not result in new or substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the
Housing Element.
d) Figure 2 of the City’s Safety Element of the General Plan shows the areas of the City identified
as Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Zone Category D and potential flash
flood channel areas.43 FEMA identifies the Lunada and Agua Amarga Canyons, Portuguese Bend
and Forrestal Nature Reserves, and other public and private properties as flood zone category “Zone
D” – “areas with possible but undetermined flood hazards”.44 Much of the area in flood zone D is
designated as Hazard Area or Open Space Preserve. As a result, the development potential within
flood zone D is generally limited.
42 California Water Service (Cal Water), 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, 2021. Accessed December 2023.
https://www.calwater.com/docs/uwmp2020/PV_2020_UWMP_FINAL.pdf.
43 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Safety Element – Figure 2,
Potential Flood and Inundation Hazards. Accessed March 2023.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12621/X-Safety.
44 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Safety Element. Accessed
December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12621/X-Safety.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 62 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 59 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
As part of the Housing Element planning process, the City identified candidate housing sites based
on its screening criteria, which considered a wide range of factors including known flood and
inundation areas in the City. Therefore, based on the City’s screening criteria, none of the 31
housing sites identified in the Revised Housing Element are located within known flood or
inundation areas within the City.45 Although none of the housing sites identified in the Revised
Housing Element are at risk for flooding or inundation, future development facilitated by the
Revised Project would be subject to the City’s development guidelines; geotechnical review; and
compliance with current CBC related to anchoring, building materials, construction methods and
practices to minimize, resist, and prevent flood damage.46 Future development would also be
required to comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations and to
demonstrate consistency with the City’s General Plan, including Policy 24 of the Safety Element,
to evaluate and minimize the risk of flooding on new development within the city.
A seiche is a temporary disturbance or oscillation of a body of water in an enclosed or semi-
enclosed basin, such as a reservoir, harbor, lake, or storage tank. A tsunami is a great sea wave,
commonly referred to as a tidal wave, produced by a significant disturbance undersea, such as a
tectonic displacement of sea floor associated with large, shallow earthquakes. The potential for
seiche is considered low, as there are no large bodies of water located within the City. Although
due to the City’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean there is a risk of tsunami inundation along the
coastline, tsunami modeling has shown due to the height of the bluffs within City boundaries, the
impact from potential tsunamis would be limited.47
Therefore, compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and requirements and
consistency with the City’s General Plan would ensure that future development facilitated by the
Revised Project would not significantly increase the risk of release of pollutants due to flooding or
inundation, similar to the Approved Project. In addition, there are regulatory and City safeguards
in place to ensure future development implementing the Revised Project would also have no
impacts related to increased risk of release of pollutants due to flooding or inundation. Thus, the
Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more severe significant impacts compared
with the Approved Project.
45 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2022. Citywide Screening Analysis Criteria Methodology.
46 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Safety Element. Accessed
December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12621/X-Safety.
47 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Safety Element. Accessed
December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12621/X-Safety.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 63 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 60 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
XI. Land Use and Planning
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
LAND USE AND LAND USE PLANNING—Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community? ☐ ☒
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or
regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project
(including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan,
local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the
purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect?
☐ ☒
Discussion
a) As discussed above, through the Housing Element planning process, the City identified
candidate housing sites based on criteria, which considered a range of factors, including the City’s
existing land use patterns and known hazards (i.e., landslide and fire areas) as well as open space
areas. The housing sites and areas for amendments would be located within or adjacent to
development and as such, would constitute infill development. Future development would build
upon the established land use patterns, locating future residential units in already established
neighborhoods and future mixed use development would locate services within proximity to
residential uses. Therefore, future housing development that would occur under the Revised Project
would not physically divide an established community. Therefore, the Revised Project would not
result in new or substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
b) The proposed amendments to the Land Use Element and Local Coastal Program would allow
the increase in densities necessary to provide for the increase in residential units to meet the 6 th
cycle RHNA allocation. The MUOD and ROD ordinances, as well as the existing RM-22
ordinance, include development standards, such as lot specifications (i.e., minimum lot area, lot
coverage), setbacks, height, and open space requirements. The objective of the development
standards would be to minimize physical environmental impacts that could occur as a result of
future development.
Since the Revised Project includes the General Plan, zoning, and Local Coastal Program
amendments needed to facilitate the residential development required to meet the City’s 6 th Cycle
RHNA, this addendum has evaluated the environmental impacts of adopting and implementing
these amendments. Based on the analyses in this addendum, the Revised Project is not anticipated
to result in significant environmental impacts based upon the information currently available.
Therefore, the Revised Project would not result in impacts associated with conflicting with a land
use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for the purpose of purpose of avoiding or mitigating an
environmental effect. Thus, the Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more
severe significant land use impacts compared with the Approved Project.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 64 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 61 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
XII. Mineral Resources
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
MINERAL RESOURCES—Would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource
that would be of value to the region and the residents of the
state?
☐ ☒
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important
mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general
plan, specific plan, or other land use plan?
☐ ☒
Discussion
a) & b) As indicated in the adopted ND, basalt, diatomaceous earth, and Palos Verdes stone were
quarried in the City in the past. However, considering the rather low market value of the various
mineral resources in Rancho Palos Verdes relative to the land’s value as residential or commercial
real estate, it is highly unlikely that landowners of the remaining vacant parcels would wish to
utilize the land for mining or quarrying operations.48
None of the properties identified in the Revised Project are zoned for the extraction or preservation
of mineral resources, where future development would preclude the use of existing mineral
resources. Since none of the housing sites have been designated as having significant mineral
resources nor for extraction or preservation of mineral resources, future development facilitated by
the Revised Housing Element would not impact mineral resources. The Revised Project would not
result in new or substantially more severe significant mineral resources impacts compared with the
Approved Project.
XIII. Noise
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
NOISE—Would the project result in:
a) Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent
increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the project
in excess of standards established in the local general plan
or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other
agencies?
☐ ☒
b) Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels? ☐ ☒
c) For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or
an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use
airport, would the project expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise levels?
☐ ☒
48 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Conservation and Open Space
Element. Accessed December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12617/V-Cons-and-OS.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 65 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 62 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Discussion
a) Construction of future development facilitated by the Revised Project would occur as infill
development primarily on developed sites and on a few vacant parcels. Although construction
details of future projects are unknown, construction of housing projects would require the use of
construction equipment that typically is associated with temporary noise, such as cranes, dozers, and
forklifts. Depending on the type and model of equipment used for construction, typical hourly
average noise levels for heavy construction equipment range from approximately 65 to 86 dBA
Leq at a distance of 50 feet from the equipment.49 Equipment such as pile drivers and vibratory
rollers generate higher noise levels. However, such equipment may not be used for future
development projects as alternative construction equipment and/or methods are available that
would generate lower noise levels. Actual exposure levels would depend on the number and types
of equipment, the intensity of the construction activity, the distance of sensitive receptors to the
noise source, and any intervening structures, topography, and noise absorption characteristic s of
the ground that might affect noise attenuation.
Construction of future development facilitated by the Project would be required to comply with the
permitted hours and days for construction as established in the Section 17.56.020 (Construction
Hours) of the Municipal Code and City’s COAs, which are limited to 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Monday through Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Saturday, with no construction activity
permitted on Sundays or on legal holidays, unless a special construction permit is obtained.
Furthermore, future development would be required to comply with Municipal Code Chapter 17.56
(Environmental Protection) includes requirements related to construction site specifications and
maintenance, and construction equipment and trucks protocols to further minimize the effects of
construction noise.
In addition, construction noise would also be reduced via compliance with applicable regulations,
the goals and policies of the Noise Element, and the measures included in the adopted General Plan
IS/MND MMRP. Specifically, Policy 10 of the Noise Element requires that strict noise attenuation
measures be incorporated where appropriate to reduce noise effects. Future development facilitated
by the Revised Project would be required to implement noise reduction measures generally
consistent with the City’s General Plan IS/MND, which includes provisions for implementing
construction noise reduction measures such as noise suppression equipment and/or the use of
temporary barriers. The use of temporary barriers would be capable of reducing noise by 10 dBA
or more for barriers that block the line-of-sight from the noise-generating construction equipment
and noise sensitive receptors. Noise reductions can also be achieved with equipment enclosures,
noise-attenuating or noise absorbing sound blankets, and other similar measures. Implementation
of Noise Element policies, especially Policy 10, and the General Plan IS/MND MMRP would be
effective in reducing construction noise from future development to a level below the FTA
guidelines for construction equipment noise.
Therefore, with adherence to the Municipal Code, COAs, applicable measures from the General
Plan MMRP, and consistency with Noise Element policies, impacts related to a temporary increase
49 Federal Highway Administration, Roadway Construction Noise Model User’s Guide.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 66 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 63 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
in construction noise are anticipated to be less than significant. Thus, the Revised Project would not
result in new or substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
With regard to operation, future development under the Revised Project would result in an increase
in the number of housing units at infill sites within the City. Although operational details of any
future projects are unknown, the Revised Project would promote mixed-use development as
residential serving retail uses would be contemplated with the development of residential uses.
Mixed-use development encourages reduced vehicle trips as people may be able to obtain goods
and services from co-located or nearby residential serving retail uses without the need to generate
passenger vehicle trips. Additional vehicle trips associated with future development facilitated by
the Revised Project would occur on roadways spread throughout the City as the sites identified for
new housing are in various locations but would primarily occur along Western Avenue, Hawthorne
Boulevard, Silver Spur Road, and Palos Verdes Drive.
A doubling of sound energy corresponds to a 3 dBA increase in noise level. In other words, when
two sources are each producing sound of the same loudness, the resulting sound level at a given
distance would be approximately 3 dBA higher than one of the sources under the same conditions.
Thus, a general doubling of traffic volumes would be required to increase traffic noise levels by 3
dBA, assuming a similar mix of passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks. To increase traffic noise
levels by 5 dBA, traffic volumes would have to increase by more than triple, assuming a similar
mix of passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks.
The housing sites identified in the Revised Project are generally developed properties. Thus, the
majority of the housing sites already generate vehicle traffic on local roadways from existing
residential, school, commercial, and light industrial uses. Because future development facilitated
by the Revised Project would be evenly distributed throughout the eastern and western portions of
City, future development under the Revised Project would not result in a concentrated increase in
vehicle traffic volumes in any one location or on any one roadway. Thus, the Project would not
result in a tripling of the existing vehicle traffic volumes on local roadways.
Furthermore, future development facilitated by the Revised Project would comply with the noise
requirements of the City’s Municipal Code, COAs, and the goals and policies of the Noise Element,
all of which are intended to reduce and/or maintain noise levels with an acceptable decibel range.
Specifically, future development would be required to comply with the requirements of Section
9.32.040 of the City’s Municipal Code, which prohibits loud and raucous noise within 300 feet of
a residential uses, and Section 17.08.030, which prohibits noise and vibration impacts to adjacent
properties as part of the residential application review process. In addition, future development
would be required to demonstrate consistency with the City’s General Plan, including Policies 8
through 10 of the Noise Element, which encourage incorporation of site-specific noise attenuation
measures and regulating land uses to ensure minimal degree of noise impacts on adjacent uses.
Adherence to applicable City policies and requirements would ensure that any long-term noise
increases would be reduced to the greatest extent possible. Therefore, future development
facilitated by the Revised Project would not result in any significant operation noise impacts. Thus,
the Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more severe significant impacts
compared with the Approved Project.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 67 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 64 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
b) Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would result in construction at existing
infill sites within the City. Although construction details of future projects are unknown,
construction of future projects facilitated by the Revised Project would require the use of
construction equipment that typically are associated with temporary groundborne vibration, such as
dozers, caisson drilling, and jackhammers. The FTA guidelines show that a vibration level of up to
0.20 inches per second PPV would not result in construction groundborne vibration damage for
non-engineered timber and masonry buildings, which are typically residential structures. A
groundborne vibration level of 0.4 inches per second PPV is associated with severe human
annoyance potential.
According to the FTA Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, temporary
groundborne vibration levels for construction equipment, such as dozers and caisson drilling, would
be up to 0.191 inches per second at a reference distance of 15 feet and 0.089 inches per second at
a reference distance of 25 feet from the equipment.50 Equipment such as pile drivers and vibratory
rollers generate higher groundborne vibration levels; however, such equipment may not be
necessary for the future development projects as alternative construction equipment and/or methods
are available that would generate lower vibration levels. With a buffer distance of at least 15 feet
from adjacent structures, which is generally achievable at infill project site locations, construction
equipment used for future projects would not be anticipated to generate groundborne vibration
levels that would exceed the thresholds for building damage or annoyance. Furthermore, Section
17.56.020 (Construction Hours) of the Municipal Code and City’s COAs prohibit construction
between the hours of 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on
Saturday, with no construction activity permitted on Sundays or on legal holidays. Thus,
construction, and any associated groundborne vibration, would not normally occur during evening
and nighttime hours or on Sundays or Federal holidays, when people tend to be more sensitive to
vibration impacts. Therefore, future development facilitated by the Revised Project would not result
in any significant construction vibration impacts. Thus, the Revised Project would not result in new
or substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
With regard to operation, future residential, mixed-use, and limited non-residential uses (e.g.,
resident-serving retail) facilitated by the Revised Project typically do not include substantial sources
of groundborne vibration. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), stationary equipment such as pumps and compressors generate
groundborne vibration levels of 0.5 in/sec PPV at 1 foot.51 This vibration level drops to approximately
0.009 inches per second PPV at 15 feet and 0.004 in/sec PPV at 25 feet. Furthermore, any future
project that includes stationary equipment would locate such equipment on building rooftops or
within or near buildings such that the equipment would not generate groundborne vibration off-site.
Therefore, groundborne vibration from the operation of such mechanical equipment would not
generate excessive groundborne vibration in excess of significance thresholds.
50 Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, Table 7-4, September
2018.
51 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), 1999 ASHRAE
Applications Handbook. http://www.hvac.amickracing.com/Miscellaneous/HVAC_Applications_Handbook-
ASHRAE.pdf. Accessed March 2024.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 68 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 65 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Caltrans has studied the impacts of propagation of vehicle vibration on sensitive land uses and notes
that “heavy trucks, and quite frequently buses, generate the highest earthborne vibrations of normal
traffic.”52 Caltrans further notes that the highest traffic-generated vibrations are along freeways and
state routes. Their study finds that “vibrations measured on freeway shoulders (5 m [meters] from the
centerline of the nearest lane) have never exceeded 2 mm/s [millimeters per second], with the
worst combinations of heavy trucks.”53 “This amplitude coincides with the maximum
recommended ‘safe level’ for ruins and ancient monuments (and historic buildings).” 54 A vibration
level of 2 millimeters per second is approximately 0.08 inches per second PPV. Vehicles traveling
along freeways and state routes would cause infrequent and inconsistent vibration events that would
attenuate quickly after onset. Sensitive receptors would likely be located further away than 15
meters from a roadway or highway and would therefore experience levels lower than 0.08 in/sec.
Furthermore, future development facilitated by the Revised Project would generally not result in
substantial truck trips and would primarily generate passenger vehicle trips, which generate
substantially less groundborne vibration levels. Thus, operation of future development under the
Revised Project would not generate excessive groundborne vibration in excess of significance
thresholds. Therefore, future development facilitated by the Revised Project would not result in any
significant construction vibration impacts. Thus, the Revised Project would not result in new or
substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
c) As indicated in the adopted ND, the closest airport to the City is the Zamperini Field Airport,
located just over four miles to the northeast in the City of Torrance. The Los Angeles International
Airport is located approximately 12 miles to the north in the City of Los Angeles. The City,
including the housing sites identified in the Revised Project, is not located within any of the airport
influence areas and is not subject to the requirements of an ALUCP. Therefore, future development
under the Revised Project would not expose people residing or working in the City to excessive
noise levels associated with an airport since the City is located outside the jurisdiction of an
ALUCP. Thus, the Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more severe significant
airport noise impacts compared with the Approved Project.
XIV. Population and Housing
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
POPULATION AND HOUSING—Would the project:
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either
directly (for example, by proposing new homes and
businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of
roads or other infrastructure)?
☐ ☒
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing people or housing,
necessitating the construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
☐ ☒
52 California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), 2013. Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise
Analysis Protocol. September 2013.
53 California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), 2013. Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise
Analysis Protocol. September 2013.
54 California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), 2013. Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise
Analysis Protocol. September 2013.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 69 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 66 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Discussion
a) In 2022, the City’s population was estimated at approximately 40,527 people.55 SCAG’s 2020
Connect SoCal projects the City’s population to increase to approximately 43,000 people by 2045.56
The Revised Project accommodates for population growth by increasing residential density in infill
locations and allowing for increased multi-family housing units. The City is generally built out.
The proposed densification and incorporation of mixed-use development on infill sites would
accommodate growth within the existing land use pattern and would locate residential uses within
proximity of services, thereby reducing vehicle trips and encourage the use of alternate modes of
transportation. Based on the City’s average household size of 2.67 persons per household in 2020,
a population increase of approximately 2,190 people could be generated under the 80 percent
buildout scenario of the Revised Housing Element. The City’s population under the Revised Project
could be approximately 42,717 residents, which would be within SCAG’s 2020 Connect SoCal
2045 projections.
In addition, the Revised Project does not include nor permit the future development of new roads
or infrastructure. The housing sites identified for the Revised Project were selected based on
screening criteria, which considered the existing land use patterns, including the preservation of
open space areas, as well as geologic hazards. Therefore, the Revised Project would not create
unplanned population growth, either directly or indirectly, and impacts would be similar to the
Approved Project. Thus, the Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more severe
significant impacts related to population growth compared with the Approved Project.
b) Similar to the Housing Element, the Revised Project provides the City’s approach to meet the
6th Cycle RHNA. While the majority of the housing sites are identified on existing commercial and
institutional uses, there are a few housing sites that are currently developed with residential uses.
Therefore, future development facilitated by the Revised Project could displace residents.
However, the Revised Project includes Goal 2, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, and Programs
9 through 17 of the Revised Housing Element, which are intended to increase fair housing
opportunities in the City and protect existing residents from displacement . Therefore,
implementation of the Revised Project would not displace substantial numbers of existing people
or housing, requiring replacement housing to be constructed elsewhere. Similar to the Approved
Project, no impact would occur. Therefore, the Revised Project would not result in new or
substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
55 United States Census Bureau, 2024. QuickFacts: Rancho Palos Verdes City, California. Accessed March 2024.
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ranchopalosverdescitycalifornia/PST045222#PST045222
56 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), 2020. Connect SoCal - Jurisdiction-Level Growth
Forecast. Accessed March 2024. https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file-
attachments/0903fconnectsocal_demographics-and-growth-forecast.pdf?1606001579.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 70 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 67 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
XV. Public Services
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
PUBLIC SERVICES—Would the project:
a) Result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated
with the provision of new or physically altered governmental
facilities, need for new or physically altered government
facilities, the construction of which could cause significant
environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable
service ratios, response times, or other performance
objectives for any of the following public services:
i) Fire protection? ☐ ☒
ii) Police protection? ☐ ☒
iii) Schools? ☐ ☒
iv) Parks? ☐ ☒
v) Other public facilities? ☐ ☒
Discussion
a.i) & a.ii) Law enforcement is provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s Lomita
Station. As part of the City’s future Civic Center project, a Sheriff’s drop-in station is planned to
be located within the City. Fire protection and beach lifeguard services are provided by the Los
Angeles County Fire Department. In addition to the Sheriff and Fire Departments, the City is in the
process of developing its own Public Safety Division in the City Manager’s Office, which will
bolster the City’s current public safety services. Future development facilitated by the Revised
Project would add new housing units over time throughout the City. The increase in population
would result in an increase in demand for public services, including police and fire protection
services.
The Revised Project would accommodate population growth through the increase in residential
densities and future development would be infill locations. The growth would be within the existing
land use pattern and within the current Fire and Police service areas. As indicated above, the
Revised Project could result in a population increase of approximately 2,190 people under the 80
percent buildout scenario, resulting in a population of approximately 42,717 residents, which would
be within SCAG’s 2020 Connect SoCal 2045 projections of 43,000 people. Since the projected
growth would be within the regional growth projections, future development under the Revised
Project would not add unplanned growth to the County’s Fire and Sheriff Departments’ service
areas.
Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would be developed over time. Law
enforcement and fire services are assessed regularly in order that budget allocations can be revised
to ensure that adequate levels of service are maintained. It is anticipated that any potential impacts
to law enforcement and fire services are anticipated to be adequately funded by an increase in tax
revenues over an extended period of time, relative to the increase in development intensity. Future
development would be required to pay all applicable development fees on a project-by-project basis
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 71 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 68 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
to ensure that public services would increase at the same rate as development. Payment of all
applicable development fees would ensure impacts to services would be less than significant.
Therefore, development over time would increase contributions to the general fund through tax
revenues and are expected to grow in rough proportion to any increase in residential dwelling units
and/or nonresidential floor area in the City. As such, with the payment of the applicable
development fees and tax revenues, the impact of future development facilitated by the Revised
Project on law enforcement and firefighting services would be less than significant. No new or
substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project would occur.
a.iii) The City is located within the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (District),
which includes two early childhood centers, ten elementary schools, three grades 6-8 intermediate
schools, two comprehensive high schools, one continuation school, and one distance learning
academy.57 Approximately 11,000 students are enrolled at the various schools within the District.58
With regard to schools, classroom capacity exists in local schools to accommodate students
generated by future development that implements the goals of the Revised Project.59
As indicated above, the Revised Project could result in a population increase of approximately
2,190 people under the 80 percent buildout scenario over time. As of 2022, residents under 18 years
of age made up approximately 21 percent of the City’s population, where future development under
the Revised Project could result in approximately 438 school-aged students within the City over
time.60 This increase in school-aged children would account for approximately 4 percent of the
District’s total enrollment. Since some students may enroll in private schools, charter schools, or
participate in home-schooling, the number of students that would attend the District’s schools may
be overestimated.
Future development under the Revised Project is anticipated to occur throughout the 6th Cycle
planning period and beyond, where the addition of the projected students to the District would
occur incrementally. In addition, Education Code Section 17620 allows school districts to assess
fees on new residential and commercial construction within their respective boundaries. Pursuant
to California Government Code Section 65995, the payment of these fees by a developer serves to
fully mitigate all potential project impacts on school facilities from implementation of a project to
less-than-significant levels. Sections 65996(a) and (b) state that such fees collected by school
districts provide full and complete school facilities mitigation under CEQA. Future development
would be required to pay school facility fees that are assessed for each new square foot of new
residential and commercial space. Since the payment of these fees constitutes full mitigation of a
potential impacts on schools, the impact of future development facilitated by the Revised Project
57 Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Website, 2024.
Accessed January 2024. https://www.pvpusd.net/.
58 Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, 2024. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Website -
About the District. Accessed March 2024.
https://www.pvpusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=361418&type=d&pREC_ID=787353/.
59 Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Website, 2024.
Accessed January 2024. https://www.pvpusd.net/.
60 United States Census Bureau, 2024. QuickFacts: Rancho Palos Verdes City, California. Accessed March 2024.
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ranchopalosverdescitycalifornia/PST045222#PST045222
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 72 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 69 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
on schools would remain less than significant. Thus, no new or substantially more severe significant
impacts compared with the Approved Project would occur.
a.iv) The City’s Parks Master Plan, adopted in 2015, established a parkland standard of four acres
of parkland per 1,000 population and concluded that based on the City’s 2010 population of 41,643
people, the City was exceeding the park acreage standard of 165 acres by providing 278 acres (not
including the 1,450 acres included in the Nature Preserve).61
The projected population under the 80 percent buildout scenario could be approximately 42,717
residents, which would be within SCAG’s Connect SoCal 2045 projections of 43,000 residents.
Using the City’s standard of four acres of parkland per 1,000 resident s, the projected population
that would occur from the Revised Project would result in a demand of approximately 171 acres of
parkland. The 278 acres of existing parkland in the City would exceed the projected demand.
In addition, the City is currently in the process of renovating and improving several parks and
recreational facilities throughout the City, including but not limited to the Ladera Linda Park and
Community Center, Lower Hesse Park, Eastview Dog Park and Trail, and Abalone Cove Park.62
Program 15 of the Revised Project further establishes the City’s goal of complete Ladera Linda
Park and Community Center improvements by December 2024 and the Western Avenue
Beautification Project by December 2025. Additionally, the City is also in the process of preparing
a Civic Center Master Use Plan for future redevelopment of the City’s Civic Center.63
In addition, development fees, including Quimby Act fees, would be required as applicable for
future development. Thus, the payment of development fees, including Quimby Act fees, and the
new parks and/or improvements to existing parks in the City would offset demand resulting from
residential growth that would occur over time as a result of the Revised Project. Therefore, the
impact of future development facilitated by the Revised Project on parklands would remain less
than significant. Thus, no new or substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the
Approved Project would occur.
a.v) The Palos Verdes Library District serves the City and includes four locations, with only the
Miraleste Library being located within the City.64 While future development under the Revised
Project would increase the population in the City over time. Future development would be required
to pay all applicable development fees on a project-by-project basis to offset impacts to libraries.
Therefore, while the Revised Project would increase population in the City over time, this growth
is aligned with growth projections for the City and would not add unplanned pressure on existing
public services. In addition, payment of development fees would reduce potential impacts to public
services to less than significant. Thus, the impact of future development facilitated by the Revised
61 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2015. City of Rancho Palos Verdes Parks Master Plan. Accessed March 2024.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8212/Approved-Parks-Master-Plan-?bidId=
62 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes Park Projects Website, 2023. Accessed December
2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/778/Park-Projects.
63 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Civic Center Mater Plan Website, 2023. Accessed December 2023.
https://www.rpvca.gov/1009/Civic-Center-Master-Plan.
64 Palos Verdes Library District, Palos Verdes Library District Website, 2024. Accessed January 2024.
https://www.pvld.org/.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 73 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 70 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Project on libraries would be less than significant. Therefore, the Revised Project would not result
in new or substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
XVI. Recreation
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
RECREATION – Would the project:
a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood
and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that
substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur
or be accelerated?
☐ ☒
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the
construction or expansion of recreational facilities which
might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?
☐ ☒
Discussion
a) & b) As stated in the adopted ND, the City’s Conservation and Open Space Element states the
City has natural open space (some privately owned and some under City jurisdiction), including
the Nature Preserve subject to NCCP/HCP guidelines and parks that include a mix of active and
passive uses. Aside from the Preserve, active and passive recreational facilities that are publicly
owned supply approximately 413 acres of recreational areas as well as those supplied by Palos
Verdes Peninsula Unified School District facilities.65 The City’s Parks Master Plan, adopted in
2015, established a parkland standard of four acres of parkland per 1,000 population and concluded
that based on the City’s 2010 population of 41,643 people, the City was exceeding the park acreage
standard of 165 acres by providing 278 acres (not including the 1,450 acres included in the Nature
Preserve).66
The projected population under the 80 percent buildout scenario could be approximately 42,717
residents, which would be within SCAG’s Connect SoCal 2045 projections of 43,000 residents.
Using the City’s standard of four acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, the projected population
that would occur from the Revised Project would result in a demand of approximately 171 acres of
parkland. The 278 acres of existing parkland in the City would exceed the projected demand.
As indicated above in Section XV, Public Services, the City is currently in the process of renovating
and improving several parks and recreational facilities throughout the City, including but not
limited to the Ladera Linda Park and Community Center, Lower Hesse Park, Eastview Dog Park
and Trail, and Abalone Cove Park.67 Program 15 of the Revised Housing Element further
establishes the City’s goal to complete Ladera Linda Park and Community Center improvements
by December 2024 and the Western Avenue Beautification Project by December 2025.
Additionally, the City is also in the process of preparing a Civic Center Master Use Plan for future
65 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Conservation and Open Space
Element. Accessed December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12617/V-Cons-and-OS.
66 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2015. City of Rancho Palos Verdes Parks Master Plan. Accessed March 2024.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8212/Approved-Parks-Master-Plan-?bidId=
67 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes Park Projects Website, 2023. Accessed December
2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/778/Park-Projects.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 74 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 71 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
redevelopment of the City’s Civic Center.68 The addition of these recreational facilities would
further increase the City’s parkland acreage, where the City would be able to meet the recreational
demands of the City with future development under the Revised Project.
In addition, future development would be required to pay development fees, including Quimby
fees, on a project-by-project basis to ensure that parkland and recreational facilities are upgraded
and expanded, as necessary, in conjunction with population growth in the City. Quimby fees would
apply to projects that require the approval of a tentative or parcel subdivision map, where the fee
would be determined by a formula incorporating the average fair market value of the amount of
land that would otherwise be required for dedication or by the fee cap. Therefore, payment of
development fees for parks and recreational facilities would be proportional to the level of
development facilitated by the Revised Project.
As such, the Revised Project would not increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional
parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would
occur nor would it necessitate the expansion or construction of new recreational facilities. No
impact to parks and recreation would occur, similar to the Approved Project. Therefore, the Revised
Project would not result in new or substantially more severe significant recreation impacts
compared with the Approved Project.
XVII. Transportation
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
TRANSPORTATION—Would the project:
a) Conflict with a program, plan, ordinance or policy
addressing the circulation system, including transit,
roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities?
☐ ☒
b) Conflict or be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section
15064.3, subdivision (b)? ☐ ☒
c) Substantially increase hazards due to a geometric design
feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or
incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
☐ ☒
d) Result in inadequate emergency access? ☐ ☒
Discussion
a) The City’s Circulation Element, the Trails Network Plan, and the South Bay Bicycle Master
Plan address transit, roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. The City’s Circulation Element
includes policies, including but not limited to supporting alternative modes of transportation such
as walking, biking, and transit; promoting the creation of complete streets; and requiring new
developments or redevelopments to provide adequate roadway widths and improvements to nearby
intersections, as applicable.69 The City is currently updating the Trails Network Plan, which
68 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Civic Center Mater Plan Website, 2023. Accessed December 2023.
https://www.rpvca.gov/1009/Civic-Center-Master-Plan.
69 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Circulation Element. Accessed
March 2024. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12625/2018-General-Plan
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 75 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 72 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
identifies various types of bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian trails throughout the City.70 The South
Bay Bicycle Master Plan provides objectives and programs to expand the bikeway network,
increase mobility through bicycle-transit integration, and provide convenient and consistent bicycle
parking facilities (e.g., bike racks, bicycle lockers, etc.).71
Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would occur as infill development as it would
occur primarily on underutilized properties within an urbanized area and therefore, would not alter
the City’s existing circulation system or traffic patterns. The existing roadway capacity of the City’s
circulation system is adequate to accommodate the growth envisioned by the Revised Project and
no major roadway improvements are anticipated to be required to support future development under
the Revised Project.
Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would increase the population in the City,
which would result in additional vehicular trips and the increased use of streets for all modes of
transportation. The Revised Project would facilitate residential and mixed-use development on sites
that are presently served by existing pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities. As development
facilitated by the Revised Project would generally be limited to the boundaries of each infill site it
would not interfere with planned physical improvements in adjacent rights-of-way to further
expand citywide pedestrian and bicycle networks. If future projects require an encroachment permit
for construction work in the public right-of-way, a City-approved traffic control plan would be
prepared and implemented during construction in accordance with the requirements of the
encroachment permit application process. The traffic control plan would ensure adequate access
from all modes of transportation, including pedestrians and bicyclists, by incorporating site-specific
transportation measures, such as detours, coning off construction areas with traffic controllers, or
establishing alternative sidewalk routes.
In addition, the Revised Project would promote mixed-use development, which would locate
residential uses within close proximity to residential serving retail uses, thereby reducing vehicle
trips and providing opportunities for alternate modes of transportation . In addition, future
development would not impact the City’s existing transit system but rather would locate the
majority of housing sites along existing transit routes in the city, which would also promote the use
of alternative transportation (refer to Figure 2, Public Transit, of the Circulation Element).72 If any
minor roadway or access improvements are required, these types of improvements would be
reviewed by the city during the application process to ensure the improvements are designed to
meet City regulations which have been developed to ensure safety for all modes of transportation,
including pedestrians. Future development under the Revised Project would not preclude the City
from working with transit agencies to expand and improve public transit service within and adjacent
to the City as it does not propose changes to inter-agency coordination. In fact, the increase in
70 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2024. City of Rancho Palos Verdes Trails Network Plan. Accessed March 2024.
https://www.rpvca.gov/483/Trails-Network-Plan
71 South Bay Bicycle Coalition Plus (SBBC+), 2011. South Bay Bicycle Master Plan. Accessed March 2024.
https://sbbcplus.org/sbbcplus-master-plan/
72 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Circulation Element; Figure 2,
Public Transit. Accessed January 2024. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12625/2018-General-Plan.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 76 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 73 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
density/intensity on individual sites under the Revised Project would encourage the expansion of
transit in the area by generating more potential transit riders.
For these reasons, development facilitated by the Revised Project would be consistent with the
overall intent of the applicable plans addressing the City’s circulation system, including transit,
roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. Therefore, the impact with respect to conflicting with
an applicable transportation policy, plan, or regulation would be less than significant. No new or
substantially more severe impacts would occur compared with the Approved Project.
b) As a result of Senate Bill (SB) 743, new guidelines for evaluating transportation impacts under
CEQA were developed. These guidelines changed the transportation performance metric from
automobile delay and level of service (LOS) to VMT. VMT promotes reduced greenhouse gas
emissions and the development of multimodal and diverse transportation networks.
Similar to the Approved Project, the majority of the housing sites identified in the Revised Project
are located along Hawthrone Boulevard (Sites 1 through 6), Silver Spur Road (Sites 7 through 15)
and Western Avenue (Sites 20 through 31). As part of the Housing Element planning process , the
City identified candidate housing sites based on its screening criteria, which considered location
within or in proximity to HQTAs and transit services as well as with residential-serving uses (e.g.,
commercial, retail, and restaurant uses). The housing sites identified in the Revised Project were
selected based on their location to such uses.
Since the City is generally built out, the proposed densification of infill sites with multi-family
housing units would accommodate growth in an efficient manner. The Revised Project would
promote mixed-use development as residential-serving uses would be allowed with residential uses.
The densification and location of residential uses within close proximity to commercial uses would
reduce vehicle trips as people would be able to use alternate transportation to obtain goods and
services. Thus, the Revised Project would result in a land use pattern that would allow development
that would reduce VMT. For these reasons, future development under the Revised Project is not
anticipated to result in any significant VMT impacts based upon the information currently
available. Therefore, no new or substantially more severe impacts would occur compared with the
Approved Project.
c) The future development under the Revised Project would not result in changes to the circulation
network and would not include any incompatible uses, including the use of farm equipment. The
future residential and mixed-use projects that would be developed would not result in incompatible
uses in the City. Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would be required to comply
with City design standards with regard to site. In addition, future development would be required
to provide adequate sight distance, sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian movement controls that
meet the City’s requirements to protect pedestrian safety. Street trees and other potential
impediments to adequate driver and pedestrian visibility would be required to be designed and
installed in accordance with the requirements established in the City’s Municipal Code. As a result,
development facilitated by the Revised Project would not substantially increase hazards or conflicts
due to a geometric design feature. Therefore, future development under the Revised Project would
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 77 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 74 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
result in less-than-significant impacts related to design hazards. No new or substantially more
severe impacts would occur compared with the Approved Project.
d) Figure 5, Disaster Routes, of the Safety Element identifies the routes throughout the city that
should be used in the case of emergency or evacuation.73 As shown in Figure 5, Hawthorne and
Crenshaw Boulevards, Crest Road, Palos Verdes Drive, Miraleste Rive, and Western Avenue are
designated evacuation routes within the City.
Similar to the Approved Project, the majority of the housing sites identified in the Revised Project
are located along Hawthrone Boulevard (Sites 1 through 6), Silver Spur Road (Sites 7 through 15)
and Western Avenue (Sites 20 through 31), where future development under the Revised Project
would increase residential densities along designated evacuation routes within the City. However,
these roadways would continue to provide access throughout the City under the Revised Project.
All these roadways have been designed to accommodate emergency vehicles; as such, adequate
emergency access to individual project sites would be provided.
Furthermore, all future development facilitated by the Revised Project would be designed to have
adequate access for emergency vehicles, including providing adequate turning radii, in accordance
with the requirements of the Fire Code. Additionally, all access improvements for the future
developments under the Revised Project would be reviewed and approved by the Public Works
Department to ensure adequate emergency access is provided on a project-by-project basis. If future
projects require an encroachment permit for work in the public right-of-way, a City-approved
traffic control plan would be prepared and implemented in accordance with the requirements of the
encroachment permit application process. The traffic control plan would include site-specific
transportation measures, such as detours or coning off construction areas with traffic controllers, to
demonstrate adequate emergency access during roadway works activities.
For these reasons, development facilitated by the Revised Project would not result in inadequate
emergency access and impacts would be less than significant. Thus, no new or substantially more
severe impacts would occur compared with the Approved Project.
73 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Safety Element; Figure 5, Disaster
Routs. Accessed January 2024. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12625/2018-General-Plan.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 78 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 75 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
XVIII. Tribal Cultural Resources
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES—Would the project:
a) Listed or eligible for listing in the California Register of
Historical Resources, or in a local register of historical
resources as defined in Public Resources Code section
5020.1(k), or
☐ ☒
b) A resource determined by the lead agency, in its discretion
and supported by substantial evidence, to be significant
pursuant to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public
Resources Code Section 5024.1. In applying the criteria set
forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resource Code Section
5024.1, the lead agency shall consider the significance of
the resource to a California Native American tribe.
☐ ☒
Discussion
a) & b) As indicated in the adopted ND, the City initiated Tribal consultation in accordance with
Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52) and Senate Bill 18 (SB 18) and completed consultation with the
Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal Council. The tribe determined that due to this being
a policy document, future consultations shall occur at the time of the specific General Plan Land
Use Plan amendments and with any future ground disturbing activities when specific sites are
developed.
Since the Revised Project includes the General Plan, zoning, and Local Coastal Plan amendments
needed to facilitate the residential development required to meet the City’s 6th Cycle RHNA, the
City initiated tribal consultation with the Gabrielino Tongva Indians of California Tribal Council
in accordance with SB 18.74
As indicated previously, the housing sites were identified with consideration of known resources
and none of the housing sites are located in areas with known archaeological resources. In addition,
future development in the City would be required to comply with the General Plan Conservation
and Open Space Element Policies 29, 30, and 31, which encourage the identification and
preservation of archaeologically sensitive areas and sites in the city and requires sharing cultural
resources information with the appropriate information centers. Based on the available information
and methodology for housing sites selection, it is anticipated that the Revised Project would result
in a less than significant impact on historic and archaeological resources, including tribal cultural
resources. With these safeguards in place, implementation of the Revised Project would not result
in impacts related to tribal cultural resources, similar to the Approved Project. The Revised Project
would not result in new or substantially more severe significant tribal cultural resources impacts
compared with the Approved Project.
74 Tribal consultation in accordance with AB52 was not triggered by this Addendum.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 79 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 76 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
XIX. Utilities and Service Systems
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS—Would the project:
a) Require or result in the relocation or construction of new or
expanded water, wastewater treatment or storm water
drainage, electric power, natural gas, or
telecommunications facilities, the construction or relocation
of which could cause significant environmental effects?
☐ ☒
b) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project
and reasonably foreseeable future development during
normal, dry and multiple dry years?
☐ ☒
c) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment
provider which serves or may serve the project that it has
adequate capacity to serve the project’s projected demand
in addition to the provider’s existing commitments?
☐ ☒
d) Generate solid waste in excess of State or local standards,
or in excess of the capacity of local infrastructure, or
otherwise impair the attainment of solid waste reduction
goals?
☐ ☒
e) Comply with federal, state, and local management and
reduction statutes and regulations related to solid waste? ☐ ☒
Discussion
a) The identified housing sites in the Revised Project are located within an urbanized area that is
served by existing wet and dry utilities, including water, wastewater, solid waste removal systems
as well as natural gas and electricity, telephone and/or cellular service, cable or satellite television
systems, and internet or Wi-Fi services. Future development facilitated by the Revised Project
would connect to existing water, wastewater, stormwater, electric, natural gas, and
telecommunications distribution and conveyance infrastructure in the City.
As part of the planning process for the Housing Element, the City in coordination with the exiting
utility providers determined that the existing water and wastewater systems have adequate supply
and capacity to serve future development facilitated by the Revised Project and the housing sites
identified in the Revised Housing Element are not constrained by water or wastewater availability
or conveyance issues. While it is expected that existing utility infrastructure in the City has enough
capacity to serve future development under the Revised Project, in some cases, new and existing
infrastructure may need to be constructed and/or relocated to increase capacity and/or better serve
individual sites, and its construction could result in adverse environmental effects. However, future
development would be required to comply with the City’s requirements for construction, including
but not limited to, grading permits and encroachment permits. Therefore, future development
facilitated by the Revised Project would not result in any significant impacts related to the
relocation or construction of new or expanded utility infrastructure. The Revised Project would not
result in new or substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
b) & c) The City receives its water service from the California Water Service Company (Cal
Water). According to Cal Water’s Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), water supply in the
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 80 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 77 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Palos Verdes District is projected to meet water demand through 2045.75 In addition, Cal Water is
developing multiple regional water supply reliability studies using integrated resource planning
practices to create a long-term supply reliability strategy through 2050 for their districts throughout
the state. The studies will result in long-term strategies to address a wide range of water supply
challenges including climate change, new regulatory requirements (e.g., the Sustainable
Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), and potential growth in demands due to new
development. The reliability studies will be completed on a rolling basis, with all studies anticipated
to be complete by 2024. In addition, Cal Water also has its own aggressive and comprehensive
water conservation program that has and will continue to reduce per-capita usage and therefore,
reduce demands on critical water sources.76 As stated in the Revised Housing Element, the City’s
water distribution infrastructure has sufficient capacity to accommodate future development
facilitated by the Revised Project.
The City’s sanitary sewer services are provided by the Los Angeles County Sanitation District
(LACSD). The system connects all buildings throughout the City to LACSD interceptors, which
carry the sewage to a regional treatment facility for disposal. Wastewater in the City is conveyed
to the Warren Facility (formerly called the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant) located in the City
of Carson. The Warren Facility has a capacity of 400 million gallons per day and currently average
daily flows are approximately 260 million gallons per day.77 In addition, as stated in the Revised
Housing Element, the City’s wastewater conveyance infrastructure has enough capacity to
accommodate future development that implements the Revised Project. As is required by the City,
the capacity of the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure would be reviewed at the specific location
of the future housing units and an appropriate sewer capacity analysis would be conducted at the
time of the proposed development.
The projected population under the 80 percent scenario of the Revised Project would be
approximately 42,717 residents, which would be within SCAG’s 2020 Connect SoCal 2045
projections of 43,000 residents. Since the projected population growth under the Revised Project is
within SCAG’s regional projections for the City, the amount of growth that could be facilitated by
the Revised Project is accounted for in the Cal Water and LACSD supply and demand estimates,
which are based on SCAG’s regional growth projections. Therefore, future development under the
Revised Project is not anticipated to significantly impact the existing water system.
In addition, future development that is facilitated by the Revised Project would be required to
comply with all applicable federal, State, and local goals, policies, and regulations associated with
reducing water consumption to ensure the conservation of water and the infrastructure to support
water and sewer is maintained throughout the City. In addition, the Revised Project encourages
opportunities for energy and water conservation measures in future development. Furthermore,
future projects would be required to adhere to relevant development standards and objective design
75 California Water Service (Cal Water), 2021. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. Accessed December 2023.
https://www.calwater.com/docs/uwmp2020/PV_2020_UWMP_FINAL.pdf.
76 California Water Service (Cal Water), 2021. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. Accessed December 2023.
https://www.calwater.com/docs/uwmp2020/PV_2020_UWMP_FINAL.pdf.
77 Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD), 2023. Wastewater Treatment Process at the Warren Facility.
Accessed December 2023. https://www.lacsd.org/services/wastewater-sewage/facilities/ak-warren-water-resource-
facility/wastewater-treatment-process.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 81 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 78 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
guidelines contained in the City’s General Plan and Municipal Code related to water supply, water
conservation, and wastewater to minimize effects to the City’s water and wastewater systems.
Therefore, future development facilitated by the Revised Project would not result in any significant
impacts to the water and wastewater systems. The Revised Project would not result in new or
substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
d) & e) In 2011, AB 341 was adopted establishing a policy goal that 75 percent of statewide solid
waste should be reduced, recycled, or composted by 2020. This is an expansion of previous state
goals to divert 50 percent of community-wide waste. In addition, Senate Bill (SB) 1383 requires
all businesses and multi-family properties to arrange for organic waste recycling services (i.e., food
waste and green waste) to reduce methane emissions by diverting organics waste from landfills for
other uses like compost, mulch, and renewable energy. As required by the State, these regulations
were adopted into Chapter 8.20 (Solid Waste Collection and Disposal) of the City’s Municipal
Code. In accordance with SB 1383, the City began organics recycling for residential customers in
April 2022 and for non-residential customers in October 2022. In addition, CALGreen requires that
65 percent of construction and demolition waste from new construction must be diverted from
landfills and either recycled or salvaged for reuse.
Future development facilitated by the Revised project could add up to 820 new housing units and
up to 2,190 residents over time in the City. This increase in residential density and associated
population growth would increase solid waste generation in the City. Future development under
the Revised Project would be subject to the requirements set forth in AB 341, SB 1383, and
CALGreen. Therefore, it is estimated that a minimum of 75 percent of the solid waste generated
from future development under the Revised Project would be diverted from landfills and that
organic waste recycling services (i.e., food waste and green waste) would continue to be provided
in the City. Due to the types of waste that would be generated and required compliance with
diversion requirements, future development facilitated by the Revised Project is not expected to
generate waste in excess of these standards and would not significantly impact the existing solid
waste disposal system. Therefore, the impact of the Project on solid waste disposal capacity would
remain less than significant. The Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more
severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 82 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 79 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
XX. Wildfire
Issues:
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
WILDFIRE—If located in or near state responsibility areas or
lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, would
the project:
a) Substantially impair an adopted emergency response plan
or emergency evacuation plan? ☐ ☒
b) Due to slope, prevailing winds, and other factors,
exacerbate wildfire risks, and thereby expose project
occupants to, pollutant concentrations from a wildfire or the
uncontrolled spread of a wildfire?
☐ ☒
c) Require the installation or maintenance of associated
infrastructure (such as roads, fuel breaks, emergency water
sources, power lines or other utilities) that may exacerbate
fire risk or that may result in temporary or ongoing impacts
to the environment?
☐ ☒
d) Expose people or structures to significant risks, including
downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result
of runoff, post-fire slope instability, or drainage changes?
☐ ☒
Discussion
a) CAL FIRE prepares fire hazard severity maps and maps areas of significant fire hazards based
on fuels, terrain, weather, and other relevant factors, referred to as Fire Hazard Severity Zones
(FHSZ). According to the City’s General Plan Safety Element, the Los Angeles County FHSZ map
identifies the entire City, excluding portions of the City located east of Western Avenue is classified
as a Very High Fire Severity Zone.78 Development within these areas must follow federal, State,
and local regulations related to development type, landscaping requirements, fuel management, and
brush clearance restrictions to reduce risks associated with wildfires.
Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would be required to adhere to the State and
City's Fire regulations to ensure that the risk of wildfire would be reduced to the greatest extent
possible. Future development would be required to demonstrate consistency with the City’s General
Plan, including Policies 14 and 15 of the Conservation and Open Space Element, which encourage
preparation of landscaping plans and the reestablishment of appropriate native plants, especially
fire retardant natives such as saltbrush, near fuel modification setback areas; and Policies 2 and 3
of the Safety Element, which promote enforcement and incorporation of the City, State, and
National regulatory standards, such as the California Building and Fire Codes and other applicable
fire safety standards.
As discussed above in Section IX, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Figure 5, Disaster Routes,
of the Safety Element identifies the emergency and evacuation routes throughout the city.79 As
shown in Figure 5, Hawthorne and Crenshaw Boulevards, Crest Road, Palos Verdes Drive,
Miraleste Rive, and Western Avenue are designated evacuation routes within the City. As discussed
78 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Safety Element. Accessed
December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12621/X-Safety.
79 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan, 2018. Safety Element; Figure 5, Disaster
Routs. Accessed January 2024. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12625/2018-General-Plan.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 83 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 80 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
above, the City’s EOP and MJHMP establishes policies and structures for City government
management of emergencies and disasters.
The majority of the housing sites identified in the Revised Project are located along Hawthrone
Boulevard (Sites 1 through 6), Silver Spur Road (Sites 7 through 15) and Western Avenue (Sites
20 through 31). Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would be infill development
within the City’s urban areas that include an established emergency/evacuation system. In addition,
future development under the Revised Project would not interfere with the City’s adopted EOP or
MJHMP because the City would review development applications prior to approval to ensure that
the development would not create barriers to evacuation plans and that emergency access can be
met. In addition, future development under the Revised Project that requires an encroachment
permit would be required to prepare and implement a City-approved traffic control plan for
construction activities within roadways as part of the permit application process. The traffic control
plan would include site-specific transportation measures, such as detours or coning off construction
areas with traffic controllers, to demonstrate adequate emergency and evacuation access during
such activities.
As a result, impacts related to substantially impairing an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan, including the City’s EOP and MJHMP, would be less than significant.
Thus, the Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more severe significant impacts
compared with the Approved Project.
b) Future development facilitated by the Project could increase the risk of wildfire by introducing
new sources of ignition (i.e., construction equipment, employees, residents, and vehicles) in the
City during both construction and operation. However, pursuant to the CBC, the State and City Fire
Codes, and other fire-related requirements of the City’s Municipal Code, development under the
Revised Project would be required to comply with requirements relating to emergency planning
and preparedness, fire service features, building services and systems, access requirements, water
supply, fire and smoke protection features, building materials, construction requirements,
landscaping and vegetation management, and specific requirements for specialized uses involving
flammable and hazardous materials. These code requirements were developed over many decades
to reduce the risks associated with wildfire. The implementation of these standard requirements
would reduce impacts associated with accidental ignitions emanating from future development
under the Revised Project and would also reduce impacts associated with wildfires encroaching
onto the housing sites identified in the Revised Project from adjacent areas. Therefore, future
development facilitated by the Revised Project Require would not result in any significant impacts
related to accidental ignitions. The Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more
severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
c) Future development facilitated by the Revised Project would not involve infrastructure
extensions into unserved areas as future development would constitute infill development. Future
utility infrastructure improvements, if needed, would occur mainly on the housing sites at the time
of development, with connections and upgrades off-site within public rights-of-way. If future
projects require an encroachment permit for works in a public right-of-way, a City-approved traffic
control plan would be prepared and implemented in accordance with the requirements of the
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 84 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 81 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
encroachment permit application process. The traffic control plan would include site-specific
transportation measures, such as detours or coning off construction areas with traffic controllers, to
demonstrate adequate access for all modes of transportation during roadway works activities.
Utility infrastructure and roadway improvements associated with future development under the
Revised Project would conform with the requirements of the CBC and County and City Fire Codes
thus limiting the fire risk associated with construction and operation.
In addition, future development under the Revised Project would be required to comply with
Chapter 8.08 (Fire Code) and Chapter 7A (Materials and Construction Methods for
Exterior Wildfire Exposure) of the City’s Municipal Code, which include site-specific
landscaping/vegetation, fire breaks, and setback requirements; installation of firefighting features,
such as fire hydrants, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers; and protocols for proper onsite waste
management to reduce risk of wildfire. Fire flow and water supply infrastructure would be installed
on a project-by-project basis per the State and City Fire Codes and reviewed by the Fire
Department. Therefore, future development facilitated by the Revised Project Require would not
result in any significant impacts related to the installation or maintenance of associated
infrastructure that may exacerbate fire risk. The Revised Project would not result in new or
substantially more severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
d) Post-fire impacts such as slope instability and downstream flooding are typically associated with
steep wildland areas that burn and then erode or slide onto downslope area. As discussed in Section
VII, Geology and Soils, as part of the Housing Element planning process, the City identified
candidate housing sites based on citywide screening criteria, which considered a range of factors,
including identifying properties located outside of hazards zone, including landslide areas and steep
slope (>25 percent) hazard zones.80 The housing sites inventory of the Revised Project was
evaluated further in the Dudek Study, which identified the percentage of the site that is developable,
primarily considering steep slopes as a limiting factor; the maximum recommended residential
density based on analysis of the topography of the site; the recommended new zoning category;
and the type of building that was tested to fit on the site if zoned as recommended. Based on the
screening criteria, the 31 housing sites, including the new site (Site 15), of the Revised Project were
identified for future residential development based on low potential for geologic hazards, including
landslides and steep slopes to occur onsite. As such, the housing sites identified in the Revised
Project do not contain or propose the steep slopes associated with these post-fire risks.
As discussed in Section X, Hydrology and Water Quality, the City has established requirements,
as a condition of project approval, for permanent structural controls designed for the removal of
sediment and other pollutants, and for control on the volume and rate of stormwater runoff from
added or replaced impervious surfaces in future development. Development facilitated by the
Revised Project would comply with all federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and policies,
including but not limited to the NPDES Construction General Permit and regulations/requirements;
the City’s MS4 permit, CIMP, EWMP, Local SWPPP, and Wet Weather Erosion Control Plan; and
Chapters 13.10 (Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control) and 15.04 (Building Code) of
the Municipal Code. Chapter 13.10 (Stormwater and Urban Runoff Pollution Control) of the
80 City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2022. Citywide Screening Analysis Criteria Methodology.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 85 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 82 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Municipal Code requires incorporation of LID design features and full hydromodification
mitigation for redevelopment projects that alter 50 percent or more of existing impervious surfaces
while redevelopment projects that alter less than 50 percent of existing impervious surfaces would
be required to implement hydromodification mitigation for the altered area. The City’s Stormwater
and Runoff Pollution Control (Municipal Code Chapter 13.10) also requires projects to incorporate
construction and post-construction BMPs to ensure stormwater runoff is controlled in a manner
that would minimize water quality degradation, ensure that drainage patterns are not altered, and
substantial erosion would not occur. Therefore, the Revised Project would not result in changes to
runoff or drainage patterns that could exacerbate downslope or downstream flooding and thereby
expose people or structures to associated risks.
For these reasons, future development facilitated by the Revised Project would have low potential
to exacerbate wildfire risk and is not located on steep slopes that could contribute to the occurrence
of landslides or flooding. Therefore, future development facilitated by the Revised Project would
not result in any significant impacts related to exposing people or structures to significant risks,
including downslope or downstream flooding or landslides, as a result of runoff, post-fire slope
instability, or drainage changes. The Revised Project would not result in new or substantially more
severe significant impacts compared with the Approved Project.
XXI. Mandatory Findings of Significance
Issues (and Supporting Information Sources):
Potentially Significant
Impact Not Identified in
the “Approved Project”
Same or Less Impact
than Identified in the
“Approved Project
MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE—
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of
the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or
wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop
below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or
animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range
of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate
important examples of the major periods of California
history or prehistory?
☐ ☒
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited
but cumulatively considerable? (“Cumulatively considerable”
means that the incremental effects of a project are
considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of
past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the
effects of probable future projects)?
☐ ☒
c) Does the project have environmental effects which will
cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either
directly or indirectly?
☐ ☒
Discussion
a)–c) As discussed throughout this addendum, the Revised Project would not result in new
significant or more severe environmental impacts compared to the Approved Project. Compliance
with all federal, State, and local laws, regulations, plans, and policies would ensure that future
development facilitated by the Revised Project would not result in significant impacts to the
environment, including either limited or cumulative, affecting habitat; plant or animal
communities; rare, endangered, or threatened species; historic resources; or human beings.
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 86 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 83 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Therefore, the Revised Project would result in no significant environmental impacts, similar to the
Approved Project.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis and information contained in this Addendum, there is no evidence that the
proposed modifications to the Approved Project, which was analyzed in the adopted ND, including
revisions to the Housing Element and the General Plan, Local Coastal Plan and zoning amendments
necessary to implement the Revised Housing Element would require major changes to the adopted
ND, and only minor modification and clarifications in the scope of the Approved Project need to
be documented for the Revised Project. As indicated in the analyses above, the Revised Project
would not result in a new significant impact or substantial increase in the severity of previously
identified impacts in the adopted ND. There are no substantial changes to the circumstances under
which the Revised Project will be undertaken, and no new information of substantial importance
which was not known and could not have been known when the ND was adopted has since been
identified. Therefore, the Revised Project does not meet the standards for a subsequent or
supplemental EIR as provided pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15162. As such, this
Addendum to the adopted ND satisfies the CEQA requirements for the Revised Project.
References
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air -Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE),
1999 ASHRAE Applications Handbook.
http://www.hvac.amickracing.com/Miscellaneous/HVAC_Applications_Handbook -
ASHRAE.pdf. Accessed March 2024.
California Air Resources Board (CARB), 2024. Advanced Clean Trucks. Accessed March
2024. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/advanced-clean-trucks.
California Department of Conservation (DOC). 2022. California Williamson Act Enrollment Finder.
Accessed January 2024. https://maps.conservation.ca.gov/dlrp/WilliamsonAct/App/index.html.
California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). 2023. EnviroStor database.
Accessed December 2023.
https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/map/?myaddress=city+of+racho+palos+verdes.
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), 2013. Technical Noise Supplement to the
Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol. September 2013.
California Water Service (Cal Water). 2021. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan. Accessed
December 2023. https://www.calwater.com/docs/uwmp2020/PV_2020_UWMP_FINAL.pdf.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2014. City of Rancho Palos Verdes National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System Requirements for Permits in the Public Right of Way. Accessed March
2024. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5345/NPDES-requirements-PDF
City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2015. City of Rancho Palos Verdes Parks Master Plan. Accessed
March 2024. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8212/Approved-Parks-Master-
Plan-?bidId=
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 87 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 84 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2017. Emissions Reduction Action Plan. Accessed December 2023.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11625/Emmissions-Reduction-Action-Plan-
ERAP-PDF.City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2018. City of Rancho Palos Verdes Emergency
Operations Plan. Accessed March 2024.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12886/EOP-FINAL-September-2018-Full-
Edition-PDF.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes. 2018. City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan. Conservation
and Open Space Element. Accessed December 2023.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12617/V-Cons-and-OS.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes. 2018. City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan. Land Use
Element. Accessed December 2023.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12620/VIII-Land-Use.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes. 2018. City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan. Noise Element.
Accessed December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12616/IX-Noise.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes. 2018. City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan. Safety Element.
Accessed December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12621/X-Safety.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes. 2018. City of Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan. Visual
Resources Element. Accessed December 2023.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12622/XI-Visual-Resources.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes. 2018. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ General Plan Update. Accessed January 2024.
https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12282/Initial-Study-2018-August.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2019. City of Rancho Palos Verdes Final Natural Community
Conservation Plan and Habitat Conservation Plan. Figure 4-2 Preservation Properties.
Accessed March 2024. https://www.rpvca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17121/NCCPHCP.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes and City of Rolling Hills Estates, 2020. Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan. Accessed March 2024. https://rpvca.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2935
City of Rancho Palos Verdes, 2022. Citywide Screening Analysis Criteria Methodology.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes. 2023. Civic Center Mater Plan Website. Accessed December 2023.
https://www.rpvca.gov/1009/Civic-Center-Master-Plan.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes. 2023. City of Rancho Palos Verdes Park Projects Website.
Accessed December 2023. https://www.rpvca.gov/778/Park-Projects.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes. 2023. City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code. Accessed
December 2023.
https://library.municode.com/ca/rancho_palos_verdes/codes/code_of_ordinances.
City of Rancho Palos Verdes and City of Rolling Hills Estates. 2020. Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan. Accessed December 2023. https://rpvca.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2935.
County of Los Angeles Fire Department, 2024. Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP)
California Environmental Reporting System Submittal. Accessed March 2024.
https://fire.lacounty.gov/ca-environmental-reporting/
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 88 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 85 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Dudek, 2023. Rancho Palos Verdes Housing Element Sites Inventory Analysis. Appendix F of the
Revised Housing Element. Federal Highway Administration, Roadway Construction Noise
Model User’s Guide.
Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, Table 7-
4, September 2018.
Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LACSD). 2023. Wastewater Treatment Process at the
Warren Facility (Formerly Joint Water Pollution Control Plant). Accessed December 2023.
https://www.lacsd.org/services/wastewater-sewage/facilities/ak-warren-water-resource-
facility/wastewater-treatment-process.
Palos Verdes Library District. 2024. Palos Verdes Library District Website. Accessed January
2024. https://www.pvld.org/.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District. 2024. Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School
District Website. Accessed January 2024. https://www.pvpusd.net/.
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). 2022. 2022 Air Quality Management
Plan. Accessed December 2023. https://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/clean-air-
plans/air-quality-management-plans/2022-air-quality-management-plan/final-2022-aqmp/02-
cover-and-opening-pages.pdf?sfvrsn=8.
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), 2020. Connect SoCal - Jurisdiction-
Level Growth Forecast. Accessed March 2024. https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file-
attachments/0903fconnectsocal_demographics-and-growth-forecast.pdf?1606001579.
Southern California Association of the Governments (SCAG). 2022. Draft Connect SoCal 2024:
2024 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy Data/Map Book for
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. Accessed December 2023. https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main
/files/file-attachments/p0222-rancho-palos-verdes.pdf?1655313774.
United States Census Bureau, 2024. QuickFacts: Rancho Palos Verdes City, California. Accessed
March 2024.
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ranchopalosverdescitycalifornia/PST045222#P
ST045222
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), 2024. National Wetlands Inventory. Accessed
March 2024. https://fwsprimary.wim.usgs.gov/wetlands/apps/wetlands-mapper/
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 89 of 90
Rancho Palos Verdes Revised 2021–2029 Housing Element 86 ESA / D202001354.00
Addendum to Adopted Negative Declaration March 2024
Intentionally Blank
Ordinance 678U
Attachment A
Page 90 of 90
01203.0005/970913.2
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Draft Chapter 17.47
Article V. Special Districts
Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 1 of 39
01203.0005/970913.2
Table of Contents
Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District ...................................................................................................................... 3
17.47.010. Purpose .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
17.47.020. Applicability .................................................................................................................................................... 3
17.47.030. Administrative Review ................................................................................................................................... 3
17.47.040. Development Standards ............................................................................................................................... 4
A. Building Standards ................................................................................................................................. 4
1.Residential Density ................................................................................................................... 4
2.Setbacks .................................................................................................................................... 4
3.Building Height .......................................................................................................................... 5
4.Façade Modulation and Articulation ........................................................................................ 5
5.Ground Floor ............................................................................................................................. 6
6.Transparency............................................................................................................................. 8
B.Open Space Standards .......................................................................................................................... 8
1.Private Open Space .................................................................................................................. 8
2.Common Open Space ............................................................................................................... 9
3.Landscaping .............................................................................................................................. 9
4.Fences, walls, and hedges ....................................................................................................... 9
C.Parking Standards .................................................................................................................................. 9
1.Applicability ............................................................................................................................... 9
2.Minimum Parking ...................................................................................................................... 9
3.Parking Reduction in Proximity to Transit ............................................................................ 10
4.Unbundled Parking ............................................................................................................... 10
5.Layout ......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
D.Site Standards ..................................................................................................................................... 11
1.Lot ........................................................................................................................................... 11
2.Access and Circulation .......................................................................................................... 11
3.Slope and Grading ................................................................................................................. 11
4.Intersection Visibility .............................................................................................................. 11
5.Exterior Lighting ..................................................................................................................... 11
6.Underground Utilities ............................................................................................................. 11
7.Trash and Recycling ............................................................................................................... 12
8.Mechanical Equipment, Storage Areas, and Loading Docks .............................................. 12
9.Signs. ...................................................................................................................................... 12
10.Outdoor Display and Sales of Merchandise ......................................................................... 12
11.Dedications, ROW Improvements, and Off-Site Improvements .......................................... 12
12.Development Projects Greater than 3 Acres........................................................................ 12
17.47.050. Requesting a MUOD Designation .............................................................................................................. 13
17.47.060. Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements ......................................................................................... 13
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 2 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
01203.0005/970913.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 2
Tables and Figures
Table 17.47.040.1. ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Maximum Residential Density Standards for MUOD ....................................................................................................... 4
Table 17.47.040.2. ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Minimum and Maximum Building Setback Standards for MUOD ................................................................................... 4
Table 17.47.040.3. ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Maximum Building Height Standards for MUOD.............................................................................................................. 5
Figure 17.47.040.1. .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Façade Break ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 17.47.040.2. .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Blank Facades ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 17.47.040.3. .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Façade Modulation and Articulation ................................................................................................................................ 6
Figure 17.47.040.4. .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Ground Floor Dwelling Units .............................................................................................................................................. 7
Figure 17.47.040.5. .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Ground Floor Façade Treatment ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Table 17.47.040.4 ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
Private Open Space Requirements per Unit Type for MUOD .......................................................................................... 8
Table 17.47.040.5. ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
Common Open Space Requirements per Unit Type for MUOD ....................................................................................... 9
Table 17.47.040.6. ........................................................................................................................................................ 10
Off-Street Parking Requirements for MUOD ................................................................................................................. 10
Table 17.47.050.1. ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements in MUOD ....................................................................................................... 13
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 3 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
01203.0005/970913.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 3
Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District
17.47.010. Purpose
The Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD) implements various programs in the City’s Housing Element by
facilitating the development of a MUOD project of residential-only or mixed-use development with residential
and commercial uses on select parcels that encourage:
A.A compact and infill development pattern that promotes efficient use of land and infrastructure,
minimizes automobile dependency, and promotes vibrant and active lifestyles;
B.A compatible mix of uses including residential, commercial, and office land uses in a horizontal or
vertical configuration that co-locates residents with pedestrian-oriented amenities;
C. A diversity of multi-family housing types in a residential-only or mixed-use configuration to increase
housing choice and affordability; and
D.Revitalization of the City’s commercial corridors as places to live, work, and play, thereby supporting
the City’s economic development initiatives.
17.47.020. Applicability
A.Applicable parcels. The MUOD is an overlay district applicable to parcels with an underlying non-
residential base district designation. The MUOD shall only apply to the parcels identified in the
Mixed-Use Overlay District Map on file with the Community Development Department.
B.Relationship to the underlaying base district. The provisions of the underlying base district shall
continue to apply to a property unless specifically superseded by a MUOD project when a property
owner chooses to exercise provisions of this chapter.
C.Relationship to Overlay Control Districts. If applicable, the objective provisions of any Overlay Control
District shall continue to apply to a property unless specifically superseded by a MUOD project when
a property owner chooses to exercise provisions of this chapter. In the event that the provisions of
any Overlay Control District are in conflict with provisions of this chapter, this chapter shall govern.
D.Relationship to State Density Bonus Law. A MUOD project is eligible for a density bonus in
accordance with Chapter 17.11 (Affordable Housing).
E.Designation. The application of the MUOD shall be signified by the designation of a “MUOD” suffix
following the base district designation on the official zoning map. For example, the use of the MUOD
in conjunction with the Commercial – General district would be designated as “CG-MUOD.”
17.47.030. Administrative Review
A.Ministerial Approval. Projects that comply with the provisions of this chapter and do not require any
of the approvals set forth in Subsection B, shall be approved ministerially and are not subject to
discretionary approval. The Director shall approve an administrative permit to construct and operate
a MUOD project under this chapter if the application complies with the provisions of this chapter.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 4 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
01203.0005/970913.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 4
B.Need for Additional Approvals. If an applicant requires approval of an application for a lot line
adjustment, merger of parcels, or subdivision in conjunction with approval of an application pursuant
to this chapter, a separate application shall proceed in accordance with Title 16. Subdivisions.
17.47.040. Development Standards
The objective provisions of Article VI (Use and Development Standards) shall apply to all MUOD projects. For
exceptions to those provisions and application of additional standards, the development standards
contained in this section shall also apply to all MUOD projects. In the event that the provisions of Article VI
are in conflict with applicable provisions of this section, this section shall govern.
A. Building Standards
1.Residential Density
a. Density standards shall be prescribed in Table 17.47.040.1.and in this subsection.
Table 17.47.040.1.
Maximum Residential Density Standards for MUOD
Multi-family residential projects Mixed-use projects
Maximum Residential Density 45 dwelling units per acre
b.For all MUOD projects, a minimum of 25 percent of the total gross floor area shall be dedicated to
residential uses.
2.Setbacks
a.The applicable objective provisions of Section 17.48.030 (Setbacks) shall apply with the following
exceptions and additional standards as prescribed Table 17.47.040.2.
Table 17.47.040.2.
Minimum and Maximum Building Setback Standards for MUOD
Multi-family residential projects Mixed-use projects
Front 5 feet min. to 15 feet max. 5 feet min. to 10 feet max. (1)
Street Side 5 feet min. to 15 feet max. 5 feet min. to 10 feet max. (1)
Rear 10 feet min. 10 feet min.
Interior Side 5 feet min. (2) 5 feet min. (2)
Table 17.47.040.2. Notes:
(1)Residential units on the ground floor shall have a minimum front and street-side setback of 5 feet.
(2)A minimum interior side setback shall be the same as required for a residential use on the abutting
RS-district lot. In cases where abutting property is outside of the city boundary, a minimum 5-foot
setback shall apply.
b.Encroachments. In addition to the applicable exceptions provided in Section 17.48.030 (Setbacks),
the following encroachments are allowed within setbacks not more than six inches for each foot of
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 5 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
01203.0005/970913.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 5
the required setback:
i.Landscaping per Section 17.47.040.B. of this chapter;
ii.Fences, walls, and hedges per Section 17.47.040.B. of this chapter;
iii.Shade structures, such as awnings, trellises, canopies, or sunshades, as approved by the
Director;
iv.Architecturally defined building entries, such as porches, stoops, or terraces, as approved
by the Director;
v.For mixed-use projects only, outdoor display and sales of merchandise per Section
17.47.040.D. of this chapter;
3.Building Height
a.The applicable objective provisions of Section 17.48.050 (Building height) shall apply with
the following exceptions as prescribed in Table 17.47.040.3 and in this subsection.
Table 17.47.040.3.
Maximum Building Height Standards for MUOD
Multi-family residential projects Mixed-use projects
Max. Building Height 60 feet
4.Façade Modulation and Articulation
a.Façade Break. Building facades with frontage along a street shall provide for the entirety of
the wall plane a projection or recess of 5-feet in depth for every 50 to 100 feet of continuous
horizonal length of building façade, as shown in Figure 17.47.040.1.
Figure 17.47.040.1.
Façade Break
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 6 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
01203.0005/970913.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 6
b.Blank Facades. Blank building facades shall be prohibited. Building facades without the use
of windows or doors shall not span a continuous horizontal length greater than 20 feet
across any story, as shown in Figure 17.47.040.2.
Figure 17.47.040.2.
Blank Facades
c.Façade Modulation and Articulation. Building facades facing a street shall incorporate at
least one of the following design features for at least 25 percent of the façade area, as
shown in Figure 17.47.040.3.
i.Building step-backs, recesses/reliefs, and/or projections of at least 2 feet in depth,
ii.Use of balconies, decks, porches, patios, and/or terraces, and/or
iii.Use of awnings, lattices, louvers, and/or other shading devices as approved by the
Director.
Figure 17.47.040.3.
Façade Modulation and Articulation
5.Ground Floor
a.Ground Floor Building Entries. Building facades with frontage along a street shall provide a
minimum of one ground floor building entry per building facade. The building entry shall be
visible from the street, be oriented towards the street, and provide a pedestrian walkway to
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 7 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
01203.0005/970913.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 7
the sidewalk along each abutting public right of way. Building entries with no frontage along a
street shall be oriented towards common areas, such as courtyards, plazas, and paseos.
b.Ground Floor Dwelling Units. Each at-grade ground floor dwelling unit facing a street shall
have its own ground floor building entry that is visible from the street, oriented towards the
street, and provides a pedestrian walkway to the sidewalk along the street, as shown in
Figure 17.47.040.4.
Figure 17.47.040.4.
Ground Floor Dwelling Units
c.Ground Floor Façade Treatment. Buildings of three or more stories in height shall
incorporate one of the following design features along the building façade with frontage
along a street, as shown in Figure 17.47.040.5.
i.A change in façade color between the ground floor and the upper floors.
ii.A change in façade material between the ground floor and the upper floors,
where the ground floor is distinguished through the application of brick, stone,
concrete masonry, or other distinct material as approved by the Director.
iii.Recess or projection of the upper floors from the ground floor of at least 2 feet in
depth.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 8 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
01203.0005/970913.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 8
Figure 17.47.040.5.
Ground Floor Façade Treatment
6.Transparency
a.Non-Residential. Each ground floor façade shall dedicate at minimum of 50% of the façade
area to façade openings, such as windows or doors. The use of tinted, mirrored, or reflective
glass is prohibited.
b.Residential. Each ground floor façade shall dedicate a minimum of 25% of the façade area to
façade openings, such as windows or doors. The use of tinted, mirrored, or reflective glass is
prohibited.
B. Open Space Standards
1.Private Open Space
a. Private open space standards shall be prescribed in Table 17.47.040.4. and in this
subsection.
Table 17.47.040.4
Private Open Space Requirements per Unit Type for MUOD
Multi-family residential
projects
Mixed-use projects
Minimum Area for Usable
Private Open Space per Unit 130 square feet 65 square feet
b.Each residential unit shall provide at least one private open space that measures at least 5
feet in length in any direction.
c.Private open spaces shall not include any portion of required setback area, off-street parking
area, driveways, turnaround areas, loading area, storage area or any accessory building.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 9 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
01203.0005/970913.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 9
2.Common Open Space
a.Common open space requirements are prescribed in Table 17.47.040.5 and in this
subsection.
Table 17.47.040.5.
Common Open Space Requirements per Unit Type for MUOD
Multi-family residential
projects
Mixed-use projects
Minimum Area for Usable
Common Open Space per Unit 100 square feet
b.Any common open space shall measure at least 15 feet in length in any direction.
c.A minimum of 25 percent of the total area of common open spaces shall be landscaped per
Section 17.47.040.B. of this chapter.
d.A minimum of one tree for every 500 square feet of outdoor common open space area shall
be provided within the common open space.
e.Common open spaces shall not include any portion of required street setback area, off-street
parking area, driveways, turnaround areas, loading area, or storage area.
3.Landscaping
a.The applicable objective provisions for landscaping of Chapter 15.34 (Water Efficient
Landscaping) shall apply.
4.Fences, walls, and hedges
a.The applicable objective provisions for fences, walls, and hedges of Chapter 17.76.30
(Fences, walls, and hedges) shall apply.
C. Parking Standards
1.Applicability
a.The applicable objective provisions for parking of Chapter 17.50 (Nonresidential Parking and
Loading Standards) shall apply to both residential and mixed-use projects in the MUOD with
the following exceptions to those provisions and application additional standards in this
subsection.
2.Minimum Parking
a.Minimum parking requirements are prescribed in Table 17.47.040.6. and in this subsection.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 10 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
01203.0005/970913.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 10
Table 17.47.040.6.
Off-Street Parking Requirements for MUOD
Residential Uses
Minimum Parking Spaces Required per
Dwelling Unit
1 space
Non-Residential Uses
Minimum Parking Spaces Required per Non-
Residential Floor Area
Retail Sales and Services 2 spaces per 1,000 square feet;
Office, Professional and Business Support
Hotel 0.5 spaces per hotel room
Recreation, Education & Public Assembly Chapter 17.50.20 (Parking Requirements)
Table 17.47.040.6. Notes:
(1) Guest residential parking may be shared with commercial parking in mixed-use projects subject to
Section 17.50.030 (Joint Use and Common Parking Facilities).
3.Parking Reduction in Proximity to Transit
a.Pursuant to Government Code § 65863.2, the required off-street vehicular parking may be
waived for certain projects within one-half mile distance of public transit, as applicable.
4.Unbundled Parking
a.For dwelling units included in MUOD projects, vehicular parking spaces shall be leased or
sold separately from dwelling unit rental or purchase fees, such that renters or buyers have
the option of renting or buying the dwelling unit at a lower price than if the parking space was
included. In addition, the following shall apply:
i.For deed-restricted affordable dwelling units, one parking space shall be included in the
base rent of each unit. The tenant may choose to receive the parking space or receive a
rent discount equivalent to half the amount charged for monthly lease of a parking
space. Tenants of affordable dwelling units shall not sublease their parking spaces.
ii.Renters or buyers have the right of first refusal to parking built for their unit. Any
remaining spaces may be leased to other users on a month-to-month basis. New
occupants shall have the opportunity to lease or purchase parking built for their unit.
5.Screening
a.Screening. All parking areas, including at-grade surface parking and above-grade structured
parking, facing a street or abutting a residential use shall be screened by landscaping,
buildings, or other screening treatments, such as fencing or green wall, as approved by the
Director, so as not to be visible from the street or other uses on the site. Entry/exit openings,
driveways, drive aisles, curb cuts, and access lanes for vehicular, fire, utilities, and
pedestrian access are exempt from screening.
b.Surface Parking. At-grade surface parking shall be prohibited within the street setback, such
that parking is located to the rear of the parcel or behind buildings.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 11 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
01203.0005/970913.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 11
c.Below-Grade Structured Parking. Below-grade structured parking shall be exempt from street
setback requirements.
D.Site Standards
1.Lot
a.The applicable objective provisions for lots of Section 17.48.020 (Lot Area and Dimensions)
shall apply.
2.Access and Circulation
a.In order of priority and subject to approval by the Director and the City's Traffic Engineer,
vehicular access shall be provided from (a) an alley, rear street, or perimeter drive aisle, (b) a
side street, (c) an existing or relocated access point on a front street, and (d) a new access
point on a front street.
3.Slope and Grading
a.The applicable objective provisions for slope and grading shall apply.
a.Section 17.48.060 (Extreme slope);
b.Section 17.76.040 (Grading permit);
c.Section 17.76.060 (Extreme slope permit); and
d.Section 17.76.130 (Geologic investigation permit).
4.Intersection Visibility
a.The applicable objective provisions for intersection visibility of Section 17.48.070
(Intersection visibility) shall apply.
5.Exterior Lighting
a.The applicable objective provisions for exterior lighting of Chapter 17.56 (Environmental
Protection) shall apply.
6.Underground Utilities
a.The applicable objective provisions for underground utilities of Section 17.54.020
(Underground utilities) shall apply.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 12 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
01203.0005/970913.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 12
7.Trash and Recycling
a.The applicable objective provisions for trash and recycling of Section 17.54.030 (Trash
receptacle enclosures) and Section 17.58.030 (Requirements and guidelines for collecting
and loading of recyclable materials in development projects) shall apply.
8.Mechanical Equipment, Storage Areas, and Loading Docks
a.The applicable objective provisions for mechanical equipment, storage areas, and loading
docks of Section 17.54.040 (Screening of mechanical equipment, storage areas, and
loading docks) shall apply.
9.Signs.
a.The applicable objective provisions for signs of Chapter 17.75 (Sign Code) shall apply.
10.Outdoor Display and Sales of Merchandise
a.For mixed-use projects only, The applicable objective provisions of Chapter 17.62 (Special
Use Permits) for the temporary outdoor display and sale of merchandise shall apply.
11.Dedications, ROW Improvements, and Off-Site Improvements
a.The applicable objective provisions of Chapter 17.52 (Dedications, Right-of-Way
Improvements, and Off-Site Improvements) shall apply.
12.Development Projects Greater than 3 Acres
a.Development projects, whether on one parcel or across multiple adjoining parcels, with a
total developable area of 3 acres or more shall provide the following:
i.Pedestrian accessways, such as walkways, and vehicular accessways with pedestrian
access, such as sidewalks, that provide access to public rights-of-way shall be provided
for approximately every 2 acres of developable area. Parking areas, passenger drop-off
areas, loading zones, and trash storage areas shall not count as pedestrian accessways.
ii.A publicly accessible open space, defined as a privately owned space that is open and
accessible to the public, such as a plaza or park, shall be provided for approximately
every 3 acres of developable area per the following:
iii.Publicly accessible open spaces shall have a minimum area of 400 square feet with a
minimum dimension of 20 feet in each direction.
iv.Publicly accessible open spaces shall be accessible to the general public and open at a
minimum from 8am to 8pm.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 13 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
01203.0005/970913.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 13
17.47.050. Requesting a MUOD Designation
For properties not currently included in the MUOD, the following provisions apply:
A. A request for a MUOD designation may be initiated by an application by a property owner made in
accordance with the procedures identified in Chapter 17.68 (Zone Changes and Code Amendments).
B.Application of the overlay district shall be consistent with the objectives of this Chapter, the Zoning
Ordinance, and General Plan should be reasonably compatible with surrounding land uses, and
promote the general health, safety and welfare.
17.47.060. Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements
A.Allowed uses and permit requirements in the MUOD are listed in Table 17.47.050.1.
B.A definition of each land use is listed in Chapter 17.96 (Definitions).
C.Uses not listed in Table 17.47.050.1. are not allowed and subject to Section 17.86.030 (Prohibited
Uses).
D.All nonconforming uses are subject to Chapter 17.84 (Nonconformities).
Key
Symbol Description Additional Regulations
P Permitted Use
CUP Conditional Use Permit required Chapter 17.60 (Conditional Use Permits)
Table 17.47.050.1.
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements in MUOD
Land Use Type Permission Additional Regulations
RESIDENTIAL USES
Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory
dwelling unit
P Chapter 17.10 (Accessory
Dwelling Unit and Junior Dwelling
Unit Development Standards)
Day care, small family P
Day care, large family P Section 17.76.070 (Large Family
Day Care Home Permit)
Emergency shelters P
Employee housing P
Employee, home occupation P Chapter 17.08 (Home
Occupations)
Low-barrier navigation center P
Mixed-use development P
Multiple-family residential P
Residential care facility, small P
Residential care facility, large P
Supportive housing P
Transitional housing P
COMMERCIAL USES
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 14 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.47. Mixed-Use Overlay District (MUOD)
01203.0005/970913.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 14
RETAIL SALES AND SERVICES
Alcoholic beverage tasting rooms CUP
Convenience stores CUP Section 17.76.080 (Convenience
stores)
Dry cleaners/laundry uses which have cleaning
operations on site
CUP
Farmer’s market CUP
Food hall P
Outdoor sale, storage or display of merchandise
and/or provisions of services, only in conjunction
with a permanent use in a building
CUP
Personal services P
Retail store P
Restaurant CUP
Restaurant with limited live entertainment P
CIVIC, CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND RECREATIONAL
Assembly uses, private CUP
Religious institutions, such as churches, temples or
other places used primarily for religious services,
including parochial schools and convents
CUP
Day nursery or day care center P
Governmental facilities CUP
Personal improvement services P
OFFICE, PROFESSIONAL, AND BUSINESS SUPPORT
Administrative and professional office P
Business support services P
Financial institutions P
Medical and dental office P
Media production P Chapter 9.16 (Still Photography,
Motion Picture and Television
Productions)
Veterinary clinic P
ENTERTAINMENT AND HOSPITALITY
Bed and breakfast inn CUP
Commercial recreation CUP
Hotels CUP
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITIES
Antenna, commercial and satellite dish CUP Section 17.76.020 (Antennas)
TEMPORARY USES
Motion picture or television productions, and still
photography
P Chapter 9.16 (Still Photography,
Motion Picture, and Television
Productions)
Temporary special uses and development P Chapter 17.62 (Special Use
Permits)
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 15 of 39
01203.0005/970894.2
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Draft Chapter 17.48
Article V. Special Districts
Residential Overlay District (ROD)
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 16 of 39
01203.0005/970894.2
Table of Contents
Chapter 17.48. Residential Overlay District..................................................................................................................... 3
17.48.010. Purpose .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
17.48.020. Applicability .................................................................................................................................................... 3
17.48.030. Administrative Review ................................................................................................................................... 3
17.48.040. Development Standards ............................................................................................................................... 4
A. Building Standards ................................................................................................................................. 4
1.Residential Density ................................................................................................................... 4
2.Setbacks .................................................................................................................................... 4
3.Building Height ......................................................................................................................... 4
B.Open Space Standards .......................................................................................................................... 7
1.Private Open Space .................................................................................................................. 7
2.Common Open Space ............................................................................................................... 8
3.Landscaping .............................................................................................................................. 8
4.Fences, Walls, and Hedges ...................................................................................................... 8
C.Parking Standards .................................................................................................................................. 8
1.Minimum Parking ...................................................................................................................... 8
D.Site Standards ........................................................................................................................................ 9
1.Lot .............................................................................................................................................. 9
2.Access and Circulation ............................................................................................................. 9
3.Slope and Grading .................................................................................................................... 9
4.Intersection Visibility ................................................................................................................. 9
5.Exterior Lighting ..................................................................................................................... 10
6.Underground Utilities ............................................................................................................. 10
7.Trash and Recycling ............................................................................................................... 10
8.Mechanical Equipment, Storage Areas, and Loading Docks .............................................. 10
9.Signs. ...................................................................................................................................... 10
10.Dedications, ROW Improvements, and Off-Site Improvements .......................................... 10
17.48.050. Requesting a ROD Designation ................................................................................................................. 10
17.48.060. Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements ......................................................................................... 10
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 17 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.48. Residential Overlay District (ROD)
01203.0005/970894.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 2
Tables and Figures
Table 17.48.040.1. ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Maximum Residential Density Standards for ROD .......................................................................................................... 4
Table 17.48.040.2. ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Maximum Building Height Standards for ROD ................................................................................................................. 4
Table 17.48.040.3. ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Private Open Space Requirements per Unit Type for ROD.............................................................................................. 8
Table 17.48.040.4 ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
Off-Street Parking Requirements for ROD ........................................................................................................................ 8
Table 17.48.060.1. ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements in ROD .......................................................................................................... 11
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 18 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.48. Residential Overlay District (ROD)
01203.0005/970894.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 3
Chapter 17.48. Residential Overlay District
17.48.010. Purpose
The Residential Overlay District (ROD) implements various programs in the City’s Housing Element by
facilitating the development of a ROD project of residential-only or residential with limited non-residential
uses on select parcels with an existing Institutional underlying base district designation that encourages:
A.An infill development pattern that is compatible with surrounding neighborhoods;
B.A compatible mix of uses including residential and supporting, but limited, commercial, institutional,
or recreational land uses that co-locates residents with on-site amenities; and
C. A diversity of single- and/or multi-family housing types in a residential-only or mixed-use
configuration to increase housing choice and affordability.
17.48.020. Applicability
A.Applicable parcels. The ROD is an overlay district applicable to parcels with an Institutional
underlying base district designation. The ROD shall only apply to the parcels identified in the
Residential Overlay District Map on file with the Community Development Department.
B.Relationship to the underlaying base district. The provisions of the underlying base district shall
continue to apply to a property unless specifically superseded by a ROD project when a property
owner chooses to exercise provisions of this chapter.
C.Relationship to Overlay Control Districts. If applicable, the objective provisions of any Overlay Control
Districts shall continue to apply to a property unless specifically superseded by a ROD project when a
property owner chooses to exercise provisions of this chapter. In the event that the provisions of any
Overlay Control District are in conflict with provisions of this chapter, this chapter shall govern.
D.Relationship to State Density Bonus Law. A ROD project is eligible for a density bonus in accordance
with Chapter 17.11 (Affordable Housing).
E.Designation. The application of the ROD shall be signified by the designation of a “ROD” suffix
following the base district designation on the official zoning map. For example, the use of the ROD in
conjunction with the Institutional district would be designated as “I-ROD.”
17.48.030. Administrative Review
A.Ministerial Approval. Projects that comply with the provisions of this chapter and do not require any
of the approvals set forth in Subsection B, shall be approved ministerially and are not subject to
discretionary approval. The Director shall approve an administrative permit to construct and operate
a ROD project under this chapter if the application complies with the provisions of this chapter.
B.Need for Additional Approvals. If an applicant requires approval of an application for a lot line
adjustment, merger of parcels, or subdivision in conjunction with approval of an application pursuant
to this chapter, a separate application shall proceed in accordance with Title 16. Subdivisions.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 19 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.48. Residential Overlay District (ROD)
01203.0005/970894.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 4
17.48.040. Development Standards
The objective provisions of Article VI (Use and Development Standards) & Article III (Institutional and
Cemetery Districts) shall apply to all ROD projects. For exceptions to those provisions and application of
additional standards, the development standards contained in this section shall also apply to all ROD
projects. In the event that the provisions of Articles VI or III are in conflict with applicable provisions of this
section, this section shall govern.
A. Building Standards
1.Residential Density
a.Residential density standards shall be prescribed in Table 17.48.040.1. and this subsection.
b.In calculating density, areas of extreme slope (35 percent or steeper) and/or areas which are
determined unsuitable for development, based on submitted and approved geologic reports, shall be
excluded.
Table 17.48.040.1.
Maximum Residential Density Standards for ROD
APN Maximum Number of Dwelling Units per Parcel
7573-002-014 180 dwelling units
7564-024-001 12 dwelling units
7564-024-002 8 dwelling units
2.Setbacks
a.The applicable objective provisions for setbacks of Section 17.48.030 (Setbacks) and the underlying
base district shall apply.
3.Building Height
a.The applicable objective provisions for building height of Section 17.48.050 (Building Height) with
the following exceptions as prescribed in Table 17.48.040.2.
Table 17.48.040.2.
Maximum Building Height Standards for ROD
APN Maximum Building Height
7573-002-014 60 feet
7564-024-001 36 feet
7564-024-002
4.Façade Modulation and Articulation
a.Façade Break. Building facades with frontage along a street shall provide for the entirety of
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 20 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.48. Residential Overlay District (ROD)
01203.0005/970894.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 5
the wall plane a projection or recess of 5-feet in depth for every 50 to 100 feet of continuous
horizonal length of building façade, as shown in Figure 17.48.040.1.
Figure 17.48.040.1.
Façade Break
b.Blank Facades. Blank building facades shall be prohibited. Building facades without the use
of windows or doors shall not span a continuous horizontal length greater than 20 feet
across any story, as shown in Figure 17.48.040.2.
Figure 17.48.040.2.
Blank Facades
c.Façade Modulation and Articulation. Building facades facing a street shall incorporate at
least one of the following design features for at least 25 percent of the façade area, as
shown in Figure 17.48.040.3.
i.Building step-backs, recesses/reliefs, and/or projections of at least 2 feet in depth,
ii.Use of balconies, decks, porches, patios, and/or terraces, and/or
iii.Use of awnings, lattices, louvers, and/or other shading devices as approved by the
Director.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 21 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.48. Residential Overlay District (ROD)
01203.0005/970894.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 6
Figure 17.48.040.3.
Façade Modulation and Articulation
5.Ground Floor
a.Ground Floor Building Entries. Building facades with frontage along a street shall provide a
minimum of one ground floor building entry per building facade. The building entry shall be
visible from the street, be oriented towards the street, and provide a pedestrian walkway to
the sidewalk along each abutting public right of way. Building entries with no frontage along a
street shall be oriented towards common areas, such as courtyards, plazas, and paseos.
b.Ground Floor Dwelling Units. Each at-grade ground floor dwelling unit facing a street shall
have its own ground floor building entry that is visible from the street, oriented towards the
street, and provides a pedestrian walkway to the sidewalk along the street, as shown in
Figure 17.48.040.4.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 22 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.48. Residential Overlay District (ROD)
01203.0005/970894.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 7
Figure 17.48.040.4.
Ground Floor Dwelling Units
c.Ground Floor Façade Treatment. Buildings of three or more stories in height shall
incorporate one of the following design features along the building façade with frontage
along a street, as shown in Figure 17.48.040.5.
i.A change in façade color between the ground floor and the upper floors.
ii.A change in façade material between the ground floor and the upper floors,
where the ground floor is distinguished through the application of brick, stone,
concrete masonry, or other distinct material as approved by the Director.
iii.Recess or projection of the upper floors from the ground floor of at least 2 feet in
depth.
Figure 17.48.040.5.
Ground Floor Façade Treatment
6.Transparency
a.Non-Residential. Each ground floor façade shall dedicate at minimum of 50% of the façade
area to façade openings, such as windows or doors. The use of tinted, mirrored, or reflective
glass is prohibited.
b.Residential. Each ground floor façade shall dedicate a minimum of 25% of the façade area to
façade openings, such as windows or doors. The use of tinted, mirrored, or reflective glass is
prohibited.
B. Open Space Standards
1.Private Open Space
a. Private open space standards shall be prescribed in Table 17.48.040.3. and in this
subsection.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 23 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.48. Residential Overlay District (ROD)
01203.0005/970894.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 8
Table 17.48.040.3.
Private Open Space Requirements per Unit Type for ROD
Dwelling Unit Type Minimum Area of Usable Private Open Space per Unit
Single-Family 130 square feet Multi-Family
b. Each dwelling unit shall provide at least one private open space that measures at least 7 feet
in length in any direction.
c.Private open spaces shall be adjacent to and provide a private, usable area for each dwelling
unit, and shall not include any portion of required setback area, off-street parking area,
driveways, turnaround areas, loading area, storage area or any accessory building.
2.Common Open Space
a.The applicable objective provisions for common open space of Section 17.42.040
(Development Standards, Residential Planned Development) shall apply.
3.Landscaping
a.The applicable objective provisions for landscaping of Chapter 15.34 (Water Efficient
Landscaping) shall apply.
4. Fences, Walls, and Hedges
a.The applicable objective provisions for fences, walls, and hedges of Section 17.76.030
(Fences, Walls, and Hedges) shall apply.
C. Parking Standards
1.Minimum Parking
a.For single-family dwelling units, The applicable objective provisions for parking of Section
17.02.030 (Development Standards, Single-Family Residential Districts) shall apply.
b.For multiple-family dwelling units, The applicable objective provisions for parking of Section
17.42.040 (Development Standards, Residential Planned Development) shall apply, subject
to the exceptions and additional standards in Table 17.48.040.4.,
Table 17.48.040.4
Off-Street Parking Requirements for ROD
Multiple-Family Dwelling Units
Minimum Parking Spaces Required per Dwelling Unit 1 space
c. For non-residential uses, The applicable objective provisions for parking of Chapter 17.50
(Nonresidential Parking and Loading Standards) and the underlying base district shall apply.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 24 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.48. Residential Overlay District (ROD)
01203.0005/970894.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 9
2.Screening
a.Screening. With the exception of single-family dwelling units, all parking areas, including at-
grade surface parking and above-grade structured parking, facing a street or abutting a
residential use shall be screened by landscaping, buildings, or other screening treatments,
such as fencing or green walls, as approved by the Director, so as not to be visible from the
street or other uses on the site. Entry/exit openings, driveways, drive aisles, curb cuts, and
access lanes for vehicular, fire, utilities, and pedestrian access are exempt from screening.
b.Surface parking. With the exception of single-family dwelling units, at-grade surface parking
shall be prohibited within the street setback, such that parking is located to the rear of the
parcel or behind buildings.
D.Site Standards
1.Lot
a.The applicable objective provisions for lots of Section 17.48.020 (Lot Area and Dimensions)
shall apply.
2.Access and Circulation
a.In order of priority and subject to approval by the Director and the City's Traffic Engineer,
vehicular access shall be provided from (a) an alley, rear street, or perimeter drive aisle, (b) a
side street, (c) an existing or relocated access point on a front street, or (d) a new access
point on a front street.
3.Slope and Grading
a.The applicable objective provisions for slope and grading shall apply:
a.Section 17.48.060 (Extreme slope);
b.Section 17.76.040 (Grading permit);
c.Section 17.76.060 (Extreme slope permit); and
d.Section 17.76.130 (Geologic investigation permit).
4.Intersection Visibility
a.The applicable objective provisions for intersection visibility of Section 17.48.070
(Intersection Visibility) shall apply.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 25 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.48. Residential Overlay District (ROD)
01203.0005/970894.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 10
5.Exterior Lighting
a.The applicable objective provisions for exterior lighting of Chapter 17.56 (Environmental
Protection) shall apply.
6.Underground Utilities
a.The applicable objective provisions for underground utilities of Section 17.54.020
(Underground Utilities) shall apply.
7.Trash and Recycling
a.The applicable objective provisions for trash and recycling of Section 17.54.030 (Trash
receptacle enclosures) and Section 17.58.030 (Requirements and guidelines for collecting
and loading of recyclable materials in development projects) shall apply.
8.Mechanical Equipment, Storage Areas, and Loading Docks
a.The applicable objective provisions for mechanical equipment, storage areas, and loading
docks of Section 17.54.040 (Screening of mechanical equipment, storage areas, and
loading docks) shall apply.
9.Signs.
a.The applicable objective provisions for signs of Chapter 17.75 (Sign Code) shall apply.
10.Dedications, ROW Improvements, and Off-Site Improvements
a.The applicable objective provisions for dedications, ROW improvements, and off-site
improvements of Chapter 17.52 (Dedications, Right-of-Way Improvements, and Off-Site
Improvements) shall apply.
17.48.050. Requesting a ROD Designation
For properties not currently included in the ROD, the following provisions apply:
A. A request for a ROD designation may be initiated by an application by a property owner made in
accordance with the procedures identified in Chapter 17.68 (Zone Changes and Code Amendments).
B.Application of the overlay district shall be consistent with the objectives of this Chapter, the Zoning
Ordinance, and General Plan should be reasonably compatible with surrounding land uses, and
promote the general health, safety and welfare.
17.48.060. Allowed Land Uses and Permit Requirements
A.Allowed uses and permit requirements in the MUOD are listed in Table 17.48.060.1.
B.A definition of each land use is listed in Chapter 17.96 (Definitions).
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 26 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.48. Residential Overlay District (ROD)
01203.0005/970894.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 11
C.Uses not listed in Table 17.48.060.1. are not allowed and subject to Section 17.86.030 (Prohibited
Uses).
D.All nonconforming uses are subject to Chapter 17.84 (Nonconformities).
Key
Symbol Description Additional Regulations
P Permitted Use
CUP Conditional Use Permit required Chapter 17.60 (Conditional Use Permits)
Table 17.48.060.1.
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements in ROD
Land Use Type Permission Additional Regulations
RESIDENTIAL USES
Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory
dwelling unit
P Chapter 17.10 (Accessory
Dwelling Unit and Junior Dwelling
Unit Development Standards)
Emergency shelter P
Employee housing for six or fewer people P
Employee, home occupation P Chapter 17.08 (Home
Occupations)
Low-barrier navigation center P
Multiple-family residential P
Residential care facility, small P
Residential care facility, large P
Single-family residential P
Supportive housing P
Transitional housing P
COMMERCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL USES
Minor professional and retail commercial uses
which are clearly ancillary to the major use
P
Governmental facility CUP Section 17.26.030 (Uses and
development permitted by
conditional use permit,
Institutional District)
Educational institution
Religious institutions, such as churches,
temples or other places used primarily for
religious services, including parochial schools
and convents
Clinics and sanitariums, including animal
hospitals
Sanitariums, nursing homes, rest homes,
homes for the aged, homes for children and
homes for mental patients.
Bed and breakfast inn
TEMPORARY USES
Temporary special uses and development P Chapter 17.62 (Special Use
Permits)
Motion picture or television productions, and
still photography
P Chapter 9.16 (Still Photography,
Motion Picture and Television
Productions)
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 27 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.48. Residential Overlay District (ROD)
01203.0005/970894.2
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/4/2024 | 12
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 28 of 39
01203.0005/970904.1
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Draft Chapter 17.96
Definitions
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 3/21/2024
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 29 of 39
01203.0005/970904.1
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 3/7/2024 | 1
Chapter 17.96. Definitions
17.96.024. – Administrative and professional office. “Administrative and professional office” means any
offices predominantly providing direct services to patrons or clients., This use classification also includes
offices of firms, organizations, or agencies providing professional, executive, management, administrative,
financial, accounting, or legal services, and includes shared offices and business incubators. This use
classification does not include medical and dental uses (see “Medical and dental use”).
17.96.023. – Alcoholic beverage tasting rooms. “Alcoholic beverage tasting rooms” means the sale of
beverages manufactured on the premises for on-site or off-site consumption. It includes establishments
such as breweries, wineries, and distilleries that offer tastings and sales of alcohol beverages in accordance
with a license issued by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
17.96.031.– Alcoholic beverage retail sales. “Alcoholic beverage retail sales” means the retail sale of
alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption.
17.96.321.– Business support services. “Business support services” means establishments that provide
businesses with services including maintenance, repair and service, testing, rental, etc., such as copying,
quick printing and shipping, small-package pick-up, computer-related services (rental and repair), mail-box
services, film processing and photofinishing, equipment rental, and janitorial and window cleaning services.
17.96.446. – Commercial recreation. “Commercial recreation” means indoor participant or spectator
recreation that is operated as a business and open to the public for a fee. This classification includes
comedy theaters, billiard parlors, bowling alleys, ice- or roller-skating rinks, playhouses, karaoke uses, and
movie theaters.
17.96.451. – Assembly uses, private. “Assembly uses, private” means a facility for public or private
meetings including community centers, banquet centers, union halls, meeting halls for clubs and other
membership organizations. This classification includes functionally related facilities for the use of members
and attendees such as kitchens, multi-purpose rooms, and storage.
17.96.451. – Common open space. “Common open space” means an indoor or outdoor open recreational
space provided for the common use and access by, and readily accessible to, all residents in a housing
development project. Common open space areas typically consist of landscaped areas, courtyards,
walkways, swimming pools, barbeque areas, playgrounds, turf, gardens.
17.96.641. – Employee housing. “Employee housing” means privately-owned housing for five or more
employees maintained in connection with any workplace or place of employment, whether or not rent is
involved (Gov. Code, § 17008).
17.96. 681.– Farmer’s market. “Farmer’s market” means an outdoor market for direct retail sales by farms
to the public, as certified by the State or County Agricultural Commission under California Code of
Regulations Title 3, Chapter 3, Article 6.5.
17.96.741. – Food hall. “Food hall” means establishments consisting of three or more individually licensed
businesses within an enclosed building or development where food and beverages may be consumed on the
premises, taken out, or delivered, and may also include small supplemental retail venues. Patrons may be
served while seated and pay after eating, or orders may be made at a walk-up window, counter, machine, or
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 30 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.96 Definitions
01203.0005/970904.1
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 3/11/2024 | 2
remotely, and payment made prior to food consumption. Characteristics of food halls include but are not
limited to: shared entrance/lobby areas, compartmentalized spaces for individually licensed businesses,
shared eating areas, shared restrooms, and shared "back of house" areas (e.g., storage, dishwashing, food
preparation). Each compartmentalized space may have access to the exterior of the building, along with
outdoor dining and seating areas, which may be shared with other businesses within the establishment.
“Food hall” means the same as “food court.”
17.96.921.– Home occupations. “Home occupations” means the use of a dwelling, or an attached
accessory building on the same residential parcel, for commercial activities under an approved home
occupation permit; these activities must be clearly secondary to the residential use of the parcel.
17.96.1151. – Low barrier navigation center. “Low barrier navigation center” shall have the same meaning
as Section 65660(a) of the Government Code, including any amendments or successor statutes thereto.
17.96. 1221. – Mixed-use development. “Mixed-use development” means development projects that
combine two or more compatible land uses, such as, but not limited to, residential, commercial, and office
into a single cohesive development project, and where the residential component is either above (vertical
mixed-use) or, behind or adjacent to (horizontal mixed-use) the non-residential component.
17.96.1251. - Multi-family housing. “Multi-family housing” means two or more dwelling units on a lot.
17.96.1591.- Residential care facility, small. “Residential care facility, small” means a state licensed facility,
family home, group care facility, or similar facility that is maintained and operated to provide 24-hour
nonmedical residential care for six or fewer adults, children, or adults and children as-in need of personal
services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or the protection of
the individual and which is required by state law to be treated as a single housekeeping unit for zoning
purposes. This use includes the administration of limited medical assistance.
17.96.1592. - Residential care facility, large. “Residential care facility, large” means state licensed facility,
family home, group care facility, or similar facility that is maintained and operated to provide 24-hour
nonmedical residential care for seven or more adults, children, or adults and children in need of personal
services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or the protection of
the individual. This use includes the administration of limited medical assistance.
17.96.1596. - Restaurant with limited live entertainment. “Restaurant with limited live entertainment”
means a restaurant that provides accessory live entertainment, where the performance area does not
exceed 75 square feet or 20% of the restaurant’s square footage that is available for customer seating,
whichever is less.
17.96.1421. - Personal improvement services. “Personal improvement services” means instructional
services or facilities, including health or physical fitness clubs, modeling agencies, rehearsal halls, and
weight control clinics.
17.96.1422. - Personal services. “Personal services” means an establishment providing nonmedical
services to individuals as a primary use. Examples of these uses include barber shops, beauty shops,
clothing rental, day/health space, dry cleaning pick-up stores, hair salons, home electronics and small
appliance repair, laundromats, nail salons, shoe repair shops, tailors, or similar.
17.96.1471. - Private open space. “Private open space” means an open space adjoining and directly
accessible to a dwelling unit, reserved for the exclusive access and use of residents of the dwelling unit.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 31 of 39
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Draft Chapter 17.10
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT AND JUNIOR
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/15/2024
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 32 of 39
Table of Contents
Chapter 17.10. ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS.......................................................................................................................................................... 2
17.10.010. Purpose .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
17.10.020. Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) development standards. ....... 2
17.10.030. Junior accessory dwelling units .................................................................................................................... 5
17.10.040. Approval process ........................................................................................................................................... 6
17.10.050. Use covenant and restriction ........................................................................................................................ 7
17.10.060. Revocation. .................................................................................................................................................... 7
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 33 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.10. Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/15/2024 | 2
Chapter 17.10. ACCESSORY DWELLING
UNIT AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNIT DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS
17.10.010. Purpose
This chapter provides standards for the development and maintenance of accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs), in accordance with Government Code § 66310 et seq. An
accessory dwelling unit or JADU that conforms to the following requirements shall not be considered to
exceed the allowable density (i.e., number of dwelling units per acre) for the lot upon which it is located and
shall be deemed to be a residential use which is consistent with the existing general plan and zoning
designations for the lot.
(Ord. No. 668U, § 3, 10-18-2022)
17.10.020. Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior
accessory dwelling unit (JADU) development standards.
An ADU generally takes one of three forms:
• Detached: The unit is separated from the primary dwelling unit;
• Attached: The unit is attached to the primary dwelling unit; or
• Within an existing primary dwelling unit or accessory structure.
A JADU is located within an existing or proposed primary dwelling unit or accessory structure.
A. Number of ADUs or JADUs per lot.
1. For a lot with an existing or proposed single-family residence structure, no more than one
ADU and one JADU.
2. For a lot with an existing multiple-family residential structure, at least one ADU and/or JADU,
but no more than a number equaling 25 percent of the existing dwelling units, rounded
down, may be allowed within the portions of the existing multiple-family residential structure
that are not used as livable space, including, but not limited to, storage rooms, boiler rooms,
passageways, attics, basements, or garages. An ADU or JADU will only be allowed if the space
has been converted to a livable space and has been granted a certificate of occupancy. In
addition to any ADUs or JADUs constructed within the existing multiple-family residential
structure, no more than two detached ADUs may be allowed on a lot that has an existing
multiple-family residential structure.
B. A new ADU or JADU shall adhere to the following standards:
1. The lot on which an ADU and/or JADU is constructed or converted from existing space shall
include a proposed or existing single-family residence.. ADUs may be constructed within a
proposed or existing multifamily structures.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 34 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.10. Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/15/2024 | 3
2. A trailer or any other recreational vehicle may not be maintained as an ADU or JADU on a
residential lot.
3. Except for conversion ADUs and state exemption ADUs, all ADUs or JADUs shall comply with
all applicable building, housing, zoning, and site development standards, codes and
regulations of the base zoning district in which it will be located, provided such standards do
not conflict with this chapter.
4. The total area of floor space for a detached ADU shall not exceed 850 square feet, or 1,000
square feet if the ADU contains more than one bedroom.
5. The total area of floor space for an attached ADU shall not exceed the lesser of the following:
a. 50 percent of the primary residence's main building floor area (including any
existing primary residence garage area);
b. 850 square feet for an ADU with one bedroom; or
c. 1,000 square feet if the ADU contains more than one bedroom.
6. All ADUs shall comply with the following height standards:
a. A detached ADU shall not exceed 16 feet in height except:
1. If the ADU is within a ½ mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-
quality transit corridor, as those terms are defined in Section 21155 of the
Public Resources Code, the maximum height shall not exceed 18 feet.
2. f the ADU is on a property with a multi-family, multi-story dwelling, the
maximum height shall not exceed 18 feet.
3. An additional 2 feet in height is allowed to accommodate a roof pitch on the
ADU that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
b. An attached ADU shall be regulated by height standards established in Chapter
17.02 of this code.
c. The height of an ADU shall be measured as follows, whichever is lower:
1. The preconstruction (existing) grade at the highest elevation of the existing
building pad area covered by the ADU, to the ridgeline or highest point of the
ADU; or
2. The post-construction grade where the lowest foundation or slab meets
finished grade, to the ridgeline or highest point of the ADU.
7. All ADUs shall comply with the following objective architectural standards:
a. The ADU shall be architecturally consistent with the primary residence, such that it
matches the primary residence in the use of color palettes, exterior finishes, and
matching roof pitch from all sides. The roof slope must match that of the dominant
roof slope of the primary dwelling. The dominant roof slope is the slope shared by
the largest portion of the roof.
b. Where feasible, any garage door shall be removed from a garage or other
accessory structure that is converted to an ADU and the opening shall be treated
and finished to match the primary residence.
c. The ADU shall have independent exterior access from the existing dwelling unit
d. Where feasible, the ADU shall provide privacy mitigation measures, including:
i. The entrance to the ADU faces away from the nearest, adjacent property; and
ii. The ADU shall have windows at or above six feet on any façades that face any
adjacent properties.
e. If it is not legally and/or physically possible for an ADU of at least 800 square feet
to be built behind the primary residence, then it may be built in front or to the side
of the primary residence.
f. Where feasible, no entry to an ADU shall not be visible from the public right-of-way.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 35 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.10. Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/15/2024 | 4
8. Exterior stairs leading to an ADU or JADU located on the second level of a primary dwelling
unit shall be allowed, when compliant with all other applicable development standards.
9. The ADU shall include at least one full bathroom and shall not include more than one
kitchen.
10. The ADU or JADU may be located on a lot or parcel which is served by a public sanitary sewer
system. An ADU or JADU proposed on a lot or parcel that is not served by a public sanitary
sewer system shall require approval by the county department of public health, and any
other applicable agencies, of a private sewage disposal system, prior to building and safety
division permit issuance.
11. ADUs or JADUs shall not be considered to be a new residential use for the purposes of
calculating connection fees or capacity charges for utilities, including water and sewer
service.
12. A minimum of one parking space, which may be enclosed, shall be provided for the ADU and
shall meet the minimum dimensions stated in section 17.02.030(E)(5). The required parking
may be located tandem to the required parking for the primary residence. No parking spaces
are required for an ADU if any of the following apply:
a. The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of a public transit stop;
b. The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant structure;
c. The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence;
d. When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the
ADU;
e. When there is a car share designated pick-up or drop-off location within one block
of the ADU.
f. When a permit application for an accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit
application to create a new single-family dwelling or a new multifamily dwelling on
the same lot, provided that the accessory dwelling unit or the parcel satisfies any
other criteria listed in subsection (b)(12)(a)-(e).
13. The primary dwelling unit and the ADU shall remain under the same ownership. The ADU
shall not be sold separately from the primary dwelling unit.
14. An ADU or JADU shall not be used as a short-term rental, in accordance with section
17.02.026 (Short-term Rentals and Advertisement of Short-Term Rentals).
15. Except for an ADU within an existing space, an ADU or JADU shall provide a minimum setback
of four feet from the side and rear lot lines, but with mitigation measures in the very high fire
hazard severity zones (VHFHSZ) to be in place pursuant to California Building Code, California
Code of Regulations title 24, par 2, chapter 7A.
16. ADUs or JADUs shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if they are not required for the
primary residence.
17. JADUs or state exemption ADUs shall not be required to install a new or separate utility
connection directly between the ADU or JADU and the utility, or to pay a related connection
fee or capacity charge. All other ADUs shall be required to obtain a new or separate utility
connection directly between the ADU and the utility.
18. ADUs or JADUs shall comply with the grading standards described in section 17.76.040
(Grading Permit).
19. An ADU or JADU shall be prohibited on an extreme slope pursuant to section 17.48.060
(Extreme Slope).
20. Roof decks shall not be permitted on a detached ADU.
21. Where feasible, the exterior lighting must comply with section 17.56.030 (Outdoor Lighting
for Residential Uses) of this Code.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 36 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.10. Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/15/2024 | 5
22. An ADU or JADU shall be used solely as a dwelling. ADUs and JADUs shall not be utilized as
ancillary or accessory uses, including, but not limited to, events, storage, home office,
gym/workout studio, and greenhouse.
C. ADUs within existing space of a primary dwelling unit or detached accessory structure and JADUs
within existing space of a primary dwelling unit.
1. If the ADU or JADU is contained within the existing space of a primary dwelling unit or
detached accessory structure, no parking is required to be provided for that ADU or JADU.
2. No new setbacks shall be required for an existing garage, carport, or covered parking
structure that is converted to an ADU or JADU within the same footprint.
3. For a garage, carport, or covered parking structure that is converted to an ADU or JADU,
replacement parking is not required. Replacement spaces can be located in any other
configuration on the same lot as the ADU or JADU, including, but not limited to, as covered
spaces, uncovered spaces, or tandem spaces, or by the use of mechanical automobile
parking lifts, without adversely impacting traffic flow and public safety.
D. Demolition of detached garage. A demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced with
an ADU shall be reviewed with the ADU application and issued at the same time.
E. State exemption ADUs and JADUs. Notwithstanding the development standards articulated in
subsections (B) and (C), above, or anything else to the contrary in the chapter, the City shall
ministerially approve an application for a building permit within a residential or mixed-use zone to
create any ADU or JADU that complies with the objective standards of Section 66323 of the
Government Code. The City’s standards addressing lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space, or
minimum lot size cannot preclude the construction of a state exemption ADU or JADU.
F. Impact fees. No impact fees, as defined in Gov’t Code § 66324(c)(2), may be imposed on JADUs or
ADUs of less than 750 square feet. Any impact fees charged for an accessory dwelling unit of 750
square feet or more shall be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary
dwelling unit.
(Ord. No. 668U, § 4, 10-18-2022)
17.10.030. Junior accessory dwelling units
A. A JADU is a secondary dwelling unit with living facilities for one or more persons within the interior of
an existing or proposed single-family residence. A JADU shall adhere to the following standards:
1. Owner-occupancy in the single-family residence in which the junior accessory dwelling unit
will be located is mandatory. The owner may reside in either the remaining portion of the
structure or the newly created junior accessory dwelling unit. Owner-occupancy shall not be
required if the owner is another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization.
2. The total area of floor space for a JADU shall not exceed 500 square feet.
3. The primary dwelling unit and the JADU shall remain under the same ownership. The JADU
shall not be sold separately from the primary dwelling unit.
4. A JADU must be constructed within the walls of the proposed or existing single-family
residence, which shall include attached garage.
5. The JADU shall include a separate entrance from the main entrance to the proposed or
existing single-family residence.
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 37 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.10. Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/15/2024 | 6
6. If the JADU does not have its own bathroom, it must have a separate access to the primary
dwelling.
7. The JADU shall include an efficiency kitchen, which shall include all of the following:
a. A cooking facility with appliances and a sink.
b. A food preparation counter and storage cabinets.
8. No additional parking shall be required for a JADU.
B. The city may require an inspection of the JADU, including the imposition of a fee adopted by city
council resolution for that inspection, to determine if the JADU complies with the application therefor,
and applicable building standards.
C. For the purposes of any fire or life protection ordinance or regulation, a JADU shall not be considered
a separate or new dwelling unit.
D. For the purposes of providing service for water, sewer, or power, including a connection fee, JADU
shall not be considered a separate or new dwelling unit.
E. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the city from requiring parking or a service or a
connection fee for water, sewer, or power, that applies to a single-family residence that contains a
JADU, so long as those requirements apply uniformly to all single-family residences regardless of
whether the single-family residence includes a JADU.
F. A deed restriction running with the land must be recorded which provides that the unit shall not sold
separately from the primary dwelling, and that the deed restriction may be enforced against future
purchasers, and a restriction of the size and attributes of the JADU the conforms with this section.
(Ord. No. 668U, § 5, 10-18-2022)
17.10.040. Approval process
A. ADUs and/or JADUs, either attached or detached, which adhere to the standards in section
17.10.020 (ADU and JADU development standards), shall be allowed in all RS and RM districts, on
lots with existing or proposed single-family dwelling units, with ministerial approval of a site plan
review by the director. ADUs or JADUs which do not meet these standards may be permitted in all RS
and RM districts, on lots with existing or proposed single-family dwelling units, with the granting of
the applicable permits.
B. An ADU or JADU that meets all applicable standards described in this chapter shall be processed
ministerially within 60 days after receiving a completed application.
1. If denied, the permitting agency must provide a full set of comments to the applicant with a
list of items that are deficient and a description of how the application can be remedied.
2. If the completed application is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-
family dwelling on the lot, the completed application may be delayed until the single-family
dwelling application is acted upon.
3. If an applicant requests a delay, the 60-day time period may be tolled for the period of the
delay.
C. Issuance of a permit for an ADU or JADU shall not be conditioned on correction of nonconforming
zoning conditions, building code violations, or unpermitted structures that do not present a threat to
public health and safety and are not affected by the construction of the ADU or JADU.
D. Any new ADU or JADU may not be converted to primary dwelling unit space for a minimum of 20
years from construction.
E. The filing fee for an ADU or JADU application shall be as established by resolution of the city council.
F. All setbacks for the proposed ADU or JADU shall be reviewed and evaluated for fire safety (as may be
determined by the county fire department).
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 38 of 39
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
Draft Chapter 17.10. Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
DRAFT LAST UPDATED – 4/15/2024 | 7
G. For the purposes of this section, an ADU or junior accessory dwelling may be considered solely within
the existing or proposed space of another structure if it includes an expansion of not more than 150
square feet beyond the same physical dimensions of the existing structure, as long as that
expansion beyond the physical dimensions of the existing structure is only for accommodating
ingress and egress and does not exceed 16 feet in height.
H. A property may have one ADU and one JADU approved through the process created by this section.
I. Coastal Act. Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to supersede the application of the
California Coastal Act, Pub. Res. Code § 30000 et seq., except that no public hearing shall be
required for coastal development permit applications for ADUs.
J. The City shall not deny a permit for an unpermitted ADU constructed prior to January 1, 2018 absent
a finding that correcting the violation is necessary to protect the health and safety of the public or
the occupant of the ADU, or if the structure is deemed substandard pursuant to Section 17920.3 of
the Health and Safety Code.
K. The city shall allow preapproval of ADU plans as per Section 65852.27 of the Government Code
effective 1/1/2025.
17.10.050. Use covenants and restrictions
A. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for an approved ADU or JADU, a fully-executed use
covenant and restriction running with the land shall be recorded by the city with the county
recorder's office, and shall include all of the following:
a. Conditions of approval sufficient to ensure that the ADU or JADU will be constructed and
maintained pursuant to this section protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of
the city, and a statement that the owner agrees to all such conditions.
b. A prohibition on the sale of the ADU or JADU separate from the sale of the single-family
residence, including a statement that the deed restriction shall be enforced against future
purchasers.
c. A restriction that the size and attributes of the ADU or JADU must conform with this chapter.
B. If the site plan review application and/or any other permit issued for the ADUor JADU is revoked by
the city pursuant to the provisions of chapter 17.86 (Enforcement) of this code, subject to the
limitations of Health and Safety Code § 17980.12, then the director shall file notice with the county
recorder's office that the permit for the ADU or JADU has been revoked, and the property owner shall
forthwith convert the ADU or JADU to a legal structure or shall demolish such structure.
(Ord. No. 668U, § 7, 10-18-2022)
17.10.060. Revocation.
A. If the site plan review application and/or any other permit issued for the ADU or JADU is revoked by
the city pursuant to the provisions of chapter 17.86 (Enforcement) of this code, then the director
shall file notice with the county recorder's office that the permit for the ADU or JADU has been
revoked, and the property owner shall forthwith convert the ADU or JADU to a legal structure or shall
demolish such structure.
(Code 1981, § 17.10.060; Ord. No. 640, § 10, 1-19-2021)
Ord. 678U
Attachment B
Page 39 of 39
CEM
CG
CL
CN
CP
CR
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
II
I
I
I
I
I I
I
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OH
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
OR
RM-12
RM-12
RM-12
RM-22
RM-8
RM-8RM-8
RS-1
RS-1
RS-1
RS-1RS-1RS-1 RS-1
RS-1
RS-1
RS-1
RS-1RS-1
RS-1
RS-2 RS-2
RS-2
RS-2 RS-2
RS-2
RS-2
RS-2
RS-2
RS-2
RS-2
RS-2
RS-3
RS-3
RS-3
RS-4
RS-4
RS-4
RS-4
RS-4
RS-4
RS-4
RS-4
RS-5
RS-5
RS-5
RS-5
RS-5RS-5
RS-A-5
RS-A-5
RS-A-5
RM-22
RS-5
RS-3
RS-3
RS-3RS-1
I
Official Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Map
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
K
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1
Miles
Legend
Coastal Setback Line
Zoning Classification
CEM, Cemetery
CG, Commercial - General
CL, Commercial - Limited
CN, Commercial Neighborhood
CP, Commercial Professional
CR, Commercial Recreational
I, Institutional
OH, Open Space - Hazard
OR, Open Space - Recreational
RM-12, Residential Multiple - >3600 Sq. Ft/Unit
RM-22, Residential Multiple - >2000 Sq. Ft/Unit
RM-6, Residential Multiple - >7300 Sq. Ft/Unit
RM-8, Residential Multiple - >5400 Sq. Ft/Unit
RS-1, Residential Single - Lot > 1 Acre
RS-2, Residential Single - Lot > 20,000 Sq. Ft
RS-3, Residential Single - Lot > 13,000 Sq. Ft
RS-4, Residential Single - Lot > 10,000 Sq. Ft
RS-5, Residential Single - Lot > 8,000 Sq. Ft
RS-A-5, Residential Single - Lot > 5 Acres
Zoning Overlay Districts
OC 1, Natural Design
OC 2, Socio-Cultural
OC 3, Urban Design
OC 3 OC 1
OC 4, Automotive
OC 5, Mira Vista
Equestrian Overlay District
Mixed Use Overlay District
Residential Overlay District
P
a
c
i
fi
c
Oce a
n
Palos Verdes Estates Rolling Hills Estates
Rolling Hills
Torrance Lomita
San Pedro
This is to certify that this is the Official Zoning Map of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, California.
_________________________
Date of Adoption
_________________________________
City Clerk
April 16, 2024Ord. 678U
Attachment C
Page 1 of 1
L
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES)
The undersigned, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:
That at all times herein mentioned, she was and now is the City Clerk of
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes;
That on April 17, 2024, she caused to be posted the following document
entitled: ORDINANCE NO.678U,AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING TITLE 17 (ZONING) BY ADDING CHAPTERS 17.47
(MIXED USE OVERLAY DISTRICT (MUOD)), 17.48 (RESIDENTIAL
OVERLAY DISTRICT (ROD)), AMENDING CHAPTER 17.10
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNIT DEVELOPMENT,AND AMENDING CHAPTER 17.96
(DEFINITIONS) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS
VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE, TO EFFECT THE REVISED FINAL
2021-2029 HOUSING ELEMENT, a copy of which is attached hereto, in
the following locations:
City Hall Ladera Linda Community Park
30940 Hawthorne Blvd. 32201 Forrestal Drive
Rancho Palos Verdes Rancho Palos Verdes
Hesse Park
29301 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes
I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is a true and correct affidavit of
posting.
6" 14/1-4
ity Clerk