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CC RES 1998-005 RESOLUTION NO. 98-05 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND MAKING CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS IN ASSOCIATION WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. 676 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 2,065 SQUARE FOOT ONE STORY VISITORS CENTER TO REPLACE A SIMILAR STRUCTURE THAT WAS DAMAGED BY LANDSLIDE ACTIVITY, IMPROVEMENTS TO AN EXISTING AMPHITHEATER AREA, AND REMEDIAL GRADING AT THE EXISTING WAYFARERS CHAPEL RELIGIOUS FACILITY LOCATED AT 5755 PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH, WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE LANDSLIDE MORATORIUM AREA WHEREAS, on September 20, 1994, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes approved Landslide Moratorium Exception No. 10 to allow the Wayfarers Chapel to proceed with the submittal of appropriate applications to allow the construction of a new 2,400 square foot two sto ry Visitors Center to replace a similar structure which was located at a different location on the subject property that had been damaged by landslide activity and improvements to an existing amphitheater area, and remedial grading at the Wayfarers Chapel located at 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, within the boundaries of the City's Landslide Moratorium Area; and, WHEREAS, on February 8, 1995, pursuant to the approval of Landslide Moratorium Exception No. 10 by the City Council, the Wayfarers Chapel submitted applications for Conditional Use Permit No. 185, Variance No. 388, and Grading Permit No. 1793, and on March 29, 1995, the application for Environmental Assessment No. 676 was submitted to the City; and, WHEREAS, on October 17, 1996, the Wayfarer's Chapel submitted a revised plan that consisted of a 2,065 square foot one story structure, improvements to an existing amphitheater, and remedial grading for the structure; and, WHEREAS, the Institutional zoning district in which the subject property is located allows for the continued use of the subject property as a religious facility, as well as for the expansion of the facilities for related uses; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et. seq. ("CEQA"), the State CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Sections 15000 et. seq., the City's Local CEQA Guidelines, and Government Code Section 65952.5(e) (Hazardous Waste and Substances Statement), the City of Rancho Palos Verdes prepared an Initial Study and determined that, by incorporating mitigation measures in to the Negative Declaration and project approval, there is no substantial evidence that the approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 185, Variance No. 388, and Grading Permit No. 1793 would result in a significant adverse effect on the environment. Accordingly, a Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared and notice of that fact was given in the manner g g required by law; and, WHEREAS, although the Initial Study was prepared and distributed for circulation and review on Jul 10, 1995, because the revised project(submitted on October 17, 1996) is smaller July in size, lower in height, and setback further from the side property line, it will have fewer potential impacts than the proposed structure, and therefore, the Initial Study prepared on July 10, 1995 suffices for the revised project; and, WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, a Mitigation Monitoring Program has been prepared, and is attached hereto as Exhibit"A"; and, WHEREAS, after issuing notice pursuant to the requirements of the City's Development Code and the State CEQA Guidelines, the Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes held a public hearing on July 11 and 25, 1995, August 2 and 8, 1995, September 12, 1995, December 12, 1995, January 23, 1996, February 3, 1996, March 12, 1996, April 23, 1996, June 11, 1996, September 10, 1996, October 22, 1996, November 12, 1996, August 26, 1997, September 9, 1997, and November 11 and 25, 1997 at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and present evidence. WHEREAS, on November 25, 1997, the Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit no. 185, Variance No. 388, Grading Permit No. 1793, and Environmental Assessment No. 676; and, WHEREAS, on December 10, 1997, an appeal was filed in regards to the Planning Commission's decision; and, WHEREAS, after issuing notice pursuant to the requirements of the City's Development Code and the State CEQA Guidelines, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes held a public hearing on February 3, 1998, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and present evidence. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES HEREBY FINDS, DETERMINES, AND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: This application involves construction of a new 2,065 square foot Visitors Center to replace a similar structure which was damaged by landslide activity, remedial grading to accommodate the proposed construction, and improvements to an existing outdoor amphitheater area. The City Council finds that the proposed project, as mitigated, would not result in any new significant adverse environmental impacts. Section 2: As submitted, the proposed project will not result in changes to existing features of any bays, tidelands, beaches, lakes or hills, or substantial alteration of ground contours, changes in scenic views of vistas from existing residential areas or public lands or roads, nor will it result in the change in pattern, scale or character of the general area of the project. Additionally, the proposed project will not result in significant amounts of solid waste or litter, change in dust, ash smoke, fumes, or odors in the vicinity, or change in ocean, bay, lake stream or ground water quality or quantity, or alteration of existing drainage patterns. The proposed project will also not result in a substantial change in existing noise or vibration levels in the vicinity, nor will the work occur on a site of filled land or on a slope of 10 percent or more. Finally, the project will not require the use or disposal of potentially hazardous materials, changes in the demand for municipal services, increased fossil fuel consumption, or affect any relationship to a larger project or series of projects. Accordingly, no mitigation measures have been required to address these issues. Resolution No. 98-05 Page 2 of 7 Section 3,: The proposed project will require remedial grading consisting of the removal and recompaction of earth under the existing building footprint and construction of a new retaining wall adjacent to and upslope from the proposed new Visitors Center on property located within the boundaries of the Landslide Moratorium Area. The Initial Study for the proposed project identified p otential impacts resulting from unstable earth conditions or changes in geologic substructures, from disruptions, displacement, compaction, or overcovering of the soil, and from exposure of people or property to geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, ground failure, or similar hazards. As a result of potential impacts resulting from the unstable earth conditions, Mitigation Measures have been imposed which require the landowner to comply with all recommendations and requirements, if any, of the City Geologist and the Building Official. Since the project is located within the boundaries of the Landslide Moratorium Area, the proposed construction and use of the site for religious purposes will continue to expose people and property to hazards such as landslides. However, this exposure is not expected to increase as a result of the proposed construction. In addition, the applicant proposes to relocate the new Visitors Center from its previously existing location adjacent to an active fissure, to a more geologically stable location. Nevertheless, Mitigation Measures have been imposed which require the landowner to comply with all recommendations and requirements, if any, of the City Geologist and the Department's Division of Building and Safety. However, since the proposed project will require only remedial grading consisting of removal and recompaction of the soil, when reviewed in accordance with "Appendix G - Significant Effects" of the State CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project will not result in significant adverse affects resulting from changes in topography, destruction, covering, or modification of unique geologic or physical features, increases in wind or water erosion of soils, either on or off the site, or changes in deposition or erosion of beach sands. Section 4: Because the proposed project will not change or intensify the existing use of the property as a location for religious gatherings, it has been determined that the proposed project will not result in significant changes to Air Quality with respect to air emissions or deteriorations of ambient air quality, the creation of objectionable odors, or alterations of air movement, moisture or climate. In fact, the evidence presented to the City Council indicates that relocation of the Visitors Center to the property from its existing remote location will have a beneficial impact on Air Quality due to a reduction in current vehicle trips between the property and the existing Visitors Center. Although impacts to Air resulting from the proposed project have been determined to be less than significant, Mitigation Measures have been incorporated which require all mechanical equipment to be properly tuned to prevent excessive emissions during construction. Section 5: When reviewed in accordance with"Appendix I - Significant Effects" of the City's Local CEQA Guidelines, the project will not have a significant effect on the environment with respect to Water. Although the proposed construction of the Visitors Center will require remedial grading, the topography will be returned to relatively existing conditions, and therefore will not result in the disturbance of any current physical earth features which would affect water and/or drainage. Additionally, as part of the proposed project, other existing drainage deficiencies will be corrected. Resolution No. 98-05 Page 3 of 7 Section 6: Since the site is entirely paved with an asphalt surface, construction of the proposed project would not involve the removal of any Plant Life or Animal Life, nor would it affect any plant or animal species. However, while the project will not involve the removal or introduction of any new plant species, Mitigation Measures have been incorporated which require any new future landscaping and/or removal of vegetation to be consistent with the requirements of the Natural Communities Conservation Planning program (NCCP). Section 7: Due to the short term impacts to noise associated with the grading and construction of the new Visitors Center, Mitigation Measures have been imposed which limit the hours of construction and reduce impacts to Noise resulting from the project to less than significant levels. However, since the subject property, including the proposed and existing improvements, will continue to be used for religious purposes which is a typically a low noise generating use, the proposed project will not result in the exposure of people to severe noise levels beyond those existing on the property. Therefore, in accordance with Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines, since the project will not substantially increase ambient noise levels, any long terms impacts associated with the existing and proposed uses on the site or exposure to people to severe noise levels, is not considered a significant impact. Section 8: The Initial Study identified potential impacts to Light and Glare which may result due to the proposed location of the new Visitors Center in an area which is currently paved with asphalt. In order to reduce such impacts to less than significant levels, Mitigation Measures which require the installation of vegetative screening on the western side of the building to filter reflective sunlight and nighttime lighting. Additionally, Mitigation Measures have been incorporated which limit the hours during which exterior lighting may be used. Section 9: The subject property is currently zoned for Institutional purposes, and is also designated on the City's General Plan maps for Institutional/Religious purposes. Since the site will continue to be used for religious purposes and no change in the planned land use is anticipated, the proposed construction will not significantly impact Land Use, and no Mitigation Measures have been required. Section 10: For purposes of the Initial Study, it was determined that a significant impact would occur if implementation of the proposed project would encourage activities which would result in the use or waste of a large amount of fuel, water, or energy. Since the subject property will continue to be used for religious activities, no significant adverse impacts are anticipated with respect to Natural Resources. Consequently, no Mitigation Measures have been imposed. Section 11,: Since the proposed construction and continued use of the subject property for religious purposes is not expected to result in the creation or need for any disposal of any hazardous waste materials, impacts to the Risk of Upset resulting from the proposed project are considered less than significant. Section 12: In accordance with the General Plan Housing Element policies and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Housing Assessment Needs (RHNA), the proposed project will not alter the location, distribution, density, or growth rate of the human population in the area above what is forecasted in adopted City plans and policies, nor will the project affect existing housing, or create a demand for additional housing. Consequently, no mitigation measures have been required with respect to Population or Housing. Resolution No. 98-05 Page 4 of 7 Section 13: The Initial Study identified potential impacts to Transportation/Circulation with respect to the generation of substantial additional vehicular movement, effects on existing parking facilities, and alterations to present patterns of circulation. However, the proposed project provides a total of 100 parking spaces which is more than the number of parking spaces required pursuant to the Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code to accommodate the existing and proposed uses on the site at the same time. Additionally, since the proposed Visitors Center will result in the relocation of the facilities from their current location (1/4 mile west of the Wayfarers Chapel site), it is expected that the proposed construction would decrease traffic between the two locations and create a beneficial alteration to present patterns of circulation. Consequently, the potential impacts to Traffic/Circulation have been determined to be less than significant. Although traffic patterns may be altered as a result of the proposed construction, the proposed project will not result in significant increases in traffic volumes which would impact transportation systems or alter waterborne, rail, or air traffic. Additionally, the relocation of the Visitors Center on site will eliminate the need for the public and employees of the Chapel to travel 1/4 mile off-site for the office uses, resulting in a decrease in traffic hazards resulting from the proposed construction. Section 14: The proposed project will not create a significant additional demand for fire or police protection or require the expansion of existing schools, parks or other recreational facilities, maintenance of public facilities (including roads), or other governmental services. Therefore impacts to these services and agencies with respect to Public Services is not considered significant, and no mitigation measures have been required. Section 15,: The proposed construction would not generate a significant demand on existing fuel or energy sources. Although the installation of new connections may be required, the site is already served by all the necessary utilities and therefore will not result in the use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy, nor substantial increases in the demand upon existing sources of energy. Section 16: The proposed project will not result in the need for new systems, or substantial alterations to Utilities, including power or natural gas, communication systems, water, sewer or septic tanks, storm water drainage, or solid waste disposal. In order to ensure that sewage will not flow into the landslide area, the project will require the installation of its own holding tank and future connection to any future sewer line. For this reason, no mitigation measures have been required with respect to Utilities. Section 17,: The proposed construction and continued use of the site for religious purposes will not require the use of any chemicals or other hazardous materials which may adversely impact human health, or expose people to potential health hazards. For this reason, the proposed project will not significantly adversely impact Human Health. Section 18: The Initial Study identified potential impacts to Aesthetics resulting from the replacement of an existing paved surface and trash enclosure with a new one story building. However, the location of the proposed structure is significantly upslope of Palos Verdes Drive South, and existing vegetation on the site will substantially screen the new construction from the public view along Palos Verdes Drive South and neighboring properties. In addition, materials Resolution No. 98-05 Page 5 of 7 for the proposed structure will be compatible with the materials used on the existing buildings, and will be similar in architectural style to the Chapel building. Consequently, although the proposed construction will result in changes to the current appearance of the property, the new facilities will not significantly adversely impact Aesthetics, and no Mitigation Measures are required. Section 19,: The proposed project will not result in the demand for new recreational facilities and/or expansion of existing programs beyond planned capacities, no significant impacts will occur to Recreation. Therefore, no mitigation measures have been required with respect to Recreation. Section 20: Since the project site is located within an area which has been previously identified as a potential site for archaeological and/or other significant cultural resources, Mitigation Measures have been imposed which require the landowner to comply with all recommendations and requirements of the Archaeological Information Center located at the Fowler Museum at the University of California. Section 21: For reasons discussed in the Initial Study, which is incorporated herein by reference, the project would not have any potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals. Section 22: For reasons discussed,in the Initial Study, which is incorporated herein by reference, the project would not have impacts which are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable. Section 23: For reasons discussed in the Initial Study, which is incorporated herein by reference, the project would not have environmental impacts that will cause substantial adverse effect on human beings, either directly or indirectly. Section 24: The applicant has consulted the lists prepared pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code and has submitted a signed statement indicating whether the project and any alternatives are located on a site which is included on any such list, and has specified any such list. The Lead Agency has consulted the lists compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code, and has certified that the development project and any alternatives proposed in this application are not included in these lists of known Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites as compiled by the California Environmental Protection Agency. Section 25,: For the foregoing reasons and based on its independent review and evaluation of the information and findings contained in the Initial Study, Staff Reports, minutes, and records of the proceedings, the City Council has determined that the project as conditioned and mitigated will not result in a significant adverse impact on the environment because all of the potential significant adverse environmental impacts have been reduced to less than significant levels. Therefore, the City Council hereby adopts Mitigated Negative Declaration and makes the foregoing environmental findings in association with Environmental Assessment No. 676 for construction of a new 2,065 square foot one story Visitors Center, remedial grading, and improvements to an existing outdoor amphitheater area on the Wayfarers Chapel property located at 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, and hereby adopts as conditions of approval of the project the mitigation measures contained in the attached Exhibit"A" - Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, which contains conditions and mitigation measures necessary to protect the Resolution No. 98-05 Page 6of7 public health, safety, and welfare and to mitigate any potentially significant adverse environmental impacts of the project. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 17th day of February, 1998. I -a MAYOR ATTEST: II ,0 1 ..,.. . L.... . -' CI CLERK S ATE OF CALIFORNIA } COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES } ss CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES } I, Jo Purcell, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that the above Resolution No. 98-05 was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on February 17, 1998. 179 i ,_L,6 4.,--6 4'') CITY CLER Resolution No. 98-05 Page 7 of 7 Exhibit A Mitigation Monitoring Program Project: Environmental Assessment No. 676/Conditional Use Permit CUP No. 185Nariance No. 388/Grading Permit No. 1793 Location: 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 Applicant: Wayfarer's Chapel TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Introduction 2 II. Management of the Mitigation Monitoring Program 3 Roles and Responsibilities 3 Mitigation and Monitoring Program Procedures 3 Mitigation Monitoring Operations 4 III. Mitigation Monitoring Program Checklist 5 IV. Mitigation Monitoring Summary Table 6 Exhibit A Resolution No. 98-05 Page 1 of 6 I. INTRODUCTION PURPOSE This Mitigation Monitoring Program (MMP), for the construction of a new 2,065 square foot two-story Visitors Center to replace a similar structure which was damaged by landslide activity, remedial grading, and improvements to an existing outdoor amphitheater area on the Wayfarers Chapel property located at 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, within the boundaries of the Landslide Moratorium Area, in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, responds to Section 21081.6 of the Public Resources Code. Section 21081.6 requires a lead or responsible agency that approves or carries out a project where a Mitigated Negative Declaration has identified significant environmental effects, to adopt a "reporting or monitoring program for adopted or required changes to mitigate or avoid significant environmental effects." The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is acting as lead agency for the project. An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared to address the potential environmental impacts of the project. Where appropriate, this environmental document recommended mitigation measures to mitigate or avoid impacts identified. Consistent with Section 21080 (2)(c) of the Public Resources Code, a mitigation reporting or monitoring program is required to ensure that the adopted mitigation measures under the jurisdiction of the City are implemented. The City will adopt this MMP when adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration. ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES This MMP has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA), as amended (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) and the State Guidelines for Implementation of CEQA (CEQA Guidelines), as amended (California Administrative Code Section 15000 et seq.). This MMP complies with the rules, regulations, and procedures adopted by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for implementation of CEQA. MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Section 21081.6 of the Public Resources Code states: "When making the findings required by subdivision (a) of Section 21081 or when adopting a negative declaration pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 21081, the public agency shall adopt a reporting or monitoring program for the changes to the project which it has adopted or made a condition of project approval in order to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment. The reporting or monitoring program shall be designed to ensure compliance during project implementation. For those changes which have been required or incorporated into the project at the request of an agency having jurisdiction by law over natural resources affected by the project, that agency shall, if so requested by the lead or responsible agency, prepare and submit a proposed reporting or monitoring program." Exhibit A Resolution No. 98-05 Page 2 of 6 IL MANAGEMENT OF THE MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The MMP for the project will be in place through all phases of the project including final design, pre-grading, construction, and operation. The City will have the primary enforcement role for the mitigation measures. MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM PROCEDURES The mitigation monitoring procedures for this MMP consists of, filing requirements, and compliance verification. The Mitigation Monitoring Checklist and procedures for its use are outlined below. Mitigation Monitoring Program Checklist, The MMP Checklist provides a comprehensive list of the required mitigation measures. In addition, the Mitigation Monitoring Checklist includes: the implementing action when the mitigation measure will occur; the method of verification of compliance; the timing of verification; the department or agency responsible for implementing the mitigation measures; and compliance verification. Section III provides the MMP Checklist. Mitigation Monitoring Program Files Files shall be established to document and retain the records of this MMP. The files shall be established, organized, and retained by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement. Compliance Verification, The MMP Checklist shall be signed when compliance of the mitigation measure is met according to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement. The compliance verification section of the MMP Checklist shall be signed, for mitigation measures requiring ongoing monitoring, and when the monitoring of a mitigation measure is completed. Exhibit A Resolution No. 98-05 Page 3 of 6 MITIGATION MONITORING OPERATIONS The following steps shall be followed for implementation, monitoring, and verification of each mitigation measure: 1. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement shall designate a party responsible for monitoring of the mitigation measures. 2. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement shall provide to the party responsible for the monitoring of a given mitigation measure, a copy of the MMP Checklist indicating the mitigation measures for which the person is responsible and other pertinent information. 3. The party responsible for monitoring shall then verify compliance and sign the Compliance Verification column of the MMP Checklist for the appropriate mitigation measures. Mitigation measures shall be implemented as specified by the MMP Checklist. During any project phase, unanticipated circumstances may arise requiring the refinement or addition of mitigation measures. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement with advice from Staff or another City department, is responsible for recommending changes to the mitigation measures, if needed. If mitigation measures are refined, the Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement would document the change and shall notify the appropriate design, construction, or operations personnel about refined requirements. Exhibit A Resolution No. 98-05 Page 4 of 6 III. MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM CHECKLIST INTRODUCTION This section provides the M M P Checklist for the project as approved by the Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes on December 12, 1995. Mitigation measures are listed in the order in which they appear in the Initial Study. Types of measures are project design, construction, operational, or cumulative. Time of Implementation indicates when the measure is to be implemented. Responsible Entity indicates who is responsible for implementation. Compliance Verification provides space for future reference and notation that compliance has been monitored, verified, and is consistent with these mitigation measures. N:\GROUP\PLANNING\RESOS\PC\RESEA676.MMP Exhibit A Resolution No. 98-05 Page 5 of 6 MITIGATION MEASURES TYPE TIME OF RESPONSIBLE COMPLIANCE IMPLEMENTATION ENTITY VERIFICATION EARTH The landowner shall comply with all recommendations Project Design Prior to issuance of a Building Applicant and requirements,if any,of the Division of Building and Construction Permits and during construction. City Safety and the City Geologist. AIR All mechanical equipment shall be properly tuned to Operational During Construction Applicant prevent excessive emissions during construction. PLANTLIFE Any new future landscaping and/or removal of Project Design Ongoing Applicant vegetation shall be consistent with the requirements of City the Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP). NOISE The hours of grading and construction shall be limited Construction During construction Applicant to 7:00 a.m.to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and City 8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m.on Saturday. No construction shall be permitted on Sundays or Legal Holidays. LIGHT AND GLARE Vegetative screening shall be installed on the western Project Design During Construction and Applicant side of the Visitors Center to filter reflective sunlight, Ongoing City subject to review and approval by the Director of Planning, Building,and Code Enforcement. All exterior lighting shall be turned off by 9:30 p.m. or Operational Ongoing Applicant within 1/2 hour following a special evening event for which a permit has been obtained. Exhibit A Resolution No. 98-05 Page 6 of 6 ,