PC RES 2005-040 P.C. E L TI . 2 -4
RESOLUTION F THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING CASE NO. ON2 2-0059 ,
GRADING PERMIT ALLOWING DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING SPLIT-
LEVEL RESIDENCE NLS CONSTRUCTION A NEW 5,412 SQUARE
FOOTSPLIT-LEVEL RESIDENCE WITH A BASEMENT THAT I
COMPLETELY SUBTERRANEAN, AND CONDUCT A TOTAL OF 1,34
CUBIC YARDS F GRADING ON A DOWNSLOPINGLOT LOCATED AT
405 CORSINI PL
WHEREAS, on November 27, 2002, a Grading Permit application (hereinafter
referred to as ZON2002-00596)was submitted for the demolition of an existing residence
and construction of a new single-family residence, for property located at 6405 Corsini
Place; and
WHEREAS, on December 11, 2002, the application was deemed incomplete
pending the submittal of additional information; and,
WHEREAS, after a redesign of the proposal, and submittal of additional information,
including the construction of the temporary silhouette, the application was deemed
generally complete for processing on June 9, 2005; and,
WHEREAS, on July 18, 2005, the applicant submitted a written statement agreeing
to a one-time 90-day extension of the processing deadline imposed by the State's Permit
Streamlining.Act, thereby extending the action deadline to November 6, 2005; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act,
Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et. seq. ("CEQA"), the State's CEQA Guidelines,
California Code of Regulation, Title 14, Section 15000 et. seq., the City's Local CEQA
Guidelines, and Government Code Section 65962.5(f)(Hazardous Waste and Substances
Statement), Staff found no evidence that ZON2002-00596 would have a significant effect
on the environment and,therefore,the proposed project has been found to be categorically
exempt under Class 3 (Section 15303) since the project involves the construction of one
new single-family residential structure; and,
WHEREAS, after notice issued pursuant to the requirements of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Development Code, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on
September 13, 2005, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be
heard and present evidence;
NOW,THEREFORE,THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES DOES HERESY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The proposed grading does not exceed that which is necessary for the
permitted primary use of the lot. The majority of the grading is under the building footprint
and basement, and to lower the elevation of the property; thus, the proposed grading is
considered necessary and not excessive.
Section 2: The grading and related construction will not significantly adversely
affect the visual relationships nor the views from neighboring properties since the grading
will be conducted to grade the elevation down. Further, not only is the proposed residence
located within the Development Code allowed building envelope,which negates any type of
view protection for surrounding residences, the view impairment that does result is not
significant since it is in the periphery of the view frame.
Section 3: The grading minimizes disturbance to the natural contours since the
proposed grading allows the residence to continue to be set into the hillside, thereby
blending the structure into the natural contours of the property. Since a residence already
exists, the rear yard area is already flat. However, since the residence will be constructed
farther towards the rear and include the existing rear yard area in order to rectify the non-
conforming front yard setback and provide for the required 20-foot setback,the grading will
lower the elevation of the residence and provide for a basement area that will not be visible.
Section 4: The grading takes into account the preservation of natural topographic
features since the new residence will be located in the existing flat rear yard area. The
proposal does not include altering the topography to the rear and is being conducted to
lower the elevation at the building location.
Section 5: The proposed residence is compatible with the immediate
neighborhood character, and is consistent with the mix of homes in the neighborhood. The
new residence will continue to maintain a split-level configuration that appears as a one-
story fagade when viewed from the street, contain multiple gable roof elements with a new
rotunda feature, mission tile roof material, smooth stucco finish and multi-paned windows.
These materials are consistent with the elements of the existing residence, and are also
common in the neighborhood. Further, the new residence will be of Spanish architectural
design, which is consistent with the existing residence.
Section 6: The grading application is consistent with the purpose and intent of
Section 17.76.040.A, since it provides for the reasonable development of the parcel with a
residential structure.
Section 7: For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and findings
included in the Staff Report, Minutes and other records of proceedings, the Planning
Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby approves Case No. ZON2002-
00596 for a Grading Permit application, thereby allowing for the demolition of an existing
split-level residence and construction of a new 5,412 square foot split-level residence
(garage and basement areas included)on a downsloping lot and conduct 1,349 cubic yards
of grading, subject to the conditions contained in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a
part hereof, which are necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
P.C. Resolution No. 2005-40
Page 2
Section 8: Any interested person aggrieved by this decision or by any portion of
this decision may appeal to the City Council. Pursuant to Section 17.80 of the Rancho
Palos Verdes Municipal Code, any such appeal must be filed with the City, in writing and
with the appropriate appeal fee, no later than September 28, 2005.
PASSED,APPROVED,AND ADOPTED this 13th day of September 2005, by the following
vote:
AYES: Gerstner, Golida, Karp, Knight, Perestarn
NOES: Tetreault
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Mueller
Paut-Tetreault
Planning Commission Chairman
JoWkdas, AICP
Dilectuf of Plann' , Building and
C06e/Enforcement; and, Secretary
to the Planning Commission
P.C. Resolution No. 2005-40
Page 3
Exhibit "A"
Conditions of Approval
Case No. ZON2002-00596
(Grading Permit)
1. Prior to the submittal of plans into Building and Safety plan check, the applicant and/or
property owner shall submit to the City a statement, in writing, that they have read,
understand and agree to all conditions of approval contained in this approval. Failure to
provide said written statement within ninety(90)days following the date of this approval
shall render this approval null and void.
2. The approval shall become null and void after one year from the date of approval unless
the approved plans are submitted to the Building and Safety Division to initiate the"plan
check" review process.
3. Approval is for the demolition of an existing split-level residence on a downsloping lot,
and construct a new split-level single-family residence with a lower basement level that
is fully subterranean and not visible, measuring 5,412 square feet (garage and
basement included). Further, a-total of 1,349 cubic yards of grading is approved to
accommodate the new residence and basement.
4. All grading will be cut, and no fill will be provided on site, which consists of 642 cubic
yards under the building footprint to lower the elevation of the residence; an additional
535 cubic yards under the footprint to accommodate a new basement level area; and
172 cubic yards of cut around the perimeter of the residence to ensure vehicular and
pedestrian accessibility to the residence.
5. The following minimum setbacks shall be maintained:
Front yard: 20'-0" minimum
Side yard: 5'-0" minimum
Rear yard: 116-0" minimum
SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL, FRONT
SETBACK CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED BY A LICENSED LAND SURVEYOR OR
ENGINEER PRIOR TO THE POURING OF FOOTINGS.
6. The maximum height of the structure shall not exceed a building envelope of 16' as
measured from the average elevation of the front setback line to the highest ridgeline
elevation, and 30' in overall height as measured from the lowest finish grade to highest
ridgeline elevation. The approved residence is approved at a maximum ridgeline
elevation of 739.77',with the lowest finish elevation of 711.12'. SUBJECT TO REVIEW
AND APPROVAL BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL,A RIDGE HEIGHT CERTIFICATION
P.C. Resolution No. 2005-40
Page 4
IS REQUIREDY A LICENSED LAND SURVEYORI I T
INSTALLATION OF ROOF MATERIALS.
7. The maximum structure size of the residence, including garage, shall be limited to a
total area of 5,412 square feet, which includes 1,896 square feet of habitable area on
the upper level, a 473 square foot garage on the upper level, and a 1,962 square foot
lower level. Lastly, the project includes a 1,081 square foot basement level,which shall
be entirely subterranean and not visible from surrounding properties. SUBJECT T
REVIEW N PPR VAL BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL, A STRUCTURE SIZE
CERTIFICATION IS REQUIREDY A LICENSED tJ VEY , ENGINEER
ARCHITECT l I TELY AFTER FRAMING F STRUCTURE.
8. Since the approved habitable floor area measures 4,939 square feet, a minimum two-
car garage shall be maintained, with each space being individually accessed and each
maintaining a minimum unobstructed dimension of 9-feet-wide by 20-feet-deep by 7-
feet-vertical clearance. Any future additions to the residence that result in the habitable
floor area measuring at least 5,000 square feet shall result in a requirement to provide
for a 3rd enclosed parking space with the same dimensions listed above.
9. All development and grading shall be limited to the flat area only. No development,
grading, improvements, etc. are approved or allowed on the transitional slope to the
rear of the subject property.
10.A site visit on August 30, 2005, determined that the subject property maintains trees
that significantly impair the view from the viewing area at 4228 Palos Verdes Drive East.
The trees.located on the slope behind the residence shall be trimmed and maintained at
a height that does not exceed the new residence's lower level floor elevation. The initial
trimming shall be performed and inspected for adequacy by the Director of Planning,
Building and Code Enforcement (or designee), prior to building permit issuance.
11.The new septic system (private sewer system) that is subterranean shall maintain a
setback from the adjacent property line that is half the minimum required setback.
12.Construction of the project shall substantially conform to the plans stamped as
approved by the Planning Department with the effective date of this approval.
13.Due to the subject property's location in the S-3 zoning district, a maximum of forty-
five (45%) percent lot coverage shall be allowed on the lot.
14.In the event that a Planning requirement and a Building & Safety requirement are in
conflict with one another, the stricter standard shall apply.
15.The hours of construction shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through
Saturday. No construction shall be permitted on Sundays or on legal holidays.
P.C. Resolution No. 2005-40
Page 5
16.The construction site and all adjacent private and public property shall be kept free of all
loose materials resembling trash and debris in excess of that material used for
immediate construction purposes. Such excess material may include, but is not limited
to: the accumulation of debris, garbage, lumber, scrap metal, concrete, asphalt, piles of
earth, salvage materials, abandoned or discarded furniture, appliances or other
household fixtures.
17.The maximum eave projection allowed into the required setback areas shall not exceed
6-inches for each 1-foot of required setback.
18.The construction site shall be temporarily enclosed with a six(6'-0")foot high chain-link
fence during the length of construction of the residential structure.
19.The Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement is authorized to make minor
modifications to the approved plans or any of the conditions if such modifications shall
achieve substantially the same results as would strict compliance with said plans and
conditions.
20.Prior to issuance of Grading Permits, the landowner shall submit a plan for hauling
routes and a hauling schedule for review and approval by the Director of Public Works.
All hauling trucks shall be covered so that no soil, rocks, or other debris may escape the
truck during transport.
2 1.An Encroachment Permit is required for all work conducted in the public rights-of-way.
P.C. Resolution No. 2005-40
Page 6