PC RES 2007-013 P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2007-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VE DES APPROVING A HEIGHT VARIATION AND
SITE PLAN REVIEW ( ON2006-00240) TO CONSTUCT AN 884
SQUARE-FOOT SINGLE-STORY ADDITION AND A 472 SQUARE-
FOOT SECOND STORY ADDITION TO AN EXISTING SINGLE-STORY
RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 4249 DAUNTLESS DRIVE.
WHEREAS, on May 1, 2006, the applicant submitted an application for a Height
Variation and Site Plan Reivew (Case No. ZON2006-00240), a request to construct a 884
square-foot, single-story addition to the front, side, and rear of an existing single-story
residence; and,
WHEREAS, on January 3, 2007, the applications for Height Variation and Site Plan
Review were deemed complete by staff; 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 Regulations, 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 the Height Variation and Site Plan Review, will have a
significant effect on the environment and, therefore, the proposed project has been found to be
categorically exempt under Class 1 (Section 15301); and,
WHEREAS, after noticed issued on January 17, 2007 pursuant to the requirements of
the Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
public hearing on February 27, 2007, 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 HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: That the approved project includes the construction of an 884 square-foot
addition to the first floor and 472 square-foot second story addition to the second floor to a
single-story residence to the front, side, and rear of an existing single-story residence. The
proposed structure height is 17' as measured from the point where the lowest foundation or slab
meets finished grade, to the ridgeline or highest point of the structure.
Section 2: That the Height Variation is warranted since the applicant has complied
with the early neighbor consultation process established by the city by obtaining 37% of the
signatures within a 500 foot radius and 100% of the signatures within a 100 foot radius of the
project site.
Section 3: That the Height Variation is warranted since the proposed addition that is
above 16' in height does not significantly impair a view from public property (i.e. parks, major
thoroughfares, bike ways, walkways or equestrian trails) which has been identified in the city's
general plan or coastal specific plan, as city designated viewing areas. Specifically, Ladera
Linda Park is located at a higher elevation north of the subject property and has an ocean view
to the south. Given that the proposed site is located significantly lower in elevation than Ladera
Linda Park; the ocean view will not be impaired.
P.C. Resolution No. 2007-13
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Section 4e That the Height Variation is warranted since the proposed additions are
not located on a ridge or a promontory. The subject property is located within a fully developed
single-family residential tract that is not located on a ridge or a promontory, as defined in the
Development Code.
Section 5® That the Height Variation is warranted since the proposed addition to the
existing structure that is above 16' in height, when considered exclusive of existing foliage, does
not significantly impair a view from the viewing area of another parcel. Views in the area are
generally of the ocean in the southerly direction. As such, the proposed project does not impair
the views from the residences located east, west, and south of the subject property. The view
from the living room of 32203 Avenger Place, located north of the subject property currently has
a small ocean view (south) over the existing ridgeline that would be slightly impaired by the
proposed roofline of the subject property. The sliver of ocean view that would be impaired is
insignificant when compared to the overall degree of view the view owner currently has.
Section 6® That the Height Variation is warranted since there is no significant
cumulative view impairment caused by granting the application. The analysis of cumulative
view impairment is performed by assessing the amount of view impairment resulting from the
proposed structure over 16' together with the amount of view impairment that would result by
the construction on other parcels similar additions that exceed 16' in height. In accordance with
the City Height Variation guidelines, staff selected three one-story residences in close proximity
to the proposed project for the cumulative view impact analysis. Staff chose 4214 Dauntless
Drive, 4222 Dauntless Drive, and 4230 Dauntless Drive, all located across the street from the
subject property to include in the cumulative view analysis. Exhibit 'B' illustrates the entire view
as seen from 32203 Avenger Place showing the potential view impairment if those three parcels
were to be built to a height of 16' and 17' maximum height. As shown on Exhibit 'B', if the three
parcels were to build to the maximum allowed by-right height of 16', it would significantly impair
the ocean view from 32203 Avenger Place. Consequently, the areas over 16' in height would
not impair the view any further. Given that the area of the proposed project over 16' together
with the portions of the three nearby parcels over 16' would not significantly impair a view.
Section 7. That the Height Variation is warranted since the proposed additions
comply with all other code requirements of Title 17 of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code.
Section 89 That the Height Variation is warranted since the proposed additions are
compatible with the immediate neighborhood character. Based on the analysis of the area, it is
found that the proposed resulting structure is consistent with the immediate neighborhood in
regards to architectural style, mass and bulk, number of stories, roof design, scale, orientation,
setbacks, open space, texture, color, and building materials.
Section 9® That the Height Variation is warranted since the addition to the existing
structure that is above 16' in height does not result in an unreasonable infringement of the
privacy of the occupants of abutting residences. Since the applicant is not proposing to install
windows on the proposed construction that exceed 16' in height, it does not result in any
infringement of the privacy of the occupants of abutting residences.
Section 10. That the proposed single-story addition that do not exceed 16' in height
comply with the Development standards in Title 17 of the Municipal Code.
P.C. Resolution No. 2007-13
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Section 11.- Any interested person aggrieved by this decision or any portion of this
decision may appeal to the City Council. The appeal shall set forth the grounds for appeal and
any specific action being requested by the appellant. Any appeal letter must be filed within
fiftee (15) calendar days of the date of this decision, or by 5:30 PM on Wednesday, March 14,
2007. A $1,222.00 appeal fee must accompany any appeal letter. If no appeal is filed timely,
the Panning Commission's decision will be final at 5:30 PM on March 14, 2007.
Section 1212: For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and findings
included in the Staff Report, the Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
hereby approves the Height Variation and Site Plan Review to allow for the construction of an
884 square-foot addition to the front, side, and rear of an existing single-story residence (Case
No. ZON2006-00240); 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 in the
area.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 27th day of February 2007, by the following vote:
AYES: CommIssioners Karp, Lewis, Ruttenberg, Tetreault, Vice Chairman
Gerstner Chairman Knight
NOES: Nome
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT": Commissioner Perestam �
J' Knig ,
hairm
Joel RoAsAAICP
Directoof lannin uiiding
and Co nforcement; and,
Secretary of the Planning Commission
P.C. Resolution No. 2007-13
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Exhibit" "
Conditions of Approval
Case No. 2006-00240 (sleight Variation and Site Plan Review)
4249 Dauntless Drive
General
1. Approval of this Height Variation and Site Plan Review shall not be construed to mean
any waiver of applicable and appropriate zoning regulations, or any Federal, State,
County, and City laws and regulations. Unless otherwise expressly specified, all other
requirements of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code shall apply.
2. The approval shall become null and void after 180 days from the date of approval unless
the approved plans are submitted to the Building and Safety Division to initiate the "plan
check" review process, pursuant to Section 17.86.070 of the City's Development Code.
This approval shall become null and void if, after initiating the "plan check" review
process, or receiving a building permit to begin construction, said, "plan check" or permit
is allowed to expire or is withdrawn by the applicant.
3. The applicant/property owner shall submit to the City a statement, in writing that they
have read, understand and agree to all conditions of approval listed below. Said
statement shall be submitted to the Director of Planning, Building, and Code
Enforcement prior to submittal of plans to "plan check" or within ninety (90) days of the
effective date of approval, which ever occurs first. Failure to provide said written
statement shall render this approval null and void.
4. The Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement is authorized to approve
minor modifications to the conditions of approval and/or the approved plans, provided
such modifications will achieve substantially the same results as would strict compliance
with the original plans or conditions.
5. Permitted hours of construction are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. No
work is permitted on Sundays or legal holidays. Trucks and other construction vehicles
shall not park, queue and/or idle at the project site or in the adjoining public rights-of-way
before 7:00 AM, Monday through Saturday, in accordance with the permitted hours of
construction stated above.
6. The project shall substantially conform to the plans stamped, and dated the effective
date of this approval, approved by the Planning Department.
7. The construction site, adjacent public and private properties 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 not be 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.
8. In the event that a Planning requirement and a Building & Safety requirement are in
conflict with one another, the stricter standard shall apply.
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9. Prior to the commencement of construction, the applicant shall obtain all applicable
permits as required by the Building and Safety Division.
Heiia t Variation and Site Pian Review
10. This Height Variation and Site Plan Review allow the construction of an 884 square-foot,
single-story addition and a 472 square-foot second story addition to the front, side, and
rear of an existing single-story residence.
11. The height of the additions shall not exceed the measurements shown on the stamped
plans, approved by the Planning Department. The maximum height of the additions
shall not exceed 17', as measured from the point where the lowest foundation or slab
meets the finished grade, to the ridgeline or highest point of the structure. BUILDING
HEIGHT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED. A LICENSED CIVIL ENGINEER OR
SURVEYOR SHALL PREPARE THE CERTIFICATION. CERTIFICATION SHALL BE
SUBMITTED TO THE CITY'S BUILDING OFFICIAL FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL
PRIOR TO ROOF FRAMING/SHEETING INSPECTION.
12. The approved project shall maintain the setbacks depicted on the stamped approved
plans, but in no case shall minimum setbacks be less than the following: 20' front, 15'
rear, and 5' sides. SETBACK CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED. A LICENSED CIVIL
ENGINEER OR SURVEYOR SHALL PREPARE THE CERTIFICATION.
CERTIFICATION SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY'S BUILDING OFFICIAL FOR
REVIEW AND APPROVAL PRIOR TO THE POURING OF FOUNDATIONS.
13. The garage shall maintain a minimum interior clearance of 18' (width) by 20' (depth).
14. The approved project shall maintain 31%, but in no case shall exceed 45% maximum lot
coverage.
15. A foliage analysis conducted by staff revealed no existing foliage that significantly
impairs the protected view form any surrounding properties.
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