PC RES 2014-021 P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-21
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CONDITIONALLY APPROVING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REVISION (Z0N2014-00182) TO AMEND
THE 2007 GREEN HILLS CEMETERY MASTER PLAN TO ALLOW
3,323FT2 OF SINGLE-STORY OFFICE ADDITIONS AND A 693.5FT2
COVERED WALKWAY EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING
ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING; ALLOWING THE TEMPORARY
MODULAR BUILDINGS TO REMAIN ON SITE UNTIL JANUARY 22,
2016 OR UNTIL PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT FINAL, WHICHEVER
COMES FIRST; AND RECONFIGURING THE PARKING AREA TO
ADD 23 NEW PARKING SPACES AT 27501 WESTERN AVENUE
(GREEN HILLS MEMORIAL PARK).
WHEREAS, on February 19, 1991, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 91-7,
certifying a Mitigated Negative Declaration and approving Conditional Use Permit No. 55,
allowing for the Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan, which called for development of the
cemetery site over the next 100-years; and,
WHEREAS, on April 24, 2007, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution Nos. 2007-
32 and 2007-33, certifying a Mitigated Negative Declaration and approving Conditional Use
Permit Revision "D", allowing a revision to the Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan for the
development of the cemetery site over the next 30 to 50 years, including additional grading and
construction of mausoleum buildings; and,
WHEREAS, on November 25, 2008, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No.
2008-47, approving Addendum No. 1 to the Mitigated Negative Declaration and approving a
revision to the Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan for the relocation of an abandoned historic
church building that is currently located in the San Pedro community of the City of Los Angeles
onto the Green Hills Cemetery property; and,
WHEREAS, on April 7, 2005, the Community Development Director approved a Special
Use Permit (Z0N2002-00271) to allow the use of two temporary modular buildings (672ft2 and
960ft2 in size) while the main Administration Building at Green Hills Memorial Park was being
remodeled. The Special Use Permit was issued for a two-year period (expiring April 7, 2007)
and received a one-time, one-year extension to April 7, 2008; and,
WHEREAS, on November 11, 2008, the Planning Commission denied the request for
the two temporary modular buildings to be used for permanent office space; and,
WHEREAS, on November 25, 2008, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No.
2008-47 via consent calendar, memorializing the decision made on November 11, 2008; and,
WHEREAS, on January 23, 2009, Green Hills Memorial Park submitted a request for a
Special Use Permit (Planning Case No. ZON2009-00033) to allow for continued use of the two
temporary modular buildings for an additional six years, from 2009 through 2015; and,
WHEREAS, on July 9, 2009, the Community Development Director approved a Special
Use Permit (Planning Case No. ZON2009-00033) for continued use of the two temporary
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
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modular buildings for an additional three months. This decision was appealed by the applicant
to the Planning Commission; and,
WHEREAS, on September 22, 2009, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No.
2009-40, thereby denying the appeal and upholding the Director's decision, but modifying the
conditions to allow the temporary modular buildings to remain for one year from the date of the
decision; and,
WHEREAS, on September 22, 2010, approval of the Special Use Permit (Planning Case
No. ZON2009-00033) expired; and,
WHEREAS, on October 18, 2010, Green Hills Memorial Park submitted a new request
for a Special Use Permit (Planning Case No. ZON2010-00366) to allow for continued use of the
two temporary modular buildings for an additional nine (9) years, until the year 2020; and,
WHEREAS, on January 5, 2011, the Community Development Director denied the
Special Use Permit (Planning Case No. ZON2010-00366) for continued use of the two
temporary modular buildings for an additional nine years, until the year 2020. This decision was
appealed by the applicant to the Planning Commission; and,
WHEREAS, on March 22, 2011, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No.
2011-15, thereby denying the appeal and upholding the Director's decision. This decision was
appealed by the applicant to the City Council; and,
WHEREAS, on May 17, 2011, the City Council overturned the Planning Commission's
decision, approving the appeal request, conditioning that the approval be for only 30 months,
requiring City and State Inspections of the two temporary modular buildings be completed within
6 months of the approval, and prior to expiration of the permit that plans be submitted and
deemed complete for construction of a permanent structure to replace the two temporary
modular buildings; and,
WHEREAS, on June 7, 2011, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2011-33 via
consent calendar, memorializing the decision made on May 17, 2011; and,
WHEREAS, on September 23, 2013, the applicant submitted a request to amend the
Special Use Permit (Case No. ZON2010-00366) to allow continued use of the two temporary
modular buildings for an additional 30 months, requesting to move the expiration date to
December 7, 2016; and,
WHEREAS, on November 19, 2013, the City Council granted a one-year extension for
the applicant to obtain necessary City approvals and permits for permanent structures in lieu of
the temporary modular buildings; and,
WHEREAS, on December 3, 2013, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2013-75,
memorializing the decision made on November 19, 2013; and,
WHEREAS, on June 2, 2014, John Resich, representing Green Hills Memorial Park,
submitted a Conditional Use Permit No. 55 Revision "E" application, requesting to construct
additions to the existing administrative building and remove the temporary modular buildings at
the time of completion. Upon preliminary review of the application package, the project was
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incomplete on June 18, 2014. After subsequent reviews of additional information, the project
was deemed complete on June 23, 2014; 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), the City of Rancho Palos Verdes determined that there is no substantial evidence
that approving the proposed project would result in a significant adverse effect on the
environment that was not already considered in the previous Mitigated Negative Declaration.
Accordingly, an Addendum No. 2 to the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the proposed project
was prepared and is attached to this Resolution as Exhibit `B'; and,
WHEREAS, after notice issued on June 26, 2014, pursuant to the requirements of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing on July 22, 2014, 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: The proposed project includes the following: 1) construction of 3,323ft2 of
single-story office additions and a 693.5ft2 covered walkway extension to the administrative
building; 2) allowing the temporary modular buildings to remain on site until January 22, 2016 or
until prior to Building Permit Final, whichever comes first; and 3) reconfiguration of the parking
area to add 23 new parking spaces.
Section 2: Approval of a Conditional Use Permit revision to amend the 2007 Green
Hills Cemetery Master Plan is warranted because:
A. The site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed use and for all
of the yards, setbacks, walls, fences, landscaping and other features required by this
title (Title 17 — Zoning) or by conditions imposed under this section (RPVMC
17.60.050) to integrate said use with those on adjacent land and within the
neighborhood. More specifically, the proposed 3,323ft2 of additions and 693.5ft2 of
additional covered walkway/entry to the administrative building will amount to
approximately 0.07% of lot coverage over the site. These proposed improvements
are along the front, sides and rear perimeter of the existing administrative building's
footprint, which will not result in an expansion to the impervious footprint that
accommodates the existing administrative building and the parking area.
Additionally, the parking lot will be reconfigured for more efficient use of the parking
area, which will include 23 additional parking spaces that are setback further from
the building. Furthermore, there will be no substantial changes to the existing
structure setbacks to property lines, building height, material and color, eliminating
any need for screening features from neighboring properties.
B. The site for the proposed use relates to streets and highways sufficient to carry the
type and quantity of traffic generated by the subject use. More specifically, the
proposed 3,323ft2 of office additions is to replace the existing 1,652ft2 of temporary
modular office buildings. The proposal is not only to replace the existing office space
from temporary to permanent structures, but also provide for 1,671 ft2 of additional
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office space on site. According to the ITE (Institute of Transportation Engineers) Trip
Generation Report, general office buildings on an average contain 4.17 employees
per 1,000ft2 of space. This amounts to approximately 7 additional employees,
resulting in potentially 7 additional trips per business day. Given that the 2007
revision to the Master Plan with higher trip generation rates (i.e. 10-16 per day for
mausoleum additions) was determined not to be a significant increase for the site,
Staff believes that the proposed 7 additional trips as a result of the proposed
additions is negligible.
C. In approving the subject use at the specific location, there will be no significant
adverse effect on adjacent property or the permitted use thereof. More specifically,
the proposed office additions is an expansion to an existing use and does not impact
the existing operations. The additions will not require expansion of the existing
administrative facility site and will not reduce the established structure setbacks.
Instead, the number of parking spaces for the administrative facility will be increased
as a result of reconfiguring the existing parking site. Currently, the existing
administrative building includes 15,758ft2 of mortuary and 6,296ft2 of office space,
with a total of 69 parking spaces. Per City's Code Section 17.50.020 —
Nonresidential Parking and Loading Standards, an additional 12 parking spaces is
required for the proposed 3,323ft2 of office area. The proposed project includes
reconfiguration of the existing parking area and adding 23 additional parking spaces,
resulting in a total of 92 parking spaces for the administrative facility, which exceeds
the Code requirement by 11 parking spaces. Thus, allowing for more efficient use of
the parking site and creating more than adequate parking for the additional office
space. Additionally, the proposed additions are not situated along the west façade
facing the existing residential properties to the west.
D. The proposed use is not contrary to the General Plan because as proposed and
conditioned, the proposed office space remains consistent with the existing use on
the subject site, and the allowed uses in the Commercial Retail land use and
Cemetery Zoning designation of the site.
E. The site of the proposed use is not within any of the overlay control districts
established by Chapter 17.40 (Overlay Control Districts) of the Development Code.
F. Conditions regarding any of the requirements listed in this paragraph, which the
Planning Commission finds to be necessary to protect the health, safety and general
welfare, have been imposed (including but not limited to): setbacks and buffers;
fences or walls; lighting; vehicular ingress or egress; noise, vibration, odors and
similar emissions; landscaping; maintenance of structures, grounds or signs; service
roads or alleys; and such other conditions as will make possible development of the
city in an orderly and efficient manner and in conformity with the intent and purposes
set forth in this title (Title 17 --- Zoning), as described in the conditions of approval of
the attached Exhibit 'A.' More specifically, the proposed office additions and covered
walkway will match the design, material, height and color of the existing
administrative building, will not be located along west façade facing existing
residential properties, and will not require an expansion of the administrative facility
site. Additionally, the temporary modular office buildings will be conditioned to be
prior to building permit final or January 22, 2016, whichever comes first.
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Section 3: 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
fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of this decision, or by 5:30 PM on Wednesday, August 6,
2014. A $2,275.00 appeal fee must acco0mpany any appeal letter. If no appeal is filed timely,
the Planning Commission's decision will be final at 5:30 PM on August 6, 2014.
Section 4: 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 conditionally approves a Conditional
Use Permit No. 55 Revision "E", amending the 2007 Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan for
3,323ft2 of single-story office additions and 693.5ft2 covered walkway extension to the
administrative building; allowing the temporary modular buildings to remain on site until January
22, 2016 or until prior to building permit final, whichever comes first; and reconfiguration of the
parking area at 27501 Western Avenue (Case No. ZON2014-00182).
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 22nd day of July 2014, by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Cruikshank, Emenhiser, Gerstner, James, Tomblin, Vice Chairman
Nelson, Chairman Leon
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
RECUSALS: None
ABSENT: None
Gordon Leon,
Chairman
411110
Q. .�•1�„
Joel , P
Community Development Director; and,
Secretary of the Planning Commission
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
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EXHIBIT 'A'
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR
CASE NO. ZON2014-00182
27501 Western Avenue (Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan)
1. This approval is a Revision to the Green Hills Master Plan, and shall be consistent with the
"Master Plan Amendment Submittal Package" booklet dated January 29, 2007, prepared
by J. Stuart Todd Inc. Specifically, Revision "D" allows the following:
a. acknowledgment that the actual quantity of grading that has been conducted between
1991 through 2004, which is 288,814 cubic yards (cut and fill), is 89,475 cubic yards
more than originally approved by the original Master Plan approved in 1991 through
City Council Resolution No. 91-7;
b. allow a total of 643,259 cubic yards of additional grading, which includes 97,964 cubic
yards of import for all the various proposed mausoleum buildings, and all cut and fill
associated with ground burials throughout the cemetery site for the life of the Master
Plan. The imported fill material will be conducted in phases as each mausoleum
building is constructed over an extended period of time over the next 30-to 50-years,
which will be phased as follows:
i. Inspiration Slope (Area 2) will be constructed in a minimum of three phases over a
period of 5- to 10-years (as funding and budgeting become available), with the
initial phase commencing in 2007. The construction will require adequate backfill
to keep the adjacent ground burial section at a consistent level. Cumulatively,
upon completion, the project will have produced 53,000 cubic yards of grading;
however, each phase will require between 10,000 to 15,000 cubic yards of import.
Thus, it is estimated that 40,000 cubic yards of import fill will be required for
construction of the entire Inspiration Slope project.
ii. Reflection Mausoleum expansion (Area 3), which would not commence until
completion of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum, will include large excavations.
Since the project will be phased and there will again be a need to import backfill for
construction purposes, it is estimated that 14,000 cubic yards of imported fill will be
required for this project.
iii. Areas 7 and 11 will not require import of fill since the amount of excavation far
exceed the amount of backfill necessary for these mausoleum buildings, and the
excess dirt will be placed and compacted in Areas 5 and 6 of the master plan (i.e.,
the southern and southwestern portions of the cemetery site), which is not
expected to be developed for another 30-years.
iv. The final project that would require substantial imported fill would be the
mausoleums proposed for construction in Area 6. The project will not be
constructed for at least 30 years into the future, and excess dirt from the ground
burials and other mausoleum buildings will have been placed and compacted at
this location. Thus, it is anticipated that approximately 34,000 cubic yards will be
imported for construction purposes and backfill.
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
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c. Clarify that the number of additional ground burial sites at Green Hills Memorial Park is
14,000 Double Depth Burials (28,000 interments), 400 Single Depth Burials (400
interments), and 408 family estates (9,792 interments);
d. Area 6 of the Master Plan Revision (known as Southwest Mausoleum): allow a
reconfiguration, relocation and additional area to the previously approved mausoleum
building, which was proposed under the original Master Plan to be at the south side of
the cemetery, from one mausoleum building with a 77,715 square foot footprint, to 5
separate mausoleum buildings with each footprint measuring 23,653 square feet at a
location that is approximately 300-feet farther west than approved in the, original
Master Plan;
e. Area 3 of the Master Plan Revision (known as Garden of Reflections Mausoleum):
allow a new 75,131 square foot mausoleum building to the west of the existing
mortuary, whereby 9,871 square feet will be above grade and 65,260 square feet will
be below grade;
f. Area 11 of the Master Plan Revision (known as Memorial Terrace Mausoleum): allow
an addition to the previously approved mausoleum building located southeast of the
existing maintenance yard, from a 22,187 square foot building footprint to a 33,668
square foot building footprint; and,
g. Area 7 of the Master Plan Revision (known as Southwest Terrace Mausoleum): reduce
the size of the previously approved mausoleum building footprint at the southwest side
of the cemetery, from a 60,583 square foot building footprint to a 37,820 square foot
building footprint.
h. Area 4 of the Master Plan Revision: Only ground burials are allowed between the north
perimeter road and the 8'-O" setback from the north property line. No garden walls for
family estate burials, or other built-up structures are allowed in this Area, and the
• grade/topography of this Area shall not be raised except by written permission of the
Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement. The applicant shall provide the
City with a "wet-stamped" topographical survey that illustrates the existing topography
prior to any grading to prepare this Area for ground burials, and the applicant shall
provide the City with a "wet-stamped" topographical survey that illustrates the finish
topography of Area 4 after the Area has been prepared for ground burials.
i. For the areas in the Master Plan Revision called out for ground burials, the ground
burials may include family estates that are evident by low garden walls around their
perimeters to enclose these burial estates, or more elaborate tombstones that are built
•
above-ground that are no taller than 6-feet high, except for Area 4 where above
ground structures are not allowed pursuant to condition no. 7 below. Preparing these
ground burial sites includes grading an area by excavating up to 8-feet below existing
grade (depending, if these are single or double depth lawn crypts), filling a layer of
sand for erosion control purposes, constructing concrete encasements where coffins
are ultimately placed, then a layer of the previously excavated dirt is filled to match
pre-excavated grade. Excess earth material resulting from the burial sites will be
transported to Areas 5 and 6 of the Master Plan Revision. It is approximated that
137,000 cubic yards of fill will be necessary for these areas to raise the grade to
accommodate mausoleum buildings and ground burials, and appropriate drainage to
the roadways. This quantity includes ground spoils from throughout the cemetery site,
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
Page 7 of 19
excess cut material from mausoleum projects in other areas, and import of additional
fill material.
1.A. Revision "D" to conditional use permit of the Green Hills Master Plan allows the placement
of an historic church building that is currently located in the San Pedro community of the
City of Los Angeles, onto the cemetery property. The church building will be located in
Area 5 of the Master Plan, southwest of the existing duck pond. The church building
measures less than 1,100 square feet in area, and has a steeple at the front of the building
that is 7-feet wide, 7-feet deep, and 38-feet tall.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2008-47 ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008)
1.B. All appropriate permits shall be obtained from the Building and Safety Division prior to
relocating the historic church building to the cemetery.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2008-47 ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008)
1.C. Prior to the relocation of the historic church building, the Green Hills Cemetery personnel
shall inform City Staff of the date and time in which the historic church building will be
transported, along with a plan illustrating the route.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2008-47 ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008)
1.D. The church building may be used for funeral services only, and is not allowed to be used
for congregational church services. Further, the existing bell may remain as a decorative
feature only, and the bell or bell recordings are not allowed to be used in conjunction with
the church building.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2008-47 ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008)
1.E. Major additions to the church building or relocation of the church building to another
location on the property are not allowed without prior Planning Commission approval.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2008-47 ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008)
1.F. All approvals necessary to relocate the church from the San Pedro community of the City
of Los Angeles to the Green Hills Cemetery shall be obtained and submitted to the City of
Rancho Palos Verdes' Public Works Department and Planning, Building and Code
Enforcement Department prior to relocation of the church.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2008-47 ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008) •
1.1 This approval is Revision "E" to the Green Hills Master Plan, and shall be consistent with
the approved plans prepared by Anthony Frank Inferrera, dated June 10, 2014, that allows
the following:
a. Construction of 3,323ft2 of single-story office additions and a 693.5ft2 covered walkway
extension to the administrative building;
b. Allowing the temporary modular buildings to remain on site, but be removed prior to July
22, 2016 or Building Permit Final, whichever comes first. Any extension requests shall
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
Page 8 of 19
be reviewed by the Planning Commission prior to January 22, 2016. Failure to remove
said structures will constitute as a violation and deem the Conditional Use Permit
Revision null and void; and
c. Reconfiguration of the parking area to add 23 new parking spaces.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2014- ON JULY 22, 2014)
1.2 Revision "E" shall be subject to the following specific conditions:
a. The following setback provisions shall apply: 25'front and street-side;
b. 40' interior and side if abutting a residential zoning district and 25' if abutting a
nonresidential zoning district.
c. Parking areas shall provide for a 25' outside turning radius within the facility.
d. All parking areas shall be surfaced with asphaltic or cement concrete paving which is at
least 3" thick.
e. All parking stalls shall be clearly marked with lines, and access lanes shall be clearly
defined with directional arrows to guide traffic. Except for parallel parking stalls,
standard parking stalls shall be of a minimum 9' width by 20' depth in area. Parallel
parking stalls shall be a minimum of 26' in depth.
f. Disabled parking spaces shall be in accordance with the dimensions and specifications
of the state amended Uniform Building Code.
g. A minimum of 5% of the paved parking area shall be devoted to interior planting areas.
All planting areas shall be at least'3' wide. Perimeter planting shall not be considered
part of this required interior planting.
h. Wherever a center divider separates parking stalls facing each other, tree wells shall be
established not more than 50' apart for larger trees, or not more than 30' for small and
medium sized trees.
i. All plantings shall be maintained free of debris and in conformity with the accepted
practices for landscape maintenance.
j. A 6" high cement concrete curb shall be constructed at the edge of all landscaped areas.
•
k. The temporary modular buildings on site shall be removed prior to Building Permit Final.
Failure to remove said structures will constitute a violation and deem the Conditional
Use Permit Revision null and void.
I. If the applicant has not submitted an application for a building permit for the approved
project or not commenced the approved project as described in Section 17.86.070 of the
City's Municipal Code within one year of the final effective date of this Resolution,
approval of the project shall expire and be of no further effect unless, prior to expiration,
a written request for extension is filed with the Community Development Department and
approved by the Director.
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
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m. Prior to plan check submittal to the Building & Safety Division, the applicant shall provide
an updated Master Plan reflecting the modifications to the administrative building and
related parking area to.the Planning Division.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2014- ON JULY 22, 2014)
2. Construction and build-out of the Green Hills Memorial Park Cemetery shall be in
substantial compliance with the Master Plan Revision approved by the Planning
Commission on April 24, 2007 and July 22, 2014, as indicated in Condition No. 1.through
1.F. above. Deviation from this Master Plan Revision, as described in Condition No. 1
through 1.F above, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission through
a subsequent Master Plan Revision at a noticed public hearing. Notice of said public
hearing shall be published and provided to owners of property within a 500' radius, to
persons requesting notice, to all affected homeowners associations, and to the property
owner in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code Section 17.80.090.
At that time, the Planning Commission may add, delete, or modify the conditions of
approval as deemed necessary and appropriate.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2008-47 ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008 AND 2014- ON
JULY 22, 2014)
3. Prior to grading operations to prepare Area 4 for ground burials, the applicant shall submit
a grading permit application, signed by an individual designated by the Green Hills
Memorial Park Board of Directors for review and approval by the Director of Planning,
Building and Code Enforcement to ensure consistency with the approved Master Plan
Revision. If it is found to be consistent with the approved Master Plan Revision, the
grading permit will be approved administratively, without further public notice, review or
hearings. However, if the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement finds that
the project is not consistent with the approved Master Plan Revision, then it shall require
review and approval by the Planning Commission. Notice of said Planning Commission
review hearing shall be published and provided to owners of property within a 500' radius,
to persons requesting notice, to all affected homeowners associations, and to the property
owner in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code Section 17.80.090.
4. 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.
5. All mitigation measures contained in the approved Mitigation Monitoring Program
contained in P.C. Resolution No. 2007-32 for the Mitigated Negative Declaration, shall be
incorporated into the implementation of the proposed project and adhered to. The
mitigation measures are as follows:
A-1: No new light poles, light standards, or other form of lighting is allowed along the
roadways within the cemetery without prior written approval by the Director of Planning,
Building and code Enforcement.
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
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A-2: No exterior, building-mounted lighting is allowed on the façade elevations that are
closest to and oriented towards residences. All other lighting shall be arranged and
shielded as to prevent direct illumination of surrounding property.
A-3: All pedestrian-oriented lights along the exterior of the mausoleum buildings shall be
in the form of lights that are inset into the adjoining walls. Further, the lighting shall be
arranged and/or shielded as to prevent direct illumination of surrounding property and
prevent visibility of the light source.
AQ-1: Prior to construction of each mausoleum building contained in the approved
Master Plan and Master Plan Revision, the applicant shall submit a grading permit
application, signed by an individual designated by the Green Hills Memorial Park Board
of Directors for review and approval by the Director of Planning, Building and Code
Enforcement to ensure consistency with the approved Master Plan and Master Plan
Revision, which shall include, but not be limited to grading quantities, height, area and
location of buildings. If it is found to be consistent with the approved Master Plan and
Master Plan Revision, the grading permit will be approved administratively, without
further public notice, review or hearings. However, if the Director of Planning, Building
and Code Enforcement finds that the project is not consistent with the approved Master
Plan and Master Plan Revision, then it shall require review and approval by the Planning
Commission. Notice of said Planning Commission review hearing shall be published
and provided to owners of property within a 500' radius, to persons requesting notice, to
all affected homeowners associations, and to the property owner in accordance with
Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code Section 17.80.090.
AQ-2: During construction of any improvements associated with the master plan, the
owner shall ensure that all unpaved construction areas shall be watered.at least twice a
day during excavation and construction to reduce dust emissions and meet SCAQMD
Rule 403 which prohibits dust clouds to be visible beyond the project site boundaries.
AQ-3: During construction of any improvements associated with the master plan, the
owner shall ensure that all clearing, grading, earth moving or demolition activities shall
be discontinued during periods of high winds (i.e., greater than 15 mph), so as to prevent
excessive amounts of dust.
AQ-4: During construction of any improvements associated with the master plan, the
owner shall ensure that General contractors shall maintain and operate construction
equipment so as to minimize exhaust emissions.
AQ-5: During construction of any improvements associated with the master plan, the
owner shall ensure that on-site construction vehicle speeds are limited to a maximum of
15 miles per hour on unpaved roads.
AQ-6: During construction of any improvements associated with the master plan, the
owner shall ensure that all on-site construction roads with vehicle traffic will be watered
periodically as necessary for dust suppression.
AQ-7: During construction of any improvements associated with the master plan, the
owner shall ensure that street sweeping will be initiated if visible dust is deposited upon
public paved roadways due to the project.
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AQ-8: During the daily cemetery operations, the owner shall ensure that all clearing and
earth moving be discontinued during periods of high winds (i.e., greater than 25 mph), so
as to prevent excessive amounts of dust. This shall not apply to excavations for
individual burial plots prior to a service, or to filling of individual burial plots after a
service.
AQ-9: During the daily cemetery operations, the owner shall ensure that on-site vehicle
speeds associated with the transporting of earth materials are limited to 15 miles per
hour on unpaved roads.
AQ-10: The owner shall ensure that grave spoils are placed in Area 5 and/or Area 6 of
the Master Plan, which will be placed to fill the areas. A minimum 8-foot high chain link
fence with a mesh material to reasonably screen the fill area from neighbors shall
enclose and confine said area.
AQ-11: The confined fill locations described in mitigation measure AQ-10 above, shall
be regularly watered to reduce dust emissions and meet SCAQMD Rule 403 which
prohibits dust clouds to be visible beyond the project site boundaries.
AQ-12: A weatherproof notice/sign setting forth the name of the person(s) responsible
for the daily dirt movement to these confined fill locations and a phone number(s) to be
called in the event that dust is visible from the confined fill locations described in
mitigation measure AQ-10 above, shall be posted and displayed on the fencing.
AQ-13: If stockpiling of earth material becomes necessary for ultimate use as backfill,
stockpiling shall only be located in Area 5 and/or Area 6 of the Master Plan, and shall be
subject to conditions AQ-10, AQ-11 and AQ-12 above.
AQ-14: The project shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission annually,
commencing on the date of final approval, to review the applicant's compliance with all
conditions of approval associated with the Master Plan and Master Plan Revision. At that
time, the Planning Commission may add, delete, or modify the conditions of approval as
deemed necessary and appropriate, as well as increase the time between review
periods. Notice of said review hearing shall be published and provided to owners of
property within a 500' radius, to persons requesting notice, to all affected homeowners
associations, and to the property owner in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes
Development Code Section 17.80.090.
GS-1: The applicant shall submit a geotechnical report for review and approval by the
City Geologist prior to the issuance of a building permit for each mausoleum building or
grading permit for any earth movement beyond that associated with ground interment
sites, unless the City Geologist deems that a geotechnical report is not warranted.
Further, prior to any additional placement of fill in Area 5, a detailed grading plan with
relevant geotechnical reports supporting recommendations for grading in Areas 5 and 6
shall be submitted by the applicant to the City for review and approval by the Building
and Safety Division and the City Geologist prior to issuance of a building permit for any
mausoleum.
GS-2: The applicant shall ensure that all applicable conditions as specified within the
geotechnical report and all measures required by the City Geologist are incorporated
into the project.
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
Page 12 of 19
HW-1: The applicant shall prepare a Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan
(SUSMP) along with a Maintenance Agreement and Transfer. The SUSMP and related
information shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Planning, Building and
Code Enforcement, or his/her designee prior to the issuance of grading and building
permits for any mausoleum building.
N-1: Construction activity of the mausoleum buildings and grading operations shall be
limited to the hours of 7:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. There shall be no
construction on Saturdays, Sundays or federally observed holidays unless a Special
Construction Permit is obtained prior to work on a Federally observed holiday.
N-2: During demolition, construction and/or grading operations, trucks shall not park,
queue and/or idle at the project site or in the adjoining street rights-of-way before 7:00
am Monday through Friday and before 9:00 am on Saturday, in accordance with the
permitted hours of construction stated in this condition. 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, subject to
approval by the building official.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2014- ON JULY 22, 2014)
N-3: As indicated in mitigation measure AQ-13 above, the project shall be reviewed by
the Planning Commission annually, commencing on the date of final approval, to review
the applicant's compliance with all conditions of approval associated with the Master
Plan and Master Plan Revision. At that time, the Planning Commission may add, delete,
or modify the conditions of approval as deemed necessary and appropriate. Notice of
said review hearing shall be published and provided to owners of property within a 500'
radius, to persons requesting notice, to all affected homeowners associations, and to the
property owner in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code Section
17.80.090.
6. Setbacks for below ground interments sites, "Garden" burial sites and roads shall be as
follows:
North and South: 8'-0" (except the northwest corner between the western
property line and maintenance yard, which shall be 16'-0")
East and West: 0'-0"
7. Setbacks for above ground structures, including but not limited to mausoleums (except the
Pacifica Mausoleum and the Mausoleum shown in Area 11 of the Master Plan Revision)
and crypts shall be as follows:
,North: 80'-0" or no closer than the northern perimeter road, whichever is greater
(8'-0»for the western-most portion of the Mausoleum shown in Area 11).
South: 40'-0"
East: 25'-0"
West: 5'-O"
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
Page 13 of 19
8. Setbacks for the Pacifica Mausoleum are as follows:
West: 15'-0" (existing) / 5'-0"for the northwestern addition
North: 40'-0" (expansion northerly along the eastern edge of the existing building
shall be offset 8'-0" to the west from the existing eastern edge of the
building)
9. Any live and/or amplified music shall occur only during funeral services, community
events, or visits. Funeral services music and community event music shall be limited to
the duration of the service or event. In no case shall the live and/or amplified music
exceed 65 dba at the common property lines abutting a Residential Zoning District. The
noise level shall be enforced by the neighbors through civil means.
10. The Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement is authorized to approve minor
modifications to the approved plans or any of the conditions if such modifications achieve
substantially the same results as would strict compliance with said plans and conditions.
Otherwise, all other modifications shall be subject to review and approval by the Planning
Commission.
11. In the event that a Planning requirement and a Building & Safety requirement are in
conflict with one another, the stricter standard shall apply.
12. The applicant shall supply the abutting neighbors with the name and contact information
for the Green Hills Cemetery personnel that can be contacted about excessive noise or
other activities that result in impacts to the immediate neighborhood.
13. The construction site and adjacent public and private properties and streets 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.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2014- ON JULY 22, 2014)
14. When not being used in the daily operations of the cemetery, equipment and supplies shall
be stored in areas with minimal visual impact to adjacent homeowners or in the
maintenance yard if possible. Equipment and supplies shall be neatly stacked so they do
not pose a safety hazard or become a property maintenance issue. All landscaping
equipment and vehicles, and all vehicles used for maintenance and/or burial preparation
shall be stored in the maintenance yard.
15. The road in Area 5 and Area 6 (of the Master Plan Revision approved April 24, 2007) that
parallels the south property line shall be paved and maintained by the applicant.
16. All landscape pruning, including but not limited to grass, leaves, branches, fertilizer, etc.,
shall be properly stored in areas with minimal visual impact to adjacent homeowners, and
shall be stored in appropriate containers and disposed of in a proper manner.
17. With the exception of ground cover, no vegetation shall be planted in Area 2 (Inspiration
Slope) of the Master Plan Revision approved April 24, 2007.
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
Page 14 of 19
•
18. The applicant shall install and maintain signage at various locations throughout the
Cemetery to inform visitors of rules that prohibit on-site consumption of alcoholic
beverages, prohibit excessive noise and amplified music, and disruptive behavior. The
applicant shall submit a signage plan for review and approval by Staff prior to installation
of any signage. The signage plan shall illustrate the locations, height, design and content
of the signs.
19. Temporary trailers are only allowed during construction of the mausoleum buildings. The
location of any such trailers shall be illustrated on plans for the Grading Permit as
described and required in condition AQ-1 above, and shall be approved by the Director of
Planning, Building and Code Enforcement. Further, the trailer shall be removed prior to
building/grading permit final.
20. Construction and grading activities, including but not limited to equipment warm up,
geologic investigations, interment excavation for placement of vaults and installation or
removal of large landscape materials shall be limited to daytime working hours (7:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m.) on weekdays only.
21. Excavation for removal and replacement of vault tops for funeral service preparation,
individual placement of vaults for funeral services and operation of landscape
maintenance equipment shall be allowed in any area of the park between the hours of
7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on
Saturday, Sunday, and Federally observed Holidays.
22. No construction or grading, including grading operations to prepare sites for ground
burials, shall occur before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. within 120 feet of any property line
abutting a Residential Zoning District. All equipment shall be equipped with a muffler to
reduce on-site grading and construction noise levels.
23. All existing and proposed landscaping between the north property line and the northern
perimeter road shall not significantly impair any near or far view as defined by the
Development Code. A landscape plan limited to plants, trees and foliage that are 48-
inches or taller for this Area shall be submitted to the Director of Planning, Building and
Code Enforcement for review and approval prior to grading operations to prepare Area 4
for ground burials.
24. All existing and future landscaping shall be properly maintained in a healthy and trimmed
manner at all times.
25. The existing eucalyptus trees on the west side of the Administration Building Parking lot
shall not be removed unless required by the holder of the easement in which the trees are
located or acceptable evidence is provided to the Director of Planning, Building and Code
Enforcement from a certified arborist supporting removal.
26. When Inspiration Slope is developed, the existing hedge that separates Crescent Lawn
and Vista Del Pointe from this area shall be removed.
27. The existing hedge located on the applicant's property on the south property line adjacent
to the rear yards on residential lots located on Avenida Feliciano shall be pruned and
maintained so it does not exceed the height of the chain link fence, which is 8'-0" high.
The existing and future screen planting in the 8'-0" setback along the northern property
• P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
Page 15 of 19
line shall be maintained no higher than the fence height unless specifically requested in
writing by the appropriate adjacent property owner.
28. Any new sewer and water facilities must tie into local main lines. The usage of the site
may be limited by the size and type of sewage and water systems that can legally be
installed
29. The site shall be served by adequately sized water system facilities as determined by the
Los Angeles County Fire Department. All Los Angeles County Fire Department
requirements shall be satisfied prior to building permit issuance for the mausoleum
building.
30. Any grading, construction, placement of structures, including but not limited to walls,
fences, and interments on any easement, requires prior written permission from the
easement holder.
31. The owner shall submit a title report within 90-days of final approval of this Master Plan
Revision. All easements shown on the title report shall be clearly delineated on an
accompanying site plan.
32. The existing chain link fence and wrought iron fence, which surrounds the perimeter of the
cemetery site, shall be maintained. On those areas of the fence specifically owned by the
cemetery, and where not directed otherwise by the adjacent water authority, no barbed
wire on the top of these fences is allowed, and any existing barbed wire shall be removed
within 90-days of final approval of this Master Plan Revision.
33. Hours of public operation for the flower shop are limited to 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday
through Sunday. The Administration Building public hours are limited to 8:00 a.m. to 9:00
p.m. Monday through Sunday. The Chapel may be open to the public from 7:00 a.m. to
9:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The cemetery grounds for visits shall be open from
7:00 a.m. to dusk.
34. Development shall comply with all requirements of the various municipal utilities and
agencies that provide public services to the site.
35. Should the applicant fail to comply with any of these conditions of approval or mitigation
measures, the City may initiate revocation procedures for this permit, which shall include a
public hearing. Notice of said public hearing shall be published and provided to owners of
property within a 500' radius, to persons requesting notice, to all affected homeowners
associations, and to the property owner in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes
Development Code Section 17.80.090.
36. The overall building heights for the mausoleums are limited to the heights depicted in the
Master Plan Revision booklet described in condition no. 1 above. The heights of each
mausoleum building shall be certified by a registered Civil Engineer and submitted to the
Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department prior to building permit final.
37. The family mausoleum on Inspiration Slope shall be located as shown on the Master Plan
Revision so as not to impair views from the Peninsula Verde neighborhood. The Director
of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement shall approve the exact location and height of
this mausoleum building.
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
Page 16 of 19
38. With the exception of the mausoleum building on Inspiration Slope, all mausoleum
buildings shall not exceed 20-feet in height as measured from the average elevation of the
finished grade at the front of the building to the highest point of the structure and 30-feet
when measured from the lowest finished grade adjacent to the building to the highest point
of the structure.
39. Temporary storage (up to 72-hours) of interment excavations is allowed provided that such
excavation is stored within an appropriate container.
40. Finish slopes and grades shall not exceed 3:1.
41. On 4:1 or steeper slopes, erosion controlling plant material and other erosion control
methods, such as jute netting, shall be required and installed.
42. Drought tolerant, low maintenance and erosion controlling landscaping is required in the
western setback adjacent to the Pacifica Mausoleum expansion.
43. Landscaping and irrigation in all setbacks require review and approval by the Director of
Planning, Building and Code Enforcement prior to installation. Irrigation systems shall be
designed to provide adequate coverage with no over-spray, runoff, or excessive quantities
of water output. Use of drip irrigation systems is required wherever possible. A low water
use turf shall be used in all new lawn areas. Such landscape and irrigation plan for the
setback areas shall be submitted to the Planning, Building and Code Enforcement for
review and approval within 180 days of final approval of the Master Plan Revision.
44. On an annual basis, the applicant shall provide the City with copies of permits from the
South Coast Air Quality Management District and Los Angeles County Fire Prevention
Bureau for storage of fuel. The applicant shall also provide copies of permits from the Los
Angeles County Fire Department, Hazardous Maintenance Division Section and Fire
Prevention Bureau, for the chemicals stored in the embalming rooms in the Administration
Building. Permits from the South Coast Air Quality Management District for the crematory
must also be provided.
45. The applicant shall continue to provide for new employees, training programs on a regular
basis, in accordance with Cal OSHA recommendations on the proper handling and safety
requirements of equipment and material in the mortuary and crematory.
46. On an annual basis, the applicant shall provide the City with a copy of permits and/or
licenses from the State Cemetery and Funeral Board.
•
47. Prior to conducting any work in the public right of way, such as for curb cuts, dumpsters,
temporary improvements and/or permanent improvements, the applicant shall obtain an
encroachment permit from the Director of Public Works.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2014- ON JULY 22, 2014)
48. Approval of this permit shall not be construed as a waiver of applicable and appropriate
zoning regulations, or any Federal, State, County and/or City laws and regulations.
Unless otherwise expressly specified, all other requirements of the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code shall apply.
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
Page 17 of 19
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2014- ON JULY 22, 2014)
49. The project development on the site shall conform to the specific standards contained in
these conditions of approval or, if not addressed herein, shall conform to the Cemetery
development standards of the City's Municipal Code, including but not limited to height,
setback and lot coverage standards.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2014- ON JULY 22, 2014)
50. Failure to comply with and adhere to all of these conditions of approval may be cause to
revoke the approval of the project pursuant to the revocation procedures contained in
Section 17.86.060 of the City's Municipal Code.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2014- ON JULY 22, 2014)
51. All construction sites shall be maintained in a secure, safe, neat and orderly manner, to
the satisfaction of the City's Building Official. All construction waste and debris resulting
from a construction, alteration or repair project shall be removed on a weekly basis by the
contractor or property owner. Existing or temporary portable bathrooms shall be provided
during construction. Portable bathrooms shall be placed in a location that will minimize
disturbance to the surrounding property owners, to the satisfaction of the City's Building
Official.
(AMENDED PER RESOLUTION NO. 2014- ON JULY 22, 2014)
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
Page 18 of 19
EXHIBIT 'B'
ADDENDUM NO. 2 TO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT/
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR CASE NO. ZON2014-00182,
27501 Western Avenue (Green Hills Memorial Park)
July 22, 2014
On April 24, 2007, the Planning Commission adopted P.C. Resolution No. 2007-32, thereby
adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for an Environmental Assessment for Case
No. ZON2003-00086 (Conditional Use Permit No. 55 Revision "D") for the Green Hills Cemetery
Master Plan. Prior to its adoption, the Mitigated Negative Declaration was circulated for public
comment from February 14, 2007 through March 16, 2007 and no substantive comments were
received from any persons or responsible agencies. In adopting the Mitigated Negative
Declaration, the City Council found: 1) that there would be no significant adverse environmental
impacts resulting from the adoption of the Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan; and 2) that with
mitigation measures there would be no significant adverse environmental impacts resulting from
the proposed master plan.
On November 25, 2008, the Planning Commission adopted P.C. Resolution No. 2008-47,
thereby adopting Addendum No. 1 to the previously approved MND to allow a church to be
permanently located on the cemetery property and to allow two modular office buildings to
remain at their current location near the administration building. It was determined that
Addendum No.1 was within the scope of the previously adopted MND and no further
environmental review is necessary.
On June 2, 2014, a Conditional Use Permit No. 55 Revision "E" application to amend the 2007
Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan was submitted, requesting to construct additions to the
existing administrative building and to remove the temporary modular buildings at the time of
completion of construction. The proposed revision to expand the office space of an existing
Administrative Building, a portion of which will replace the temporary office space in the existing
modular buildings. Upon completion of the proposed additions, the two temporary office
buildings will be removed from the subject site. The proposed relocation of temporary offices to
a permanent location and adding more office space to an existing Administrative Building would
not result in new significant environmental effects from what was previously studied. The
proposed project will not alter the site conditions and will not result in additional grading beyond
the quantities already approved through the Master Plan, nor does it constitute a substantial
change to the Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan. Further, there have been no substantial
changes with respect to the circumstances under which the Master Plan is being implemented.
Furthermore, no new information of substantial importance, which was not previously known or
could not have been previously known at the time the previous Mitigated Negative Declaration
was adopted that shows that there is one or more new, or substantially increased, significant
impacts; that new feasible mitigation measures or alternatives exist; or that new considerably
different mitigation measures are feasible to reduce the impacts. Therefore, the proposed
revision is within the scope of the previous MND that was prepared and adopted in conjunction
with the Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan (CUP No. 55 Revision "D")that was adopted on April
24, 2007 by the Planning Commission. As a result, no further environmental review is
necessary other than the adoption of this Addendum No. 2.
P.C. Resolution No. 2014-21
Page 19 of 19