PC RES 1991-053 P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 91- 53
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES RECOMMENDING CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL
FINDINGS TO THE CITY COUNCIL IN CONNECTION WITH ZONE
CHANGE NO. 19, TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 18947 AND GRADING
PERMIT NO. 1460 TO CHANGE THE ZONING FROM OPEN SPACE
HAZARD TO SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL AND SUBDIVIDE THE
PROPERTY INTO FOUR PARCELS ON A PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE
END OF WINDPORT DRIVE.
WHEREAS, an applicationwas filed by Wallace Pollock and
Capellino Brothers Construction, requesting the approval of a zone
change, tentative parcel map and grading permit to allow the
zoning district to be changed on 4 acres of an 8.8 acre site from
Open Space Hazard (OH) to Single Family Residential, Minimum
20, 000 Square Foot Lot Size (RS-2) . The site is bounded by
Windport Drive on the north, Hawthorne Boulevard on the east,
vacant property off of Ocean Crest Drive on the south and Agua
Amarga Canyon on the west; and
WHEREAS, a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) was
prepared and circulated for 30 days from July 10, 1991 to August
9, 1991, in order to receive written comments on the adequacy of
the document from responsible agencies and the public; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on July 30, 1991 in order
to receive public testimony on the Draft Environmental Impact
Report, at which time all interested parties were given an
opportunity to address the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, comments were submitted by certain responsible
agencies and individuals, written responses were prepared to all
comments that were received on the Draft Environmental Impact
Report during the circulation period and a mitigation monitoring
program was prepared. These documents were presented to the
Planning Commission on October 8, 1991 as part of the Final
Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) ; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered the Final
Environmental Impact Report at its hearing of October 8, 1991 and
determined that it has been prepared in accordance with the
provisions of CEQA and State and local guidelines.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The FEIR identified the potential for significant
environmental impacts to future homes and community infrastructure
with respect to unstable earth conditions and exposure of people
or property to geologic hazard such as earthquakes, landslides,
mudslides, ground failure or similar hazards. Champs or
alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the
project which avoid or substantially lessen these impacts to a
level of insignificance. All of the recommendations of the
project's geotechnical consultants, except as modified by the City
Geologist, shall be incorporated into the design and construction
of the infrastructure and development of the single family
residences.
Section 2 : The FEIR identifies the potential for significant
environmental impacts to an approximately 400 foot length of the
north branch of the Aqua Amarga Canyon (Indian Valley) , which is
designated a "blue-line" stream and a significant biological
resource by the California State Department of Fish and Game.
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated
into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen this impact
to a level of insignificance. The channel across most of the site
willbe enhanced aesthetically and as a wildlife corridor, by
pulling the steep banks back to a more gradual slope (3 : 1) ,
leaving them earthen without riprap, except in the flow-line as
required by the City Engineer and planting them with native
shrubbery and herbaceous species and riparian tree species. The
applicant will be required to obtain any necessary approvals for
the proposed channel improvements from state and federal agencies.
Section 3 : . A mitigation monitoring program has been prepared
for the proposed project to ensure that the mitigation measures
incorporated into the project will be properly implemented.
Exhibit "A" hereto contains the mitigation monitoring program
recommended by the Planning Commission, pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act and which is incorporated herein by
reference.
Section 4: In addition to the mitigation measures required in
the FEIR, other development measures have been required which are
incorporated into Exhibit "B". These development measures will
further reduce other environmental effects on water and utilities
that are identified in the FEIR, but not found to be significant.
Section 5: The Environmental Impact Report examined five
project alternatives: three alternative site configurations, one
alternative use and one alternative site location. The EIR
concluded that the environmentally superior alternative was
Alternative 1, the No Project alternative, since the site would
remain in its current configuration and all of the impacts to
earth, water, biota, utilities and cumulative impacts identified
in the EIR would not occur. Other stabilization alternatives will
create greater impacts which, if chosen, would require subsequent
environmental review.
P.C. Resolution No. 91-53
Page 2
As required by CEQA, if the No Project alternative is
selected as the environmentally superior project, then a second
alternative must also be selected. The EIR determined .that
Alternative 3, the Open Space/ Park alternative was the second
environmentally superior alternative, since it reduced that
impacts to earth and slightly reduced all other insignificant
project impacts, which are a function of the size of the project.
However, the. Planning Commission recommends that the City
Council reject the No Project alternative as infeasible, as
defined in CEQA Section 15364, since it would not further the
goals of the General Plan to provide low density residential
housing. In addition, the no project alternative would not result
in any improvements to the unimproved drainage channel that
crosses the site, which is showing signs of severe erosion.
The Planning Commission also recommends that the City Council
reject the Open Space/ Park alternative as infeasible, as defined
in CEQA Section 15364, due to the fact that the site is in very
close proximity to Hesse Park and the City has no plans or funds
to purchase all or part of the project site for a park or
community open space.
Therefore, the Planning Commission recommends that the City
Council find that the proposed project, as conditioned by the
Planning Commission, is the preferred alternative.
Section 6: For the foregoing reasons and based on the
information and findings included in the Draft and Final
Environmental Impact Report, staff reports and records or the
proceedings, the Planning Commission hereby recommends that the
City Council find that the Final Environmental Impact Report for
the project (FEIR) was completed in compliance with the CEQA and
State and local guidelines.
The FEIR which is recommended for certification includes the
documents titled Final Environmental Impact Report No. 31, Draft
Environmental Impact Report No. 31, the list of persons and
organizations consulted by the City upon completion of the Draft
EIR, any comments received and the responses to the comments
received. The Planning Commission reviewed and considered the
information contained in the FEIR prior to recommending approval
of the zone change and approving the tentative parcel map and
grading permit.
P.C. Resolution No. 91-53
Page 3
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED on October 8, 1991
/ K e
Pe er on Hagen
Chairman
Afff.
Bena : , Direc o• of
Environmental Service and
Secretary to the Comm ssion
P.C. Resolution No. 91- 53
Page 4
EXHIBIT A
EIR NO. 31: WINDPORT PROJECT
MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM
Effective January 1, 1989, the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) was amended to incorporate Assembly Bill (AB) 3180
(Cortese) , which requires public agencies to verify the completion
of adopted mitigation measures. To implement AB 3180, Section
21081. 6 was added to the Public Resource Code which states, in
part, that a public agency must: . . . adopt a reporting or
monitoring program for the changes to the project which were
adopted or made a condition of the 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.
The Mitigation Monitoring Program proposed for the Windport
Project (Zone Change No. 19, Tentative Parcel Map No. 18947 and
Grading No. 1460) is presented below according to the
environmental subject area. The Program summarizes the impacts
associated with the project, the mitigation measure(s) for the
impact, the timing for this mitigation, and procedures for
monitoring the mitigation. The final Mitigation Monitoring
Program has been submitted to the Planning Commission and City
Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, along with the Final
EIR and other findings, prior to the Commission and Council's
action on the proposed project.
GEOLOGY AND GRADING
A. Impact:
Due to the presence of uncertified fill on the project site, the
Windport Drive extension could be subject to future potential
settlement.
1. Mitigation Measure:
The fill under the proposed extension of Windport Drive shall be
removed to competent bedrock and replaced as an engineered fill.
Timing: During construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
2 . Mitigation Measure:
The street extension shall be constructed as recommended by the
project geologist in NorCal Engineering, Addendum Geotechnical
Report No. 7.
Page 1 of 8
P.C. Resolution No. 91-53
Exhibit A
Windport: Mitigation Monitoring Program
October 1, 1991
Timing: During construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
3 . Mitigation Measure:
Where fills are to be placed, including backfills for retaining
walls, an as-graded compaction report, complete with fill and
compaction test locations, and geologic mapping of any bedrock
exposures, shall be submitted and reviewed prior to the acceptance
of any pubic improvement or the issuance of the certificate of
occupancy on the individual lots.
Timing: Prior to acceptance of the public improvements and/or
issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy on the
individual lots.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
B. Impact:
Due to presence of uncertified fill on the project site, the
proposed residential structures could be subject to future
potential settlement.
1. Mitigation Measure:
Permitted structures shall be located only within the limits of
the proposed pads, as shown on Figure 4, "Plot Plan of Site with
Fill Depth Contours" map in NorCal Engineering, Addendum
Geotechnical Report No. 7.
Timing: Prior to and during construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
2 . Mitigation Measure:
All permitted residential structures shall be supported on deep
foundations penetrating all fill and soils to derive support in
the underlying competent bedrock, as recommended by the project's
geotechnical consultants.
Timing: During construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
3 . Mitigation Measure:
Drilled piers shall be placed around the perimeter of the proposed
residences and under interior columns. Grade beams between the
drilled piers shall be designed to minimize any differential
settlement.
Timing: During construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
Page 2 of 8
P.C. Resolution No. 91-53
Exhibit A
Windport: Mitigation Monitoring Program
October 1, 1991
4 . Mitigation Measure:
All deep foundations shall be designed for vertical drag down
forces and lateral creep forces from the insitu fill as
recommended by the project geologist.
Timing: Prior to construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
5. Mitigation Measure:
Deep foundations placed on the westerly side of the "Slope
Stability Setback Line From Top of Slope" as shown on the
project's geotechnical consultant's "Plot Plan of Site with Depth
of Contours" shall be designed for the additional special
provisions presented in NorCal Engineering, Addendum Geotechnical
Report No. 7.
Timing: Prior to construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
6. Mitigation Measure:
Foundation and floor slabs cast on expansive soils shall be
designed in accordance with the project's geotechnical
consultant's recommendations and shall conform to the minimum
requirements of the Building Code.
Timing: Prior to construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
7. Mitigation Measure:
Both the geotechnical and geologic consultants shall review and
approve the final plans and specification for the project by
manual signature.
Timing: Prior to construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
8. Mitigation Measure:
All of the recommendations of the Project's geotechnical
consultant, except as modified by the City Geologist, shall be
incorporated into the design and construction of the project.
Timing: Prior to and during construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
Page 3 of 8
P.C. Resolution No. 91-53
Exhibit A
Windport: Mitigation Monitoring Program
October 1, 1991
9. Mitigation Measure:
Construction of the drilled piers shall incorporate smooth steel
casing in the upper fill soils. This casing shall be pushed down
through the excavation just behind the cutting hdad and water
shall be used at the bit to facilitate drilling. Inspection of
the pier foundations into bedrock material shall be performed by a
certified engineering geologist prior to the placement of
concrete.
Timing: During construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
10. Mitigation Measure:
The construction of pre-drilled cast-in-place piles shall be
continually inspected and approved by both the geotechnical and
geologic consultants before placing of steel and concrete. A
written memorandum to that effect shall be posted on-site at the
time of approval for the City Inspector. A final pile report
indicating pertinent pile data and conformance to the conditions
of the permit shall be submitted and reviewed prior to the
issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
Timing: During construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
11. Mitigation Measure:
All grading operations shall be performed according to the
recommendations of the project's geotechnical consultant. Site
grading and foundation excavations shall be inspected by the
project's geotechnical consultant to verify subsurface conditions.
Timing: During construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
C. Impact:
Due to presence of uncertified fill on the project site, buried
utilities and appurtenant structures could be subject to future
potential settlement.
1. Mitigation Measure:
All buried utility lines shall be placed in conduit made of a
flexible material with flexible joints. Particular care in joint
details at the boundary of existing fill, a structure or an
engineered fill founded in bedrock shall be provided where large
differential settlements may occur. The utility lines may be
located along driveways or walkway slabs-on-grade, which would act
as an indicator of significant settlements.
Page 4 of 8
P.C. Resolution No. 91-53
Exhibit A
Windport: Mitigation Monitoring Program
October 1, 1991
Timing: During construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
2. Mitigation Measure:
A note shall be placed on the final map stating that utility
lines, pavement, slabs-on-grade and appurtenant structures located
in existing fill not supported by deep foundations into bedrock
are subject to potential excessive settlements. Serious distress
and/or degradation of said structures can be expected,
necessitating frequent repairs and/or replacement.
Timing: Prior to recordation of the final parcel map.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
D. Impact:
Due to the presence of large rocks and/or unsuitable soil
materials on the site, graded material excavated during the
remedial grading of the road extension or the creation of the pad
areasmay be required by the City Geologist to be exported from
the site to an undetermined fill area (probably Chandler Quarry in
Rolling Hills Estates) and replaced with suitable fill material
imported to the site in order to complete the grading operation.
1. Mitigation Measure:
If the export or import of graded material is required on the
project site, a hauling plan shall be submitted for review and
approval by the City, including, but not limited to, the estimated
number of truck trips, a proposed haul route, estimated time
period, number and placement of flagmen and dust control measures.
Timing: Prior to and during construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
2 . Mitigation Measure:
If the export or import of graded material is required on the
project site, the truck operators shall comply with all the
requirements of adjacent jurisdictions through which the traffic
must pass, such as the City of Rolling Hills Estates.
Timing: During construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
E. Impact:
Continued erosion of the existing unimproved drainage channel on
the site may aggravate future settlement of the site or cause
slippage of the west facing fill slope.
Page 5 of 8
P.C. Resolution No.91-53
Exhibit A
Windport: Mitigation Monitoring Program
October 1, 1991
1. Mitigation Measure:
The existing drainage channel shall be filled as recommended by
the project's geotechnical consultant and properly lined to
prevent future erosion.
Timing: During construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Public Works Department and
Environmental Services Department.
F. Impact:
An increase in groundwater levels due to increased runoff upstream
of the subject property or over-watering of the proposed building
sites may accelerate potential settlement and cause failure of the
west facing fill slope. •
1. Mitigation Measure:
A minimum of two piezometers and settlements markers shall be
installed and monitored during the construction period by the
project's geotechnical consultant, as required in NorCal
Engineering, Addendum Geotechnical Report No. 7. If required by
the City Geologist, each piezometers shall be equipped with an
electrical supply and submersible pumps that will come on
automatically if the groundwater rises above a level pre-
determined by the City Geologist.
Timing: During construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
2 . Mitigation Measure:
After completion of the project, the City shall assume the long-
term responsibility to monitor the piezometers and settlement
markers. An assessment district consisting of the project's
property owners shall be created to provide permanent financing
for this monitoring activity.
Timing: After completion of construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Public Works Department.
3 . Mitigation Measure:
A statement shall be placed on the final map indicating that high
groundwater levels may adversely affect settlement potential on
the site and the stability of the westerly facing fill slope.
Timing: Prior to recordation of the final parcel map.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
Page 6 of 8
P.C. Resolution No.91-53
Exhibit A
Windport: Mitigation Monitoring Program
October 1, 1991
4. Mitigation Measure:
A landscape plan shall be prepared for each lot. No irrigation
shall be permitted on project slopes (other than transitional
slopes between pad areas on the same lot) and these areas shall be
planted exclusively with drought tolerant plant materials. The
pad areas on each lot shall be landscaped with 80% drought
tolerant plant materials and with only 20% high water use plant
• materials.
Timing: Prior to the issuance ofbuilding permits on each lot.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
BIOTA (PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE)
G. Impact:
The existing drainage channel on the site is designated as a
"blue-line" stream and is considered to be a significant
biological resource by the California Department of Fish and Game.
This "blue-line" stream would be filled, realigned and regraded to
correct erosion damage and to accommodate the proposed building
sites, which may reduce the channel's value as a plant and
wildlife resource.
1. Mitigation Measure:
The drainage course improvement plans shall be reviewed by the
City to insure that the design is sensitive to the needs of the
site and will enhance the channel, both aesthetically and as a
wildlife resource.
Timing: Prior to construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
and Public Works Department.
2 . Mitigation Measure:
If required by the State Department of Fish and Game and/or other
responsible government agency, the developer shall obtain the
necessary approvals or permits (such as a Section 1603 Agreement)
to work in the "blue-line" stream.
Timing: Prior to construction.
Monitoring: State Department of Fish and Game.
3 . Mitigation Measure:
The banks of the regraded channel shall be laid back at a maximum
slope of 3 : 1, left earthen without riprap (except in the flow line
as required by the City Geologist) and replanted with native
shrubbery, herbaceousplants and riparian tree species such as
Arroyo Willow and California Sycamore.
Page 7 of 8
P.C. Resolution No. 91-53
Exhibit A
Windport: Mitigation Monitoring Program
October 1, 1991
Timing: During construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Public Works Department and
Environmental Services Department.
4. Mitigation Measure:
To protect off-site natural habitats, the German Ivy in the
existing drainage channel shall be removed before it spreads
downstream to sensitive native habitat areas.
Timing: During construction.
Monitoring: Rancho Palos Verdes, Environmental Services Department
Page 8 of 8
P.C. Resolution No. 91-53
Exhibit A
EXHIBIT B
EIR NO. 31: WINDPORT PROJECT
DEVELOPMENT MEASURES
Although there were not significant adverse environmental impacts
identified with respect to Water, Sanitary Sewers and Cultural
Resources, the following are recommended development measures
which will further reduce the insignificant environmental effects:
WATER
1. The City Engineer shall review and approve a detailed hydraulic
analysis of the existing and proposed storm drain systems as
part of the final engineering phase for the proposed
development.
2 . The developer shall comply with all the requirements of the
City Engineer in regard to hydrologic and drainage
improvements.
3 . All water runoff from the project site and the flow-line of
Windport Drive shall be directed, via an approved drainage
facilities, to the improved drainage course along the southern
edge of the project site.
4. If acceptable to the City Geologist and the California State
Department of Fish and Game, improvements to the "blue-line"
stream may include the placement of rocks and cobbles excavated
on the site in the flow-line and on the banks in order to
reduce erosion, allow for the collection of silt and encourage
the establishment of riparian plants.
5. The developer shall provide and maintain during the rainy
season (November 1 through April 15) erosion control measures
until the project has been sufficiently completed so as to not
cause mudflow problems to the downstream roads, drainage
systems and properties, as determined by the City Engineer.
6. The developer shall promptly replant any graded or created
slopes with an approved groundcover material to minimize debris
production and soil erosion.
SANITARY SEWERS
1. Water saving devices shall be installed in each residential
unit to reduce water consumption and, therefore, reduce sewage
impacts on the local system and treatment plant capacity,
subject to the approval of the City Building Official.
Page 1 of 2
P.C. Resolution No. 91-53
Exhibit B
2 . On-site sewers shall berequired for this project. The
developer shall be required to provide the connection from the
project site to the existing 8-inch sewer main line.
CULTURAL RESOURCES
1. An archaeologist shall observe any grading that exposes the
natural surface on the subject property. There is no
requirement for the archaeologist to observe the removal of the
existing fill.
2 . The archaeologist shall be empowered to redirect grading in an
area where an archaeological deposit is exposed to permit
proper evaluation and recovery of the exposed material. All
"finds" shall be reported to the Director of Environmental
Services.
3 . If the proposed project will increase water run off in Aqua
Amarga Canyon, the archaeological site CA-LAn-824 shall be
subjected to a test excavation to determine its significance.
To allow time for proper evaluation, the test excavation should
be completed well in advance of any grading activity.
4. Any cultural material recovered during the project grading
shall be described in a professional report which received
sufficient distribution to insure its availability to future
researchers.
5. All recovered material shall be donated to a local institution
which has the proper facilities for curation, display and use
by interested scholars and the general public.
Page 2 of 2
P.C. Resolution No. 91-53
Exhibit B