PC RES 1992-031P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 92-31
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DENYING
VARIANCE NO. 325 TO ALLOW AN INDIRECT ACCESS
DRIVEWAY/GARAGE TO BE CONVERTED TO A DIRECT
ACCESS DRIVEWAY/GARAGE AT 28105 GOLDEN MEADOW.
WHEREAS, Dr. Gary Rinzler has requested a Variance to allow
a indirect access driveway/garage to be converted to an indirect
access driveway/garage with ten feet (10'-011) of approach
driveway; and
WHEREAS, after notice issued pursuant to the provisions of
the Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code, a public hearing was
held on April 15, 1992 and April 28, 1992, at which time all
interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and
present evidence; and
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: That there are no exceptional or extraordinary
circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved,
or to the intended use of the property, which do not apply
generally to other property in the same zoning district in that
all of the lots along the west side of Golden Meadow Drive are
generally 9,000 square feet in area with approximately 2,000
square feet that is not usable due to the rear yard transitional
slope (therefore the buildable area of these lots are essentially
identical). All of the lots (including the applicant's) were
originally developed with single story, 2,000 sq. ft. (approx.)
homes and situated on the lots in such a manner to allow for a
variety in garage approaches.
Section 2: That the Variance is not necessary for the
preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the
applicant, nor is it a right that is possessed by other property
owners under like conditions in the same zoning district since
the direct access driveways/garages were not established as a
result of requests for Code exceptions. The mix of indirect and
direct access driveways in this particular neighborhood was
originally constructed when the tracts were established and thus
the conditions are not similar to those the applicant has created
on the subject lot (drastic reduction in usable yard area to
accommodate building additions).
Section 3: That the granting of the Variance will be
materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to
property and improvements in the area in which the property is
located in that if the request were granted, it would add to the
already potentially hazardous situation along Golden Meadow Drive.
Having only ten feet (10'-011) between the garage door and the
sidewalk does not always allow sufficient space for a vehicle to
be parked on the driveway and allow un -interrupted pedestrian flow
on the sidewalks. Often times vehicles extend over the sidewalks,
therefore not allowing safe passage for pedestrians, including
children on bicycles, skateboards, etc.
Section 4: That the granting of such a Variance will be
contrary to the objectives of the General Plan since it would
allow the applicant to enclose the property and interrupt the
visual relief afforded by the existing layout of the residence and
tract. Although granting the applicant's request might not have a
significant adverse affect on the visual appearance of the street,
if other resident's were granted similar requests, the cumulative
impact may adversely effect the neighborhood character and the
feeling of open space along the street. The General Plan promotes
development within the City that preserves and enhances the
community's duality living environment, including maintaining the
open and semi -rural atmosphere found throughout the City and
surrounding Peninsula, and enhancing the visual character and
physical quality of existing neighborhoods.
Section 5: For the foregoing reasons and based on
information and findings included in the Staff Report and minutes,
as well as public testimony at the public hearing, the Planning
Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby denies
Variance No. 325.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 28th day of April, 1992.
Carolynn Wetru, Acting Direc or
of Environmental Services
P.C. Resolution No. 92-31
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