PC RES 1993-008A
P. C. RESOLUTION NO. 93-8
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. 649 AND APPROVING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 3, REVISION "All FOR A NEW 60 -
FOOT HIGH MONOPOLE/ANTENNA STRUCTURE TO BE INSTALLED AT
THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY'S ROLLING HILLS
COMMUNICATION FACILITY LOCATED AT 5741 CRESTRIDGE ROAD.
WHEREAS, the applicant, Southern California Edison Company
(SCE), has requested a Conditional Use Permit to allow the
installation of a new 60 -foot high monopole/antenna structure at
its Rolling Hills Communications Facility located at 5741
Crestridge Road; and
WHEREAS, in analyzing the Initial Study prepared for
Environmental Assessment No. 649, it was determined that no
significant adverse impacts would occur as a result of the project
and therefore a Draft Negative Declaration was prepared and
allowed to circulate from February 24, 1993 through March 23, 1993
in order to receive comments from the general public; and
WHEREAS, after notice pursuant to the provisions of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code, a public hearing was held on
March 23, 1993 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 site for the intended use is adequate in
size and shape to accommodate said use and for all of the yards,
setbacks, walls or fences, landscaping and other features required
by this title or by conditions imposed under this section to
adjust said use with those on abutting land and within the
neighborhood since the proposed use will not modify the physical
characteristics of the existing site. This lot was originally
created through a Variance procedure in 1975, and is only 5030
square feet in size. However, the size is adequate in that the
monopole would only require a 4 x 4 foot base, and would abut the
western property line. Based on Staff's observations, the Planning
Commission determined that this is the ideal site for the antenna
as it would cause least amount of aesthetic obstruction.
Section 2: That the site for the proposed use relates to
streets and highways properly designed to carry the type and
quantity of traffic generated by the subject use. The site was
originally designed to accommodate ingress and egress of large
maintenance vehicles. Both this site and the neighboring Los
Angeles County antenna site are surrounded by chain link fences.
A 25 -foot wide driveway area separates the two properties, which
is also completely enclosed by gates and locked fences. The
proposed antenna would not generate additional amounts of traffic
other than a minimal increase in service vehicle visits.
Section 3: That, in approving the subject use at the
specific location, there will be no significant adverse effect on
adjacent property. The proposed antenna would not create health
hazards and would, in fact, reduce the overall level of radio
emissions currently emitted from the facility. Based�on Staff's
field research, the project would not significantly adversely
affect views or the aesthetic quality of the surrounding area.
Section 4: That the proposed use is not contrary to the
general plan since the Code specifically states at Section
17.56.020 (Conditional Uses) that commercial antennas may be
permitted in any district subject to a Conditional Use Permit,
provided that the structure is necessary or desirable for the
public convenience or welfare and that such a use would not be
contrary to the general plan or its objectives. Furthermore, one
of the goals of the General Plan is to ensure adequate public
utilities and communications services to all residents, while
maintaining the quality of the environment. These goals are
furthered by manmade support systems which include water, energy,
transportation and communications (including microwave stations),
and are commonly referred to as "infrastructure". The General
Plan specifically refers to the SCE facility at page 114, stating
that the SCE microwave facility would be primarily used to relay
operational and administrative transmission, and was currently
undergoing environmental review.
Section 5: That, in requiring the certain safeguards listed
below, the Planning Commission deems said requirements to the
minimum necessary to protect the health,.safety and general
welfare:
a. Special setbacks and buffers.
b. Fences and/or walls.
C. Lighting
d. Regulation of points of vehicular ingress and
egress
e. Regulation of noise, vibration, odors, etc.
f. Requiring landscaping and maintenance thereof.
g. Requiring maintenance of the structures, grounds,
and/or signs.
h. Requiring service roads and/or alleys when
practical.
i. 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.
Resolution No. 93-8
Page 2
The existing facility is well -manicured and maintained.
Although the new antenna cannot be fully screened by vegetation,
it has been placed in an area where it will cause the least amount
of negative visual impact. There are two primary benefits to the
placement of the antenna in the northwest corner of the site.
First, it condenses the impacts to a centralized location in that
the tower will be as close as possible to the 80' and 150' county
antennas. Second, views of the new antenna from upslope
properties looking at a northwesterly angle would be buffered by
large trees existing on the site. The applicant has also agreed
to plant hedges or similar landscaping along the exposed side of
the chain link fence on the western property line.
Section 6: For the foregoing reasons and based on the
information and findings included in the Initial Study, Staff
report, and records of the
hereby adopts the Negative
Assessment No. 649 and appy
Revision "A" subject to the
attached hereto and made a
preserve the public health,
area.
proceedings, the Planning Commission
Declaration for Environmental
oves Conditional Use Permit No. 3,
conditions contained in Exhibit "A"
part hereof, which are necessary to
safety, and general welfare in the
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of March, 1993.
O
Dudley Ond rdonk, Director
of Environmental Services and
Secretary to the Commission
IZ42
Obert Katherman
Chairman
Resolution No. 93-8
Page 3
•
EXHIBIT "A"
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. 649
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 3,'REVISION "All
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY
ROLLING HILLS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
5741 CRESTRIDGE ROAD
1. Within thirty (30) days of this approval, the applicant shall
submit, in writing, a statement that they have read,
understand, and agree to comply with all conditions of
approval contained in this exhibit. Failure to provide such
a statement shall render this approval null and void.
2. The monopole and related antennas shall be constructed in a
manner that substantially conforms to the plans submitted,
and are subject to review by the Building and Safety
Division.
3. Unless the Department of Fish and Game determines that this
project is exempt from a filing fee imposed pursuant to Fish
and Game Code Section 711.4, the applicant shall submit to
the City payment of such fee made payable to the County Clerk
of Los Angeles, along with the County's documentation fee, no
later than 48 hours after project approval. The applicant
shall also be responsible for payment of any fines the
Department of Fish and Game determines to be owed. Project
approval is not operative, vested, or final until the filing
fees are paid or a Certificate of Fee Exemption is properly
completed. A minimum fee of $25.00 for documentation
handling shall be submitted to the City within 48 hours of
project approval for processing of the Certificate of Fee
Exemption (De Minimus Impact Finding).
4. This approval grants the applicants request to install
equipment which will generate 135 watts of effective radiated
power (ERP). Any further modifications to -the equipment on
site, or any increase in radio frequency levels shall be
submitted for review to the Director of Environmental
Services for a determination as to whether or not a further
revision to the Conditional Use Permit is necessary.
5. Landscaping shall continue to be maintained to a level
acceptable by the Director of Environmental Services.
Further landscaping shall be installed to screen the existing
chain link fence along the southern property line. said
landscaping shall be subject to review and approval by the
Director of Environmental Services.
DJ13•CUP3REVA RES
Resolution No. 93-8
Page 4