PC RES 1993-026s
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING COASTAL
PERMIT NO 116 AND VARIANCE NO. 357 BY REASON
OF ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR, FOR AFTER -THE -FACT
CONSTRUCTION OF A SUBTERRANEAN SAUNA LOCATED
SEAWARD OF THE BUILDING SETBACK LINE ON
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6470 SEACOVE DRIVE.
WHEREAS, on June 7, 1990, due to failure to verify the location of the Building
Setback Line and Coastal Setback Line, Staff approved Grading Permit No. 1440 for
construction of a subterranean sauna with patio cover above, in a location seaward
of the Building Setback Line; and,
WHEREAS, on November 15, 1991, Building Permits for construction of the
sauna were issued by the Division of Building and Safety, and subsequent field
inspections were conducted on May 1, 1992 and August 10, 1992. During these
inspections, the City Building Inspector also failed to identify the correct location of
the Building Setback Line and Coastal Setback Line; and,
WHEREAS, the City received notice from a resident that the construction
appeared to be located seaward of the required setback lines, at which time the
correct location of the setback lines was verified, and it was determined that the
construction is located seaward of the Budding Setback Line; and,
WHEREAS, a Stop Work Order was issued on July 10, 1992 and the City
notified the property owner that a Variance would be required to allow the
construction to remain. Variance No. 357, requesting after -the -fact approval of the
subterranean sauna, with an open patio and handrailing above, was submitted to the
City on May 19, 1993; and,
WHEREAS, after notice issued pursuant to the provisions of the Development
Code, the Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes held a public
hearing on September 14, 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 all of the required finding to grant the Variance cannot be
made since there are no unique or extraordinary physical circumstances or conditions
applicable to the property involved, that approval of the Variance would grant a
special rights to the landowner which would beyond those currently enjoyed by
surrounding property owners and approval of the improvements that have been made
to the property would result to adverse impacts to adjacent residents.
Section 2: That Administrative Error has occurred, since the City failed to verify
the correct location of the Building Setback Line and Coastal Setback Line prior to
issuing Planning approval of Grading Permit No. 1440, and the City failed to identify
the error in the field during subsequent inspections by the Division of Building and
Safety.
Section 3: That the proposed development is in conformance with the
Coastal Specific Plan because the property will continue to be used for single family
residential purposes, and the project has been conditioned in such a manner as to
assure that the construction will not result in significant impacts to surrounding
properties, adjacent bluff top and the surrounding coastal environment.
Section 4: The property is located between the sea and the first public road,
and is in conformance with applicable public access and recreation policies of the
Coastal Act since the 25 foot public trail easement located at the rear of the property
will not be impaired or altered as a result of this permit.
Section 8: For the foregoing reasons, and based on the information and findings
contained in the Staff Report and records of the proceedings, the Planning
Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby approves Variance No. 357
and Coastal Permit No. 116, pursuant to the provisions for Administrative Error, for
the subterranean sauna structure located seaward of the Building Setback Line,
subject to the Conditions of Approval contained in Exhibit "A" which are necessary
to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 14th day of September, 1993.
Zf AI
Bret B. ern rd AfIPP, Director of
r
Environ e al rd, AI
and Secretary
to the Commission
Robert Katherman,
Chairman
P.C. Resolution No. 93-26.
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EXHIBIT "A"
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
VARIANCE NO. 357, COASTAL PERMIT NO. 116
6470 SEACOVE DRIVE
1. The area surrounding the subterranean structure shalt be landscaped with low
growing materials appropriate for screening the structure, subject to review and
approval by the Director of Environmental Services
2 A handrailing shall be constructed around the perimeter of the rooftop patio of
the subterranean sauna. The maximum height of said railing shall not exceed
the minimum required by the Uniform Building Code. The handrailing shall be
constructed of wrought iron material to match handrailings attached to existing
balconies on the residential structure. The handrailing shall allow a minimum
of 90 percent light and air to pass through
3. No additional above grade appurtenances shall be permitted, including any
temporary shade structures, such as a patio umbrella or a canvas cover, on the
roof of the subterranean structure Outdoor patio furniture, such as chairs and
tables, may be permitted on the roof, provided the height of the furniture does
not exceed the maximum elevation of the handrailing described above in
Condition No. 2.
P.C. Resolution No 93-26
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