PC RES 1994-003P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 94-3
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DENYING VARIANCE NO. 367,
THEREBY NOT ALLOWING THE PROPOSED ADDITION WHICH WOULD
OCCUR IN AN EXTREME SLOPE AT 5503 GRAYLOG STREET.
WHEREAS, the applicants, Mr. and Mrs. Milan Veteska, have
requested a Variance to allow a portion of the proposed 3,823 sq.
ft. addition to the existing single family residence to be placed
into an extreme slope; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act, (CEQA) and local CEQA Guidelines, the
proposed project has been found to be categorically exempt (Class
I and V); and,
WHEREAS, after notice pursuant to the provisions of the Rancho
Palos Verdes Development Code, a duly noticed public hearing was
held by the Planning Commission on January 11, 1994, 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 granting of the Variance will be
materially detrimental to the public welfare and injurious to
property and improvements in the area in which the property is
located, since the proposed addition will significantly impair
views from the adjacent property at 5502 Graylog Street. View
analyses from the viewing areas of this property (living
room/kitchen) were conducted, and it was found that the Los Angeles
Basin views would be eliminated. Because of the proximity of the
existing residence to the adjacent neighbor at 5502 Graylog St.,
any reduction in scale of the proposed addition, to address the
view impairment issue, would not be sufficient to restore the view
as a result of the perspective caused by the aforementioned
proximity.
Section 2: That the granting of such a Variance will be
contrary to the objectives of the General Plan in that the General
Plan encourages development within the City that maintains and
enhances the visual qualities of existing neighborhoods without
creating adverse impacts to the surrounding area. The proposed
project will not accomplish this objective. In addition to this
policy, the Plan also states that the City should "Prohibit
encroachment on existing scenic views reasonably expected by
neighboring residents." The proposed addition, if granted, will
significantly impair existing scenic views currently enjoyed from
adjacent properties.
Furthermore, the property is located in two Resource Management (RM)
Districts as established by the General Plan. The Natural
Environment Element is a composite of those areas requiring
considerations of public health and safety, and those areas
requiring preservation of natural resources. Each district is made
up of various factors with associated degrees of capability or
suitability for development. The RM Factors associated with the
subject property are RM -3 (High Slope) and RM -9 (Natural
Vegetation). Retaining the existing character of the hills,
natural drainage courses, and natural outcrops should be considered
in the RM -3 zone, along with reviewing grading such that it
respects the natural topography and avoiding sharp geometric planes
resulting from terracing and padding. The RM -9 designation
requires that the City's natural vegetation be retained wherever
possible.
Section 3: For the foregoing reasons and based on the
information and findings included in the Staff report, and records
of the proceedings, the Planning Commission hereby denies Variance
No. 367 for an addition to the residence located at 5503 Graylog
Street.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this lith day of January, 1994.
Bret Be nar , Director of
Plan ng, uil ing and Code
Enforcement and Secretary to
the Commission
P.C. Resolution No. 93-3
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