PC RES 1996-019P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 96-19
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING
VARIANCE NO. 406 TO CONVERT AN EXISTING CARPORT
INTO AN ENCLOSED TWO -CAR GARAGE WHICH WOULD
ENCROACH A MAXIMUM OF 6'-2" INTO THE REQUIRED
MINIMUM 20'-0" FRONT YARD SETBACK AREA AT 28236
TRAILRIDERS DRIVE.
WHEREAS, on February 12, 1996, the landowner, Catherine Wong -Manahan,
submitted an application for Variance No 406 to the Department of Planning, Building and
Code Enforcement to convert an existing legal non -conforming carport, which encroached
6-2" into the required 20'-0" front yard setback areas, into an enclosed two -car garage on
the property located at 28236 Trailriders Drive; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act,
Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq ("CEQA"), the State's CEQA guidelines,
California Code of Regulation, Title 14, Section 15000 et seq , the City's Local CEQA
Guidelines, and Government Code Section 65952 5(e) (Hazardous Waste and Substances
Statement), there was no evidence that Variance No 406 would have a significant effect
on the environment. Accordingly, the proposed project has been found to be categorically
exempt (Class 111), and,
WHEREAS, after notice issued pursuant to the requirements of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Development Code, a public hearing was held on July 23, 1996, before the
Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, at which time all interested
parties were given an opportunity to be heard and present evidence
Section 1: That there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances which apply
to this property which do not apply generally to other property in the same zoning district
since there are no other areas available on the lot to place a new two car garage, except
in the area currently occupied by the carport It would not be practical to move the garage
back by 6-0", into the 9'-0" area between the existing carport and the residence, since this
would leave only 3'-0" between the garage and the residence (the minimum required by
the Uniform Building Code due to the presence of the windows), which would not allow
adequate light and air to the two windows on this elevation of the building
Section 2. That the Variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of
the substantial property right of the applicant, and that this right is possessed by other
property owners under like conditions in the same zoning district since, based on a field
survey, it has been determined that many homes in the immediate neighborhood have
similar encroachments into the required 20'-0" front setback area and several have direct
access driveways with similar driveway lengths
Section 3: That the granting of the Variance will not be materially detrimental to the
public welfare or injurious to the property and improvements in the area, since the front
yard setback is similar to other homes in the neighborhood, the project will not look to
closer to the street than the surrounding residences or appear to be out of place in this
particular neighborhood The addition of an enclosed garage would somewhat improve
the aesthetic appearance of property, since vehicles parked inside the garage would not
be visible from the street, as is currently the situation with the carport In addition, since
the project is located at the front of the property and faces the street, it will not impact the
privacy or views from the surrounding properties
Section 4: That the granting of the Variance would not be contrary to the General
Plan, since the conversion of the carport to an enclosed two -car garage would bring the
property into compliance with the Development Code requirements regarding on-site
parking Furthermore, the project would not result in significantly difference impacts to the
surrounding neighborhood than are already created by the existing carport
Section 5. Any interested person aggrieved by this decision or any portion of this
decision may appeal to the City Council. Pursuant to Section 17 60 060 of the Rancho
Palos Verdes Municipal Code, any such appeal must be filed in writing with the City no
later than fifteen (15) days following July 23, 1996, the date of the Planing Commission's
final action.
Section 6. For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and findings
included in the Staff Report, minutes and other records of proceedings, the Planning
Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby approves Variance No 406,
subject to conditions of approval in the attached Exhibit "A", which are necessary to protect
the public health, safety and welfare
P C Resolution No 96-19
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PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 23rd day of July 1996, by the following vote:
AYES Alberio, Cartwright, Whiteneck and Vice Chair Vannor§dall
NOES None
ABSTENTIONS. Frankl 1 n
ABSENT- Commissioner Ng and Chairman Clark
Carolynn Pecru
Director of Planning, Building and
Code Enforcement; and Secretary
to the Planning Commission
Lawrence E. Clark
Chairman
PC Resolution No 96-19
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Exhibit "A"
Variance No. 406
28236 Trailriders Drive
The new garage shall not exceed a maximum height of 9'-1" as measured from the
foundation adjacent to the lowest grade to the ridge
2 A minimum of 50% open space shall be maintained for the lot.
3 The garage shall maintain the following setbacks
front. 13'-10" sides 5"-0" rear- 15'-0"
4 The final plans shall be modified to include a pitched roof over the garage to be
compatible with the existing pitch and roofing materials of the residence and shall
be reviewed and approved by the Director of Planning, Building and Code
Enforcement prior to submittal to the Building and Safety Division for plan check.
5 In the event that a Planning Division requirement and a Building Division
requirement are in conflict with one another, the stricter standard shall apply
6 The two -car garage shall maintain a minimum interior dimension of 18'-0" wide and
20'-0"
7 The construction site shall be kept free of all loose materials resembling trash
debris in excess of that material used for immediate construction purposes Such
excess material may include, but not be limited to the accumulation of debris,
garbage, lumber, scrap metal, concrete, asphalt piles of earth salvaged materials
abandoned or discarded furniture appliances or other household fixtures
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PC Resolution No 96-19
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