PC RES 1996-035P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 96 -35
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING
VARIANCE NO. 413 FOR A V-11" MAXIMUM HEIGHT
BLOCK WALL WITHIN THE STREET SIDE SETBACK AREA
AND WITHIN THE INTERSECTION VISIBILITY TRIANGLE
AT 27503 LITTLEWOOD DRIVE.
WHEREAS, on August 20, 1996, the applicant, Mr Tuchscher, submitted Variance
No. 413 to the Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement to allow
construction of a 5'- 11" high block wall to be located within the street -side setback area
and the intersection visibility triangle at the property located at 27503 Littlewood Drive; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act,
Public Resources Code Sections 2100 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 413 would have a significant effect
on the environment. Accordingly, the proposed project has been found to be categorically
exempt (Class III); and,
WHEREAS, after notice issued pursuant to the requirements of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Development Code, a public hearing was held on October 8, 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
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 exceptional or extraordinary circumstances which apply
to this property which do not apply generally to other property in the same zoning district
since the lot is of a substandard size (8,690 square feet in a minimum 10,000 square foot
lot district) and approximately half of the lot area is part of a steep slope that ascends up
to the south side and rear property lines. The small size of the lot, in combination with the
limited level yard area, restricts the landowner's ability to adequately fence the property
and preserve the maximum amount of useable yard area, while also complying with the
Code's minimum setback requirement (10'-0" on a street side)
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, there are similar
fences and walls on corner lots in the neighborhood which exceed the Code's height limit.
In addition, the Variance is necessary in order for the landowner to preserve privacy in the
back yard, which is currently a right possessed by property owners in the same zoning
district and in the surrounding neighborhood
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 in which the
property is located since the height and placement of the wall would not interfere with
pedestrian traffic, impact the views of adjacent property owners nor, as conditioned in
Exhibit "A", appear visually obtrusive from surrounding properties and the public right-of-
way
Section 4. That the granting of the variance will not be contrary to the objectives
of the General Plan since the proposed project, as conditioned, would constitute an
improvement to the existing neighborhood, would not result in any impacts to surrounding
properties and the primary use of the property will remain single family residential. The
project is not subject to the requirements of the Coastal Specific Plan since the property
is not located within the coastal zone
Section 5• 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. 413 for
a 5"-11" block wall within the street -side setback area and within the intersection visibility
triangle and front yard setback for the property located at 27503 Littlewood Drive subject
to the Conditions of Approval contained in the attached Exhibit "A", which are necessary
to protect and preserve the public health safety and welfare
P.C. Resolution No. 96 -35
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PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 8th day of October 1996, by the
following vote:
AYES Commissioner Alberio, Cartwright, Franklin, Ng,
Vice Chairman Vannor§dall and Chairman Clark
NOES Commissioner Whiteneck
ABSTENTIONS: None
Carolynn P9tru, Director of Planning,
Building,and Code Enforcement, and,
Secretary to the Planning Commission
L. Q
Lawrence E Clark
Chairman
P.C. Resolution No. 96 - 35
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Exhibit "A"
Conditions of Approval
Variance No. 413
27503 Littlewood Drive
1. The wall shall not exceed a maximum 5'-11" in height of as measured from the
grade adjacent to the wall to the top of the wall (including the brick trim cap).
2. The block wall shall be either constructed of split face block or slump stone, or shall
be substantially screened with a creeping vine or other type of appropriate
landscaping The landscaping material shall be approved by the Director of
Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement and shall be installed no later than 30
days after completion of the wall.
3 The completed walls shall substantially conform to plans submitted the Planning,
Building, and Code Enforcement Department on August 20, 1996.
4. In the event that a Planning Division requirement and a Building and Safety
requirement are in conflict with one another the stricter standard shall apply
5. A grading application shall be filed for any grading in excess of 20 cubic yards
and/or 3' of cut or fill
6 The construction site shall be kept free of all loose materials resembling trash and
debris in excess of that material used for immediate construction purposes. Such
excess material may include, but is not 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
(N grouptplannmgtstaf reptslpetvar413 res)
P.C. Resolution No. 96 -35
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