PC RES 1997-020P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 97 -2d!
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING
VARIANCE NO. 419 TO ALLOW BEAUTIFICATION
IMPROVEMENTS TO EXCEED THE 30 -INCH HEIGHT
LIMITATION FOR WALLS AND FENCES WITHIN THE
REQUIRED INTERSECTION VISIBILITY TRIANGLE AREA
OF TWO CORNER LOTS LOCATED AT 9 AND 10
ROCKINGHORSE ROAD AND THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
WHEREAS, on February 10, 1997, the applicants, Rockinghorse Property Owners
Association and the Rockinghorse Community Association, submitted Variance No 419
to the Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement to allow beautification
improvements to exceed the 30 -inch height limitation for walls and fences within the
required intersection visibility triangle area of two corner lots located at 9 & 10
Rockinghorse Road and the public right-of-way, and
WHEREAS, after submittal of additionally required information, the application was
deemed complete on March 17,1997; 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(f) (Hazardous Waste and Substances
Statement), there was no evidence that Variance No 419 would have a significant effect
on the environment. Accordingly, the proposed protect has been found to be categorically
exempt (Class 1); and,
WHEREAS, after notice issued pursuant to the requirements of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Development Code, a public hearing was held on April 22, 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 existing entrance walls have been located on the two lots (9 & 10 Rockinghorse
Road) at Palos Verdes Drive East and the entrance to Rockinghorse Road prior to the
City's incorporation in 1973. As a visual identifier for the private roads within the
Rockinghorse Road neighborhood, the location of walls is the important element for the
intended use of the entrance walls Without the proximity to the intersection of Palos
Verdes Drive East, the existing walls and proposed fence improvements would not serve
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their intended function Therefore existing walls and the proximity to one of the City's major
arterial roadways represent a unique situation for the lots at 9 & 10 Rockinghorse Road
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 many of the arterial
and collector streets (major roadways that link areas of the City) within Rancho Palos
Verdes connect with local streets that have entrance walls to identify the street name
and/or neighborhood Further, these improvements will allow the applicant to better use
and enjoy their entrance walls, just as other homeowner associations within the city
currently use and enjoy their entrance walls
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 City's Traffic Consultant concluded that the proposed fencing
will not further impair the existing condition of traffic intersection visibility.
Section 4. That the granting of the variance will not be contrary to the objectives
of the General Plan since the fencing and wall improvements will visually enhance the
vehicular corridor of Palos Verdes Drive East and accent the visual form and character of
the neighborhood This will benefit the homeowners of the Rockinghorse Property Owners
Association, as well as all City residents and visitors to the City who drive along Palos
Verdes Drive East
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 419 to
allow beautification improvements to wails and fences to exceed the 30 -Inch height
limitation for walls and fences within the required intersection visibility triangle area of two
corner lots located at 9 & 10 Rockinghorse Road and the public right-of-way along Palos
Verdes Drive East 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. 97 -20
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PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 22nd day of April 1997 by the following vote -
AYES ALBERIO, CLARK, NG, SLAYDEN, WHITENECK, VANNORSDALL
NOES
ABSTENTIONS
ABSENT CARTWRIGHT
Carolynn Pe u, Director of Planning,
Building,and Code Enforcement; and,
Secretary to the Planning Commission
Donald E Vannorsdall
Chairman
P.C. Resolution No. 97 - 20
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Exhibit "A"
Conditions of Approval
Variance No. 419
9 & 10 Rockinghorse Road and
the City R.O.W. along Palos Verdes Drive East.
The wrought iron fencing located behind the existing entrance wall shall not exceed
a maximum 6'0" in height as measured from the grade adjacent to the wall to the
top
2. The height of the 3 -rail fence, located south along Palos Verdes Drive East, shall
be measured form the existing street grade at the edge of pavement. The height of
the 3 -rail fence, located north along Palos Verdes Drive East, shall be measured
from the existing grade at the base of the fence
3 The 3 -rail fencing shall not extend closer than 14'4", measured from the white line
on Palos Verdes Drive East in the City R.O W on the lot at 9 Rockinghorse Road.
The 3 -rail fencing shall not extend closer than 14'6", measured from the white line
on Palos Verdes Drive East in the City R.O W on the lot at 10 Rockinghorse Road.
4 The completed wrought iron fencing and 3 -rail fencing shall substantially conform
to plans submitted to the Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Department on
March 17, 1997
5 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
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
P.C. Resolution No. 97 - 20
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