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PC RES 1997-067P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 97-67 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND MAKING CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS IN ASSOCIATION WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT NO. 676 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 2,065 SQUARE FOOT ONE STORY VISITORS CENTER TO REPLACE A SIMILAR STRUCTURE THAT WAS DAMAGED BY LANDSLIDE ACTIVITY, IMPROVEMENTS TO AN EXISTING AMPHITHEATER AREA, AND REMEDIAL GRADING AT THE EXISTING WAYFARERS CHAPEL RELIGIOUS FACILITY LOCATED AT 5755 PALOS VERDES DRIVE SOUTH, WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE LANDSLIDE MORATORIUM AREA WHEREAS, on September 20, 1994, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes approved Landslide Moratorium Exception No. 10 to allow the Wayfarers Chapel to proceed with the submittal of appropriate applications to allow the construction of a new 2,400 square foot two story Visitors Center to replace a similar structure that had been damaged by landslide activity and improvements to an existing amphitheater area, and remedial grading at the Wayfarers Chapel located at 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, within the boundaries of the City's Landslide Moratorium Area; and, WHEREAS, on February 8, 1995, pursuant to the approval of Landslide Moratorium Exception No 10 by the City Council, the Wayfarers Chapel submitted applications for Conditional Use Permit No 185, Variance No 388, and Grading Permit No 1793, and on March 29, 1995, the application for Environmental Assessment No 676 was submitted to the City, and, WHEREAS, on October 17, 1996, the Wayfarer's Chapel submitted a revised plan that consisted of a 2,065 square foot one story structure, improvements to an existing amphitheater, and remedial grading for the structure, and, WHEREAS, the Institutional zoning district in which the subject property is located allows for the continued use of the subject property as a religious facility, as well as for the expansion of the facilities for related uses, and, WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq. ("CEQA'), the State CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Sections 15000 et seq , the City's Local CEQA Guidelines, and Government Code Section 65952.5(e) (Hazardous Waste and Substances Statement), the City of Rancho Palos Verdes prepared an Initial Study and determined that, by incorporating mitigation measures in to the Negative Declaration and project approval, there is no substantial evidence that the approval of Conditional Use Permit No 185, Variance No 388, and Grading Permit No 1793 would result in a significant adverse effect on the environment Accordingly, a Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared and notice of that fact was given in the manner required by law, and, WHEREAS, although the Initial Study was prepared and distributed for circulation and review on July 10, 1995, because the revised project (submitted on October 17, 1996) is smaller in size, lower in height, and setback further from the side property line, it will have fewer potential impacts than the proposed structure, and therefore, the Initial Study prepared on July 10, 1995 suffices for the revised project, and, WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, a Mitigation Monitoring Program has been prepared, and is attached hereto as Exhibit "A"; and, WHEREAS, after issuing notice pursuant to the requirements of the City's Development Code and the State CEQA Guidelines, the Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes held a public hearing on July 11 and 25, 1995, August 2 and 8, 1995, September 12, 1995, December 12, 1995, January 23, 1996, February 3, 1996, March 12, 1996, April 23, 1996, June 11, 1996, September 10, 1996, October 22, 1996, November 12, 1996, August 26, 1997, September 9, 1997, and November 11 and 25, 1997 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 HEREBY FINDS, DETERMINES, AND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS Section 1: This application involves construction of a new 2,065 square foot Visitors Center to replace a similar structure which was damaged by landslide activity, remedial grading to accommodate the proposed construction, and improvements to an existing outdoor amphitheater area The Planning Commission finds that the proposed project, as mitigated, would not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts in addition to or beyond those already associated with the existing Institutional/Religious use of the site Section 2: As submitted, the proposed project will not result in changes to existing features of any bays, tidelands, beaches, lakes or hills, or substantial alteration of ground contours, changes in scenic views of vistas from existing residential areas or public lands or roads, nor will it result in the change in pattern, scale or character of the general area of the project Additionally, the proposed project will not result in significant amounts of solid waste or litter, change in dust, ash smoke, fumes, or odors in the vicinity, or change in ocean, bay, lake stream or ground water quality or quantity, or alteration of existing drainage patterns The proposed project will also not result in a substantial change in existing noise or vibration levels in the vicinity, nor will the work occur on a site of filled land or on a slope of 10 percent or more Finally, the project will not require the use or disposal of potentially hazardous materials, changes in the demand for municipal services, increased fossil fuel consumption, or affect any relationship to a larger project or senes of projects Accordingly, no mitigation measures have been required to address these issues Section 3. The proposed project will require remedial grading consisting of the removal and recompaction of earth under the existing building footprint and construction of a new retaining wall adjacent to and upslope from the proposed new Visitors Center on property located within the boundaries of the Landslide Moratorium Area. The Initial Study for the proposed project identified potential impacts resulting from unstable earth conditions or changes in geologic substructures, from disruptions, displacement, compaction, or overcovenng of the soil, and from exposure of people or property to geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, ground failure, or similar hazards. As a result of impacts resulting from the unstable earth conditions, Mitigation Measures have been imposed which require the landowner to comply with all recommendations and requirements, if any, of the City Geologist and the Building Official P C. Resolution No. 97-67 Page 2 of 7 Since the project is located within the boundaries of the Landslide Moratorium Area, the proposed construction and use of the site for religious purposes will continue to expose people and property to hazards such as landslides. However, this exposure is not expected to increase as a result of the proposed construction. In addition, the applicant proposes to relocate the new Visitors Center from its previously existing location adjacent to an active fissure, to a more geologically stable location. Nevertheless, Mitigation Measures have been imposed which require the landowner to comply with all recommendations and requirements, if any, of the City Geologist and the Department's Division of Building and Safety However, since the proposed project will require only remedial grading consisting of removal and recompaction of the sod, when reviewed in accordance with "Appendix G - Significant Effects" of the State CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project will not result in significant adverse affects resulting from changes in topography, destruction, covering, or modification of unique geologic or physical features, increases in wind or water erosion of soils, either on or off the site, or changes in deposition or erosion of beach sands Section 4 In consideration of the existing religious uses on the property, it has been determined that the proposed project will not result in significant changes to Air Quality with respect to air emissions or deteriorations of ambient air quality, the creation of objectionable odors, or alterations of air movement, moisture or climate. Although impacts to Air resulting from the proposed project have been determined to be less than significant, Mitigation Measures have been incorporated which require all mechanical equipment to be properly tuned to prevent excessive emissions during construction Section 5 When reviewed in accordance with "Appendix I - Significant Effects" of the City's Local CEQA Guidelines, the project will not have a significant effect on the environment with respect to Water Although the proposed construction of the Visitors Center will require remedial grading, the topography will be returned to relatively existing conditions, and therefore will not result in the disturbance of any current physical earth features which would affect water and/or drainage Section 6 Since the site is entirely paved with an asphalt surface, construction of the proposed project would not involve the removal of any Plant Life or Animal Life, nor would it affect any plant or animal species However, while the project will not involve the removal or introduction of any new plant species, Mitigation Measures have been incorporated which require any new future landscaping and/or removal of vegetation to be consistent with the requirements of the Natural Communities Conservation Planning program (NCCP) Section 7 Due to the short term impacts to noise associated with the grading and construction of the new Visitors Center, Mitigation Measures have been imposed which limit the hours of construction and reduce impacts to Noise resulting from the project to less than significant levels However, since the subject property, including the proposed and existing improvements, will continue to be used for religious purposes which is a typically a low noise generating use, the proposed project will not result in the exposure of people to severe noise levels beyond those existing on the property. Therefore, in accordance with Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines, since the project will not substantially increase ambient noise levels, any long terms impacts associated with the existing and proposed uses on the site or exposure to people to severe noise levels, is not considered a significant impact P C Resolution No 97-67 Page 3 of 7 Section 8 The Initial Study identified potential impacts to Light and Glare which may result due to the proposed location of the new Visitors Center in an area which is currently paved with asphalt In order to reduce such impacts to less than significant levels, Mitigation Measures which require the installation of vegetative screening on the western side of the building to filter reflective sunlight and nighttime lighting. Additionally, Mitigation Measures have been incorporated which limit the hours during which exterior lighting may be used Section 9 The subject property is currently zoned for Institutional purposes, and is also designated on the City's General Plan maps for Institutional/Religious purposes Since the site will continue to be used for religious purposes and no change in the planned land use is anticipated, the proposed construction will not significantly impact Land Use, and no Mitigation Measures have been required Section 10 For purposes of the Initial Study, it was determined that a significant impact would occur if implementation of the proposed project would encourage activities which would result in the use or waste of a large amount of fuel, water, or energy Since the subject property will continue to be used for religious activities, no significant adverse impacts are anticipated with respect to Natural Resources Consequently, no Mitigation Measures have been imposed Section 11 Since the proposed construction and continued use of the subject property for religious purposes is not expected to result in the creation or need for any disposal of any hazardous waste materials, impacts to the Risk of Upset resulting from the proposed project are considered less than significant. Section 12 In accordance with the General Plan Housing Element policies and the Southern California Association of Governments (SLAG) Regional Housing Assessment Needs (RHNA), the proposed project will not alter the location, distribution, density, or growth rate of the human population in the area above what is forecasted in adopted City plans and policies, nor will the project affect existing housing, or create a demand for additional housing. Consequently, no mitigation measures have been required with respect to Population or Housing. Section 13 The Initial Study identified potential impacts to Transportation/Circulation with respect to the generation of substantial additional vehicular movement, effects on existing parking facilities, and alterations to present patterns of circulation However, since the proposed project provides a total of 100 parking spaces which is more than the number of parking spaces required pursuant to the Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code to accommodate the existing and proposed uses on the site at the same time Additionally, since the proposed Visitors Center will result in the relocation of the facilities from their current location (1/4 mile west of the Wayfarers Chapel site), it is expected that the proposed construction would decrease traffic between the two locations. Consequently, the potential impacts to Traffic/Circulation have been determined to be less than significant Although traffic patterns may be altered as a result of the proposed construction, the proposed project will not result in significant increases in traffic volumes which would impact transportation systems or alter waterborne, rail, or air traffic. Additionally, the relocation of the Visitors Center on site will eliminate the need for the public and employees of the Chapel to travel 1/4 mile off-site for the office uses, resulting in a decrease in traffic hazards resulting from the proposed construction P C Resolution No 97-67 Page 4 of 7 Section 14 The proposed project will not create a significant additional demand for fire or police protection or require the expansion of existing schools, parks or other recreational facilities, maintenance of public facilities (including roads), or other governmental services Therefore impacts to these services and agencies with respect to Public Services is not considered significant, and no mitigation measures have been required Section 15 The proposed construction would not generate a significant demand on existing fuel or energy sources. Although the installation of new connections may be required, the site is already served by all the necessary utilities and therefore will not result in the use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy, nor substantial increases in the demand upon existing sources of energy Section 16 The proposed project will not result in the need for new systems, or substantial alterations to Utilities, including power or natural gas, communication systems, water, sewer or septic tanks, storm water drainage, or solid waste disposal For this reason, no mitigation measures have been required with respect to Utilities Section 17 The proposed construction and continued use of the site for religious purposes will not require the use of any chemicals or other hazardous materials which may adversely impact human health, or expose people to potential health hazards For this reason, the proposed protect will not significantly adversely impact Human Health Section 18 The Initial Study identified potential impacts to Aesthetics resulting from the replacement of an existing paved surface and trash enclosure with a new one story building However, the location of the proposed structure is significantly upslope of Palos Verdes Drive South, and existing vegetation on the site will substantially screen the new construction from the public view along Palos Verdes Drive South and neighboring properties In addition, materials for the proposed structure will be compatible with the materials used on the existing buildings, and will be similar in architectural style to the Chapel building Consequently, although the proposed construction will result in changes to the current appearance of the property, the new facilities will not significantly adversely impact Aesthetics, and no Mitigation Measures are required Section 19 The proposed project will not result in the demand for new recreational facilities and/or expansion of existing programs beyond planned capacities, no significant impacts will occur to Recreation. Therefore, no mitigation measures have been required with respect to Recreation Section 20 Since the project site is located within an area which has been previously identified as a potential site for archaeological and/or other significant cultural resources, Mitigation Measures have been imposed which require the landowner to comply with all recommendations and requirements of the Archaeological Information Center located at the Fowler Museum at the University of California Section 21 For reasons discussed in the Initial Study, which is incorporated herein by reference, the project would not have any potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals P C Resolution No 97-67 Page 5 of 7 Section 22 For reasons discussed in the Initial Study, which is incorporated herein by reference, the project would not have impacts which are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable Section 23 For reasons discussed in the Initial Study, which is incorporated herein by reference, the project would not have environmental impacts that will cause substantial adverse effect on human beings, either directly or indirectly Section 24 The applicant has consulted the lists prepared pursuant to Section 65962 5 of the Government Code and has submitted a signed statement indicating whether the project and any alternatives are located on a site which is included on any such list, and has specified any such list. The Lead Agency has consulted the lists compiled pursuant to Section 65962 5 of the Government Code, and has certified that the development project and any alternatives proposed in this application are not included in these lists of known Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites as compiled by the California Environmental Protection Agency Section 25 Any interested person aggrieved of this decision or by any portion of this decision may appeal to the City Council Pursuant to Section 17 56 070 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, any such appeal must be filed with the City, in writing and with the appropriate appeal fee, no later than fifteen (15) days following November 25, 1997, the date of the Planning Commission final action Section 26 For the foregoing reasons and based on its independent review and evaluation of the information and findings contained in the Initial Study, Staff Reports, minutes, and records of the proceedings, the Planning Commission has determined that the project as conditioned and mitigated will not result in a significant adverse impact on the environment because all of the potential significant adverse environmental impacts have been reduced to an less than significant levels Therefore, the Planning Commission hereby adopts Mitigated Negative Declaration making certain environmental findings in association with Environmental Assessment No 676 for construction of a new 2,065 square foot one story Visitors Center, remedial grading, and improvements to an existing outdoor amphitheater area on the Wayfarers Chapel property located at 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, subject to the mitigation measures contained in the attached Exhibit "A" - Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, which contains conditions and mitigation measures necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare P C Resolution No 97-67 Page 6of7 PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 25th day of November 1997 by the following roll call vote* AYES Commissioners Cartwright, Clark, Slayden, Vice Chairman Whiteneck, and Chairman Vannorsdall. NOES: Commissioner Alberio. ABSTENTIONS None. ABSENT: Commissioner Ng. Donald E Vannorsdall Chairman Carolynn Pelru, AICP Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement; and, Secretary to the Planning Commission N \GROU P\P LAN N I NG\RESOS\PC\RESEA676 PC P C. Resolution No 97- 67 Page 7 of 7 0 Exhibit A 11 Project: Environmental Assessment No. 676/Conditional Use Permit CUP No 185/Vanance No 388/Grading Permit No. 1793 Location: 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 Applicant: Wayfarers Chapel TABLE OF CONTENTS I Introduction ... .... .... I . . ..... 11 Management of the Mitigation Monitoring Program ... ...... Roles and Responsibilities ...... ...... .... Mitigation and Monitoring Program Procedures Mitigation Monitoring Operations ...... ...... ...... III Mitigation Monitoring Program Checklist IV Mitigation Monitoring Summary Table ... 2 3 3 3 4 5 1.1 i�� 0 • I. INTRODUCTION PURPOSE This Mitigation Monitoring Program (MMP), for the construction of a new 2,065 square foot two-story Visitors Center to replace a similar structure which was damaged by landslide activity, remedial grading, and improvements to an existing outdoor amphitheater area on the Wayfarers Chapel property located at 5755 Palos Verdes Drive South, within the boundaries of the Landslide Moratorium Area, in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, responds to Section 21081 6 of the Public Resources Code Section 21081 6 requires a lead or responsible agency that approves or carries out a project where a Mitigated Negative Declaration has identified significant environmental effects, to adopt a "reporting or monitoring program for adopted or required changes to mitigate or avoid significant environmental effects " The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is acting as lead agency for the project. An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared to address the potential environmental impacts of the project. Where appropriate, this environmental document recommended mitigation measures to mitigate or avoid impacts identified Consistent with Section 21080 (2)(c) of the Public Resources Code, a mitigation reporting or monitoring program is required to ensure that the adopted mitigation measures under the jurisdiction of the City are implemented The City will adopt this MMP when adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES This MMP has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA), as amended (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) and the State Guidelines for Implementation of CEQA (CEQA Guidelines), as amended (California Administrative Code Section 15000 et seq ) This MMP complies with the rules, regulations, and procedures adopted by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for implementation of CEQA. MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Section 210816 of the Public Resources Code states "When making the findings required by subdivision (a) of Section 21081 or when adopting a negative declaration pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 21081, the public agency shall adopt a reporting or monitoring program for the changes to the project which it has adopted or made a condition of project approval in order to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment. The reporting or monitoring program shall be designed to ensure compliance during project implementation For those changes which have been required or incorporated into the project at the request of an agency having jurisdiction by law over natural resources affected by the project, that agency shall, if so requested by the lead or responsible agency, prepare and submit a proposed reporting or monitoring program " Page 2 of 6 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The MMP for the project will be in place through all phases of the project including final design, pre -grading, construction, and operation The City will have the primary enforcement role for the mitigation measures. The mitigation monitoring procedures for this MMP consists of, filing requirements, and compliance verification The Mitigation Monitoring Checklist and procedures for its use are outlined below Mitigation Monitoring Program Checklist The MMP Checklist provides a comprehensive list of the required mitigation measures In addition, the Mitigation Monitoring Checklist includes the implementing action when the mitigation measure will occur, the method of verification of compliance; the timing of verification, the department or agency responsible for implementing the mitigation measures; and compliance verification Section III provides the MMP Checklist Mitigation Monitoring Program Files Files shall be established to document and retain the records of this MMP The files shall be established, organized, and retained by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement. Compliance Verification The MMP Checklist shall be signed when compliance of the mitigation measure is met according to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement The compliance verification section of the MMP Checklist shall be signed, for mitigation measures requiring ongoing monitoring, and when the monitoring of a mitigation measure is completed Page 3 of 6 • MITIGATION MONITORING OPERATIONS The following steps shall be followed for implementation, monitoring, and verification of each mitigation measure The City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement shall designate a party responsible for monitoring of the mitigation measures 2 The City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement shall provide to the party responsible for the monitoring of a given mitigation measure, a copy of the MMP Checklist indicating the mitigation measures for which the person is responsible and other pertinent information 3 The party responsible for monitoring shall then verify compliance and sign the Compliance Verification column of the MMP Checklist for the appropriate mitigation measures Mitigation measures shall be implemented as specified by the MMP Checklist. During any project phase, unanticipated circumstances may arise requiring the refinement or addition of mitigation measures The City of Rancho Palos Verdes, Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement with advice from Staff or another City department, is responsible for recommending changes to the mitigation measures, if needed If mitigation measures are refined, the Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement would document the change and shall notify the appropriate design, construction, or operations personnel about refined requirements Page 4 of 6 III. MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM CHECKLIST INTRODUCTION This section provides the MMP Checklist for the project as approved by the Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes on December 12, 1995 Mitigation measures are listed in the order in which they appear in the Initial Study Types of measures are project design, construction, operational, or cumulative Time of Implementation indicates when the measure is to be implemented. Responsible Entity indicates who is responsible for implementation Compliance Verification provides space for future reference and notation that compliance has been monitored, verified, and is consistent with these mitigation measures. N tGROUP\PLANNINGIRESOSIPCIRESEA676 MMP Page 5 of 6 MITIGATION MEASURES TYPE TIME OF RESPONSIBLE COMPLIANCE IMPLEMENTATION ENTITY VERIFICATION ... ........ .. ....... .......................... ....... .......... ............. ..... .. ..... . ... ............. ....... .............. ............. ..... . ............. ...... .... ..... .......... ......... ........... ..... .... �EARTK. ................. ........ ..... .................... ........... .......... ...... . ...... The landowner shall comply with all Project Design Prior to issuance of a Building Applicant recommendations and requirements, if any, of the Construction Permits and during city Division of Building and Safety and the City construction Geologist. . . .... ... . . . . ..... ... ..... ............. ................. . .......... ...... ......... ....... ......... .... .AIR... . .. ... ....................... .... .. ... . .... ....... .. .. ....... ............... .. .. . .......... ......... ............ ...... ............. ........... . ............ ........ ............. . .... .. ............ .... .... ....... .. ....... . ... ....... . . . . . . All mechanical equipment shall be properly tuned Operational I During Construction I Applicant toprevent excessive emissions during construction. ................... . ....... ...... ........ ....... ..... .. . ....................... ................................. W. PLANT:L FE... ...... .. .... .............. ... ..... ... ...... . ................... ............. . ... .. .. .... ... ........... ..... ............. ... ...... .... ...... ..... .......... . .... .. .... . ... ...... . ... ... Any new future landscaping and/or removal of Project Design Ongoing Applicant vegetation shall be consistent with the requirements city of the Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) ........... . . . . . .... .............. .. ........... .. . .......... ......... .... ....................... ......... ........... ........ .. ... ........ . . The hours of construction shall be limited to 7,00 Construction During construction Applicant a.m to 7.00 p.m , Monday through Saturday No city construction shall be permitted on Sunday or on legal holidays. .... . . .... It:II'HI Aklj' LACRE ............. .... ........ . ... ... . .. ............... .. .... ...... ...... Vegetative screening shall be installed on the Project Design During Construction and Applicant western side of the Visitors Center to filter reflective Ongoing city sunlight, subject to review and approval by the Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement. All exterior lighting shall be turned off within 1/2 Operational Ongoing Applicant hour after the close of business of following a special event 0 Page 6 of 6