PC RES 1999-042P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 99- 42
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT NO. 208 TO ALLOW THE SALES OF NON -AUTOMOTIVE
ITEMS WITHIN THE 407 SQUARE FOOT CASHIER AREA OF THE
EXISTING CAR WASH BUILDING, LOCATED AT 27774
HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD.
WHEREAS, on October 11, 1999, the applicant, Mr Shiraz Govani submitted an
application for Conditional Use Permit No. 208 to allow the sales of non -automotive
items such as: greeting cards, pre-packaged foods, toys, sunglasses, cigarettes, ice
cream, sodas, and an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) within the 407 square foot
cashier area of the existing car wash building of the subject property located at 27774
Hawthorne Boulevard, and,
WHEREAS, on October 29, 1999 the application was deemed complete; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the California Quality Act, Public
Resource Code Section 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 65962.5(f) (Hazardous Waste and
Substances Statement), Staff found no evidence that the proposed project would have a
significant effect on the environment as the site is not listed on the California
Environmental Protection Agency's List of Hazardous Waste and Substance Sites and
there is no evidence that there is contamination on the site and, therefore the proposed
project has been found to be categorically exempt (Class 1, Section 15302 (b)), and,
WHEREAS, after notices issued pursuant to the requirements of Rancho Palos
Verdes Development Code, Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on
November 23, 1999, at which 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: The subject site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the
proposed use since no portions of the existing building footprint will expand, and the
proposed use will occupy only the 407 square foot cashier area that is located within the
existing car wash building. Further, because the applicant is adding new net leasable
area, the applicant will provide two new parking spaces which consists of: 1) a standard
parallel parking space; and 2) a disabled parking/loading space for the customers. The
on-site traffic circulation will not adversely impact the customer accessibility since the
two new parking spaces will be located away from the vacuum lines and fuel
dispensers.
Section 2: In approving the service station improvements in 1998, the
Planning Commission determined that the site is able to adequately accommodate the
traffic generated by the existing use. This determination was reiterated during the
subject site's recent 6 -month review, as no traffic accessibility issues were identified.
The proposed use will not generate any substantial new traffic since the proposed use
is ancillary to the car wash function, as it is intended to provide primarily snacks and
sundry items to the car wash customers Furthermore, there will be no placement of
any signs or banners advertising the sales of pre-packaged goods or ATM Also, the
cashier area will close the same time as the car wash facility.
Section 3: The proposed use will not have a significant adverse effect on the
adjacent properties since the non -automotive items will be located within the existing
car wash building, the operation will close at the same time as the car wash facility, and
the use will alter the existing physical appearance of the subject site. The applicant will
also install a new 18" x 18" safety cashier box at the existing western window for those
patrons purchasing gas after the closure of the cashier area wishing to pay in person
rather than at the gas pumps
Section 4: The proposed project is not contrary to the General Plan since the
project consists of improvements that are routinely permitted in commercial zones,
provided that the improvements comply with the provisions set forth in the Development
Code. Since the General Plan does not identify goals and objectives that prohibits the
sales of non -automotive items, the granting of the Conditional Use Permit is not contrary
to the City's General Plan.
Section 5: The underlying zoning of the lot is RM -8 (Residential Multiple
Family). However, since the site was developed in 1971, prior to the City's
incorporation, an approved Conditional Use Permit does not exist for the current use.
Since the lot is in the automotive service station overlay control district (OC -4), the use
is considered a legal conforming use, regardless of the base zoning district or whether a
conditional use permit has been approved for the use. Also, the proposed project
complies with all the applicable findings that pertain to the sales of non -automotive
items within the Automotive Overlay section under "convenience store" Since the
proposed use will not significantly intensify the existing use or alter the physical
appearance of the subject site, the applicant would not be required to bring the site into
conformance with the current development standards.
P.C. Resolution No. 99-42
Page 2 of 4
Section 6:, The applicants conduct the current operation in an orderly and
efficient manner in accordance to the conditions of approval that were placed on the
subject site from the previous project (Site Plan Review No. 8311, Grading Permit
No.2048, and Sign Permit No 961 Revision "A"). The current conditions regarding
lighting,vehicular ingress and egress, noise, landscaping on the slope, structure
setback, and signs are fully applicable to this ancillary use to protect the health, safety,
and general welfare of the residents In addition, Staff has drafted additional conditions
of approval for this particular project to ensure that the use remains ancillary to the
primary car wash use and to further protect the health, safety and welfare of the
community
Section 7: The proposed project will not contribute to any undesirable
proliferation of convenience store uses and will respect the visual character of the site
since the items will be allowed only within the existing 407 square foot enclosed cashier
area, during the car wash operation hours and this is not a convenience store Also, the
proposed use will not be visible from outside the building due to the tinted windows.
Section 8: There are no places of worship, schools, parks, recreation centers
or playgrounds located within a 2700' foot radius of the project site Further, the
proposed project will be designed in such a manner as to minimize noise disturbance
and congestion since the hours of operation for the cashier area will be same as the car
wash facility, and there will be no placement of any signs or banners advertising the
non -automotive items or the Automated Teller Machine (ATM).
Section 9: The proposed use will comply with the development applicable
guidelines for the ancillary sales of items of the City's Municipal Code, if the Conditional
Use Permit is granted. Since the proposal does comply with all other Code
requirements, and the findings related to the Conditional Use Permit can be made, the
proposed project complies with the intent of this finding. Furthermore, the proposed
parking spaces will be required to comply with the dimensions and specifications of the
Uniform Building Codes, and be reviewed, inspected and approved by the Building and
Safety Division.
Section 10: Any interested person may appeal this decision or any portion of
this decision to the City Council. Pursuant to Section 17 02.040(C)(1)(j) 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 the date of
the Planning Commission's final action.
Section 11: For the foregoing reasons based on the information and findings
included in the Staff Report, Minutes and other record of proceeding, the Planning
Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby approves Conditional Use
P C Resolution No 99-42
Page 3 of 4
•
Permit No. 208 to allow the sales of non-automotive items within the 407 square foot
cashier area of the existing car wash building, for the property at 27774 Hawthorne
Boulevard, subject to conditions contained in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and made a
part hereof, which are necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare in the
area.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of November 1999, by
the following vote:
AYES: Cartwright, Clark, Lyon, and Slayden
NOES: Paris
ABSENTATION:
ABSENT: Alberio, and Vannorsd-
Jon S. Cartwrig
Chairman
Joel R. as, A l •
Direct. of 'Tannin. = ilding
and Co. - 'nforce = t; and
Secretary to the Planning Commission
P.C. Resolution No. 99-42
Page 4 of 4
EXHIBIT "A"
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 208
GENERAL
Prior to the installation of the non -automotive items, the applicant shall
submit a statement to the City, in writing, that they have read, understand
and agree to all the conditions of approval contained in this resolution
Failure to provide said written statement within ninety (90) days of
approval shall render this approval null and void
2 The approval shall become null and void after 180 days from the date of
approval
3 The Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement is authorized to
make minor modifications to the approved plans or any of the conditions if
such modifications achieve substantially the same results as would strict
compliance with said plans and conditions
4 The abandonment or non-use of this approval after a period of six months
shall terminate the approval and any privileges granted hereunder shall
become null and void
5 The Conditional Use Permit shall be reviewed by the Planning
Commission six (6) months from the installation of the non -automotive
items, to review the applicant's compliance with the conditions of approval
At that time, the Planning Commission may add, delete, or modify the
conditions of approval as deemed necessary and appropriate Notice of
said review hearing shall be published and provided to owners of property
within a 500' radius, to persons requesting notice, to all affected
homeowners associations, and to the property owner in accordance with
Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code Section 17 80 090 At that time,
the Planning Commission may add, delete, or modify the conditions of
approval as deemed necessary and appropriate
6 As part of the six (6) month review, the Planning Commission shall
consider the hours of operation and the adequacy of the parking for the
cashier area, and if necessary impose more restrictive standards, to
ensure that any impacts resulting from the hours of operation are
eliminated or reduced
7 During construction, the 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
Exhibit "A"- Con000ns of Approval •
November 23, 1999
Page 2
limited to the accumulation of debris, garbage, lumber, scrap metal,
concrete, asphalt, piles of earth, salvage materials, abandoned or
discarded furniture, appliances or other fixtures
8 In the event that a Planning condition is in conflict with a Building and
Safety requirement, the stricter standard shall apply
9 The project shall be constructed and developed in substantial
conformance with the approved stamped plans, dated October 7, 1999
10 The use of any amplified system on the subject site shall be prohibited at
all times
11 The previous conditions of approval from Site Plan Review No 8311,
Grading Permit No 2048, and Sign Permit No 961 Revision "A" are still
fully applicable to the subject site
SALES OF NON -AUTOMOTIVE ITEMS
12 The sales of non -automotive items shall be limited to the following
greeting cards, pre-packaged food snacks, toys, sunglasses, cigarettes,
ice cream, sodas No household products, heated, cooked or otherwise
prepared snacks, self -serve beverages (hot and cold), and dairy products
shall be sold No other items may be sold without approval of a revision to
this Conditional Use Permit by the Planning Commission
13 There shall be no sales of any alcoholic beverages or lottery tickets on the
subject site
14 The sale and display of non -automotive items shall be located only within
the existing 407 square foot cashier area of the building
15 The applicant shall install a new 18" x 18" safety cashier box to the
existing window on the western side of the car wash building prior to the
commencement of the non -automotive sales
16 One Automated Teller Machine (ATM) may be permitted within the cashier
area
SIGNS
17 There shall be no placement of any signs or banners advertising the sales
of the pre-packaged goods or the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) on the
subject site
Exhibit "A"- Con ns of Approval
November 23, 1999
Page 3
18 No signs are permitted with this approval
PARKING
19 A total of two new parking spaces shall be provided on the subject site
which consist of- 1) a 9'x 26' standard parallel parking stall, and 2) a 17'x
20' disabled parking/loading stall The standard parallel parking space will
abut the western side of the car wash building, and the disabled
parking/loading space shall be located in front of the covered patio area
The parking stalls must comply with the dimensions and specifications of
the Uniform Building Code
HOURS OF OPERATION
20 The hours of operation for the cashier area (same as the existing car wash
facility) shall be limited from
Monday — Sunday- 8 00 a m to 6 00 p m
21 The hours of operation for gasoline sales, including a service station
attendance within the cashier area to operate the new cashier safety box
shall be limited as follows
Monday — Thursday 6 00 a m to 10 00 p m
Friday— Sunday 6 00 a m toll 00 p m
Any increases to the hours of operation shall require review and approval
of a Conditional Use Permit.
22 With exception of the delivery of gasoline, no deliveries are permitted to
the site between the hours of 9 00 p m to 6.00 a m