PC RES 2000-016P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2000-16
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING HEIGHT VARIATION NO. 8981
GRADING PERMIT NO. 2150, MINOR EXCEPTION PERMIT NO. 557, AND
COASTAL PERMIT NO. 160 FOR A NEW TWO-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE WITH ATTACHED GARAGE MEASURING A TOTAL OF
10,082 SQUARE FEET AND 680 SQUARE FOOT DETACHED POOL
HOUSE. THE HEIGHT IS 22 -FEET AS MEASURED FROM THE HIGHEST
PRE -CONSTRUCTION (EXISTING) GRADE TO BE COVERED BY THE
STRUCTURE TO RIDGE, AND AN OVERALL HEIGHT OF 25'11".
OVERALL GRADING OF 1,210 CUBIC YARDS IS ALLOWED TO
ACCOMMODATE THE STRUCTURE; AND A 6 -FOOT HIGH
COMBINATION WROUGHT IRON FENCE WITH PILASTERS IS ALSO
APPROVED WITHIN THE FRONT YARD AREA. THE NEW TWO-STORY
RESIDENCE AND IMPROVEMENTS ARE APPROVED ON A VACANT
PARCEL LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF PALOS VERDES
DRIVE WEST AND MARGUERITE DRIVE (APN 7582-001-006), WHICH IS
LOCATED WITHIN THE NON -APPEALABLE PORTION OF THE CITY'S
COASTAL ZONE.
WHEREAS, on November 5, 1999, the applicant, Douglas Leach, representing
property owner Mr. Max Ganezer, submitted Height Variation No 898, Grading Permit No.
2150 and Coastal Permit No 160, requesting approval for the construction of a new two-
story residential structure measuring 11,549 square feet, up to an overall height of 26 -feet
and a 680 square foot detached pool house measuring 12 -feet in height, with 1,210 cubic
yards of grading for property located at the southwest corner of Palos Verdes Drive West
and Marguerite Drive (APN 7582-001-006), and,
WHEREAS, on December 3, 1999, the applications were deemed incomplete
pending the submittal of additional information; and,
WHEREAS, on January 21, 2000, the applications were augmented with the
submittal of Minor Exception Permit No. 557 for the proposed 6 -foot high combination
pilasters with wrought iron fencing within the front yard area Further, the size of the
structure was reduced to 10,082 square feet; and,
WHEREAS, on February 18, 2000, the applications were deemed incomplete
pending the submittal of additional information; and,
WHEREAS, upon submittal of the necessary information, and the verification of the
temporary frame silhouette, Staff deemed the applications generally complete for
processing on May 1, 2000, 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 65962.5(f) (Hazardous Waste and Substances
Statement), Staff found no evidence that Height Variation No. 898, Grading Permit No.
2150, Minor Exception Permit No 557 and Coastal Permit No. 160 would have a significant
effect on the environment and, therefore, the proposed project has been found to be
categorically exempt under Class 3 (Section 15303) since the project involves the
construction of one new single-family residential structure; and,
WHEREAS, after notice issued pursuant to the requirements of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Development Code, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing
on June 13, 2000, 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: The applicant has complied with the Early Neighborhood Consultation
process established by the City by obtaining acknowledgement signatures from 44% of the
property owners within 500 -feet and signatures from 100% of the property owners within
100 -feet of the subject property who have reviewed the plans, and,
Section 2: The proposed two-story single-family residence does not significantly
impair a view from public property which has been identified in the City's General Plan or
Coastal Specific Plan as a City -designated viewing area because the views from Palos
Verdes Drive West are within the building envelope of the subject property, which would
be obstructed by a one-story 16 -foot high structure. Further, there are no other such public
areas that overlook the subject property; and,
Section 3: The proposed two-story structure is not located on a ridge and
promontory, as evidenced by the topography around the subject parcel, which does not
slope down from the subject parcel, nor is it located on a mass of land that projects onto
a lowland; and,
Section 4: The proposed two-story structure, when considered exclusive of
foliage, will not significantly impair a view from the viewing area of another parcel. The
parcels on the inland side of Palos Verdes Drive West are at a higher elevation than the
subject property Although the structure will project into a portion of the ocean view, the
parcels enjoy nearly 180 -degree views and a majority of the ocean view, Santa Monica and
Malibu areas, and the view of Santa Catalina Island will be maintained; and,
Section 5: There is no significant cumulative view impairment caused by granting
the application since there are only two parcels in the vicinity, and this is the last
developable vacant property. As concluded above, there will be no significant view
impairment, and Staff has determined that there will be no significant cumulative view
P C Resolution No. 2000-16
Page 2
impairment to the properties on the inland side of Palos Verdes Drive West due to the
topography of the area, and,
Section 6: The proposed two-story structure is designed and situated in such a
manner as to minimize view impairment. It has been determined that no significant view
impairment results from the proposed two-story structure since the majority of the nearly
180 -degree views are maintained, including the ocean, the horizon line which is not broken
by the new residential structure, and the structure does not impair the view of Santa
Catalina Island, and,
Section 7: The proposed structure complies with all other Code requirements in
that all the development standards of the RS -1 district are met and the minimum setback
requirements are exceeded Further, the proposal complies with the performance criteria
of the Natural Overlay Control District (OC -1) However, although the proposal will result
in approximately 13.5% of the land surface to be covered and/or altered (excluding the
main structure and access), the proposal does not deviate from nor effect the District's
purpose, which is to maintain and enhance land and marine -based wildlife and vegetation;
and enhance watershed management, control storm drainage and erosion, and control the
water quality of both urban runoff and natural water bodies Thus, the intent of the OC -1
district is not compromised since there is no natural habitat or vegetation on the site; and,
Section 8: The proposed structure is compatible with the immediate
neighborhood character, and is consistent with the mix of one-story, two-story and split-
level two-story homes in the neighborhood since there are other such residences. Further,
the architectural style and roofing material will be consistent with other homes in the
neighborhood. Furthermore, the structure contains articulated fagades, and is located 39 -
feet from the Palos Verdes Drive West right-of-way with the second -story setback 48 -feet
from said right-of-way, which reduces the appearance of bulk and mass. Lastly, the
ridgeline elevation will be the same as the ridgeline elevation as the adjacent property to
the south; and,
Section 9: The proposed structure does not create an unreasonable infringement
on the privacy of the occupants of abutting residences because the new structure will be
sufficiently setback from the south (rear) and west (side) property lines, and the adjacent
properties to the south and west are also sufficiently setback from the adjoining property
lines Further, the structure will be oriented such that there is no direct observation onto
the adjacent properties, and,
Section 10: The total amount of earthwork will not exceed what is necessary for the
permitted primary use of the lot since the grading activity will be conducted for the
residence and the accessory structures and uses, and,
Section 11: The proposed grading and the related construction will not significantly
impair the views from neighboring properties as found in the Height Variation. Further, the
P.C. Resolution No 2000-16
Page 3
proposed grading will not raise the pad elevation of the subject property, and the related
construction will not result in significant view impairment section above, and,
Section 12: The proposed grading is to accommodate the residential structure and
related accessory structures and uses, and the proposal minimizes disturbance to the
natural contours of the parcel, which contains a large building pad area, and,
Section 13: The proposed grading will not result in man-made or manufactured
slopes that are not conducive to the development of the parcel; and,
Section 14: The height of cut is not excessive and does not effect height
measurement nor the height of the structure. Further, there will be no grading on slopes
equal to or greater than 35%. Thus, the proposed grading activity complies with the
applicable Development Code grading standards; and,
Section 15: The requested minor exception permit to allow the construction of 6 -
foot high pilasters with wrought iron fencing within the front yard area is warranted in order
to maintain consistency with the general intent of the City's residential zoning districts and
with the area, and,
Section 16: The Coastal Permit is justified since the project will not affect nor be
inconsistent with the intent of the City's Coastal Specific Plan since the project will not alter
the existing land use pattern nor affect access to the coastal areas. The subject property
is not located between the sea and the first public road, and is in a non -appealable area
of the Coastal Specific Plan.
Section 17: 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 18: 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 Height Variation No. 898,
Grading Permit No. 2150, Minor Exception Permit No 557, and Coastal Permit No. 160 for
a new two-story residential structure measuring 10,082 square feet, at a height of 22 -feet,
as measured from the highest existing pad elevation covered by the structure and an
overall height of 26 -feet; 1,210 cubic yards of grading; a 6 -foot high wrought iron fence with
pilasters within the front yard area, subject to the conditions contained in Exhibit W.
P.0 Resolution No 2000-16
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PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 13th day of June 2000, by the following vote:
AYES Cartwright, Long, Lyon, Mueller, Paulson
NOES None
ABSTENTIONS: None
ABSENT: Clark, Vannorsdall
J41 Rjas, AICP
Dikectgt of Planning, B)i Iding and
Coble,f-riforcement; and, Secretary
to the Planning Commission
Frank Lyon,:01'
Planning Commission Chairman
I
P C. Resolution No 2000-16
Page —5
EXHIBIT W
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
HEIGHT VARIATION NO. 898,
GRADING PERMIT NO. 2150,
MINOR EXCEPTION PERMIT NO. 557
and
COASTAL PERMIT NO. 160
General
Prior to the submittal of plans into Building and Safety plan check, the applicant
and/or property owner shall submit to the City a statement, in writing, that they have
read, understand and agree to all conditions of approval contained in this approval
Failure to provide said written statement within ninety (90) days following the date
of this approval shall render this approval null and void
2 The approval shall become null and void after one year from the date of Planning
Commission approval, unless the approved plans are submitted to the Building and
Safety Division to initiate the "plan check" review process
3 The following minimum setbacks shall be maintained:
• Front yard. 20'-0" minimum (proposed: 41 -feet)
= Side yard. 5'-0" minimum (proposed: 35 -feet)
• Street Side yard: 10'-0" minimum (proposed: 39 -feet)
• Rear yard* 15'-0" minimum (proposed: 103 -feet)
4. Since the subject property is located within the Natural Overlay Control District (OC -
1), the project will be subject to the performance criteria contained in Section
17.40.040.0 of the City's Development Code However, the exception is to the 10%
limit on the covering and/or altering of the total land area (excluding main structure
and access) Not inclusive of conditions 5 and 6 below, the proposal is limited to
13.5% of the land surface to be covered and/or altered by the pool house and pool,
sports court, and concrete decking throughout the site.
5. Due to the RS -1 zoning of the subject property, a maximum lot coverage for the
entire property of 25% is allowed on the lot (proposed: 23 7%). Lot coverage of the
entire property shall include the building footprint, driveway, accessory structure
footprint, covered patios and trellises, decks greater than 30 -inches in height, and
courtyard areas.
6. A maximum of fifty (50%) percent lot coverage shall be allowed within the required
20 -foot front yard setback area Lot coverage in the front yard setback shall include
driveways, paved walkways and parking areas.
Exhibit "A"
P.C. Resolution No. 2000 -16
Page 1
7. The maximum height of the pool house shall not exceed an overall height of 12 -feet.
8. In the event that a Planning requirement and a Building & Safety requirement are
in conflict with one another, the stricter standard shall apply.
9 All work, construction, repairs, etc., in the public right-of-way shall require separate
Public Works approval.
10. The hours of construction shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through
Saturday. No construction shall be permitted on Sundays or on legal holidays.
11 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, salvage materials,
abandoned or discarded furniture, appliances or other household fixtures.
12. The maximum eave projection allowed into the required setback areas shall not
exceed 6 -inches for each 1 -foot of required setback.
13. The property shall be temporarily enclosed with a six (6'-0") foot high chain-link
fence during the length of construction of the residential structure.
14 Construction of the project shall substantially conform to the plans stamped as
approved by the Planning Department with the effective date of this approval
15. 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 shall achieve substantially the same results as would strict compliance
with said plans and conditions. All other revisions will require review and approval
by the Planning Commission
Height Variation:
16. The height of the structure is limited to 22 -feet in height, or a maximum ridgeline
elevation of 281.00', as measured from the highest pad elevation to be covered by
the structure. The highest existing (preconstruction) pad elevation is elevation
259 00', located near the southern area of the garage, as illustrated on the approved
project plans Further, the height of the structure shall not exceed an overall height
of 25'11 ", as a measured from the lowest finished grade to top of ridgeline. The
lowest finished grade is located adjacent to the new living room at the south
elevation. MAXIMUM RIDGELINE ELEVATION IS 281.00'. RIDGE HEIGHT
CERTIFICATION REQUIRED.
Exhibit "A"
P.C. Resolution No. 2000 -16
Page 2
17 The proposed structure size of the residence approved with this permit is 10,087
square feet, which includes the attached 845 square foot three -car garage, a 5,067
square foot first story, and a 4,170 square foot second story. Further, a 680 square
foot detached pool house is allowed
18. The sports court shall not contain exterior lighting.
19 The pool and spa shall maintain a minimum 3 -foot setback from the interior side and
rear property lines
20 A minimum 5 -foot high, maximum 6 -foot high, fence with self -latching, self-closing
gate is required to comply with the pool fencing requirement.
21 At a minimum, the residence shall maintain a 3 -car garage, measuring a minimum
of 27 -feet wide by 20 -feet deep, and maintain a minimum vertical clearance of 7 -
feet.
22. Any future additions, conversions and modifications shall require separate Planning
Department review and approval
23 Grading shall be limited to 1,210 cubic yards of earth movement. Specifically, 925
cubic yards of cut and 285 cubic yards of fill are permitted.
24. All earth material shall be exported in a manner consistent with the standards
established by the Building and Safety Division, and the Public Works Department.
25 Prior to issuance of Grading Permits, the landowner shall submit a plan for hauling
routes and a hauling schedule for review and approval by the Director of Public
Works. All hauling trucks shall be covered so that no soil, rocks, or other debris may
escape the truck during transport.
26. A dump deposit receipt shall be submitted to the Building and Safety Division for the
exported earth materials prior to final inspection of the project.
Minor Exception Permit:
27. The Minor Exception Permit allows for a 6 -foot high wrought iron fencing with
pilasters within the front yard area, between the front property line and the new
structure Further, a 6 -foot high wrought iron fence is approved within the street
side yard area that will be located perpendicular to the existing fencing along the
street side property line and connect to the new structure
Exhibit "A"
P.G. Resolution No. 2000 -16
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