PC RES 2003-018RESOLUTION NO.2003-19
A RESOLUTION .OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING CASE NO. ZON2002-00594, A
GRADING PERMIT AND SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR A TOTAL OF 1,305
CUBIC YARDS OF GRADING TO ACCOMMODATE A NEW 7,563
SQUARE FOOT SPLIT-LEVEL, SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE ON AN
UPSLOPE LOT LOCATED AT 4 YELLOW BRICK ROAD (TRACT MAP
NO. 29795, LOT 2) (APN 7546-022-013).
WHEREAS, on November 27, 2002, the applicant Doug Leach, representing
property owner Jessie and Kaycee Ramirez, submitted Case No. ZON2002-00594, a
Grading Permit and Site Plan Review application for 1,651 cubic yards of grading to
accommodate a new 7,738 square foot residence on a vacant flag -lot, and,
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2002, the applications were deemed incomplete by
Staff, and,
WHEREAS, after submittal of the required information, approval of the geotechnical
report, reducing the building size to 7,563 square feet, and reducing the grading quantity to
1,305 cubic yards, the applications were deemed complete on April 24, 2003, 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 Case No ZON2002-00594 would have a
significant effect on the environment and, therefore, the proposed project has been found to
be categorically exempt under Class 3 (New Construction) since the project involves a new
residence on a legally established lot; 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
May 13, 2003, 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
Sectionl: The proposed grading does not exceed that which is necessary for the
permitted primary use of the lot. The majority of the grading is to accommodate the
construction of a new single-family residence and related vehicular access and site
improvements on a vacant lot Since the grading is being conducted for the primary use of
the lot, the proposed grading is considered necessary and not excessive
N t
Section 2: The grading and related construction will not significantly adversely
affect the visual relationships nor the views from neighboring properties. The new
residence will be constructed within the allowable building envelope of 16'/30' for sloping
lots Further, the properties to the front and sides are not oriented towards the subject
property, while the property to the rear is at a higher elevation where the new residence will
not project into the views from said property Furthermore, no grading is being conducted
to raise the elevation at the location of the proposed residence
Section 3: The grading minimizes disturbance to the natural contours since the
majority of the grading is to prepare the site for construction of a new residence and
vehicular access to the structure. Further, the number and height of retaining walls is
limited to the number and height allowed by the City's Development Code.
Section 4: The grading takes into account the preservation of natural topographic
features since the residence will be concentrated toward the middle of the site, and the rear
25% of the lot will not be altered since there is a "Grading/Construction Restriction" area.
Further, outside of the building footprint, the natural contours are preserved, especially
along the side of the structure, except for minor alterations to accommodate walkways,
entryways, and small yard areas that are typical of residential development.
Section 5: The proposed residence is compatible with the immediate
neighborhood character, and is consistent with the mix of homes in the neighborhood.
Although there is no governing architectural style, the roofing and building materials, the
roof pitch and apparent bulk and mass will be consistent with features found in the
immediate neighborhood Furthermore, although the new residence will be the largest
structure in the immediate neighborhood, the new residence will not be visible from public
and private rights-of-way since the residence will be carved into the hillside so that the
structure integrates into the hillside.
Section 6: The grading application is consistent with the purpose and intent of the
Section 17.76.040.A, since it provides for the reasonable development of the parcel with a
residential structure, and conforms with the standards for grading on slopes, height of cut
and fill, and height and number of retaining walls
Section 7: 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 Case No ZON2002-
00594 for a Grading Permit and Site Plan Review application, thereby allowing 1,305 cubic
yards of grading to accommodate the construction of a new split-level residence on a
vacant upslope lot, subject to the conditions contained in Exhibit 'Wattached hereto and
made a part hereof, which are necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
Section 8: Any interested person aggrieved by this decision or by any portion of
this decision may appeal to the City Council Pursuant to Section 17 80 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 May 28, 2003.
P C Resolution No. 2003-18
Page 2
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 13th day of May 2003, by the following vote.
AYES: Cartwright, Cot6, Long, Lyon, Mueller, Tomblin
NOES None
ABSTENTIONS None
ABSENT Duran Reed
Joel Rojas, AICP
Director of Planning, Building and
Code Enforcement; and, Secretary
to the Planning Commission
Thomas Long
Planning Commission Chair/an
P C Resolution No 2003-18
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Exhibit "A"
Conditions of Approval
Case No. ZON2002-00594
(Grading Permit & Site Plan Review)
1. 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 becomes null and void after one year from the date of approval
unless the approved plans are submitted to the Building and Safety Division to initiate
the "plan check" review process
3. Approval is for a maximum of 1,305 cubic yards of grading. Specifically, 969 cubic
yards of cut, of which 851 cubic yards is under the budding footprint and 118 cubic
yards is outside the building footprint; and 336 cubic yards of fill, of which 61 cubic
yards is under the building footprint and 275 cubic yards is outside the building footprint
The total amount of export shall not exceed 633 cubic yards If the amount of grading
exceeds the above-mentioned quantities, additional Planning Department approval shall
be required.
4. The following minimum setbacks shall be maintained.
• Front yard: 20'-0" minimum for detached garage (proposed. 20'-0")
Front yard 52'-0" minimum for residential structure (proposed 52'-0")
• Side yard: 10'-0" minimum (proposed: 10 03' west / 10.19' east)
® Rear yard: 20'-0" minimum (proposed. 44.15')
SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL, SIDE YARD
SETBACK CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED BY A LICENSED LAND SURVEYOR OR
ENGINEER PRIOR TO THE POURING OF FOOTINGS.
5. The maximum up-slope height of the structure shall not exceed 11.5 -feet, or a ridge
elevation of 585 4', as measured from the highest preconstruction grade elevation
covered by structure, which is 573.9' located at the southwest corner of the new
structure. Further, the maximum overall down-slope height shall not exceed 30 -feet in
height, as measured from the highest ridgeline of the structure to the lowest finish grade
elevation covered by the structure, which is proposed as 555.4' located along north
elevation (entry) of the garage. SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE
BUILDING OFFICIAL, A RIDGE HEIGHT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED BY A
LICENSED LAND SURVEYOR OR ENGINEER PRIOR TO INSTALLATION OF ROOF
MATERIALS.
P.C. Resolution No. 2003-18
Page 4
Bey
6 The maximum structure size of the residence, including the attached and detached
garages, shall be limited to a total area of 7,563 square feet Specifically, an upper
level area of 3,358 square feet; a lower level habitable area of 3,137 square feet; an
attached two car garage of 521 square feet; and a detached garage and workshop area
of 547 square feet. SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE BUILDING
OFFICIAL, A STRUCTURE SIZE CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED BY A LICENSED
SURVEYOR, ENGINEER OR ARCHITECT IMMEDIATELY AFTER FRAMING OF
STRUCTURE.
7 A minimum of three enclosed parking spaces shall be provided and maintained on the
subject property, with each space being individually accessed and each maintaining a
minimum unobstructed dimension of 9 -feet -wide by 20 -feet -deep by 7 -feet -vertical
clearance
8. The detached garage/workshop structure shall maintain a maximum height o€12 -feet
9 The one of the two garage doors on the north fagade of the garage/workshop shall be
set back 2 -feet from the adjacent door.
10 The proposed depth of cut shall not exceed 13 -feet under the building footprint.
However, the building footprint shall maintain a minimum 8 -foot step
11. No improvements, grading or structures are allowed within any recorded easement
without written approval and consent of the easement holder Further, no
improvements, grading or structures are permitted within the "Grading/Construction
Restriction" area on the property.
12. The maximum driveway slope shall be limited to 20%
13 The minimum driveway width shall be 10 -feet
14 Any guard rail that is placed along the driveway to comply with Building Code
requirements shall be placed a minimum of 3 -feet from the retaining wall
15 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
16 Prior to issuance of Grading Permits, grading plans shall be submitted to the City
Geologist that illustrate the location of the private roadway located on the neighboring
lot that is upslope of the subject property. Further, the City Geologist shall consider the
location of said private roadway and the effects the proposed project may have on the
roadway to ensure that problems to the roadway do not occur.
P C Resolution No 2003-18
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17 The location and construction of the septic tank and system shall be subject to review
and approval by the Building Division.
1.8. The septic system shall maintain a minimum setback of 10 -feet from the front property
line.
19. Construction of the project shall substantially conform to the plans stamped as
approved by the Planning Department with the effective date of this approval
20. Due to the subject property's location in the RS -2 zoning district, a maximum of forty
(40%) percent lot coverage shall be allowed on the lot (proposed- 39%)
21. In the event that a Planning requirement and a Building & Safety requirement are in
conflict with one another, the stricter standard shall apply
22. All necessary permits required by the Public Works Department shall be obtained for all
work including but not limited to the driveway approach, portion of the driveway, etc.
that encroach into the public right-of-way
23 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
24 The construction site and all adjacent private and public property 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.
25. The maximum eave projection allowed into the required setback areas shall not exceed
6 -inches for each 1 -foot of required setback.
26 The construction site shall be temporarily enclosed with a six (6-0") foot high chain-link
fence during the length of construction of the residential structure.
27. 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
P.0 Resolution No. 2003-18
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