PC RES 2016-001 P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2016-1
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CONDITIONALLY APPROVING A
REVISION TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 23, A GRADING
PERMIT AND A MINOR EXCEPTION PERMIT TO CONSTRUCT A
NEW SPLIT-STORY (16'/30' HEIGHT ENVELOPE), 7,710FT2
RESIDENCE (2,986FT2 FIRST FLOOR, 2,768FT2 SECOND FLOOR
AND 1,151FT2 BASEMENT AND 805FT2 ATTACHED GARAGE), A
48FT2 TRELLIS WITH A 13'-2" TALL PRIVACY WALL, AN 85.65FT2
TRELLIS WITH A 14'-6" TALL PRIVACY WALL, A SWIMMING POOL,
1,937YD3 OF RELATED GRADING, RETAINING WALLS UP TO 10.5'
IN HEIGHT, AS WELL AS A 6' TALL FENCE AND ENTRY GATE
ALONG THE FRONT PROPERTY LINE. THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF
THE RESIDENCE SHALL BE 9.5' TALL, AS MEASURED FROM
HIGHEST POINT OF EXISTING GRADE (877.5') COVERED BY THE
STRUCTURE TO THE HIGHEST PROPOSED RIDGELINE (887'), AND
AN OVERALL HEIGHT OF 30' AS MEASURED FROM THE LOWEST
FINISHED GRADE (857') ADJACENT TO THE STRUCTURE TO THE
HIGHEST PROPOSED RIDGELINE (887').
WHEREAS, on July 12, 1977, the Planning Commission approved Conditional Use
Permit No. 23, establishing a residential planned development (RPD) comprising of Tract Nos.
32574, 32991 and 34834; and,
WHEREAS, on September 9, 1986, the Planning Commission adopted the Seacliff Hills
Development Guidelines in recognition of the need for greater sensitivity and design flexibility in
the construction of these custom homes. The Guidelines were supplemented on August 23,
1989; and,
WHEREAS, on May 7, 2013, an application for a CUP revision and grading permit was
submitted for the vacant property located at 2935 Vista Del Mar; and,
WHEREAS, after various resubmittals and reviews by Staff, the property was sold in
June 2015; and,
WHEREAS, on July 23, 2015, a new application for a CUP revision and grading permit
was submitted for the vacant property located at 2935 Vista Del Mar; and,
WHEREAS, on October 20, 2015, an application was submitted for a Minor Exception
Permit to allow a 6' fence and gate (80% open to light and air) within the front setback was
submitted; and,
WHEREAS, after various resubmittals and reviews by Staff, the project was deemed
complete on November 16, 2015; and,
WHEREAS, a public notice was published on November 19, 2015, pursuant to the
requirements of the Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code; and,
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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 Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et. seq., the City's Local CEQA
Guidelines, and Government Code Section 65962.5(f) (Hazardous Waste and Substances
Statement), the Planning Commission found no evidence that Case No. ZON2013-00174 will
have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, the proposed project has been
found to be Categorically Exempt under Class 3 (Section 15303); 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
December 8, 2015, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard
and present evidence. After hearing a report from Staff, as well as from the applicant and his
architect, and members of the public, the Planning Commission closed the public hearing and
voted 6-0 for a resolution to approve the project with the following modifications: 1) moving the
house 10' to the north-west, 2) adding conditions requiring that the windows on the house be
tinted to reduce glare reflection onto other properties, installing timers and light bulb shields to
each exterior light fixture visible from neighboring properties; and 3) that a reflectivity study be
completed prior to building permit issuance to demonstrate that there is no glare from the
windows which will adversely impact the street and/or driveways of neighboring properties. The
Planning Commission directed Staff to bring back a revised resolution memorializing the
conditional approval of the project on the consent calendar at its January 12, 2016 Planning
Commission meeting.
WHEREAS, the applicant submitted revised plans to include the revisions required by
the Planning Commission and to minimize the impact of the structure on the privacy of the
neighboring property at 2923 Vista Del Mar. The revised plans include 1) moving the house 10'
to the north-west, 2) removing two south-east-facing windows (in the bedroom and bathroom),
and replacing one of the windows with a clerestory window located along the north-east façade,
3) adding a 48ft2 trellis with 13'-2" privacy wall which will shield the neighboring property owner's
outdoor patio and pool area from the view of the required south-east facing bedroom egress
window, and 4) adding a 85.65ft2 trellis with a 14'-6" tall privacy wall.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The proposed project is a request for the following:
A. Conditional Use Permit Revision to allow:
1. A new 7,710ft2 split-level residence with a below-grade basement and an
attached three-car garage consisting of:
a. 2,986ft2 first floor
b. 2,768ft2 second floor
c. 1,151ft2 basement
d. 805ft2 attached garage
e. 48ft2 trellis with a 13'-2" tall privacy wall
f. 85.65ft2 trellis with a 14'-6" tall privacy wall
2. Construction outside of the previously permitted footprint
3. Lot coverage which exceeds the allowed 25% maximum (35.8%) for upslope lots
allowed per the Seacliff Hills Development Guidelines.
4. Grading over the recommended 1,000yd3 maximum per the Seacliff Hills
Development Guidelines.
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B. Grading permit to allow:
1. 1,937yd3 of grading on a vacant lot for a new house and pool/patio area
consisting of:
a. 1,333yd3 of cut for the residence
b. 233yd3 of cut and 73yd3 of fill for the driveway
c. 168yd3 of cut and 130yd3 of fill for an infinity-edge swimming pool and
patio area in the front yard
d. Retaining walls up to 10.5' in height around the residence's front patio
and driveway area.
C. A Minor Exception Permit to allow for a fence and gate up to 6' tall that is at least
80% open to light and air within the front yard setback.
Section 2: Approval of a Conditional Use Permit Revision is warranted because:
A. The site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed use and for all of
the yards, setbacks, walls, fences, landscaping and other features required by this title
or by conditions imposed under this section to integrate said use with those on adjacent
land and within the neighborhood. More specifically, pursuant to CUP 23, this lot was
originally approved for a 4,489ft2 multi-level single-family residence resulting in 18% lot
coverage. While the maximum allowed lot coverage for an upslope lot is 25%, deviations
were granted to seven of the nine existing or approved but not yet constructed
neighboring properties, allowing lot coverage to be exceeded by 3% to 13%. Lot
coverage is calculated differently in the Seacliff Hilltop community than it is elsewhere in
the City, in that in addition to the building footprint and driveway/parking areas, all other
surface improvements are included as lot coverage, as are any unimproved areas that
are disturbed by site grading but not restored to the pre-construction topography. The
proposed 35.8% in lot coverage is due in part to the 20'-wide driveway which is required
by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and in part due to the relocation of the
structure 10' to the west, as conditioned by the Planning Commission, which
necessitated a slight extension of the driveway. The proposed residence is located at the
widest portion of the lot, and would have a similar layout to several of the existing and/or
approved properties on Vista Del Mar, i.e., a large front and rear setback with the
residence located towards the center of the property. The proposed project exceeds the
minimum front, side and rear yard setbacks required per the Seacliff Hills Development
Guidelines, which are similar to several other existing properties on Vista Del Mar.
B. The site for the proposed use relates to streets and highways sufficient to carry the type
and quantity of traffic generated by the subject use. More specifically, the subject
property is served by an existing public street (Vista Del Mar) that serves eleven existing
lots and connects to Palos Verdes Drive East. The proposed project will not alter the
nature of traffic generated by the lot as compared to the originally-approved residence.
C. In approving the subject use at the specific location, there will be no significant adverse
effect on adjacent property or the permitted use thereof. More specifically, the subject
property is located adjacent to developed and vacant residentially-zoned properties.
The subject property was created with the expectation that it would be developed with an
upslope split-level single-family residence and driveway, and although the proposed
residence is not located within the footprint which was approved as part of CUP 23 and
Tract Map No. 32991, the currently proposed footprint is still situated in a manner so as
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to minimize view impacts to the neighboring properties.
In terms of setbacks, it appears that most of the developed properties, as well as the
approved, but not yet constructed properties, were approved with similar side setbacks,
where the structures are built out across the width of the lot, from side setback to side
setback, with the main structures situated towards the center of the lots, approximately
halfway between the front and rear property lines. City records indicate that the
neighboring property at 2923 Vista Del Mar was approved and constructed 10' from the
adjacent (south-east) property line shared with 2909 Vista Del Mar, while the rear of the
structure at 2923 Vista Del Mar abuts the swimming pool area of 2909 Vista Del Mar,
which is essentially the same layout proposed for the 2935 Vista Del Mar property.
Additionally, City records indicate that the property at 2930 Vista Del Mar is developed
with 12'-6" side setbacks, and the property at 2912 Vista Del Mar is developed with a 10'
setback on the west side of the property, and a 20' setback on the east side, which is
similar to the revised setbacks for the project at 2935 Vista Del Mar, which are now 18'
on the south-east side and 10' on the north-west side.
As for privacy, because the currently proposed project is within the 16'/30' building
height envelope and does not require a Height Variation Permit, the Commission is not
required to assess potential privacy impacts caused by the structure. Notwithstanding, a
finding still has been made that the proposed balconies do not create an unreasonable
infringement of privacy of the occupants of the abutting residences, as most of the
proposed balconies extend out from the south-west elevation of the residence and do
not impact the privacy of any neighboring properties, as they look out towards Vista Del
Mar and the ocean, and are also a considerable distance away from the approved,
although not yet constructed residence at 2947 Vista Del Mar. Additionally, the balcony
at the south corner of the residence, which is located closest to the property at 2923
Vista Del Mar, will not cause an unreasonable infringement on the privacy of this
abutting property, as the living area of the abutting residence is already visible from the
existing ground level of the property at 2935 Visa del Mar, and the primary focal point of
the balcony is towards the ocean, away from the subject property.
And lastly, the view impairment to the property at 2909 Vista Del Mar is not significant,
as the proposed residence will mostly impair views of the Trump National Golf Course
(which is not a protected view per the Municipal Code) with only a small portion of ocean
view being impaired. This amount of ocean impairment is not significant, as the majority
of an extensive ocean, Catalina Island and coastline view remain visible.
Based on the aforementioned discussion, the Commission finds that there will be no
significant impacts to neighboring properties, and therefore this finding can be met.
D. The proposed use is not contrary to the General Plan. More specifically, the General
Plan Land Use designation for the subject property is Residential, <1 du/acre. The
development and improvement of single-family residences are among the primary
permitted uses within this land use designation. This is also reflected in Housing Activity
Policy No. 3 of the General Plan (p. 78), which calls upon the City to "[encourage] and
assist in the maintenance and improvement of all existing residential neighborhoods so
as to maintain optimum local standards of housing quality and design."
E. The proposed use complies with all applicable requirements of the overlay control
districts. More specifically, the subject property and all other properties on Vista Del Mar
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are subject to the Natural (OC-1) and Urban Appearance (OC-3) overlay control districts.
The project will not propose any activities that are contrary to the provisions of the OC-1
District. Additionally, the proposed residence will be tucked into the existing slope, with
a height of 9.5' at the back of the structure and 30' at the front (street facing) facade.
Also, Staff has visited the property at 2903 Vista Del Mar and observed that there is no
significant view impairment of the ocean view. Also, the primary view of the property at
2923 Vista Del Mar faces south-west, while the proposed structure at 2935 Vista Del
Mar is located to the north-west. As such, no major views, vistas or viewsheds identified
in the General Plan would be impacted by the proposed project. Therefore, as
conditioned, the project will also be consistent with OC-3 District, thus this finding can be
made.
F. Conditions regarding any of the requirements listed above which the Planning
Commission finds to be necessary to protect the health, safety and general welfare,
have been imposed in the attached Exhibit A.
Section 3: Approval of a Major Grading Permit is warranted because:
A. The grading does not exceed that which is necessary for the permitted primary use of
the lot. The primary use of the subject lot is residential as identified in the City's General
Plan and Zoning map. The proposed grading is to accommodate the development of a
new single-family residence, patio and vehicle access. More specifically, the grading will
allow for the proposed development to be built into the ascending hillside that steps with
the topography of the parcel.
B. The proposed grading and/or related construction does not significantly adversely affect
the visual relationships with, nor the views from the viewing area of neighboring
properties. The proposed grading is for a new residence within the City's permitted
height requirements of 16'/30' for upslope lots. Additionally, the new residence and
garage will be notched into the existing slope, thereby lowering the building footprint.
Also, Staff has visited the primary viewing areas of the properties located at 2903 and
2923 Vista Del Mar, and reviewed the floor plan on file for 2909 Vista Del Mar, and
observed that there is no significant view impairment of the protected views of the
ocean, Catalina Island and coastline from any of these potentially impacted properties.
As a result, the proposed project will not significantly affect views from neighboring
properties.
C. The nature of the grading minimizes disturbance to the natural contours and finished
contours are reasonably natural. The existing "natural" contours of the project site are
largely the result of past grading for the development of the Seacliff Hills neighborhood
and the construction of the existing street by the developer. The grading area has been
minimized, primarily limited to the building footprint, pool/patio area, and driveway, which
will result in very little permanent disturbance to the natural contours outside the
structure, pool/patio area and driveway footprint.
D. The grading takes into account the preservation of natural topographic features and
appearances by means of land sculpturing so as to blend any man-made or
manufactured slope into the natural topography. The existing "natural" contours of the
project site are largely the result of tract grading in the past. There are no significant
natural topographic features that would be disturbed by the proposed grading.
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E. The grading and/or related construction is compatible with the immediate neighborhood
character. More specifically, the immediate neighborhood is comprised of 2- and 3-story
split-level residences, ranging in size from 5,286ft2 to 7,875ft2, with an average structure
size of 6,805ft2. The proposed 7,710ft2, split-level residence (including the garage) will
be tucked into the ascending slope and is within the by-right height envelope of 16'/30'
for an upslope lot. The proposed residence employs a contemporary palette of exterior
materials and finishes: smooth stucco, cut stone, wood, and glass and a flat roof.
Additionally, the Seacliff Hills Development Guidelines specifically identify terraced, flat
roofs as one of the preferred roof designs. The existing homes exhibit a wide range of
contemporary architectural styles and exterior finishes, with no single predominant style.
As such, most architectural styles would blend in with the neighborhood and would not
appear out of character. Furthermore, the style of the proposed residence at 2935 Vista
Del Mar will be very similar to the developed property immediately to the east at 2923
Vista Del Mar. Therefore, the proposed style of the residence not only contributes
positively to the diversity of styles in the immediate neighborhood but is similar to one of
the existing residences in the neighborhood, and is therefore compatible with the
neighborhood.
F. The proposed setbacks and open space are consistent with the existing pattern of
development in the neighborhood.
G. The grading is not for the creation of a new residential tract, as this tract was established
in 1977.
H. The grading utilizes street designs and improvements which serve to minimize grading
alternatives and harmonize with the natural contours and character of the hillside
because no modifications are proposed to streets or other public infrastructure.
I. The grading would not cause excessive and unnecessary disturbance of the natural
landscape or wildlife habitat through removal of vegetation because there are none on
the property.
J. The grading conforms to standards related to maximum finished slopes and driveways.
More specifically, the existing hillside is a result of the original tract grading and to place
improvements within the slope to lower the finished grade elevation helps minimize any
potential for view impairment from the viewing areas of other properties on Vista Del
Mar. Furthermore, similar deviations were granted for neighboring properties with
similar topographical configurations for the development of their sites.
K. A deviation to the code allowing more than one downslope retaining wall up to 10.5' in
height as well as retaining walls up to 9.5' along the upslope side (with walls up to 5' on
the downslope side) of the driveway is warranted as the walls are necessary to
accommodate the proposed residential development, similar to what was allowed for the
development of neighboring topographically comparable properties, while minimizing the
amount of grading required outside of the footprint of the proposed residence and
appurtenant uses on the site. If the project did not include several downslope retaining
walls in the front of the residence as well as along both sides of the driveway, additional
grading would likely be needed, resulting in additional disturbance to the site and
additional lot coverage. Additionally, the grading is required in order for the proposed
driveway to meet Fire Department slope requirements.
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Section 4: Approval of a Minor Exception Permit for a 6' tall fence and gate that is at
least 80% open to light and air within the front yard setback is warranted by unnecessary
hardship regarding safety. There has reportedly been a recent uptick in vandalism on Vista Del
Mar, and the Applicant is required to enclose the pool area per Building & Safety requirements.
Furthermore, other properties on this street have similar fences and gates at the front yard. The
vandalism may be related to the fact that most of the properties have long driveways leading to
the building pad and most of the lots abut vacant open space that is part of the City's Palos
Verdes Nature Preserve. Moreover, the size and configuration of these lots result in a less
visible residence from the street. There are also a few vacant lots on the street, which if not
enclosed, have been illegally utilized by the public for a variety of activities. Furthermore,
constructing a 6' tall fence with an electronic gate along the front property line would be
compatible with the existing improvements along Vista Del Mar. Thus, approval of the Minor
Exception permit for the 6' fence and gate that is at least 80% open to light and air within the
front yard setback is warranted.
Section 5: Any interested person aggrieved by this decision or any portion of this
decision may appeal to the City Council. The appeal shall set forth the grounds for appeal and
any specific action being requested by the appellant. Any appeal letter must be filed within
fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of this decision, or by 5:30 PM on Wednesday, January
27, 2016. A $2,275.00 appeal fee must accompany any appeal letter. If no appeal is filed
timely, the Planning Commission's decision will be final at 5:30 PM on January 27, 2016.
Section 5: For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and findings
included in the Staff Report, the Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
hereby conditionally approves a Conditional Use Permit Revision, Major Grading Permit and
Minor Exception Permit applications for the property located at 2935 Vista Del Mar (Case No.
ZON2013-00174).
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 12th day of January 2016, by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Cruikshank, Emenhiser, Gerstner, James, Leon, Vice Chairman
Tomblin, Chairman Nelson
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
RECUSALS: None
ABSENT: None
VIZZ_____---,
Robert A. Nelson
Chairman
Joel Rojas, - !- "Allilik
Communit I- elopment IPector; and,
Secretary o = Planning Commission
P.C. Resolution No. 2016-1
Page 7 of 12
EXHIBIT "A"
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
CASE NO. ZON2013-00174 (2935 VISTA DEL MAR)
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
1. Prior to the submittal of plans into Building and Safety plan check, the applicant and the
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 Resolution. 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 applicant shall indemnify, protect, defend, and hold harmless, the City, and/or any of
its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies, and instrumentalities
thereof, from any and all claims, demands, lawsuits, writs of mandamus, and other
actions and proceedings (whether legal, equitable, declaratory, administrative or
adjudicatory in nature), and alternative dispute resolutions procedures (including, but not
limited to arbitrations, mediations, and other such procedures) (collectively "Actions"),
brought against the City, and/or any of its officials, officers, employees, agents,
departments, agencies, and instrumentalities thereof, that challenge, attack, or seek to
modify, set aside, void, or annul, the action of, or any permit or approval issued by, the
City and/or any of its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies, and
instrumentalities thereof (including actions approved by the voters of the City), for or
concerning the project.
3. Prior to conducting any work in the public right of way, such as for curb cuts, dumpsters,
temporary improvements and/or permanent improvements, the applicant shall obtain an
encroachment permit from the Director of Public Works.
4. Approval of this permit shall not be construed as a waiver of applicable and appropriate
zoning regulations, or any Federal, State, County and/or City laws and regulations.
Unless otherwise expressly specified, all other requirements of the City of Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code shall apply.
5. The Community Development Director is authorized to make minor modifications to the
approved plans and any of the conditions of approval if such modifications will achieve
substantially the same results as would strict compliance with the approved plans and
conditions. Otherwise, any substantive change to the project shall require approval of a
revision by the final body that approved the original project, which may require new and
separate environmental review.
6. The project development on the site shall conform to the Commission-approved plans
and to the specific standards contained in these conditions of approval or, if not
addressed herein, shall conform to the RS-1 residential development standards and the
OC-1/OC-3 overlay control district performance criteria of the City's Municipal Code and
the Seacliff Hills Development guidelines.
7. Failure to comply with and adhere to all of these conditions of approval may be cause to
revoke the approval of the project pursuant to the revocation procedures contained in
Section 17.86.060 of the City's Municipal Code or administrative citations as described
in Section 1.16 of the City's Municipal Code.
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8. If the applicant has not submitted an application for a building permit for the approved
project or not commenced the approved project as described in Section 17.86.070 of the
City's Municipal Code within one year of the final effective date of this Resolution,
approval of the project shall expire and be of no further effect unless, prior to expiration,
a written request for extension is filed with the Community Development Department and
approved by the Director.
9. In the event that any of these conditions conflict with the recommendations and/or
requirements of another permitting agency or City department, the stricter standard shall
apply.
10. Unless otherwise designated in these conditions, all construction shall be completed in
substantial conformance with the plans stamped APPROVED by the City with the effective
date of this Resolution.
11. This approval is only for the items described within these conditions and identified on the
stamped APPROVED plans and is not an approval of any existing illegal or legal non-
conforming structures on the property, unless the approval of such illegal or legal non-
conforming structure is specifically identified within these conditions or on the stamped
APPROVED plans.
12. The construction site and adjacent public and private properties and streets 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 not be 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.
13. All construction sites shall be maintained in a secure, safe, neat and orderly manner, to
the satisfaction of the City's Building Official. All construction waste and debris resulting
from a construction, alteration or repair project shall be removed on a weekly basis by
the contractor or property owner. Existing or temporary portable bathrooms shall be
provided during construction. Portable bathrooms shall be placed in a location that will
minimize disturbance to the surrounding property owners, to the satisfaction of the City's
Building Official.
14. Permitted hours and days for construction activity are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday
through Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM on Saturday, with no construction activity permitted
on Sundays or on the legal holidays specified in Section 17.96.920 of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Development Code. During demolition, construction and/or grading operations,
trucks shall not park, queue and/or idle at the project site or in the adjoining street rights-
of-way before 7AM Monday through Friday and before 9AM on Saturday, in accordance
with the permitted hours of construction stated in this condition. When feasible to do so,
the construction contractor shall provide staging areas on-site to minimize off-site
transportation of heavy construction equipment. These areas shall be located to
maximize the distance between staging activities and neighboring properties, subject to
approval by the building official.
15. All grading, landscaping and construction activities shall exercise effective dust control
techniques, either through screening and/or watering.
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16. Temporary construction fencing shall be installed prior to commencing construction as
described in Section 17.56.020(c) of the City's Development Code.
17. Unless otherwise designated in these conditions, all construction shall be completed in
substantial conformance with the plans stamped APPROVED by the City with the effective
date of this Resolution.
18. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall demonstrate the project's
compliance with the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 445 and the City
Municipal Code requirements regarding wood-burning devices.
19. All utility lines installed to service the building shall be placed underground from an
existing power pole or other point of connection off-site prior to certificate of occupancy.
PROJECT SPECIFIC CONDITIONS:
20. This approval is for construction of a new 7,710ft2 two-story residence with a below-
grade basement and an attached three-car garage consisting of:
a. 2,986ft2 first floor
b. 2,768ft2 second floor
c. 1,151ft2 basement
d. 805ft2 attached garage
e. 48ft2 trellis with a 13'-2" tall privacy wall
f. 85.65ft2 trellis with a 14'-6" tall privacy wall
BUILDING AREA CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED BY A LICENSED
LAND SURVEYOR OR CIVIL ENGINEER PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT FINAL.
21. Unless modified by the approval of future planning applications, the approved residence
shall maintain the following setbacks:
Front yard setback—Greater than 25' (25' average/20' minimum required)
Interior side yard setbacks— 18' south-east side/ 10 feet north-west side (10' minimum
per side/25' minimum total of both sides required)
Rear yard setback—Greater than 25' (25' average/ 20' minimum)
BUILDING SETBACK CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED BY A
LICENSED LAND SURVEYOR OR CIVIL ENGINEER PRIOR TO FOUNDATION
FORMS INSPECTION.
22. The maximum height of the residence shall be 9.5' tall, as measured from highest point
of existing grade (877.5') covered by the structure to the highest proposed ridgeline
(887'), and an overall height of 30' as measured from the lowest finished grade (857')
adjacent to the structure to the highest proposed ridgeline (887').
BUILDING HEIGHT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED BY A
LICENSED LAND SURVEYOR OR CIVIL ENGINEER PRIOR TO ROOF SHEATHING
INSPECTION.
23. A minimum 3-car garage shall be provided and maintained, and a minimum of three
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unenclosed parking spaces shall be provided and maintained. An enclosed parking
space shall have an unobstructed ground space of no less than 9' in width by 20' in
depth, with a minimum of 7' of vertical clearance over the space. An unenclosed parking
space shall have an unobstructed ground space of no less than 9' in width by 20' in
depth.
24. Unless modified by the approval of future planning applications, the approved project
shall maintain a maximum of 35.8% lot coverage.
25. Driveways shall be a minimum width of 20'. A paved 25' turning radius shall be provided
between the garage or other parking area and the street of access. Driveways shall take
into account the driveway standards required by the department of Public Works for
driveway entrances located in the public right-of-way. Maximum slope of the driveway
shall not exceed 20%.
26. All utility lines installed to service the building shall be placed underground from an
existing power pole or other point of connection off-site prior to certificate of occupancy.
27. Barring any appeals, the silhouette frame shall be removed within seven (7) days from
the end of the Planning Commission's decision appeal period, or by Wednesday,
February 3, 2016.
SPECIFIC GRADING CONDITIONS
28. The approved grading is for 1,937yd3 of grading on a vacant lot for a new house and
pool/patio area consisting of:
a. 1,311 yd3 of cut for the residence
b. 122yd3 of cut and 19yd3 for the driveway
c. 176yd3 of cut and 309yd3 of fill for the pool/patio area
1,531 yd3 of the total grading will be exported off-site.
ROUGH AND FINAL GRADE CERTIFICATION REQUIRED PRIOR TO BUILDING
PERMIT FINAL.
29. The approved retaining walls include the following:
a. Retaining walls along the upslope side of the proposed driveway and driveway
turnaround shall be permitted up to 10.5' maximum, as measured from the new
driveway grade to the top of the wall.
b. The outer side of the retaining wall of the patio area, south-east of the pool shall
be a maximum of 4.5' in height as measured from the lowest adjacent grade.
c. The retaining walls/planters along the front of the infinity edge pool shall not
exceed 3.5 feet in height as measured from the adjacent grade or the planter
grade (for the infinity edge trough) to the top of the wall.
30. Haul routes to transport soil shall be approved by the Public Works Division prior to
issuance of any Grading or Building permit.
P.C. Resolution No. 2016-1
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31. New slopes shall not exceed 67% adjacent to the driveway and 35% elsewhere on the
property.
32. Approval of NPDES and Geotechnical review is required PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF A
GRADING OR BUILDING PERMIT from the Building & Safety Division.
SPECIFIC LANDSCAPE CONDITIONS
33. A landscaping plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the Community
Development Director prior to Building Permit issuance. The landscaping plan shall
indicate all landscaping for the purpose of: screening buildings from PVDS; softening
architectural features; improving transition between open space and buildings; slope
stabilization; and drought tolerant plantings. Said landscaping shall be planted prior to
issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
34. An 18" minimum wide landscaped area between the side property line and the driveway
shall be maintained.
35. No hardscape walkways shall be allowed around the perimeter of the house.
36. Maximum hardscape coverage within the front-yard setback area shall not exceed 50%.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING CONDITIONS
37. Exterior residential lighting shall be in compliance with the standards of Section
17.56.030 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code and the Seacliff Hills
Development Guidelines. No outdoor lighting is permitted where the light source is
directed toward or results in direct illumination of a parcel of property or properties other
than that upon which such light source is physically located.
38. All exterior lighting shall be shielded such that the bulb(s) in each fixture are not visible
from any location off the property at 2935 Vista Del Mar.
39. All exterior lighting shall be on timers and shall be set to shut off automatically by 10:00
pm daily except for lighting used for security and safety purposes as deemed acceptable
by the Director.
WINDOW GLARE CONDITIONS
40. Prior to Building Permit issuance, all windows, including those which are located on the
south-west (front) side of the structure shall be tinted light grey, with any coating to be
low-contrast with no mirror/silver undertint.
41. Prior to Building Permit issuance, the specific glass type and color shall be submitted for
review and approval by the Community Development Director prior to Building Permit
issuance.
42. Prior to Building Permit issuance, a sun reflectivity study which demonstrates that no
glare from any windows will affect the driveways of other properties on Vista Del Mar as
well as the public right-of-way on Vista Del Mar, shall be completed and submitted to the
Community Development Director for review and approval.
P.C. Resolution No. 2016-1
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