PC RES 2017-010 P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-10
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES RECOMMENDING THAT
THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE A REVISION TO CONDITIONAL
LARGE DOMESTIC ANIMAL PERMIT NO. 2, THEREBY 1)
EXTENDING THE EXISTING ENTITLEMENT FOR SEVEN
ADDITIONAL YEARS AND 2) EXTENDING THE OPERATING
HOURS ON TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY TO 9 AM TO 5 PM
OR SUNSET, WHICHEVER IS EARLIER AT 50 NARCISSA
DRIVE (CASE NO. 2016-00465).
WHEREAS, on October 17, 2000, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2000-
70, thereby conditionally approving Conditional Large Domestic Animal Permit (CLDAP)
No. 2 for the keeping of four (4) horses and the operation of the "Ride-to-Fly"
therapeutic riding program on a 1.16-acre property located at 50 Narcissa Drive; and,
WHEREAS, on August 8, 2002, the Equestrian Committee (EQ) recommended
that the City Council grant a two-year extension to CLDAP No. 2 and modify certain
conditions of approval; and,
WHEREAS, on October 1, 2002, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2002-
85, thereby granting a two-year extension to Conditional Large Domestic Animal Permit
(CLDAP) No. 2 with modified conditions of approval; and,
WHEREAS, on October 14, 2004, the Equestrian Committee recommended that
the City Council grant a two-year extension to CLDAP No. 2; and,
WHEREAS, on December 7, 2004, the City Council adopted Resolution No.
2004-106, thereby granting a two-year extension to Conditional Large Domestic Animal
Permit No. 2; and,
WHEREAS, on November 9, 2006, the Equestrian Committee, based on the
then-operations, recommended that the City Council grant a five-year (as opposed to
two years) extension to CLDAP No. 2 and modify certain conditions of approval; and,
WHEREAS, on December 19, 2006, the City Council adopted Resolution No.
2006-98, thereby granting a five-year extension to Conditional Large Domestic Animal
Permit No. 2; and,
WHEREAS, on November 22, 2011, the Planning Commission (P.C.) adopted
P.C. Resolution No. 2011-38, thereby recommending that the City Council grant a five-
year extension to CLDAP No. 2 (it should be noted that the Planning Commission has
functioned as the Equestrian Committee since its disbandment July 7, 2009); and,
WHEREAS, on December 20, 2011, the City Council adopted Resolution No.
2011-95, thereby granting a five-year extension to the CLDAP No. 2, setting the
expiration date as December 19, 2016; and,
WHEREAS, on the September 30, 2016, the applicant submitted a written
request to extend CLDAP No. 2 by five additional years. On October 27, 2017 the
application was deemed incomplete pending submittal of additional information; and,
WHEREAS, on November 16, 2016, the applicant submitted additional
information including a request to expand the number of off-street parking spaces from
10 spaces to 20 spaces. The application was deemed incomplete pending submittal of
additional information; and,
WHEREAS, the applicant submitted additional information and the application
was deemed complete for processing on February 6, 2017; and,
WHEREAS, On February 16, 2017, a public notice was mailed to all property
owners within a 500 foot radius of the subject site in accordance with Rancho Palos
Verdes Code Section 17.80.090 and published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News
pursuant to the requirements of the Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code; 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 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), Staff found no evidence that the Revision to CLDAP No. 2
will have a significant effect on the environment and, therefore, the review has been
found to be categorically exempt under Class 1 (Section 15301); and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on
March 14, 2017 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 proposed project is a request to revise CLDAP No. 2 to 1)
extend the existing entitlement for five additional years and 2) extend the operating
hours on Tuesday through Friday to 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or sunset, whichever is earlier.
Section 2: The proposed revision to CLDAP is warranted because:
i. The project Applicant (Ride-to-Fly) is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3)
corporation.
ii. The permit, if issued, will not be detrimental to the public health, safety
P.C. Resolution No. 2017-10
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or general welfare. More specifically, the Ride-to-Fly organization has
operated a therapeutic riding program and maintained four (4) horses
on the subject property since 2000. Pursuant to Council-adopted
Condition No. 14 of Resolution No. 2011-95, the operation hours for
the facility is 10AM to 5PM on Tuesday through Friday and 9AM to
5PM on Saturday. The applicant proposes to begin its operation one
hour earlier on Tuesday through Friday from 10AM to 9AM with no
changes proposed on Saturday. Specifically, in the summer, the
afternoon heat is not good for many of the rider's disabilities and the
proposed time change would allow sessions to begin an hour earlier to
avoid the summer heat. Additionally, the site appears to be in good
sanitary condition with proper fly control and frequent waste disposal
with no excessive smell from the manure composting or problems with
flies on site. Furthermore, the perimeter fencing are properly
maintained and buildings and corrals are kept in a clean manner.
iii. Any increase in the number of animals that would otherwise be allowed
by the provisions of Chapter 17.46 of this title to be kept or boarded on
the property and/or the operation of an active outdoor recreational
facility or program which provides a benefit to youth or the physically or
mentally challenged or has a similar philanthropic purpose will not
have significant adverse effects upon other properties in the vicinity of
the site. The Ride-to-Fly organization is currently permitted to board
four (4) horses on the property and is not proposing to increase the
number of horses.
iv. The cumulative impact, should the requested permit be issued, upon
the properties in the vicinity of the site or the community as a whole,
shall not, in the aggregate, constitute a significant adverse impact upon
the area. More specifically, allowing Ride-to-Fly to continue its status
quo operations would not have significant adverse impact upon the
area.
v. The Planning Commission recommends extending CLDAP No. 2 for an
additional seven years rather than the requested five years.
Section 3: The Planning Commission's action is advisory only, with the final
decision to be made by the City Council.
Section 4: 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 adopts P.C. Resolution No.
2017-10, thereby recommending that the City Council approve a Revision to the
Conditional Large Domestic Animal Permit No. 2, thereby 1) extending the existing
entitlement by seven additional years and 2) extending the operating hours on
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Tuesday through Friday to 9:00 AM-5:00 PM or sunset, whichever is earlier, subject to
the conditions of approval set forth in the attached Exhibit 'A.'
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 14th day of March 2017, by the following
vote:
AYES: COmmissioners Bradley, Emenhiser, James, Leon, Nelson, Vice Chairman Cruikshank,
Chairman Tomblin
NOES: NONE
ABSTENTIONS: NONE
RECUSALS: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
4 I I I I CORIā¢ ,
David L. Tomblin
.111110 Chairman
Ara Mihranian7fg"
Community Development Director; and,
Secretary to the Planning Commission
P.C. Resolution No. 2017-10
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EXHIBIT 'A'
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
CASE NO. ZON2016-00465
REVISION TO CONDITIONAL LARGE DOMESTIC ANIMAL PERMIT NO. 2
50 NARCISSA DRIVE (RIDE-TO-FLY)
1. This approval supersedes all Conditions of Approval that was part of the original
City Council approval under Resolution No. 2011-95 and any subsequent
amendments.
ADDED ON MARCH 14, 2017 PER P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-10
2. Prior to the commencement of the use permitted by this approval, 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 date of this approval shall render this approval null and void.
3. 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.
ADDED ON MARCH 14, 2017 PER P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-10
4. Approval of this permit shall not be construed to mean any waiver of applicable
and appropriate zoning regulations, or any Federal, State, County, and City laws
and regulations. Unless otherwise expressly specified, all other requirements of
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal code shall apply.
AMENDED ON MARCH 14, 2017 PER P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-10
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. Substantial changes to the project shall require
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approval of a revision by the final body that approved the original project, which
may require new and separate environmental review and public notification.
AMENDED ON MARCH 14, 2017 PER P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-10
6. The project development on the site shall conform to the specific standards
contained in these conditions of approval or, if not addressed herein, shall
conform to the RS-2 residential development standards and Equestrian Overlay
(Q) district standards of the City's Municipal Code, including but not limited to
height, setback and lot coverage standards.
AMENDED ON MARCH 14, 2017 PER P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-10
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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
Project Specific Conditions:
11. This approval is for the keeping of four (4) horses and the operation of a
therapeutic riding program on a 1.16-acre vacant, contiguous property in the
Portuguese Bend Equestrian Overlay (Q) District, located at 50 Narcissa Drive.
AMENDED ON MARCH 14, 2017 PER P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-10
12. If the use approved by this permit has not been established 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 is reviewed by the
Planning Commission and approved by the City Council. Otherwise, a
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Conditional Large Domestic Animal Permit revision must be approved prior to the
commencement of the approved use.
13. The approval of the Conditional Large Domestic Animal Permit No. 2 is granted
to the applicant ("Ride-to-Fly") and not to the owner of the subject property
(George and Leanne Twidwell). The extension of this permit shall be valid for a
period of seven (7) years, with an expiration date of December 19, 2023, and for
as long as the applicant continues to utilize the property where the program is
conducted in accordance with the terms of this Resolution. The permit may be
extended beyond this date provided a written request for an extension is
submitted to the City prior to the expiration date and approved by the City
Council.
AMENDED ON MARCH 14, 2017 PER P.C. RESOLUTION 2017-10
14. If the applicant discontinues, vacates or abandons the use of the property where
the facility or program is conducted, the rights, privileges and obligations granted
by Conditional Large Domestic Animal Permit No. 2 shall terminate and shall not
revert to the property owners. The permit shall also be terminated upon the
occurrence of any of the following:
a. The subject lot or parcel is subdivided, reduced in size or is combined with
one or more other lots or parcels;
b. A violation of any of the conditions upon which the permit was granted,
after a duly-noticed public hearing before the Planning Commission and
City Council;
c. The applicant discontinues, vacates or abandons the use of the subject lot
or parcel in accordance with the terms of the approved permit for a period
of more than one hundred eighty (180) days;
d. The property owners rescind the authorization for the use of the property
by the applicant; or,
e. The applicant no longer qualifies for registered non-profit 501(c)(3) status,
as described in Section 17.78.010 of the Rancho Palos Verdes
Development Code.
15. Proof of the registered non-profit 501(C)(3) status of the applicant must be
provided to the Community Development Director on an annual basis. In
addition, the applicant shall notify the Director in writing within thirty (30) days of
any change in non-profit status.
16. No additional structures are permitted by this approval and the existing structures
and facilities on the site shall maintain the minimum 35-foot sanitary setback
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specified in Section 17.46.060(A)(1) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Development
Code. Any future relocation of the structures and facilities on the site shall be
subject to review and approval by the Community Development Director or, at
his/her discretion, the Planning Commission and/or City Council.
17. The applicant shall be responsible for completing the following tasks, to the
satisfaction of the Community Development Director:
a. Maintain the existing perimeter fencing around the corrals;
b. Maintain landscape screening along the perimeter of the corrals,
especially along the Narcissa Drive frontage of the property; and,
c. Maintain the "soft" paving such as decomposed granite in the off-street
parking area along Narcissa Drive, subject to the authorization of the
Portuguese Bend Community Association.
18. The approved days and hours of operation for the therapeutic riding program are
limited as follows:
Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or sunset, whichever is earlier
Saturdays: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or sunset, whichever is earlier
Any proposal to change the days and/or hours of operation requires the review of
the Planning Commission and the approval of the City Council.
AMENDED ON MARCH 14, 2017 PER P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-10
19. Off-street parking shall only be provided along Narcissa Drive frontage of the
subject property. No more than ten (10) vehicles may be parked on the site at
any time. All vehicles must be parked so as not to infringe upon the paved
roadway of Narcissa Drive or to otherwise interfere with the passage of motorists,
pedestrians or equestrians by the site.
20. The applicant shall ensure that the site is visited daily to feed and water the
horses, verify the status of the horses' condition and health, and inspect the
condition and integrity of the horses' enclosure.
21. A weatherproof notice setting forth the name of the person(s) responsible for the
horses and a phone number(s) to be called in the event of an emergency shall be
displayed on, or in the vicinity of, the enclosure in which the horses are kept.
22. The applicant is responsible for the continuous maintenance of sanitary
conditions, including, but not limited to, the cleaning of corrals, stables, barns and
other areas to which animals have access; and the proper disposal of manure,
offal, soiled straw and other refuse. Animal waste shall not be allowed to
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accumulate, run off or leach so as to create a nuisance or be offensive to other
persons in the vicinity. Manure may be disposed of by removal from the lot or
parcel by a city-licensed waste disposal company, or by composting. If waste or
manure is to be composted, the composting material shall be kept in a
composting bin, and the composting shall be performed in accordance with City-
approved composting procedures. Proper procedures must be used to control
insects and minimize offensive odors.
23. Animal waste, manure, offal, soiled straw and other refuse shall not be allowed to
accumulate in any regular, intermittent or seasonal watercourse.
24. The property shall be maintained so that there is no standing surface water or
ponding within areas in which horses are kept.
25. All buildings used for the keeping of animals and all corral or enclosure fences
shall be constructed and maintained in a neat and orderly condition and kept in
good repair. Landscaping, or other screening techniques, shall be provided as
appropriate to assist in screening of stables, barns, corrals, composting bins and
stored hay from public view and from adjacent properties.
26. The applicant shall carry out a program of fly control through such means as
traps, pesticides or natural predators.
27. No structure or enclosure for the keeping of the horses shall be constructed or
maintained in any regular, intermittent or seasonal watercourse.
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