PC RES 2017-043 P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2017-43
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CONDITIONALLY APPROVING VESTING
PARCEL MAP NO. 72658, HEIGHT VARIATION, GRADING PERMIT
AND SITE PLAN REVIEW TO ALLOW THE SUBDIVISION OF AN
EXISTING VACANT LOT AT 27581 PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST
(PVDE) INTO TWO SEPARATE LOTS AND TO ALLOW THE
DEVELOPMENT OF ONE SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING UNIT ON EACH
LOT. PARCEL NO. 1 WILL BE 20,649 SQUARE FEET IN AREA AND
IMPROVED WITH A 5,927 TWO-STORY RESIDENCE WITH 1,528
CUBIC YARDS OF RELATED GRADING. PARCEL NO. 2 WILL 23,029
SQUARE FEET IN AREA AND IMPROVED WITH A 5,311 SQUARE
FOOT TWO-STORY RESIDENCE WITH 1,766 CUBIC YARDS OF
RELATED GRADING (CASE NOS. SUB2014-0003, ZON2014-00273 &
ZON2016-00120).
WHEREAS, on July 14, 2014, the applicant submitted an application for Vesting Tentative
Parcel Map No. 72658, Variance, Height Variation, Grading, and Site Plan Review to subdivide
an existing lot located at 27581 Palos Verdes Drive East(PVDE) into two separate lots (Case No.
SUB2014-00003) in order to construct two new residences on each lot (Case Nos. ZON2014-
00273 & Z0N2016-00120); and,
WHEREAS, on August 8, 2014, based on preliminary review, Staff deemed the
applications incomplete for processing. After subsequent submittals and reviews of additional
information by Staff and the City Engineer, Staff deemed the project complete on May 25, 2016;
and,
WHEREAS, on June 30, 2016, the public notice of the draft Mitigated Negative
Declaration, Vesting Tentative Parcel Map, Variance, Height Variation and Grading Permit
applications was sent to the property owners within 500' of the subject site and appropriate public
agencies. Additionally, a public notice was published on the same day in the Palos Verdes
Peninsula News; and
WHEREAS, on August 9, 2016, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and present
evidence and at which time the Planning Commission directed the applicant to redesign the
proposed subdivision to comply with zoning requirements, thereby eliminating the need for a
Variance and to modify the design of the two new residences with respect to reducing the structure
sizes, bulk and addressing privacy concerns. The Commission continued the public hearing to
September 27, 2016.
WHEREAS, on September 27, 2016, the Commission considered the continued item and
accepted Staff's recommendation to receive and file a status report to continue the public hearing
on the requested applications to a meeting date uncertain, as the applicant requested additional
time to complete their redesigned project; and,
WHEREAS, on February 27, 2017, the applicant submitted a redesigned project
requesting an application for Vesting Tentative Parcel Map No. 72658, Height Variation, Grading,
and Site Plan Review to subdivide the existing lot located at 27581 Palos Verdes Drive East
(PVDE) into two separate lots (Case No. SUB2014-00003) in order to construct two new
P.C. Resolution No. 2017-43
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residences on each lot (Case Nos. ZON2014-00273 & ZON2016-00120), as well as eliminating
the initial Variance request and the need for the preparation of a Mitigated Negative Declaration;
and,
WHEREAS, the applicant submitted revisions on multiple occasions, with the final
submittal provided on September 27, 2017. Subsequently, Staff deemed the applications
complete for processing on October 26, 2017; and
WHEARAS, on October 26, 2017, the public notice of the Vesting Tentative Parcel Map,
Height Variation and Grading Permit applications was re-issued and sent to property owners
within 500' of the subject site. Additionally, a public notice was published on the same day in the
Palos Verdes Peninsula News; 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),
determined that the proposed project is Categorically Exempt from the provisions of CEQA, under
Article 19, Sections 15303(a) (Construction of Single-Family Residence) and 15315 (Minor
Alterations in Land Use Limitations) of the California Guidelines for Implementation of the CEQA
and that a Mitigated Negative Declaration was no longer required as part of the Applicants'
proposal. Specifically, the project proposed to demolish an existing single-family residence to
accommodate the construction of two new residences and the requested subdivision involves a
property in an urbanized area zoned for residential, which is being subdivided into two parcels
and is consistent with the General Plan and applicable zoning requirements in the RS-2 zoning
district and all services and access to the proposed parcels to local standards are available; and,
WHEREAS, after notices were issued pursuant to the requirements of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Development Code, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on
November 28, 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 project involves Vesting Parcel Map No. 72658, Height Variation, Grading
Permit and Site Plan Review to allow the subdivision of an existing lot at 27581 Palos Verdes
Drive East into two separate lots and to allow the development of one single-family dwelling unit
on each lot. Lot No. 1 will be 20,649 square feet in area and improved with a 5,927square foot
two-story residence with 1,528 cubic yards of grading. Lot No. 2 will be 23,029 square feet in area
and improved with a 5,311 square foot two-story residence with 1,766 cubic yards of related
grading
Section 2: Tentative Parcel Map No. 72658 complies with the requirements set forth in the
State's Subdivision Map Act, the Development Code and other applicable sections of the City's
Municipal Code, because the Planning Commission finds that:
A. The proposed map is consistent with the City's General Plan. More specifically, the
subject parcel is located within the General Plan land use designation of "Less than one
dwelling unit per acre" (<_1 d.u./acre). All new residential lots within the 51 d.u./acre density
range must maintain a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet, which is also the minimum
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lot size required for properties in the RS-2 zoning district. As proposed, Lot Nos. 1 and 2
will be 20,649 square feet and 23,029 in size, respectively, which is consistent with the 5.1
d.u./acre General Plan land use designation, and RS-2 Zoning District.
B. The design or improvement of the proposed subdivision is consistent with the General
Plan designation of"Less than one dwelling unit per acre" (<_1 d.u./acre). More specifically,
the General Plan requires new lots to comply with the lot dimensions listed in the
Development Code under the appropriate zoning district. The subject parcel is located
within the RS-2 zone district. Based on the existing zoning, the proposal complies with the
requirements set forth in the Development Code. Specifically, code requires that new lots
within the RS-2 zone district are at least 20,000 square feet in size, and have a minimum
lot width 90' and a minimum lot depth of 120'. Lot No.1 is proposed to be 20, 649 square
feet with a width of 181' and a depth of 120' and Lot No. 2 is proposed to be 23,029 square
feet with a width of 168' and a depth of 137', thus meeting the minimum lot dimension
requirements. Additionally, both Lots 1 and 2 will have ingress and egress from PVDE,
with an easement over the driveway on Lot No.1 to allow ingress and egress, fire access
and utilities for Lot No. 2.
C. The site is physically suitable for the proposed type and density of the development. More
specifically, the proposal complies with the requirements set forth in the Development
Code as stated above. Additionally, each of the proposed lots will have a contiguous lot
area that exceeds 6,600 square feet, which is the minimum required for a RS-2 zoning
district. Pursuant to Section 16.04.040.D of the Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code
(RPVDC), the contiguous lot area is the gross lot area less slopes steeper than thirty-five
(35) percent and the required setback areas. Based on the applicant's plans, the size of
the contiguous lot area on each of the vacant lots will be large enough to accommodate a
single-family residence that complies with the standards set forth in the Development
Code for a RS-2 zoning district, as it pertains to structure size, lot coverage and setbacks.
Further, access will be provided from PVDE and utilities are available for connection from
existing lines in the public street right-of-way. Project plans have been presented to the
City of Rolling Hills Estates for approval of the requested driveway and associated grading,
as the property has driveway access from PVDE in the City of Rolling Hills Estates. A
Condition of Approval has been added that requires the Applicants to demonstrate
approval of the proposed improvements within the City of Rolling Hills Estates, prior to
issuance of any Grading and Building Permit. Additionally, access will be provided from
Palos Verdes Drive East, with an easement over Lot 1 for the benefit of Lot 2.
D. The proposed subdivision and associated improvements will not cause substantial
environmental damage or harm wild life or their habitat. Specifically, the subdivision will
create two lots, which will allow for the construction of two new residential structures in an
area that has been previously developed for residential purposes In addition, according to
the General Plan's Biotic Species Map, the subject property is not located within an area
designated as a blue line stream or an area that contains major wildlife. Further, according
to the City's Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP), no Coastal Sage Scrub
habitat or sensitive species have been identified on the subject property and/or any nearby
properties. Therefore, Staff believes that this finding can be made since the proposed
project and any potential future development will not cause significant damage to the
environment or injure any fish or wildlife.
E. The design of the subdivision or type of improvements will not cause serious public health
problems. More specifically, the proposed residential structures will have to be
constructed in conformance with the City's Development Code standards and require
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approval by the Building & Safety Division to ensure compliance with the California
Building Code. Additionally, the City's Geotechnical Consultant has reviewed and
provided an "in-concept" approval of the geotechnical reports that were prepared for the
proposed parcel map. Furthermore, prior to grading and building permits being issued by
the Building & Safety Division, a more detailed site and project-specific geotechnical
report will need to be approved by the City's Geotechnical Consultant. As for drainage,
Section 16.20.050 of the Development Code requires that the Applicants mitigate any
potential impacts caused by drainage flow from the subject property to any adjacent
properties. Staff will incorporate conditions that require the Applicants to address all
drainage flow concerns prior to issuance of building permits for the proposed
development, should the subdivision be approved. With regards to utilities, the existing
parcel is directly adjacent to a public street (PVDE) that will permit connection to existing
water lines that are serviced by the California Water Service Company and which
currently serve the existing surrounding residential development. With regards to
wastewater, each of the new lots will be required to connect to existing sewer lines, the
location and design of which will be reviewed by the Rolling Hills Estates because these
utilities are located in their jurisdiction. Based on the above discussion, Staff believes that
this finding can be made since the proposed subdivision will result in lots that can sustain
residential development that will not cause any serious public health problems.
F. The design of the subdivision or the type of improvements will not be in conflict with the
easements, acquired by the public at large, for access through or use of, property within
the proposed subdivision since there are no existing or proposed public easements on the
subject lot.
Section 3: A Height Variation is approved for the construction of a new 5,927 square foot two-
story residence (basement and attached garage included) on Lot No. 1 and a new 5,311 square
foot (garage and basement included) two-story residence, both of which will exceed the 16'/20'
height limitation for lots with a building pad at a proposed height of 26' for the residence on Lot
No. 1 and 24' for the residence on Lot No. 2 because:
A. The Applicant has complied with the early neighborhood consultation process guidelines
and procedures established by the City Council by obtaining signatures from 70% of the
landowners within 100 feet and 25% of the total number of landowners within 500 feet
(including those within 100 feet).
B. The City's General Plan, adopted June 26, 1975, identifies viewing points (turnouts along
vehicular corridors for the purposes of viewing) and viewing sites (public site areas, which
due to their physical locations on the Peninsula, provide a significant viewing vantage)
within the City. Due to the location of the property and the topography in the immediate
area, the proposed structures are not visible from a public viewing area or viewing site, as
defined by the General Plan. Additionally, the subject property is not located within the
City's Coastal Specific Plan, and there are no public trails that traverse the property.
C. The proposed structures are not located on a ridge or promontory. The proposed
residence would be located on an existing building pad, which is not on a prominent mass
of land that overlooks or projects onto a lowland or body of water on two sides.
D. The proposed new structures that are above sixteen feet in height, as defined in Section
17.02.040(B) of the Development Code, when considered exclusive of existing foliage,
does not significantly impair a view from the viewing area of another parcel. Views of the
ocean, harbor and city lights are observed by the adjacent properties in a west and south
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direction. Given that the building pads of the properties to the west of the subject property
are elevated approximately 55'-0" to 60'-0" higher than the subject property and the
properties to the south of the subject property are elevated approximately 25'-0" to 30'-0"
higher than the subject property, the westerly and southerly neighbors will continue to
have a view over the proposed residences without any adverse impact caused by the
proposed project. The project site abuts residential properties along Harbor Sight Drive in
the City of Rolling Hills Estates, which expressed view concerns with the Applicants' initial
submittal. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes has a View Ordinance, which protects views
of properties within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, but does not apply to residences
outside of the City.
E. There is no significant cumulative view impairment caused by granting the application.
Cumulative view impairment shall be determined by considering: (a) the amount of view
impairment caused by the proposed new structures that are above sixteen feet in height
or addition to a structure that is above sixteen feet in height; and (b) the amount of view
impairment caused by the construction on other parcels of similar new structures or
additions that exceed sixteen feet in height. There will be no view impairment to the
neighboring properties caused by the proposed project due to the property's building pad
elevation and the direction of view. Similar construction at 27591 PVDE, 27601 PVDE and
27649 PVDE would not result in a significant cumulative view impairment because of the
sloping topography of the neighborhood. Specifically, these properties are located on
building pads that are approximately 25'-0" to 40'-0" lower in elevation than the properties
located to the west, which would have viewing areas above the roofline heights of the two
proposed residences. Furthermore, the property immediately adjacent to the subject
property (27591 PVDE) is already developed with a two-story residence.
F. The two revised residences comply with all other Code requirements, including, but not
limited to the minimum required setbacks, parking, and maximum allowed lot coverage in
the RS-2 zoning district.
G. The proposed structures are compatible with the immediate neighborhood character in
terms of the scale of surrounding residences, architectural style, setbacks, bulk and mass,
number of stories and open space between buildings. Specifically, the proposed project
complies with the maximum lot coverage in the RS-2 zoning district (40%), as Lot No. 1
and Lot No. 2 propose a lot coverage of 33% and 21%, respectively. An aerial survey of
the surrounding neighborhood conducted by Staff indicated that many of the residential
properties in the immediate neighborhood are at or near the same lot coverage as being
proposed on Lot Nos. 1 and 2. In addition, the revised design has reduced the overall
structure sizes of the two new residences. Specifically, the revised design proposes a
5,927 square foot (1,437 square foot basement included) and a 5,311 square foot (818
basement included) two-story residence on Lot No. 1 and Lot No. 2, respectively. Given
that the basement areas are below grade, the structure size of the residences on Lot Nos.
1 and Lot 2 that will in effect be visible, will be 4,490 square feet and 4,493 square feet,
respectively. Although the size of the proposed residences will be larger than the average
in the immediate neighborhood, the two proposed residences are not the largest homes
in the neighborhood (9,025 square feet). In terms of architectural style and materials, the
proposed design of the residential structures use elements found in various architectural
styles like Spanish Colonial, Monterey and Mediterranean/ Italian Renaissance. The
residences within the immediate neighborhood vary in architectural style, borrowing
elements commonly found in Spanish Colonial, Monterey, Mediterranean/ Italian
Renaissance and California Ranch. The roof designs include gable, hip, shed and flat that
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use materials such as composition shingle and ceramic tile. The roof pitches and
overhangs also vary in size. The exterior finishes of the neighboring properties are either
stucco or wood siding and includes natural rock and brick accents. With regards to open
space between structures, an aerial review of the closest 20 homes, indicates that the
open space between structures varies from property to property, as a result of
asymmetrical lot conditions in the area and the construction of customized homes, and
the proposed project does not create an anomaly in terms of open space between
structures. In terms of number of stories in the area,there are existing two story residences
in the area, so the two new two-story residences are not introducing a new element to the
neighborhood. Lastly, with respect to the project's bulk and mass, the project has been
redesigned to eliminate an "compound appearance" of the project by providing increased
setbacks between the two residences In addition, the design of the two residences
provide architectural features and projections that reduce the overall bulk and mass. As
part of the resubmittal, the project has been modified so that the proposed residence on
Lot No. 2 is sited towards the rear of the lot and will be notched into the existing slope, so
as to further reduce the bulk and mass of the overall project.
H. The proposed new structures that are above sixteen feet in height do not result in an
unreasonable infringement of privacy of the occupant of abutting residences, as the
proposed second story balconies on the proposed residences on Lot No. 1 and Lot No. 2
are positioned and designed, so as to face a public street (Palos Verdes Drive East). In
addition to the above, the north elevations of the proposed residences incorporate
windows along the second stories. While these windows face properties to the north of the
project site, along Harbor Sight Road within the City of Rolling Hills Estates, the proposed
residences provide a large enough side yard setback minimizing potential privacy issues.
Specifically, the residences on Lot No. 1 and Lot No. 2 provide a 65' and a 26' side yard
setback to the northerly side property line.
Section 4: Approval of a Major Grading Permit to allow a total of 3,683 cubic yards of grading
(389 cubic yards will occur in the City of Rolling Hills Estates under a separate entitlement
process) to accommodate the construction of two residences of each of the proposed lots at
27581 Palos Verdes Drive East is warranted because the Planning Commission finds that:
A. The grading does not exceed that which is necessary for the permitted primary use of the
lot. The primary use of the existing subject lot is residential as identified in the City's
General Plan and Zoning map. The applicant is requesting to subdivide the existing lot to
accommodate the development of each lot. The requested Grading Permit is to allow a
total 3,683 cubic feet of project related earth movement consisting of 1,528 cubic yards of
grading for Lot No. 1 and 1,766 cubic yards of grading for Lot No. 2, as well as the
construction of an 8' high up-slope retaining wall at the rear of the residence on Lot No. 2.
The proposed grading is to accommodate the construction of two new residential
structures with basement areas, driveway access to the two properties and related site
improvements including a pool, patio and hardscape areas, which do not exceed what is
necessary for the permitted use of the lot.
B. The project grading includes excavation under the building footprints of the two proposed
residences. The subject property survey indicates existing grade elevations in the area of
the existing building pad range between approximately 427.00' at the east end of the
existing building pad and 431.00' at the west end of the existing building pad. The
proposed finished grade of the building pads will be approximately 426.00' at the east end
of the proposed pads, and 427.00' at the west end of the pads. The proposed grading
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under each lot will result in lower building pads for the two proposed residential properties
by approximately 1 to 3 feet. The view of the harbor and city lights that the adjacent
neighbors currently enjoy is in an easterly direction. Given that the building pads of the
proposed residences will be lowered and that the building pads of the properties to the
west of the subject property are elevated approximately 55'-0" to 60'-0" higher than the
subject property and the properties to the south of the subject property are elevated
approximately 25'-0" to 30'-0" higher than the subject property; the westerly and southerly
neighbors will continue to have a view over the subject property without any adverse
impact caused by the proposed project.
C. 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 requested grading for the proposed subdivision is to accommodate two new
residences within the City's permitted height requirements of 16'/30' for an upslope lot.
The ridgeline of the structure on Lot 1 will be 16' above the highest existing grade adjacent
to the structure, and 29' as measured from lowest finished grade adjacent to the structure.
The ridgeline of the structure on Lot 2 will be 15.66' above the highest existing grade
adjacent to the structure, and 30' as measured from lowest finished grade adjacent to the
structure. The requested grading is to notch the proposed residences into the slope to
minimize its visual appearance. As a result, although improvements will be visible from
the street level (PVDE), by notching the structure into the slope, the grading will minimize
the visual impact of the structures from the neighboring properties. Additionally, the
RPVDC states that on sloping lots, structures may have building envelope of up to 16' on
the upper side and 30' on the lower side, by right. As stated above, this view finding does
not apply when grading is utilized to lower the finished grade under the building footprint,
as proposed in the applicant's grading design.
D. The proposed grading maintains a majority of the natural contours on the subject property.
Specifically, the project proposes to cut and fill along the front of Lot No. 1 to accommodate
a shared driveway and to grade down the existing building pad, so as to provide a lower
building pad for Lot No. 1 and Lot No. 2 for the construction of the two new requested
residences. On Lot No. 2, the project proposal includes additional cut in order to notch the
proposed residence into the existing slope, as well as some fill to support rear yard
improvements including a pool, patio and hardscape. The proposed grading is generally
limited to developed portions of the lot. The finished contours will blend with the existing
contours on the subject property.
E. The grading takes into account the preservation of natural topographic features because
although the slope will be altered by cutting out sections of the slope where the structures
and ancillary improvements will be situated, the rest of the site will be preserved through
the remaining portions being sculpted to reasonably match the existing contours. Also,
there are no significant and protected natural topographic features that would be disturbed
by the proposed grading especially since the existing lot is improved as a pad lot.
Moreover, as previously stated, the proposed grading generally follows the existing slope
of the property and results in finished slopes that appear reasonably natural. Additionally,
although some land-sculpturing is proposed to occur, it is designed so as to blend the
manufactured slopes into the natural topography. Furthermore, prior to the certificate of
occupancy, landscape plans for both properties will be reviewed and the plants installed
to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development, which will aid in stabilizing
the graded slope and will also contribute towards blending the manufactured slope into
the natural topography. Thus, the Planning Commission believes that the amount of
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grading beyond that required to accommodate the proposed residence has been
minimized.
F. For new single-family residences, the grading and/or related construction is compatible
with the immediate neighborhood character. The proposed structures are compatible with
the immediate neighborhood character. Specifically, the project proposes to cut and fill a
portion of the existing slope at the rear of Lot No. 2 in order to accommodate the proposed
residence. By doing so, the residence on Lot No. 2 will be setback or recessed into the
existing slope, which is consistent with design features of adjacent properties. In addition,
the project also proposes to utilize fill on Lot No. 1 to accommodate a new shared driveway
to provide access to the properties, which is consistent with features of homes in the area.
The proposed structure sizes will not be out of scale because the proposed structures on
Lot Nos. 1 and 2 are within the range of structure sizes for the neighborhood. As for the
number of stories, the proposed project is not introducing new feature to the
neighborhood, as other 2 story residences in the area exist. Furthermore, building siting
and the use of various design features and articulations are used to minimize the apparent
bulk/mass of the two new structures. Lastly,the proposed façade treatments, architectural
style, structure height, roof design, setbacks, building materials and bulk/mass of the new
residence is similar to and thus compatible with the existing neighborhood character.
G. In new residential tracts, the grading includes provisions for the preservation and
introduction of plant materials so as to protect slopes from soil erosion and slippage and
minimize the visual effects of grading and construction on hillside areas. However, the
proposed grading does not involve a new residential tract and therefore this criterion does
not apply.
H. The grading conforms to the City's standards for grading on slopes, maximum finished
slopes, and retaining wall heights in the front, side and adjacent to driveways. However,
the grading does not conform to maximum depth of cut and fill. Specifically, the project
proposes a fill of 6.25' on Lot No. 1 in order to accommodate a proposed shared driveway.
The proposal to exceed the maximum depth of fill is reasonable and necessary as the
proposed driveway will provide vehicular accessibility to the site, including Fire
Department access.
Section 5: Applicant's Site Plan Review is approved for the proposed ancillary
improvements to Lot Nos. 1 and 2 including balconies, driveways and hardscape areas, outdoor
kitchen areas, and construction of a pool at the rear of the proposed residence on Lot No. 2. The
proposed ancillary improvements comply with all applicable code requirements, including, but not
limited to minimum required setbacks, parking, and maximum allowed lot coverage in the RS-2
zoning district. Additionally, the proposed balconies will not result in an infringement of privacy to
neighboring properties.
Section 6: The time within which the judicial review of the decision reflected in this
Resolution, if available, must be sought, is governed by Section 1094.6 of the California Code of
Civil Procedure and other applicable short periods of limitation.
Section 7: 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, December 13,
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2017. 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 December 13, 2017.
Section 8: For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and findings
included in the Staff Report, the Planning Commission hereby conditionally approves Vesting
Tentative Parcel Map No. 72658, Height Variation, Grading Permit and Site Plan Review the
subdivision of an existing lot at 27581 Palos Verdes Drive East into two separate lots and to allow
the development of one single-family dwelling unit on each lot. Lot No. 1 will be 20,649 square
feet in area and improved with a 5,927square foot two-story residence with 1,528 cubic yards of
grading. Lot No. 2 will be 23,029 square feet in area and improved with a 5,311 square foot two-
story residence with 1,766 cubic yards of related grading, subject to the Conditions of Approval
as shown in attached Exhibit "A."
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 28th day of November, by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Leon, Nelson, Tomblin, and Vice-Chairman James
NOES: Commissioner Bradley
ABSTENTIONS: None
RECUSALS: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Emenhiser
William James,
Vice Chairman
dllrO
Ara !i ranian, A P
Director of Community Development
Secretary to the Planning Commission
P.C. Resolution No. 2017-43
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Exhibit "A"
Conditions of Approval for
Vesting Tentative Parcel Map No. 72658, Height Variation,
Grading Permit and Site Plan Review
Case Nos. SUB2014-00003, ZON2014-00273 &ZON2016-00120
27581 Palos Verdes Drive East
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. Pursuant to Section 17.78.040, the Director of Community Development 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 be
considered a revision and require approval of a revision by the final body that approved
the original project, which may require new and separate environmental review and public
notification.
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 residential
development standards of the City's Municipal Code, including but not limited to height,
setback and lot coverage standards.
7. Failure to comply with and adhere to all of these conditions of approval may be cause to
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revoke the approval of the project pursuant to the revocation procedures contained in
Section 17.86.060 of the City's Municipal Code and administrative citations as described
in Section 1.16 of the City's Municipal Code.
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 7:00 AM Monday through Friday and before 9:00 AM 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.
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15. If construction projects that are accessible from a street right-of-way or an abutting
property and which remain in operation or expect to remain in operation for over 30
calendar days, the Applicant shall provide temporary construction fencing, as defined in
Section 17.56.050(C) of the Development Code. Unless required to protect against a
safety hazard, temporary construction fencing shall not be erected sooner than 15 days
prior to commencement of construction.
16. For all grading, landscaping and construction activities, the Applicant shall employ
effective dust control techniques, either through screening and/or watering.
17. This approval of the Vesting Tentative Parcel Map and Grading Permit expires 24 months
from the date of approval of the parcel map by the Planning Commission, unless extended
per Section 66452.6 of the Subdivision Map Act and Section 16.12.040 of the
Development Code. Any request for extension shall be submitted to the Planning
Commission in writing and with the appropriate fee prior to the expiration of the map.
18. The applicant shall be required to pay for the cost of services to be provided on behalf of
the City by any outside consultants that have been retained by the City to render services
specifically in connection with this project, in the form of a trust deposit account, prior to
commencement of such services (e.g. City Engineer, City Attorney, geotechnical
consultants, biologist, etc.). The applicant shall adequately fund said trust deposit
accounts prior to the commencement of services, in amounts reasonably requested by the
City. In addition, the trust deposits shall be replenished within two weeks of receipt of
notice from the City that additional funds are needed.
19. All costs associated with plan check reviews and site inspections for the Department of
Public Works shall be incurred by the applicant through the establishment of a trust deposit
with the Director of Public Works at the time of plan check submittal or site inspection
request.
20. The silhouette frames shall be removed within seven (7) days of a Planning Commission
approval.
21. 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.
22. During the construction of the proposed project, the applicant shall ensure that all
onsite vehicles, equipment and materials are temporarily screened by fencing pursuant
to the City's requirements as described in Section 17.56.050(C) of the Development
Code.
23. The project shall utilize construction equipment equipped with standard noise insulating
features during construction to reduce source noise levels.
24. All project construction equipment shall be properly maintained to assure that no additional
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noise, due to worn or improperly maintained parts is generated during construction.
Project Specific Conditions
Approval of Vesting Tentative Parcel Map No. 72658
25. The approval of this Vesting Tentative Parcel Map allows the existing 43,677 square foot
lot to be subdivided into two separate lots for the development of two single-family two-
story residences. The two approved lots shall comply with the minimum lot dimensions
required by the Development Code for the RS-2 Zoning District. Lot No. 1 shall contain a
lot area of 20,649 square feet and measure 181' in width and 120' in depth (as measured
pursuant to Code Section 17.48.020); while Lot No. 2 shall contain a lot area of 23,029
square feet and measure 137' in width and 168' in depth (as measured pursuant to Code
Section 17.48.020).
26. Easements shall not be granted within easements dedicated or offered for dedication to
the City until after the final map is filed and recorded with the County Recorder. No
easements shall be accepted after recording of the final map that in any way conflict with
a prior easement dedicated to the City, or any public utility. All existing easements shall
remain in full force and effect unless expressly released by the holder of the easement.
27. The proposed parcel map shall adhere to all the applicable dedications and improvements
required per Chapter 16.20 of the Development Code.
Prior to the Submittal of Final Parcel Map No. 72658
28. According to Section 16.20.130 of the Development Code and the Subdivision Map Act,
at the time of making the survey for the final parcel map, the engineer or surveyor shall
set sufficient durable monuments to conform to the standards of the Subdivision Map Act.
Prior to recording the final map, the exterior boundary of land being subdivided shall be
adequately monumented with no less than a two (2) inch iron pipe, at least eighteen (18)
inches long, set in dirt and filled with concrete at each boundary corner. The parcel lot
corners shall be monumented with no less than one-half inch iron pipe for the interior
monuments. Spikes and washers may be set in asphalt pavement and lead and tacks may
be set in concrete pavement or improvements in lieu of pipes. All monuments shall be
permanently marked or tagged with the registration or license number of the engineer or
surveyor under whose supervision the survey was made.
29. A note shall be placed on the final map stating that a geology and/or soils report has been
prepared in conjunction with the subdivision.
30. All existing and proposed easements, including the proposed driveway easement and any
utility easements over Lot No. 1, shall be clearly illustrated and described on the final
parcel map.
31. All proposed easement documents, including the driveway easement, reciprocal turn-
around easement required by the fire department, and any utility easements over Lot No.
1, shall be submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval prior to approval of the
final map.
32. Prior to submitting the final map to the City Engineer for examination, the applicant shall
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obtain clearance from all affected departments and divisions, including a clearance from
the City Engineer for the following items: mathematical accuracy, survey analysis,
correctness of certificates and signatures.
33. Development shall comply with all requirements of the various municipal utilities and
agencies that provide public services to the property prior to approval of the final map.
Prior to the Recordation of Final Parcel Map No. 72658
34. Prior to approval of the Final Parcel Map, the applicant shall dedicate land, pay a fee in
lieu thereof, or a combination of both, at the option of the City, for park and recreational
purposes at the time and according to the standards and formulas contained in Municipal
Code Section 16.20.100.G.
35. The final map is subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. A trust deposit shall
be established with the City to cover any costs of the City Engineer's review.
36. Prior to recordation, the applicant shall supply the City with a digital copy of the Final
Parcel Map in the format required by the County of Los Angeles, through ordinance 99-
0080. An additional copy for the County of Los Angeles will also be required upon submittal
of the Final Parcel Map to the Los Angeles County Recorder's office.
After Recordation of the Final Parcel Map No. 72658
37. The applicant shall supply the City with one mylar(if applicable) and five (5) copies of the
map within five (5) calendar days after the final map has been filed with the Los Angeles
County Recorder's Office.
38. Prior to issuance of any grading or building permit for the lots created and approved herein,
the applicant shall obtain addresses for each of the new lots from the City.
Residential Development Standards
39. This approval shall allow the demolition of an existing 4,339 square foot single-family two-
story residence and site improvements including a pool, retaining wall and hardscape
areas in order to accommodate the construction of two new homes and associated grading
on each lot, as further described below:
Lot No. 1
A. The construction of a new 5,927 square foot (3-car attached garage and basement
included)two-story residence. BUILDING AREA CERTIFICATION REQUIRED, to be
provided by a license land surveyor or civil engineer prior to the framing inspection.
B. Ancillary improvements including two attached covered patios, an outdoor kitchen and
driveway.
C. 1,528 cubic yards of associated grading, consisting of 1,272 cubic yards of cut and
256 cubic yards of fill (1,016 cubic yards of export).
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Lot No. 2
A. The construction of a new 5,311 square foot (3-car garage and basement included)
two-story residence. BUILDING AREA CERTIFICATION REQUIRED, to be provided
by a licensed land surveyor or civil engineer prior to the framing inspection.
B. Ancillary improvements including a new pool & spa, attached covered patio, new
driveway and an 8' high up-sloping retaining wall.
C. 1,766 cubic yards of grading, consisting of 1,504 cubic yards of cut and 262 cubic
yards of fill (1,242 cubic yards of export).
40. Unless modified by the approval of future planning applications, the approved residences
on Lot Nos. 1 and 2, as approved herein, shall maintain the following setbacks for newly
created lots in the RS-2 zoning district:
Front yard setback—20' minimum
Interior side yard setbacks— 10' minimum per side /20' minimum total of both sides
Rear yard setback—20' minimum
BUILDING SETBACK CERTIFICATION REQUIRED, to be provided by a licensed land
surveyor or civil engineer prior to foundation forms inspection.
41. The height of the residence on Lot No. 1 shall not exceed 22.9' in height, as measured
from the highest elevation of the existing grade covered by the structure (elev. 429.1') to
the highest proposed roof ridgeline (elev. 452.00'); and an overall height of 26' as
measured from lowest finished grade adjacent to the structure (elev. 426.00') to the
highest proposed roof ridgeline (elev. 452.00').
The height of the residence on Lot No. 2 shall not exceed 16.5' in height, as measured
from the highest elevation of the existing grade covered by the structure (elev.435.5') to
the highest proposed roof ridgeline (elev. 452.00'); and an overall height of 24', as
measured from the lowest finished grade adjacent to the structure (elev. 428') to the
highest proposed roof ridgeline (elev. 452.00'). BUILDING HEIGHT CERTIFICATION
REQUIRED, to be provided by a licensed land surveyor or civil engineer prior to roof
sheathing inspection, based on the above-mentioned instructions.
42. A minimum 3-car garage shall be provided and maintained for each proposed residence,
and a minimum of three 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.
43. Unless modified by the approval of future planning applications, the approved project shall
maintain a maximum of 40% lot coverage (33% proposed for Lot No. 1 and 21% proposed
for Lot No. 2) for each lot.
44. Maximum hardscape coverage within the 20-foot front-yard setback areas for both Lot 1
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and Lot 2 shall each not exceed 50% for each lot.
Grading Requirements
45. New slopes shall not exceed 67% adjacent to the driveway and 35% elsewhere on the
property.
46. During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing, storage piles and
unpaved disturbed areas shall be continuously stabilized by being kept wet, treated with
a chemical dust suppressant, or covered when material is not being added to or removed
from the pile.
47. During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing, sufficient water shall
be applied to areas disturbed to prevent emitting dust and to minimize visible emissions
from crossing the boundary line.
48. During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing, construction
vehicles leaving the site shall be cleaned to prevent dust, silt, mud, and dirt from being
released or tracked off site.
49. During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing, the applicant's
contractor shall be responsible for minimizing bulk material or other debris from being
tracked onto the City's public roadways, and if tracked, the applicant's contractor shall be
responsible for cleaning up the impacted City's public roadways.
50. During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing, no trucks shall be
allowed to transport excavated material off-site unless the trucks are maintained such that
no spillage can occur from holes or other openings in cargo compartments, and loads are
either: covered with tarps; wetted and loaded such that the material does not touch the
front, back, or sides of the cargo compartment at any point less than 6" from the top and
that no point of the load extends above the top of the cargo compartment.
51. Prior to issuance of a grading and/or building permit, a Haul Route Permit shall be obtained
from the Public Works Department.
52. The applicant shall be responsible for repairs to any public street that may be damaged
during the grading and/or construction of any future development of the subject parcels.
53. Prior to issuance of any grading or building permits, the applicant shall obtain and provide
proof of approvals from the City of Rolling Hills for the improvements within their
jurisdiction, such as for the construction of the proposed driveway, landscaping, grading
and drainage improvements.
54. Prior to the certificate of occupancy, landscape plans for both properties shall be reviewed
and the plants installed to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director.
55. Prior to the issuance of grading permits, the applicant shall demonstrate to the Community
Development Director's satisfaction that dust generated by grading activities shall comply
with the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 403 and the City Municipal
Code requirements that require regular watering for the control of dust.
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56. During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing, all excavating
and grading activities shall cease when winds gusts (as instantaneous gusts) exceed
25 mph. To assure compliance with this measure, grading activities are subject to
periodic inspections by City staff.
57. During construction, including grading, excavating, and land clearing, construction
equipment shall be kept in proper operating condition, including proper engine tuning
and exhaust control systems.
58. Prior to issuance of any grading permit and/or building permits for the properties, a grading
plan and geotechnical report shall be prepared for review and approval by the Building
Official and the City Geologist.
59. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall be required to submit an
Erosion Control Plan to the Building Official for approval that shall include BMPs for
erosion, sedimentation and run-off control during construction activities to protect the
water quality. Additionally, the Erosion Control Plan shall include post-construction BMPs
that apply to runoff from the future buildings, including roof run-off.
60. Prior to the issuance of any grading and/or building permits, the proposed sewer system
for each new property shall be reviewed and approved by the Building & Safety Division.
61. Prior to the issuance of a grading and/or building permit for new construction, the applicant
shall submit and obtain approval of a Drainage Plan by the City's Building&Safety Division
and the City's Public Works Director finding that stormwater runoff as a result from the
development of the subject site is designed to flow and utilize an on-site drainage system
that directs runoff into the existing storm drainage system.
Lighting and Glare
62. All exterior illumination for the new residential structures on both Lots 1 and 2 shall comply
with the provisions of Section 17.56.030 (Outdoor Lighting for Residential Uses) of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code for each lot.
63. Prior to the issuance of building permits, all residential lighting shall be fully shielded, and
no outdoor lighting shall be 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 for each lot.
64. Prior to the issuance of any grading or building permits, the specifications for the glass
type, color, and reflectivity shall be submitted for the review and approval by the
Community Development Director for each lot.
Utilities
65. All lots shall be served by adequately sized water system facilities, which shall include fire
hydrants of the size, type and location as determined by the L.A. County Fire Department.
The water mains shall be of sufficient size to accommodate the total domestic and fire
flows required for a land division. Domestic flow requirements shall be determined by the
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L.A. County Fire Department.
66. Prior to a grading and/or building permit issuance, Fire Department review will be required
to ensure adequate emergency access.
67. All utilities to and on the subject lots shall be provided underground, including cable
television, telephone, electrical, gas and water. All necessary permits shall be obtained
for their installation.
Prior to Certificate of Occupancy
68. Prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, the Applicant shall submit complete
Landscape Plans to the Planning Division for review and approval by the Director of
Community Development ensuring that the graded slopes are landscaped and retaining
walls screened with landscaping. The final approved landscaping shall be installed prior
to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the residence. Said plans may be required
to comply with the State of California Water Efficient Landscape requirements.
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