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DRAFT
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES REGARDING THE APPEAL FROM THE PLANNING
COMMISSION’S DETERMINATION PERTAINING TO THE REVIEW OF
THE OPERATION OF GREEN HILLS MEMORIAL PARK, UPHOLDING
IN PART AND MODIFYING IN PART THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S
DECISION APPROVING THE COMPLIANCE REVIEW FOR THE
GREEN HILLS CEMETERY AND ALLOWING THE MAUSOLEUM
BUILDING IN AREA 11 TO CONTINUE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS
2007 APPROVALS AND PERMITS AND REVISING CERTAIN
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL , AND AMENDING THE GREEN HILLS
CEMETERY MASTER PLAN, FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 27501
WESTERN AVENUE (GREEN HILLS MEMORIAL PARK).
WHEREAS, on April 24, 2007, the Planning Commission adopted P.C.
Resolution No. 2007-32, certifying a Mitigated Negative Declaration and adopted P.C.
Resolution No. 2007-33, approving amendments to the Green Hills Master Plan, which
called for development of the Green Hills Memorial Park (“Green Hills”) over the next 30
to 50 years, and allowed grading and mausoleum buildings to be constructed at various
specified locations throughout Green Hills cemetery; and,
WHEREAS, Condition of Approval Nos. AQ-14 and N-3 in P.C. Resolution No.
2008-47 state that: “The project shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission
annually, commencing on the date of final approval, to review the applicant's
compliance with all conditions of approval associated with the Master Plan and Master
Plan Revision. At that time, the Planning Commission may add, delete, or modify the
conditions of approval as deemed necessary and appropriate, as well as increase the
time between review periods. Notice of said review hearing shall be published and
provided to owners of property within a 500' radius, to persons requesting notice, to all
affected homeowners associations, and to the property owner in accordance with
Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code Section 17.80.090.”, thereby affording the
Planning Commission the ability to add, delete, or modify the conditions of approval as
deemed necessary and appropriate; and,
WHEREAS, after review of the plans for consistency with the Green Hills Master
Plan, Planning Division approval was granted on November 11, 2011, for the first phase
of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building in Area 11; and,
WHEREAS, on February 16, 2012, the Building and Safety Division issued a
building permit for the construction of the first phase of the Memorial Terrace
Mausoleum building, which is also known as the Pacific Terrace Mausoleum, in Area 11
(“Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum” or “the Mausoleum”) and Green Hills
commenced and completed construction of the building, and on September 11, 2013,
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the Building and Safety Division finaled the building permit for the 10,366 square foot
Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building per BLD2011-00799 and
thereafter commenced operations including sales of crypts and burial plots, including on
the rooftop; and,
WHEREAS, as a result of the construction and operation of the new mausoleum
building, Staff received numerous inquiries and complaints from residents in the
adjacent Vista Verde condominium complex in the City of Lomita regarding the
Mausoleum’s visual and view impacts, in addition to the proximity of the burial
preparation and ceremonial activities on the roof of the Mausoleum building; and,
WHEREAS, on February 25, 2014, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
public hearing to conduct an operational review of the Green Hills Cemetery to address
the concerns about the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building along
with any other concerns raised by the public regarding the Green Hills Master Plan, at
which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and present
evidence; and,
WHEREAS, at the February 25, 2014 Planning Commission meeting, the
Planning Commission tentatively agreed to impose a 90-day moratorium on all ground
burials and interments on the rooftop of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace
Mausoleum building in Area 11 while Staff identified new or revised conditions to
address specific noise, visual and privacy impacts identified by the Planning
Commission based on public testimony, and continued the public hearing to the March
11, 2014; and,
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2014, the Planning Commission continued the public
hearing to April 22, 2014, to allow Green Hills and the Vista Verde Condominium
Association to come to an agreement on mitigation measures to address impacts
associated with the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building in Area 11
which thereafter was further continued to May 13, 2014, and again to August 12, 2014,
to allow the parties to continue their discussions and directed Staff to include a
Resolution for consideration that could impose a temporary 90-day moratorium on roof-
top burials on the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building; and,
WHEREAS, at the August 12, 2014 Planning Commission meeting, the Planning
Commission conducted the continued public hearing at which time all interested parties
were given an opportunity to be heard and present additional evidence, and directed
Green Hills to apply for an after-the-fact Variance to seek approval to allow the existing
Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building to remain encroaching into the
required 40-foot property line setback and directed Staff to review Green Hills’ existing
conditional use permit to make sure that they are in compliance with all of the conditions
of approval, closed the public hearing and directed Staff to bring back a Resolution at
the August 26, 2014 Planning Commission meeting to impose a number of conditions
on the cemetery to avoid/minimize impacts to the adjoining neighbors from burial activity
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on the roof of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building in Area 11 of
the Green Hills Master Plan; and,
WHEREAS, at the August 26, 2014, meeting due to further controversy the
matter was re-noticed for October 28, 2014, and at that meeting, the Planning
Commission held a duly noticed public hearing, at which time all interested parties were
given an opportunity to be heard and further present evidence, and to fulfill the
requirements of the Municipal Code, the Planning Commission directed Green Hills to
submit a Variance application within 30-days to seek approval to: (i) allow the existing
Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building to remain encroaching 32-feet
into the required 40-foot property line setback; (ii) allow certain existing below ground
burials within the 16-foot setback in the northwest corner of the cemetery site between
the west property line and the maintenance yard to remain and to allow six additional
interments in companion plots where individuals already are interred; and (iii) allow
existing structures and certain existing above-ground interments to remain within the 5-
foot setback area along the western property line in the area south of the Pacifica
Mausoleum building; and,
WHEREAS, additionally at the October 28, 2014 Planning Commission meeting,
the Planning Commission agreed to impose a moratorium on ground burials/interments
and sales of burial plots on the rooftop of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace
Mausoleum building located in Area 11 of the Master Plan, and imposed a moratorium
on above-ground burials within the 5-foot setback area along the western property line
in the area south of the Pacifica Mausoleum building, which would remain in effect until
final City action or further determination by the City Council is taken regarding these
interments and structures in the required setbacks, and imposed a number of conditions
on the cemetery to avoid/minimize impacts to the adjoining residential properties from
burials and activities on the roof of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum
building in Area 11 of the Green Hills Master Plan, and directed Staff to bring back a
Resolution memorializing its decision for consideration at the November 11, 2014
Planning Commission meeting, and continued the public hearing to November 11, 2014
at which time the resolution was revised and adopted; and,
WHEREAS, on November 25, 2014, Ellen Berkowitz of Gresham
Savage Nolan & Tilden filed an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to the
City Council on behalf of Green Hills Memorial Park seeking to overturn the entirety of
the Planning Commission’s decision and followed this letter up with additional
correspondence; and,
WHEREAS, Staff mailed out notices to property owners within a 500-foot radius
of the cemetery property, and published the notice in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News
on December 25, 2014 and on January 1, 2015, regarding the public hearing on the
appeal, which was to be held on January 20, 2015, but when the hearing was opened
on January 20, 2015, due to a substantial amount of information and materials that were
submitted to the City Council just prior to the commencement of the public hearing, the
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City Council continued the public hearing so the City Council would be able to review
and consider all of the additional materials that had been submitted; and,
WHEREAS, during the course of the summer the parties conducted extensive
discussions in an effort to resolve the dispute but no agreement was reached; and,
WHEREAS, on August 12, 2015, Staff re-noticed the appeal hearing by mailing
out notices to property owners within a 500-foot radius of the cemetery property and
publishing the notice in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News on August 13, 2014,
regarding the public hearing, which was to be held on September 1, 2015, and was held
with the Council directing staff to prepare a resolution upholding the Planning
Commission action, which matter was scheduled to be heard on September 15, and
was subsequently deferred to November 17, 2015.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: Recitals. Each of the recitals set forth above is true and correct
and is incorporated as part of this decision.
Section 2: CEQA Findings. 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), this decision by the City Council (i)
imposes restrictions on the existing operations of the Memorial/Pacific Terrace
Mausoleum to reduce the impacts of those operations on adjacent properties, (ii)
constitutes minor alterations to existing structures or facilities involving negligible or no
expansion of use; and (iii) will not have a significant effect on the environment.
Therefore, this decision is not subject to CEQA pursuant to California Code of
Regulations Sections 15601(b)(2), 15301, and 15061(b)(3).
Section 3: Municipal Code Findings for Granting Compliance Review and
Modifications to Conditions. This is a de novo hearing where the City Council has
considered the evidence before it. The City Council finds that this use dates back to
1948 and was annexed to the City in 1984 with the original Master Plan approved in
1991, and a revised Master Plan approved in 2007 and which has been updated from
time to time. There is no expansion of the use beyond the Revised Master Plan, and
additional mitigation measures have been imposed to minimize impacts to surrounding
properties and protect community health, safety and general welfare. Accordingly the
Council finds:
1. That 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;
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2. That 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;
3. That, in approving the subject use at the specific location, there will be no
significant adverse effect on adjacent property or the permitted use thereof;
4. That the proposed use is not contrary to the general plan;
5. That, if the site of the proposed use is not within any of the overlay control
districts established by Chapter 17.40 (Overlay Control Districts) of this title, the
proposed use complies with all applicable requirements of that chapter; and
6. That conditions regarding any of the requirements listed in this Section, which
the City Council finds to be necessary to protect the health, safety and general
welfare, have been imposed:
a. Setbacks and buffers;
b. Fences or walls;
c. Lighting;
d. Vehicular ingress and egress;
e. Noise, vibration, odors and similar emissions;
f. Landscaping;
g. Maintenance of structures, grounds or signs;
h. Service roads or alleys; and
i. Such other conditions as will make possible development of the city in an
orderly and efficient manner and in conformity with the intent and purposes
set forth in this title.
Section 4: Compliance Review. Pursuant to Conditions of Approval Nos. AQ-14
and N-3 contained in P.C. Resolution No. 2007-33, which state that: “The project shall
be reviewed by the Planning Commission annually, commencing on the date of final
approval, to review the applicant's compliance with all conditions of approval associated
with the Master Plan and Master Plan Revision. At that time, the Planning Commission
may add, delete, or modify the conditions of approval as deemed necessary and
appropriate, as well as increase the time between review periods. Notice of said review
hearing shall be published and provided to owners of property within a 500' radius, to
persons requesting notice, to all affected homeowners associations, and to the property
owner in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code Section
17.80.090.”, during the annual review, the Planning Commission has the ability to add,
delete, or modify the conditions of approval as deemed necessary and appropriate by
the Planning Commission. Pursuant to Chapter 17.80 of the Rancho Palos Verdes
Municipal Code, the Planning Commission’s decision has been appealed to the City
Council. Section 17.80.080 A 2 and the aforementioned conditions allow the City
Council to add, delete, or modify the conditions of approval that have been imposed by
the Planning Commission. Accordingly, the conditions of approval that are approved by
this Resolution, which are attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by this
reference, are hereby added to the Green Hills Master Plan.
Section 5: Modification of Conditions
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Attached hereto as Exhibit A are conditions governing this use, both existing
conditions and new and modified conditions, all incorporated herein. As set forth above,
this determination includes incorporating additional conditions of approval within, and
revising existing conditions of approval of, the 2007 Green Hills Master Plan, to address
the visual, privacy and noise impacts associated with the rooftop burials on the Pacific
Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building (Area 11) upon the adjacent Vista Verde
Condominium complex located in the City of Lomita and to address existing violations of
the Green Hills Master Plan.
SEE ATTACHED LIST
Section 6: Council Rejects Requirement For Variance. Green Hills’
appeal challenges the City Council’s ability to require Green Hills to obtain a Variance
for the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum. For the following reasons set
forth herein, the City Council finds that the provisions of the setback conditions of the
CUP take precedence over the zoning setbacks. and the applicant is not required to go
through a duplicative public variance process which would create the potential for
inconsistent legal proceedings.
A. Zoning Ordinance Allows CUP to Supersede Zoning.
RPVMC Section 17.60.050(B) provides as follows:
“Conditional use permits may be granted for such period of
time and upon such conditions and limitations as may be
required to protect the health, safety and general welfare.
Such conditions shall take precedence over development
standards otherwise required by the underlying zoning of the
subject site.”
This language gives the 8-foot setback “precedence” over the underlying 40-foot
setback of the zoning. The Planning Commission was advised that this language
permits variance from the underlying zoning only if it, in effect, promoted the general
welfare. If the variation from the development standards was contrary to the general
welfare then it could not be approved.
To grant a CUP, the following finding must be made:
“6. That conditions regarding any of the requirements listed in this
paragraph, which the planning commission finds to be necessary to
protect the health, safety and general welfare, have been imposed:
a. Setbacks and buffers . . . .” RPVMC § 17.60.050(A).
In fact, in 2007 in Resolution 2007-33 the Planning Commission made these
findings. The Planning Commission found that conditions have been imposed to protect
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the health, safety and general welfare, including concerning setbacks and buffers, and
the 8-foot setback was one of the approved setbacks.
Legal counsel for Green Hills has argued that discretionary authority given by the
ordinance in the granting of a CUP to vary from the underlying zoning contains no
qualification that this only applies if it “promotes” general welfare.1 It is a general rule of
statutory construction that courts “are generally bound by a statute’s plain text and are
not permitted to add words to a statute to accomplish a purpose ... not apparent from
the face of the statute.”2. Thus, in the absence of language in the zoning code that
expressly restricts the “takes precedence” to where the change is more restrictive, and
not less, it would appear that there is no basis for adding this qualification to the express
provisions of Section 17.60.050(B). Accordingly, the Council finds that the condition of
the CUP modified the questioned setback to 8 feet.
B. Green Hills has a Vested Right.
Vested rights require validly issued permits along with substantial construction in
reliance on the permit. A conditional use permit (CUP) can lead to obtaining a vested
right, although the nature of the rights is determined by the conditions of the permit itself
and the city’s ordinances. In 1991, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 91-7, which
approved a master plan (the “Master Plan”), a CUP, and a grading permit for Green
Hills Memorial Park, to govern the long-term development of their cemetery property. In
2007, the Master Plan, the CUP, and the grading permit were revised and updated, per
P.C. Resolution No. 2007-33 (attached). This Resolution reduced the setback to 8 feet.
Thereafter in February 2012, the building permit for the Mausoleum was issued with the
City apparently of the belief that the issuance was proper. While grading permits might
not produce a vested right, clearly, a validly issued building permit does under California
law, as discussed below.
Besides a validly issued permit, the second prong of the vested right test is that
there has been substantial construction in reliance on the permit. This rule comes from
the California Supreme Court case Avco Community Developers, Inc. v. South Coast
Regional Commission.3. In that case, a developer of a subdivision, part of which lay
within the jurisdiction of the California Coastal Zone Commission, sought a writ of
mandate to compel the Commission to grant an exemption from provisions of the
California Coastal Zone Conservation Act of 1972 requiring issuance of a permit for any
development within the Coastal Zone. The Supreme Court, held, that the developer had
not obtained vested rights to proceed with the development without a permit by virtue of
the fact that, prior to the effective date of a permit requirement, it had obtained approval
of a planned unit development and had spent $3,000,000 to subdivide and grade the
1 See letter from Ellen Berkowitz dated September 1, 2015, attached as Exhibit F.
2 Lucent Technologies, Inc. v. State Bd. of Equalization, 241 Cal. App. 4th 19 (2015) (internal citations
omitted).
3 Id.
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property, and to make certain improvements on the land, such as installing utilities. The
Court stated that:
“[i]t has long been the rule in this state and in other
jurisdictions that if a property owner has performed
substantial work and incurred substantial liabilities in good
faith reliance upon a permit issued by the government, he
acquires a vested right to complete construction in
accordance with the terms of the permit.”4
However, while in spending $3,000,000 Avco had spent considerable resources
to improve the property, it had failed to obtain the necessary building permits prior to the
effective date of the Coastal Commission’s requirements. Substantial expenditures in
reliance on a building permit created a vested right but would not if based only on a
grading permit.
Following Avco, the rule has generally been that merely spending money, or
even grading the site is insufficient. Instead the developer must advance to obtaining
building permits and pouring foundations. Here, Green Hills had an amended Master
Plan and a CUP which, consistent one with the other, permitted them to construct the
mausoleum with an 8 foot setback. Green Hills submitted structural plans in November
of 2011 and building permits issued in February 2012. These in and of themselves
would not have created vested rights, but in April they began construction, and on
September 11, 2013, the mausoleum was completed and finaled by the City. Thus,
unlike the situation in Avco, here the building permits have issued, and in addition, not
only the foundations but the building itself has been completed and operations have
gone on for over a year; thus, the substantial reliance standard articulated in Avco has
been satisfied.
C. Conclusion. In summary, Green Hills is not required to seek a variance
because: (i) the express language in the Municipal Code states that the conditions in
the CUP can supersede the zoning; (ii) the Planning Commission expressly found the
CUP did not have an adverse effect on surrounding property and promoted health and
safety when it granted the CUP, (iii) Green Hills obtained a vested right as described
above, (iv) the equities between the developer and City do not support equitable
estoppel, and (v) proceeding with a variance leaves the City conducting a pro forma
hearing where a denial of the variance would subject the City to potential liabilities of
millions of dollars (as described below).
Section 7: Due Process Rights.
Additionally requiring Green Hills to obtain a variance would deprive them of due
process. Case law provides that for a hearing to afford due process rights, the hearing
4 Id. at 791.
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body must have the ability to undertake the requested action.5 Accordingly, a variance
hearing would only be appropriate if the City Council could grant the variance. Here the
argument seems to be that obtaining the variance is necessary as a technicality. But the
reality is that if the City were to require the variance, it must be assumed that the
variance could be denied (and in fact we see some legal arguments against the validity
of a variance)6. But if the variance were denied, it would follow that the City’s position
would be that the Mausoleum must be removed. This then would bring the City into
litigation over the vested rights of the developer, Green Hills.
We are unaware of the costs of construction of the Mausoleum, the revenues
which have resulted from the sale of burial plots, or the anticipated sales of future burial
plots. Nor have we attempted to estimate claims for interference with contract rights and
pain and suffering of parties related to the burials within the Mausoleum if they are
disturbed (were that even legal) and the disputes which would arise were the
Mausoleum removed, but collectively these claims and the legal fees to resolve the
claims could easily exceed many millions of dollars. It would seem the height of folly to
pursue a legal proceeding where one of the two outcomes would expose the City to
such legal proceedings and potential damages. This proves the point that given the
construction of the Mausoleum two years ago, such a variance proceeding was in the
order of a legal fiction.
Section 8: Moratorium Has Not Come Into Effect and is not Appropriate.
A. Stay in Effect. In its decision, the Planning Commission imposed a
Moratorium on further interments within the required setbacks and on the burials and
sale of plots on the roof of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum in Area 11
during the period between the Planning Commission’s decision and the City Council’s
determination on this appeal. Counsel for the Vista Verde Homeowners’ Association,
has stated that the moratorium should have been enforced during the pendency of the
appeal by Green Hills. However, Section 17.80.020 states that: “The filing of a notice of
appeal pursuant to this chapter stays all activity on the project until a final decision on
5 People v. Broad, 216 Cal. 1, 7, 12 P.2d 941, 943 (1932) (“The rule is well settled that to constitute due
process of law in regard to the taking of property the statute should give the parties interested some
adequate remedy for the vindication of their rights.”)
6A variance is “an administrative or quasi-judicial act permitting minor deviations from existing land use
regulations so that the landowner does not suffer undue hardship, but which does not violate the overall
established land use regulatory scheme. Section 65906 of the Government Code limits the circumstances
under which a variance is appropriate: a variance “shall be granted only when, because of special
circumstances applicable to the property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the
strict application of the zoning ordinance deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by other property in
the vicinity and under identical zoning classification. (Emphasis added.) Nothing in the record suggests
that an undue hardship exists as to Green Hills’ property, including size, shape, topography, location, or
surroundings. Thus there is a legitimate argument against the City Council being be able to make the
necessary findings to support the granting of a variance in this case. Accordingly, we think the better
argument is that RPVMC Section 17.60.050(B) contains sufficient authority to grant a CUP which alters
the requirement of the underlying zoning without requiring a second potentially inconsistent legal
proceeding of a variance.
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the appeal.” This provision applied to all aspects of the Planning Commission’s
decision being appealed. Accordingly, the filing of the appeal by counsel for Green Hills
stayed the effect of the moratorium that was imposed by the Planning Commission.
B. Council Declines Imposing Moratorium. For the reasons stated above, it
appears that Green Hills had vested rights to construct the Mausoleum pursuant to a
building permit BLD2011-0079 issued on February 16, 2012, which has not been
revoked, and that substantial expenses were incurred in good faith thereon, and the City
on September 11, 2013 “finaled” the building and approved occupancy. Additionally,
since that time Green Hills has continued its operations therein and sold some _____ to
patrons who have legal interests in the property and structures.
C. Preemption. Although the City can regulate land use matters concerning
a cemetery, State law controls the internal operations of cemeteries, and the potential
imposition of a moratorium could have an unpredictable impact on such operations and
subject the City to liability. Notwithstanding these considerations, nothing in here shall
be deemed to restrict the City’s future land use authority over Green Hills development
or the Master Plan.
Section 9: Revocation. It was contended on behalf of the Vista Verde HOA,
and residents of Vista Verde contend, that the conditional use permit for the Pacific
Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum should be revoked. However, the revocation
process would need to occur at a duly noticed public hearing specifically pertaining to
the revocation process. (See, Municipal Code Section 17.86.060.) Furthermore, the
Municipal Code allows property owners to file applications that will bring properties into
compliance with the Municipal Code (See Municipal Code Section 17.86.050), which
would be the objective of the Variance application. For these reasons, this hearing,
which is an appeal by Green Hills from the Planning Commission’s decision on the
operation of Green Hills and Green Hills’ compliance with the conditions of approval, is
not the appropriate venue for consideration of the issues raised by the HOA and the
Vista Verde residents, who did not file an appeal from the Planning Commission’s
decision.
Section 10: Mediation and Indemnity. The City Council endorses a mediation
process as a useful approach to the problem. The Council directs the City Attorney to
pursue the following:
1. Indemnity: The City Attorney would add the conditions to this and future
land use approvals that the applicant bear the expense of defending the
validity of the actions. A condition would be added to the CUP and a
detailed indemnity agreement would be negotiated between the parties.
2. Appraisal: The parties should consider obtaining an appraisal to determine
the diminution in value, if any If the parties cannot agree on the appraiser,
then Green Hills and Vista Verde would each select for and pay for an
appraiser. The value of the loss would be fixed at the average of the two
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highest appraisals, with the old appraisal also considered. Green Hills
would be liable for 100% of the appraised loss. The details of this process
could be negotiated when and if Vista Verde comes to the table.
3. Mediation: With completion of the appraisal, the parties would participate
in a mediation. In addition to Green Hills’ participation, City would
participate and would contribute up to $200,000 to any mediated
agreement, being our estimate of what the City would save on legal fees if
litigation is avoided.
4. Mitigation: The conditions primarily contemplated to minimize impacts are
be added to the CUP.
5. Principles: Vista Verde Homeowners and HOA should be encouraged to
participate but are not required. Green Hills by the conditions would be
required to participate, unless the Vista Verde Homeowners decline. The
above requirements can be modified by mutual agreement of the parties.
Section 11: Approval of Compliance Review and Modifications to Conditions.
For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and findings included in the
Staff Reports, Minutes and other records of proceedings in this matter, and pursuant to
Condition of Approval Nos. AQ-14 and N-3 contained in P.C. Resolution No. 2007-33
that grant the Planning Commission (and the City Council on appeal) the ability to add,
delete, or modify the conditions of approval as deemed necessary and appropriate, the
City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby amends the decision of the
Planning Commission and adds to the 2007 Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan, the
conditions that are set forth within the attached Exhibit “A,” which is incorporated herein
by this reference.
Section 12: Judicial Review. The time within which judicial review of the
decision reflected in this Resolution must be sought is governed by Section 1094.6 of
the California Code of Civil Procedure or other applicable short periods of limitation.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of November 2015, by the
following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
RECUSALS:
ABSENT:
Jim Knight
Mayor
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ATTEST:
City Clerk
Attachment B - 12
EXHIBIT ‘A’
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR
27501 Western Avenue (Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan)
1. General; Consistency Master Plan. This approval is a Revision to the Green
Hills Master Plan, and shall be consistent with the “Master Plan Amendment
Submittal Package” booklet dated January 29, 2007, prepared by J. Stuart Todd
Inc. Specifically, Revision “D” allows the following:
a. Grading 1991-2004. Acknowledgment that the actual quantity of grading
that has been conducted between 1991 through 2004, which is 288,814
cubic yards (cut and fill), is 89,475 cubic yards more than originally
approved by the original Master Plan approved in 1991 through City Council
Resolution No. 91-7;
b. Additional Grading. Allow a total of 643,259 cubic yards of additional
grading, which includes 97,964 cubic yards of import for all the various
proposed mausoleum buildings, and all cut and fill associated with ground
burials throughout the cemetery site for the life of the Master Plan. The
imported fill material will be conducted in phases as each mausoleum
building is constructed over an extended period of time over the next 30- to
50-years, which will be phased as follows:
(i) Inspiration Slope (Area 2): Area will be constructed in a minimum of
three phases over a period of 5- to 10-years (as funding and
budgeting become available), with the initial phase commencing in
2007. The construction will require adequate backfill to keep the
adjacent ground burial section at a consistent level. Cumulatively,
upon completion, the project will have produced 53,000 cubic yards
of grading; however, each phase will require between 10,000 to
15,000 cubic yards of import. Thus, it is estimated that 40,000 cubic
yards of import fill will be required for construction of the entire
Inspiration Slope project.
(ii) Reflection Mausoleum Expansion (Area 3): Construction will not
commence until completion of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum, will
include large excavations. Since the project will be phased and there
will again be a need to import backfill for construction purposes, it is
estimated that 14,000 cubic yards of imported fill will be required for
this project.
(iii) Areas 7 and 11: Areas will not require import of fill since the amount
of excavation far exceed the amount of backfill necessary for these
mausoleum buildings, and the excess dirt will be placed and
compacted in Areas 5 and 6 of the Master Plan (i.e., the southern
and southwestern portions of the cemetery site), which is not
expected to be developed for another 30-years.
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(iv) Area 6: The final project that would require substantial imported fill
would be the mausoleums proposed for construction in Area 6. The
project will not be constructed for at least 30 years into the future,
and excess dirt from the ground burials and other mausoleum
buildings will have been placed and compacted at this location.
Thus, it is anticipated that approximately 34,000 cubic yards will be
imported for construction purposes and backfill.
(v) Baseline: Since applicant has previously performed grading in
excess of the provisions of the Master Plan, within 180 days of the
date of the approval of this CUP, applicant shall submit a topographic
baseline survey certified by an independent geotechnical firm
approved by City showing all existing grades in a level of detail
sufficient for City to determine applicant’s compliance with the
foregoing grading restrictions. Any grading will be measured against
the baseline. The topographic survey shall be paid for by applicant.
c. Area 6 of the Master Plan Revision (known as Southwest Mausoleum).
Allow a reconfiguration, relocation and additional area to the previously
approved mausoleum building, which was proposed under the original
Master Plan to be at the south side of the cemetery, from one mausoleum
building with a 77,715 square foot footprint, to 5 separate mausoleum
buildings with each footprint measuring 23,653 square feet at a location that
is approximately 300-feet farther west than approved in the original Master
Plan;
d. Area 3 of the Master Plan Revision (known as Garden of Reflections
Mausoleum). Allow a new 75,131 square foot mausoleum building to the
west of the existing mortuary, whereby 9,871 square feet will be above
grade and 65,260 square feet will be below grade;
e. Area 7 of the Master Plan Revision (known as Southwest Terrace
Mausoleum). Reduce the size of the previously approved mausoleum
building footprint at the southwest side of the cemetery, from a 60,583
square foot building footprint to a 37,820 square foot building footprint;
f. Area 4 of the Master Plan Revision. Only ground burials are allowed
between the north perimeter road and the 8’-0” setback from the north
property line. No garden walls for family estate burials, or other built-up
structures are allowed in this Area, and the grade/topography of this Area
shall not be raised except by written permission of the Director of
Community Development. The applicant shall provide the City with a “wet-
stamped” topographical survey that illustrates the existing topography prior
to any grading to prepare this Area for ground burials, and the applicant
shall provide the City with a “wet-stamped” topographical survey that
illustrates the finish topography of Area 4 after the Area has been prepared
for ground burials;
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g. Ground Burial Areas. Except for required setback areas and Area 4, where
above ground structures are not allowed pursuant to Condition No. 1f
above, areas in the Master Plan Revision called out for ground burials may
include family estates, which are areas designated for the burial of a group
of persons who typically are related by blood or marriage, and which may
include low garden walls less than 36-inches in overall height around their
perimeters to enclose them or more elaborate headstones that are built
above-ground that are no taller than 6-feet high. These garden walls and
headstones are allowed to contain above-ground interments. Above-ground
structures including, but not limited to, garden walls and above-ground
headstones, shall not be allowed on the rooftops of any mausoleum
building. (MODIFIED PER CC RESOLUTION NO. 2015-__; ON
SEPTEMBER 1, 2015)
h. Burial Sites; Excess Material for Areas 5-6. Preparing ground burial sites
includes grading an area by excavating up to 8-feet below existing grade
(depending, if these are single or double depth lawn crypts), filling a layer
of sand for erosion control purposes, constructing concrete outer burial
containers containing burial vaults, and then placing a layer of the
previously excavated dirt is filled to match pre-excavated grade. Excess
earth material resulting from the burial sites will be transported to Areas 5
and 6 of the Master Plan Revision. It is approximated that 137,000 cubic
yards of fill will be necessary for these areas to raise the grade to
accommodate mausoleum buildings and ground burials, and appropriate
drainage to the roadways. This quantity includes ground spoils from
throughout the cemetery site, excess cut material from mausoleum projects
in other areas, and import of additional fill material.
i. Building Silhouettes. Prior to construction of each building contained in the
approved Master Plan and Master Plan Revision, including any substantial
modification or reconstruction of such buildings the applicant shall submit a
grading plan (See AQ1), and a temporary frame silhouette must be
constructed for each mausoleum building at least 30-days prior the
Director’s consideration of the building and submission to the Planning
Commission per Condition 2. Once the silhouette is constructed, a licensed
engineer, land surveyor or architect must certify that the silhouette
accurately depicts the location, height and outline of the proposed building.
The certification must be submitted to Staff at least 30-days prior to the
Director’s decision. (MODIFIED PER CC RESOLUTION NO. 2015-__; ON
SEPTEMBER 1, 2015)
j. Small Buildings. Except for mausoleum or similar buildings addressed in
Condition 1.k or otherwise exempt per code, all other buildings less than
120 square feet in size, not exceeding 12 feet in height, located outside
required setbacks, not on an extreme slope (35% or more), and not on the
roof of a mausoleum building shall be subject to review and approval by the
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Director of Community Development through a Site Plan Review. (ADDED
PER CC RESOLUTION NO. 2015-___; ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015)
k. Administrative Substantial Compliance Review. The Director of Community
Development is authorized to make a determination (i) that improvements
are in substantial compliance with the Master Plan (“substantial compliance
review”), (ii) that minor modifications to the approved plans or any of the
conditions are required and will achieve substantially the same results as
would strict compliance with said plans and conditions, (iii) that the matter
should be referred to the Planning Commission pursuant to Condition 2, or
(iv) no review is required as it fully conforms to the Master Plan. Prior to
new construction, modification or major reconstruction of improvements,
they shall be submitted to the Director for review. If the Director determines
to conduct administrative compliance review to determine if the requested
improvements substantially comply with the Master Plan as revised, such
administrative process shall comply with the City’s Site Plan Review, as
applicable, unless otherwise provided herein. The administrative
compliance review shall include review of any customary cemetery-related
features including but not limited to niches, water features, garden walls,
columbaria, bench memorials, walls, gardens, upright memorial features,
statues, stone features (including stone landscaping features), cenotaph
walls, cremation and other burials, topiaries, sculptures and other artistic
works, gazebos, ossuaries, bridges, cremation benches, outer burial
containers and above ground vaults, provided that the height of such
features shall not exceed sixteen (16) feet, except that within any
designated setback area, such features shall not exceed six (6) feet. The
addition of trees throughout the Park shall also be deemed to be in
substantial compliance with the Master Plan. The administrative
compliance review shall also include rooftop burials at mausoleums.
The review shall be conducted by the City’s Director of Community
Development and applicant shall provide any information required by the
Director on forms specified by the Director. Director of Community
Development shall give a 15 day written notice to owners of property within
a 500-foot radius of the site of the improvements, if any, to persons
requesting notice, to all affected homeowners associations, and to the
property owner in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes Development
Code Section 17.80.090. Copies of any comments received will be given
to the applicant who shall have 7 days to respond in writing. Director of
Community Development shall make a written determination of substantial
compliance or noncompliance, which may include imposing conditions to
assure compliance, and shall give written notice of the decision to the
aforesaid parties and the applicant, who shall have 15 days to appeal the
decision in writing to the Planning Commission. If a timely appeal is
received, the Planning Commission shall consider the matter under
Condition 2 hereof. With respect to any conditions herein which provide for
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Administrative Compliance Review or refer to Site Plan Review, such
conditions shall require compliance with the procedure of this Section 1k.
l. Relocating Historic Church. Revision “D” to conditional use permit of the
Green Hills Master Plan allows the placement of an historic church building
that is currently located in the San Pedro community of the City of Los
Angeles, onto the cemetery property. The church building will be located in
Area 5 of the Master Plan, southwest of the existing duck pond. The church
building measures less than 1,100 square feet in area, and has a steeple at
the front of the building that is 7-feet wide, 7-feet deep, and 38-feet tall.
(AMENDED PER PC RESOLUTION NO. 2008-47 ON NOVEMBER 25,
2008)
(i) All appropriate permits shall be obtained from the Building and
Safety Division prior to relocating the historic church building to the
cemetery. (AMENDED PER PC RESOLUTION NO. 2008-47 ON
NOVEMBER 25, 2008)
(ii) Prior to the relocation of the historic church building, the Green Hills
Cemetery personnel shall inform City Staff of the date and time in
which the historic church building will be transported, along with a
plan illustrating the route. (AMENDED PER PC RESOLUTION NO.
2008-47 ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008)
(iii) The church building may be used for funeral services only, and is
not allowed to be used for congregational church services. Further,
the existing bell may remain as a decorative feature only, and the
bell or bell recordings are not allowed to be used in conjunction with
the church building. (AMENDED PER PC RESOLUTION NO.
2008-47 ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008)
(iv) Major additions to the church building or relocation of the church
building to another location on the property are not allowed without
prior Planning Commission approval. (AMENDED PER PC
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-47 ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008)
(v) All approvals necessary to relocate the church from the San Pedro
community of the City of Los Angeles to the Green Hills Cemetery
shall be obtained and submitted to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’
Public Works Department and Community Development
Department prior to relocation of the church. (AMENDED PER PC
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-47 ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008)
1.1 Administration Building. This approval is Revision “E” to the Green Hills Master
Plan, and shall be consistent with the approved plans prepared by Bolton
Engineering Corp. dated April 9, 2015 (sheets C-0, C-1, ESCP, RW-1) and
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Anthony Frank Inferrera dated April 4, 2015 (sheet A-0 only), that allows the
following improvements to and around the existing Administration Building:
a. Generally. Construction of 3,323ft² of single-story office additions, 648ft²
covered walkway extension, and 316ft² covered entry to the Administration
Building;
b. Temporary Modular Buildings. Allowing the temporary modular buildings to
remain on site, but be removed prior to April 22, 2017 or Building Permit
Final, whichever comes first. Any extension requests shall be reviewed by
the Planning Commission prior to April 22, 2017. Failure to remove said
structures will constitute as a violation and deem the Conditional Use Permit
Revision null and void; and
c. Parking Area. Reconfiguration of the parking area to add 22 new parking
spaces (81 required, 95 proposed for the Administration Building).
d. Grading. Conduct 325yd³ of grading for the following emergency access
and ADA access/parking improvements:
(i) Widen the driveway (portion of Arroyo Drive) located south of the
Administration Building from approximately 20’ to 26’ supported by
a 2.5’ tall retaining wall to accommodate emergency vehicles.
(ii) Widen the access and parking area to the north of the
Administration Building to accommodate adequate handicap van
parking and ADA access area; thereby necessitating the removal of
the existing 3’ tall retaining wall and the construction of a new
replacement retaining wall measuring up to 4.45’ in height.
(CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL 1.1.a THROUGH 1.1. d ADDED AND AMENDED
PER PER PC RESOLUTION NO. 2014-21 ON JULY 22, 2014 AND PC RESOLUTION
NO. 2015-09 ON MAY 12, 2015)
1.2 Additional Conditions Pertaining to Administrative Building. Revision “E” shall be
subject to the following specific conditions:
(a) Setbacks.
(i) The following setback provisions shall apply: 25’ front and street-
side;
(ii) interior and side if abutting a residential zoning district and 25’ if
abutting a nonresidential zoning district.
(b) Parking
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(i) Parking areas shall provide for a 25’ outside turning radius within
the facility.
(ii) All parking areas shall be surfaced with asphaltic or cement
concrete paving which is at least 3” thick.
(iii) All parking stalls shall be clearly marked with lines, and access
lanes shall be clearly defined with directional arrows to guide
traffic. Except for parallel parking stalls, standard parking stalls shall
be of a minimum 9’ width by 20’ depth in area. Parallel parking stalls
shall be a minimum of 26’ in depth.
(iv) Disabled parking spaces shall be in accordance with the dimensions
and specifications of the state amended Uniform Building Code.
(v) A minimum of 5% of the paved parking area shall be devoted to
interior planting areas. All planting areas shall be at least 3’
wide. Perimeter planting shall not be considered part of this
required interior planting.
(vi) Wherever a center divider separates parking stalls facing each
other, tree wells shall be established not more than 50’ apart for
larger trees, or not more than 30’ for small and medium sized trees.
c. Landscaping
(i) All plantings shall be maintained free of debris and in conformity with
the accepted practices for landscape maintenance.
(ii) A 6” high cement concrete curb shall be constructed at the edge of
all landscaped areas.
d. General
(i) 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
of Community Development.
(ii) Prior to plan check submittal to the Building & Safety Division, the
applicant shall provide an updated Master Plan reflecting the
modifications to the Administration Building and related parking
area to the Planning Division.
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01203.0025/274547.5 Resolution No. 2015- __
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(CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL 1.2.a-l ADDED AND AMENDED PER PC
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-21 ON JULY 22, 2014 AND PC RESOLUTION NO. 2015-09
ON MAY 12, 2015)
1.3 Area 11. The following conditions are applicable to the Pacific Terrace/Memorial
Terrace Mausoleum building and Area 11 of the Green Hills Master Plan and shall
supersede any inconsistent conditions that govern other areas of the Green Hills
property:
a. Tractor Ramp. The entire length of the tractor ramp shall be left clear at all
times when not in use. No vehicles, landscaping equipment, construction
equipment, storage containers, etc. are allowed to be parked, stored or
allowed to be left on the tractor ramp.
b. Screen Rear Wall. The Northern (rear) wall of the mausoleum building shall
be screened by a type of wall vine landscaping. Said landscaping shall be
planted and allowed to grow on the wall only, to the satisfaction of the
Director of Community Development and shall not grow above the wall.
c. Landscaping. With the exception of ground cover, no other vegetation shall
be planted on the roof of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum.
For other areas within Area 11 that are outside the footprint of the Pacific
Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum, only ground cover, shrubs and
other vegetation less than the height of the existing wall on the property line
are allowed. Vines are allowed on the northern wall of the Pacific
Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building provided that they do not
exceed the solid building parapet. (AMENDED PER CC RESOLUTION
NO. 2015-__; ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015)
d. Ramp Guardrail. The guardrail fence along the tractor ramp and along the
top of the mausoleum building along the north (rear) shall not be a solid wall
and shall be maintained as a wrought iron guardrail.
e. Additions to Mausoleum. No additions or expansion shall be allowed to the
existing Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum in Area 11. No new
mausoleum building shall be constructed within Area 11 without first
obtaining Planning Commission approval at a duly noticed public hearing
following the process set forth in Condition 2. (AMENDED PER CC
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-__; ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015)
1.3.5 Area 11 Rooftop Burials. The following conditions are applicable to all burials on
the roof of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building:
a. Pre and Post Service. Pre-service burial/plot preparation and post-service
plot backfilling of the rooftop ground interments on the Pacific
Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building shall only be allowed
between the hours of 10:00am and 3:00pm, Monday through Sunday. (See
Condition 17)
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b. Hours. Burials and all associated services on the roof top ground
interments of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building
shall only be allowed between the hours of 10:00am and 3:00pm, Monday
through Sunday.
c. Haul Vehicle. The use of a mini-haul vehicle (which is illustrated in Green
Hills’ power point presentation to the Planning Commission on May 13,
2014) shall be limited to pre-service burial/plot preparation and post-service
plot backfilling of the rooftop ground interments during the hours specified
in Condition 1.3.f above.
d. Sound. The use of amplified sound shall be prohibited on the rooftop of the
Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building. This prohibition
shall not apply to the amplified sound for the playing of “taps” as part of
funeral services for military personnel and for police, fire and other first
responders.
e. Tenting. All services on the rooftop of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace
Mausoleum building shall be conducted within temporary covered tenting
that is enclosed on a minimum of 2 sides, as illustrated in Green Hills’ power
point presentation to the Planning Commission on May 13, 2014. One of
the two covered sides shall be the north side facing the Vista Verde
Condominium complex. Said temporary tenting shall be erected no earlier
than 2 hours prior to the burial service and shall be removed within 2 hours
after the burial service.
f. Sales. Sales personnel shall be allowed to show potential roof-top ground
interments plots on the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum
building in Area 11, only between the hours of 10:00am and 3:00pm
Monday through Sunday.
g. Notice to Property Owners. Small flags shall be placed on any burial site
located on the rooftop of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum
within 24 hours after a burial service has been scheduled for that site, to
provide neighboring property owners with advanced notice of scheduled
interments and burial services, unless burial will be in less than 24 hours
from death in which case flags will be placed as soon as possible before the
serivce. Green Hills shall also post on its publicly accessible website
(www.greenhillsmemorial.com) additional details concerning the
anticipated time and date of scheduled burial services. (AMENDED PER
CC RESOLUTION NO. 2015-__; ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015)
h. Supervision. At least one employee of Green Hills shall attend and monitor
every service occurring on the rooftop of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial
Terrace Mausoleum for the entirety of all burial services to ensure that the
services are orderly and comply with these conditions of approval.
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i. Excluded Areas. In no event shall below-grade interments be allowed on
the roof of the Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building that are within 16-feet
from the northern property line. Specifically, plots illustrated in sections 540
through 553, as depicted in the attached Exhibit C of this Resolution, are
hereby eliminated. (RENUMBERED DUE TO THE DELETION OF THE
ORIGINAL CONDITION 1.3.n IN PC RESOLUTION NO. 2014-29)
(CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL 1.3.a THROUGH 1.3.o ADDED AND AMENDED PER
PC RESOLUTION NO. 2014-29 ON NOVEMBER 11, 2014 AND CC RESOLUTION NO.
2015-__, ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015)
2. Review of Compliance with Master Plan. Construction and build-out of the
Green Hills Memorial Park Cemetery shall be in substantial compliance with the
Master Plan Revision approved by the Planning Commission on April 24, 2007 and
July 22, 2014, and the City Council on November 17, 2015, as indicated in these
conditions of approval. Substantial Compliance Reviews shall, unless otherwise
stated, be performed by the Director of Community Development through Site Plan
Review subject to appeal to the Planning Commission (or thereafter to the City
Council). This is further described in Condition 1k, above. Certain Substantial
Compliance Reviews, as set forth herein, are performed directly by the Planning
Commission. Matters subject to direct Commission review include: (i) the
construction of any mausoleum or other significant building, or the substantial
reconstruction or reconstruction thereof, as determined by the Director; (ii) any
significant change in grading from that shown in the Master Plan, (iii) to the extent
any areas in the Master Plan are not shown as designated for specific uses, or for
burials (the “Undesignated Areas”), the specific use and development plan for such
Undesignated Areas showing all planned structures. In addition, besides
performing specified compliance reviews, any modification to the Master Plan or
conditions of approval of this CUP must be submitted to and approved by the
Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission shall consider all such matters only through a noticed
public hearing. Notice of said public hearing shall be published and provided to
owners of property within a 500-foot radius, to persons requesting notice, to all
affected homeowners associations, and to the property owner in accordance with
Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code Section 17.80.090. At that time, the
Planning Commission may determine there is substantial compliance or add,
delete, or modify the conditions of approval, as deemed necessary and
appropriate. Any interested person may appeal, such action to the City Council
pursuant to Section 17.80 of the RPVMC. Applicant shall make deposit and pay
all City fees for compliance review or amendment. (AMENDED PER PC
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-47 ON NOVEMBER 25, 2008; PC RESOLUTION NO.
2014-21 ON JULY 22, 2014; PC RESOLUTION NO. 2014-29 ON NOVEMBER
11, 2014; PC RESOLUTION NO. 2015-09 ON MAY 12, 2015; AND CC
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-__ on September 1, 2015).
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3. Grading Area 4. Prior to grading operations to prepare Area 4 for ground burials,
the applicant shall submit a grading permit application, signed by an individual
designated by the Green Hills Memorial Park Board of Directors for review and
approval by the Director of Community Development to ensure consistency with
the approved Master Plan Revision. If it is found to be consistent with the approved
Master Plan Revision, the grading permit will be approved administratively, without
further public notice, review or hearings. However, if the Director of Community
Development finds that the project is not in substantial compliance with the
approved Master Plan Revision, then it shall require review and approval by the
Planning Commission in accordance with the provisions of Condition 2.
4. Applicant Acceptance of Conditions. The applicant and/or property owner shall
submit to the City a statement, in writing, that they have read, understand and
agree to all conditions of approval contained in this approval. Failure to provide
said written statement within ninety (90) days following the date of this approval
shall render this approval null and void.
5. Mitigation Monitoring. All mitigation measures contained in the approved
Mitigation Monitoring Program contained in P.C. Resolution No. 2007-32 for the
Mitigated Negative Declaration, shall be incorporated into the implementation of
the proposed project and adhered to. The mitigation measures are as follows:
A-1: No new light poles, light standards, or other form of lighting is allowed along
the roadways within the cemetery without prior written approval by the Director of
Community Development.
A-2: No exterior, building-mounted lighting is allowed on the façade elevations
that are closest to and oriented towards residences. All other lighting shall be
arranged and shielded as to prevent direct illumination of surrounding property.
A-3: All pedestrian-oriented lights along the exterior of the mausoleum buildings
shall be in the form of lights that are inset into the adjoining walls. Further, the
lighting shall be arranged and/or shielded as to prevent direct illumination of
surrounding property and prevent visibility of the light source.
AQ-1: Prior to construction of each building contained in the approved Master Plan
and Master Plan Revision, the applicant shall submit a grading permit application,
signed by an individual designated by the Green Hills Memorial Park Board of
Directors, for review and approval by the Planning Commission to ensure
consistency with the approved Master Plan, in accordance with Condition 2, which
shall include, but not be limited to, grading quantities, height, area and location of
buildings and that the buildings will not have adverse impacts upon adjacent
properties.
AQ-2: During construction of any improvements associated with the master plan,
the owner shall ensure that all unpaved construction areas shall be watered at
least twice a day during excavation and construction to reduce dust emissions and
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meet SCAQMD Rule 403 which prohibits dust clouds to be visible beyond the
project site boundaries.
AQ-3: During construction of any improvements associated with the master plan,
the owner shall ensure that all clearing, grading, earth moving or demolition
activities shall be discontinued during periods of high winds (i.e., greater than 15
mph), so as to prevent excessive amounts of dust.
AQ-4: During construction of any improvements associated with the master plan,
the owner shall ensure that General contractors shall maintain and operate
construction equipment so as to minimize exhaust emissions.
AQ-5: During construction of any improvements associated with the master plan,
the owner shall ensure that on-site construction vehicle speeds are limited to a
maximum of 15 miles per hour on unpaved roads.
AQ-6: During construction of any improvements associated with the master plan,
the owner shall ensure that all on-site construction roads with vehicle traffic will be
watered periodically as necessary for dust suppression.
AQ-7: During construction of any improvements associated with the master plan,
the owner shall ensure that street sweeping will be initiated if visible dust is
deposited upon public paved roadways due to the project.
AQ-8: During the daily cemetery operations, the owner shall ensure that all
clearing and earth moving will be discontinued during periods of high winds (i.e.,
greater than 25 mph), so as to prevent excessive amounts of dust. This shall not
apply to excavations for individual burial plots prior to a service, or to filling of
individual burial plots after a service.
AQ-9: During the daily cemetery operations, the owner shall ensure that on-site
vehicle speeds associated with the transporting of earth materials are limited to 15
miles per hour on unpaved roads.
AQ-10: The owner shall ensure that grave spoils are placed in Area 5 and/or Area
6 of the Master Plan, which will be placed to fill the areas. A minimum 8-foot high
chain link fence with a mesh material to reasonably screen the fill area from
neighbors shall enclose and confine said area.
AQ-11: The confined fill locations described in mitigation measure AQ-10 above,
shall be regularly watered to reduce dust emissions and meet SCAQMD Rule 403
which prohibits dust clouds to be visible beyond the project site boundaries.
AQ-12: A weatherproof notice/sign setting forth the name of the person(s)
responsible for the daily dirt movement to these confined fill locations and a phone
number(s) to be called in the event that dust is visible from the confined fill locations
described in mitigation measure AQ-10 above, shall be posted and displayed on
the fencing.
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AQ-13: If stockpiling of earth material becomes necessary for ultimate use as
backfill, stockpiling shall only be located in Area 5 and/or Area 6 of the Master
Plan, and shall be subject to conditions AQ-10, AQ-11 and AQ-12 above.
AQ-14: At the time any substantial compliance review is performed in accordance
with Conditions 1k or 2, or if any applicant proposes any changes for the Master
Plan, the Director of Community Development can perform a compliance review
of the whole project in accordance with all conditions of approval associated with
the Master Plan and Master Plan Revision. At that time, the City approving body
may add, delete, or modify the conditions of approval as deemed necessary and
appropriate. Review procedure will be as set forth in Conditions 1k or 2, as
appropriate, and are subject to appeal as provided therein. Any administrative
review may be sent directly to the Planning Commission by the Director of
Community Development.
GS-1: The applicant shall submit a geotechnical report for review and approval by
the City Geologist prior to the issuance of a building permit for each mausoleum
building or grading permit for any earth movement beyond that associated with
ground interment sites, unless the City Geologist deems that a geotechnical report
is not warranted. Further, prior to any additional placement of fill in Area 5, a
detailed grading plan with relevant geotechnical reports supporting
recommendations for grading in Areas 5 and 6 shall be submitted by the applicant
to the City for review and approval by the Building and Safety Division and the City
Geologist prior to issuance of a building permit for any mausoleum.
GS-2: The applicant shall ensure that all applicable conditions as specified within
the geotechnical report and all measures required by the City Geologist are
incorporated into the project.
HW -1: The applicant shall prepare a Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan
(SUSMP) along with a Maintenance Agreement and Transfer. The SUSMP and
related information shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Community
Development, or his/her designee prior to the issuance of grading and building
permits for any mausoleum building.
N-1: Construction activity of the mausoleum buildings and grading operations shall
be limited to the hours of 7:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. There
shall be no construction on Saturdays, Sundays or federally observed holidays
unless a Special Construction Permit is obtained prior to work on a Federally
observed holiday.
N-2: 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
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shall be located to maximize the distance between staging activities and
neighboring properties, subject to approval by the building official. (AMENDED
PER PC RESOLUTION NO. 2014-21 ON JULY 22, 2014)
N-3: As indicated in mitigation measure AQ-1413 above, the project shall be
reviewed by the Planning Commission annually, commencing on the date of final
approval, to review the applicant’s compliance with all conditions of approval
associated with the Master Plan and Master Plan Revision. At that time, the
Planning Commission may add, delete, or modify the conditions of approval as
deemed necessary and appropriate. Notice of said review hearing shall be
published and provided to owners of property within a 500’ radius, to persons
requesting notice, to all affected homeowners associations, and to the property
owner in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code Section
17.80.090.
6. Setbacks Below Ground. Setbacks for below ground interments sites, “Garden”
burial sites with no above-ground structures (other than benches for seating), and
roads shall be as follows:
North and South: 8’ (except the northwest corner between the western
property line and maintenance yard, which shall be 16’,
with the exception of the thirteen (13) interments
already placed within the northwest corner and the six
(6) companion plots which have already been sold
East and West: 0’
(AMENDED PER CC RESOLUTION NO. 2015-__; ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015)
7. Setbacks Above Ground. Setbacks for above ground structures, including but
not limited to mausoleums (except the Pacifica Mausoleum and the Pacific
Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum shown in Area 11 of the Master Plan, which
are addressed in Condition 8 and 8.a) and crypts shall be as follows:
North: 80’ or no closer than the northern perimeter road, whichever
is greater from the north property line that is north of the
maintenance yard, and 40’ (except for the Mausoleum
constructed and finaled as of 2013 the setback shall be 8’)
from the north property line that abuts the Vista Verde
Condominium complex in the City of Lomita.
South: 40’
East: 25’
West: 5’
(AMENDED PER PC RESOLUTION NO. 2014-29, ON NOVEMBER 11, 2014
AND CC RESOLUTION NO. 2015-__; ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015)
8. Setbacks for Pacifica Mausoleum (Area 1). Setbacks for the Pacifica
Mausoleum are as follows:
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West: 15’ (existing) / 5’ for the northwestern addition
North: 40’-0” (expansion northerly along the eastern edge of the
existing building shall be offset 8’-0” to the west from the
existing eastern edge of the building)
East: 25’
South: If abutting a residential zoning district, 40’. If abutting a
nonresidential zoning district, 25’
8.a Setbacks For Area 11. Setbacks for the existing Pacific Terrace/Memorial
Terrace Mausoleum building in Area 11 shall be as follows:
North: 8’-0 for the portion constructed and finaled as of 2013. 40’ for
future expansions
West/South: If abutting a residential zoning district, 40’. If abutting a
nonresidential zoning district, 25’.
East: 25’
(AMENDED PER PC RESOLUTION NO. 2014-29, ON NOVEMBER 11, 2014)
9. Music. Any live and/or amplified music shall occur only during funeral services,
community events, or visits. Funeral services music and community event music
shall be limited to the duration of the service or event. In no case shall the live
and/or amplified music exceed 65 dba at the common property lines abutting a
Residential Zoning District. The noise level shall be enforced by the neighbors
through civil means.
10. Signage. The applicant shall install and maintain signage at various locations
throughout the Cemetery to inform visitors of rules that prohibit on-site
consumption of alcoholic beverages, prohibit excessive noise and amplified music,
and disruptive behavior. The applicant shall submit a signage plan for review and
approval by Staff prior to installation of any signage. The signage plan shall
illustrate the locations, height, design and content of the signs.
11. Standby Personnel for Complaints. The applicant shall supply the abutting
neighbors with the name and contact information for the Green Hills Cemetery
personnel that can be contacted about excessive noise or other activities that
result in impacts to the immediate neighborhood.
12. Employee Training. The applicant shall continue to provide for new employees,
training programs on a regular basis, in accordance with Cal OSHA
recommendations on the proper handling and safety requirements of equipment
and material in the mortuary and crematory.
13. Construction Sites. 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.
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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.
(AMENDED PER PC RESOLUTION NO. 2014-21 ON JULY 22, 2014)
14. Trash and Debris. 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 is not limited to: the accumulation of debris,
garbage, lumber, scrap metal, concrete, asphalt, piles of earth, salvage materials,
abandoned or discarded furniture, appliances or other household fixtures. All
landscape pruning, including but not limited to grass, leaves, branches, fertilizer,
etc., shall be properly stored in areas with minimal visual impact to adjacent
homeowners, and shall be stored in appropriate containers and disposed of in a
proper manner
15. Storage of Equipment and Supplies. When not being used in the daily
operations of the cemetery, equipment and supplies shall be stored in areas with
minimal visual impact to adjacent homeowners or in the maintenance yard if
possible. Equipment and supplies shall be neatly stacked so they do not pose a
safety hazard or become a property maintenance issue. All landscaping
equipment and vehicles, and all vehicles used for maintenance and/or burial
preparation shall be stored in the maintenance yard.
16. Temporary Trailers. Temporary trailers are only allowed during construction of
the mausoleum buildings. The location of any such trailers shall be illustrated on
plans for the Grading Permit as described and required in condition AQ-1 above,
and shall be approved by the Director of Community Development. Further, the
trailer shall be removed prior to building/grading permit final.
17. Hours of Operations
a. General. This section shall govern hours of operations except for any
provision concerning specific areas of the cemetery and Section 1.3.5a
concerning rooftop burials.
b. Hours of Facilities. Hours of public operation for the flower shop are limited
to 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday. The Administration
Building public hours are limited to 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through
Sunday. The Chapel may be open to the public from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday through Sunday. The cemetery grounds for visits shall be open
from 7:00 a.m. to dusk.
c. Construction Working Hours. Construction and grading activities, including
but not limited to equipment warm up, geologic investigations, interment
excavation for placement of vaults and installation or removal of large
landscape materials or landscaping maintenance shall be limited to daytime
working hours (7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) on weekdays only.
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01203.0025/274547.5 Resolution No. 2015- __
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d. Non Construction and Burial Related Activity. Excavation for removal and
replacement of vault tops for funeral service preparation, individual
placement of vaults for funeral services and operation of landscape
maintenance equipment shall be allowed in any area of the park
between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through
Friday, and between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday,
and Federally observed Holidays.
e. Construction In Proximity to Residential. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
within 120 feet of any property line abutting a Residential Zoning District, no
construction or grading, including grading operations to prepare sites for
ground burials, shall occur before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. All equipment
shall be equipped with a muffler to reduce on-site grading and construction
noise levels.
18. Landscaping Maintenance. All existing and future landscaping shall be properly
maintained in a healthy and trimmed manner at all times.
19. View Impairment. All existing and proposed landscaping between the north
property line and the northern perimeter road shall not significantly impair any near
or far view as defined by the Development Code. A landscape plan limited to
plants, trees and foliage that are 48-inches or taller for this Area shall be submitted
to the Director of Community Development for review and approval prior to grading
operations to prepare Area 4 for ground burials.
20. Tree Preservation. The existing eucalyptus trees on the west side of the
Administration Building Parking lot shall not be removed unless required by the
holder of the easement in which the trees are located or acceptable evidence is
provided to the Director of Community Development from a certified arborist
supporting removal.
21. Hedges. When Inspiration Slope is developed, the existing hedge that separates
Crescent Lawn and Vista Del Pointe from this area shall be removed. The existing
hedge located on the applicant’s property on the south property line adjacent to
the rear yards on residential lots located on Avenida Feliciano shall be pruned and
maintained so it does not exceed the height of the chain link fence, which is 8’-0”
high. The existing and future screen planting in the 8’-0” setback along the
northern property line shall be maintained no higher than the fence height unless
specifically requested in writing by the appropriate adjacent property owner.
22. No Vegetation Area 2. With the exception of ground cover, no vegetation shall
be planted in Area 2 (Inspiration Slope) of the Master Plan Revision approved April
24, 2007. Drought tolerant, low maintenance and erosion controlling landscaping
is required in the western setback adjacent to the Pacifica Mausoleum expansion.
23. Inspiration Slope. The mausoleum on Inspiration Slope shall be located as
shown on the Master Plan Revision so as not to impair views from the Peninsula
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01203.0025/274547.5 Resolution No. 2015- __
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Verde neighborhood. The Director of Community Development shall approve the
exact location and height of this mausoleum building. The Director of Community
Development may review and approve a retaining wall that contains niches for
cremated remains extending from the mausoleum building not exceeding an
average of 8’-0” in height connecting to the existing wall and a maximum 42” high
guardrail and pilasters on top. The top of the retaining wall shall not exceed the
height of the adjacent road level (other than a small curb sufficient in height to
control the water and direct water down the roadway). (AMENDED PER CC
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-__; ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015)
24. Landscaping and Irrigation Plans. Landscaping and irrigation in all setbacks
require review and approval by the Director of Community Development prior to
installation. Irrigation systems shall be designed to provide adequate coverage
with no over-spray, runoff, or excessive quantities of water output. Use of drip
irrigation systems is required wherever possible. A low water use turf shall be used
in all new lawn areas. Such landscape and irrigation plan for the setback areas
shall be submitted to the Community Development for review and approval within
180 days of final approval of the Master Plan Revision.
25. Slope Grades Maximum. Finish slopes and grades shall not exceed 3:1. On 4:1
or steeper slopes, erosion controlling plant material and other erosion control
methods, such as jute netting, shall be required and installed.
26. Sewer and Water Facilities. The site shall be served by adequately sized water
system facilities as determined by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. All
Los Angeles County Fire Department requirements shall be satisfied prior to
building permit issuance for the mausoleum building. Any new sewer and water
facilities must tie into local main lines. The usage of the site may be limited by the
size and type of sewage and water systems that can legally be installed
27. Fencing. The existing chain link fence and wrought iron fence, which surrounds
the perimeter of the cemetery site, shall be maintained. On those areas of the
fence specifically owned by the cemetery, and where not directed otherwise by the
adjacent water authority, no barbed wire on the top of these fences is allowed, and
any existing barbed wire shall be removed within 90-days of final approval of this
Master Plan Revision.
28. Road Paved. The road in Area 5 and Area 6 (of the Master Plan Revision
approved April 24, 2007) that parallels the south property line shall be paved and
maintained by the applicant.
29. Storage of Excavations. Temporary storage (up to 72-hours) of interment
excavations is allowed provided that such excavation is stored within an
appropriate container.
30. Building Heights. The overall building heights for the buildings are limited to the
heights approved by the Planning Commission. The heights of each building shall
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be certified by a registered Civil Engineer and submitted to the Community
Development Department prior to building permit final. With the exception of the
mausoleum building on Inspiration Slope and Lake View Terrace (Area 6), all
mausoleum buildings shall not exceed 20-feet in height as measured from the
highest finished grade elevation covered by the structure to the highest point of the
structure, and shall not exceed an overall height of 30-feet as measured from the
lowest finished grade adjacent to the building to the highest point of the structure.
Once a building height has been determined by the Planning Commission, a ridge
height certification will be required prior to Building Permit Final. (AMENDED PER
PC RESOLUTION NO. 2014-29, ON NOVEMBER 11, 2014) (AMENDED PER
CC RESOLUTION NO. 2015-__; ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015)
31. Compliance With Authorities. Development shall comply with all requirements
of the various municipal utilities and agencies that provide public services to the
site. On an annual basis, the applicant shall provide the City with copies of permits
from the South Coast Air Quality Management District and Los Angeles County
Fire Prevention Bureau for storage of fuel. The applicant shall also provide copies
of permits from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Hazardous Maintenance
Division Section and Fire Prevention Bureau, for the chemicals stored in the
embalming rooms in the Administration Building. Permits from the South Coast
Air Quality Management District for the crematory must also be provided.
32. State Permits. On an annual basis, the applicant shall provide the City with a
copy of permits and/or licenses from the State Cemetery and Funeral Board.
33. Encroachment Permits. 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. (AMENDED PER PC RESOLUTION NO. 2014-21 ON JULY 22,
2014)
34. Easements. The owner shall submit a title report within 90 days of final approval
of this Master Plan Revision. All easements shown on the title report shall be
clearly delineated on an accompanying site plan. Any grading, construction,
placement of structures, including but not limited to walls, fences, and interments
on any easement, requires prior written permission from the easement holder.
35. No Waiver of Law. 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.
(AMENDED PER PC RESOLUTION NO. 2014-21 ON JULY 22, 2014)
36. Conflict of Law. 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 Cemetery development standards of the City’s Municipal
Code, including but not limited to height, setback and lot coverage standards. In
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01203.0025/274547.5 Resolution No. 2015- __
Page 20 of 21
the event that a Planning requirement and a Building & Safety requirement are in
conflict with one another, the stricter standard shall apply. (AMENDED PER PC
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-21 ON JULY 22, 2014)
37. Revocation. Should the applicant fail to comply with any of these conditions of
approval or mitigation measures, after written notice to applicant and the
opportunity to cure, the City may initiate revocation procedures for this permit,
which shall include a public hearing. Notice of said public hearing shall be
published and provided to owners of property within a 500’ radius, to persons
requesting notice, to all affected homeowners associations, and to the property
owner in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code Section
17.80.090. 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.
(AMENDED PER PC RESOLUTION NO. 2014-21 ON JULY 22, 2014)
38. Submission Property Line Survey Maps. Within 30 days from the date of the
approval of this Resolution, the applicant shall submit a certified property line
survey to the Director of Community Development verifying that the existing above
ground interments and structures exceeding 6-feet in height are located outside of
the required five foot setback along the west property line in the area south of the
Pacifica Mausoleum building. (Area 1) (ADDED PER PC RESOLUTION NO.
2014-29 ON NOVEMBER 11, 2014 AND AMENDED PER CC RESOLUTION NO.
2015- ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2015)
39. Fees and Costs. Except as otherwise specified, applicant is responsible for the
costs of complying with the provisions of the Master Plan, Revised Master Plan,
and of this CUP.
40. Mediation with Homeowners. Owners in the Vista Verde Condominium Project
have made objections and claims against the City concerning the fact that the
Pacific Terrace/Memorial Mausoleum is constructed at the 8 foot setback line
instead of the previous setback which existed before 2007. If requested by the
Vista Verde homeowners, Green Hills will undertake an appraisal to determine if
there has been a loss of real estate value resulting to the homeowners from the
construction of the Mausoleum and what that loss might be. Green Hills will
participate in a mediation process with the Vista Verde homeowners and attempt
to settle claims by such homeowners for values up to the amount of the appraisal
differential, using either the existing appraisal or a new appraisal requested by the
Vista Verde homeowners. City representatives will also participate in this
mediation on behalf of City. If the Vista Verde homeowners refuse to participate
in the mediation, or the mediation does not result in a settlement of the disputes,
then Green Hills is responsible for defense of its entitlements pursuant to the
indemnification provisions in Condition 41.
41. Defense of Claims Against Project.
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01203.0025/274547.5 Resolution No. 2015- __
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a. Non-Liability of City. The Parties acknowledge that: (i) In the future there
may be challenges to legality, validity and adequacy of the Project
approvals; and (ii) If successful, such challenges could delay or prevent the
ongoing use of the Project as provided herein. In addition to the other
provisions of the CUP, including, without limitation, the provisions of this
Section, City shall have no liability under the CUP for the inability of Green
Hills to develop the Property as contemplated by the Master Plan or the
CUP as the result of a judicial determination that on the Effective Date, or
at any time thereafter, the General Plan, Master Plan, the Land Use
Regulations, the CUP, or portions thereof, are invalid or inadequate or not
in compliance with law.
b. Revision of Land Use Restrictions. If for any reason the General Plan,
Master Plan, Land Use Regulations, this CUP or any part thereof of the
Project approvals is hereafter judicially determined as provided above to be
not in compliance with the State or Federal Constitutions, laws or
regulations and if such noncompliance can be cured by an appropriate
amendment thereof otherwise conforming to the provisions of this
Agreement, then the CUP shall remain in full force and effect to the extent
permitted by law. The Master Plan and this CUP shall be amended, as
necessary, in order to comply with such judicial decision.
c. Scope of Indemnification. Green Hills shall agree to defend, indemnify and
hold harmless, the City, its agents, officers and employees from any claim,
action or proceeding against the City and the application will either
undertake defense of the matter and pay the City’s associated legal costs,
or will advance funds to pay for defense of the matter by the City Attorney.
If the City fails to promptly notify Green Hills of any such claim, action or
proceeding or fails to cooperate fully in the defense, Green Hills shall not,
thereafter, be responsible to defend, indemnify or hold harmless the City.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City retains the right to settle or abandon
the matter without Green Hill’s consent, but should it do so, the City shall
waive the indemnification herein, except the City’s decision to settle or
abandon a matter following an adverse judgment or failure to appeal, shall
not cause a waiver of indemnification rights herein, providing, however, that
the adverse judgment or failure to appeal is not due to the City’s failure to
promptly notify Applicant or to cooperate fully in the defense. The foregoing
includes, but is not limited to, any and all claim(s), causes of action or
lawsuit(s) brought by the Claimants, by their homeowners’ association or by
anyone else on their behalf.
d. Limitation of Indemnity. Notwithstanding the generality of the above, for
purposes of the current claims by the Vista Verde homeowners concerning
the Mausoleum, the City shall bear its own legal defense costs, but this
restriction shall not apply to future matters.
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e. Hold Harmless: Construction and Other Activities. Green Hills hereby
agrees to, and shall defend, save and hold City and its elected and
appointed boards, commissions, officers, agents, and employees harmless
from any and all claims, costs (including attorneys’ fees) and liability for any
damages, personal injury or death, which may arise, directly or indirectly,
from Green Hills or Green Hills’ agents, contractors, subcontractors, agents,
or employees’ operations under the CUP, whether such operations be by
Green Hills or by any of Green Hills’ agents, contractors or subcontractors
or by any one or more persons directly or indirectly employed by or acting
as agent for Green Hills or any of Green Hills’ agents, contractors or
subcontractors. Nothing herein is intended to make Green Hills liable for
intentional wrongful and/or reckless acts of City’s officers, employees,
agents, contractors or subcontractors.
f. Survival of Indemnity Obligations. All indemnity provisions set forth in this
Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement or CUP for any
reason other than City’s default.
Attachment B - 34