RPVCCA_CC_SR_2014_02_04_02_CUP_St_John_Fisher_Master_Plan_Bells_&_Outdoor_LightingRANCHO PALOS VERDES
PUBLIC HEARING
Date: February 4, 2014
Subject: Review of the Carillon Bells and Exterior Lighting of the Sanctuary
for the St. John Fisher Master Plan
Location: 5448 Crest Road -Corner of Crest Road and Crenshaw Blvd.
1. Declare the Hearing Open: Mayor Duhovic
2. Report of Notice Given: City Clerk Morreale
3. Staff Report & Recommendation: Associate Planner Mikhail
4. Public Testimony:
Appellant: N/A
Applicant: N/A
5. Council Questions:
6. Rebuttal:
7. Declare Hearing Closed: Mayor Duhovic
8. Council Deliberation:
9. Council Action:
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CrrYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MEMORANDUM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: JOEL ROJAS, COMMUNIT PMENT DIRECTOR
DATE: FEBRUARY 4, 2014
SUBJECT: REVIEW OF THE CARILLON BELLS AND EXTERIOR
LIGHTING OF THE SANCTUARY FOR THE ST. JOHN
FISHER MASTER PLAN (Location: 5448 Crest Road -
Corner of Crest Rd. and Crenshaw Blvd.)
REVIEWED: CAROLYN LEHR, CITY ~GER~
Project Manager: Leza Mikhail, Associate Plann~
RECOMMENDATION
Determine that the carillon bells and exterior sanctuary lighting associated with the St. John
Fisher Master Plan are in compliance with the applicable conditions of approval.
BACKGROUND
On October 14, 2008, the Planning Commission certified a Mitigated Negative Declaration,
adopted a Mitigation Monitoring Program and conditionally approved the St. John Fisher Master
Plan. On October 29, 2008, the Planning Commission's decision was appealed to the City
Council by some adjacent neighbors raising issues related to Neighborhood Compatibility,
impacts due to the size of the sanctuary, inadequate parking, noise impacts due to the use of a
gymnasium, ringing of the proposed electronic bells, the lighting of the sanctuary tower and
steeple, concerns with removal of certain mature trees and the desire for additional setbacks
around the sanctuary.
On February 17, 2009, after conducting five (5) public hearings, including a special on-site
public hearing, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2009-09 (attached), adopting a
Mitigated Negative Declaration I Mitigation Monitoring Program, and Resolution No. 2009-10,
conditionally approving Conditional Use Permit No. 96 -Revision "D", Grading Permit, Minor
Exception Permit and Site Permit to establish a Master Plan for the St. John Fisher Church and
School property. The approval included the construction of 32,426 square feet of new building
area, the demolition of 10,329 square feet of existing building area, a total of 30,688 cubic yards
of associated grading and a new monument sign for the property. At the time of approval, the
City Council required a number of future City Council reviews related to the carillon bells,
outdoor lighting, the effectiveness of landscaping for screening the sanctuary, parking, and the
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St. John Fisher Maser Plan Review of Carillon Bells and Exterior Sanctuary Lighting
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effectiveness of all conditions of approval for all structures completed within Phase One of the
Master Plan.
Shortly thereafter, a group of nearby neighbors, known as the Rancho Palos Verdes Neighbors
for Community Compatibility, filed a lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los
Angeles on its own behalf and for the benefit of St. John Fisher Parish, and the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes (the "City") due to concerns with the City Council's final decision. Specifically, the
legal action contended that the City approval of the St. John Fisher Master Plan imposed
significant environmental impacts on surrounding neighborhoods and therefore the Church
should have been required to submit an Environmental Impact Report prior to receiving a
Conditional Use Permit. Following multiple settlement meetings between February and October
2009, the parties agreed to compromise disputes and differences and entered into a Settlement
Agreement.
On January 11, 2010, as a result of the Settlement Agreement, the City processed a Minor
Modification, pursuant to Condition No. 3 of Resolution No. 2009-10, which authorizes the
Community Development Director to approve minor modifications to the approved plans or any
of the conditions of approval if such modifications achieve substantially the same results as
would strict compliance. Specifically, the Community Development Director approved an
increase in the setbacks of the sanctuary to adjacent property lines, the relocation of the
preschool to a courtyard at the center of the existing campus, a reduction in the building footprint
of the proposed Administrative Building, a slight change in the location of the exterior stairs and
handicap ramp at the corner of Crest Road and Crenshaw Boulevard, and a change in the south
property line combination wall from wrought iron to solid material. The most current Conditions
of Approval of Resolution No. 2009-10 are attached to this report as Exhibit "B".
On August 8, 2011, St. John Fisher was issued a Building Permit for the construction of the new
sanctuary. Construction began in November 2011, and after 2 years of construction, on October
24, 2013, St. John Fisher was issued a Certificate of Occupancy for the new sanctuary. In
accordance with Condition No. 74 of the St. John Fisher Master Plan, a review of the carillon
bells and exterior sanctuary lighting by the City Council is to occur no later than two (2) months
after issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the new sanctuary. As the required review would
fall during the holiday season, Staff scheduled the City Council review for the first meeting in
February.
On January 16, 2014, Staff mailed notices to 180 property owners within a 500-foot radius from
the subject property advising them of the carillon bell and sanctuary exterior lighting review. The
public notice was also published in the Peninsula News on January 16, 2014 and sent to a St.
John Fisher Interested Parties list. Staff received five (5) emails from neighbors surrounding the
property (attached).
SITE DESCRIPTION
The St. John Fisher property is located at 5448 Crest Road, on the southeast corner of the
intersection at Crest Road and Crenshaw Boulevard. The property is 399,804 square feet (9.2
acres) in area and zoned Institutional. The property is currently developed with an elementary
school (K-8), administrative/parish offices, a recreational hall (Barrett Hall), rectory (priest's
residence), new sanctuary, and parish activity center/gymnasium (currently being remodeled
from the previous sanctuary). The campus is sited 15-20 feet above the adjacent streets; Crest
Road and Crenshaw Boulevard. The main parking lot is located along the south property line
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St. John Fisher Maser Plan Review of Carillon Bells and Exterior Sanctuary Lighting
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and provides 331 parking spaces for everyday use. Additional seasonal/peak parking is located
within the classroom courtyard and provides an additional 23 parking spaces for larger events
when school is not in session.
DISCUSSION
Pursuant to Condition No. 7 4 of the City Council approved Conditional Use Permit a review of
the effectiveness of the Conditions of Approval for the carillon bells and exterior lighting of the
new sanctuary shall be considered by the City Council. Specifically, Condition No. 7 4 states as
follows:
The carillon bells and the exterior lighting of the sanctuary shall be installed prior to
issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the new sanctuary and shall be installed as
shown on the approved plans. No later than two (2) months after issuance of a
Certificate of Occupancy for the new sanctuary, the City Council shall review the
impacts of the carillon bells and exterior sanctuary lighting to assess the effectiveness
of the Conditions of Approval in minimizing the impacts of the bells and exterior
sanctuary lighting to neighboring properties. At that time, the City Council may add,
relieve, delete and/or modify any of the respective conditions of approval or may
prohibit the use of the carillon bells and/or outdoor sanctuary lighting if the City
Council determines that the imposed conditions are not effective in minimizing the
sound and/or lighting effects to neighbors. Said modifications shall not result in
substantial changes to the design of the sanctuary or other ancillary structures.
Notice of said review hearing shall be published and provided to owners of property
within a 500-foot radius of the subject site, to persons requesting a notice, to all
affected homeowner associations and to the property owner in accordance with the
RPVMC. The City Council may require such subsequent additional reviews, as the City
Council deems appropriate.
Carillon Bells
As part of the proposed project that was reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council
in 2008 and 2009, one of the main topics of discussion revolved around the installation and
operation of recorded carillon bells. The concerned neighbors felt the recorded bells would
create an " ... unbearable nuisance to the adjacent and surrounding neighbors." Given the
concerns raised by neighbors during the public hearing process regarding the expected noise
levels of the bells, the applicant contracted with a professional engineer to perform a focused
carillon sound study in August 2008. The purpose of the sound study was to allow the applicant,
residents, City Staff and City Council at that time to evaluate the potential impacts of the carillon
bells sound level upon surrounding land uses. The methodology used to conduct the sound
study included the installation of the recorded carillon bell simulating the location, height and
direction of the proposed speakers for the bells, and monitoring the decibel levels at seven
locations on or around the St. John Fisher property. The applicant's sound study revealed that
the carillon bells sound levels would be 50 decibels or less at the nearest sensitive receptor
locations, which was just outside the closest residential properties surrounding St. John Fisher.
Additionally, the applicant provided the times when the bells could be heard for residents, Staff
and the City Council to conduct their own independent account of the sounding bells. Ultimately,
the City Council determined that the noise/sound impacts that would result from the recorded
carillon bells was less than significant.
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St. John Fisher Maser Plan Review of Carillon Bells and Exterior Sanctuary Lighting
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In order to ensure that noise impacts from the recorded bells remained less than significant and
were minimized to surrounding neighbors, the City Council imposed Condition Nos. 54 -59
which are contained in attached Resolution No. 2009-10. The conditions are also listed below:
54. The carillon bells are permitted to ring on the following days and times only:
a. Monday through Saturday at 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM; and
b. Either shortly before or at the commencement of Sunday Masses, for a
maximum of six (6) times, not before 8:50 AM or after 6:00 PM; and
c. Christmas Eve Masses, but at no time before 8:00 AM or after 6:00PM; and
d. After Weddings, but at no time before 8:00 AM or after 6:00PM; and
e. After Funerals, but at no time before 8:00 AM or after 6:00PM; and
f. the following Holy Days: 1) The Assumption of the Blessed Mother (August
15), 2) All Saints Day (November 1), and 3) The Immaculate Conception
(December 8), but at no time before 7:00 AM or after 6:00PM.
55. . The carillon bells shall not chime for more than a period of 90 seconds at each allotted
time.
56. The speakers for the carillon bells shall be directed towards the interior of the lot and
shall not directly face any adjacent residential properties.
57. The speakers for the carillon bells shall not exceed a maximum height of 16'-0", as
measured from grade, adjacent to the location of the bells on the sanctuary.
58. The speakers for the carillon bells shall be setback a minimum of 110'-5" from any
property line, as noted on the approved project plans.
59. The speakers for the carillon bells shall only be used for the sounding of bells at the
approved times.
After installation of the carillon bells in October 2013, and prior to issuance of a Certificate of
Occupancy for the sanctuary, Staff inspected the location, orientation and height of the carillon
bell speaker. The applicant installed the speaker for the carillon bells as required by the
conditions of approval listed above. Additionally, in order to make sure there were no immediate
impacts once the church and bells were in full operation, Staff requested that the applicant play
the bells in a constant manner while staff visited the approximate seven (7) locations (see
attached map) that were originally analyzed in the applicant's sound study. Although Staff did
not use a sound meter, Staff was able to verify that the bells were audible, but at a negligible
level. Staff also visited other locations within the adjacent Island View neighborhood and
Rancho Crest neighborhood, whereby the bells were barely audible. As such, Staff is of the
opinion that the applicant is operating the carillon bells per the allotted times outlined in the
conditions of approval, there are no significant impacts that result from the bells, and no further
modifications to the conditions of approval related to the bells are necessary.
Outdoor Lighting
In addition to requiring a review of the carillon bells, Condition No. 74 also requires a review of
the exterior lighting of the new sanctuary building. It is important to note that this lighting review
is limited to the sanctuary building only and does not apply to other outdoor lighting located
throughout the site, including parking lot or pathway lighting. A review of all exterior lighting will
occur at a future review that is to take place 6 months after the completion of Phase 1, as
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St. John Fisher Maser Plan Review of Carillon Bells and Exterior Sanctuary Lighting
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stipulated by Condition No. 76. Staff anticipates said review will occur sometime in Fall/Winter of
2014/2015, which will be six months after the applicant is finished remodeling the original
sanctuary into the Parish Activity Center/gymnasium
At the time the project was being reviewed by the City Council, some neighbors relayed
concerns with the exterior lighting of the new sanctuary at the corner of Crest Road and
Crenshaw Blvd. More specifically, the concerned residents felt that that sanctuary lighting would
cause a significant adverse impact to the environment. During the public hearing of the project,
the City Council reviewed the potential impacts of the exterior lighting of the sanctuary.
Ultimately, the City Council determined that the proposed exterior lighting of the sanctuary would
not create a significant impact to neighboring properties and imposed Condition of Approval
Nos. 17, 19, 20, 21 and 22 to minimize potential impacts to a less than significant impact. The
Conditions can be found in the attached Resolution 2009-10 and are also listed below.
17. Exterior lighting shall be in compliance with the standards of Section 17.56.040 of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code and as identified and conditioned in the
Certified Mitigated Negative Declaration.
19. No one light fixture shall exceed 1,200 watts, and the light source shall not be directed
toward or result in direct illumination of an adjacent parcel of property or properties
other than that upon which such light source is physically located. All exterior lighting
shall be arranged and shielded so as to prevent direct illumination of abutting
properties and to prevent distraction of drivers of vehicles on public rights-of-way.
20. No building-mounted outdoor lighting shall be permitted where the light source or
fixture is mounted more than sixteen (16) feet above grade, as measured from grade,
adjacent to the building.
21. All outdoor lighting, including all outdoor illuminated signs, shall be turned off by 9:00
P.M. Monday through Sunday, except for lighting used for security, lighting of the
sanctuary on Christmas Eve and Easter Vigil, which shall be turned off by 2 A.M, and
additional security lighting the first Friday of every month. Prior to issuance of a
Building Permit or Grading Permit, the applicant shall provide the Planning
Department with a lighting plan for review and approval by the Planning Director that
indicates the lights that will remain lit throughout the evening for security.
22. Exterior sanctuary lighting shall be installed prior to issuance of the Certificate of
Occupancy for the sanctuary._After installation of all lighting, but prior to Issuance of
Certificate of Use and Occupancy of the proposed sanctuary and parking lot, the
developer shall request that the City conduct an inspection of the site to ensure that
there is no spill-over of light onto adjacent properties.
After installation of the exterior lighting of the sanctuary in September/October 2013, and prior to
issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the sanctuary, Staff inspected the exterior lighting of
the new sanctuary and steeple. The applicant installed a few ground-mounted lights surrounding
the new sanctuary which were directed toward the sanctuary from the ground up onto the
surface of the sanctuary and steeple fa9ade. Staff determined that the source of the lights could
not be seen from the public right-of-way and minimally illuminated the new sanctuary. Staff did
not find any impacts that result from the exterior lighting of the sanctuary and the lights utilized
for the illumination of the sanctuary and steeple are not directed toward another property and do
not impact surrounding properties. As such, Staff does not believe that further modifications to
the exterior lighting of the sanctuary are necessary.
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St. John Fisher Maser Plan Review of Carillon Bells and Exterior Sanctuary Lighting
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Public Input
As a result of the public notice, Staff received emails from three members of the public related to
the subject review: 1) Jim and Jackie Showalter, property owners at 7 Crestwind, 2) Ann and
Dan Mueller, property owners at 14 Mela Lane, 3) John Stille, property owner at 18 Santa
Catalina and Carlyn Quinto (property address unknown). Mr. and Mrs. Showalter ,Mr. and Mrs.
Mueller and Carlyn Quinto feel that the new sanctuary is a good addition to the community and
do not feel that the exterior lighting of the sanctuary or the carillon bells create a negative
impact. Mr. Stille originally relayed concerns with the carillon bells as he thought that the
applicant was changing and/or increasing the number of times the bells chime and the
amplification of the bells. After discussions with Mr. Stille, he noted that he understood that the
bells have been chiming for some time and that he could not hear them from his property. He
noted that he is okay with the status quo of the carillon bells, but may be concerned in the future
if the bells were chimed at a higher amplification.
Future Reviews
As a result of the high quantity of input from the public throughout the public hearing process in
2008/2009, the City Council required a number of "future reviews" of the property as various
phases are completed to ensure that all impacts are adequately mitigated through conditions of
approval. These future reviews are noted in Condition Nos. 74 -77 of Exhibit "B" to Resolution
No. 2009-10 (attached) and will address issues such as exterior lighting, landscape screening,
parking, overall operation of the property, etc. These reviews are expected to occur over the
next few years as different phases of the St. John Fisher Master Plan are completed. All of
these reviews will require a public notice and public hearing.
Staff did receive two comment letters/emails related to parking lot lighting (attached) from Carlyn
Quinto and Bill Wratschko. These comments will be included again and addressed at the time
parking lot lighting is reviewed in the future. As noted earlier, the review of exterior lighting for
the entire site is to occur at the completion of Phase 1, which Staff anticipates to be in
approximately 10-12 months (Fall/Winter of 2014/2015).
CONCLUSION
Based on the discussions above, Staff believes that St. John Fisher has is operating in
accordance with the Conditions of Approval of its Conditional Use Permit that relate to the
carillon bells and the exterior lighting of the newly constructed sanctuary. As such, Staff
recommends that he City Council determine that the carillon bells and exterior lighting of the
sanctuary associated with the St. John Fisher Master Plan are in compliance with the
applicable conditions of approval.
ALTERNATIVES
In addition to Staff's recommendation, the following alternative is available for consideration by
the Planning Commission:
1. Identify any issues of concern related to the conditions of approval for the carillon bells
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St. John Fisher Maser Plan Review of Carillon Bells and Exterior Sanctuary Lighting
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and exterior lighting of the new sanctuary building, provide Staff and/or the property
owner with direction in modifying the project or conditions of approval related to carillon
bells or the exterior lighting of the sanctuary, and continue the public hearing to a date
certain for discussion of these issues.
ATTACHMENTS
• St. John Fisher Church Noise Study Monitor Locations
• Resolution No. 2009-10
• Exhibit B to Resolution No. 2009-10 (amended Conditions of Approval as a result of
Minor Modification)
• Comment Letters
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St. John Fisher Noise Study
Monitor Locations
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St. John Fisher Church -Noise Study I FIGURE I
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City Council Resolution No. 2009-10
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RESOLUTION NO. 2009-10
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, DENYING AN APPEAL, UPHOLDING THE PLANNING
COMMISSION'S DECISION WITH MODIFICATIONS AND APPROVING
CASE NO. ZON2007-00492 (CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #96 -
REVISION "D", GRADING PERMIT, MINOR EXCEPTION PERMIT AND
SIGN PERMIT}, TO ESTABLISH A MASTER PLAN FOR THE ST. JOHN
FISHER CHURCH AND SCHOOL PROPERTY INCLUDING THE
CONSTRUCTION OF 32,426 SQUARE FEET OF NEW BUILDING AREA,
THE DEMOLITION OF 10,329 SQUARE FEET OF EXISTING FACILITIES,
A REMODEL OF 26,544 SQUARE FEET, A TOTAL OF 30,688 CUBIC
YARDS OF ASSOCIATED GRADING AND A NEW MONUMENT SIGN
ATTACHED TO THE NEW SANCUTARY FOR THE PROPERTY AT 5448
CREST ROAD, LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF CREST
ROAD AND CRENSHAW BOULEVARD.
WHEREAS, on April 23, 1985, the Planning Commission approved Conditional Use
Permit #96, thereby allowing the construction of a new social/meeting hall (Barrett Hall);
and,
WHEREAS, on July 22, 1986, the Planning Commission approved Conditional Use
Permit #96-Minor Revision, thereby allowing the construction of a 121 square foot trellis
over an existing sun deck, located above the garage of the church rectory; and,
WHEREAS, . on January 11, 1994, the Planning Commission approved, with
conditions, Variance #116 and Conditional Use Permit #96 -Revision "B", thereby allowing
the construction of a 36'-6" tall elevator for access to the lower level meeting room, a 1,004
square foot expansion of the existing sanctuary and a 50' -0" tall bell tower and bells with a
15'-0" tall cross affixed to the top of the tower, for a maximum overall height of 65'-0"; and,
WHEREAS, on February 7, 1994, the applicant submitted a letter to the Planning,
Building and Code Enforcement Department stating that the proposed tower and bells were
eliminated from Conditional Use Permit #96 -Revision "B" due to funding restrictions and,
as a result, would not be constructed; and,
WHEREAS, on February 11, 1997, the Planning Commission approved, with
conditions, Conditional Use Permit, #96 -Revision "C", thereby allowing the construction of
3, 189 square feet, in two phases, to provide 10 elementary school classrooms; and,
WHEREAS, on October 5, 2007, Hyndman and Hyndman, representing St. John
Fisher Church and School, submitted Case No. ZON2007-00492 including applications for
a Conditional Use Permit #96-Revision "D", Grading Permit, Minor Exception Permit, Sign
Permit and Environmental Assessment, for the subject property at 5448 Crest Road; and,
WHEREAS, on October 29, 2007 the project was deemed incomplete by Staff
pending the submittal of additional information on the project plans and review and
Resolution No. 2009-10
Page 1of7
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approval from the Fire Department, City Traffic Consultant, City Geologist and City's
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Consultant; and,
WHEREAS, on April 29, 2008, upon submittal of all required information, the project
was deemed complete by Staff; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act,
Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et. seq. ("CEQA"), the State's CEQA Guidelines,
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et. seq., the City's Local CEQA
Guidelines, and Government Code Section 65962.5(f) (Hazardous Waste and Substances
Statement), the City of Rancho Palos Verdes prepared an Initial Study and determined that,
with appropriate mitigation, there is no substantial evidence that the approval of ZON2007-
00492 would result in a significant adverse effect upon the environment and, therefore, a
Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared and notice of same was given in the
manner required by law; and,
WHEREAS, on May 31, 2008, a public notice was mailed to 102 property owners
who reside within a 500-foot radius of 5448 Crest Road (St. John Fisher) and concurrently
published a public notice in the Peninsula News; and,
WHEREAS, on June 4, 2008, a Mitigated Negative Declaration was circulated to the
County Recorder for a posting and comment period of at least twenty (20) days and
circulated to all appropriate public agencies for comments; and,
WHEREAS, after notice issued pursuant to the requirements of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Development Code and CEQA, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing on June 24, 2008, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to
be heard and present evidence; and,
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2008, the Planning Commission continued the item to the
July 22, 2008 Planning Commission meeting to allow time for the applicant to address
concerns with the height of the proposed sanctuary and steeple and to provide clarification
on the methodology used to determine the number of provided parking spaces; and,
WHEREAS, on July 2, 2008, the applicant submitted modified plans and updated
information to Staff which included the following modifications: 1) a reduction in height of
the proposed steeple by 14' -0", 2) an overall reduction in height of the main sanctuary
building by up to 6'-0", 3) elimination of the stepped roof lines along the south side of the
sanctuary, 4) a reduction in the footprint of the sanctuary by 1,400 square feet, 5) the
addition of a 900 square foot basement beneath the sanctuary to accommodate
mechanical equipment, 6) an increase in the sanctuary street side yard setbacks by 14'-0"
along Crest Road, 7) an increase in the sanctuary street side yard setback by 17'-0" along
Crenshaw Boulevard and 8) a reduction in the footprint of the administrative building by
1,480 square feet; and,
Resolution No. 2009-10
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WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on July 22,
2008, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and present
evidence; and,
WHEREAS, on July 22, 2008, the Planning Commission continued the item to the
September 23, 2008 Planning Commission meeting to allow time for the applicant to
consider providing a sound study to determine if any significant impacts would result from
the proposed bells, a shadow study to determine if the height and/or scale of the sanctuary
would create any significant impacts to surrounding properties, a copy of St. John Fisher's
recent parking counts, further clarification on the applicant's parking analysis and
consideration from the applicant to provide additional parking on high peak days; and,
WHEREAS, on September 23, 2008, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
public hearing, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard
and present evidence; and,
WHEREAS, on September 23, 2008, the Planning Commission conceptually
approved G~~~ No. ZON2007-00492 and directed Staff to bring back the appropriate
resolutions with Conditions of Approval; and,
WHEREAS, on October 14, 2008, the Planning Commission adopted PC Resolution
No. 2008-34, certifying a Mitigated Negative Declaration and adopting a Mitigation
Monitoring Program and PC Resolution No. 2008-35, adopting the St. John Fisher Master
Plan, as conditioned; and
WHEREAS, on October 29, 2008, Case No. ZON2007-00492 was appealed to the
City Council, including issues with the Environmental Assessment and CUP findings, a
request to analyze Neighborhood Compatibility, impacts due to the size of the sanctuary,
inadequate parking, noise impacts due to the use of a gymnasium and the ringing of the
proposed electronic bells, the lighting of the sanctuary tower and steeple, concerns with
removal of certain mature trees and to require additional setbacks around the sanctuary;
and,
WHEREAS, On November 1, 2008, a Notice of the public hearing on the Appeal was
published in the Peninsula News; the City also sent notice of the Appeal hearing to the
property owners who reside within 500 feet of the subject property, to all persons listed on
the City's Interested Parties List, and to all St. John Fisher list-serve subscribers; and,
WHEREAS, on November 16, 2008, the City Council opened the public hearing on
the appeal, and after hearing the public testimony and considering the information
presented in the Staff Report, the City Council adjourned the public hearing to a site visit at
the St. John Fisher property to beheld on November 22, 2008, to allow the City Council to
walk throughout the subject property and surrounding neighborhood to assess the project
and its potential impacts; and,
Resolution No. 2009-10
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WHEREAS, on November 22, 2008, the City Council conducted the continued public
hearing, which was a site visit at the St. John f=-her property, and at the conclusion of the
site visit, the City Council continued the public hearing to December 16, 2008; and,
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2008, the City Council conducted the continued public
hearing on the appeal and heard and considered all of the additional materials that have
been submitted after the first public hearing and all of the additional testimony that was
presented:
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1 : The site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the intended
use and implementation of the Project, as the site measures 399,804 square feet (9.2
acres), the majority of the site is relatively flat (less than 5% slope) and is large enough to
accommodate the construction of a new sanctuary, administration building, art room,
library, a new presdhool, ancillary offices and storage area, and the elements of the Master
Plan comply with the general development standards of the RPVMC. j\dditionally, the ~ ... ~
proposed parking and parking analysis were reviewed and determined to be adequate by
the City's consulting Traffic Engineer.
Section 2: The site for the proposed uses relates to streets and highways that are
properly designed to carry the type and quantity of traffic generated by the subject use as a
traffic impact study and supplemental cumulative traffic analysis, which was reviewed and
approved by the City's Traffic Engineer, indicate that the increase in trip generation that
would be caused by the Project is negligible and would not require mitigation. Further, a
parking analysis was reviewed and approved by the City's Traffic Consultant whereby"the
highest number of parking spaces necessary to accommodate potential vehicles during the
highest peak hours of operation for the entire property would be 331 parking spaces.
Therefore, the City Council hereby concludes that, as conditioned, the off-street parking
that is proposed for the Project will be i:3.dequate to accommodate the uses that are
conducted on site, even during the days and hours of peak use.
Section 3: There will be no significant adverse effect on adjacent property or the
permitted use thereof because mitigation measures have been incorporated that reduce the
potential impacts of the Project on Aesthetics, Air Quality, Geology and Soils, Hydrology
and Water Quality, and Noise to an insignificant level. Further, additional conditions have
been incorporated into the design of the Project that reduce to an insignificant level the
potential impacts of the institutional use and related buildings on adjacent properties and
the residents thereof. In that regard, a study was conducted to determine if the height of
the proposed building and steeple will cast a shadow over adjacent residential properties.
The conclusion of that study was that because of the size and configuration of the subject
property, the height of the proposed structures will not cast shadows on adjacent
properties. Residents in the community also raised concerns about potential impacts that
could be caused by the installation of bells near the steeple that will ring periodically. After
having heard the sound of the proposed bells, and imposing conditions that will regulate the
time of day when the bells can be rung, and limiting the number of times, volume, and the
Resolution No. 2009-10
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duration of the ringing, the City C'~uncil hereby finds that, as conditioned, the bells will not
cause a significant adverse impact upon adjacent properties.
Section 4: The proposed Project is consistent with the General Plan's Institutional
land use designation of the site, and with the types of land uses permitted within the
Development Code's Institutional zoning district, which includes religious institutions, as the
General Plan states that "the City shall encourage the development of institutional facilities
to serve the political, social and cultural needs of its citizens."
Section 5: Conditions have been imposed to protect the public health, safety and
general welfare, which include setback and buffers, lighting restrictions, vehicular ingress
and/or egress, landscaping, maintenance of structures, and other conditions, as identified
in Exhibit "B," which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
Section 6: The proposed grading is necessary for the implementation of the
Project and the associated construction for the permitted primary use of the lot due to the
size of the lot (9.2 acres) and the fact that a majority of the proposed grading will occur
within the developed portions of the property.
Section 7: The proposed grading and/or related construction would not
significantly adversely affect the visual relationships with or views from the viewing area of
neighboring properties, as a majority of the existing grade elevations will be maintained
between grade elevation 1219' and 1222', which are heights that do not interfere with the
visual relationships with, or views from, the viewing area of neighboring properties.
Section 8: The proposed grading minimizes disturbances to the natural contours,
and the finished contours are reasonably natural, as all grading will include blending man-
made or manufactured slopes into the natural topography.
Section 9: The grading would not cause excessive and unnecessary disturbance
-of the natural landscape or wildlife habitat through the removal of vegetation, as there is no
evidence of natural landscape or wildlife on the property or within the surrounding
neighborhood.
Section 10: The grading application is consistent with the purpose and intent of the
Section 17.76.040 of the Municipal Code, since it provides for the reasonable additional
development of the parcel with an institutional use.
Section 11 : Approval of the grading permit will not constitute a special privilege
with limitations upon other properties in the vicinity, as the surrounding neighborhood is
comprised of many hillside properties that utilize retaining walls and grading techniques.
Further, the subject property has an existing pad area that will be maximized to
accommodate the new construction in the connection with the Project.
Section 12: The proposed grading will not be detrimental to the public safety, or to
other properties as the City's geotechnical consultant will be required to approve a soils
Resolution No. 2009-10
Page 5of7
2-16
engineering report for the grading and retaining walls. Further, all structures and retaining
walls will be required to be engineered to meet the requirements of the building code.
Section 13: The proposed grading is acceptable, as the maximum height of cut
and/or fill of remedial grading was determined by a geology and soils report submitted by
the applicant and approved "in-concept for planning purposes" by the City's Geologist.
Section 14: The minor exception to allow three combination walls to exceed the 6' -
O" "by-right" height limit for walls as measured from the highest grade elevation is
necessary to avoid inconsistencies with the general intent of Title 17 of the RPVMC, as the
Building Code requires a guardrail on top of all walls that exceed 30" in height adjacent to
the neighboring properties and/or walkways throughout the subject property. The applicant
will be required to construct a guardrail or fence on top of the proposed retaining walls to
protect the safety of people on the subject property and adjacent properties.
Section 15: The minor exception for the combination walls is warranted as the
height of the combination walls will not be detrimental to the public safety and welfare as
the fence on top of the proposed retaining walls will provide a safety barrier for people
between the subject lot and the neighboring properties to the south and east as well as
safety for the play area for the students and pedestrians in the parking lot.
Section 16: The minor exception for the combination walls is warranted as the line
of sight over or through the fences is adequate for safety and the walls do not significantly
impair a view from the viewing area of an adjacent parcels, as there are no views over the
site that are enjoyed from the viewing areas of adjacent parcels.
Section 17: The minor exception permit is warranted, as the proposed combination
walls will be located outside of the intersection visibility triangle.
Section 18: The minor exception permit is warranted ,as the retaining portion of the
combination walls does not exceed the grading limits set forth in Section 17. 76.040 of the
RPVMC.
Section 19: The proposed signs are consistent with the sign standards of the City's
Development Code and, accordingly, are approved for that reason.
Section 20: For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and findings
included in the Staff Report, Minutes and other records of proceedings, the City Council of
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby conditionally approves Conditional Use Permit
#96 -Revision "D", Grading Permit, Minor Exception Permit and Sign Permit (Planning
Case No. ZON2007-00492) for the establishment of a Master Plan for the development of
the St. John Fisher Church and School property, including: 32,426 square feet of new
building area for a new sanctuary, preschool, administration building, library, art room,
storage area, storage garage and offices; demolition of 10,329 square feet, including the
existing rectory, youth building and offices; remodel 26,544 square feet of existing building
area, including existing offices, classrooms, converting the existing convent into a new
rectory and converting the existing sanctuary into a new gymnasium; a total of 30,688 cubic
Resolution No. 2009-10
Page 6of7
2-17
yards of grading, including 19,694 cubic yards of raw cut and 10,994 cubic yards of raw fill,
resulting in 8,700 cubic yards of exportation; and a new monument sign, attached to the
sanctuary, at the corner of Crest and Crenshaw, located at 5448 Crest Road, subject to the
conditions of approval in the attached Exhibit 'B', which are incorporated herein and into the
project by this reference.
Section 21: 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 and other applicable short periods of limitation.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 17th day of February 2009.
Attest:
Isl Carla Morreale
City Clerk
State of California )
County of Los Angeles ) ss
City or Rancho Palos Verdes )
Isl Larry Clark
Mayor
I, Carla Morreale, the City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby
certify that the above Resolution No. 2009-10 was duly and regularly passed and adopted
by the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on February 17, 2009.
City Clerk
Resolution No. 2009-10
Page 7of7
2-18
Exhibit "B" to Resolution No. 2009-10
(amended Conditions of Approval as a result of Minor Modification)
2-19
General
Exhibit "B"
Conditions of Approval
Case No. ZON2007-00492
(Conditional Use Permit #96 -Revision "D", et. all.)
1 . All mitigation measures contained in the approved Mitigation Monitoring Program
contained in C.C. Resolution No. 2009-10 for the Mitigated Negative Declaration,
shall be incorporated into the proposed Project and adhered to, and are
incorporated herein by reference.
2. The proposed Project, including site layout, the building and appearances, and
signage throughout the site, shall be constructed and maintained in substantial
compliance with the plans reviewed and approved by the City Council, and
st!3mped APPROVED by the City with the effective date of the Notice of
Decision.
3. The Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement is authorized to
approve minor modifications to the approved plans or any of the conditions if
such modifications achieve substantially the same results as would strict
compliance with said plans and conditions. Otherwise, all other modifications
shall be subject to review and approval by the City Council.
4. Prior to the submittal of plans into Building and Safety plan check, the applicant
and the property owner shall submit to the City a statement, in writing, that they
have read, understand and agree to all conditions of approval listed below.
Failure to provide said written statement within ninety (90) days following the
date of this approval shall render this approval null and void.
5. Prior to the submittal of plans into Building and Safety plan-check, the applicant
shall obtain an encroachment permit from the Director of Public Works for any
curb cuts or any other temporary or permanent improvements within the public
rights-of-way.
6. 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.
7. 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 appropriate development and operational standards of the City's
Municipal Code.
8. 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
Resolution No. 2009-10
Exhibit B
Page 1 of 14
2-20
procedures contained in Section 17 .86.060 of the City's Municipal Code.
9. In the event that any of these conditions conflict with the requirements of another
permitting agency or City department, the stricter standard shall apply.
10. 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 fixtures.
11. All applicable permits required by the Building and Safety Division shall be
obtained by the applicant prior to the commencement of construction.
12. All mechanical equipment, whether roof-mounted or ground-mounted, shall be
adequately screened to the extent practicable from other properties and/or public
rights-of-way.
13. The project applicant shall maintain, in good condition, two access driveways.
One access driveway shall be provided from Crest Road and a second access
driveway shall be provided from Crenshaw Boulevard.
Project Description
14. This approval establishes a Master Plan (St. John Fisher Master Plan) for the St.
John Fisher property located at 5448 Crest Road. The approved Master Plan
identifies a combined total of 32,426 square feet of new building area for a new
sanctuary, preschool, administration building, library, art room, storage are~
storage garage and offices; 10,329 square feet of existing facilities to be
demolished, including offices, a youth building and the existing rectory along the
north property line, and 26,544 square feet of the existing facilities to be
remodeled, including converting the existing convent into a new rectory,
converting the existing sanctuary into a new gymnasium and remodeling existing
classrooms and offices.
15. The approved St. John Fisher Master Plan allows for the following additions to
the property:
=> A new 17,000 square foot sanctuary (to replace the existing 15,402 square
foot sanctuary) to be located at the northwest corner of the subject property.
The sanctuary also includes a 900 square foot basement for the housing of
mechanical equipment. The new sanctuary will be circular in shape, whereby
the main structure will range in height from 15' -0" at the northeast end of the
structure to 43'-0" at the southwest. In addition, the new sanctuary will include
a steeple, at the west end of the structure, with a maximum height of 60' -0" to
Resolution No. 2009-10
Exhibit B
Page 2of14
'"
2-21
the top of the steeple and 7 4' -0" to the top of the cross which will be affixed to
the top of the steeple.
~ 10. R9W Q,799 S€Jl::IEU''9 met ElSFRiRiStFatieR BlslilSiR~ (7,499 S€Jls1Elr'9 feet fiFSt fleeF
aR8 2,aQQ S€J1star'9 feet easemeRt) A 10,204 square foot Administrative
Building with a building footprint of 5,784 square feet (including a 2,548
square foot basement and second floor within the approved 26' -0" building
height). [Minor Modification, approved by Director on January 11, 201 O]; and
~ A 1,Q74 S€Jlsl8F9 feet a88itieR feF tl;;ie €iF8atieR ef tvi'e R8W slassF'Gems mF tl;;ie
J3Fessl;;ieel A new, two-classroom preschool (including 2,081 square feet of
remodeled area and 256 square feet of new floor area). [Minor Modification,
approved by Director on January 11, 2010]; and
~ A new 1,289 square foot art room at the northwest corner of the existing
. classrooms; and
~ A new 1,217 square foot school library at the northeast corner of the existing
clas'srooms; and
~ A 304 square foot expansion to Barrett Hall for storage area; and
~ A new 454 square foot garage at the southeast corner of the property,
adjacent to the priest's new rectory (previously a convent); and
~ A 400 square foot addition north of the existing music room to accommodate
two (2) new offices.
16. The style and exterior materials of the proposed buildings shall be consistent with
the architectural plans presented to and approved by the City Council.
Lighting
17. Exterior lighting shall be in compliance with the standards of Section 17.56.040 of
the Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code and as identified and conditioned
in the Certified Mitigated Negative Declaration.
18. All exterior lighting shall be arranged and shielded so as to prevent direct
illumination of surrounding property and to prevent distraction of drivers of
vehicles on public rights-of-way. Luminaries shall be of a low-level, indirect and
diffused type.
19. No one light fixture shall exceed 1 ,200 watts, and the light source shall not be
directed toward or result in direct illumination of an adjacent parcel of property or
properties other than that upon which such light source is physically located. All
exterior lighting shall be arranged and shielded so as to prevent direct
Resolution No. 2009-10
Exhibit B
Page 3of14
2-22
illumination of abutting properties and to prevent distraction of drivers of vehicles
on public rights-of-way.
20. No building-mounted outdoor lighting shall be permitted where the light source or
fixture is mounted more than sixteen (16) feet above grade, as measured from
grade, adjacent to the building.
21. All outdoor lighting, including all outdoor illuminated signs, shall be turned off by
9:00 P.M. Monday through Sunday, except for lighting used for security, lighting
of the sanctuary on Christmas Eve and Easter Vigil, which shall be turned off by
2 AM, and additional security lighting the first Friday of every month. Prior to
issuance of a Building Permit or Grading Permit, the applicant shall provide the
Planning Department with a lighting plan for review and approval by the Planning
Director that indicates the lights that will remain lit throughout the evening for
security.
22. EXterior sanctuary lighting shall be installed prior to issuance of the Certificate of
Occupancy for the sanctuary._After installation of all lighting, but prior to Issuance
of Certificate of Use and Occupancy of the proposed sanctuar{~nd parking lot,
the developer shall request that the City conduct an inspection of the site to
ensure that there is no spill-over of light onto adjacent properties.
Grading and Drainage
23. This approval allows a total of 30,688 cubic yards of grading with the following
quantity breakdown:
a. 19,694 cubic yards of excavation
b. 10,994 cubic yards of fill
24. Stockpiling of earthwork shall be limited to a maximum of 200 cubic yards in any
given area,-shall not be stockpiled on the property for more than a period of six
(6) months, and the applicant shall adequately screen the visibility of all
stockpiles to the extent practicable from the public right-of-way, as determined by
the City's Building Official.
25. A maximum of 8, 700 cubic yards of excavation is permitted for export.
26. The applicant is allowed to construct a total of five (5) retaining walls as
described below:
a. A combination wall along the east property line, adjacent to the existing
driveway, shall not exceed a maximum height of 11 '-6",
b. A combination wall along the west side of the existing driveway, accessed
from Crest Road (maximum height of 11 '-6"),
Resolution No. 2009-1 O
Exhibit B
Page 4of14
2-23
c. A combination wall to accommodate new parking along the south property
line (maximu:-:-: height of 11 '-6"), and
d. A new retaining wall, just north of the proposed parking lot (maximum height
of 7'-6",
e. An 8'-0" tall retaining wall between the proposed Parish Activity
Center/gymnasium and new sanctuavy for a columbarium.
27. The applicant shall install wrought-iron or aluminum decorative fencing on top of
all proposed combination walls. with the exception of the combination wall listed
in Condition No. 26 (c) of this document. which shall be comprised of one solid
wall. The wrought-iron or aluminum fencing shall be constructed in a manner by
which not less than eighty (80%) of the vertical surface is open to permit the
transmission of light, air or vision through said surface in a horizontal plane, as
described in the development code definition for a "fence" pursuant to the
RPVMC. [Minor Modification, approved by Director on January 11, 2010]
28. Construction of buildings is prohibited on extreme slopes (35% or greater slope).
Parking
29. Only the uses which are listed in the parking analysis that was approved by the
City Council, shall be allowed to be constructed on the St. John Fisher property.
These uses will generally take place in the following structures:
• Sanctuary (assembly space)
• Elementary School (classrooms)
• Preschool (classrooms)
• Administrative Building (office space)
• School Library
• Barrett Hall Complex (including the assembly space)
• Parish Activity Center/Gymnasium (assembly space)
• Fireside Room (assembly space)
• Multi-purpose room (assembly space)
• Rectory (single-family residential)
• K-8 Religious education (in existing structures)
• Art Room (classroom)
30. All facilities, activities and/or uses on the St. John Fisher property shall be
operated in such a manner so as not to create simultaneous demand for
maximum on-site parking requirements that would exceed 331 spaces when the
St. John Fisher School is in session and 354 parking spaces (331 regular spaces
and 23 seasonal/peak parking spaces on-site) when school is not in session,
without approval from the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement
of a Special Use Permit. If the church is fully occupied and concurrent Religious
Education classes are fully occupied, no other assembly activity can occur on the
Resolution No. 2009-10
Exhibit B
. Page 5of14
2-24
property unless that activity requires 23 or fewer parking spaces.
31. If an event or activity is proposed that would occupy the parking spaces, thereby
reducing available parking by more than 25% of the 331 required parking spaces,
a Special Use Permit shall be required.
32. Of the 331 required parking spaces, 265 standard parking spaces shall be
provided, which meet the minimum dimensions set forth in Section 17.50 of the
RPVMC (9' width by 20' depth).
33. Of the 331 required parking spaces, a maximum 66 compact parking spaces are
permitted, provided the spaces meet the minimum dimensions set forth in
Section 17.50 of the RPVMC (8' width by 15' depth).
34. In addition to the required 331 parking spaces, the applicant shall provide a
minimum of 3 loading spaces, which shall meet the minimum dimensions set
forth in Section 17.50 of the RPVMC (10' width by 20' depth with 14' clearance).
35. In addition to the required 331 parking spaces, the property owner shall maintain
23 additional seasonal/peak parking spaces for overflow parking. The
seasonal/peak parking spaces shall not be used when St. John Fisher
Elementary School or Preschool is in session.
36. The seasonal/peak parking areas shall be planted and maintained with turf that is
wear-resistant.
37. The seasonal/peak parking spaces shall meet the minimum dimensions and
requirements for standard parking spaces (9' width by 20' depth) and compact
parking standards (8' width by 15' depth). A maximum of 20% of the
seasonal/peak parking spaces may be dedicated for compact parking.
38. The seasonal/peak parking areas shall be located in the areas depicted on the
City Council-approved site plan. Specifically, a minimum of 23_seasonal/peak
parking spaces shall be located in the turf area just south of Barrett Hall.
39. The property owner shall execute an agreement with the property owner of
Daughters of Mary and Joseph, to be recorded with the County of Los Angeles,
against both the subject property and the Daughters of Mary and Joseph
property, prior to issuance of a building permit and/or grading permit, allowing St.
John Fisher to use a minimum of 50% of the Daughters of Mary and Joseph
paved parking spaces ( 45 spaces) for overflow parking on Christmas Eve, Easter
Sunday and during the construction period.
40. Throughout all phases of demolition, construction and grading, the applicant shall
make reasonable efforts to maintain the 331 required parking spaces. The
property owner shall maintain a minimum of 217 non-seasonal/peak parking
spaces for the sanctuary at all times during construction and prior to issuance of
the Certificate of Occupancy of the new sanctuary.
Resolution No. 2009-1 O
Exhibit B
Page 6of14
2-25
41. No overnight parking or storage of vehicles associated with construction sh~11 be
permitted in the public right-of-way during construction.
Building Heights and Square Footage
42. The new sanctuary shall not exceed a maximum footprint of 17,000 square feet
with a 900 square foot basement beneath the main floor. The new sanctuary
shall not exceed a maximum height of 15' -0" at the northeast end of the structure
and 60' -0" at the top of the steeple and 7 4' -0" at the top of the cross that is
placed upon the steeple, which is located at the west end of the structure. The
sanctuary shall be setback a minimum of 67' Q" 77'-0" from the west street-side
property line along Crenshaw Boulevard and 62'-0" from the north street-side
property line along Crest Road. [Minor Modification, approved by Director on
January 11 , 201 O]
BUILDING AREA CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED. A LICENSED CIVIL
ENGINEER OR SURVEYOR SHALL PREPARE THE CERTIFICATION.
CERTIFICATION SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY'S BUILDING
OFFICIAL FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT
FINAL.
SETBACK CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED. A LICENSED CIVIL ENGINEER
OR SURVEYOR SHALL PREPARE THE CERTIFICATION. CERTIFICATION
SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY'S BUILDING OFFICIAL FOR REVIEW
AND APPROVAL PRIOR TO POURING OF FOOTINGS.
BUILDING HEIGHT CERTIFICATION IS . REQUIRED. A LICENSED CIVIL
ENGINEER OR SURVEYOR SHALL PREPARE THE CERTIFICATION.
CERTIFICATION SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY'S BUILDING
OFFICIAL FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL PRIOR TO ROOF
FRAMING/SHEETING INSPECTION.
43. The new administrative building, along the west side of the existing school, shall
not exceed a maximum footprint of~ 5, 784 square feet. Additionally, a ~
2.548 square foot basement beneath the main floor shall be permitted. The new
administrative building shall not exceed a maximum height of 26'-0", as
measured from lowest adjacent grade. [Minor Modification, approved by Director
on January 11 , 201 O]
BUILDING AREA CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED. A LICENSED CIVIL
ENGINEER OR SURVEYOR SHALL PREPARE THE CERTIFICATION.
CERTIFICATION SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY'S BUILDING
OFFICIAL FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT
FINAL.
BUILDING AREA CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED. A LICENSED CIVIL
ENGINEER OR SURVEYOR SHALL PREPARE THE CERTIFICATION.
Resolution No. 2009-10
Exhibit B
Page 7of14
2-26
Phasing
CERTIFICATION SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY'S BUILDING
OFFICIAL FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL PRIOR TO BULDING PERMIT
FINAL.
44. Installation of any temporary modular buildings, other than those used by the
contractor during construction, shall require a Special Use Permit during all
phases of the St. John Fisher Master Plan.
45. The proposed St. John Fisher Master Plan may be broken up into two main
phases as described below. If within one year of the final effective date of the
Notice of Decision, the applicant has not submitted an application for a building
permit for the approved project or has not commenced the approved project as
described in Phase One below, 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 Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement and approved
by the Director. All elements of the approved Master Plan that are not submitted
as described in Phase One and Phase Two below, shall require additional future
review and approval through the CUP process and additional CEQA review.
Phase One and Phase Two are described as follows:
a. Phase One: Phase One includes the construction of the new sanctuary,
remodel of the existing sanctuary into a gymnasium/parish activity center,
construction of a new parking lot, demolition of the existing rectory and
youth building on the north and east sides of the property,
remodel/conversion of existing convent into rectory and site work that will
not be impacted by future phase construction. The Planning Entitlements
for all construction described under "Phase One" shall remain in full for-se
and effect for a maximum of one ( 1 ) year from the final effective date of
the Notice of Decision for the St. John Fisher Master Plan unless
construction plans have been submitted to Building and Safety for plan
check.
b. Phase Two: Phase Two includes the construction of the new
administration building, remodel the existing administration building into
meeting rooms, construction of a new preschool, library, and art room and
remaining site work associated with phase two construction. The Planning
Entitlements for all construction described under "Phase Two" shall remain
in full force and effect for a maximum of five (5) years from the final
effective date of the Notice of Decision for the St. John Fisher Master Plan
unless construction plans for the final phase of construction have been
submitted to Building and Safety for plan check.
Resolution No. 2009-10
Exhibit B
Page 8of14
2-27
Affordable Housing Requirement
46. The property owner and/or applicant shall provide affordable housing as required
by Section 17 .11.140(A) (Affordable Housing) of the RPVMC prior to issuance of
the first Certificate of Occupancy associated with the St. John Fisher Master
Plan, unless the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Director of
Planning, Building and Code Enforcement that they are exempted from such
requirement pursuant to the exemptions described in Section 17 .11 .140(B) of the
RPVMC.
Landscaping
47. A Landscape Plan shall be submitted to the City and approved by the City's
Landscape Consultant prior to issuance of a Building Permit or Grading Permit.
The proposed landscaping shall be in substantial compliance with the City
Council approved Landscape Plan and shall screen the new sanctuary from
neighboring properties and the surrounding rights-of-way, consistent with the
Applicant's photo simulations presented to the City Council on December 16,
2008,"c·snd shall be in substantial compliance with the site plan reviewed and
approved by the City Council. The landscaping plan shall also indicate the
species, growth rate and maximum heights of all proposed trees.
48. The applicant shall retain a majority of the existing mature trees located along the
west street side property line, along Crenshaw Boulevard. Included in the
Landscape Plan identified in Condition No. 51, the applicant shall submit a Tree
Retention Plan indicating which existing trees will be removed and which trees
will be maintained in a thriving manner along Crenshaw Boulevard. Said plan
shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Planning, Building and Code
Enforcement prior to issuance of grading permits or building permits. If any of
the retained mature trees become diseased or die, the trees shall be replaced by
the Applicant within thirty days with a species of tree approved by the Director of
Planning, Building and Code Enforcement.
49. All landscaping at the corner of Crest and Crenshaw Boulevard shall be planted
and installed prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy of the new sanctuary
to the satisfaction of the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement.
50. New trees provided for screening of the new sanctuary at the corner of Crest
Road and Crenshaw Boulevard shall be non-deciduous trees.
51. All existing trees that are not affected by the proposed construction, shall be
maintained in a thriving manner. Any trees that become diseased or die shall
be replaced within thirty days by the Applicant with a species of tree approved by
the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement.
52. Landscaping shall be provided and maintained along south property line,
Resolution No. 2009-10
Exhibit B
Page 9of14
2-28
adjacent to the parking lot. In the event the required landscaping is destroyed
and/or removed, the property owner shall either install a 5'-0" tall masonry wall
along the south property line or restore the landscaping to adequately screen the
parking lot from the residential neighborhood to the south, as determined by the
Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement.
53. Prior to issuance of a grading and/or building permit, the Applicant, St. John
Fisher, shall fund a Trust Deposit in an amount of $18,500 to cover the cost of
the installation of 24-inch box New Zealand Christmas trees along the west side
of Crenshaw Boulevard within the City's public right-of-way, south of Crest Road
and north of the Island View entrance to help screen the new sanctuary building
from the four properties that abut Crenshaw Blvd at this location. The location of
the trees and number of trees shall be determined by the Director of Planning,
Building and Code Enforcement but in no case shall the number exceed 20
trees. Said trees shall be installed prior to the issuance of a Building Permit for
the sanctuary. All costs for installation and future maintenance of said trees shall
be fully paig for by the Applicant. The Applicant shall maintain said trees as
directed by the City. Maintenance shall consist of trimming, watering,
replacement, or spraying or other care of diseased or damaged trees. Prior to
conducting maintenance on any of said trees, the Applicant shall provide proof to
the City that any contractors used by the Applicant to maintain said trees are
licensed, insured and bonded. If any of the trees die as a result of the negligent
or willful action of a third party, the Applicant may attempt to recover the cost of
replacing the tree from the third party, and the City shall reasonably cooperate
with the Church in that effort. The trees shall not be installed adjacent to any
property where the owner has notified the City in writing by June 1, 2009 that
they do not want trees installed adjacent to their respective property. If all four
property owners object to the planting of trees, the Applicant will not be required
to pay for the installation or maintenance of said trees.
Bell Schedule
54. The carillon bells are permitted to ring on the following days and times only:
a. Monday through Saturday at 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 6:00 PM; and
b. Either shortly before or at the commencement of Sunday Masses, for a
maximum of six (6) times, not before 8:50 AM or after 6:00 PM; and
c. Christmas Eve Masses, but at no time before 8:00 AM or after 6:00PM;
and
d. After Weddings, but at no time before 8:00 AM or after 6:00PM; and
e. After Funerals, but at no time before 8:00 AM or after 6:00PM; and
f. the following Holy Days: 1) The Assumption of the Blessed Mother
(August 15), 2) All Saints Day (November 1 ), and 3) The Immaculate
Conception (December 8), but at no time before 7:00 AM or after 6:00PM.
55. The carillon bells shall not chime for more than a period of 90 seconds at each
Resolution No. 2009-1 O
Exhibit B
Page 10of14
2-29
allotted time.
56. The speakers for the carillon bells shall be directed towarc'-fa6e the interior of
the lot and shall not directly face any adjacent residential properties.
57. The speakers for the carillon bells shall not exceed a maximum height of 16'-0",
as measured from grade, adjacent to the location of the bells on the sanctuary.
58. The speakers for the carillon bells shall be setback a minimum of 110'-5" from
any property line, as noted on the approved project plans.
59. The speakers for the carillon bells shall only be used for the sounding of bells at
-the approved times.
60. The signage on the subject property shall be subject to the following conditions:
a) One majorwall sign at the corner of Crest Road and Crenshaw Boulevard,
attached and parallel to the proposed building fagade of the new sanctuary.
b) The maximum sign area shall not exceed a maximum of 75 square feet (63
square feet proposed).
c) The signage shall not be internally illuminated.
Indemnification
61. The owner of the property upon which the project is located shall hold harmless
and indemnify the City, members of its City Council, boards, committees,
.. commissions, officers, employees, servants, attorneys, volunteers, and agents
serving as independent contractors in the role of city or agency officials,
(collectively, "lndemnitees"), from any claim, demand, damage, liability, loss, cost
or expense, including but not limited to death or injury to any person and injury to
any property, resulting from willful misconduct, negligent acts, error or omissions
of the owner, the applicant, the project operator, or any of their respective
officers, employees, or agents, arising or claimed to arise, directly or indirectly, in
whole or in part, out of, in conjunction with, resulting from, the maintenance of the
trees adopted by the Applicant pursuant to Condition No._53 or related to the
construction approved by this resolution.
Source Reduction and Recycling
62. Prior to issuance of any Certificate of Occupancy, the applicant shall prepare and
submit to the Director of Public Works for review and approval a comprehensive
Integrated Waste Management Plan (Plan) that addresses source reduction,
Resolution No. 2009-1 O
Exhibit B
Page 11of14
2-30
reuse and recycling.
63. Prior to issuance of any building and/or grading permits, an approved
Construction and Demolition Materials Management Plan (CDMMP) shall be
prepared and submitted to the Director of Public Works for approval.
64. Prior to issuance of any Certificate of Occupancy, a Construction and Demolition
Materials Disposition Summary (Summary) shall be submitted to the Director of
Public Works upon completion of deconstruction and construction. The Summary
shall indicate actual recycling activities and compliance with the diversion
requirement, based on weight tags or other sufficient documentation.
65. Where possible, the site design shall incorporate the use of recycled building
materials and the re-use of on-site demolition debris.
66. T~e project site design shall incorporate areas for collection of solid waste with
adequate space for separate collection of recyclables.
Miscellaneous
67. The access stairs and ramp at the corner of Crest and Crenshaw shall only be
installed if required by the California Building Code or Fire Department, and if
required, shall not vary materially from the minimum specifications of size
required by law. The applicant shall obtain an encroachment permit for any
portion of the stairs or ramp which is located within the public right of way.
68. Prior to issuance of building permits and/or grading permits, the property owner
shall submit final geotechnical and soils reports to the City for review and
approval by the Building Official and the City's Geotechnical Consultant. All
conditions specified in the approved geotechnical and soils reports shall be
incorporated into the project.
69. Prior to the issuance of a building and/or grading permit from the City's Building
and Safety Division, the applicant shall obtain NPDES approval from the City's
NPDES consultant.
70. Prior to issuance of demolition, building, and/or grading permits, a construction
haul route plan shall be submitted and approved by the City's Public Works
Department.
71. The speakers attached to the existing sanctuary that is proposed to be
remodeled into a new Parish Activity Center/Gymnasium shall be removed prior
to issuance of certificate of occupancy for the new sanctuary.
72. Sports Activities in the Parish Activity Center/Gymnasium shall not be permitted
after 10:00 P.M. without the review and approval from the Director of Planning,
Resolution No. 2009-1 O
Exhibit B
Page 12of14
2-31
Building and Code Enforcement of a Special Use Permit. Bleachers shall not be
used in the Parish Activity Center/Gymnasium.
73. The Parish Activity Center/Gymnasium shall not be used by unaffiliated sports
leagues of which St. John Fisher is not a member without the review and
approval by the Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement of a
Special Use Permit.
Future City Council Reviews
7 4. The carillon bells and the exterior lighting of the sanctuary shall be installed prior
to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the new sanctuary and shall be
installed as shown on the approved plans. No later than two (2) months after
issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy for the new sanctuary, the City Council
shall review the impacts of the carillon bells and exterior sanctuary lighting to
a~sess the effectiveness of the Conditions of Approval in minimizing the impacts
of the bells and exterior sanctuary lighting to neighboring properties. At that time,
the City Council may add, relieve, delete and/or modify any of the respective
conditions of approval or may prohibit the use of the carillon bells and/or outdoor
sanctuary lighting if the City Council determines that the imposed conditions are
not effective in minimizing the sound and/or lighting effects to neighbors. Said
modifications shall not result in substantial changes to the design of the
sanctuary or other ancillary structures. Notice of said review hearing shall be
published and provided to owners of property within a 500-foot radius of the
subject site, to persons requesting a notice, to all affected homeowner
associations and to the property owner in accordance with the RPVMC. The City
Council may require such subsequent additional reviews, as the City Council
deems appropriate.
75. The effectiveness of the landscaping for screening the sanctuary pursuant to
Condition No. 47, exterior sanctuary lighting, parking and the carillon bells shall
be subject to review and modification, as deemed necessary and appropriate by
the City Council, no later than one (1) year, and subsequently two (2) years, after
the Certificate of Occupancy for the new sanctuary is issued. 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. At that time, the City Council may add,
delete, or modify the related conditions of approval as deemed necessary and
appropriate by the City Council. The City Council may impose more restrictive
standards and conditions to mitigate any impacts resulting from the installation of
landscaping, lighting, parking and the carillon bells.
76. The Conditions of Approval contained herein shall be subject to review and
modification, as deemed necessary and appropriate by the City Council, six (6)
months after issuance of a final Certificate of Occupancy for all structures within
Resolution No. 2009-10
Exhibit B
Page 13of14
2-32
Phase One, as defined in Condition No. 45. The City Council shall review the
applicant's compliance with the conditions of approval, and to determine if the
conditions are accomplishing their intended purposes. 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. At that time, the City Council may add,
delete, or modify the conditions of approval as deemed necessary and
appropriate by the City Council. As part of the six month review, the City Council
shall consider the on-site lighting, parking conditions, circulation patterns and the
hours of operation for the uses permitted on-site, in addition to other concerns
raised by the City Council and/or interested parties. The City Council may impose
more restrictive standards and conditions to mitigate any impacts resulting from
the operation of the Project.
77. At .any time in the future, the effectiveness of the parking conditions shall be
reviewed by the City Council if the number of Sunday masses is reduced to four
(4) or fewer Sunday masses for a period of time exceeding three (3) months.
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.
Storage Shed
78. The installation and use of one (1) 10' wide by 20' long prefabricated. metal shed
is permitted along the north side of the new Rectory for the sole purpose of
storing emergency materials. [Minor Modification approved by Director on August
24, 2011]
79. The approved storage shed shall not exceed a maximum height of 12'-0" (7'-11
%" proposed height), as measured from existing adjacent grade. [Minor
Modification approved by Director on August 24, 2011]
80. The approved storage shed shall maintain a minimum 20'-0" interior setback from
the east side property line (21 '-5 %" proposed interior setback). [Minor
Modification approved by Director on August 24, 2011]
81 . Landscaping shall be provided around the storage shed for screening purposes
and the storage shed shall be a dark green color to blend with the landscaping.
[Minor Modification approved by Director on August 24, 2011]
82. The approved storage shed structure cannot be replaced with a cargo container
that is designed and fabricated to transport items from one location to another.
[Minor Modification approved by Director on August 24, 2011]
Resolution No. 2009-10
Exhibit B
Page 14of14
2-33
Comment Letters
2-34
Leza Mikhail
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
January 23, 2014
To Leza Mikhail:
Jim & Jackie Showalter <jjshow2@verizon.net>
Thursday, January 23, 2014 11:08 AM
Leza Mikhail
Carillon at St. John Fisher
Since we live right across the canyon from St. John Fisher, we were concerned about the plan for the bells which was presented before
the sanctuary was built. However, we are now enjoying the view of the beautiful sanctuary. We seldom hear the bells, and when we do
we enjoy the lovely sound. We appreciate the efforts of the City Council to work out compromises and modifications so that the needs
of all in the community can be addressed. Thank you.
Jim and Jackie Showalter
7 Crestwind Dr.
1 2-35
Leza Mikhail
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Ms. Mikhail,
DanMueller <ann.dan@verizon.net>
Friday, January 17, 2014 3:03 PM
Leza Mikhail
Fishers
DSCN0514.JPG
With regards to the CUP review of the Fishers Master Plan review referenced in the letter of January 16, 2014:
• As the attached picture shows, the lights are at an acceptable level from our perspective in terms of brightness. The lights are
turned off at 9:00 pm and it is requested that the people at the church continue this practice as otherwise the brightness is
enough to appreciably affect us negatively.
• The carillon bells are audible at our home but are not a nuisance at their current volume level.
As such, we have no issue with either of these operational aspects of the church as currently implemented. We would object to added
or extended lighting and to increasing carillon volume.
Ann and Dan Mueller
14 Mela Lane
(The crosses are still ugly regardless of what they are representing!)
1 2-36
Leza Mikhail
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Hi Leza!!
John Stillo <johnstillol@cox.net>
Thursday, January 23, 2014 9:20 PM
Leza Mikhail
St. John Fisher
Please accept my apology for not call you today.
I am on my way to the airport and will be traveling in an area which has no cell service and limited WiFi and I appreciate
your furnishing our views to the City Council. If, however, the bells have been sounding daily, I have not heard them.
That being the case, I have much less concern unless the amplification is increased in the future.
Again, please accep~ my apology for not following up with a phone call.
Regards, John.
Sent from my iPhone
1 2-37
Leza Mikhail
From: Leza Mikhail
Sent:
To:
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 3:59 PM
'John Stillo'
Subject: RE: Saint John Fisher Church Carrion Bells
Hello Mr. Stillo,
I will await your phone call to further explain. In brief, the public notice is not for the approval of the bells and exterior
lighting. These two items were approved by the City Council on February 17, 2009. The City Council, at that time, added
a number of Conditions of Approval for future reviews as a way to address any impacts that were found after
construction was completed and operations began (just in case). The City Council required that these reviews be subject
to a public hearing and public notice to ensure that the citizens have a voice if impacts are found after construction.
City Staff sent the P,Ublic notice to all residents within a 500-foot radius of St. John Fisher, and published the notice in
the Peninsula News. Additionally, as a courtesy, Staff sent a copy of the notice to all people who provided written
commentary when the project was being reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council in 2008 and 2009.
I hope this helps give you a brief summary of the purpose of the public notice. Please do not hesitate to call me and we
can further discuss your concerns.
Thank you,
Leza Mikhail
Associate Planner
t!:i City of <R..,anclio <Pafos o/eraes
Planning Department
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
www.palosverdes.com/rpv/planning/planning-zoning/index.cfm
(310) 544-5228 -(310) 544-5293 f
lezam@rpv.com
From: John Stille [mailto:johnstillo1@cox.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2014 2:49 PM
To: Leza Mikhail
Subject: Re: Saint John Fisher Church Carrion Bells
Hi Leza!
Thank you for your reply.
I am a bit surprised that the bells have been ringing, particularly since the notice was sent regarding a hearing
on the bells and bell schedule.
This raises several question so I wool call you directly.
1 2-38
Thank you.
John.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 21, 2014, at 8:58 AM, Leza Mikhail <LezaM<a)rpv.com> wrote:
Hello Mr. Stillo,
My name is Leza Mikhail and I am the Planner who processed the St. John Fisher Master Plan. I will be
sure to include your comments with the Staff Report to the City Council and I thank you for providing
your input. I see that you may have concerns with the amplification of the bells. I also see that you have
not heard the bells. The bells have been chiming since around October. It is very difficult to hear the
bells unless you are physically on the property. Nonetheless, I would like to discuss the times that the
bells chime .so that you can walk around your neighborhood and observe any potential impacts. The
bells are on a volume control and are set very low.
Please give me a call at your earliest convenience and we can further discuss your thoughts.
Thank you for your comments.
Leza Mikhail
Associate Planner
<image001.png> City of <Rgncfio PaCos Venfes
Planning Department
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
www.palosverdes.com/rpv/planning/planning-zoning/index.cfm
(310) 544-5228 -(310) 544-5293 f
lezam@rpv.com
From: John Stillo [mailto:iohnstillo1@cox.net]
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 6:16 PM
To: Carla Morreale
Subject: Saint John Fisher Church Carrion Bells
Hi Carla!
Happy New Year!
First let me apologize for troubling you with this matter - I
misplaced the original City Notice regarding the subject which
contained the appropriate person to contact and submit our
comments. We will be out of town for the meeting where this
2
2-39
matter will be discussed so we wanted to submit our
comments. Thank you in advance for assisting us!
My family and I are members of the Saint john Fisher Parish; we
also live in the Island View development which is across from
the church. So while we are members of the church, we are
directly impacted by the bell schedule. I read the information on
the website regarding the bell schedule and offer the following
comments:
Please note that we have not heard the bells chime since the
church opened. It would really be helpful to schedule a time for
the neighbors in the area to listen to the bells and, in particular,
the amplification system which will be used, the decibel
(volume level) to be consistently used. What concerns me and
several of my neighbors is the use of amplification. We have a
no idea how amplification may affect the sound of the bells and
the noise level.
In the absence of a test of the bells, these are the changes to
the bell schedule we would like the City Council to consider:
1. Earliest bells on any day not before 9:00 AM local time
2. Latest bells on any day not after 5:00 PM local time.
3. Duration of each bell chime not to exceed 60 seconds in
duration for any bell sounding.
4. No more than 3 bell sounding on any day.
5. That the decibel level for the amplification system for all
bell sounding be subject to a test sounding and that a notice
regarding such test be sent from RPV to affected residents
with the stated day and time for such test sounding.
I would also recommend that items 1 through 4 above be
subject to the satisfactory test sounding of the bells in 5
3 2-40
above. Should the test be unsatisfactory (ie. unreasonably
loud), we would want to re-visit all items in 1 through 5.
Carla -thank you SO much for passing along our concerns along
to the appropriate individual. Again we will be out of town and
not available to attend the meeting and appreciate our voices
being heard.
Best regards,
John
4 2-41
2-
4
2
Leza Mikhail
From:
Sent:
To:
Bill Wratschko <william@cciusa.net>
Wednesday, January 29, 2014 2:30 PM
Leza Mikhail
Subject: RE: Support for extended time for ligts at St. John Fisher Church
Ok, thank you for your clarification and look forward to reading the review on-line tomorrow.
From: Leza Mikhail [mailto:LezaM@rpv.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 2:24 PM
To: Bill Wratschko
Subject: RE: Support for extended time for ligts at St. John Fisher Church
Okay, now I understand your question. Thank you for clarifying. The review is not the subject of a complaint received by
the City. It is a requirement as a Condition of Approval for the St. John Fisher Master Plan. As a result of the public
hearing process in 2008 and 2009, the City Council imposed a number of conditions to make sure there are no negative
impacts that result after the construction of the project. In order to ensure no impacts occur after the project is
realized/completed, the City Council required a number of "future reviews" .... this is one of those reviews.
I hope that helps clarify.
Thank you for your comments and I will save them for the review that applies for parking.
Leza Mikhail
Associate Planner
City of <R...,anclio PaCos 'Verdes
Planning Department
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
www.palosverdes.com/rpv/planning/planning-zoning/index.cfm
(310) 544-5228 -(310) 544-5293 f
lezam@rpv.com
From: Bill Wratschko [mailto:william@cciusa.net)
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 2:20 PM
To: Leza Mikhail
Subject: RE: Support for extended time for ligts at St. John Fisher Church
Thank you, Please save my comments for the next review on the parking lot lighting.
My question -is this review on the bells and sanctuary lighting the subject of a complaint from a neighbor or why is the
review taking place? Perhaps everything can be answered after I review the City's website tomorrow.
Thanks again.
Bill
1 2-43
From: Leza Mikhail [mailto:LezaM@rpv.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 2:14 PM
To: Bill Wratschko
Subject: RE: Support for extended time for ligts at St. John Fisher Church
Hello Mr. Wratschko,
I'm not sure I understand your request. I apologize. Are you asking if there will be a discussion available for review
on line? If so, yes, the Staff Report regarding the bells and sanctuary lighting will be available on the City's Website
tomorrow under the "Current City Council Agenda."
Please let me know if you would like me to include your comments in this review, or if you would like me to save them
for the review that should be coming around Fall/Winter 2014/2015.
Leza Mikhail
Associate Planner
t!'i Ciry of <Rg,nclio ;a{os o/eraes
Planning Department
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
www.palosverdes.com/rpv/planning/planning-zoning/index.cfm
(310) 544-5228 -(310) 544-5293 f
lezam@rpv.com
From: Bill Wratschko [mailto:william@cciusa.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 2:06 PM
To: Leza Mikhail
Subject: RE: Support for extended time for ligts at St. John Fisher Church
Thank you for the prompt response. Do you have posted any place on line or can you provide a copy of specific issues
with the bells/sanctuary lighting? Thank you very much.
Bill
From: Leza Mikhail [mailto:LezaM@rpv.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 1:56 PM
To: Bill Wratschko
Subject: RE: Support for extended time for ligts at St. John Fisher Church
Hello Mr. Wraschko,
Thank you for your comments. The review that is currently going before the City Council relates to the carillon bells and
exterior lighting of the sanctuary. The rest of the on-site lighting is not part of this review. Would you like me to still
provide your comments for this review, or would you like me to save your comments for the next review that relates to
the parking lot lighting? That review is anticipated to occur in the Fall/Winter of 2014/2015.
Leza Mikhail
Associate Planner
2 2-44
t:.~ City of <J{.anclio PaCos o/eraes
Planning Department
30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
www.palosverdes.com/rpv/planning/planning-zoning/index.cfm
(310) 544-5228 -(310) 544-5293 f
lezam@rpv.com
From: Bill Wratschko [mailto:william@cciusa.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 1:34 PM
To: Leza Mikhail
Subject: Support for extended time for ligts at St. John Fisher Church
Dear Ms. Mikhail;
Please accept this letter as my support for the removal of the 9;00pm curfew for the parking lot lights at St. John Fisher
Church. This is a safety issue as many parishioners and non-parishioners (walkers ,joggers, dog-walkers) enter the
property at night. Anyone who takes the time to visit the property can clearly see the lightning is not intrusive on the
neighbors and is actually soft and low-profile in comparison with other large parking lots.
Sincerely,
William Wratschko
3 2-45
Leza Mikhail
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Importance:
Dear Ms. Mikhail:
Carlyn Quinto <carlynquinto@earthlink.net>
Wednesday, January 29, 2014 2:51 PM
Leza Mikhail
Support to remove restrictions on CUP lighting and carillon bell
High
Please fwd this email to the mayor and city council so they could review
my reasons why I support the removal of restriction of lights at the parking lot of
St. John Fisher (SJF) which is presently up to 9:00 p.m. only.
Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council:
This email is in connection to the upcoming City of RPV's public hearing scheduled at Hess Park on
Tuesday, February 4th at 7:00 p.m. to conduct a review on the CUP lighting and carillon bell
restrictions at SJF.
I am in support of St. John Fisher's request to remove the restrictions on lights in the parking
lot which is presently up to 9:00 p.m. only, and carillon bell.
Please consider the following in your review:
1. One thing that every parking lot needs is ample lighting; it should be an essential part of any building
to include church. Parking lot lights serve a lot of vital functions from safety and security to increasing
visibility at night. Enough light especially at night will make one feel more comfortable parking and walking
to and from the church. Note that we have so many seniors and disable parishioners who in their desire to
grow spiritually have been attending spiritual meetings that often ends past 9:00 p.m. Morevoer, practices
for choirs ends after 9:00 p.m. and daily adorers of the Blessed Sacrament leave at 9:00 p.m. Apparently,
by the time we are in our car, we do not have enough lighting. I then hope that you would not underestimate
the importance of creating a pleasant environment that feels safe.
2. Proper illumination will also help deter criminals. Most criminal acts committed at offices buildings and
shopping centers occur in the parking lot. Granted that parking lot lights won't stop all crimes, but it can help
significantly decrease them as places that are well lit are less tempting for criminals. In this regard, it is
imperative that we have enough lights at SJF to prevent any criminal acts. Having said this, I strongly believe
that we should have lights all night at SJF.
3. Inadequately illuminated areas provide drastically augmented potential risks, ranging from theft, assault,
rape,
an even kidnapping. Women, in particular, feel especially at risk walking to our car alone after dark. Note that
because there are not enough light after 9:00 p.m. at SJF, the fear alone are preventing many parishioners to
attend functions at night at our church, To think that it is possible that criminal element is more likely to strike
because of the lack of parking lot lighting.
1 2-46
4. If a person is injured on any building, regardless of the severity of the injury the business and property owner
could be held liable financially if proven that there was insufficient light levels that could have prevented such
an
assault or injury from occurring. Hence, proper lighting that provides a safe environment could help prevent
potential lawsuits. And so I recommend that we remove the restriction so that the possiblitity of any lawsuits
will not happen. It is important to note that we need our priests to help us grow spiritually so we could
continuinously
experience fullness of life. Therefore, they should not spend any of their time fighting lawsuits which might
occur
if there are no proper lights throughout the night.
5. SJF lighting is not a disturbance to the community since all lights are shielded.
6. Since we could consider St. John Fisher Church as one of the largest church here in South Bay, having the
carillon bell rang anytime could be a way to invite more people especially homeowners to be part of our
church so they too could look at life the way we do - a life with God is awesome. Indeed, many would
realize that SJF is certainly a new splendor of Palos Verdes.
More importantly, I think we even have to thank SJF for spending ample money in electricity for our security
and safety while we are at SFJ. And their desire to have lights throughout the nights only goes to show that they
really care about us. I hope then that through your leadership, their request to remove restrictions be granted.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Carlyn Quinto
SJF Parishioner
2 2-47