PC RES 2019-005 P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2019-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES AMENDING CONDITION NOS. 24,
45, AND 47 TO REFLECT THE UPDATED LANDSCAPE PLAN
AND TO CLARIFY CERTAIN CONDITIONS FOR CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT NO. 172 REVISION "C" FOR CAL WATER SERVICE
ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5837 CREST ROAD (CASE NO.
PLCU2018-0014).
WHEREAS, On October 13, 1992, the Planning Commission adopted P.C.
Resolution No. 92-60 approving Conditional Use Permit No. 172 to legalize the
nonconforming use of the property at 5837 Crest Road by California Water Service
(CWS), and approve an 1,800ft2 addition (never constructed) to the existing 3,840ft2 office
building and a new 4,000ft2 carport (constructed as 3,2002); and,
WHEREAS, on August 24, 1993, the Planning Commission adopted P.C.
Resolution No. 1993-21, approving Conditional Use Permit No. 172 Revision 'A' for a
2,684 square foot addition to the existing 3,840 square foot office building. On April 22,
1994, a building permit was issued for a slightly larger 2,734 square foot addition; and,
WHEREAS, on January 14, 1997, the Planning Commission adopted P.C.
Resolution No. 97-8, approving Conditional Use Permit No. 172 Revision 'B' to remove
an existing underground gasoline storage tank and replace it with an above-ground
gasoline storage tank; and,
WHEREAS, on May 5, 2015, CWS submitted an application for Conditional Use
Permit Revision 'C' (Z0N2015-00230) requesting to install a 1,000 gallon above-ground
diesel fuel tank to fuel CWS trucks and equipment; and,
WHEREAS, on November 10, 2015, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
public hearing, at which time CWS's application was continued to December 8, 2015 to
provide an opportunity for CWS to address the project and operational concerns raised
by the public during the public comment period and during the public hearing; and,
WHEREAS, at the December 8, 2015 Planning Commission meeting, the public
continued to raise concerns with the proposed diesel fuel tank and the overall use of the
site, and as a result, the Planning Commission continued the public hearing to an
unspecified date to allow CWS additional time to respond to the concerns raised at the
public hearing; and,
WHEREAS, at the January 24, 2017 Planning Commission meeting, Staff provided
a status report for the project, and the Commission continued the public hearing to the
April 25, 2017 meeting to allow CWS additional time for their legal staff to review and
compile the information required for Staff's review of the project; and,
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WHEREAS, at the April 25, 2017 meeting, Staff provided a status report for the
project, and the Planning Commission, as recommended by Staff, continued the public
hearing to September 12, 2017, and directed Staff to come back with a status report
regarding the installation of landscaping and fencing at its July 11, 2017 meeting; and,
WHEREAS, on June 22, 2017, a public notice for the July 11, 2017 Planning
Commission meeting was mailed to all property owners within a 500' radius. Since the
required landscape and fencing plan could not be completed in time to allow the neighbors
to review the plan prior to the July 11th meeting, the Commission continued the public
hearing to the September 12, 2017 meeting, based on CWS and the neighbors' request
for additional time, and directed Staff to come back with a status report at the July 25,
2017 meeting; and,
WHEREAS, at the July 25, 2017 meeting, Staff presented a status report to the
Planning Commission regarding the landscape and fence plan, and the Commission
received and filed the status report and continued the public hearing to the September
12, 2017 meeting; and,
WHEREAS, at the September 12, 2017 meeting, Staff informed the Commission
that additional time was needed to assess a recently submitted revised scope of work for
the overall operations on the site. Based on Staff's recommendation, the Commission
continued the public hearing to the December 12, 2017 meeting; and,
WHEREAS, the public notice announcing the availability of the Initial Study and
draft Mitigated Negative Declaration, and the proposed Conditional Use Permit No. 172
Revision "C" and Grading Permit was published in the Peninsula News and sent to all
property owners within 500' of the subject site, those who requested notice, interested
parties, and appropriate public agencies for a comment period of more than 20-days,
commencing on November 16, 2017, and concluding on December 12, 2017; and,
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2017, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
public hearing, considered public testimony, and directed Staff to bring a revised
resolution based on the Commission's input and continued the public hearing to the
January 9, 2018 meeting; and,
WHEREAS, on January 9, 2018, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
public hearing, considered public testimony, and adopted P.C. Resolution Nos. 2018-01
and 2018-02, adopting a Mitigated negative Declaration and approving Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) No. 172 Revision "C" and Minor Grading Permit to memorialize the on-site
facilities and operations, and to allow the installation of a 1,000 gallon above-ground
diesel fuel tank and 20 cubic yards of grading; and,
WHEREAS, on February 7, 2019, a public notice of the Annual Compliance
Review was mailed to owners of property within a 500' radius of the project site, to
persons requesting notice, to all affected homeowners associations, and the property
owner, in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code Section 17.80.090, and
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published in the Peninsula News pursuant to the requirements of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Development Code; and,
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on
February 26, 2019, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be
heard and present evidence.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1: Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act, Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et. seq. ("CEQA"), the State's CEQA
Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et. seq., the City's
Local CEQA Guidelines, and Government Code Section 65962.5(f) (Hazardous Waste
and Substances Statement), this decision by the Planning Commission (i) constitutes a
minor modification/revision to the existing Conditions of Approval of Conditional Use
Permit No. 172, Revision "C" to reduce the impacts of the site on adjacent properties; and
(ii) will not have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, this decision is not
subject to CEQA pursuant to California Code of Regulations Sections 15601(b)(2), 15301,
and 15061(b)(3) as the existing mitigation measures for the project's Mitigated Negative
Declaration adopted under P.C. Resolution No. 2018-01 remain in full force and effect.
Section 2: Attached hereto as Exhibit 'A' are conditions governing this use, both
existing, new, and modified conditions, all incorporated herein. In accordance to Condition
No. 3 of P.C. Resolution No. 2018-02, this determination includes adding new conditions,
and amending the existing Conditions of Approval based on the Planning Commission's
compliance assessment, public comments, and discussions at the meeting with CWS and
the neighbors. The amendments to the conditions are summarized as follows (deleted
text shown in ough and new text shown in underline):
A. Condition No. 24.k is amended to address the as-built changes to the approved
Landscape Plan that were made due to issues with plant availability, space, and
topography.
k. Landscape Improvements: No later than March X28, 20189, CWS shall install
the following per the amended Landscape Plan reviewed by the Planning
Commission on December 12, 2017February 26, 2019:
ii. Re-compact the earthen berm, cover with six inches (6") of topsoil so the
berm can support plant growth, and hydroseed with
Stover Hillside Grass Mix.
iv. Install ninety seven seventy four (7497) new plants along the entire
periphery of the reservoir, and on the north, east and south sides of the
maintenance yard including: Strawberry Tree, Ray Hartman California Lilac,
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Red Trumpet Vine, Hopseed Bush, Japanese Privet, Cape Plumbago, New
Zealand Christmas tree, Gold Medallion tree—Silk Tassel Bush, Pink
Melaleuca, Yellow Bells, and Fern Pine .
B. Condition No. 24.k.iii is amended to change the fence color from "green" to the
Homeland-brand greenish-brown, wood-patterned, vinyl fence to comply with the
actual fence that was mutually agreed to by the neighbors and CWS.
iii. Install a six foot, eight inch (6'-8") tall, greenwood-pattern, greenish-brown
vinyl fence on top of the entire length of the two connected earthen berms.
C. Condition No. 24.k.v is amended to address neighborhood concerns about the
currently brown and dormant Buffalo Grass lawn. The amendments require a one-
time painting of the lawn and adding a cool-season grass during the cooler months
to maintain a green-looking lawn throughout the year.
v. Hydroseed the lawn area above the reservoir with Buffalo Grass. The lawn
shall be overseeded with a cool-season grass seed such as Ryegrass in
the fall and shall be maintained per the 2019 updated Landscape
Maintenance Plan. If a perennial cool-season grass seed is planted, it shall
be supplemented as needed with an additional seed mix in the fall to
maintain coverage over the dormant Buffalo Grass.
vii. CWS shall paint the dormant Buffalo Grass green with a non-toxic lawn
paint by March 28, 2019 and shall reapply the paint as deemed necessary
by the Director until the Buffalo Grass is substantially green. This painting
condition shall only apply until July 2019.
D. Condition No. 24.I.ii is deleted as it was determined that installation of the short
walls was not feasible due to the thin layer of soil over the reservoir.
24.I.ii Installation of two five foot, five inch (5' 5") long, four foot (4') tall CMU walls
reservoir vents.
E. Condition No. 47 is amended to add language that requires an updated
maintenance plan be submitted by March 28, 2019, since new plants (Ryegrass or
other similar cool-season grass) were added to landscape plan.
47.a The Landscape Maintenance Plan shall be updated and submitted to the
Director for approval by March 28, 2019 to include maintenance guidelines
for the Ryegrass or other cool-season grass that has been added to the
landscape plan.
F. Condition No. 45 is amended to clarify when the trimming of the foliage on the
CWS site shall be completed, and what the subsequent trimming schedule should
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be.
45. All existing and proposed foliage shall be trimmed on an annual basis as
determined by the Director of Community Development pursuant to Section
17.02 of the RPVMC in order to minimize any significant view impairment
as seen from the adjacent residential properties. The first trimming shall
occur as deemed appropriate by the Director. Each subsequent annual
trimming shall occur on or before December 31st of each year. The first, and
all subsequent trimming levels shall be based on the trimming diagrams
provided by Staff.
G. Condition No. 24.c is amended to require a Spill Prevention Control and
Countermeasure Plan after installation of the tank, instead of before, to ensure the
updates to the Plan are accurate.
24.c Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan: Prior to any permit
issuanceWithin 60 days of installation of the diesel fuel tank, CWS shall
prepare and submit a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan
for review and approval by the Director of Community Development for both
the existing 2,000 gallon gasoline tank and the 1,000 gallon diesel fuel tank.
Section 3: Any interested person aggrieved by this decision or any portion of
this decision may appeal to the City Council. Pursuant to Sections 17.02.040(C)(1)(g) of
the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, any such appeal must be filed with the City, in
writing, setting forth the grounds of the appeal and any specific actions requested by the
appellant, and accompanied by the appropriate appeal fee, to the extent one is required
by the Municipal Code, no later than fifteen (15) days following February 26, 2019, the
date of the Planning Commission's final action.
Section 4: For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and findings
included in the Staff Report, the Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes
adopts P.C. Resolution No. 2019-05, amending Condition Nos. 24, 45, and 47 to reflect
the updated landscape plan and to clarify certain conditions for Conditional Use Permit
No. 172 Revision "C" for the California Water Service Company on property located at
5837 Crest Road (Case No. PLCU2018-0014).
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 26th day of February 2019, by the following
vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS LEON, SAADATNEJADI, SANTAROSA, NELSON,
PERESTAM, VICE-CHAIRMAN BRADLEY, AND CHAIRMAN JAMES
NOES: NONE
ABSTENTIONS: NONE
RECUSALS: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
v.eyZ _______
William J. Ja es
Chairman
it - .
Ara .n, - --
Director of Community Development; and,
Secretary of the Planning Commission
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Exhibit "A"
Conditions of Approval
Conditional Use Permit No. 172 Revision "C"
(PLCU2OI 8-0014)
5837 Crest Road
General Conditions:
1. Prior to the submittal of plans into Building and Safety plan check, CWS shall
submit to the City a statement, in writing, that they have read, understand, and
agree to all conditions of approval contained in this Resolution. Failure to provide
the written statement within ninety (90) days following the date of this approval
shall render this approval null and void.
2. CWS shall indemnify, protect, defend, and hold harmless, the City, and/or any of
its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies, and
instrumentalities thereof, from any and all claims, demands, lawsuits, writs of
mandamus, and other actions and proceedings (whether legal, equitable,
declaratory, administrative or adjudicatory in nature), and alternative dispute
resolutions procedures (including, but not limited to arbitrations, mediations, and
other such procedures) (collectively "Actions"), brought against the City, and/or
any of its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies, and
instrumentalities thereof, that challenge, attack, or seek to modify, set aside, void,
or annul, the action of, or any permit or approval issued by, the City and/or any of
its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies, and
instrumentalities thereof (including actions approved by the voters of the City), for
or concerning the project.
3. The Planning Commission shall conduct an annual review one year after the
approval of this Conditional Use Permit Revision No. "C", to review the Conditions
of Approval contained herein at a duly noticed public hearing. As part of the review,
the Planning Commission shall assess CWS's compliance with the conditions of
approval and the adequacy of the conditions imposed. At that time, the Planning
Commission may add, delete, or modify any conditions of approval as evidence
presented at the hearing demonstrates are necessary and appropriate to address
impacts resulting from operation of the project. Notice of said review hearing shall
be published and provided to owners of property within a five hundred foot (500')
radius of the site, to persons requesting notice, to all affected homeowners
associations, and to CWS in accordance with the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal
Code (RPVMC). As part of the annual review, the Planning Commission shall
consider, among other things, air quality, lighting, landscaping, and noise. The
Planning Commission may require such subsequent additional reviews, as the
Planning Commission deems appropriate. This provision shall not be construed as
a limitation on the City's ability to enforce any provision of the RPVMC regarding
this project.
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4. CWS shall pay for all costs, including Staff and City Attorney costs, associated with
annual reviews.
5. Prior to scheduling the annual review hearing with the Planning Commission, Staff
shall schedule a meeting between the neighbors and CWS, to review and provide
input on the current operations and the effectiveness of the Conditions of Approval
to be considered by the Planning Commission.
6. The delivery and pickup of spoils and fill material shall be allowed to occur at this
site for a period not to exceed 6 months from the date of the adoption of P.C.
Resolution No. 2018-02, or July 9, 2018, whichever is later. The Planning
Commission may grant one extension of up to 6 months at a duly noticed public
hearing based on two findings: 1) CWS demonstrates that the spoils operation
could not be located to an off-site location by this deadline, despite CWS's good
faith efforts, and, 2) CWS shall submit written progress reports to the City every 90
days from the date of adoption of this Resolution outlining its efforts and
accomplishments related to acquisition and construction of the new materials and
spoils storage facility.
7. If the Planning Commission determines that the activity must cease, CWS shall
have 2 weeks from the date of the Commission's decision to relocate these
operations.
8. 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.
9. Pursuant to Section 17.78.040, the Director of Community Development is
authorized to make minor modifications to the approved plans and any of the
Conditions of Approval if such modifications will achieve substantially the same
results as would strict compliance with the approved plans and conditions.
Substantial changes to the project shall be considered a revision and require
approval by the final body that approved the original project, which may require
new and separate environmental review and public notification.
10. 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 City's Municipal Code.
11. The project development on the site shall conform to the Commission-approved
plans and to the specific standards contained in these Conditions of Approval or,
if not addressed herein, shall conform to the RS-4 residential development
standards.
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12. Failure to comply with and adhere to all of these Conditions of Approval may be
cause to revoke the approval of the project pursuant to the revocation procedures
contained in Section 17.86.060 of the City's Municipal Code or administrative
citations as described in Section 1.16 of the City's Municipal Code.
13. The life of the Conditional Use Permit shall run with the current California Water
Services use, or any future water utility company use of the property.
14. If CWS has not submitted an application for a grading and/or building permit for
the approved project or not commenced the approved project as described in
Section 17.86.070 of the City's Municipal Code within one year of the final effective
date of this Resolution, approval of the project shall expire and be of no further
effect unless, prior to expiration, a written request for extension is filed with the
Community Development Department and approved by the Director.
15. In the event that any of these Conditions of Approval are in conflict with the
recommendations and/or requirements of another permitting agency or City
department, the stricter standard shall apply.
16. Unless otherwise designated in these Conditions of Approval, all construction shall
be completed in substantial conformance with the plans stamped APPROVED by the
City with the effective date of this Resolution.
17. The construction site and adjacent public and private properties and streets shall
be kept free of all loose materials resembling trash and debris in excess of that
material used for immediate construction purposes. Such excess material may
include, but not be limited to: the accumulation of debris, garbage, lumber, scrap
metal, concrete asphalt, piles of earth, salvage materials, abandoned or discarded
furniture, appliances or other household fixtures.
18. All construction sites shall be maintained in a secure, safe, neat and orderly
manner, to the satisfaction of the City's Building Official. All construction waste and
debris resulting from a construction, alteration or repair project shall be removed
on a weekly basis by the contractor or property owner. Existing or temporary
portable bathrooms shall be provided during construction. Portable bathrooms
shall be placed in a location that will minimize disturbance to the surrounding
property owners, to the satisfaction of the City's Building Official.
19. Prior to conducting any work in the public right of way, such as for curb cuts,
dumpsters, temporary improvements and/or permanent improvements, CWS shall
obtain an encroachment permit from the Director of Public Works.
20. Permitted hours and days for construction activity are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, with no construction
activity permitted on Sundays or on the legal holidays specified in Section
17.96.920 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code. During demolition,
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construction and/or grading operations, trucks shall not park, queue and/or idle at
the project site or in the adjoining street rights-of-way before 7:00 a.m. Monday
through Friday and before 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, in accordance with the permitted
hours of construction stated in this condition. When feasible to do so, the
construction contractor shall provide staging areas on-site to minimize off-site
transportation of heavy construction equipment. These areas shall be located to
maximize the distance between staging activities and neighboring properties,
subject to approval by the building official.
21. All grading, landscaping, and construction activities shall be conducted using
effective dust control techniques, either through screening and/or watering.
22. This Conditional Use Permit including the Conditions of Approval shall supersede
the Conditions of Approval of P.C. Resolution Nos. 92-60 (CUP No. 172), 93-21
(Revision "A"), and 97-8 (Revision "B"), provided that the following conditions from
CUP No. 172, and Revisions "A" and "B" are incorporated herein:
a. California Water Service Use (Conditional Use Permit No. 172):
i. Maximum height of the office/storage addition shall not exceed 10'-
3" (or an elevation of 1200.25' as measured from the northeast
corner of the addition).
ii. Maximum height of the storage shed shall not exceed 16'-0" (or an
elevation of 1202.6' as measured from the southwest corner of the
structure).
iii. The storage shed shall be located at least five feet (5'-0") from the
westerly property line.
iv. The applicant shall maintain the landscaping in the area between the
storage shed and the existing chain link fence. The intent of this
condition is to screen only those areas that may not be screened by
the existing vegetation on the transitional slope.
v. The existing fence along the west property line adjacent to the
storage structure shall be maintained or replaced in kind if it must be
removed during construction.
vi. The west wall of the shed shall be constructed of decorative/split face
block material. Any changes to this material shall be reviewed and
approved by the Director of Community Development.
b. Administrative Building and Storage Shed (Conditional Use Permit No. 172
Revision "A"):
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i. The maximum encroachment for the addition shall not exceed fifteen
feet (15') into the required twenty foot front yard setback.
ii. The minimum 5'- 0" side yard setback shall be maintained.
iii. The maximum height of the addition shall not exceed sixteen feet
(16') or a ridge elevation of one thousand, two hundred feet(1200.0'),
as measured from pad elevation one thousand, one hundred and
eighty four (1184. 0').
iv. The maximum eave projections into the required setbacks shall not
exceed four inches (4") for each one foot (1'- 0") of required setback.
v. The addition shall substantially conform to the set of plans that were
submitted to and stamped as received by the Environmental
Services Department on June 21, 1993.
vi. This approval is for the proposed office/storage addition only two
thousand, six hundred and eighty four square feet (2,684ft2)
c. 2,000 Gallon Gasoline Storage Tank (Conditional Use Permit No. 172
Revision "B"):
i. Within thirty (30) days following adoption of this Resolution, the
applicant and the property owner shall submit to the City a statement,
in writing, that they have read, understand, and agree to all
conditions of approval contained in this Resolution. Failure to provide
said written statement shall render this approval null and void.
ii. This approval is for the placement of a 2,000-gallon above-ground
gasoline storage tank to be located on the site of California Water
Service Company at 5837 Crest Road. The maximum height of the
tank is twelve feet (12'0") although the required vent pipes may
exceed this height limit if required for health and safety purposes.
The minimum setback from the side property line is five feet (5'0").
Any change shall require approval of a further revision to Conditional
Use Permit No. 172 by the Planning Commission and shall require a
new and separate environmental review.
i. Unless otherwise designated in these conditions, all construction
shall be completed in substantial conformance with the plans
submitted to the City on August 27, 1996.
ii. The applicant shall obtain a grading permit prior to the removal of the
existing underground gasoline storage tank.
i. The refueling of vehicles and the refilling of the tank shall be
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permitted only during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday), except in case of emergency. The tank shall
only be used for the refueling of California Water Service Company's
fleet vehicles and equipment, and not for vehicles or equipment
belonging to or operated by members of the general public.
ii. The applicant shall be required to obtain the following permits and/or
approvals:
1. Approval from the Waste Management Division of the Los
Angeles County Department of Public Works for dispensing
fuel and management of motor fuel waste products.
2. Approval from the Petroleum Chemical Unit of the Los
Angeles County Fire Department for the installation of the new
tank and pump.
3. Approval from the South Coast Air Quality Management
District for the pump nozzle vapor recovery system and any
soil contamination. Additional permits and/or requirements
may be imposed by other agencies or City departments.
iii. Notwithstanding the plans submitted to the City on August 27, 1996:
a) The containment basin beneath the tank shall be enlarged and/or
deepened as necessary to provide a storage capacity equal to one
hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the capacity of the tank, or
2,500 gallons (334 cubic feet).The maximum height of the tank is
twelve feet (12'0") although the required vent pipes may exceed
this height limit if required for health and safety purposes.
23. Unless otherwise designated in these conditions, all construction shall be
completed in substantial conformance with the plans stamped APPROVED by the
City with the effective date of this Resolution.
Project Specific Conditions (Conditional Use Permit No 172 Revision "C"):
24. This approval shall allow for the following as-built and proposed improvements and
uses:
a. Diesel Fuel Tank: Installation of a one thousand (1,000) gallon above-
ground, solar-powered, diesel fuel tank measuring eleven feet, one inch
(11 -I") in length, five feet, eight inches (5'-8") in width and five feet, three
inches (5'-3") in height with a six foot, nine inch (6'-9") tall vent on top of the
fuel tank resulting in an overall height that shall not exceed twelve feet (12')
as measured from adjacent grade. The diesel fuel tank shall only be allowed
to fuel CWS vehicles and equipment on-site, except in emergency
situations, the diesel fuel tank may be used by offsite CWS vehicles and/or
other entities.
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The diesel fuel tank shall be placed on a concrete pad measuring
approximately fourteen feet (14') in length and eight feet (8') in depth
located north of the Cal Water office building, next to existing generators,
as depicted on the site plan reviewed by the Planning Commission at its
December 12, 2017 meeting. Protective bollards measuring four feet (4') in
height shall be placed around the proposed fuel tank area and shall match
the color and material of the bollards surrounding the existing generators.
The proposed fuel tank shall be located in an area that has two dumpsters,
which shall be relocated to the south-west corner of the generator area.
b. Diesel Fuel Tank Inspections:
i. The 1,000 gallon diesel fuel tank and solar-powered pump shall be
inspected on an annual basis by the Los Angeles County Fire
Department Health Hazardous Materials Division. CWS shall
provide the Director of Community Development with the
inspection report no later than thirty (30) days after the inspection
has occurred.
ii. The 1,000 gallon diesel fuel tank and solar-powered pump shall be
inspected regularly, as required by the CAL FIRE-Office of the
State Fire Marshal and shall comply with the reporting and fee
requirements of the Aboveground Petroleum Storage Act.
c. Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan: Within 60 days of
installation of the diesel fuel tank, CWS shall prepare and submit a Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan for review and approval by
the Director of Community Development for both the existing 2,000 gallon
gasoline tank and the 1,000 gallon diesel fuel tank.
AMENDED PER P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2019-05 ON FEBRUARY 26,
2019.
d. Diesel Fuel Tank: Prior to any permit issuance, CWS shall demonstrate to
the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development that the diesel
fuel tank includes following safety measures:
a. Fill limiter valves which will shut off at 95% capacity,
b. Emergency safety equipment including an emergency shut-off
switch and a properly rated fire extinguisher that will be located
near the tank system,
c. Static warning decal and fueling instructions posted,
d. Training of all employees in the proper and safe operation of the
tank.
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e. Existing Structures: A 6,574ft2 water quality lab and administrative
operations center, a 720 ft2 storage building, a 190ft2 open rack structure
for parts and supplies, and a 3,200ft2 carport.
f. Maintenance Yard: The site shall be allowed to be used as a maintenance
yard to support the operations for Cal Water only. The maintenance yard
shall be limited to the area shown on the site plan reviewed by the Planning
Commission on December 12, 2017, and shall consist of the following
improvements:
i. Trash bins;
ii. Emergency generators with internal diesel fuel supply;
iii. Storage of parts and materials for maintenance and repairs to the water
system within the storage building, the open rack structure, the five
storage containers onsite, and within the previous location of the fill
material bins at the north side of the site;
iv. Three storage containers measuring 20' long x 8.5' wide x 8' tall, and
two storage containers measuring 10' long x 8.5' wide x 8' tall, all with
circular rooftop vents, shall be used for storage of parts and materials;
v. Dumpsters for trash and recycling; and,
vi. Storage of traffic control signs and equipment within an enclosure
structure, or if stored within an open area, shall be screened from view
from neighboring properties.
vii. An above-ground 2,000 gallon gasoline storage tank originally permitted
under CUP No. 172 Revision "B".
Any future revisions to the layout of the Maintenance Yard shall be reviewed
by the Planning Commission as a Conditional Use Permit revision at a duly
noticed public hearing.
g. Temporary Storage of Spoils: Spoils consisting of soil and fill materials
(i.e. asphalt, road base, and sand) shall be allowed to be temporarily stored
on site in three as-built bins, two measuring 20' long x 20' wide (for sand
and base) and one measuring 20' long and 10' wide (for asphalt). The bins
shall be located in the existing parking lot, south of the reservoir, as shown
on the site plan reviewed by the Planning Commission on December 12,
2017. See Condition No. 6 above for additional details regarding the time
frame for these bins.
h. Permanent Spoils Storage: When the temporary storage of spoils is
relocated to an offsite location, this approval shall allow up to 5 cubic yards
of spoils to be kept on site in a closed container to enable Cal Water to
perform small, routine maintenance. As needed, the container shall be
picked up by a waste company who shall remove the entire container. When
a crew member is not emptying a container of spoils, the dumpster lid shall
be kept closed to prevent the escape of any dust. No construction
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machinery (such as a front loader) shall be used to dump spoils into the
dumpster.
i. Permanent Fill Materials Storage: When the temporary storage of fill
materials is relocated to an offsite location, this approval shall allow a small
amount of sand (1 yd3), road base (1 yd3), and asphalt (2yd3) to be kept on
site in covered containers to enable Cal Water to perform small, routine
maintenance. When a crew member is not utilizing the fill materials, the
container lids shall be kept closed to prevent the escape of any dust. No
construction machinery (such as a front loader) shall be used to dump
and/or retrieve materials into the containers.
j. Reservoir/Pumping Facilities: The operation of a water storage facility
with corollary facilities consisting of pumps, control valves, vents, and
hatches. The reservoir surface shall be landscaped and maintained by CWS
to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development per Condition
No. 24.k.
k. Landscape Improvements: No later than March 28, 2019, CWS shall
install the following per the amended Landscape Plan reviewed by the
Planning Commission on February 26, 2019:
i. Placement of fill to connect the existing two earthen berms along the
lower eastern property line (total length of 142 feet (142')).
ii. Re-compact the earthen berm, cover with six inches (6") of topsoil so
the berm can support plant growth, and hydroseed with Stover Hillside
Grass Mix.
iii. Install a six foot, eight inch (6'-8") tall, wood-pattern, greenish-brown
vinyl fence on top of the entire length of the two connected earthen
berms.
iv. Install ninety seven (97) new plants along the entire periphery of the
reservoir, and on the north, east and south sides of the maintenance
yard including: Strawberry Tree, Ray Hartman California Lilac, Red
Trumpet Vine, Hopseed Bush, Japanese Privet, Cape Plumbago, New
Zealand Christmas tree, Gold Medallion tree, Pink Melaleuca, and Fern
Pine.
v. Hydroseed the lawn area above the reservoir with Buffalo Grass. The
lawn shall be overseeded with a cool-season grass seed such as
Ryegrass in the fall and shall be maintained per the 2019 updated
Landscape Maintenance Plan. If a perennial cool-season grass seed is
planted, it shall be supplemented as needed with additional seed mix in
the fall to maintain coverage over the dormant Buffalo Grass.
vi. Install new irrigation lines for the new plants.
vii. CWS shall paint the dormant Buffalo Grass green with a non-toxic lawn
paint by March 28, 2019 and shall reapply the paint as deemed
necessary by the Director until the Buffalo Grass is substantially green.
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This painting condition shall only apply until July 2019.
AMENDED PER P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2019-05 ON FEBRUARY 26,
2019.
I. Fencing Improvements: No later than sixty (60) days from the date of the
adoption of this Resolution, or March 10, 2018, CWS shall install the
following fencing to provide screening between the site and the neighboring
properties to the north and south
i. Installation of a six foot (6') tall fence with wires attached to the east
side of the fence, to allow foliage to climb up and cover the fence, on
top of the berm along its entire length.
MODIFIED PER P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2019-05 ON FEBRUARY 26,
2019.
Hours of Operations
25. Daily facility operations shall occur Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and
4:30 p.m.
26. Other than in emergency situations, fill materials (sand, road base, asphalt) and
spoils drop-off and pickup shall only occur within the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00
p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, with none
occurring on Sunday and/or Federal Holidays.
27. Not including spoils and materials pickup and delivery, deliveries involving
commercial vehicles weighing in excess of 6,000 pounds shall be allowed only
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and
between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, with none occurring on Sunday
and/or Federal Holidays.
28. The refueling of vehicles and the refilling of the tank shall be permitted only during
regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with no
deliveries or refueling on Saturdays, Sundays or federal Holidays.), except in case
of emergency. The tank shall only be used for the refueling of California Water
Service Company's fleet vehicles and equipment, and not for vehicles or
equipment belonging to or operated by members of the general public.
29. Maintenance of the reservoir, including inspecting the reservoir pumps, shall occur
Monday through Friday between 2:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., and Saturday and
Sunday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
30. In the event of an emergency, the site may be utilized at any hour or day to respond
to the specific emergency, and shall be staffed according to need. An emergency
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is considered a threat to life, property or public health and safety.
31. The construction of the concrete pad and the installation of the tank will be subject
to standard hours of construction activity, which are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, with no construction activity
permitted on Sundays or on the legal holidays as specified in Section 17.96.920 of
the Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code.
Noise
32. There shall be no idling of vehicles or delivery trucks allowed during the refueling
of the tanks. Engines shall be turned off during refueling.
33. No modifications shall be made to the fuel tank such that the noise levels created
by utilization of the tank and pump exceed the 65 dBA as measured from the
closest property line.
34. Within 90 days of the adoption of this Resolution, or by April 9, 2018, CWS shall
install metal insulated sound attenuating structures around the water pumps and
sound-attenuating blankets on the control valves on the southern end of the site
and shall use a metal material that is greenish-brown ("Grouse Tan") color as
deemed acceptable by the Director of Community Development.
35. Unless safety provisions require otherwise, the construction contractor shall adjust
all audible back-up alarms to the lowest volume appropriate for safety purposes
(i.e. still maintaining adequate signal-to-noise ratio for alarm effectiveness). The
contractor shall consider signal persons, strobe lights, or alternative safety
equipment and/or processes as allowed for reducing reliance on high-amplitude
sonic alarms.
36. If noise attenuation features are required to be installed per Mitigation Measure N-
6, a follow up noise analysis shall be completed within 30 days from the date of
installation of these noise attenuation features to determine their effectiveness and
thus whether additional measures need to be put in place. If required, these
additional measures shall be installed within 30 days from the submittal to the City
of the follow-up noise analysis.
Grading Permit
37. This permit allows for 20yd3 of imported material to cover the reservoir area and
fill the gap between the existing two earthen berms.
38. PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF ANY GRADING OR BUILDING PERMITS, haul routes
to transport soil shall be approved by the Public Works Department.
39. All movement of spoils and/or imported soil shall cease when winds gusts (as
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instantaneous gusts) exceed 25 mph.
Spoils and Soil Testing
40. Until the spoils storage is permanently moved offsite, the spoils stored at the site
shall be tested prior to each spoils bin pickup (emptying) by a certified soil testing
lab utilizing the following tests:
a. Metals method 6020 (which tests for over 20 types of metals)
b. Mercury method 7471A (a technique which tests for mercury in solid or
semisolid form.)
c. Volatiles method 8260B (which tests for over 100 types of volatile
compounds)
d. Fish Bioassay (measures aquatic toxicity)
e. Asbestos
The resulting report for the tests required in this condition shall be forwarded to the
City within one week of being completed and shall be made available to the public
on the City's website and sent to interested parties via listsery within two business
days of the City's receipt of the report.
CWS shall notify City Staff in advance of removing any spoil material to allow the
City to issue a list-serve announcement to subscribers at least 24 hours in advance
of removal.
41. Should any contaminants be found beyond the acceptable levels stipulated by the
EPA, CWS shall be responsible for the appropriate disposal of the contaminated
soil within one week of the forwarding of the resultant report to the City.
42. All storage bins containing dust-producing materials will be tarped when not
loading or unloading.
43. When in use, the spoils and materials area be continuously watered, or watered
as often as needed to reduce the release of dust.
44. Within 30 days of the adoption of this Resolution, or by February 8, 2018, signage
requiring that the spoils and materials area be continuously watered, or watered
as often as needed to reduce the release of fugitive dust when disturbed, shall be
posted in a visible location at both the spoils bin and the temporary materials bins.
Sand, road base and asphalt shall be shipped directly to job sites where
practicable.
Views
45. All existing and proposed foliage shall be trimmed on an annual basis as
determined by the Director of Community Development pursuant to Section 17.02
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of the RPVMC in order to minimize any significant view impairment as seen from
the adjacent residential properties. The first trimming shall occur as deemed
appropriate by the Director. Each subsequent annual trimming shall occur on or
before December 31st of each year. The first, and all subsequent trimming levels
shall be based on the trimming diagrams provided by Staff.
AMENDED PER P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2019-05 ON FEBRUARY 26, 2019.
Lighting
46. Any temporary lighting used for emergencies shall be no taller than 10' in height
and shall be pointed down to not cause excessive glare or light trespass onto any
adjacent residential property or public street.
Landscape Maintenance
47. Prior to the installation of any landscaping approved in these Conditions of
Approval, CWS shall submit a Landscape Maintenance Plan for review and
approval by the Director of Community Development. At a minimum, the
Landscape Plan shall be consistent with the following requirements:
• That landscape maintenance activities, including lawn mowing, are
prohibited between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday through
Saturday, and on Sundays and Federal holidays.
• That the use of weed and debris blowers and parking lot sweeping shall be
prohibited before 8:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or
before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. on Saturday or at any time on Sundays
and Federal holidays.
• General identification of the irrigation hours.
• General tree pruning and trimming schedule.
The implementation of the Landscape Maintenance Plan shall be reviewed by the
Director of Community Development 3 months after the installation of the
landscaping, and shall be subsequently reviewed by the Planning Commission at
the annual review required in Condition No. 3. At either review, the Director and/or
the Planning Commission may determine that the Landscape Maintenance Plan
needs to be revised to address confirmed noise impacts.
If the City receives any justified noise complaints that are caused by the
maintenance of the landscape and lawn areas, as verified by the Director of
Community Development, upon receipt of notice from the City, CWS shall respond
to the verified complaint by notifying the City of the implementing corrective
measures within 24 hours from the time of said notice.
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Notice of the Director's decision resulting from the 3-month review of Landscape
Maintenance Plan shall be provided to all interested parties and may be appealed
to the Planning Commission by any interested party.
47.a The Landscape Maintenance Plan shall be updated and submitted to the Director
for approval by March 28, 2019 to include maintenance guidelines for the Ryegrass
or other cool-season grass that has been added to the landscape plan.
ADDED PER P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2019-05 ON FEBRUARY 26, 2019.
48. Per the "Maintenance Guidelines" listed on sheet L-2 of the approved landscape
plans, the newly planted shrubs, grass and irrigation shall be inspected weekly for
90 days after installation, and then monthly up to one year after installation. A
written summary of this inspection shall be submitted (via email) to City Staff and
shall be provided to the public via listsery email and posted on the City's website
within two business days from receipt.
49. Dead plants shall be replaced as needed, with the same type of plant, or another
type listed on the approved landscape plan, within two weeks of notification to
CWS. Any alternative replacement plants shall be approved by the Director of
Community Development.
Mitigation Measures
50. AES-1: The proposed landscaping and fencing shall be installed per the Plan
approved by the Director of Community Development within 60 days from the date
of the Planning Commission's approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 172
Revision "C". Within 30 days from installation, the Director of Community
Development shall determine whether additional screening is needed to
adequately screen the existing and proposed uses and structures on the site from
the neighboring residences.
51. AES-2: All existing and proposed foliage shall be trimmed on an annual basis as
determined by the Director of Community Development in order to minimize any
significant view impairment as seen from the adjacent residential properties.
52. AES-3: Any temporary lighting used for emergencies shall be no taller than 10' in
height and shall be pointed down to not cause excessive glare or light trespass
onto any adjacent residential property or public street.
53. AQ-1: Any maintenance areas at the site which are not located on existing paved
areas shall be treated with an environmentally-friendly sealant or shall be watered
down as often as needed in order to prevent the release of dust caused by the
movement of heavy equipment such as skip loaders, dump trucks, etc.
54. AQ-2: All trucks hauling soil, sand, and other loose materials shall be covered (e.g.,
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with tarps or other enclosures that would reduce fugitive dust emissions), and shall
have adequate freeboard to avoid spillage around the edges of the cover.
55. AQ-4: Prior to the final building inspection, the diesel fuel tank and associated
equipment shall contain mechanisms to prevent the escape of vapors consistent
with the City's adopted Uniform Building Code.
56. AQ-5: Minimize idling time by requiring that equipment be shut down after 5
minutes when not in use (as required by the State airborne toxics control measure
[Title 13, Section 2485 of the California Code of Regulations]). Provide clear
signage that posts this requirement for workers at the entrances to the site and
provide a plan for the enforcement of this requirement.
57. AQ-6: Maintain all construction equipment in proper working condition and perform
all preventative maintenance. Required maintenance includes compliance with all
manufacturer's recommendations, proper upkeep and replacement of filters and
mufflers, and maintenance of all engine and emissions systems in proper operating
condition.
58. GEC]-1: Building permits shall be obtained for all water system facilities,
maintenance and operational uses, including any ancillary structures, if required.
59. HAZ-1: Prior to issuance of any permits from the Building & Safety Division CWS
shall satisfy the criteria from the following agencies by obtaining appropriate
approvals: 1) Waste Management Division of the Los Angeles; 2) County
Department of Public Works for dispensing fuel and management of motor fuel
waste products. 3) Approval from the Los Angeles County Fire Department for the
installation of the new tank and pump.
60. HAZ-2: Prior to issuance of any permits from the Building & Safety Division, CWS
shall demonstrate that the proposed 1,000 gallon diesel fuel storage tank complies
with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 142 for "Steel Aboveground Tanks
for Flammable and Combustible Liquids" and UL Standard 2085 for "Protected
Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids", by incorporating
design features that create a barrier to prevent fuel leaks.
61. HAZ-3: The spoils stored at the site shall be tested just prior to CWS's off-site
disposal of the spoils and the results obtained before the material in the spoils bin
is disposed of off-site. Testing shall include typical contaminants. The resulting
report for these tests shall be forwarded to the City within one week of completion.
Should any contaminants be found beyond the acceptable levels set by the United
States Environmental Protection Agency, CWS shall be responsible for the
appropriate disposal of the contaminated soil in a manner which complies with
applicable state and federal law. This mitigation measure shall no longer be
applicable after Cal Water relocates the spoils bin to a new site.
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62. HAZ-4: Diesel fuel and oil will be used, stored and disposed in accordance with
standard protocols for handling of hazardous materials. All personnel involved in
use of hazardous materials will be trained in emergency response and spill control.
Written evidence of this training shall be provided to City Staff within 15 days from
the date the diesel fuel tank is put into service on the site.
63. HWQ-1: Prior to any permit issuance by the City's Building and Safety Division,
CWS shall submit for review and approval a drainage plan that complies with the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits for storm water
discharges.
64. HWQ-2: Prior to any permit issuance by the City's Building and Safety Division,
the project shall apply Best Management Practices (BMPs) for run-off control
during construction activities to prevent pollutants from entering the City's storm
drains.
65. HWQ-3: Prior to issuance of any permits from the City's Building & Safety Division,
CWS shall demonstrate that the proposed 1,000 gallon diesel fuel storage tank
complies with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 142 for "Steel
Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids" and UL Standard
2085 for "Protected Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids",
by incorporating design features that create a barrier to prevent fuel leaks.
66. LUP-1: Conditions of approval from Conditional Use Permit No. 172 and Revisions
"A" and "B" shall remain in full force and effect as reflected in Condition No. 22. In
cases where contradictions exist between conditions, the stricter condition shall
govern.
67. N-1: Permitted hours and days for construction activity are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, with no construction
activity permitted on Sundays or on the legal holidays specified in Section
17.96.920 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code. During demolition,
construction and/or grading operations, trucks shall not park, queue and/or idle at
the project site or in the adjoining street rights-of-way before 7:00 a.m. Monday
through Friday and before 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, in accordance with the permitted
hours of construction stated in this condition. When feasible to do so, the
construction contractor shall provide staging areas on-site to minimize off-site
transportation of heavy construction equipment. These areas shall be located to
maximize the distance between staging activities and neighboring properties,
subject to approval by the building official.
68. N-2: Noise generated by the daily operations, including the proposed fuel tank and
pump and any other associated equipment, shall not exceed 65 dBA as measured
from the closest property line.
69. N-3: Not including spoils and materials pickup and delivery, deliveries involving
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commercial vehicles weighing in excess of 6,000 pounds shall be allowed only
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and
between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, with none occurring on Sunday
and/or Federal Holidays.
70. N-4: There shall be no use of the spoils or storage bins between the hours of 7:00
p.m. and 8:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, nor before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m.
on Saturday, with none occurring on Sunday and/or Federal Holidays.
71. N-5: Unless safety provisions require otherwise, the construction contractor shall
adjust all audible back-up alarms to the lowest volume appropriate for safety
purposes (i.e. still maintaining adequate signal-to-noise ratio for alarm
effectiveness). The contractor shall consider signal persons, strobe lights, or
alternative safety equipment and/or processes as allowed for reducing reliance on
high-amplitude sonic alarms.
72. N-6: A noise study shall be completed within 30 days of the Planning Commission's
approval of the CUP to assess the noise levels of a typical spoils pickup and a
typical fill materials delivery at the closest property line. If it determined that the
noise levels exceed 65dBA at any property line, CWS shall be required to install
noise attenuation features, such as, but not limited to, portable noise barriers to
reduce these decibel levels to less than 65dBA at the adjacent property lines.
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