CC SR 20210302 03 - Appeal PC Decision for Ladera Linda
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 03/02/2021
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to consider whether to appeal the Planning
Commission-approved Conditional Use Permit, Variance, Major Grading Permit and
Site Plan Review for the Ladera Linda Community Center and Park Project located at
32201 Forrestal Drive (CASE NO. PLCU2020-0007).
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Consider City Council Public Facilities Subcommittee Member Mayor Alegria’s
and Councilmember Cruikshank’s requesting to appeal, as a future public
hearing agenda item, the Planning Commission-approved Conditional Use
Permit, Variance, Major Grading Permit and Site Plan Review entitlements for
the Ladera Linda Community Center and Park Project
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Octavio Silva, Deputy Director of Community Development
REVIEWED BY: Ken Rukavina PE Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Planning Commission Resolution No. 2021-02 (page A-1)
B. City Council Public Facilities Subcommittee Appeal Request (page B-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
On February 23, 2021, the Planning Commission, after considering public testimony
and information provided by Staff, adopted P.C. Resolution No. 2021-02 (Attachment
A), conditionally approving a Conditional Use Permit, Variance, Major Grading Permit
and Site Plan Review for the Ladera Linda Community Center and Park project.
The Planning Commission in its motion, which passed on a 7-0 vote, approved
conditions of approval to mitigate project impacts that included, but were not limited to,
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safety and security measures, hours of operation, limits on the number of rentals and
special events, noise restrictions, and lighting.
On February 24, 2021, the City Council Public Facilities Subcommittee, consisting of
Mayor Alegria and Councilmember Cruikshank, notified City Manager Mihranian to
request that an item be placed on the next available agenda for the City Council to
consider whether to appeal the Planning Commission’s approval of the subject project
(Attachment B). This request is pursuant to Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code
(RPVMC) Section17.80.130 (A).
Pursuant to RPVMC Section 17.80.130 (B), since an appeal request from a council
member was received by the City Manager, the appeal period for the City Council is
automatically extended by 30 additional calendar days. This extended appeal period
applies only to City Council appeals in order for the City Council to determine whether to
appeal the Planning Commission's decision. An applicant or any other interested person
may still file an appeal with the City after this appeal request, provided the appeal is
filed within the standard 15-day appeal period. An applicant or any other interested
party may not file an appeal during the City's extended 30-day appeal period.
The City Council shall determine by a majority vote whether to appeal the Planning
Commission's decision.
Quasi-Judicial Appeal Review
Should a majority of the City Council vote to appeal the Planning Commission’s actions,
the appeal hearing will tentatively be conducted on April 6, 2021. This public hearing will
be a De Novo Review.
Pursuant to RPVMC Section 17.80.070(F) (De Novo Review), a City Council appeal
hearing is not limited to consideration of the materials presented to the Planning
Commission. Any matter or evidence relating to the action on the application, regardless
of the specific issue appealed, may be reviewed by the City Council at the appeal
hearing.
The City Council would consider new evidence, material, and testimony, the Planning
Commission’s recommendations made by Minute Order regarding such matters as
traffic, parking, base line data for future reviews, and recreation courts.
Lastly, if the subject Planning Commission approval is appealed to the City Council, the
project entitlements and all future actions regarding the project will stay with the City
Council, and certain future matters may be remanded to the Planning Commission, who
will the serve in the advisory capacity on future decisions.
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P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES CONDITIONALLY APPROVING A
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, VARIANCE, GRADING PERMIT
AND SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE
NEW LADERA LINDA PARK, 6,790 ft2 COMMUNITY CENTER,
LANDSCAPING, ANCILLARY SITE IMPROVEMENTS AND 9,000
yd3 ASSOCIATED GRADING FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
32201 FORRESTAL DRIVE (CASE NO. PLCU2020-0007)
WHEREAS, on August 20, 2019, after a comprehensive public outreach and
engagement effort, the City Council approved the Ladera Linda Park and Community
Center Master Plan, which included approving the design of the replacement Community
Center, landscaping, ancillary site improvements, as well as factors such as park security,
staffing levels and facility rentals; and,
WHEREAS, on October 15, 2019, the City Council reviewed roof design options
and directed Staff to study the installation of a solar roof option as part of the detailed
construction drawings phase; and,
WHEREAS, on December 10, 2020, a 15-day public notice for the public hearing on
the project-required planning entitlements was sent to property owners within a 500-foot
radius of the project site, interested parties, as well as published in the Peninsula News;
and,
WHEREAS, on December 31, 2020, an amended public notice was issued to identify
additional required project applications that were not previously outlined in the original
public notice; and,
WHEREAS, on January 26, 2021, the Planning Commission held a public hearing
regarding the proposed project to review plans for the replacement of the Ladera Linda
Park and Community Center, as it relates to Chapter 17 (Zoning) of the Rancho Palo
Verdes Municipal Code, and continued the public hearing to February 23, 2021, in order to
provide staff an opportunity to assess input and incorporate project feedback as necessary;
and,
WHEREAS, on February 23, 2021, the Planning Commission held a public hearing
at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and present
evidence.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The recitals above are true and correct incorporated herein by
reference.
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Section 2: The project involves the demolition of five existing building (19,000 ft2
in area), parking, ancillary site improvements and landscaping to construct a new 6,790 ft2
single-story community center, play areas, landscaping, ancillary site improvements and
9,000 yd3 of combined balanced on-site grading (4,500 yd3 of cut and 4,500 yd3 of fill).
Section 3: The Conditional Use Permit for the new Ladera Linda Park, 6,790 ft2
single-story community center, play areas, landscaping, and ancillary site improvements is
warranted based on the following findings:
A. The project site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed
use. The project site is approximately 11.031 acres in size and currently
utilized as a park and Community Center with multiple facility buildings,
surface parking, playground paving, equipment and paddle tennis courts,
fields, landscaping and emergency preparedness storage containers. The
proposed project includes the demolition of the existing facilities and
improvements, with the exception of the paddle tennis courts, to construct a
single Community Center structure that would be approximately 37% of the
total gross square footage of the existing facility. Consequently, the new
building would occupy a significantly smaller footprint than the existing
buildings and be located in the middle of the existing built areas of the Park.
The proposed Community Center and ancillary facilities are sited throughout
the 11.031-acre tiered site, so as to provide enhanced setbacks to adjacent
properties and provide enhanced line of sight from the perimeter of the
property for security purposes. The proposed 54 on-site parking spaces,
which consist of 4 ADA spaces, 4 dedicated spaces for clean air vehicles (1
Van ADA space included), exceed the parking stalls required for both
weekend (42 spaces) and weekday (15 spaces) conditions for the proposed
project as outlined in the latest edition of the Institute of Transportation
Engineer’s Parking Generation Manual (5th Edition, 2019).
B. The proposed project relates to streets and highways sufficient to carry the
type and quantity of traffic generated by the use. The project replaces the
existing Community Center facility, comprised of several buildings, with a
single building that would be less than 40% of the total square footage of the
existing facilities. In addition, the new building would occupy a smaller
footprint than the existing Community Center buildings within the existing
built areas of the Park. Furthermore, the Project will not result in any
increases to the existing uses, programming, and activities. Rather, uses,
programming and activities are proposed to be limited and regulated, and
would, therefore, have substantially the same purpose, but with less capacity
than the existing facility that will be replaced. The park does not create a
cumulative impact on traffic within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. The
traffic on Forrestal Drive is mostly attributed to the only outlet to over 160
single family homes off of Pirate Drive. The proposed Park and Community
Center does not affect the traffic signal warrant at the intersection of Palos
Verdes Drive South and Forrestal/ Trump National.
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C. The project site is currently improved with a park use and will continue to
serve as such as part of the proposed project. The new Community Center
will serve all residents and the community, particularly those located on the
east side of the City, as an area for recreational opportunities as well as for
emergency preparedness activities such as, but not limited to, a cooling
center and storage location. The height of the proposed Community Center is
16 feet- 6 ¼ inches and will not create a significant adverse effect, as
residential properties to the east and south of the project site have views of
the ocean and Catalina Island oriented in the opposite direction of the
proposed building. Furthermore, the building pad of the proposed Community
Center will be located approximately 25 feet below the street of access
(Forrestal Drive), therefore views from the street and adjacent trails can be
observed over the proposed building height. The project will not result in any
adverse safety or security impacts, as the City Council design-approved
project includes a comprehensive list of safety measures and designs such
as the incorporation of a surveillance system, motion and glass break
sensors, perimeter fencing, and lighting design. The project will not result in
adverse noise impacts as the project incorporates construction noise
regulations, hours of operation for the community center and limitations on
mechanical equipment noise. The project lighting will not result in an adverse
impact because the site lighting has been designed to comply with RPVMC
regulations and to provide for park safety and security.
D. The use of the property for a park and community center is consistent with
the Institutional- Public General Plan land use designation for the site. The
project site is currently a park with a community center and will continue to be
utilized as such. The new park and community center will serve all residents
and the community, particularly those located on the east side of the City, as
an area for recreational opportunities as well as for emergency preparedness
activities such as, but not limited to, a cooling center and storage location.
Furthermore, the Conservation and Open Space Element of the City’s 2018
General Plan Update (pg. COS-39) identified the Ladera Linda Park and
Community Center as an Institutional-Public land use with passive and active
amenities including playground and sports equipment, multipurpose rooms
and classrooms as well as ancillary site improvements including a parking lot
and restrooms. The General Plan also notes that a Master Plan process for
the Ladera Linda Park and Community Center was included in the Parks
Master Plan Update.
Section 4: The Variance for the construction of retaining walls up to 15½ feet in
height to support ADA complaint ramps between the middle-tier and upper-tiers of the park
is warranted based on the following findings:
A. The project site was originally developed as an elementary school with
multiple classroom buildings and play areas on a three-tiered site due to the
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unique and steep topographic conditions in the area, which have been used
as a community center and park facilities since the 1980s. The three tiers
include a lower, middle, and upper tier with 5-foot to 15-foot transitional
slopes between the tiers. The project proposes to maintain the same three-
tier park layout and will also include new accessible walking paths and ramps
to enhance accessibility and walkability throughout the project site. In order
to accommodate an ADA-compliant accessible ramp between the middle and
upper tiers of the park, the project proposes to construct a series of upslope
retaining walls with an overall height of up to 15½ feet. The existing site
development and requirement to provide for enhanced accessibility to meet
ADA requirements present exceptional circumstances that warrant the need
to construct a retaining wall that exceeds the height limitations established in
the RPVMC. Although other Institutional zoned properties in the City were
developed with similar topographic conditions, the project site is unique in
that it was previously developed as an elementary school and the project
proposes to re-develop the site but maintain the existing park’s tiered layout
but meet current accessibility requirements.
B. The construction of the proposed retaining walls up to 15½ feet in height are
necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right,
which right is possessed by other property owners under like conditions in
the same zoning district. The project site is encumbered by steep
topographical conditions in certain areas of the project site, including
transitional slopes between the various tiers of the park that are not present
in other developed Institutional zoned properties. As a public facility, owned
and operated by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, the City is required to
provide for ADA accessibility throughout the site and to ensure the safety of
the public.
C. The construction of the proposed retaining walls up to 15½ feet in height in
order to accommodate an ADA access ramp will not be materially detrimental
to the public welfare or injurious to property and improvement in the area, as
the construction of the proposed wall will be reviewed and inspected by the
City’s Building and Safety Division for conformance with the California
Building Code and associated geological requirements. In addition, the
proposed retaining wall will support the transition slope between the middle
and upper tiers of the park. Not granting the Variance application request for
the construction of retaining walls up to 15½ feet in height and not
accommodating an ADA accessible ramp would in fact be materially
detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to visitors of the park.
D. The variance will not be contrary to the objectives of the General Plan or the
policies and requirements of the Coastal Specific Plan. The project site is not
located in the City’s Coastal Specific Plan. The use of the property as a park
and community center is consistent with the City’s updated General Plan.
The Conservation and Open Space Element (Pg. COS-6) of the City’s
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General Plan includes goals and policies related to Open-Space and
Recreation Resources, which promote public access to all recreational land
and building additional parks and playfields, where appropriate, for multiple
use by various groups. The proposed retaining wall with an overall height of
12 feet, will provide enhanced ADA accessibility to recreational land and for
the use of various groups.
Section 5: The Major Grading Permit to conduct 9,000 yd3 of combined grading
consisting of 4,500 yd3 of cut and 4,500 yd3 of fill with grading above 5 feet in height is
warranted based on the following findings:
A. The grading does not exceed that which is necessary for the permitted
primary use of the lot. The proposed project is in an Institutional Zoning
District, in which the primary use of the lot is a park and Community Center.
The new park and community center will serve all residents and the
community, particularly those located on the east side of the City, as an area
for recreational opportunities as well as for emergency preparedness
activities such as, but not limited to, a cooling center and storage location.
The proposed 9,000 yd3 of grading will be balanced on-site therefore
avoiding the need to export or import soil or rock. Furthermore, the proposed
grading will be limited to the existing developed portions of the site, which
have been previously graded to support existing improvements. The project
grading proposes targeted cut and fill into portions of the existing site to
accommodate the proposed park and community center, parking lot, tiered
seating, walking paths, ADA compliant accessible ramp, and other ancillary
park improvements. In addition, the proposed grading will enhance adequate
drainage of the site.
B. The proposed project and associated grading will not significantly adversely
affect the visual relationships with, nor the views from the viewing areas of
neighboring properties because the project site is currently improved with an
existing park, building facilities, and ancillary site improvements. The
proposed grading will continue to accommodate a park use and a single
community center building that would be less than 40% of the total square
footage of the existing facility. In addition, the new community center would
occupy a smaller footprint than the community center buildings within the
existing built areas of the Park. The proposed building height will not create
a significant adverse effect, as the height of the community center, as a result
of the site grading, will not impact views as observed from neighboring
properties due to the topographic conditions in the area. Residential
properties to the east and south of the project site have views of the ocean
and Catalina Island oriented in the opposite direction of the proposed
building. Finally, the building pad of the proposed community center will be
located approximately 25 feet below the street of access (Forrestal Drive),
whereby views from the street and adjacent trails can be observed over the
proposed building height.
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C. The nature of the grading minimizes disturbance to the natural contours and
finished contours are reasonably natural because the proposed grading is
generally limited to developed portions of the site. In addition, the proposed
grading maintains a majority of the existing contours surrounding the
developed areas on the project site. The project proposes to maintain the
existing transitional slope along the south and southwest of the site as well
as the slopes between the project site and Forrestal Drive. The finished
contours of the project will blend with the existing contours on the existing
site.
D. The grading takes into account the preservation of natural topographic
features and appearances by means of land sculpturing. The project site has
been previously graded in order to accommodate the existing park, parking
lot and ancillary site improvements. The proposed grading is generally limited
to developed portions of the site. Moreover, the proposed grading generally
follows the existing slope of the property and results in finished slopes that
appear reasonably natural. Additionally, although some land-sculpturing is
proposed to occur, it is designed so as to blend the manufactured slopes into
the natural topography.
E. The grading would not cause excessive and unnecessary disturbance of the
natural landscape or wildlife habitat through removal of vegetation because
the proposed grading area does not contain natural landscape or wildlife
habitat. The proposed grading is limited to areas of the project site that have
been previously graded to accommodate existing structures and ancillary site
improvements.
F. The grading conforms to the City’s standards for grading on slopes,
maximum finished slopes, maximum depth of cut and fill, and retaining wall
heights with the exception grading on slopes over 50% steepness and the
construction of a retaining wall up to 6 feet-11 inches in height along the
driveway in the immediate area of the mechanical and refuse enclosures.
The proposed grading over slopes with 50% and the retaining wall are
consistent with the purpose of the Grading Permit because it will result in the
reasonable development of the project site. In addition, the proposed grading
and retaining wall will contribute to the overall site accessibility and retention
of groundcover to aid against flooding, erosion and other similar hazards.
Furthermore, the scenic character of the neighborhood would not be altered
as the retaining wall along the driveway would not be readily visible from the
public right-of-way as the location of the wall be located below the Forrestal
Drive street level. The proposed grading and retaining wall will comply with
the goals and policies of the General Plan, as the project supports policies for
public health/ safety related to the environment. More specifically, the
proposed retaining wall is required to be designed to performance standards
that ensure both engineering standards and the topographic treatment of
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slopes on the property. Furthermore, the City’s geotechnical consultant and
the Building Official will be required to review and approve engineered
grading plans prior to grading permit issuance and inspections will be
conducted throughout the process. With these provisions, the proposed
deviation will not cause a detrimental impact to public safety and/or other
properties in the vicinity of the project. Notice of this decision shall be given
to the Applicant and to all owners of property adjacent to the property
Section 6: The Site Plan Review for the proposed ancillary site improvements
including, but not limited to, the accessory structures, flag pole, mechanical equipment and
parking comply with all applicable Code requirements.
Section 7: 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 the proposed project has been found to be categorically
exempt under Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) of the CEQA Guidelines.
Specifically, the project consists of the reconstruction of an existing facility where the new
structure will be located on the same site as the structure(s) replaced and will have
substantially the same purpose and capacity.
Section 8: Pursuant to Sections 7.60.060, 17.76.040(H) and 17.80.070 of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, any interested person aggrieved by this decision or
by any portion of this decision may appeal to the City Council. Any appeal letter must be
filed within 15 calendar days of the date of this decision, or by 5:30 p.m. on Thursday,
March 11, 2021. A $2,275.00 appeal fee must accompany any appeal letter. The Planning
Commission’s decision will be final at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2021.
Section 9: For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and findings
included in the Staff Report, Minutes and other records of proceedings, the Planning
Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby conditionally approves a
Conditional Use Permit, Variance, Major Grading Permit and Site Plan Review for the
demolition of existing buildings, landscaping and ancillary site improvements at Ladera
Linda Park for the construction of a new community center, play areas, landscaping,
ancillary site improvements and associated grading, subject to the Conditions of Approval
contained in the attached Exhibit 'A', which is incorporated herein by this reference.
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PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of February 2021 by the
following vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS CHURA, HAMILL, JAMES, SAADATNEJADI, SANTAROSA,
VICE-CHAIRMAN PERESTAM, AND CHAIRMAN LEON
NOES: NONE
ABSTENTIONS: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
RECUSALS: NONE
_______________________
Gordon Leon,
Chair
_____________________________
Ken Rukavina PE,
Director of Community Development; and,
Secretary to the Planning Commission
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PC RESOLUTION 2021-__
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, VARIANCE,
MAJOR GRADING PERMIT & SITE PLAN REVIEW
(CASE NO. PLCU-0007)
1. 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 (RPVMC) shall apply.
2. One year after the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the Community
Center building, the Planning Commission shall review the Conditions of Approval
contained herein at a duly noticed public hearing. As part of the review, the Planning
Commission shall assess the project’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 the review hearing shall be published and
provided to owners of property within a 500-foot radius of the site, to persons
requesting notice, to all affected homeowners associations, and to the property
owner, in accordance with the RPVMC. As part of this one-year review, the Planning
Commission shall consider, among other things, the parking conditions, circulation
patterns, lighting, landscaping, noise, and operational hours. 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.
3. Pursuant to RPVMC 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.
4. 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 Institutional zoning district development standards of the RPVMC, including
but not limited to height, setback standards.
5. In the event that any of these conditions conflict with the recommendations and/or
requirements of another permitting agency or City department, the stricter standard
shall apply.
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6. 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.
7. This approval is only for the items described within these conditions and identified
on the stamped APPROVED plans and is not an approval of any existing illegal or legal
non-conforming structures on the property, unless the approval of such illegal or
legal non-conforming structure is specifically identified within these conditions or on
the stamped APPROVED plans.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 RPVMC Section
17.96.920. 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.
11. If construction projects that are accessible from a street right-of-way or an abutting
property and which remain in operation or expect to remain in operation for over 30
calendar days, the City shall provide temporary construction fencing, as defined in
RPVMC Section 17.56.050(C). Unless required to protect against a safety hazard,
temporary construction fencing shall not be erected sooner than 15 days prior to
commencement of construction.
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Project Specific Conditions
12. This approval allows for the following:
• Demolition of five existing buildings (19,000 ft2 in gross area), parking,
ancillary site improvements and landscaping;
• Construction of a new 6,790 gross ft2 single-story building (community
center) and adjacent 137 ft2 of covered patio areas with an overall height of
16 feet – 6 1/4 inches;
• Construction of a 400 ft2 storage facility at 12 feet in height for City and
emergency supplies;
• Construction of a 54-stall parking lot located adjacent to building and
playground, including four clean air vehicle spaces;
• Construction of a naturalistic children’s playground area in the upper terrace;
• Construction of one full basketball court and a 1/2 basketball court in the
upper terrace;
• Renovation of two existing paddle tennis courts in the upper terrace;
• Construction of walking paths throughout park area along with upper and
lower lawn areas;
• Construction of an outdoor tiered seating area between the middle- and
upper- terraces;
• Construction of a lawn area in the lower terrace;
• Utilization of existing Forrestal Drive entrance into the park;
• Installation of low-impact, native and drought-tolerant landscaping, including
30-foot to 100-foot buffer zone between the building and southerly slope;
• 9,000 cubic yards combined balanced on-site grading (4,500 cubic yards of
cut and 4,500 cubic yards of fill);
• Grading cut and fill over 5 feet in height to support an Americans with
Disability Act (ADA) access ramp between the middle- and upper terraces;
• Construction of retaining and combination walls to a maximum height of
15 1/2 feet to accommodate accessibility and ADA compliant ramps;
• Installation of a new 12-foot flagpole;
• Construction of mechanical equipment and refuse storage area;
• Installation of new bike and storage area;
• Installation of vehicular entry gate for park security; and,
• Installation of on-site lighting.
13. The height of the proposed community center shall be 16 feet-6 ¼ inches tall, as
measured from the highest existing grade covered by the structure
(elev. 448.00 feet) to the highest roof ridgeline (464.525 feet).
BUILDING HEIGHT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED BY A
LICENSED LAND SURVEYOR OR CIVIL ENGINEER PRIOR TO ROOF
SHEATHING INSPECTION.
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14. The height of the proposed accessory storage building shall not exceed a height of
12 feet as measured as measured from the lowe st preconstruction grade adjacent to the
foundation wall to the ridge.
15. Unless modified by the approval of future planning applications, the approved
community center building and storage building shall maintain the following
setbacks:
• Front & Street Side- 25 feet (abutting a dedicated street)
• Interior Side & Rear- 20 feet
Grading Permit Conditions
16. The following maximum quantities and depths of grading are approved for the
project site as shown on the grading plan reviewed and approved by the Planning
Commission:
a. 9,000 cubic yards of combined on-site grading (4,500 cubic yards of cut and
4,500 cubic yards of fill) with retaining walls up to 12 feet in height in support
of the proposed improvements.
b. Cut and fill depths up to 10 feet in height
No export or import of earth material shall occur with the exception of base material
and other construction related material.
17. The Director of Community Development shall be authorized to allow deviations to
the project grading quantities up to 200 cubic yards over the stated maximum
quantities for unforeseen circumstances due to conditions encountered in the field
provided that such deviation or modification to the grading quantities achieve
substantially the same results as with the strict compliance with the grading plan.
Any modifications resulting in additional grading in excess of the above amounts
shall require approval of an amendment to the grading permit by the Planning
Commission at a duly noticed public hearing. This is a balanced grading project. No
export or import of earth shall be permitted, except for rock material or fine grading
materials, such as select fill.
18. Prior to the final inspection of the precise grading, a certified as-built grading plan
prepared and wet-stamped by a license engineer shall be reviewed and approved
by the Building Official and the Director of Public Works. If applicable, the as-built
grading plan shall identify any revisions to the grading plan.
19. For all grading, landscaping and construction activities, the City shall employ
effective dust control techniques, either through screening and/or watering.
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20. PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF GRADING OR BUILDING PERMITS, haul routes to
transport soil shall be approved by the Public Works Department, if applicable.
21. PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF GRADING OR BUILDING PERMITS, the
contractor shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Director of Community
Development how dust generated by the grading activities will be mitigated, so as to
comply with the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 403 and the
RPVMC requirements, which require watering for the control of dust.
22. PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF GRADING OR BUILDING PERMITS, the project
geologist shall review and approve final plans and specifications and shall stamp
and sign such plans and specifications.
23. PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF GRADING OR BUILDING PERMITS, the City shall
submit for review and approval a drainage plan that complies with the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for stormwater
discharges.
24. All grading shall be monitored by a licensed engineering geologist and/or soils
engineer in accordance with the applicable provisions of the RPMVC and the
recommendations of the Director of Public Works. Written reports, summarizing
grading activities, shall be submitted on a weekly basis to the Director of Public
Works and the City’s Building Official.
25. Grading activity on-site shall occur in accordance with all applicable City safety
standards.
26. If applicable, any water features, including bioswales, shall be lined to prevent
percolation of water into the soil. Designs of all water features shall be included on
the grading plans submitted for review by the City’s Building Official and the City’s
Geologist prior to the issuance of any grading permits.
27. Prior to the final grading inspection by the Building and Safety Division, the graded
slopes shall be properly maintained in accordance with the project landscape plan.
Plan materials shall generally include significant low ground cover to impede surface
water flows.
Safety Conditions
28. PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF ANY GRADING OR BUILDING PERMITS, the
project plans shall be reviewed and approved by the Los Angeles County Fire
Department to ensure compliance with the fire code and fuel modification
requirements.
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29. PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF ANY GRADING OR BUILDING PERMITS, the City
shall contract with a security consultant to develop a Safety & Security Plan, which
incorporates the following safety design elements:
• Clear points of entry and improved sight lines in the final design;
• Appropriately placed exterior and interior security cameras and motion
sensors with lighting;
• Appropriate low-level landscaping;
• Control of ingress and egress points during operating hours and non-
operating hours;
• Glass break sensors;
• On-site security lighting incorporating comprehensive best practices in
lighting design throughout the park grounds and building;
• Ability to secure park perimeter at night through fencing and improved
entrance gates for both pedestrian and vehicular access points;
• Ability to make restroom and vestibule area secured and inaccessible during
community center non-operating hours;
• Reduction/elimination of blind spots; ,
• Increased utilization of the park combined with increased staff supervision
30. The on-site surveillance system, including security cameras and motion sensors
shall be maintained by the City in perpetuity.
31. The community center open lobby, restrooms and accompanying sink areas shall be
designed to be secured on a nightly basis with a roll-down security gate or other
means to secure the area and prevent hour use.
Landscape and Park Improvement Conditions
32. A final Landscape Plan shall be prepared by a qualified Landscape Architect in
accordance with the standards set forth in the RPVMC. The Landscape Plan shall
be reviewed and approved by the Director of Community Development, a qualified
Landscape Architect, and/or an Arborist hired by the City, prior to the issuance of
any building or grading permits. The Landscape Plan shall include, at include, a
minimum, the plant species (Latin and common names), growth rate, and maximum
height at maturity of all proposed trees. During the Director’s review, the Landscape
Plan shall also be made available to the public for review.
The Landscape Plan shall comply with the City’s Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance, the View Preservation Ordinance, the planting requirements, the
irrigation system design criteria, and all other requirements RPVMC. All new trees
and foliage shall not exceed 16-feet in height, as measured from the grade adjacent
to the tree or foliage. The Landscape Plan shall also include an Integrated Pest
Management Plan that addresses the use of grass-cycling and pesticides for the
lawn and landscape areas.
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33. Prior to approval of the landscape plan, the project shall comply with the City’s Low
Impact Development Ordinance, as applicable.
Construction Conditions
34. All construction vehicles onsite shall 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, 13 CCR § 2485). Clear signs that lists this requirement shall
be posted with the requirements for workers at the entrances to the site and provide
a plan for the enforcement of this requirement including a phone number to contact
a designated City employee (i.e. project manager).
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. The project shall utilize construction equipment equipped with standard noise
insulating features during construction to reduce source noise levels.
37. All project construction equipment shall be properly maintained to assure that no
additional noise, due to worn or improperly maintained parts is generated.
38. Construction of the project should not impede upon any City Council-approved
public trails in the immediate area.
39. PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF ANY GRADING OR BUILDING PERMITS, a
Staging Plan shall be prepared and reviewed by the Director of Community
Development, which includes, but is not limited to, the identification of equipment
staging and construction-associated parking.
Operational Conditions
40. Pursuant to RPVMC Section 12.16.030, the Ladera Linda park ground hours shall
be one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, seven days a week, or as
designated by City Council action.
41. The Ladera Linda parking lot shall be open at 8:00 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week,
or as designated by City Council action.
42. The Ladera Linda Park Community Center hours shall be 8:00 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven
days a week, or as designated by City Council action. Operating hours may be
extended if rentals are scheduled, or for City conducted business, such as public
meetings.
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43. Rental for purposes of the use of the community center shall mean any contracted
or permitted use of a park facility by an individual, business, non-profit, HOA, or the
City, and hours of use shall be limited to between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
44. Classes (instructor-led class, either private or City-sponsored) shall be conducted
only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
45. No more than two private rentals per month shall be allowed after 5:00 p.m. This
restriction shall not apply to non-profits, City events, or HOA rentals.
46. No more than eight special events (a large City-sponsored or permitted private
event) shall be allowed per calendar year. Special events that extend until after
9:00 P.M. shall only be permitted upon approval of a Special Event Permit.
47. All maintenance and grounds-keeping equipment shall be entirely enclosed when
not in use.
Parking Conditions
48. No fewer than 54 on-site parking spaces consisting of 47 standard parking spaces
at a minimum of 9 feet wide by 20 feet deep, one electric vehicle space, one ADA
electric van accessible space, three clean air vehicle spaces and three ADA
accessible spaces.
49. All parking, loading and access shall comply with RPVMC Chapter 17.50
(Nonresidential Parking and Loading Standards).
50. PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF ANY GRADING OR BUILDING PERMITS, a
Parking Plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Community
Development that shall include, but not be limited to, parking striping, directional
arrows, wheel stops or curbs, landscaping, way finding signs and other necessary
parking and circulation amenities.
51. All proposed driveways and aisle shall be designed in substantially the same
alignment as shown on the propose project site plan, subject to final design review
and approval by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Director of Public
Works.
52. Prior to the installation of the bicycle storage lockers, a color sample for the
locker exterior shall be reviewed and approved by the Director of Community
Development.
On-Site Walk and Pathway Conditions
53. The location and number of on-site walk and pathways shall generally comply with
the project plans. These walk and pathways shall be constructed pursuant to the
standards approved by the Director of Public Works.
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54. Handicap access ramps shall be installed in accordance with the current standards
established by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
55. All sidewalks and pathways throughout the project site shall be designed to comply
with the minimum width standards set forth in the most recent Disabled Accessibility
Guidebook.
Site Lighting Conditions
56. The Lighting Plan approved by the Planning Commission shall comply with the Non-
Residential Outdoor Light Ordinance pursuant to RPVMC Section 17.56.040. An as-
built lighting plan shall be submitted to the City prior to the final inspection and shall
include, but not limited to, the location, height, number of lights, wattage and
estimates of maximum illumination on site and spill/glare at properties lines for all
exterior circulation lighting, outdoor building lighting, walking and sidewalk lighting,
parking lot lighting, landscape ambiance lighting and sign lighting. The Lighting Plan
shall be submitted for review and approval by the Director of Community
Development prior to the issuance of any building permit.
57. An Illuminated mock-up of one of the proposed 10-foot high light poles shall be
placed prior to installation for review by the Director of Community Development.
58. There shall be a trial period of thirty (30) days from the installation of all the project
exterior lighting, including building and parking lot lighting, during which the lighting
shall be assessed for potential impacts to the surrounding properties. At the end of
the thirty (30) day period, the Director of Community Development may require
additional screening or reduction in the intensity or numbers of lights which are
determined to be excessively bright or otherwise create adverse impacts.
Furthermore, said lighting shall be reviewed as part of the one-year compliance
review described in Condition No. 3.
59. Parking and security lighting shall be kept to minimum safety standards and shall
conform to City requirements. Fixtures shall be shielded to emit light below 90
degrees so that only the project site is illuminated; there shall be no spillover onto
residential properties or halo into the night sky.
60. No outdoor lighting is permitted where the light source or fixture, if located on a
building, is above the line of the eaves. If the light source or fixture is located on a
building with no eaves, or if located on a standard or pole, the light source or fixture
shall not be more than 10 feet above existing grade, adjacent to the building or pole.
61. The parking lot light standards shall be limited to a maximum height of 10 feet, as
measured from adjacent finished grade.
62. The lighting bollards shall be limited to a maximum height of 42 inches, as
measured from adjacent finished grade.
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63. The use of laser lights, strobe lights, flashing lights, or any similar lighting shall be
prohibited during all events.
Utility Conditions
64. Prior to issuance of the final inspection for the project grading, all new utilities
exclusively serving the project site shall be placed underground including, but not
limited to, cable, telephone, electrical, gas and water. All appropriate permits shall
be obtained for any such installation.
65. No above ground utility structure cabinets, poles, pipes, or valves shall be
constructed within the public rights-of-way without prior approval of the Director of
Public Works. If permitted, above ground utility structure cabinets, pipes, or valves
shall not impede on the pedestrian circulation flow and shall be painted a color to
the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development. The use of above
ground utility poles is prohibited.
66. The project shall comply with all recorded easements on the property.
Noise and Mechanical Equipment
67. If applicable, all new mechanical equipment, regardless of its location, shall be
housed in enclosures designed to attenuate noise to a level of 65 dBA CNEL at the
project site’s property lines.
68. Mechanical equipment shall be oriented away from any sensitive receptors such as
neighboring residences, and where applicable, must be installed with any required
acoustical shielding.
69. Use of amplified sound in excess of 65 dB at the property lines shall require a
special event permit pursuant to RPVMC Section§ 12.20.040.
70. The use of indoor amplified music shall be permitted between 11:00 a.m and 8:00
p.m. Music amplification or reproduction equipment shall not be operated in such a
manner that it is plainly audible from the nearest property line in any direction from
the community center building for classes or exercise programs. Use of amplified
music outdoors shall require a special event permit; not be allowed after 9 p.m.;
speakers shall be oriented away from residential property and sound shall not be in
excess of 65 dB at the property lines.
71. All deliveries of goods and supplies; trash pick -up, including the use of parking lot
trash sweepers; and the operation of machinery or mecha nical equipment which
emits noise levels in excess of 65 dBA, as measured from the closest property line
to the equipment, shall only be allowed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and dusk,
Monday through Sunday.
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Ken Rukavina
Subject:FW: Appeal Request: Ladera Linda Project - PC Resolution (Case No. PLCU2020-0007)
From: John Cruikshank <John.Cruikshank@rpvca.gov>
Date: February 24, 2021 at 6:56:23 AM PST
To: Ara Mihranian <AraM@rpvca.gov>
Cc: Eric Alegria <Eric.Alegria@rpvca.gov>
Subject: Appeal Request: Ladera Linda Project ‐ PC Resolution (Case No. PLCU2020‐0007)
Ara,
On behalf of the City Council's Facilities Subcommittee, Mayor Alegria and I would like to
appeal the Planning Commission's decision granting approval of a Conditional Use Permit,
Variance, Major Grading Permit & Site Plan Review (Case No. PLCU2020‐0007) for the Ladera
Linda Community Center and Park Project pursuant to Section 8 of their Resolution.
Our appeal request is being made so that our City Council will have the opportunity to render
decisions on the proposed project's entitlements thus moving said entitlements to the City
Council's jurisdiction for all future decisions. We applaud and appreciate the hard work done
by our Planning Commission but believe that it should be the City Council ‐ accountable to our
residents ‐ who should take responsibility for the many, major decisions required for a project
such as this.
Warmest Regards,
John Cruikshank, Councilman
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
The views or opinions expressed in this email are intended to be interpreted as the individual work
product of the author. They do not necessarily reflect an official position of the City Council, staff or
other entities.
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