CC SR 20210316 F - General Plan Update Report
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 03/16/2021
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to submit the 2020 Annual General Plan Update
Report on the implementation of the Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan to the
appropriate state agencies.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Authorize Staff to forward the City’s Annual General Plan Update Report on the
status of the implementation of the Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan during
the 2020 calendar year to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR)
and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Jaehee Yoon, Senior Planner
REVIEWED BY: Ken Rukavina, PE, Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. 2020 Annual General Plan Update Report on the Implementation of the
Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan (page A-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
The City’s General Plan functions as a set of guidelines geared toward future
development within the City limits and beyond while ensuring that the health, safety ,
and overall welfare of the general public will continue to be preserved. Many of the
Goals and Policies stated within the City’s General Plan are implemented in conjunction
with the City’s Municipal Code. To assess the progress of implementing the General
Plan, §65400 of the California State Government Code requires a legislative body to
prepare an Annual General Plan Update Report (Report) on the status of the General
Plan and progress made toward implementing its goals and policies.
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Pursuant to §65400 of the State Government Code, Staff prepared the required 2020
Report (Attachment A) regarding the implementation status of the General Plan. This is
the third Report since the City comprehensively updated its General Plan on September
18, 2018. The Report delineates the seven state-mandated elements of the General
Plan and lists recent developments, progress, and actions implemented by the City
between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Each achievement or action is
followed by a reference to the appropriate General Plan goal and/or policy that is
applied by the action. Staff believes the Goals and Policies of the City’s General Plan
continue to be implemented by actions taken by the City while balancing community
needs, property rights, and the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.
The 2020 Report is scheduled for presentation to the Planning Commission at its March
9, 2021 meeting, which will occur after the transmittal of this report. Staff will update the
City Council regarding the Planning Commission’s recommendations on the Report as
late correspondence.
If accepted by the City Council, the Report will be forwarded to OPR and HCD on or
before the April 1, 2021 deadline.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative action is available for
the City Council’s consideration:
1. Identify additional information to be included in the Annual General Plan
Update Report prior to forwarding the report to the required state
agencies.
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INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Annual General Plan Update Report (hereafter, Report) is to
comply with the requirements of §65400 of the California State Government Code,
which requires that an annual report on the status of the City’s General Plan be
submitted to the legislative body, the Office of Planning and Research , and the
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Report must
provide information regarding the City’s progress on the implementation of the Goals
and Policies of the City’s General Plan.
The General Plan is a comprehensive planning document intended to guide physical
development throughout the City. State law requires that each adopted General Plan
address a minimum of seven issues (i.e., “elements”). Each element covers a certain
aspect of the City’s growth and development and must be consistent with the other
elements. The seven mandatory elements include Land Use, Circulation, Housing,
Conservation, Open Space, Noise, and Safety (including Seismic Safety). Additional
optional elements may be included, as deemed appropriate by each city, depending
on the characteristics or unique environment of the jurisdiction. As part of the 2018
General Plan update, the City included a Fiscal Element, Social Services Element, and
a Visual Resources Element as optional elements. While the updated General Plan
introduced some new Goals and Policies, many of them remain consistent wit h those
originally adopted in the 1975 General Plan, which has guided the City since its
founding.
This Report provides a list of actions taken by the City to implement the Goals and
Policies of the City’s General Plan, as they relate to the seven required General Plan
Elements, between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, followed by a reference
to the appropriate Goal and/or Policy that is implemented by the action.
STATUS OF THE GENERAL PLAN
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes was incorporated in 1973 in response to high -density
development proposals along the scenic coastal bluffs that help define the character
of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Subsequently, the City’s first General Plan was
adopted on June 26, 1975. The adopted goals emphasized minimizing density along
the coastal bluff areas, maintaining the rural character of the community, recognizing
and managing unique resources, and identifying and protecting areas with significant
development constraints such as sloped areas and areas of geologic instability.
Since that time, the City has completed various General Plan Amendments to update
the City’s Housing Element in accordance with State Housing Law, with the most recent
being completed in 2014. The Planning Commission reviewed and approved the
document on January 28, 2014, and the City Council approved the document on
February 4, 2014. The City received certification of the new Housing Element in April
2014, which is the Housing Element used for this Report and for the separate Housing
Element Annual Progress Reports.
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On September 18, 2018, after 16 years and numerous public hearings, the City adopted
the updated 2018 General Plan. The 2018 General Plan maintains the majority of the
original 1975 Goals and Policies, and was primarily updated to represent the current
economic and demographic data as well as current development patterns in the City.
The 2018 General Plan also includes City Council-approved land use decisions over the
years, and incorporates Planning Commission-directed edits, as well as text changes to
address statutory requirements. Many of the elements were retitled to be consistent with
element titles required by the State. In summary, the update can be characterized more
as a facelift than a rewrite of the 1975 General Plan. A copy of the document is available
on the City’s website by visiting the following link, http://www.rpvca.gov/356/General-
Plan-Update.
The City continues to implement the Goals and Policies that were central to the City’s
incorporation with decisions that balance community needs, property rights, and the
health and welfare of the general public. The City Council, Planning Commission, and
staff continue to adhere to a vision for the City that promotes a well-informed and
educated public with regard to City issues, problems, and services; a friendly responsive
and competent City government; a safe community in which to live and work; a
community with a sound economic base; a sound financial base to support and maintain
vital City services; reductions to long-term public infrastructure costs within the City;
and, a well maintained, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing community.
ACTIONS TAKEN BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2020 AND DECEMBER 31, 2020 TO
IMPLEMENT THE GOALS AND POLICIES OF THE GENERAL PLAN
The following information is intended to specify and highlight each of the mandatory
elements in the City’s updated General Plan, with a brief definition and the actions
taken to implement its goals and policies. The applicable goal and/or policy number,
as well as page number where each goal and/or policy can be found in the 2018
General Plan follows each action.
Within this reporting period, the following actions occurred:
I. Circulation Element
The primary role of the Circulation Element is to plan the transportation
system needed to serve proposed development as defined in the Land
Use Element. The Circulation Element also has a role in planning for the
future with regard to the provision of infrastructure that services the City.
The circulation system affects growth patterns, the environment, and the
quality of life of the City’s residents and workers. The system ranges from
sidewalks to roadways to trails, all providing for the safe, efficient, and
sometimes recreational movement of people through the City. The
location and nature of circulation system components derives from—and
in turn, affects—physical settlement patterns, air quality, plant and animal
habitats, noise, energy use, safety, visual appearance, social interaction,
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and economic activity within the community.
Completed the Residential Roadways Rehabilitation Program Phase I &
Phase II (Area 3 & 4). Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, Policy No. 1, pg. C-
5.
Continued to approve the installation of various antennas for wireless fac ilities
and personal communication systems on private and public property
throughout the City. Circulation Element, Goal No. 1, pg. C-5, and Policy No.
52, pg. C-8.
Utilized Proposition A funds to implement the Transit Improvements Turnout
Stations Project at various locations throughout the City, which include
installing bus shelters and improving the pavement adjacent to transit stops .
Circulation Element, Goal No. 3, pg. C-5.
Updated the Pavement Management Program to change the 7-year cycle to
review residential roadways in the City to an 8-year cycle. Circulation
Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5.
Commenced design of a roadway rehabilitation project for Crenshaw
Boulevard in the City. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2 & 5, pg. C-5.
Authorized installation of traffic signals at various intersections including
Palos Verdes Drive South/Palos Verdes Drive East and Hawthorne
Boulevard/Via Rivera. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5.
Installed an all-way stop sign at the intersection of Crestridge Road and
Middlecrest Road to address inadequate sight distance. Circulation Element,
Goal No. 2, pg. C-5.
The seven-member Infrastructure Management Advisory Committee
continued to meet on a regular basis to discuss infrastructure projects and
needs. Circulation Element, Goal No. 1 & 2, pg. C-5.
Continued implementation of the Abalone Cove Sewer System Management
Plan and completed the design of the Abalone Cove Sewer System
Rehabilitation. Circulation Element, Goal No. 1 & 4, pg. C-5, Policy No. 43 &
44, pg. C-7.
Established a sewer connection fee related to the sewer service charges for
the Abalone Cove Sewer System. Circulation Element, Goal No. 4. pg. C-5.
Continued implementation of the City’s Master Plan of Drainage, which
identifies storm drain capacity deficiencies and a proposed program to correct
them, including budget estimates and a prioritization scheme for
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improvements. The 10-year program includes capacity improvement.
Circulation Element, Goal No. 1 & 4, pg. C-5, and Policy No. 31, pg. C-7.
Continued implementation of the Municipal Storm Drain Catch Basin
Maintenance cleaning program as required through the Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System permit. Circulation Element, Goal No. 1 & 4, pg. C-5,
Policy No. 45-49, pg. C-8.
Completed the design of major storm drain installation work at Palos Verdes
Drive South and Peppertree Drive, which includes the removal and
replacement of existing storm drain pipes to address surface flooding
issues. Circulation Element, Goal No. 4, pg. C-5, and Policy No. 45-49, pg.
C -8.
Allocated Measure R funding and Capital Reserve for public right-of-way
improvements including street slurry seal and street sidewalk re pair
throughout the City. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2 & 5, pg. C-5.
Continued implementation of the Sidewalk Repair & Replacement Program
(Area 1,3,9). Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5.
Continued to provide traffic enhancements at various locations throughout the
City and replaced traffic signs and signal equipment citywide to enhance and
refresh traffic signal controls. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2 , 3 & 5, and
Policy No. 3, pg. C-5.
Continued to utilize the City’s speed radar trailer at various locations citywide
to advise the motoring public of posted speed limits. Circulation Element, Goal
No. 2, pg. C-5.
The Traffic Safety Committee continued to meet every other month to review
traffic related projects, concerns and activities. Circulation Element, Goal No.
2 & 5, pg. C-5, and Policy No. 19, C-6.
Continued requiring construction and demolition recycling as part of eligible
City/public projects. Circulation Element, Policy No. 42, pg. C-7.
Continued the annual Christmas tree and the weekly residential green waste
and mixed recycling collection programs. Circulation Element, Policy No. 42,
pg. C-7.
Continued the weekly on-call curbside collection of used oil and oil filter,
electronics waste and bulky waste items. Circulation Element, Policy No. 42,
pg. C-7.
Continued use of waste reduction funds to allocate the “Recyclers of the
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Month” program. Circulation Element, Policy No. 42, pg. C-7.
Conducted one free paper/document shredding for residents. Circulation
Element, Policy No. 42, pg. C-7.
Continued to collect used batteries at various City Facilities. Circulation
Element, Policy No. 42, pg. C-7.
Promoted Earth Month 2020 by placing weekly advertisements in the PV
News, Daily Breeze and advertisement in the monthly Peninsula People.
Circulation Element, Policy No. 42, pg. C-7.
Amended Chapter 8.20 (Solid Waste Collection and Disposal) of the
Municipal Code to add mandatory commercial recycling and mandatory
commercial organics recycling for businesses and certain multi-family
complexes in compliance with Assembly Bill No. 341 and Assembly Bill No.
1826. Circulation Element, Policy No. 42, pg. C-7.
Continued to repair and maintain pedestrian and equestrian trails throughout
the City. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5, and Policy No. 11, 16,
22, 25-27, pg. C-6 & 7.
Continued to update the Trails Network Plan that will provide trail
descriptions with graphics and detailed maps that illustrate trail routes and
uses in a clear and concise manner based on existing legal trails, community
input, and feasible trails. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5, and
Policy No. 6, 13, 22, 24, 25, 27, pg. C-5-7, and Conservation and Open
Space Element, Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3.
Continued the installation of improved signs and informative signs at
significant entrance points and locations throughout the Palos Verdes
Nature Preserve in conjunction with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land
Conservancy. Circulation Element, Policy No. 12 -13, pg. C-5, and
Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No. 35 -36, pg. COS-6.
Conducted a comprehensive parking and access master plan of the Palos
Verdes Nature Preserve and adopted a number of parking/access mitigation
measures in the Del Cerro neighborhood. Circulation Element Goal No. 2,
pg. C-5, Policy No. 14, 16 & 19, pg. C-5 & 6.
Continued to provide crossing guard services in certain neighborhoods
surrounding schools. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5.
Continued working on undergrounding overhead utilities owned by Southern
California Edison along Palos Verdes Drive South from La Rotonda to the
City limits; and Crenshaw Boulevard from Crest Road to Valley View Road.
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Circulation Element, Policy No. 39 & 41. C-7.
Adopted the updated Residential Guidelines to Underground Utilities.
Circulation Element, Policy No. 39 & 41. pg. C-7.
Coordinated with the City of Los Angeles and California Department of
Transportation to prepare a Project Study Report to establish an action plan
and received $1.33 million in funding for the planning phase through the
Metro Board that would reduce delay and enhance traffic circulation along
Western Avenue. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, Policy No. 3. pg. C-5.
Continued to engage in discussions with City of Los Angeles and related
agencies to discuss uniform streetscape improvements along Western
Avenue, across the street from the Ponte Vista project. Circulation Element,
Goal No. 2. pg. C-5.
Completed the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Access Improvements for
crosswalks in Area 1 and 9, which installed new curb ramps where none
existed and updated existing, non-compliant curb ramps. Circulation Element,
Goal No. 2, pg. C-5.
Continued the preparation of the Peninsula-Wide Safe Routes to School
Plan which aims to improve walking and biking travel to and from the 18
represented schools within the Peninsula, including a questionnaire relating
to each school. Circulation Element, Policy No. 20, pg. C-6, Land Use
Element, Policy No. 24, pg. L-8, and Safety Element, Policy No. 33. pg. S-
8.
Completed the Hawthorne Boulevard Median Beautification Project, which
removes existing green asphalt within the street medians to replace with new
landscaping. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5, and Conservation and
Open Space Element, Policy No. 23, pg. COS-5.
Completed construction of the South Bay Fiber Network which will allow high
speed capacity broadband network to embrace the digi tal economy, smart
city initiatives, integrated utilities, and next-generation economic
development. Circulation Element, Goal No. 1, pg. C-5.
Informed the public of the West Basin Municipal Water District’s Change &
Save Home Improvement Plan for free water-saving devices and rebate
program, which is aimed at saving costs, lowering energy bills, and promoting
water conservation. Circulation Element, Policy No. 35, pg. C-7.
Informed the public of Southern California Edison’s Green Rate program
which provides participants the opportunity to purchase more renewable
energy sources. Circulation Element, Policy No. 34, pg. C-7.
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Issued a Request for Proposal regarding the development of a Citywide 5G
Master Deployment Plan which will identify the least intrusive and preferred
locations for the future placement of 5G Small Wireless Facilities. Circulation
Element, Goal No. 1, pg. C-5, and Policy No. 52, pg. C-8.
Submitted a grant application to Caltrans through the Highway Safety
Improvement Program to improve approximately 4,700 feet of guardrails
along Palos Verdes Drive East as part of the Palos Verdes Drive East Traffic
Safety Project. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5.
II. Conservation and Open Space Element
The State of California requires both a Conservation Element and an Open
Space Element to be included in every local government General Plan.
These two elements are combined as many of the City’s Goals and
Policies for these two elements overlap.
Open space is one of the prominent features that defines the character of
Rancho Palos Verdes: it plays a large role in the City’s residents’ quality
of life and is a major draw to visitors. Conserving open space provides
opportunities for public outdoor recreation, viewshed protection, and
conservation of natural and biological resources, which in turn provide a
healthy ecosystem for vegetation and wildlife, flood and erosion control,
protection of the public health and safety, buffering between incompatible
land uses, and the enhancement of roads and public spaces.
Continued updating the Public Use Master Plan (PUMP) to reflect the
recently adopted Natural Community Conservation Plan and Habitat
Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP). Conservation and Open Space Elem ent,
Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3, Policy No.16, 22-23, pg. COS-5, and Land Use
Element, Policy No. 30, pg. L-9.
Researched and prepared additional exhibits, focused on Gray Whales,
birds, navigation, and migration, as part of a Phase II exhibit process at the
Point Vicente Interpretive Center funded by the Los Serenos de Point
Vicente docents. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 2, pg.
COS-3, and Policy No. 38, pg. COS-6, and Land Use Element, Goal No. 6,
pg. L-7.
Held multiple public forums and meetings regarding Preserve and Open
Space management concerns. Conservation and Open Space Element
Policy No. 16, 21 & 22, pg. COS-5.
Conducted outreach to the United States Coast Guard regarding potential
acquisition or partnership on Coast Guard properties in the City , including
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the Point Vicente Lighthouse and the battery bunker at the Civic Center.
Conservation and Open Space Element. Goal No. 2, pg. COS-3, and Policy
No. 32, pg. COS-6.
Continued to implement the City’s interim Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat
Protection Ordinance. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1,
pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 22-23, pg. COS-5.
Initiated the Planning entitlement process for Ladera Linda Master Plan
Project with additional public outreach. Conservation and Open Space
Element, Policy No. 35-36 & 42, pg. COS-6, and Land Use Element, Goal
No. 6, pg. L-7, and Policy No. 28, pg. L-9.
Maintained improvements within the Eastview Park, including enhancement
of amenities, trail and access improvements. Conservation and Open Space
Element, Policy No. 35-36, pg. COS-6, and Circulation Element, Policy No.
16, pg. C-6.
Continued to implement the Management Agreement with the Palos Verdes
Peninsula Land Conservancy to re-vegetate, operate and maintain the City’s
Palos Verdes Nature Preserve. Conservation and Open Space Element,
Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 21-27, pg. COS-5 & 6.
Continued to conduct view assessments for applicable developme nt
applications to ensure protection of views and conformance with City
decisions applicable to building and foliage height restrictions. Conservation
and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1 , pg. COS-3, and Land Use Element,
Policy No. 7-9, 15, pg. L-8.
Continued to implement the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance by
processing five projects in 2020, totaling 71,181 sq. ft. of landscape area.
Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No. 10 & 14-15, pg. COS-4
& 5, and Land Use Element, Policy No. 6, pg. L-8.
Maintained the Water Conservation Page on the City website to promote
ways to lower water consumption due to the California drought. Conservation
and Open Space Element, Policy No. 10 & 14-15, pg. COS-4 & 5, and Land
Use Element, Policy No. 6, pg. L-8.
Continued to implement the MOU with other Peninsula Watershed
Management Agencies for development of a Coordinated Integrated
Monitoring Program (CIMP) to measure pollutant levels in storm water and
urban runoff. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 3, pg. COS-
3.
Continued promoting various composting workshop events and providing
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rebates on the purchase of compost bins. Conservation and Open Space
Element, Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 25, pg. COS-5.
Continued the bi-annual citywide free brush clearing event. Conservation
and Open Space Element, Policy No. 25, pg. COS-5.
Completed the trimming or removal of view impairing trees located at Point
Vicente Interpretive Center, along a portion of Palos Verdes Drive West, in
Lower Point Vicente, and at Ladera Linda to protect views from surrounding
viewing areas. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1, pg.
COS-3, and Land Use Element, Policy No. 7-9, pg. L-8.
Continued to work on implementing the City Council adopted Preserve Trails
Plan and implementing the Public Use Master Plan for the Palos Verdes
Nature Preserve. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1, pg.
COS-3, and Policy No. 18, 22-23, 27 & 35-38, pg. COS-5 & 6.
Continued to coordinate with the Los Serenos De Point Vicente docent
organization on a variety of public recreational and educational
opportunities, including public hikes and tours, the Docent 4th and 6th Grade
Programs, the Junior Docent Program, Whale of a World Program, and the
Docent Open House. Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No.
24-25, 35-37, pg. COS- 5 & 6.
Provided virtual recreational opportunities for the developmentally disabled
community through the REACH Program, including a new program
designed for younger participants, a recreational program promoting
confidence, physical health, and independence for the developmentally
disabled community. Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No. 35-
37, pg. COS-6.
Co-sponsored various nature walks and hikes conducted by the Los
Serenos de Point Vicente Docents and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land
Conservancy at various locations throughout the City, and conducted
preserve open space related public information events by Open Space
Management staff. Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No. 24-
25, 37, pg. COS-5 & 6.
Sponsored and co-sponsored a limited number of special events and
programs (Agents of Discovery Scavenger Hunt, Butterfly Mural Project,
Virtual Art to Wellness, Scarecrow Event, Dia De Los Muertos, Elf In The
Park, “Frozen” Winter Event). Conservation and Open Space Element,
Policy No. 35-37, pg. COS-6.
Continued to implement a Recreation and Parks Park Ranger program for
monitoring, managing and enforcing management of the City’s Palos Verdes
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Nature Preserve. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1 & 3,
pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 24-27, pg. COS-5 & 6.
Continued to provide a program of Preserve Recreation staff (Open Space
Management) to patrol the Nature Preserve trails, close and open, and
monitor trails in conjunction with public health orders; interact with the public;
and perform maintenance & clean-up related duties. Conservation and
Open Space Element, Goal No. 1 & 3, pg. COS -3, Policy No. 24-27, pg.
COS-5 & 6.
Continued to maintain various improvements within the City’s Preserve and
trail areas to enhance user experience. Conservation and Open Space
Element, Goal No. 1 & 3, pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 24-27, pg. COS-5 & 6,
and Circulation Element, Policy No. 12, pg. C-5.
Maintained adequate staffing levels and park hours at multiple City parks to
provide a higher level of customer service, improve responsiveness to park
visitors’ complaints/concerns, and better maintain the conditions and
operations of City parks. Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No.
35-37, pg. COS-6.
Maintained a robust volunteer program for both residents and non -residents
to be involved in community and civic volunteer activities. Conservation and
Open Space Element, Policy No. 25, pg. COS-5.
Continued distribution of “Share the Trails” brochure for safe and
appropriate shared use of trails by hikers, cyclists and equestrians, which
was created with the involvement of multiple agencies. Conservation and
Open Space Element, Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3, and Circulation Element,
Goal No. 2, pg. C-5.
Continued distribution of coastal access brochure providing information
about parking, fishing access and appropriate coastal access points and
marine protected areas. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No.
1, pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 24, pg. COS-5.
Continued to administer the Gifts for Parks Program, which provides a
means by which interested individuals, organizations, and/or businesses
may contribute funds or merchandise for the enhancement of the City’s
Recreation facilities and programs. Conservation and Open Space Element,
Policy No. 40, pg. COS-6.
Continued implementation of the City’s Emissions Reduction Action Plan
(ERAP). Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1. pg. COS -3,
and Policy No. 25, pg. COS-5, Land Use Element, Policy No. 6, pg. L-8, and
Safety Element, Policy No. 28, pg. S-7.
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Approved a Coastal Development Permit to allow 13 acres of habitat
restoration consisting of weed abatement and removal of non-native
vegetation, the installation of drip irrigation, and the planting of native habitat
in the Abalone Cove Reserve between January 2020 and May 2023 with
monitoring and reporting through May 2026. Conservation and Open Space
Element, Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 16-18, pg. COS-5.
Prepared the Initial Study and conducted a scoping meeting for the
Portuguese Bend Landslide Mitigation Project which proposes to stabilize
the existing landslide area through a series of recommended mitigation
measures. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 3, pg. COS-3,
and Policy No. 6, pg. COS-4.
Partnered with The EcoHero Show to bring virtual environmental education
assemblies to Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District and Los
Angeles Unified School District elementary schools through the Oil Payment
Program grant funds. Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No.
25, pg. COS-5.
Amended Chapter 12.08 (Trees and Shrubs) of the Municipal Code , to
strengthen the City’s ability to protect unlawful actions to City trees and
amended the City’s Administrative Citation Penalty Fine Schedule to imp ose
Tier 2 penalties for such violations. Conservation and Open Space Element,
Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3.
III. Land Use Element
The Land Use Element must designate the proposed general distribution
and location and extent of the uses of the land for housing, busi ness,
industry, and open space, including agriculture, natural resources,
recreation, enjoyment of scenic beauty, education, public buildings and
grounds, solid and liquid waste disposal facilities, and other categories
of public and private uses of land.
Continued implementation of the Municipal Code through the processing of
relevant development applications. Land Use Element, Goal No. 1 -10, and
Policy No. 4, pg. L-7.
Continued to expedite solar photovoltaic permitting for residential dwelling
units. Land Use Element, Policy No. 6, pg. L-8.
Processed code amendment applications to sections of the Municipal Code
as it relates to Exception Categories of the City’s Landslide Moratorium
Ordinance and Noncommercial Amateur Radio Antennas. Land Use
Element, Goal No. 1 & 3, pg. L-7.
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Issued Building and Grading Permits for the construction of new housing
units throughout the City. Land Use Element, Policy No. 2-11, pg. L-7 & 8.
Continued to enforce the City’s prohibition to advertise or operate a short-
term rental in the single-family and multi-family residential zoning districts.
Land Use Element, Goal No. 1 & 4. pg. L-7.
Continued the Civic Center Master Plan process for the development of a
master plan for City Council consideration at a future date. Land Use
Element, Goal No. 5, pg. L-7, Policy No. 25, pg. L-9, and Safety Element,
Policy No. 33, pg. S-8.
Conducted General Plan Consistency Reviews for the acquisition of tax -
defaulted properties zoned Open Space Hazard, including Assessor Parcel
No. 7566-015-026 and 7583-022-012. Land Use Element, Goal No. 10, pg.
L-7.
Developed a new Temporary Special Use Permit to assist local businesses
with the opportunity to provide limited outdoor operations on sidewalks and
parking lots due to COVID-19. Land Use Element, Goal No. 1, pg. L-7.
Completed the butterfly mural project at Ryan Park with the help of local
school children, staff, and other volunteers. Land Use Element, Policy No.
28, pg. L-9.
IV. Noise Element
The Noise Element is intended to identify existing and potential future
sources of noise within the community, and to identify strategies to limit
the exposure of the community to excessive noise levels.
Continued to attend LAX/Community Noise Roundtable meetings to monitor
passenger jet noise and provide updates related to the Federal Aviation
Administration airspace issues that potentially affect the City. Noise Element,
Goal No. 1, Policy No. 7, pg. N-2.
Reviewed truck-hauling routes for trucks transporting construction-related
material and equipment for miscellaneous construction projects throughout
the City. Noise Element, Goal No. 1, Policy No. 2, pg. N-2.
Reviewed and monitored Special Use Permits and Special Event Permits for
temporary events and required noise monitoring for the events that are likely
to create a noise impact on the surrounding residential neighborhoods (i.e.
Golden Cove Shopping Center). Noise Element, Goal No. 1, Policy No. 9-10,
pg. N-2.
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Continued the implementation of Municipal Code regulations regarding hours
of construction and operation of mechanical equipment. Noise Element, Goal
No. 1, Policy No. 9-12, pg. N-2.
V. Safety Element
The Safety Element first discusses the various hazards that may impact
the City, including wildfire hazards, flood hazards, geologic hazards, and
other hazards. This discussion is followed by emergency services
available to the City in addressing these hazards, including risk
assessment, leading to policies to help address these impacts.
Established a communication program to ensure residents are updated with
COVID-19 related matters. Safety Element, Goal No. 1 & 3, pg. S-6, and
Policy No. 13, 14 & 16, pg. S-6 & 7.
Conducted City public meetings via the Zoom teleconferencing platform due
to COVID-19 health measures. Safety Element, Goal No. 1 & 3, pg. S-6.
Developed “Virtual Counter Hours” in response to COVID-19 health
measures and City Hall public counter closures. Safety Element, Goal No. 1
& 3, pg. S-6.
Launched Everbridge, an emergency communication notification system,
with Alert SouthBay as a multi-jurisdictional coordinated approach to
emergency management with 12 other South Bay cities. Safety Element,
Goal No. 3, pg. S-6, and Policy No. 14 & 16, pg. S-7.
Temporarily closed and reopened City parks and open space areas in
accordance with COVID-19 guidelines from state and local health officials.
Safety Element, Goal No. 1 & 3, pg. S -6, and Policy No. 1 & 14, pg. S-6 &
7.
Participated in the “Protecting Your City from Wildfire Conference” that
provided information on planning and preparing for wildfires to better equip
the City with the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure needs in dealing with
wildfires and public safety power shutoffs. Safety Element, Goal No. 2, pg.
S-6, and Policy No. 4, 6-9, 11 & 17, pg. S-6 & 7.
Completed implementation of Phases 1 and 2 of the City’s Western Avenue
Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) Camera program at 17 different
locations along Western Avenue corridor. Safety Element, Goal No. 1, pg.
S-6.
Continued implementation of the HOA Security Camera Grant Program for
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neighborhoods that took interest in participating. Safety Element, Goal No.
2, pg. S-6.
Implemented a security camera program for homeowners associations to
deter and capture criminals. Safety Element, Goal No. 2, pg. S-6
Continued to implement the “Connected Neighbor/Safer Neighborhoods”
campaign to increase awareness regarding the Ring’s “Neighbors”
electronic application, and its Vacation and Home Renovation Security
Camera Loaner Program. Safety Element, Goal No. 2, pg. S-6.
Continued to implement the revised Public Safety Strategic Plan. Safety
Element, Goal No. 2, pg. S-6.
Continued to work with the Peninsula Regional Law Enforcement
Committee and Regional Emergency Preparedness Committee, comprised
of cities from the Palos Verdes Peninsula, to coordinate and improve
regional law enforcement and emergency preparedness. Safety Element,
Goal No. 1-4, Policy No. 1, 6 & 12, pg. S-6 & 7.
Continued to work with the Peninsula Emergency Preparedness Committee
to engage in a regional emergency preparedness plan and exercise s with
all four Peninsula cities. Safety Element, Goal No. 1-4, Policy No. 1, 6 & 12,
pg. S-6 & 7.
Continued implementing the City’s Coyote Management Plan through public
outreach and informational efforts. Safety Element, Goal No. 1, Policy No.
20-22, pg. S-7.
Continued contracting with the County of Los Angeles to assist the City with
coyote management issues. Safety Element, Goal No. 1, Policy No. 20-22,
pg. S-7.
Continued to enforce the City’s Development Code and the California
Building Code, which include detailed geologic review requirements for
construction projects. Safety Element, Goal 1 & 4, Policy No. 2, pg. S-6.
Continued to update Fuel Modification Maps and perform required Fuel
Modification for the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve with the coordination of
the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Weed
Abatement District, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy.
Safety Element, Policy No. 4, 9, 12 & 27, pg. S-6 & 7.
Continued to provide residents with empty sandbags and sand to protect
private property against runoff during the rainy season. Safety Element,
Goal No. 1, pg. S-6, and Policy No. 23, pg. S-7.
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Received approval of the 2020 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
with the City of Rolling Hills Estates that was submitted to the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, which identifies hazards and ways to
minimize damage by natural and human-caused disasters. Safety Element,
Goal No. 1 & 3, Policy No. 1, 6, 12, 14, 16 & 27, pg. S-6 & 7.
Participated in the 6th Annual Prepared Peninsula Expo in an effort to
educate residents and the broader community on emergency preparedness.
Safety Element, Goal No. 1 & 3, Policy No. 1. pg. S-6, and Policy No. 6, 12,
14, 16 & 27, pg. S-6 & 7.
Developed a City-wide Vulnerability Assessment related to Climate
Adaptation Planning in coordination with the South Bay Cities Council of
Governments. Safety Element, Goal No. 1, pg. S-6, and Policy No. 28, pg.
S-7.
Established a virtual building inspection program in addition to live
inspections and protocols in response to COVID-19 health measures and
mandates. Safety Element, Goal No. 1, pg. S-6.
Approved a Minor Modification to an existing Encroachment Permit and
Coastal Development Permit to allow four additional security cameras in the
public right-of-way as part of the City’s effort to implement safety programs
that deter crime and improve public safety. Safety Element, Goal No. 1, pg.
S-6.
Conducted General Plan Consistency Reviews for Los Angeles Regional
Interoperable Communications System Authority’s proposed Land Mobile
Radio facilities within the City, finding that the proposed projects are
consistent with the Goals and Policies of the City’s General Plan. Safety
Element, Goal No. 3, Policy No. 6, pg. S-6, and Circulation Element, Policy
No. 52, pg. C-8.
Conducted inspections of play areas and playground equipment at Hesse
Park, Ryan Park, Ladera Linda, and Eastview Park by certified playground
safety inspectors. Safety Element, Goal No. 1, Policy No. 3, pg. S -6.
Coordinated to send letters to residents expressing the City’s commitment
to risk reduction and measures residents can take to “harden” their home
from wildfires. Safety Element, Goal No. 2, Policy No. 1, pg. S-6.
Participated in a series of Wildfire Preparedness Webinars on wildfire
preparedness hosted by the League of California Cities, which provided
information on preparing and responding to wildfire disasters. Safety
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Element, Goal No. 2, pg. S-6.
Presented Peninsula-Wide Wildfire Mitigation preparedness efforts on
behalf of the City during the virtual wildfire preparedness townhall meeting
hosted by Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi. Safety Element, Goal No. 1 &
3, Policy No. 1. pg. S-6.
Participated in the worldwide Great Shake Out earthquake drill exercise to
promote earthquake preparedness. Safety Element, Goal No. 3, pg. S-6.
Participated in a regional Emergency Operations Center training hosted by
Cal Water to enhance regional coordination in a large-scale emergency or
disaster. Safety Element, Policy No. 7 & 16, pg. S-6 & 7.
Conducted a hybrid (in-person and virtual) Emergency Operations Center
Surprise Exercise to assess and improve the City’s preparedness in the
event of a real emergency. Safety Element, Goal No. 1 & 3, pg. S-6.
Continued regular maintenance of streetlights throughout the City. Safety
Element, Goal No. 1, pg. S-6, and Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5.
VI. Housing Element
The Housing Element is a comprehensive assessment of current and
projected housing needs for all segments of the community and all
economic groups. This element identifies and analyzes existing and
projected housing needs and contains a statement of goals, policies,
quantified objectives, and scheduled programs for the preservation,
improvement, and development of housing. In adopting this element,
issues such as economic, environmental, and fiscal factors, as well as
community goals set forth in the General Plan, must be considered.
In accordance with the adopted Housing Element, staff continued to monitor
the development of accessory dwelling units (ADU) and issued building
permits for five ADUs. Housing Element, Program Category No. 1, Goal No.
1, pg. 3-4, and Program Category No. 2, Policy No. 2 & 4, pg. 3-7.
Continued the City’s formal Code Enforcement program to ensure that
dwelling units are habitable and being maintained in accordance with the
California Building Code. Housing Element, Program Category No. 3, Goal
No. 2, Policy No. 2, pg. 3-11.
Continued implementation of the City’s Certified Housing Element including
the various Housing Programs. Housing Element, pg. 3-2 to 3-3.
Continued to provide information on the City’s website regarding programs
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that are available to first time home buyer assistance, such as County
Homeownership Program, County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, and
So Cal Home Financing Authority Down Payment Assistance Programs.
Housing Element, Program Category No. 2, Goal No. 1 & 3, Policy No. 6,
pg. 3-7.
Prepared and presented code amendments to update the City’s ADU
Ordinance to incorporate recent State statues for City Council and Planning
Commission consideration. Housing Element, Program Category No. 1,
Goal No. 1, Policy No. 1, pg. 3-4, and Program Category No. 2, Policy No.
2 & 4, pg. 3-7.
Received approval on the Senate Bill No. 2 planning grant application which
will be utilized to create a mixed-use overlay district to facilitate affordable
housing development. Housing Element, Program Category No. 1, Goal No.
1 & 2, Policy No. 1 & 2, pg. 3-4.
Developed a Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) homepage on
the City’s website to bring public awareness to developments regarding the
6th Cycle RHNA allocation process. Housing Element, Program Category No.
1, Goal No. 1, pg. 3-4.
Submitted an appeal on the 6th Cycle RHNA allocation to the Southern
California Association of Governments for consideration and review. Housing
Element, Program Category No. 1, Goal No. 1, pg. 3-4.
SPECIFIC PLANS
A Specific Plan is a tool for implementation of the General Plan and contains
development goals and guidelines for specified areas and/or districts within the City.
To date, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes has adopted five Specific Plans, including
the Coastal Specific Plan, which addresses land use and development within the City’s
Coastal Zone (all land seaward of Palos Verdes Drive West and Palos Verdes Drive
South); a Specific Plan for the City’s Eastview Park, which is located on land leased
from the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts; as well as three Specific Plan
districts along the Western Avenue commercial corridor. In 2002, the three specific
plans that govern Western Avenue were combined into one user-friendly document.
By Specific Plan District, the following actions occurred between January 1, 2020, and
December 31, 2020:
COASTAL SPECIFIC PLAN DISTRICT
Certified in 1981, the Rancho Palos Verdes Coastal Specific Plan District provides
specific development guidelines and standards for all land located seaward of Palos
Verdes Drive West and Palos Verdes Drive South. The lands have been classified by
Subregions (1-8), with specific development criteria provided, based on the unique
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character of each Subregion.
Installed temporary fencing, barriers and signage restricting public access and
parking within the City’s Coastal Zone related to COVID-19 social distancing
requirements. Coastal Specific Plan, Policy No. 2, Page U-2.
Continued monitoring and maintaining the Cit y’s segment of the California
Coastal Trail located within the City’s Coastal Zone. Coastal Specific Plan,
Policy No. 1 & 2, Page U-28.
Installed new fencing and removed deteriorated fences at the Vicente Bluff
Reserve. Coastal Specific Plan, Policy No. 1, pg. U-80.
Continued maintaining the City’s trails within the Coastal Zone located within the
Palos Verdes Nature Preserve. Coastal Specific Plan, Policy No. 6, Page U-67.
Continued maintaining the City’s public parks and open space areas within the
Coastal Zone. Coastal Specific Plan, Policy No. 4, Page U-28.
Monitored residential construction within the Coastal Zone to ensure
compliance with applicable development guidelines and overlay control
districts. Coastal Specific Plan, Policy No. 1, Page U-74.
WESTERN AVENUE SPECIFIC PLAN
District I includes properties located at 28901 Western Avenue (southwest corner of
Caddington Drive and Western Avenue) – The Terraces Shopping Center. Western
Avenue Specific Plan District 1 was adopted in 1985 by the City Council.
District II includes properties located between 29505–29701 Western Avenue.
Western Avenue Specific Plan District 2 was adopted in 1986 by the City Council.
District III includes properties located between 29019 – 29421 Western Avenue.
Western Avenue Specific Plan District 3 was adopted in 1987 by the City Council.
Received a planning application for a new drive-thru restaurant development at
29051 Western Avenue.
Executed a Letter of Acknowledgment between the developer of the Ponte Vista
project and the City to receive funds in the amount of $70,000, as part of the
developer’s entitlement obligation to the City, that will partially fund the
landscape improvements along Western Avenue.
Issued a Request for Proposal and retained a consultant to receive design
services for the Western Avenue Beautification Project.
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EASTVIEW PARK SPECIFIC PLAN DISTRICT
Certified in 1989, the Eastview Park Specific Plan District provides specific use and
development standards for the City park located at 1700 Westmont Drive, which was
annexed by the City in 1983. The 10-acre property is leased from the Los Angeles
County Sanitation Districts, which maintain underground equipment and sewer lines
on the property.
Continued maintaining improvements within Eastview Park including
enhancement of amenities, trail and access improvements, as well as the dog
park.
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#####
2020 Annual Report (January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020)
Prepared by: Jaehee Yoon, Senior Planner
Community Development
Department
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Submitted to:
Governor’s Office of
Planning and Research
And
Department of Housing and Community
Development State of California
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