CC SR 20211207 01 -Green Hills
PUBLIC HEARING
Date: December 7, 2021
Subject: Consideration and possible action consider Revision “F” to Conditional Use Permit No.
55 to allow burials to be conducted on the rooftop of Inspiration Slope Mausoleum in
accordance with conditions of approval on the rooftop of Inspiration Slope Mausoleum.
(PLCU2021-0011).
Recommendation:
(1) Adopt Resolution No. 2021-___, approving Revision “F” to Conditional Use Permit No. 55,
amending Condition No. 6 to allow, with amended conditions of approval, burials on the rooftop
of Inspiration Slope Mausoleum.
Subject Property/Location: 27501 S. Western Avenue
1. Report of Notice Given: City Clerk Takaoka
2. Declare Public Hearing Open: Mayor Alegria
3. Request for Staff Report: Mayor Alegria
4. Staff Report & Recommendation: Amy Seeraty, Senior Planner
5. Council Questions of Staff (factual and without bias):
6. Public Testimony:
Principal Parties 10 Minutes Each. The appellant or their representative speaks first and will generally be allowed ten minutes. If the
applicant is different from the appellant, the applicant or their representative will speak following the appellant and will also be
allowed ten minutes to make a presentation.
A. Applicant: Nick Resich Property Owner: Green Hills Memorial Park
i. Mayor Alegria invites the Applicant to speak. (10 mins.)
7. Testimony from members of the public:
The normal time limit for each speaker is three (3) minutes. The Presiding Officer may grant additional time to a representative speaking
for an entire group. The Mayor also may adjust the time limit for individual speakers depending upon the number of speakers who
intend to speak.
8. Declare Hearing Closed/or Continue the Public Hearing to a later date: Mayor Alegria
9. Council Deliberation:
The Council may ask staff to address questions raised by the testimony, or to clarify matters. Staff and/or Council may also answer
questions posed by speakers during their testimony. The Council will then debate and/or make motions on the matter.
10. Council Action:
The Council may: vote on the item; offer amendments or substitute motions to decide the matter; reopen the hearing for additional
testimony; continue the matter to a later date for a decision.
CITYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 12/07/2021
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Public Hearing
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to consider Revision “F” to Conditional Use Permit No.
55 to allow burials to be conducted on the rooftop of Inspiration Slope Mausoleum at
Green Hills Memorial Park (PLCU2021-0011).
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Adopt Resolution No. 2021-___, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING REVISION “F” TO THE
APPROVED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 55, AMENDING CONDITION NO.
6 TO ALLOW, WITH CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL, BURIALS ON THE
ROOFTOP OF INSPIRATION SLOPE MAUSOLEUM FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 27501 S. WESTERN AVENUE (GREEN HILLS MEMORIAL
PARK).
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Amy Seeraty, Senior Planner
REVIEWED BY: Ken Rukavina, P.E., Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Draft City Council Resolution No. 2021-__ with Conditions of Approval (page A-1)
B. November 16, 2021 Staff Report
C. Public Correspondence (page C-1)
BACKGROUND:
On February 19, 1991, the City Council certified a Mitigated Negative Declaration and
approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 55 for the Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan,
which plans for the development of the cemetery site over the next 100 years.
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CITYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
On April 24, 2007, the Planning Commission certified a Mitigated Negative Declaration
and approved a Revision to CUP No. 55 (P.C. Resolution No. 2007-33), revising the
Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan for the development of the cemetery site over the next
30 to 50 years, including additional grading to accommodate future interments and the
construction of mausoleum buildings. The CUP was subsequently updated in 2015,
2017, 2018, and most recently in 2020 via Resolution No. 2020-03. As part of this
current resolution, Condition No. 1(f) requires that rooftop interments be subject to
City Council review as described in Condition No. 2(b). Green Hills Memorial Park
(Green Hills) is now requesting to utilize the rooftop of Inspiration Slope
Mausoleum for interments; hence, it is requesting review and approval from the City
Council for this activity.
During construction of the
Inspiration Slope Mausoleum in
2016, Green Hills requested
that it be allowed to store buried
concrete vaults on the roof of
the mausoleum to allow the
grading and construction to
take place in a more
condensed time frame (i.e., the
roof would not need to be
excavated and refilled at a later
time). The City Manager at that
time allowed this to take place,
subject to an agreement that
the Applicant would have to
request permission to actually
begin utilizing the buried vaults for interments. Additionally, this agreement stated that if
for whatever reason the City did not later approve the rooftop burials, Green Hills would
waive its right to sue the City. This agreement (included in Attachment B) was presented
to the City Council, which the Council received and filed on July 19, 2016.
On January 31, 2017, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2017 -03, approving
revisions to the Conditions of Approval as part of the 2016 Annual Review for the Green
Hills Conditional Use Permit, which included an updated requirement for all rooftop
interments to be reviewed by the City Council.
On November 16, 2021, the City Council reviewed a request to allow burials on the
Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop and voiced concerns about how the request may
impact the neighboring residential properties. For these reasons, the City Council
continued the public hearing to the December 7, 2021 meetin g as a re-noticed public
hearing, and to allow City Council members an opportunity to visit the site and better
understand the proximity and potential effects of burials on the Inspiration Slope
Mausoleum rooftop to the closest adjacent residential neighborhood.
Inspiration
Slope
Mausoleum
2
DISCUSSION:
Conditional Use Permit Revision
As stated above, the site is governed by CUP No. 55. A revision to the CUP was approved
in 2007 (P.C. Resolution No. 2007-33), which revised the Green Hills Cemetery Master
Plan for the development of the cemetery site over the next 30 to 50 years . Subsequent
revisions have further updated the conditions of approval for the site.
In order to consider the Applicant’s current proposed request to allow burials on the
rooftop of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum , the City Council must find that the project
remains generally consistent with the Conditional Use Permit findings made most recently
in 2020, as described below (the findings are in bold with the discussion following):
1. The site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed use
and for all of the yards, setbacks, walls, fences, landscaping and other
features required by this title or by conditions imposed under this section
to integrate said use with those on adjacent land and within the
neighborhood;
2. The site for the proposed use relates to streets and highways sufficient
to carry the type and quantity of traffic generated by the subject use;
3. In approving the subject use at the specific location, there will be no
significant adverse effect on adjacent property or the permitted use
thereof;
4. The proposed use is not contrary to the General Plan;
5. If the site of the proposed use is within any of the overlay control districts
established by Chapter 17.40 (Overlay Control Districts) of Title 17, the
proposed use complies with all applicable requirements of that chapter;
and
6. Conditions regarding any of the requirements listed above which the
Planning Commission finds to be necessary to protect the health, safety
and general welfare, have been imposed.
Green Hills Memorial Park’s entrance is located at 27501 S. Western Avenue in the
northeast corner of the City, bordering the City of Lomita, the City of Rolling Hills Estates,
and the City of Los Angeles. The property is approximately 121 acres in size and is a
privately owned and operated cemetery facility. Approximately 1,800 burials occur
annually at the cemetery. The site is, therefore, of a size and shape that allows its use as
a cemetery facility, including all required setbacks, landscaping and other features. Also,
because burials typically happen in various areas of the cemetery at different times, the
entrance will remain sufficient to accommodate any additional traffic in and out of the
cemetery that may result from allowing burials on the rooftop of the Inspiration Slope
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Mausoleum. Furthermore, as the site is located on the major thoroughfare of Western
Avenue, there is sufficient capacity on the street to handle any sporadic additional traffic
that may result from the additional burials and/or visitations, should burials be allowed on
the rooftop of Inspiration Slope Mausoleum. Therefore, Findings Nos. 1, 2, and 3 can be
made.
Findings No. 4 and 5 were previously made pursuant to past approval of the Green Hills
Cemetery Master Plan.
Finding No. 6 will be made with the approval of specific mitigation measures for the
approval of burials on the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop, as noted below.
Proposed Conditions of Approval
As discussed further under additional information below , on November 22, Staff
conducted a site visit to Green Hills and two of the neighboring residential properties with
two members of the City Council, two interested parties, and Green Hills staff.
Discussions at the visit included topics relating to additional monitoring equipment on the
rooftop, screening vegetation, and landscaping noise.
Based on the discussions with the Council members and interested parties, Staff is
proposing to add conditions of approval to address these concerns, including requiring
additional monitoring equipment on the rooftop, limiting the height of any foliage on the
rooftop, adding signs stating the park rules apply to areas of the rooftop, and reiterating
an existing park-wide condition that requires attendance of a Green Hills employee at
every burial service. Additionally, as stated in the previous staff report, Green Hills
prohibits music (any type, i.e., live or recorded, except “Taps”), in several areas of the
park, which also applies to Area 2. With these additional conditions, Staff believes that
the proposed project revisions continue to meet all Conditional Use Permit Findings made
by the City Council in 2020.
To formalize the above-noted measures to minimize potential impacts to surrounding
properties, Condition No. 6.c is recommended to be amended to allow burials on the
rooftop of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum, subject to the following conditions:
6.c Rooftop Interments. Rooftop interments are allowed on the rooftop of the
Inspiration Slope Mausoleum, subject to the following conditions:
(1) No gas-powered leaf blowers shall be used on the rooftop of the
Inspiration Slope Mausoleum.
(2) During every burial service on the rooftop of the Inspiration Slope
Mausoleum, at least one employee of the cemetery shall attend and
monitor the service to ensure it is being conducted in compliance with
these conditions of approval and the cemetery park rules.
4
(3) The property owner shall install and maintain monitoring equipment
(examples may include but are not limited to cameras, motion
detectors, etc.) to monitor Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop
activities.
(4) The property owner shall install and maintain additional sign s on the
Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop, which shall be clearly visible
from all areas of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop, informing
visitors of the cemetery rules, which include but are not limited to, the
prohibition of on-site consumption of alcoholic beverages, excessive
noise and amplified music, and disruptive behavior.
(5) With the exception of ground cover, no other vegetation shall be
planted on the roof of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Public Notice
On November 18, 2021, a public notice was published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula
News and mailed to residents within a 500-foot radius, announcing that the City Council
would consider a revision to Conditional Use Permit No. 55 for the use of the rooftop of
Inspiration Slope Mausoleum for burials at a noticed public hearing on December 7, 2021.
As of the date that this report was completed, Staff has received two emails and one
phone call in response to the public notice, which are discussed below.
Public Correspondence
After the November 22 site visit, Staff received additional comments from the same
interested parties who submitted correspondence for the November 16 meeting. The
comments expressed the same concerns about the potential for adverse noise impacts
to the neighboring residential properties should the Council approve the request for
burials on the rooftop of Inspiration Slope Mausoleum. Additionally, a more recent
comment expressed concerns about the use of gas-powered leaf blowers on the rooftop
of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum, and that they don’t believe the landscaping noise will
be adequately mitigated should burials be allowed on this rooftop. Staff informed the
group at the site visit that Green Hills is currently not subject to the gas-powered leaf
blower prohibition, as that only applies to parcels developed with a single -family
residential unit. The commenting party stated that he believes the Council should prohibit
the use of gas-powered leaf blowers on any portion of Green Hills’ property proximate to
the single-family neighborhoods, prior to the City Council granting any approval to
conduct mausoleum rooftop burials. The interested party also stated that he believed that
Green Hills was not complying with Condition No. 14 of CUP No. 55 that states, in part,
“The property owner shall conduct its activities on site so as to not create noise nuisances
to neighboring properties.” and “…No noise shall emanate from the property exceeding
65 dBA at the common property lines abutting a Residential Zoning District."
5
While a noise study has not been completed, Staff believes that these noise concerns are
not necessarily tied to the question of whether rooftop burials should be allowed since
gas-powered leaf blowers are already used to maintain the existing rooftop grass and
overall park grounds. Staff believes and has conveyed to the interested party, that this
issue would be more appropriately discussed, at least preliminarily, at a Neighborhood
Advisory Committee meeting, and then further at the annual CUP review that is tentatively
scheduled for February 1, 2022, since their request applies to areas beyond that of the
Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop. Nevertheless, and despite that gas -powered leaf
blowers are only prohibited on parcels developed with a single-family residential unit, and
thus currently allowed on the Green Hills property, Green Hills has stated it would be
amenable to a condition that would prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers on the
rooftop of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum. As of the publication of this report, it is Staff’s
understanding that Green Hills and the interested party have not yet met to further discuss
the issue. Nonetheless, staff recommends Condition 6.c.1 which prohibits the use of gas
powered leaf blowers on the rooftop of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum.
Staff also received an email with a question asking that the location of the proposed
project be clarified. After sending a clarification to the interested party, they had no further
questions. Staff also received a phone call regarding the proposed project, but after
clarifying that the project was on the rooftop of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum and not
the Pacific Terrace Mausoleum, the interested party had no additional questions.
Environmental Assessment
The proposed use of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop for burials is exempt from
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15304 (Minor
Alterations to Land) because the burials would occur consistent with the approvals and
CEQA determination, including that the adopted mitigation measures contained in P.C.
Resolution No. 2007-32, will remain in full force and effect and have been incorporated
into the draft City Council Resolution for the Master Plan.
Annual Review
It should be noted that the Annual Review for Green Hills’ compliance with the conditions
of approval associated with the Master Plan is tentatively scheduled to be heard by the
City Council at the February 1, 2022 meeting. At that time, the City Council may add,
delete, or modify the conditions of approval as deemed necessary and appropriate. Prior
to the meeting, a public notice will be distributed to residents within a 500 -foot radius, to
persons requesting notice, and to all affected homeowners associat ions in accordance
with RPVMC Section 17.80.090.
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ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternative actions are available
for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Identify additional concerns or conditions or approval with the proposal to utilize the
permitted and previously installed concrete vaults on the rooftop of Inspiration
Slope Mausoleum for burials and direct the Applicant to make specific revisions for
consideration at a public hearing at a date certain.
2. Deny the proposal to use the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop for burials.
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Resolution No. 2021-
Page 1 of 36
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING REVISION “F” TO THE
APPROVED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 55, AMENDING
CONDITION NO. 6 TO ALLOW, WITH CONDITIONS OF
APPROVAL, BURIALS ON THE ROOFTOP OF INSPIRATION
SLOPE MAUSOLEUM FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 27501 S.
WESTERN AVENUE (GREEN HILLS MEMORIAL PARK).
WHEREAS, on April 24, 2007, the Planning Commission adopted P.C. Resolution
No. 2007-32, certifying a Mitigated Negative Declaration and adopted P.C. Resolution
No. 2007-33, approving amendments to the Conditional Use Permit No. 155 for the Green
Hills Master Plan, which called for development of the Green Hills Memorial Park (“Green
Hills”) over the following 30 to 50 years, and allowed grading and mausoleum buildings
to be constructed at various specified locations throughout Green Hills cemetery; and,
WHEREAS, on November 25, 2008, the Planning Commission conducted an
annual review and adopted P.C. Resolution No. 2008-47, approving a revision to the
Master Plan at Green Hills cemetery; and,
WHEREAS, on February 25, 2014, following complaints by the Vista Verde
Condominium Association regarding the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum
building in Area 11, the Planning Commission conducted an annual review of Conditional
Use Permit No. 155 and tentatively agreed to impose a 90-day moratorium on all ground
burials and interments on the rooftop of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum
while Staff identified new or revised conditions to address specific noise, visual, and
privacy impacts identified by the Planning Commission based on public testimony, and
continued the public hearing to March 11, 2014; and,
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2014, the Planning Commission continued the public
hearing to April 22, 2014, and again on May 13, 2014, A ugust 12, 2014, and August 26,
2014, to allow Green Hills and the Vista Verde Condominium Association to continue their
discussions regarding the existing Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum; and,
WHEREAS, on October 28, 2014, the Planning Commission conducted a public
hearing and unanimously agreed to impose specific opera tional conditions on Green Hills
to minimize impacts from burial activity involving the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace
Mausoleum and continued the public hearing to November 11, 2014; and,
WHEREAS, on November 11, 2014, the Planning Commission adopted P .C.
Resolution No. 2014-29, imposing a moratorium on future burials and sales of burial plots
on the rooftop of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building located in
Area 11 of the Master Plan; a moratorium on above-ground burials within the 5-foot
setback area along the western property line in the area south of the Pacifica Mausoleum
building; directing Green Hills to submit a Variance application within 30 days to allow
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Resolution No. 2021-
Page 2 of 36
specific structures/interments that are located in setbacks to remain an d imposing new
conditions on the cemetery to avoid/minimize impacts to the adjoining neighbors from
burial activity on the roof of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building in
Area 11 of the Green Hills Master Plan; and,
WHEREAS, on November 25, 2014, Ellen Berkowitz of Gresham, Savage Nolan
& Tilden filed an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to the City Council on
behalf of Green Hills Memorial Park, seeking to overturn the entirety of the Planning
Commission’s decision; and,
WHEREAS, on January 20, 2015, the City Council continued the public hearing,
then again on September 1, 2015, and September 15, 2015, directing Staff to prepare a
resolution upholding the Planning Commission’s action; and,
WHEREAS, on November 17, 2015, the City Council adopted Resolution No.
2015-102, upholding in part and modifying in part the Planning Commission’s decision
approving the compliance review for the Green Hills Cemetery and allowing the
mausoleum building in Area 11 to remain in accordance wi th its 2007 approvals and
permits and revising certain conditions of approval, and amending the Green Hills
Cemetery Master Plan; and,
WHEREAS, no Annual Compliance Review was conducted for 2015 since the
2014 Annual Review commenced on February 25, 2014, and extended through
November 17, 2015; and,
WHEREAS, on July 19, 2016, the City Council received and filed an agreement
that allowed Green Hills to store buried concrete vaults on the roof of the Inspiration Slope
Mausoleum and required that Green Hills submit for authorization for burials to either the
Director or the Planning Commission, as that was the procedure as detailed in the CUP
conditions of approval at that time; and,
WHEREAS, on January 31, 2017, the City Council conducted the 2016 annual
review and adopted Resolution No. 2017-03, approving revisions to the Conditions of
Approval as part of the 2016 Annual Review for the Green Hills Conditional Use Permit,
which included an updated requirement for all rooftop interments to be heard by the Cit y
Council; and,
WHEREAS, on February 6, 2018, the City Council conducted the 2017 annual
review and adopted Resolution No. 2018-07, approving revisions to the Conditions of
Approval as part of the 2017 Annual Review for the Green Hills Conditional Use Per mit;
and,
WHEREAS, on March 19, 2019, the City Council conducted the 2018 annual
review and found that Green Hills was in compliance with the Conditions of Approval of
Conditional Use Permit No. 55; and,
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Resolution No. 2021-
Page 3 of 36
WHEREAS, on January 21, 2020, the City Council conducted the 2019 annual
review and adopted Resolution No. 2020-03, approving revisions to the Conditions of
Approval as part of the 2019 Annual Review for the Green Hills Conditional Use Permit,
which included the requirement that any rooftop burials at Inspiration Slope Mausoleum
be reviewed by the City Council; and,
WHEREAS, on March 2, 2021, the City Council conducted the 2020 annual review
and found that Green Hills was in compliance with the Conditions of Approval of
Conditional Use Permit No. 55; and,
WHEREAS, on October 8, 2021, Green Hills submitted a request to begin utilizing
previously installed concrete vaults for burial on the rooftop of the Inspiration Slope
Mausoleum, which requires City Council review and approval pursuant to Condition No.
6.c of Resolution No. 2020-03; and,
WHEREAS, on November 16, 2021, the City Council conducted a duly noticed
public hearing, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard
and present evidence. During the meeting, the City Council voiced concerns about how
the request may impact the neighboring properties, and continued the public hearing to
the December 7, 2021 meeting, to allow for the project to be re-noticed as a Conditional
Use Permit Revision, and to allow any interested City Council members an opportunity to
visit the site to better understand the proximity and potential effects of burials on the
Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop to the nearest adjacent residential neighborhood;
and,
WHEREAS, on November 18, 2021, a public notice for the proposed Conditional
Use Permit Revision was mailed to owners of property within a 500-foot radius of the
subject site, to persons requesting notice, to all affected homeowners associations, and
to the property owner in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes Code Section 17.80.090,
and published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News pursuant to the requirements of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Zoning Code; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on December 7,
2021, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and
present evidence.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS
VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: CEQA Findings. Pursuant to the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et. seq. (“CEQA”),
the State’s CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et.
seq., the City’s Local CEQA Guidelines, and Government Code Section 65962.5(f)
(Hazardous Waste and Substances Statement), this decision by the City Council (i)
constitutes minor modification to the existing Conditions of Approval of the Green Hills
Master Plan Conditional Use Permit; and (ii) will not have a significant effect on the
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Resolution No. 2021-
Page 4 of 36
environment. Therefore, this decision is not subject to CEQA pursuant to California Code
of Regulations Sections 15061(b)(2), and 15301.
Section 2: Municipal Code Findings for Modifications to Conditions. This is a de
novo hearing where the City Council has considered the evidence before it. The City
Council finds that this use dates back to 1948 and was annexed to the City in 1984 with
the original Master Plan approved in 1991, revised Master Plan approved in 2007 and
which has been updated from time to time, an Annual Review commenced in 2014 was
approved with modified conditions in 2015, an Annual Review approved with modified
conditions in 2017, an annual review approved with modified conditions in 2018, an
annual review approved with modified conditions in 2020, and the most recent annual
review approved in 2021. There is no expansion of the use beyond the Revised Master
Plan, and additional conditions have been imposed to minimize impacts to surrounding
properties and protect community health, safety, and general welfare. The changes to the
conditions being proposed do not affect the validity of the findings made in Resolution No.
2020-03. Accordingly, the Council finds:
A. That the site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed
use and for all of the yards, setbacks, walls, fences, landscaping and other
features required by this title or by conditions imposed under this section to
integrate said use with those on adjacent land and within the neighborhood. To
wit:
Green Hills Memorial Park’s entrance is located at 27501 Western Avenue in the
northeast corner of the City, bordering the City of Lomita, the City of Rolling Hills
Estates, and the City of Los Angeles. The property is approximately 121 acres in size,
and is a privately owned and operated cemetery facility. Approximately 1,800 burials
occur annually at the cemetery. The site is, therefore, of a size and shape that allows
its use as a cemetery facility, including all required setbacks, landscaping and other
features. The entrance is sufficient to accommodate traffic into and out of the
cemetery.
The cemetery abuts residential properties to the north and south, a church complex
and reservoir land to the west, and residential and land that is currently under
development to the east (site of the Highpark/Ponte Vista residential development),
across Western Avenue. The use of the property is thus consistent with surrounding
uses and the adjacent neighborhood as a low-density development.
B. That the site for the proposed use relates to streets and highways sufficient
to carry the type and quantity of traffic generated by the subject use. To wit:
Green Hills Memorial Park has been in existence at this loc ation since 1948. Its main
entrance is located on Western Avenue, a major thoroughfare that accommodates the
amount of vehicular traffic to and from the cemetery. The proposed changes to the
conditions will not negatively affect the traffic on Western Avenue as Western Avenue
will be sufficient to handle any additional traffic that may be created by the proposed
amendment, which allows burials on the rooftop of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum .
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Furthermore, no additional construction or grading is required for this request, as the
vaults for burials were installed when the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum was
constructed.
C. That, in approving the subject use at the specific location, there will be no
significant adverse effects on adjacent property or the permitted use thereof.
To wit:
The conditions imposed minimize impacts on neighboring properties. Conditions
address, among other issues: parking, grading, noise, landscaping, setbacks,
mitigation monitoring, Master Plan compliance reviews, dust, emissions by
construction vehicles and equipment, construction, dirt storage, lighting, employee
training and complaints, trash and debris, storage of equipment and supplies, fences,
signage, and storm water mitigation. This is further described in Finding E below.
D. That the proposed use is not contrary to the general plan. To wit:
Green Hills Memorial Park and any proposed burials within the site, including those
on the rooftop of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum are consistent with the General
Plan's Cemetery zoning designation of the site, and with the types of land uses
permitted within the Development Code's Cemetery land use designation. Further, the
provision for additional burial space on the site may help to serve the cultural and
social needs of the residents.
E. That conditions regarding any of the requirements listed in this Section,
which the City Council finds to be necessary to protect the health, safety, and
general welfare, have been imposed. To wit:
a. Setbacks and buffers;
b. Fences or walls;
c. Lighting;
d. Vehicular ingress and egress;
e. Noise, vibration, odors and similar emissions;
f. Landscaping;
g. Maintenance of structures, grounds, or signs;
h. Service roads or alleys; and
i. Such other conditions as will make possible development of the City in an orderly
and efficient manner and in conformity with the intent and purposes set forth in this
title.
Some minor changes to the conditions of approval are proposed as part of the current
project, which will also meet the intent of this condition.
Section 4: Modification of Conditions. Attached hereto as Exhibit ‘A’ are
conditions governing this use, both existing and modified conditions, all incorporated
herein. As set forth above, this determination includes amending one existing condition
of approval of the Green Hills Master Plan to allow burials on the rooftop of the Inspiration
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Slope Mausoleum. The amendment to the condition is summarized and shown below with
the deleted text shown strike-through and new text in bold, italic and underlined:
A. Condition No. 6.c is amended to allow burials on the rooftop of the Inspiration
Slope Mausoleum, as follows:
6.c Rooftop Interments. Rooftop interments shall be subject to City Council review as
described in Condition No. 2b. Rooftop interments are allowed on the rooftop
of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum, subject to the following conditions:
(1) No gas-powered leaf blowers shall be used on the rooftop of the
Inspiration Slope Mausoleum.
(2) During every burial service on the rooftop of the Inspiration Slope
Mausoleum, at least one employee of the cemetery shall attend and
monitor the service to ensure it is being conducted in compliance with
these conditions of approval and the cemetery park rules.
(3) The property owner shall install and maintain monitoring equipment
(examples may include but are not limited to cameras, motion
detectors, etc.) to monitor Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop
activities.
(4) The property owner shall install and maintain additional signs on the
Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop, which shall be clearly visible
from all areas of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop, informing
visitors of the cemetery rules, which include but are not limited to, the
prohibition of on-site consumption of alcoholic beverages, excessive
noise and amplified music, and disruptive behavior.
(5) With the exception of ground cover, no other vegetation shall be
planted on the roof of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum.
AMENDED ON DECEMBER 7, 2021, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2021-XX
Section 5: Modifications to Conditions. For the foregoing reasons and based on
the information and findings included in the Staff Reports, Minutes and other records of
proceedings in this matter, and pursuant to Condition of Approval No. 2 .b contained in
Resolution No. 2020-03, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby adds
to the Green Hills Cemetery Master Plan Conditional Use Permit, the amended conditions
of approval that are set forth within the attached Exhibit ‘A,’ which is incorporated herein
by this reference.
Section 6: Judicial Review. The time within which judicial review of the decision
reflected in this Resolution must be sought is governed by Section 1094.6 of the California
Code of Civil Procedure or other applicable short periods of limitation.
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of December 2021.
Mayor
ATTEST:
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
I, Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that
the above Resolution No. 2021-__, was duly adopted by the City Council of said City at
a regular meeting thereof held on December 7, 2021.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
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EXHIBIT ‘A’
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
GREEN HILLS CEMETERY MASTER PLAN
27501 WESTERN AVENUE
1. General; Consistency Master Plan: This approval is a Revision to the Green Hills
Master Plan, and shall be consistent with the “Master Plan Amendment Submittal
Package” booklet dated January 29, 2007, prepared by J. Stuart Todd Inc., which allows
the following:
b. Grading Between 1991-2004. Acknowledgment that the actual quantity of grading
that has been conducted between 1991 through 2004, which is 288,814 cubic
yards (cut and fill), is 89,475 cubic yards more than originally approved by the
original Master Plan approved in 1991 through City Council Resolution No. 91-7;
c. Additional Grading. Allow a total of 643,259 cubic yards of additional grading,
which includes 97,964 cubic yards of import for all the various proposed
mausoleum buildings, and all cut and fill associated with earth interments,
including rooftop interments, throughout the cemetery site for the life of the Master
Plan. Since the applicant has previously performed grading in excess of the
provisions of the Master Plan, a topographic baseline survey prepared by Bolton
Engineering Corp. showing all existing grades was accepted as the baseline
topographic plan by the Director on April 12, 2016. All future grading will be
measured against the City-accepted baseline topographic survey. For Area 6, any
future grading will be measured against plans titled “Existing Conditions”, prepared
by Bolton Engineering Corp. showing all existing grades and stamped approved
by City Staff on October 17, 2011. Prior to any Grading Permit final, the applicant
shall submit an as-built topographical survey prepared and wet-stamped by a
licensed engineer depicting the finished grades. The imported fill material will be
conducted in phases as each mausoleum building is constructed over an extended
period of time over the next 30- to 50-years, as allowed herein.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION 1.b and 1.b.v OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
c. Storage of Excavations. Temporary storage (up to 72-hours) of Interments
excavations is allowed provided that such excavation is covered or stored within
an appropriate container.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION 1.g OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
d. Slope Grades Maximum. Finish slopes and grades shall not exceed 3:1 and shall
include the installation of erosion control methods, such as jute netting and plant
material.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION 25 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
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e. Earth Interments. Earth interments are permitted throughout the cemetery
including family estates, which are commonly enclosed with low garden wall s, as
allowed in Condition No. 1h.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION 1g PER RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
f. Rooftop Interments. Rooftop interments shall be subject to City Council review as
described in Condition No. 2b. Except as may otherwise be permitted by City
Council, there shall be no above ground structures, including but not limited to,
garden walls and above-ground headstones on the rooftop. Guardrails, pilasters
and/or parapet walls approved as part of the building and benches up to 36 -inches
in height are permitted on the rooftop.
ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
g. Additional Interment Areas. Mausoleum building and garden areas shall be
permitted to be retrofitted to accommodate niches and vaults throughout the
property.
ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
h. Minor Cemetery Improvements. Minor cemetery improvements, including but not
limited to, water features, garden walls, bench memorials, gardens, upright
memorial features, statues, stone features (including stone landscaping features),
cenotaph walls, topiaries, sculptures and other artistic works, ossuaries, bridges,
cremation benches, outer interment containers and above ground vaults, and
similar features up to 3 feet in height and headstones up to 6 feet in height shall
be permitted throughout the cemetery and exempt from Condition No. 2, except
for the required setback areas. In Area 4, headstones above 3 feet are prohibited
and cemetery improvements shall not contain interments and/or niches.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
i. Inconsistency of Conditions. Below are specific conditions for individual areas
(Areas 1-13). In the event of any inconsistencies between the general provisions
of this Conditional Use Permit and the individual areas, the conditions of the
individual areas (Areas 1-13) shall supersede any other conditions that govern
other areas of the Green Hills property.
j. Soils Testing. The property owner shall submit a soils testing protocol report
appropriate for the cemetery that shall be reported to the City Council prior to the
2017 Annual Review to determine if soil testing should be conducted.
2. Review of Future Improvements: Future improvements shall be in substantial
compliance with the Master Plan Revision approved by the Planning Commission on
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April 24, 2007, and July 22, 2014, and the City Council on November 17, 2015, as
indicated in these conditions of approval and will be reviewed by the Director of
Community Development (“Director”) under Condition No. 2a or the City Council under
Condition No. 2b, as described below.
a. Director Review.
Unless the Director refers the application directly to the City Council as described
below, the following improvements may be reviewed by the Director through a Site
Plan Review, subject to appeal to the Planning Commission (or thereafter to the
City Council):
(1) Minor Modifications. Minor modifications to the approved plans or any of the
conditions that will achieve substantially the same results as would strict
compliance with such plans and conditions.
(2) Small Buildings. Except for mausoleums or unless otherwise addressed herein,
all other structures less than 120 square feet in size, including but not limited
to gazebos and shade structures, not exceeding 16 feet in height located
outside of the required setbacks, not on an extreme slope (35% or more), and
not on the roof of a mausoleum building.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.j OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
(3) Cemetery Related Features. Customary cemetery-related features over 36
inches in height, including but not limited to, water features, garden walls,
bench memorials, gardens, upright memorial features, statues, stone features
(including stone landscaping features), cenotaph walls, topiaries, sculptures
and other artistic works, ossuaries, bridges, cremation benches, outer
interments containers and above ground vaults, and similar features, provided
that the height of such features shall not exceed 16 feet. In setback areas, such
features are not permitted unless specified in the respective Area conditions
(Areas 1-13).
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1k OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
(4) Fences and Walls. Freestanding fences and walls, including perimeter walls,
up to 8 feet in height shall be permitted throughout the property. Fences and
walls (excluding perimeter fences and walls) located outside of structure
setbacks may accommodate niches or vault interments and are not subject to
interment setbacks. Perimeter fences and walls shall be solid.
ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
(5) Retaining Walls. Retaining walls shall be permitted throughout the property and
may accommodate niche or vault interments.
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ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
(6) Grading. Grading shall be permitted throughout the property, provided that the
Director determines that the grading substantially complies with the Master
Plan and conditions. Any grading associated with new mausoleum buildings
shall be subject to City Council review under Condition No. 2b. With the
exception of Areas 1, 4, 5, 6, and 11, permitted grading includes grading of
areas for mass installation of vaults. Prior to commencing any earth movement,
the property owner shall obtain a grading permit as required by the Rancho
Palos Verdes Municipal Code. Grading permit shall not be required for
individual interments.
ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
Prior to considering a Site Plan Review application, the Director shall give a 15 day
written notice for an opportunity to comment on the matter to owners of property
within a 500-foot radius of the site of the improvements, if any, to persons
requesting notice, to all affected homeowners associations, and to the property
owner in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code Section
17.80.090. Upon the Director’s determination, Notice of the Director’s decision
shall be issued to the aforesaid parties and the applicant, who shall have 15 days
to appeal the decision in writing to the Planning Commission, then to the City
Council.
In lieu of Director Review as specified above, the Director may refer future
improvements directly to the City Council in accordance with the procedure in
Condition No. 2b below.
b. City Council Review.
Significant changes to the Conditional Use Permit shall be subject to direct review
and approval by the City Council. Such changes shall include the following:
(1) New construction or reconstruction of any structure over 120 square feet in
size and/or taller than 16 feet in height, including mausoleum buildings.
(2) Rooftop Interments.
(3) Any significant change in grading, including but not limited to quantities from
that shown in the Master Plan and the contours shown in the topographic
baseline survey prepared by Bolton Engineering Corp. accepted by the City
on April 12, 2016.
(4) Any modification to the Master Plan or conditions of approval, including but
not limited to, new structures in undesignated areas of the Master Plan, which
shall be processed as a revision to the Conditional Use Permit (not Site Plan
Review).
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The City Council shall consider all such matters only through a noticed public
hearing. Notice of the public hearing shall be published and provided to owners of
property within a 500-foot radius, to persons requesting notice, to all affected
homeowners associations, and to the property owner in accordance with Rancho
Palos Verdes Development Code Section 17.80.090. At that time, the City Council
may determine that the proposed improvements are in substantial compliance or
add, delete, or modify the conditions of approval or the Master Plan, as deemed
necessary and appropriate. Written notice of the City Council’s decision shall be
given to the property owner.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
3. Building Silhouettes. Prior to construction of any building, including any substantial
modification or reconstruction of such buildings, the applicant shall install a certified
temporary frame silhouette before the City can deem the application complete. Once
the silhouette is constructed, a licensed engineer, land surveyor or architect must
certify that the silhouette accurately depicts the location, height and outline of the
proposed building.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1i OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
4. Building Heights. Building height limitations are determined by these conditions. The
heights of each building shall be certified by a registered Civil Engineer and submitted
to the Community Development Department prior to Building Permit Final. New
mausoleum buildings (including Inspiration Slope Mausoleum) shall not exceed 20 -
feet in height as measured from the highest existing/preconstruction grade elevation
covered by the structure to the highest point of the structure (including railings and/or
pilaster caps), and shall not exceed an overall height of 30-feet as measured from the
lowest finished grade adjacent to the building to the highest point of the structure
(including railings and/or pilaster caps).
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 30 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
5. Area 1 (Pacifica):
a. Structure Setbacks for the Pacifica Mausoleum:
West: 15 feet (except for portions previously approved at 5 feet and
8 feet which may not be further modified)
North: 40 feet
East: 25 feet
South: If abutting a residential zoning district, 40 feet. If abutting a
nonresidential zoning district, 25 feet
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b. Earth Interments:
West: 0 feet
North: 16 feet except for the 13 interments in the northwest corner
and 6 plots already sold.
c. Supervision. During every burial service located between the north property line
and the adjacent roadway, at least one employee of the cemetery shall attend and
monitor services to ensure it is being conducted in compliance with these
conditions of approval and the cemetery park rules.
d. Vegetation. Except for the existing hedge, drought tolerant, low maintenance and
erosion controlling landscaping is required in the western setback adjacent to the
Pacifica Mausoleum expansion.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 8 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
6. Area 2 (Inspiration Slope):
a. Grading. Area will be constructed in a minimum of three phases over a period of 5 -
to 10-years (as funding and budgeting become available), with the initial phase
completed in 2017. The construction will require adequate backfill to keep the
adjacent earth Interments section at a consistent level. Cumulatively, upon
completion, the project will have produced approximately 53,000 cubic yards of
grading; however, each phase will require between approximately 10,000 to 15,000
cubic yards of import. Thus, it is estimated that approximately 40,000 cubic yards
of import fill will be required for construction of the entire Inspiration Slope project.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.b.i OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
b. Mausoleum. The mausoleum on Inspiration Slope shall be located as shown on the
Master Plan so as not to impair views from the Peninsula Verde neighborhood. Any
new construction or expansion of the mausoleum shall require City Council review
as described in Condition No. 2b.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 23 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
c. Rooftop Interments. Rooftop interments are allowed on the rooftop of the Inspiration
Slope Mausoleum, subject to the following conditions:
(1) No gas-powered leaf blowers shall be used on the rooftop of the Inspiration
Slope Mausoleum.
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(2) During every burial service on the rooftop of the Inspiration Slope
Mausoleum, at least one employee of the cemetery shall attend and monitor
the service to ensure it is being conducted in compliance with these
conditions of approval and the cemetery park rules.
(3) The property owner shall install and maintain monitoring equipment
(examples may include but are not limited to cameras, motion detectors,
etc.) to monitor Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop activities.
(4) The property owner shall install and maintain additional signs on the
Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop, which shall be clearly visible from all
areas of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop, informing visitors of the
cemetery rules, which include but are not limited to, the prohibition of on -
site consumption of alcoholic beverages, excessive noise and amplified
music, and disruptive behavior.
(5) With the exception of ground cover, no other vegetation shall be planted on
the roof of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum.
AMENDED ON DECEMBER 7, 2021, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2021-XX.
d. Retaining Wall. The 14.16 foot tall combination wall, as measured from the lowest
adjacent finished grade to the highest point (including railings or pilaster caps),
shall be permitted to contain niches or vaults for crema ted remains.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 23 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
e. Hedges. Prior to building permit final of the mausoleum, the existing hedge that
separates Crescent Lawn and Inspiration Slope shall be removed.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 20.b OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
f. Supervision. During every burial service, at least one employee of the cemetery
shall attend and monitor services to ensure it is being conducted in compliance
with these conditions of approval and the cemetery park rules.
ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
7. Area 3 (Reflection Mausoleum Expansion):
d. Grading. A total of approximately 14,000 cubic yards of imported fill shall be
permitted for the mausoleum construction.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.b.ii OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
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b. Square Footage. Allow a new approximately 75,000 square foot mausoleum
building to the west of the existing mortuary, approximately 10,000 square feet of
which will be above grade and approximately 65,000 square feet will be below
grade, subject to City Council review as described in Condition No. 2b.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.d OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
8. Area 4 (North Terrace Drive):
a. Grading. Prior to grading operations for new earth interments areas, the property
owner shall submit a grading plan, prepared by and wet-stamped by a licensed
civil engineer. The existing grade elevation shall not be raised without prior
approval by the Director, pursuant to Condition No. 2a.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 3 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
b. Structures. Except as provided in Condition No. 8d, no above ground structures
are permitted within the 8’ setback from the north property line, including but not
limited to, garden walls for family estate interments, or other built -up structures.
For areas outside of the 8 foot setback, minor cemetery improvements are
permitted as provided in Condition No. 1h.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.f OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
c. Earth Interment Setbacks:
East: 0 feet
North: 8 feet
ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
d. Perimeter Fence or Wall. An 8 foot tall vinyl fence shall be installed along the north
property line abutting the rear yards of the residential properties on Peninsula
Verde Drive. The fence shall be earth-tone in color, approximately 1,150 feet long,
and shall be set back at least 2 feet from the north property line. Notwithstanding
existing encroachments by the abutting residents, the property owner shall be
responsible for installing the perimeter fence by June 1, 2018, subject to Condition
No. 2a.
ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
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e. Landscape Screening. In areas where no landscaping exists, the property owner
shall submit a landscaping plan to the Director for review and approval and shall
install landscaping within 90-days of installation of the perimeter fence or wall (refer
to Condition No. 10.d) for screening purposes. Landscaping shall be planted on
the cemetery side and shall measure at least 8 feet in height from adjacent grade.
Neither the existing nor proposed landscaping shall significantly impair any near
or far view as defined by the Development Code. The property owner shall be
responsible for continuous maintenance of said landscaping.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 19 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
f. Supervision. During every burial service located between the north property line
and the adjacent roadway, at least one employee of the cemetery shall attend and
monitor services to ensure it is being conducted in compliance with these
conditions of approval and the cemetery park rules.
ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
9. Areas 5 and 6:
a. Grading. Approximately 137,000 cubic yards of grading is permitted to
accommodate future mausoleum buildings and earth interments.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.h OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
b. Excess Material/Stockpiling in Area 6. Excess earth material resulting from
interment sites, ground spoils, construction, or site grading, shall be permitted to
be stored/stockpiled. The property owner shall maintain a minimum 8 foot high
chain link fence with a mesh material to reasonably screen, enclose, and confine
Area 6, consistent with the plans on file and approved by the Director in February
2017, to mitigate any unsightly aesthetic conditions related to the stockpiling,
storage of materials, and trash. Area 6 shall be regularly watered to reduce dust
emissions and meet SCAQMD Rule 403 which prohibits dust clouds to be visible
beyond the project site boundaries. A weatherproof notice/sign setting forth the
name of the person(s) responsible for the daily dirt movement to Area 6 and a
phone number(s) to be called in the event that dust is visible from Area 6, shall be
posted and displayed on the fencing.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1h OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
c. Mausoleums in Area 6. Allow 5 separate mausoleum buildings with each footprint
measuring approximately 24,000 square feet, subject to City Council review as
described in Condition No. 2b.
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d. Structure Setbacks:
West: 5 feet
South: 40 feet
e. Earth Interments Setbacks:
West: 5 feet
South: 20 feet (presumes 8 foot landscape buffer and 10 foot wide
roadway)
f. Landscape Screening. Landscaping shall be planted within 8’ of the future south
perimeter wall on the cemetery side prior to the completion of the future roadway
(refer to Condition No. 9g) for screening purposes. Landscaping shall measure at
least 8 feet in height from adjacent grade. Neither the existing nor proposed
landscaping shall significantly impair any near or far view as defined by the
Development Code. The property owner shall be responsible for co ntinuous
maintenance of this landscaping.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 20.b OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
g. Road. The future road extension that parallels the south property line shall be
completed prior to the City issuing a final occupancy permit for any building in Area
6. The future road extension that parallels the south property line shall be setback
a minimum of 8 feet from the future wall to provide a landscape buffer as required
in Condition No. 9f. Prior to construction, the future road shall include traffic
calming measures as deemed acceptable by the Director of Community
Development.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 27 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
h. Supervision. During every burial service, at least one employee of the cemetery
shall attend and monitor services to ensure it is being conducted in compliance
with these conditions of approval and the cemetery park rules.
ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
i. Historic Church in Area 6. Revision “D” to conditional use permit of the Green Hills
permits the placement of an historic church building in Area 6 of the Master Plan,
southwest of the existing duck pond. The church building measures less than
1,100 square feet in area, and has a steeple at the front of the building that is 7 -
feet wide, 7-feet deep, and 38-feet tall.
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(1) The church building may be used for funeral services only, and may not be
used for congregational church services. Further, the existing bell may remain
as a decorative feature only, and the bell or bell recordings may not be used.
(2) Major additions to the church building or relocation of the church building to
another location on the property are not allowed without prior City Council
approval.
(3) Hours. The Chapel may be open to the public from 7 :00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday through Sunday.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.l OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
10. Area 7 (Southwest Terrace Mausoleum):
a. Grading. Area 7 will not require import of fill since the amount of excavation far
exceeds the amount of backfill necessary for this mausoleum building s, and the
excess dirt will be placed and compacted in Areas 5 and 6 of the Master Plan (i.e.,
the southern and southwestern portions of the cemetery site), which is not
expected to be developed for another 30 years.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.b.iii OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
b. Mausoleum. New mausoleum is permitted at the southwest side of the cemetery,
with a building footprint of approximately 38,000 square feet, subject to City
Council review as described in Condition No. 2b.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.e OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
c. Setbacks:
Structures West: 5 feet
Earth Interments West: 5 feet
ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
11. Area 11 (Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum):
a. Grading. Area 11 will not require import of fill since the amount of excavation far
exceeds the amount of backfill necessary for this mausoleum building, and the
excess dirt will be placed and compacted in Areas 5 and 6 of the Master Plan (i.e.,
the southern and southwestern portions of th e cemetery site), which is not
expected to be developed for another 30-years.
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PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.b.iii OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
b. Setbacks for the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum are as follows:.
North: 8’ feet for the portion constructed and finaled as of 2013.
40’ feet for future expansions.
West: If abutting a residential zoning district, 40’ feet.
If abutting a nonresidential zoning district, 25’ feet.
South: If abutting a residential zoning district, 40’ feet.
If abutting a nonresidential zoning district, 25’ feet.
East: 25’ feet
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 8.a OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
c. Tractor Ramp. The entire length of the tractor ramp shall be left clear at all times
when not in use. No vehicles, landscaping equipment, construction equipment,
storage containers, etc. may be parked, stored or left on the tractor ramp.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.a OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
d. Ramp Guardrail. The guardrail fence along the tractor ramp and along the top of
the mausoleum building along the north (rear) shall not be a solid wall and shall be
maintained as a wrought iron guardrail.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.d OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
e. Screen Rear Wall. The Northern (rear) wall of the mausoleum building shall be
screened by a type of wall vine landscaping. The landscaping shall be planted and
allowed to grow on the wall only, to the satisf action of the Director and shall not
grow above the wall.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.b OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
f. Landscaping.
(1) Roof. With the exception of ground cover, no other vegetation shall be planted
on the roof of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum. For other
areas within Area 11 that are outside the footprint of the Pacific
Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum, only ground cover, shrubs and other
vegetation below the height of the existing wall on the property line are allowed.
Vines are allowed on the northern wall of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace
Mausoleum building provided that they do not exceed the solid building
parapet.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.c OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
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(2) Tree Screen at Mausoleum. If desired by the Vista Verde Condominium
Association, applicant shall plant suitable trees or landscape screening
between the condominium building and the Mausoleum. The Director shall
approve the materials, size, and plant spacing. Applicant shall keep the screen
in good health and replace any plants when necessary to maintain the screen
without obstructing significant views.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 20.b OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
g. Additions to Mausoleum. No additions or expansion shall be allowed to the existing
Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum in Area 11. No new mausoleum
building shall be constructed within Area 11 without first obtaining City Council
approval at a duly noticed public hearing following the process set forth in
Condition 2b.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.e OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
h. Rooftop Interments. The following conditions are applicable to all interments on
the roof of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum Building.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.5 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2016, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
(1) Pre and Post Service. Pre-service interment preparation and post-service plot
backfilling of the rooftop earth interments on the Pacific Terrace/Memorial
Terrace Mausoleum building shall only be allowed between the hours of 10:00
a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday (See Condition 17).
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.5.a OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2016, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
(2) Hours. Burials and all associated services on the roof top earth interments of
the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building shall only be
allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through
Sunday.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.5.b OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2016, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
(3) Sales. Sales personnel shall be allowed to show potential roof-top earth
interment plots on the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building
in Area 11, only between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through
Sunday.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.5.f OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2016, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
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(4) Haul Vehicle. The use of a mini-haul vehicle (which is illustrated in Green Hills’
power point presentation to the Planning Commission on May 13, 2014) shall
be limited to pre-service interment preparation and post-service plot backfilling
of the rooftop earth interments during the hours of 10:00am and 3:00 p.m.,
Monday through Sunday.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.5.d OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2016, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
(5) Sound. The use of amplified sound is prohibited on the rooftop of the Pacific
Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building. This prohibition shall not apply
to the amplified sound for the playing of “Taps” as part of fu neral services for
military personnel and for police, fire and other first responders.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.5.d OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
(6) Tenting. All services on the rooftop of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace
Mausoleum building shall be conducted within temporary covered tenting that
is enclosed on a minimum of 2 sides, as illustrated in Green Hills’ power point
presentation to the Planning Commission on May 13, 2014. One of the two
covered sides shall be the north side facing the Vista Verde Condominium
complex. Temporary tenting shall be erected no earlier than 2 hours prior to the
burial service and shall be removed within 2 hours after the burial service.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.5.e OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
(7) Notice to Property Owners. Small flags shall be placed on any interment site
located on the rooftop of the Pacific Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum
within 24 hours after a burial service has been scheduled for that site, to provide
neighboring property owners with advanced notice of scheduled interment and
burial services, unless burial will be in less than 24 hours from death in which
case flags will be placed as soon as possible before the service. The property
owner shall also post on its publicly accessible website
(www.greenhillsmemorial.com) additional details concerning the anticipated
time and date of scheduled burial services.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.5.g OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2016, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.__
(8) Supervision. During every burial service occurring on the rooftop of the Pacific
Terrace/Memorial Terrace Mausoleum, at least one employee of the cemetery
shall attend and monitor services to ensure it is being conducted in compliance
with these conditions of approval and cemetery park rules.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.5.h OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
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(9) Excluded Areas. In no event shall below-grade interments be allowed on the
roof of the Memorial Terrace Mausoleum building that are within 16-feet from
the northern property line. Specifically, plots illustrated in sections 540 through
553, as depicted in the attached Exhibit C of Resolution No. 2015 -102, are
hereby eliminated.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.3.5.i OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
(10) Mediation with Homeowners. Owners in the Vista Verde Condominium Project
have made objections and claims against the City concerning the fact that the
Pacific Terrace/Memorial Mausoleum is constructed at the 8 foot setback line
instead of the previous setback which existed before 2007. If requested by the
Vista Verde homeowners, Green Hills will undertake an appraisal to determine
if there has been a loss of real estate value resulting to the homeowners from
the construction of the Mausoleum and what that loss might be. Green Hills will
participate in a mediation process with the Vista Verde homeowners and
attempt to settle claims by such homeowners for values up to the amount of
the appraisal differential, using either the existing appraisal or a new appraisal
requested by the Vista Verde homeowners. City representatives will also
participate in this mediation on behalf of City. If the Vista Verde homeowners
refuse to participate in the mediation, or the mediation does not result in a
settlement of the disputes, then Green Hills is responsible for defense of its
entitlements pursuant to the indemnification provisions in Condition 33.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 40 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
12. Area 13 (Administration Building):
a. Expansion. The approval for the Administration Building expansion project is
Revision “E” to the Green Hills Conditional Use Permit and shall be consistent with
the approved plans prepared by Bolton Engineering Corp. dated April 9, 2015
(sheets C-0, C-1, ESCP, RW-1) and Anthony Frank Inferrera dated April 4, 2015
(sheet A-0 only), that allows 3,323 square feet of single-story office additions, 648
square foot covered walkway extension, and 316 square foot covered entry to the
Administration Building.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.1.a OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
b. Temporary Modular Buildings. Allow temporary modular buildings to remain on
site, but be removed prior to April 22, 2017, or Building Permit Final of the
expansions, whichever comes first. Any extension requests shall be reviewed by
the City Council prior to April 22, 2017, pursuant to Condition No. 29.
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PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.1.b OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
c. Parking Area. A total of 81 parking spaces shall be maintained (95 existing).
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.1.c OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102
d. Grading. Conduct 325 cubic yards of grading for the following emergency access
and ADA access/parking improvements:
(1) Widen the driveway (portion of Arroyo Drive) located south of the
Administration Building from approximately 20 feet to 26 feet supported by a
2.5 foot tall retaining wall to accommodate emergency vehicles.
(2) Widen the access and parking area to the north of the Administration Building
to accommodate adequate handicap van parking and ADA access area;
thereby necessitating the removal of the existing 3 foot tall retaining wall and
the construction of a new replacement retaining wall measuring up to 4.45 feet
in height.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.1.d OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
e. Structure Setbacks.
East: 25 feet
West: 40 feet interior and side if abutting a residential zoning district
and 2 feet if abutting a nonresidential zoning district
South: 40 feet interior and side if abutting a residential zoning district
and 25 feet if abutting a nonresidential zoning district
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.2.a OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
f. Parking.
(1) Parking areas shall provide for a 25 feet outside turning radius within the facility.
(2) All parking areas shall be surfaced with asphaltic or cement concrete paving
which is at least 3 inches thick.
(3) All parking stalls shall be clearly marked with lines, and access lanes shall be
clearly defined with directional arrows to guide traffic. Except for parallel
parking stalls, standard parking stalls shall be of a minimum 9 feet width by 20
feet depth in area. Parallel parking stalls shall be a minimum of 26 feet in depth.
(4) Disabled parking spaces shall be in accordance with the dimensions and
specifications of the state amended Uniform Building Code.
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(5) A minimum of 5% of the paved parking area shall be devoted to interior planting
areas. All planting areas shall be at least 3 feet wide. Perimeter planting shall
not be considered part of this required interior planting.
(6) Wherever a center divider separates parking stalls facing each other, tree wells
shall be established not more than 50 feet apart for larger trees, or not more
than 30’ for small and medium sized trees.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.2.b OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
g. Landscaping.
(1) All plantings shall be maintained free of debris and in conformity with the
accepted practices for landscape maintenance.
(2) A 6 inches high cement concrete curb shall be constructed at the edge of all
landscaped areas.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 1.2.c OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
(3) The existing eucalyptus trees on the west side of the Administration Building
parking lot shall not be removed unless required by the holder of the easement
in which the trees are located or acceptable evidence is provided to the Director
from a certified arborist supporting removal.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 20.a OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
h. Hours. The Administration Building public hours are limited to 8:00 a.m. to 9:00
p.m. Monday through Sunday.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 17.b OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
13. Setbacks – All Other Areas Not Specified:
a. Earth Interments and Roads. “Garden” burial interment sites with no above-
ground structures (other than benches for seating) and roads shall be as follows:
North and South: 8 feet
East and West: 0 feet
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 6 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
b. Setbacks for Above Ground Structures, including but not limited to mausoleums
and crypts shall be as follows:
North: 80 feet or no closer than the northern perimeter road,
whichever is greater from the north property line that is
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north of the maintenance yard, and 40’ from the north
property line.
South: 40 feet
East: 25 feet
West: 5 feet
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 7 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
14. Noise. The property owner shall conduct its activities on site so as to not create noise
nuisances to neighboring properties. Live and/or amplified music, for funeral se rvices
community events shall be limited to the duration of the service or event. No noise
shall emanate from the property exceeding 65 dBA at the common property lines
abutting a Residential Zoning District. The property owner shall be responsible for
monitoring, preventing, and initiating timely corrective action to address any noise
problems. This condition shall apply in addition to any noise ordinance and/or code
amendment adopted by the City, and when there is conflicting requirements, the
stricter requirement shall apply.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 9 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
15. Cemetery Liaison. The property owner shall provide abutting Homeowner
Associations and any neighbors that request contact information for Green Hills
Cemetery personnel that can be contacted about operational impacts, including but
not limited to, excessive noise or other activities.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 11 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
16. Security. At least one security employee shall be on duty patrolling and monitoring
activities on the property for the entirety of the cemetery operation hours. Security
reports shall be made available to the Neighborhood Advisory Committee at its
meetings as described in Condition 17.
ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
17. Green Hills Cemetery Neighborhood Advisory Committee. Green Hills shall
establish a neighborhood advisory committee, consisting of two representatives and
one observer from the Peninsula Verde and the Rolling Riviera homeowner’s
associations, as well as a representative from City Staff. The Committee shall meet at
least once each calendar year, but no more than four times per calendar year during
normal business hours to review any operational and neighborhood concerns. Reports
on the meeting shall be provided to the City Council.
ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
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AMENDED ON JANUARY 21, 2020, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2020-03
18. Signage. The property owner shall install and maintain visible signage at various
locations throughout the property informing visitors of the cemetery rules, including
but not limited to, the prohibition of on-site consumption of alcoholic beverages,
excessive noise and amplified music, and disruptive behavior. At a m inimum, the
cemetery park rule signs shall be installed at the park cemetery entrance and in Areas
1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 11, approved by the Director.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 10 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
18.a The property owner shall be allowed to hang an internally-illuminated sign
from the primary identification sign located adjacent to South Western Avenue
that shall advertise no more than four annual events and no more than two hours-
of-operation changes (due to the semiannual Daylight Saving Time changes) at
various times throughout the year, subject to the following:
i. The temporary sign shall be internally-illuminated with LEDs, the same as
the primary identification sign. The temporary sign shall be allowed to have
different text and graphics for each of the annual events and hours-of-
operation change notifications, and shall measure 3 feet tall by 14 feet wide
to match the width of the primary identification sign.
The temporary signage shall be displayed up to 30 days in advance of each
event, and shall be removed within seven days after the conclusion of each
event. The four allowable events shall be:
• Memorial Day Commemoration (last Monday in May)
• Easter Sunrise Service (March/April)
• Harvest Festival (October)
• Snow Days (December)
Approximately 30 days prior to the semiannual time changes, signs
advertising the changes to the hours of operation detailed in Condition
No. 20.b of this Resolution shall be displayed.
ii. The temporary sign shall be mounted to the primary identification sign.
iii. The approved LED sign shall not exceed Municipal Code requirements for
outdoor lighting (RPVMC Section 17.56.040) and shall have an automatic
dimming system to control the amount of lumens emitted during the different
operating times of the day and evening. The approved LED sign shall only
be used during the approved park operating hours, specified in Resolution
No. 2018-07.
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iv. The events associated with the temporary sign shall comply with all
conditions of approval detailed in City Council-adopted Resolution No.
2018-07.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 21, 2020, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2020-03
19. Construction:
a. Construction Sites. All construction sites shall be maintained in a secure, safe,
neat and orderly manner, to the satisfaction of the City’s Building Official. All
construction waste and debris resulting from a construction, alteration or repair
project shall be removed on a weekly basis by the contractor or property owner.
Existing or temporary portable bathrooms shall be provided during construction.
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.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 13 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
b. Trash and Debris. The construction site and adjacent public and private properties
and streets shall be kept free of all loose materials resembling trash and debris in
excess of that material used for immediate construction purposes. Such excess
material may include, but is not limited to: the accumulation of debris, garbage,
lumber, scrap metal, concrete, asphalt, piles of earth, salvage materials,
abandoned or discarded furniture, appliances or other household fixtures. All
landscape pruning, including but not limited to grass, leaves, branches, fertilizer,
etc., shall be properly stored in areas with minimal visual impact to adjacent
homeowners, and shall be stored in appropriate containers and disposed of in a
lawful manner.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 14 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
c. Storage of Equipment and Supplies. When not being used in the daily operations
of the cemetery, equipment and supplies shall be stored in areas with minimal
visual impact to adjacent homeowners or in the maintenance yard if possible.
Equipment and supplies shall be neatly stacked so they do not pose a safety
hazard or become a property maintenance issue. All landscapin g equipment and
vehicles, and all vehicles used for maintenance and/or burial preparation shall be
stored in the maintenance yard.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 15 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
d. Temporary Trailers. Temporary trailers are only allowed during construction of the
mausoleum buildings. The location of any such trailers shall be illustrated on plans
for the Grading Permit as described and required in condition AQ -1 below, and
shall be approved by the Director. Further, all trailers shall be removed prior to
building/grading permit final.
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PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 16 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
e. Employee Training. The property owner shall continue to provide for new
employees, training programs on a regular basis, in accordance with Cal OSHA
recommendations on the proper handling and safety requirements of equipment
and material in the mortuary and crematory, as well as compliance with the
requirements of these conditions of approval.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 12 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
f. Easements. Any grading, construction, placement of structures, including but not
limited to walls, fences, and interments on any easement, requires prior written
permission from the easement holder. All easements shall be identified on plans
submitted to the City.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 34 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
20. Hours of Operations:
b. General. This section shall govern hours of operations except for any provision
concerning specific areas of the cemetery.
c. Hours of Facilities. Unless otherwise specified in these conditions, hours of
operation are as follows except for the following events: Easter Sunrise, Memorial
Day, Let It Snow, Harvest Festival, and Shakespea re in the Park. The property
owner shall provide the dates of the aforementioned events to the Director by
January 1st of each year.
Park Hours: 7am to 5pm –Pacific Standard Time
7am to 7pm –Pacific Daylight Time
Mausoleum Hours: 7am to 4:30pm –Pacific Standard Time
7am to 6:30pm –Pacific Daylight Time
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
d. Construction Working Hours. Construction and grading activities, including but not
limited to equipment warm up, geologic investigations, interments excavation for
placement of vaults and installation or removal of large landscape materials or
landscaping maintenance shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays
only.
e. Construction In Proximity to Residential. Notwithstanding the foregoing, within 120
feet of any property line abutting a Residential Zoning District, no construction or
grading, including grading operations to prepare sites for earth interments, shall
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occur before 9:00 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. All equipment shall be equipped with a
muffler to reduce on-site grading and construction noise levels.
f. Non-Construction and Burial Related Activity. Excavation for removal and
replacement of vault tops and earth for preparation of interment sites, individual
placement of vaults for funeral services and operation of landscape maintenance
equipment shall be allowed in any area of the park between the hours of 7:00 a.m.
and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on
Saturday, Sunday, and federally observed holidays.
f. The Moving Wall. (Traveling half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial).
The property owner shall be allowed to have The Moving Wall located on the
property no more than 10 calendar days per calendar year, subject to the following:
i. The Moving Wall shall be allowed to remain on display for no more than 10
days.
ii. Security. The Moving Wall shall be monitored 24 -hours a day by security
staff hired by the property owner. Any visitors wishing to visit the wall after
the hours of operation detailed in Condition No. 20b shall be escorted on and
off the property.
iii. Plans. At least 60 days prior to the installation of The Moving Wall on the
property, the property owner shall notify the Director of Community
Development where The Moving Wall is proposed to be placed.
iv. Lighting. Any temporary lighting proposed for The Moving Wall shall comply
with Mitigation Measures A-1, A-2, and A-3 as detailed in Condition No. 22.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 17 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 21, 2020, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2020-03
21. Landscaping and Irrigation. Landscaping and irrigation in all setbacks require
review and approval by the Director prior to installation. Irrigation systems shall be
designed to provide adequate coverage with no over-spray, runoff, or excessive
quantities of water output. Use of drip irrigation systems is required wherever possible.
A low water use turf shall be used in all new lawn areas. Prior to installation, the
Director shall review and approve the landscape and irrigation plan for the setback
areas. All existing and future landscaping shall be properly maintained in a healthy
and trimmed manner at all times.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NOS. 18 and 24 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
22. Mitigation Monitoring. All mitigation measures contained in the approved Mitigation
Monitoring Program contained in P.C. Resolution No. 2007 -32 for the Mitigated
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Negative Declaration, shall be incorporated into the implementation of the proposed
project and adhered to. The mitigation measures are as follows:
A-1: No new light poles, light standards, or other form of lighting is allowed along the
roadways within the cemetery without prior written approval by the Director and shall
comply with RPVDC Section 17.56.040 (Outdoor lighting for nonresidential uses).
A-2: No exterior, building-mounted lighting is allowed on the façade elevations that
are closest to and oriented towards residences. All other lighting shall be arranged
and shielded as to prevent direct illumination of surrounding property and shall comply
with RPVDC Section 17.56.040 (Outdoor lighting for nonresidential uses).
A-3: All pedestrian-oriented lights along the exterior of the mausoleum buildings shall
be in the form of lights that are inset into the adjoining walls. Further, the lighting shall
be arranged and/or shielded as to prevent direct illumination of surrounding p roperty
and prevent visibility of the light source and shall comply with RPVDC Section
17.56.040 (Outdoor lighting for nonresidential uses).
AQ-1: Prior to construction of each building contained in the approved Master Plan,
the applicant shall submit a grading plan prepared by and wet-stamped by a licensed
engineer for review and approval by the Director to ensure consistency with the
approved Master Plan, in accordance with Condition 2a, which shall include, but not
be limited to, grading quantities, height, area and location of buildings and that the
buildings will not have adverse impacts upon adjacent properties.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AQ-2: During construction of any improvements associated with the Master Plan, the
owner shall ensure that all unpaved construction areas shall be watered at least twice
a day during excavation and construction to reduce dust emissions and meet
SCAQMD Rule 403 which prohibits dust clouds to be visible beyond the project site
boundaries.
AQ-3: During construction of any improvements associated with the Master Plan, the
owner shall ensure that all clearing, grading, earth moving or demolition activities shall
be discontinued during periods of high winds (i.e., greater than 15 mph), so as to
prevent excessive amounts of dust.
AQ-4: During construction of any improvements associated with the Master Plan, the
owner shall ensure that General contractors shall maintain and operate construction
equipment so as to minimize exhaust emissions.
AQ-5: During construction of any improvements associated with the Master Plan, the
owner shall ensure that on-site construction vehicle speeds are limited to a maximum
of 15 miles per hour on unpaved roads.
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AQ-6: During construction of any improvements associated with the Master Plan, the
owner shall ensure that all on-site construction roads with vehicle traffic will be
watered periodically as necessary for dust suppression.
AQ-7: During construction of any improvements associated with the Master Plan, the
owner shall ensure that street sweeping will be initiated if visible dust is deposited
upon public paved roadways due to the project.
AQ-8: During the daily cemetery operations, the property owner shall ensure that all
clearing and earth moving will be discontinued during periods of high winds (i.e.,
greater than 25 mph), so as to prevent excessive amounts of dust. This shall not apply
to excavations for individual burial plots prior to a service, or to filling of individual
burial plots after a service.
AQ-9: During the daily cemetery operations, the property owner shall ensure that on -
site vehicle speeds associated with the transporting of earth materials are limited to
15 miles per hour on unpaved roads.
AQ-10: The property owner shall ensure that grave spoils are placed in Area 5 and/or
Area 6 of the Master Plan, which will be placed to fill the areas. A minimum 8 -foot high
chain link fence with a mesh material to reasonably screen the fill area from neighbors
shall enclose and confine said area.
AQ-11: The confined fill locations described in mitigation measure AQ-10 above, shall
be regularly watered to reduce dust emissions and meet SCAQMD Rule 403 which
prohibits dust clouds to be visible beyond the project site boundaries.
AQ-12: A weatherproof notice/sign setting forth the name of the person(s) responsible
for the daily dirt movement to these confined fill locations and a phone number(s) to
be called in the event that dust is visible from the confined fill locations described in
mitigation measure AQ-10 above, shall be posted and displayed on the fencing.
AQ-13: If stockpiling of earth material becomes necessary for ultimate use as backfill,
stockpiling shall only be located in Area 5 and/or Area 6 of the Master Plan, and shall
be subject to conditions AQ-10, AQ-11 and AQ-12 above.
AQ-14: The Director or the City Council shall review future improvements in
accordance with Condition No. 2. The City Council shall review any changes to for the
Master Plan or the conditions of approval associated with the Master Plan in
accordance with Condition No. 2b. At that time, the City Council may add, delete, or
modify the conditions of approval as deemed necessary and appropriate.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
GS-1: The property owner shall submit a geotechnical report for review and approval
by the City Geologist prior to the issuance of a building permit for each mausoleum
building or grading permit for any earth movement beyond that associated with ground
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interment sites, unless the City Geologist deems that a geotechnical report is not
warranted. Further, prior to any additional placement of fill in Area 5, a detailed grading
plan with relevant geotechnical reports supporting recommendations for grading in
Areas 5 and 6 shall be submitted by the applicant to the City for review and approval
by the Building and Safety Division and the City Geologist prior to issuance of a
building permit for any mausoleum.
GS-2: The property owner shall ensure that all applicable c onditions as specified
within the geotechnical report and all measures required by the City Geologist are
incorporated into the project.
HW-1: The property owner shall prepare a Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan
(SUSMP) along with a Maintenance Agreement and Transfer. The SUSMP and
related information shall be reviewed and approved by the Director, or his/her
designee prior to the issuance of grading and building permits for any mausoleum
building.
N-1: Construction activity of the mausoleum buildings and grading operations shall be
limited to the hours of 7:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. There shall be
no construction on Saturdays, Sundays or federally observed holidays unless a
Special Construction Permit is obtained 48 hours prior to work on a federally observed
holiday.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
N-2: During demolition, construction and/or grading operations, trucks shall not park,
queue and/or idle at the project site or in the adjoining street rights -of-way before 7:00
am Monday through Friday and before 9:00 am on Saturday, in accordance with the
permitted hours of construction stated in this condition. When feasible to do so, the
construction contractor shall provide staging areas on -site to minimize off-site
transportation of heavy construction equipment. These areas shall be located to
maximize the distance between staging activities and neighboring properties, subject
to approval by the building official.
N-3: The City Council shall conduct an annual review or as deemed necessary by the
City Council to review the property owner’s compliance with all conditions of approval
associated with the Master Plan. At that time, the City Council may add, delete, or
modify the conditions of approval as deemed necessary and appropriate. Notice of
said review hearing shall be published and provided to owners of property within a
500’ foot radius, to persons requesting notice, to all affected homeowners
associations, and to the property owner in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes
Development Code Section 17.80.090.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 5 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
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Resolution No. 2021-
Page 33 of 36
23. Sewer and Water Facilities. The site shall be served by adequately sized water
system facilities as determined by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. All Los
Angeles County Fire Department requirements shall be satisfied prior to building
permit issuance for mausoleum buildings. Any new sewer and water facilities must tie
into local main lines. The usage of the site may be limited by the size and type of
sewage and water systems that can legally be installed
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 26 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
24. Compliance With Authorities. Development shall comply with all requirements of
the various municipal utilities and agencies that provide public services to the site. On
an annual basis, the property owner shall provide the City with copies of permits from
the South Coast Air Quality Management District and Los Angeles County Fire
Prevention Bureau for storage of fuel. The property owner shall also provide copies of
permits from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Hazardous Maintenance
Division Section and Fire Prevention Bureau, for the chemicals stored in the
embalming rooms in the Administration Building. Permits from the South Coast Air
Quality Management District for the crematory must also be provided.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 31 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
25. State Permits. On an annual basis, the property owner shall provide the City with
copies of current and valid permits and/or licenses from the State Cemetery and
Funeral Board.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 32 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
26. Encroachment Permits. Prior to conducting any work in the public right of way, such
as for curb cuts, dumpsters, temporary improvements and/or permanent
improvements, the property owner shall obtain an encroachment permit from the
Director of Public Works.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 33 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
27. No Waiver of Law. Approval of this permit shall not be construed as a waiver of
applicable and appropriate zoning regulations, or any Federal, State, County and/or
City laws and regulations. Unless otherwise expressly specified, all other
requirements of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code shall apply.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 35 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
28. Conflict of Law. The project development on the site shall conform to the specific
standards contained in these conditions of approval or, if not addressed herein, shall
conform to the Cemetery development standards of the City’s Municipal Code,
including but not limited to height, setback and lot coverage standards. In the event
that a Planning requirement and a Building & Safety requirement are in confli ct with
one another, the stricter standard shall apply.
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Resolution No. 2021-
Page 34 of 36
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 36 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
29. Enforcement.
a. Revocation. Should the property owner fail to comply with any of these conditions
of approval or mitigation measures, after written notice to applicant and the
opportunity to cure, the City may initiate revocation procedures for this permit,
which shall include a public hearing. Notice of said public hearing shall be
published and provided to owners of property within a 500 foot radius, to persons
requesting notice, to all affected homeowners associations, and to the property
owner in accordance with Rancho Palos Verdes Development Code Section
17.80.090. Failure to comply with and adhere to all of these conditions of approval
may be cause to revoke the approval of the project pursuant to the revocation
procedures contained in Section 17.86.060 of the City’s Municipal Code.
b. Administrative Citation. In addition to Condition No. 33.a, the property owner may
be subject to administrative citations as described in Section 1.16 of the City’s
Municipal Code for failing to comply with all of these conditions of approval.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 37 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
30. Submission Property Line Survey Maps. Within 30 days from November 17, 2015,
the property owner submitted a certified property line survey to the D irector verifying
that the existing above ground interments and structures do not exceed 6 -feet in
height outside of the required 5 foot setback along the west property line in the area
south of the Pacifica Mausoleum building (Area 1).
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 38 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
31. Recordation of Final Maps. The property owner shall submit any map to the Director
to be recorded at least 30-days prior to recording of said map with the Los Angeles
County Recorder’s Office. No later than 30 days after recordation, the property owner
shall submit a recorded copy to the Director.
ADDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
32. Fees and Costs. Except as otherwise specified, the property owner is responsible
for all costs complying with the provisions of the Master Plan and of this Conditional
Use Permit. The property owner shall be required to pay 110% of the estimated
amount of the cost of services to be provided on behalf of the City by any outside
consultants that have been retained by the City to render services specifically in
connection this project, in the form of a trust deposit account (or reimbursement
agreement or other instrument approved by the City Attorney), prior to
commencement of such services (e.g. City Attorney, City Engineer, Geotechnical
Consultants, Noise Consultants, etc.). The property owner shall adequately fund the
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Resolution No. 2021-
Page 35 of 36
trust deposit account prior to the commencement of services, in amounts reasonably
requested by the City, based upon an estimate of the cost of services for the period
of at least 90 days for which services are rendered. In addition, the trust deposit
account shall be replenished within two weeks of receipt of notice from the City that
additional funds are needed.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 39 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
33. Defense of Claims Against Project.
a. Non-Liability of City. The Parties acknowledge that: (i) In the future there may be
challenges to legality, validity and adequacy of the Project approvals; and (ii) If
successful, such challenges could delay or prevent the ongoing use of the Project
as provided herein. In addition to the other provisions of the CUP, including,
without limitation, the provisions of this Section, City shall have no liability under
the CUP for the inability of property owner to develop the Property as contemplated
by the Master Plan or the CUP as the result of a judicia l determination that the
General Plan, Master Plan, the Land Use Regulations, the CUP, or portions
thereof, are invalid or inadequate or not in compliance with law.
b. Revision of Land Use Restrictions. If for any reason the General Plan, Master Plan,
Land Use Regulations, this CUP or any part thereof of the property approvals is
hereafter judicially determined as provided above to be not in compliance with the
State or Federal Constitutions, laws or regulations and if such noncompliance can
be cured by an appropriate amendment thereof otherwise conforming to the
provisions of this CUP, then the CUP shall remain in full force and effect to the
extent permitted by law. The Master Plan and this CUP shall b e amended, as
necessary, in order to comply with such judicial decision.
c. Scope of Indemnification. The property owner shall agree to defend, indemnify and
hold harmless, the City, its agents, officers and employees from any claim, action
or proceeding against the City and the application will either undertake defense of
the matter and pay the City’s associated legal costs, or will advance funds to pay
for defense of the matter by the City Attorney. If the City fails to promptly notify the
property owner of any such claim, action or proceeding or fails to cooperate fully
in the defense, the property owner shall not, thereafter, be responsible to defend,
indemnify or hold harmless the City. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City retains
the right to settle or abandon the matter without the property owner’s consent, but
should it do so, the City shall waive the indemnification herein, except the City’s
decision to settle or abandon a matter following an adverse judgment or failure to
appeal, shall not cause a waiver of indemnification rights herein, providing,
however, that the adverse judgment or failure to appeal is not due to the City’s
failure to promptly notify Applicant or to cooperate fully in the defense. The
foregoing includes, but is not limited to, any and all claim(s), causes of action or
lawsuit(s) brought by the Claimants, by their homeowners’ association or by
anyone else on their behalf.
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Resolution No. 2021-
Page 36 of 36
d. Limitation of Indemnity. Notwithstanding the generality of the above, for purposes
of the current claims by the Vista Verde homeowners concerning the Mausoleum,
the City shall bear its own legal defense costs, but this restriction shall not apply
to future matters.
e. Hold Harmless: Construction and Other Activities. The property owner hereby
agrees to, and shall defend, save and hold City and its elected and appointed
boards, commissions, officers, agents, and employees harmless from any and all
claims, costs (including attorneys’ fees) and liability for any damages, personal
injury or death, which may arise, directly or indirectly, from Green Hills or Green
Hills’ agents, contractors, subcontractors, agents, or employees’ operations under
the CUP, whether such operations be by the property owner or by any of the
property owner’s agents, contractors or subcontractors or by any one or more
persons directly or indirectly employed by or acting as agent for the property owner
or any of the property owner’s agents, contractors or subcontractors. Nothing
herein is intended to make the property owner liable for intentional wrongful and/or
reckless acts of City’s officers, employees, agents, contractors or subcontractors.
f. Survival of Indemnity Obligations. All indemnity provisions set forth in this
Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement or CUP for any reason other
than City’s default.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 41 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
34. Applicant Acceptance of Conditions. The property owner shall submit to the City a
statement, in writing, that they have read, understand and agree to all conditions of
approval contained in this approval, and subsequent amendments to the conditions of
Approval. Failure to provide said written statement within thirty (30) days following the
date of this approval and subsequent amendments to the conditions of Approval shall
render this approval null and void.
PREVIOUSLY CONDITION NO. 4 OF RESOLUTION NO. 2015-102.
AMENDED ON JANUARY 31, 2017, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2017-03.
AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 6, 2018, PER RESOLUTION NO. 2018-07.
A-36
From:Vincent Reher
To:Thomas W. Frew; Nick Resich
Cc:David Turner; Amy Seeraty
Subject:Fwd: Video taken this morning of gas-powered leaf blower operation
Date:Tuesday, November 23, 2021 3:38:15 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Tom & Nick,
Believe me, I certainly want to proven wrong that you guys have become non-responsive. When I first started
hearing the noise through closed double paned windows, I thought is was some rogue gardener working next door. I
was startled to later discover that the racket was actually coming all the way from the mausoleum.
If you were not able to access the video I sent via WeChat, take a look at the Google drive link I just sent Amy. I
think it will demonstrate that I am not just being a cranky SOB with my complaint.
Nick, I will be happy to meet with you next week to discuss this further. It will need to be Wednesday or Thursday.
Vince
---------- Forwarded Message ----------
Subject: Video taken this morning of gas-powered leaf blower operation
Date: Tuesday 23 November 2021, 3:15:08 pm
From: Vincent Reher <vreher@gmail.com>
To: Amy Seeraty <AmyS@rpvca.gov>
CC: Vincent Reher <vreher@cox.net>
Trying to re-send using my gmail account. I will manifest as as a Google
Drive URL which hopefully works.
VID_20211123_081638.mp4
<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QIRQxEFB0RvsXKnWAG4mD3M-ts1bJfCF/view?usp=drive_web>
On Tuesday 23 November 2021, you wrote:
> Thank you for meeting with us yesterday Vince. I will address your
concerns with the Green Hills staff and attach your email to the upcoming
staff report. Please let me know if you will be sending any additional
correspondence prior to Monday.
>
> Also, I cannot view the video, as it was blocked by our network security.
Is there another format you can send?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Amy Seeraty
> Senior Planner
> amys@rpvca.gov
> Phone - (310) 544-5231
>
>
> City of Rancho Palos Verdes
> 30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
> Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
C-1
> Website: www.rpvca.gov
>
>
> This e-mail message contains information belonging to the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes, which may be privileged, confidential and/or protected from
disclosure. The information is intended only for use of the individual or
entity named. Unauthorized dissemination, distribution, or copying is
strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, or are not an
intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Thank you for
your assistance and cooperation.
> City Hall is open to the public during regular business hours. To help
prevent the spread of COVID-19, visitors are required to wear face
coverings and adhere to physical distancing guidelines. Some employees are
working on rotation and may be working remotely. If you need to visit City
Hall, please schedule an appointment in advance by calling the appropriate
department and follow all posted directions during your visit. Walk-ups are
limited to one person at a time. Please note that our response to your
inquiry could be delayed. For a list of department phone numbers, visit the
Staff Directory on the City website.
>
-------------------------------------------------------
C-2
From:Vincent Reher
To:Amy Seeraty
Cc:John Cruikshank; Barbara Ferraro; David Turner; Ken Rukavina; Octavio Silva
Subject:Operation of gas-powered leaf blowers around Inspiration Slope Mausoleum
Date:Tuesday, November 23, 2021 10:10:41 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
Hi Amy,
Reference is made to my earlier complaint about the operation of gas-powered leaf blowers as documented in the
forwarded messages and replies below. I am copying RPV City Council Members Cruikshank and Ferraro, since
this subject had not been discussed during yesterday's site visit and I did not want to take them by surprise.
To date, I have received NO response from the Green Hills management team to either of the emails that I sent to
them. That by itself is of great concern - I consider it to be a setback in what I thought was a cooperative working
relationship between our HOA and GH that started with the Neighborhood Advisory Committee meetings.
Not knowing how to interpret their silence, I have been waiting to see if my complaint was going to be addressed in
some other way. I noticed that they are still operating the leaf blower, but now after 8:00 A.M. I brought the subject
yesterday up in a side conversation with Nick Resich. He stated that the noise ordinance did not apply to them. So
now I have their response.
As you know, I did not want to confuse my specific complaint about Green Hills operations noise with their request
to conduct rooftop burials since they have done such good job of mitigating noise from funeral services and visitors.
Unfortunately, I now have to change that position.
According to https://www.rpvca.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=203, "property owner shall conduct its activities on site so as to
not create noise nuisances to neighboring properties ... No noise shall emanate from the property exceeding 65 dBA
at the common property lines". Since this verbiage is apparently not enough to address the current noise nuisance, I
will be asking our HOA Board of Directors to approve a formal request to RPV City Council to amend the
Conditions of Approval to prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers on any portion of Green Hills property
proximate to single-family residential neighborhoods. We will be requesting this change be adapted prior to granting
any approval to conduct mausoleum rooftop burials.
Vince
P.S. Here is a link to a video taken this morning that illustrates the problem: https://we.tl/t-CuprGmpG7y
---------- Forwarded Message ----------
Subject: Re: Early morning noise issue around Inspiration Slope mausoleum
Date: Monday 08 November 2021, 1:01:44 pm
From: Vincent Reher <vreher@cox.net>
To: Amy Seeraty <AmyS@rpvca.gov>
CC: Tom Frew <tfrew@ghmp.com>, Nick Resich <nresich@ghmp.com>, Steven Espolt <SEspolt@ghmp.com>,
David Turner <davewturn@aol.com>, Ken Rukavina <krukavina@rpvca.gov>, Octavio Silva
<OctavioS@rpvca.gov>
Amy,
The *potential* noise that Dave was referring to centers around visitor and funeral-service related noise. We both
believe that Green Hills has done a good job of mitigating this for Area 4 and desire that they continue to do so for
Area 2 generally, and the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum rooftop specifically.
C-3
Dave's message sent to you Friday and my supporting message sent to you this morning at 9:43 are in direct
response to the Green Hills request to conduct rooftop burials, and should therefore be considered part of the public
comments on that request.
In regard to the message sent by me to Green Hills last Wednesday and the followup message sent this morning at
7:31 for which you were CC'd: These messages were intended to make Green Hills aware of a particular operational
noise issue. They are not in response to their request to conduct rooftop burials and as such should not be included
as part of the public response to that request.
Thanks,
Vince
On Monday 08 November 2021, Amy Seeraty wrote:
> Hi Vince-
>
> I did not see either of your emails as they got caught in my spam inbox. I was just going through that mailbox and
saw both of them. I apologize. I'm guessing the same thing might have happened to the Green Hills folks.
Hopefully they will receive my email.
>
> I'm guessing perhaps the leaf blowers are what Dave was referring to? Or was he referring to more of funeral-
related noise? I just want to make sure I understand both of your concerns so I can appropriately address them in the
staff report. Thank you!
>
> I do see that the Municipal Code Section regarding leaf blowers states:
>
> The use or operation of any type of permitted weed and debris blower shall occur between the hours of 8:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The use or operation of any weed
and debris blower is prohibited at all times on Sundays or federal holidays.
>
> https://library.municode.com/ca/rancho_palos_verdes/codes/code_of_ordinances?
nodeId=TIT8HESA_CH8.16WEDEBL
>
> Amy Seeraty
> Senior Planner
> amys@rpvca.gov
> Phone - (310) 544-5231
>
> City of Rancho Palos Verdes
> 30940 Hawthorne Blvd.
> Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
> Website: www.rpvca.gov
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vincent Reher <vreher@cox.net>
> Sent: Monday, November 8, 2021 7:31 AM
> To: Tom Frew <tfrew@ghmp.com>; Nick Resich <nresich@ghmp.com>; Steven Espolt <SEspolt@ghmp.com>
> Cc: David Turner <davewturn@aol.com>; Amy Seeraty <AmyS@rpvca.gov>
> Subject: Re: Early morning noise issue around Inspiration Slope mausoleum
>
>
>
> CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
>
>
>
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>
>
> As I sit here at 7.28 A.M. listening to a gas-powered leaf blower being operated at full-blow in front of the
Inspiration Slope mausoleum, I am reminded that I did not receive a reply to the email sent last week. I am re-
sending just in case you did not receive it.
>
>
>
> On Wednesday 03 November 2021, Vincent Reher wrote:
>
> > Gentlemen,
>
> >
>
> > I would like to direct your attention to a noise problem that you may not be aware of. The issue centers around
the operation of a gas-powered debris blower in front of the Inspiration Slope mausoleum. The problem typically
occurs early morning between 7:00 - 8:00 A.M, and happens 4-6 days per week. The noise issue is exacerbated by
the fact that the blower is frequently operated at full-bore and the fact that the mausoleum building efficiently
reflects the resulting obnoxious loud sound throughout our entire neighborhood. This is a relatively new problem
that started last year.
>
> >
>
> > You may or may not be aware that the city passed a noise ordinance that went into effect January 2019.
Information about the ordinance as well as a "Commercial Garden Equipment Incentive & Exchange Program" can
be found here:
>
> >
>
> > https://www.rpvca.gov/1102/Landscaping-Activities
>
> >
>
> > This issue aside, I would like to commend you on all of your efforts over the past few years to address noise and
other issues that previously plagued the portion of our neighborhood that borders your property. Apart from a few
rare exceptions (mostly caused by visitors), I believe that these efforts have been a resounding success.
>
> >
>
> > Sincerely,
>
> >
>
> > Vincent Reher
>
> > Peninsula Verde HOA
>
> >
>
>
>
>
>
-------------------------------------------------------
C-5
C-6
From:Amy Seeraty
To:Edward Cody
Cc:Ken Rukavina
Subject:RE: public hearing letter Green hills memorial
Date:Monday, November 22, 2021 2:49:00 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image004.png
image005.png
image007.png
image002.png
Hello-
Thank you for your email and so sorry for any confusion. If approved, the proposed burials would take place in the area outlined in pink, which is the grassy rooftop of the Inspiration Slope Mausoleum. As
you can see from the aerial photo below, this area is towards the north-east corner of Green Hills. Please let me know if you have any additional questions, thank you.
Amy SeeratySenior Planneramys@rpvca.gov Phone - (310) 544-5231
City of Rancho Palos Verdes30940 Hawthorne Blvd.Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275Website: www.rpvca.gov
This e-mail message contains information belonging to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, which may be privileged, confidential and/or protected from disclosure. The information is intended only for use of the individual or entity named. Unauthorized dissemination, distribution, or copying is strictlyprohibited. If you received this email in error, or are not an intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.
City Hall is open to the public during regular business hours. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, visitors are required to wear face coverings and adhere to physical distancing guidelines. Some employees are working on
rotation and may be working remotely. If you need to visit City Hall, please schedule an appointment in advance by calling the appropriate department and follow all posted directions during your visit. Walk-ups are limited to
one person at a time. Please note that our response to your inquiry could be delayed. For a list of department phone numbers, visit the Staff Directory on the City website.
From: Edward Cody <edcody81@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, November 20, 2021 2:59 PM
To: Amy Seeraty <AmyS@rpvca.gov>
Subject: public hearing letter Green hills memorial
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.
I received a notice of public hearing for green hills memorial case no PLCU2021-0011.
I can not tell the location of where this rooftop is. The picture on the back of the letter does not help at all. Please send me a better picture showing exactly where this rooftop is that the burials are proposed. It says in the
letter the proposed area outlined in red but it's not clear.
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