CC SR 20221220 G - Border Issues Biannual Report
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 12/20/2022
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to review the second biannual 2022 Border Issues
report.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file the second biannual report on the status of Border Issues for
2022.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Megan Barnes, Senior Administrative Analyst
REVIEWED BY: Karina Bañales, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A) DFSP Final EA fact sheet (page A-1)
B) DFSP EA clarification sheet (page B-1)
C) DFSP Finding of No Significant Impact (page C-1)
D) September 6, 2022, staff report (page D-1)
E) November 2022 Daily Breeze article on West Harbor (page E-1)
F) September 27, 2022, Palos Verdes Estates City Council staff report (page F-1)
G) July 11, 2022, Rolling Hills Estates Planning Commission staff report (page G-1)
H) August 23, 2022, Rolling Hills Estates City Council staff report (page H-1)
____________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND:
This is the second biannual report to the City Council on various “Border Issues”
potentially affecting residents of Rancho Palos Verdes for 2022. This biannual report
includes an update on the following projects:
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• 248-unit Butcher Solana apartment project at Hawthorne Boul evard and Via
Valmonte in Torrance
• Proposed leasing of the Defense Fuel Support Point San Pedro fo r commercial
fueling operations
• Ponte Vista development on a former Navy housing site on Western Avenue in
San Pedro
• Issues and events related to the Rancho LPG butane storage facility in San Pedro
• San Pedro Waterfront Project (West Harbor)
• Proposed 11-unit mixed-use residential development at 24601 Hawthorne
Boulevard in Torrance
• An update on the Rancho Del Mar Affordable Housing Overlay Zone in Rolling Hills
• Caltrans Western Avenue Bicycle Pedestrian Improvement Project
• Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor Project in Palos Verdes Estates
• George F Canyon Nature Center Renovation Project in Rolling Hills Estates
• Proposed Starbucks drive-thru at 28110 South Western Avenue in San Pedro
• Proposed 18-unit mixed use development on Hawthorne Boulevard near Rolling
Hills Road in Torrance
The full current status report and archived reports are available on the City’s website at:
http://www.rpvca.gov/781/Border-Issues-Status-Report
Please note that pursuant to City Council Policy No. 34, the next Border Issues Status
Report is expected to appear on a City Council agenda in June 2023.
DISCUSSION:
Current Border Issues
Butcher Solana Residential Development Project (Torrance)
There has been no change in the status of the proposed Butcher Solana apartment
project at the southwest corner of Hawthorne Boulevard and Via Valmonte, which would
consist of 248 one- and two-bedroom apartments in three five-story buildings with 484
parking spaces in a six-story structure.
According to the City of Torrance, in mid-September 2019, the project developer notified
planning staff it was putting the project on hold while it reviewed more than 690 com ment
letters on the project’s Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which was released in
June 2019. Planning staff for the City or Torrance has indicated that as of December
2022, the project remains on hold.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports. Additional
information about the project is available on the City of Torrance’s website at
https://www.torranceca.gov/our-city/community-development/planning/butcher-solana.
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Defense Fuel Support Point San Pedro (Los Angeles (San Pedro))
Negotiations remain ongoing for two leases for Defense Fuel Support Point San Pedro
(DFSP), the sprawling, inactive U.S. Navy fuel tank farm on North Gaffey Street (which
borders the City on a stretch of Western Avenue), and an 8-acre Marine Terminal about
five miles southeast in the Port of Long Beach.
After DFSP was deactivated in late 2015, the Navy decided to pursue leasing the site to
a commercial operator to enable the Navy to use the site for fueling operations for its
growing Pacific Fleet without having to cover the costs of rehabilitation and maintenance.
A draft Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing both sites was released in 2019, and
the City provided comments raising concerns about the unknowns of potential commercial
uses and the construction of new facilities at the San Pedro site, public safety hazards,
increased traffic, and biological and visual impacts. The lease was subsequently split into
two separate leases and without the requirement for Navy ships to receive fuel at Pier 12.
No additional information about the leases is available due to Department of Defense
solicitation regulations. Once they are signed, the Navy will be able to provide additional
information.
On June 17, 2022, the Navy released a finalized EA and Finding of No Significant Impact
for the potential commercial outlease of the Marine Terminal. The final EA indicated that
a commercial outlease of the Marine Terminal would not significantly impact the quality
of the human or natural environment (Attachments A-C).
For the DFSP San Pedro Main Terminal outlease, the Navy is currently determining if a
Supplemental EA is needed. The signing of a Main Terminal outlease would not take
place until all environmental documentation is complete. If a Supplemental EA is needed,
there would be an additional public review and comment period.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Ponte Vista (formerly Highpark) Project (Los Angeles (San Pedro))
Home building continues at Ponte Vista, the 676-unit project on 61.4 acres of former Navy
along Western Avenue in San Pedro across from Green Hills Memorial Park, which will
consist of single-family homes, townhomes, and flats.
According to master developer Harridge Development Group, almost all areas of Ponte
Vista are in various phases of construction. No plans have been submitted for Subarea
4A in the northeast corner of the site, the only remaining subarea to be developed.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
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Rancho LPG Butane Storage Facility, Los Angeles (San Pedro)
There has been no change in the status of Rancho LPG, the facility on North Gaffey Street
in San Pedro, where 25 million gallons of butane are stored in two aboveground tanks
and another five horizontal storage tanks each hold 60,000 gallons of propane. Rancho
LPG has long been the subject of concerns from residents of San Pedro, the Eastview
area of Rancho Palos Verdes, and others about safety and the potential for a catastrophic
explosion. Plains All American Pipeline, which owns the facility, has defended its safety
record and procedures.
It is Staff’s understanding that while speculation has circulated about a potential sale of
the site, no such plans have been confirmed or announced. Staff has reached out to both
a reported prospective buyer and Rancho LPG Holdings, LLC, but has not received a
response.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
San Pedro Waterfront Project (West Harbor) (Port of Los Angeles)
On November 12, 2022, the Port of Los Angeles and developer the LA Waterfront Alliance
held a groundbreaking ceremony on the site of the former Ports O’ Call Village in San
Pedro for the future West Harbor development, which will include 375,000 square feet of
restaurants, retail, office, open space, and entertainment over 42 acres (Attachment E).
Construction is set to begin soon on the first phase of the project. West Harbor is now
expected to open in 2024.
According to the LA Waterfront Alliance, West Harbor is about 70% leased, with a mix of
tenants, including restaurants, an immersive art gallery, and a dog park “social club” with
a bar. Tenants announced so far include: Mario’s Butcher Shop & Delicatessen; Olala
Crepes; Pitfire Pizza; The Win-Dow; Hopscotch; Jay Bird’s Chicken; King & Queen
Cantina; Mike Hess Brewing; Poppy + Rose; Bark Social; Harbor Breeze Cruises;
Marufuku Ramen; Sugar Factory; Yamashiro; and The Bake d Bear.
A timeline for the construction of West Harbor as of fall 2022 is shown below:
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Image: West Harbor
A supplemental Environmental Impact Report (EIR) remains under development for a
proposed 6,200-seat outdoor amphitheater that would host approximately 100 paid
events per year, generally from April through November. It is Staff’s understanding that
the stage speakers would face south toward the ocean and away from residential
neighborhoods to minimize noise impacts. In addi tion to concerts, 25 offshore barge
fireworks displays per year are proposed. In May 2022, the City submitted comments on
the Port of Los Angeles’ Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the supplemental EIR raising
concerns about noise and environmental impacts from concerts and fireworks displays.
According to the Port of Los Angeles, the supplemental EIR is expected to be released in
August 2023.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Mixed-Use Residential Development at 24601 Hawthorne Boulevard (Torrance)
There has been no change in the status of the proposed mixed-use development on the
northwest corner of Hawthorne Boulevard and Via Valmonte in the City of Torrance
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(across from the Butcher-Solana project). Located at 24601 Hawthorne Boulevard, the
proposed project consists of an 11-unit, two-story multiple-family residential building over
a semi-subterranean parking garage, and a three-story office building.
On October 6, 2021, the Torrance Planning Commission was scheduled to review a draft
Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and consider approving a Conditional Use Permit
for the project. However, the project developer, Ashai Design Consulting Corporation,
agreed to continue the Planning Commission hearing indefinitely to conduct public
outreach regarding traffic, density, and neighborhood compatibility concerns from nearby
residents, including those in the Valmonte neighborhood .
It is Staff’s understanding that Ashai Design has taken public feedback received at
outreach meetings into consideration, but that no new Planning Commission hearing date
has been set at this time.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Rancho Del Mar Affordable Housing Overlay Zone (Rolling Hills)
There has been no change in the status of the Rancho Del Mar Affordable Housing
Overlay Zone in the City of Rolling Hills, a mixed -use, multi-family overlay zone on a 31-
acre site owned by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) at 38
Crest Road West, which is included in Rolling Hills’ draft 6th Cycle Housing Element. The
overlay zone allows the addition of up to 16 multi-family units by-right, including low- and
very low-income units, in an area west of the Palos Verde s Peninsula Transit Authority
(PVPTA) facility. According to planning staff at the City of Rolling Hills, the city recently
received a preliminary, informal inquiry from someone interested in the developing the
site. However, no plans have been submitted.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Western Avenue Bicycle Pedestrian Improvement Project (Caltrans)
On September 6, 2022, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) provided
an update to the City Council on its plans to install bicycle lanes along Western Avenue
from 25th Street in San Pedro to Carson Street in Torrance as part of an improvement
project to enhance connectivity and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. The project also
includes the installation of curb ramps compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) standards and pavement markings to create a northbound right-turn lane at
Westmont Drive/Delasonde Drive. This portion of Western Avenue is owned, operated,
and maintained by Caltrans as part of the state highway system. The City has no
jurisdiction over Western Avenue, but can share feedback and public concerns with
Caltrans.
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A staff report and PowerPoint containing the September project update are included in
this report as Attachment D. However, it should be noted that the staff report included an
error in the labeling of the bike lanes.
Although the staff report stated the project had been redesigned to eliminate Class II bike
lanes in certain locations to allow on-street parking to remain, the Exhibit 3 included labels
saying Class III bike lanes and Class II bike routes, whereas a bike lane is Class II and a
shared bike route is Class III. The PowerPoint presentation attached to the September 6
staff report included the correct designations, however, some readers may have
concluded that the project was being designed as a Class III shared bike route with some
limited areas of Class II bike lanes.
The project is being designed as a Class II bike lane with some limited areas of Class III
shared bike routes to minimize the need for lane and median width reductions and to
accommodate parking in specific locations. Exhibit 1 below shows the corrected version.
The following remain the only two segments where width reductions are occurring:
• 600 feet north of Peninsula Verde Drive to Peninsula Verde Drive in the
southbound direction: lane width reduction from 12 feet to 11 feet
• West Weymouth Place to West Santa Cruz Street: 2-foot median width reduction
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Exhibit 1: Images from Caltrans Western Avenue Bicycle Pedestrian Improvement Project
According to Caltrans, Phase I of the project, which consists of the installation of seven
ADA-compliant curb ramps, is now complete, and minor corrective work will be completed
in Phase II.
Phase II, which includes the installation of nine more ADA-compliant curb ramps, the
northbound right-turn lane at Westmont Drive/Delasonde Drive, and the bike lanes, is
scheduled to commence construction in February 2023 and complete construction by
April 2024.
Sample Class II Bike Lane
Sample Class III Bike Route
Source: Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities in California,
July 2005, Caltrans, Alta Planning + Design
Westmont
N Crestwood
Summerland
19th st
Legend
Blue = Class II Bike Lane
Red = Class III Bike Route
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Staff has requested that Caltrans provide the City advance notice of when its contractor
intends to begin construction on Phase II to give residents notice and avoid
miscommunication like that which occurred when roadwork related to the Ponte Vista
project was performed on Western Avenue in 2020.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor Project (Palos Verdes Estates)
On August 22, 2022, the Palos Verdes Estates City Council held a special meeting to
receive an update on the design for a proposed roundabout at the intersection of Palos
Verdes Drive West and Via Corta. The roundabout was previously selected by the City
Council as a preferred option in a larger strategy to alleviate traffic congestion along the
Palos Verdes Drive West corridor, including its intersections with Via Corta and Palos
Verdes Drive North. A traffic signal at Via Corta was also considered.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the City Council directed staff to discontinue work on
the roundabout design and to return at a future meeting with recommendations related to
project implications, improving the intersection’s performance, and community
engagement. The action to discontinue work was memorialized by a subsequent vote on
September 27, 2022 (Attachment F).
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
George F Canyon Nature Center Renovation Project (Rolling Hills Estates)
On July 11, 2022, the Rolling Hills Estates Planning Commission held a public hearing
for the City’s proposed George F Canyon Nature Center Renovation Project, which calls
for the demolition of the aging George F Canyon Nature Center on the southwest corne r
of Palos Verdes Drive North and Palos Verdes Drive East and the construction of a new
nature center/community center (Attachment G).
Rolling Hills Estates has spent several years exploring building a modernized nature
center that would also serve as a meeting place for local organizations. The existing
center consists of a single-story, 700-square-foot building, a 750-square-foot wood
deck/gathering area, an outdoor amphitheater, and a parking area with approximately 22
spaces.
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Image: City of Rolling Hills Estates
The new facility will include a single-level, 1,750-square-foot nature center/community
room building with a viewing deck, a 1,000-square-foot outdoor classroom area with a
photovoltaic (PV) shade canopy, storage enclosures, a boardwalk with a canyon
overlook, privacy screen, community-preferred fencing, gate, and associated parking and
drop-off spaces, increasing the overall size of the facility to 3,290 square feet. The outdoor
amphitheater will remain and be accessed by a new boardwalk ramp from a central court
between the nature center and the covered outdoor classroom area. The overall project
has been downsized from a 5,500-square-foot version that was considered in 2019.
The parking lot will remain on the north side of the project site and will be accessed from
Palos Verdes Drive East and Hitching Post Drive, with pedestrian access along Palos
Verdes Drive North. The project also includes roadway improvements along an
approximately 1,800-foot-long by 12-foot-wide segment of Palos Verdes Drive East from
Palos Verdes Drive North to Harbor Sight Drive to accommodate approximately 26
additional parking spaces, a bicycle lane with a safety buffer, red curbs, and “no stopping
any time” signs. New and replacement guardrails will also be installed. The roadway
improvements will require realignment of the existing roadway edgeline within the existing
road right-of-way, but will not require road closures.
At the July 11, 2022, meeting, the Rolling Hills Estates Planning Commission
recommended the City Council approve a Precise Plan of Design (PPD) application and
Initial Study (IS) with a proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) (ISMND) for the
project, with recommendations regarding project signs, fencing, lighting, and ADA
compliance in parking overflow areas.
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The project was approved by the City Council on August 23, 2022 (Attachment H). It is
Staff’s understanding that construction documents are being finalized and work could
begin as soon as summer or fall 2023 and last for 12 to 18 months.
In September 2022, the City of Rolling Hills Estates announced it was awarded $1.2
million from the California Department of Parks and Recreation to support construction of
the overall $2 million project. Remaining costs are to be funded through a variety of state
and local public sources and donations to the city’s nonprofit Pepper Tree Foundation.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Starbucks Drive-Thru at 28110 South Western Avenue (Los Angeles (San Pedro))
There has been no change in the status of the proposed Starbucks drive -thru in the
Garden Village Shopping Center in San Pedro on Western Avenue just north of Westmont
Drive.
The Kaidence Group, a Phoenix-based commercial real estate developer, submitted an
application in December 2021 to the City of Los Angeles Planning Department for the
proposed 2,178-square-foot drive-thru coffee shop at 28110 South Western Avenue. The
drive-thru would be constructed at a site currently occupied by a vacant bank building and
would include indoor and outdoor seating accommodating approximately 53 seats (29
indoor and 24 outdoor), and nine standard parking spaces, with two short -term and two
long-term bicycle spaces. The drive-thru lane could accommodate 10 cars (15 total
without blocking the common driveway), and hours of operation would be 4 a.m. to
midnight daily.
It is Staff’s understanding that the project is on hold at the moment as the developer is
working out negotiations with property owner.
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
Mixed-Use Residential Development on Hawthorne Boulevard Near Rolling Hills
Road (Torrance)
According to City of Torrance planning staff, the proposed 18-unit apartment mixed-use
development along the east side of Hawthorne Boulevard just north of Rolling Hills Road
is being redesigned by the developer.
Earlier in 2022, silhouettes went up outlining the visual impacts of the proposed project,
including 5,745 square feet of office space. The site is located on seven vacant parcels
within the city’s Hillside Overlay Area.
It is Staff’s understanding that the project will not require an environmental review
because it meets the parameters of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines Section 15332, meaning it is considered an “infill” development project. This
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exemption is intended to promote infill development, which is defined by the Governor’s
Office of Planning and Research as “building within unused and underutilized lands within
existing development patterns, typically but not exclusively in urban areas.”
Staff will continue to monitor this issue in future Border Issues Status Reports.
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June 2022 www.cnic.navy.mil/SanPedroEA
Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant
Impact for Renewed Fueling Operations at Defense Fuel Support
Point San Pedro (In Support of a Commercial Lease of the
Marine Terminal Only, with No Navy Fueling Requirement)
The U.S. Navy has prepared a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the potential impacts of its initial
proposal to renew fueling operations at Defense Fuel Support Point San Pedro. The Navy has selected a subset of
Alternative 1 for implementation and has documented this selection in the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
At this time the Navy is proposing to enter into a lease for commercial use of the Marine Terminal only, with no Navy
fueling requirement, as described in the FONSI. Any proposed construction, demolition, and operations by a lessee
to occur at the Marine Terminal would need to be reviewed and approved by the Navy. The Navy has determined that
fueling for Navy ships is not currently a priority; thus, the requirement to allow for fueling of Navy ships under such a
lease has been canceled.
While the Final EA on which the FONSI is based analyzes the anticipated environmental impacts associated with
the proposed outlease and reutilization of both the Marine Terminal and Main Terminal, cancelation of the Navy
fueling requirement at Defense Fuel Support Point San Pedro could allow for a wider range of uses to occur at the
Main Terminal under a potential lease, which would require further environmental analysis. Any required additional
environmental impacts analysis for a separate lease at the Main Terminal site will be addressed in a Supplemental EA,
to be released at a later date.
Environmental Review Process
The Navy held a 35-day public scoping period from October 10, 2018, through November 13, 2018, to solicit public
input on the scope of analysis and environmental resource areas to be considered in the EA. The Navy held a 46-day
public comment period from April 19, 2019, through June 3, 2019, upon release of the Draft EA for public review
and comment. On May 6, 2019, the Navy hosted an open house information session to inform the public about the
Proposed Action and receive public comments. Public and agency comments were considered in the development of
the Final EA.
For More Information
• Visit www.cnic.navy.mil/SanPedroEA
• Contact the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Gregg Smith, at 562-626-7215
The Final EA and FONSI
are available online
at: www.cnic.navy.mil/
SanPedroEA, and at
several libraries: San
Pedro Regional, Peninsula
Center, Bay Shore
Branch, Miraleste Branch,
and Wilmington Branch.
A-1
A-1
CLARIFICATION SHEET
FOR THE
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR RENEWED FUELING OPERATIONS AT
DEFENSE FUEL SUPPORT POINT, SAN PEDRO, CALIFORNIA (IN SUPPORT OF A
COMMERCIAL LEASE OF THE MARINE TERMINAL ONLY, WITH NO NAVY
FUELING REQUIREMENT)
Removal of Navy Fueling Requirement and Updated Project Status for
Defense Fuel Support Point San Pedro Marine Terminal
The Navy is proposing a commercial outlease at the Marine Terminal only, with no requirement
for Navy fueling, and issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for such a Marine
Terminal-only lease.
Under the original concept for the Navy’s Proposed Action at Defense Fuel Support Point
(DFSP) San Pedro, the Navy would lease all or some of its facilities at the DFSP San Pedro Main
Terminal and Marine Terminal (along with assigning the Navy’s interests in fuel pipelines in the
area) to a private entity for commercial reuse and development, while requiring the private lessee
to make allowance for the periodic and contingency fueling of Navy ships using these same
facilities. The analysis in this Environmental Assessment (EA) is based on and analyzes the
anticipated environmental impacts associated with that original concept, including impacts
associated with the fueling of Navy ships along with the utilization of pipelines and other
existing fuel-related infrastructure. This is the analysis that was published in the Draft EA for
public review and comment.
However, the Navy’s expectations for the proposed commercial outlease of DFSP San Pedro
have evolved considerably since the Draft EA was published in April-June 2019. While the
project initially envisioned that the proposed commercial outleases would need to allow for
fueling of Navy ships, the Navy subsequently determined that fueling at the Marine Terminal is
not a priority at this time. In a letter dated January 14, 2021, the Commander of the U.S. Pacific
Fleet canceled the Navy fueling requirement at DFSP San Pedro. As a result of this cancelation,
allowance for Navy fueling will not be a requirement in any outleases of DFSP San Pedro
facilities at this time and into the foreseeable future, whether at the Main Terminal or Marine
Terminal.
Further, as the Navy does not need to receive fuel at the Marine Terminal, and expressions of
interest from potential lessees have not indicated a need for use of the pipelines as analyzed in
the Draft EA, the Navy has coordinated with the Office of the State Fire Marshall in order to
have four of the existing off-site fuel pipelines (Norwalk Line, G-Line, and the two Long Beach
Pipelines, as referenced in the Draft EA) reclassified as abandoned in place, as of February 25,
2021. The now-abandoned Long Beach Pipelines previously carried fuel between the Main and
Marine terminals. Neither of these pipelines will be included in any commercial outlease of
DFSP San Pedro facilities.
B-1
The cancelation of the Navy fueling requirement at DFSP San Pedro may allow for a wider range
of use scenarios for a potential lease at the Main Terminal. The Navy is actively exploring such
no-Navy-fueling scenarios and will be conducting further/supplemental environmental impacts
analysis as needed in advance of a decision with respect to any such potential lease, but it is not
proposing a commercial outlease at the Main Terminal at this time.
However, while the Navy’s cancelation of its fueling requirement at DFSP San Pedro reduces the
scale of the environmental impacts associated with commercial operations at the Marine
Terminal as analyzed in the EA, it does not change the nature of these impacts. Accordingly, the
Navy is currently proposing a commercial outlease at the Marine Terminal only—as noted
above, with no requirement for Navy fueling—and issuing a FONSI for such lease as a subset of
the impacts analyzed in the EA.
B-2
C-1
C-2
C-3
C-4
C-5
C-6
C-7
C-8
C-9
C-10
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 09/06/2022
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to receive updates from the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) regarding its proposed Western Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian
Improvement Project.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file the presentation of updates from Caltrans on its proposed
Western Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project to install bicycle
lanes and pedestrian access improvements on Western Avenue; and
(2) If warranted, request that Caltrans work with City Staff to make any further
adjustments to the project based on City Council and public feedback.
FISCAL IMPACT: None. Caltrans will fund the project.
ORIGINATED BY: Ramzi Awwad, Public Works Director
REVIEWED BY: Same as Above
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. September 6, 2022 Caltrans Bike Lanes Presentation (page A-1)
B. February 1, 2022 staff report
BACKGROUND:
On February 1, 2022, Caltrans presented to the City Council the proposed Western
Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project (Attachment B). The presentation
contained information regarding the proposed project on Western Avenue, which is
owned and operated by Caltrans within the jurisdictional boundary of the City. The
proposed project consists of re-purposing existing parking lanes into dedicated bicycle
lanes (Class II Bike Lanes), upgrading nine curb ramps in the City to become compliant
with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and installing pavement markings to
create a northbound right-turn lane at Westmont Drive/Delasonde Drive.
In response to the Caltrans presentation, the City Council expressed the following
concerns:
1D-1
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• Narrowing lane widths in designated segments from 12 feet to 11 feet may
negatively impact the flow rate and elderly drivers who are accustomed to the
standard 12-foot lanes.
• Modifying medians without proper landscaping is a missed opportunity for synergy
and would result in diminished beautification effects.
• Crosswalks with special designs should be considered part of the project to assist
with beautification efforts.
• Potential for a repeat of construction delays encountered in the recent Caltrans
curb ramps replacement project.
• Need for Caltrans to further study the negative effects of the ongoing Ponte Vista
development on Western Avenue traffic flow.
The City Council approved a motion directing Staff to work with Caltrans to:
1) Study the combined traffic impacts of the proposed bike lanes, the Ponte Vista
Development, and potential mixed-use development that is being explored as part
of the City’s Housing Element Update;
2) Improve landscaping within the medians that will be impacted by the project;
3) Consider enhanced crosswalk beautification; and
4) Return to the City Council with an update before construction commences.
This evening, Caltrans will be presenting updates to their proposed project in response
to the City Council’s motion.
DISCUSSION:
Since the February 1, 2022 City Council meeting, Staff has been working with Caltrans
to revise the project to address the City Council’s concerns. In response, Caltrans made
some changes to the project, but Caltrans did not accommodate all the City Council’s
requests, as summarized below (Attachment A).
Lane Widths
The project presented to the City Council on February 1, 2022 consisted primarily of Class
II Bike Lanes; or lanes that are for the exclusive use of bicycles, as shown in Exhibit 1 on
the next page. The February 1, 2022 project also included some limited areas with Class
III Bike Routes; or lanes that are shared by vehicles and bicycles, as shown in Exhibit 2
on the next page.
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Exhibit 1 – Class II Bike Lane / Exclusive Bike Lane
Exhibit 2 – Class III Bike Route/Shared Vehicle-Bike Lane
The project design has now been revised to eliminate Class II Bike Lanes in certain
locations which allows on-street parking to remain. Additionally, there are now fewer
locations where 11-foot lanes are needed thereby maintaining the existing 12 -foot width.
The locations where dedicated Class II Bike Lanes will be installed are shown in Exhibit
3. The locations where lanes will be reduced to 11 feet are shown in Exhibit 4.
Source: Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities in California,
July 2005, Caltrans, Alta Planning + Design
Source: Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities in California,
July 2005, Caltrans, Alta Planning + Design
3D-3
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Exhibit 3 – Western Avenue Shared Bike Lanes Exhibit 4 – Western Avenue Lane Widths
Legend
Red = Class III Bike Lane
Black= Class II Bike Route
Legend
Red = 11’ Vehicle Lanes
Black= 12’ Vehicle Lanes
Class II Bike Route
Class II Bike Route
Class II Bike Route
Class II Bike Route
Class III Bike Lane
Class III BikeLane 12 ‘ Vehicle Lanes
12 ‘ Vehicle Lanes
11 ‘ Vehicle Lanes
11 ‘ Vehicle Lanes
4D-4
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Traffic Impacts of Proposed Bike Lanes including Ponte Vista Development
Staff has been engaging with Caltrans on the path forward for a traffic study to ascertain
the impacts of the Ponte Vista development and the proposed mixed-use rezoning to
accommodate more housing units based on the City’s Housing Element Update on
Western Avenue. Caltrans stated that it unsuccessfully attempted to obtain additional
funds to perform studies and revise the project , and that the project needed to proceed
to deliver its objectives. Additionally, Caltrans’ position is that the necessary permits for
the Ponte Vista development have already been issued based on a prior traffic study with
agreed-upon mitigation measures.
In response, Staff believes the most effective approach to address the Council’s concerns
is to perform a comprehensive traffic study as part of the Western Avenue Traffic Flow
Improvements Project which is tentatively scheduled to occur in 2023-2024. Such a traffic
study would consist of a detailed analysis of existing conditions at the time the study
occurs and will include the bike lanes, as well as the forecast build-out of Ponte Vista and
the City’s Housing Element Update. Any additional measures to improve traffic flow would
be identified through this process. Caltrans has agreed with this approach and will work
collaboratively with the Staff to ensure successful outcomes.
Median Landscaping
Caltrans stated that it unsuccessfully attempted to obtain additional funds to revise the
project to include median landscaping. Caltrans committed to working with the City to
implement the City’s Western Avenue Beautification Project.
Enhanced Crosswalks
Staff requested Caltrans include decorative crosswalk designs in the project as directed
by the City Council. Caltrans responded that it would only consider crosswalk designs
that are included in the state traffic engineering manual for pavement markings (CA
MUTCD). Staff’s research of the CA MUTCD concluded that it does not allow the use of
decorative crosswalks. However, it allows for some limited aesthetic enhancements to
crosswalks. Further research by Staff indicates Caltrans has allowed some of these
aesthetically improved features in some statewide projects. Samples are shown in
Exhibits 5-7 on the following page.
Caltrans informed Staff that it can not incorporate aesthetically enhanced crosswalks into
the current project due to lack of funding (the cost of one aesthetic crosswalk is estimated
by Staff to be approximately $15,000). Caltrans suggested that such designs could be
allowed as part of the City’s future Western Avenue Beautification Project or as part of a
future Caltrans project to re-pave Western Avenue in 2026. Staff will work with Caltrans
to incorporate a design acceptable to Caltrans, similar to the samples shown below, into
the Western Avenue Beautification Project.
5D-5
6
Exhibit 5 – Sample A of Context Sensitive Crosswalk Design
Exhibit 6 – Sample B of Context Sensitive Crosswalk Design
6D-6
7
Exhibit 7 – Sample C of Context Sensitive Crosswalk Design
Avoiding Construction Delays
Caltrans has assured Staff that every measure possible will be taken to avoid the
construction delays experienced during the prior phase of curb ramp installations. These
measures include deploying sufficient personnel to monitor progress in the field, detecting
problems early, and intervening so that extended delays are avoided. Additional
measures include advanced planning related to supply chains and installation of
temporary features in case unknown conditions are discovered.
Project Schedule
Phase One of the project, which consists of the installation of seven ADA-compliant curb
ramps in the City, is mostly complete, although some minor corrective work remains.
Phase Two, which includes the installation of nine more ADA-compliant curb ramps within
the City, a northbound right-turn lane at Westmont Drive/Delasonde Drive, and the
aforementioned bicycle lanes, is now scheduled to commence construction in January
2023 and complete construction by April 2024.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
On October 4, 2022, Staff is scheduled to brief the City Council on all projects and
activities related to Western Avenue, as well as coordination across those projects. The
projects include the following:
• Western Avenue Beautification Project
7D-7
8
• Western Avenue Traffic Flow Improvements Project
• Caltrans Western Avenue Re-Paving Project (scheduled to begin in 2026)
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council receive and file a presentation of updates from
Caltrans on its proposed Western Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project
and direct Staff to continue to work with Caltrans to implement the City Council’s vision
for Western Avenue.
8D-8
1A-1D-9
22/1/20229 CURB RAMP LOCATIONS IN RANCHO PALOS VERDES53 CURB RAMP LOCATIONS – PHASE 21200’ NEW PAVED SIDEWALK3 PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGSW/ HIGH INTENSITY CROSSWALK BEACONNB RIGHT-TURN ONLY LANE AT WESTMONT/DELASONDEMEDIAN FENCE AT 242NDPLA-2D-10
2/1/20223Mileage within Rancho Palos VerdesSouthbound Lanes (SB) 2.0 miNorthbound Lanes (NB) 0.5 miTotal Project (NB+SB) 15.0 miGBR4A-3D-11
2/1/20224Not able to implement this proposed configuration under this project. We will have Class III bike and the parking. We will evaluate to implement this configuration under our pavement project.SB WESTERN FROM CRESTWOOD TO SUMMERLANDA-4D-12
52/1/2022Tentative Construction ScheduleStart Construction January 2023End Construction February 2024A-5D-13
9/30/20216A-6D-14
By DONNA LITTLEJOHN | dlittlejohn@scng.com | Daily Breeze
PUBLISHED: November 7, 2022 at 6:45 a.m. | UPDATED: November 7, 2022 at 8:13 a.m.
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held for San Pedro’s future West Harbor waterfront
development on Saturday, Nov. 12. Rendering courtesy of Studio One Eleven
It hasn’t been fast. Or easy.
NEWS
SUBSCRIBER ONLY
San Pedro’s new waterfront, West
Harbor, set to break ground — at
last
•News
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And there’s still a ways to go.
But on Saturday, Nov. 12, San Pedro’s soon-to-come waterfront attraction, West Harbor,
will throw a daytime — 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — public festival to celebrate the
groundbreaking for the waterside development now slated to open in 2024.
The event, which is expected to draw more than 2,000 people — guests are asked to
register online in advance at Eventbrite — is dubbed, “Sip, Savor, and Set Sail.” No one will
be turned away, organizers said, but the registration process will help them plan better
for the site’s daylong activities and food provisions.
As of Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2,000 people had already signed up to attend, organizers said.
Those who register will also receive detailed information on where to park — trolleys will
pick folks up to take them to the site.
Roller skaters, stilt walkers, a mural being created onsite, free harbor boat tours by
Harbor Breeze, music and other entertainment will kick off at 11 a.m. on the finished
section of the promenade, where some of West Harbor’s tenants will set up tents with
food and drink samples. Before that, developers and other dignitaries will talk about the
development before turning shovels, a nautical rope cutting and a cannon being shot
from one of the tall ships.
San Pedro Brew Company will host a beer garden. Other vendors will be on hand with
food and drink tastings for a small fee. And the Sir Winston luxury yacht out of Long
Beach will be on hand, which folks can board for shoreside views from its stacked decks.
Display tables will be set up where visitors can see some of the newest plans — including
some evolving branding designs — for the venue.
Admission is free and food and drink proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs
of LA Harbor, which will also provide volunteers for the event. A classic car show will be
featured in the parking lot adjacent to the Town Square.
Tenants for the 42-acre site so far include Mario’s Butcher Shop & Delicatessen, Pitfire
Pizza, The Win-Dow, Hopscotch, Jay Bird’s Chicken, King & Queen Cantina, Mike Hess
Brewing, Poppy + Rose, Bark Social (a social club and park for dogs and their owners),
Harbor Breeze Cruises, Marufuku, Sugar Factory, Yamashiro and The Baked Bear.
But there is still room for additional restaurants, retailers or others to get on board, with
about 30% of the spaces still available to lease.
“We’d love to have a Croatian restaurant,” said Alan Johnson, CEO of Jerico Development,
the San Pedro developers who partnered with The Ratkovich Group to design and develop
the project.
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Typically, Johnson said, interest for new projects is sparked once the groundbreaking is
held and construction begins — which, in West Harbor’s case, is expected to happen
around the holidays.
“A lot of people we’ve been talking to will get more serious,” he said, adding that another
goal is to sign a sit-down fish dinner house.
“Our goal is to hold on to those (open) spaces,” said Valerie James, vice president of
Business Development for Jericho Development/West Harbor, “because we know once
you break ground, the list of businesses that hear about you grows.”
The waterfront project, which has been in the planning stages for more than a decade,
will take the place of the former Ports O’ Call Village, a 1960s outdoor center that was long
popular with both San Pedro residents and visitors.
The decision to move forward with a new development didn’t come without its hometown
critics, many of whom remain skeptical of the future project.
The pandemic further slowed plans. But in the past year, it as again gained steam. The
pandemic, in fact, prompted some design tweaks that added more outdoor dining patios.
A 6,200-seat amphitheater also is planned and is still going through an environmental
review at the Port of Los Angeles.
Among the biggest selling points, supporters have said, is the location.
While Ports O’ Call had a cluster of small buildings close to the water’s edge, along the
Main Channel of the port, West Harbor will flip that notion: The project will have larger
buildings, but they will be fewer in number and placed back from the water, behind and
adjacent to the open promenade.
The structures will feature mezzanines, openings to water views and an expansive use of
glass to also enhance views.
Over-water dining decks will be part of the plan as well.
“I remember Ports O’ Call being a very casual place,” Johnson said. “It wasn’t stuffy by any
means, and I think we’ll continue to have that (atmosphere).”
From fine dining to more casual, fun fare and weekend pop-ups, Johnson added, “it will
be something for everyone.”
The development, he said, will be “much more connected to the community than the (out-
of-town owners of Ports O’ Call) were,” Johnson said. He and his brother, Eric, who run
Jerico Development, have long been active in local historic preservation and San Pedro
development, along with charity causes.
But the key and unbeatable attraction for West Harbor, many have said, is the water itself.
E-3
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where you live. Subscribe here.
Gigantic container ships, cruise ships and sail boats cruise by the West Harbor area —
amid seagulls, pelicans and the sounds of sea lions — to create what many have called a
living theater.
The promenade is partially open to the public now and includes benches and turn-out
plaza areas.
The Port of Los Angeles will be responsible for much of the infrastructure, including the
promenade, while the developers will provide the rest of the venue.
West Harbor will be a family- and dog-friendly venue, developers said, with plenty of
outdoor space and activities for children.
“There have been a lot of moving parts,” Johnson said of the long planning process,
complicated by private and pubic entities being involved, having to secure tenants and
financing, all with a pandemic thrown in.
“But all is going well.”
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Tags: Port of Los Angeles,Top Stories Breeze,Top Stories LADN,
Top Stories LBPT,waterfront
E-4
Agenda Item 11:
Meeting Date: 9/27/2022
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
FROM: ANASTASIA SEIMS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
THRU: MARK PRESTWICH, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF DISCONTINUING WORK ON A ROUNDABOUT
DESIGN FOR THE PALOS VERDES DRIVE WEST CORRIDOR
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
______________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Consider the following:
1.Discontinue work on a roundabout design at the Palos Verdes Drive West (PVDW)
and Via Corta intersection for the Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor Improvements
Project (Project).
2.In consultation with Mayor Victoria Lozzi and Council Member Michael Kemps,
prepare recommendations related to project implications, improving the
intersection’s performance, and community engagement and present the
information at a future City Council Meeting for the City Council’s consideration.
BACKGROUND
Concerns with traffic along the PVDW corridor at the intersection of Palos Verdes Drive
North, also known as the triangle, and at the intersection of Via Corta were considered
by the Traffic Safety Committee starting with a Police Department analysis in November
2017. In response to the discussions, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued for a
feasibility study to consider options for available for the corridor. A Professional Services
Agreement was awarded to Michael Baker International, Inc. (MBI) and the Feasibility
Study was completed and presented to City Council in December 2019.
A decision was made in December 2019 to bifurcate the Project and split the two
intersections, PVDW/Via Corta and the triangle, into two projects: Phase 1 and Phase 2,
respectively. For Phase 1 of the Project at the intersection of PVDW and Via Corta, the
following design alternatives were reviewed:
M E M O R A N D U M
F-1
1. No Build
2. Installation of a Traffic Signal
3. Construction of a Single Lane Roundabout
4. Construction of a Two-Lane Roundabout
It was determined through review of the Feasibility Study that the single lane roundabout
could not handle the existing traffic flows, so this design alternative was not considered
in future discussions.
In October 2021, MBI was awarded a Professional Services Agreement to provide PA/ED
and PS&E Services for the Phase 1 of the Project. At the March 16, 2022 Joint Meeting
of the City Council and Traffic Safety Committee, the two-lane roundabout was selected
as the preferred design alternative. The 35% design plans for Phase 1 of the Project were
substantially completed in June 2022 with remaining work including any revisions or
additions due to parking mitigation options that were pending public input in late August
2022 and subsequent City Council direction.
A Project Update Meeting was presented at the August 22, 2022 City Council Special
Meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Council directed staff to discontinue work
on a roundabout design at the PVDW/Via Corta intersection. The previously scheduled
Parking Mitigation Drop-in Format Open Houses were cancelled. The City Council
requested a formal report back to be presented at a future City Council meeting with
recommendations related to project implications, improving the intersection’s
performance, Traffic Safety Committee involvement, and community engagement.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) awarded grant
funding in the amount of $677,000 of Measure M for the PA/ED and PS&E phases of the
Project in August 2020. The Funding Agreement for the grant funding was effective July
2021 and executed in November 2021.
At the October 26, 2021 City Council Meeting when the Professional Services Agreement
with was awarded, a budget appropriation of $58,139 of Prop C Funds was made in
addition to the $677,000 of Measure M Funds to cover the $735,139 of MBI’s Agreement,
and $70,000 of Prop C Funds were appropriated to project management services from
HR Green. To date, $1,695.00 of Prop C funding was expended for services provided by
HR Green, and the City is in the process of requesting Measure M reimbursement of
$293,579.73 for MBI services provided to date.
It is Staff’s understanding from South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG),
which is involved in the approval and coordination of the Measure M funding awarded by
Metro, that if the Project is changed from a roundabout design to a traffic signal design,
the City would not need to reapply for the Measure M funding and could coordinate with
Metro for a revision to the funding agreement, assuming the design still meets the
Measure M funding requirements. If the City does not proceed with the roundabout or
traffic signal design, there is a risk that the unspent balance of Measure M grant funding
would be lost.
F-2
RECOMMENDED MOTION
Direct Staff to:
1. Discontinue work on a roundabout design at the Palos Verdes Drive West and Via
Corta intersection for the Palos Verdes Drive West Corridor Improvements Project
2. In consultation with Mayor Victoria Lozzi and Council Member Michael Kemps,
prepare recommendations related to project implications, improving the
intersection’s performance, Traffic Safety Committee involvement, and community
engagement and present the information at a future City Council Meeting for the
City Council’s consideration.
F-3
DATE: JULY 11, 2022
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: DAVID WAHBA, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: PLANNING APPLICATION NO. PA-220255. A PRECISE PLAN OF
DESIGN (PPD-220256) FOR GEORGE F CANYON NATURE CENTER
REPLACEMENT PROJECT & INITIAL STUDY WITH PROPOSED
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (ISMND) UNDER THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA). LOCATION:
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH & PALOS
VERDES DRIVE EAST (27305 PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST;
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, CA 90274) APPLICANT: CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES.
OVERVIEW
The following is a request for the Planning Commission to consider recommending
approval to the City Council, a Precise Plan of Design (PPD) application for the George
F Canyon Nature Center replacement Project, and an Initial Study (IS) with a proposed
Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) (ISMND), finding that the Project will not have a
significant impact on the environment with the adoption of mitigation measures, all as set
forth under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
BACKGROUND
The following timeline outlines the steps taken to bring this project forward to the Planning
Commission:
City Council Approves Task Order with MBI to prepare an Initial Study: 7/27/2021
Application Deemed Complete: 7/27/2021
Notice to Prepare an Initial Study: 8/9/2021
Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration Completed: 6/1/2022
Public Review Period of Initial Study Posted on City’s Website: 6/7 - 6/27/2022
Public Notices Mailed and Emailed to Interested Parties: 6/7 & 6/30/2022
Public Notice Published in the PVPN: 6/16/2022
Prior to this Nature Center Project coming before the Planning Commission, the City has
had several meetings to engage the nearby neighborhoods around the project (i.e.,
Hitching Post Dr., Harbor Sight, Spinning Wheel Ln. and Larga Vista). The Project has
AGENDA
7-11-22
ITEM NO. 8B
G-1
also been reviewed several times (and revised) by the Parks & Activities Commission,
The PVP Land Conservancy, and the City Council (including a City Council
subcommittee), to gain an understanding of what type of a project would be acceptable
to the community. Initial discussions for a new Nature Center replacement project,
including possible grant funding opportunities, extends back to about the 2004 timeframe.
In 2018, the City solicited Request for Proposals (RFP) to obtain the services of an
architect (including a landscape architect) to assist the City in designing a new nature
center project that would also include a new community room, to replace the aged existing
450 sq.ft. nature center building, 1,000 sq.ft. outdoor classroom deck and 600 sq.ft.
community room (demolished in 2016), all to be located in the same approximate location
as the existing site improvements. The firm of Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects,
Inc. was awarded the RFP and the first community meeting was held on 2/28/2019, in
which the City has been engaging the community since this time.
The first conceptual drawings for this approximately 24,000 sq.ft. site in 2019 involved a
proposal for two separate buildings—one for a split-level 2,800 sq.ft. nature center and a
second for a one-story 1,500 sq.ft. community room, for a total building area of 4,300
sq.ft. A 1,200 sq.ft. outdoor deck was also proposed, for a grand total of about 5,500
sq.ft. of gathering space. 20 parking spaces were provided in a surface parking lot with
two driveway entrances/exits-one on Hitching Post Dr. and one on PVDE, very similar to
what exists today. Given the relatively small building pad of the site, the buildings were
proposed to extend out partially over the canyon, with outdoor viewing decks proposed
on the back of the buildings to overlook the canyon.
After meeting with the various neighborhood groups, the Parks & Activities Commission
and City Council, it was determined that the two buildings and decks initially proposed for
the site would be too large for the site given the number of parking spaces proposed
(noting that it may not be enough for the intended uses) and the cost of the project that
could be too costly to construct. To this end, the project was revised several times to
ultimately propose one 1,750 sq.ft. single-story building that would combine both the use
of a nature center and community room. A 1,000 sq.ft. outdoor deck, plus a 120 sq.ft.
storage shed, is also proposed for outdoor classroom activities. Further, a 420 sq.ft.
viewing deck, located off of the back of the building, is proposed for a grand total of 3,290
sq.ft. of facility space, which is 2,200 sq.ft. smaller than the first design for the project and
850 sq.ft. larger than the existing facilities to be demolished (noting that the community
room was already demolished several years ago). Finally, the surface parking lot now
provides 22 parking spaces instead of 20.
DISCUSSION
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Applicability
On 7/27/2021, the City Council approved a Task Order under Michael Baker
International’s (MBI) Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to prepare an Initial Study
(IS) for the Nature Center Replacement Project. On June 7, 2022, a proposed Mitigated
G-2
Negative Declaration (MND) was prepared, finding that the Project, with mitigation, would
not have a significant effect on the environment. A Notice of Intent (NOI) to adopt an
MND and the full ISMND was posted on the City’s website and circulated to all interested
parties and published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula Newspaper for a period of 20 days,
ending on June 27, in which to obtain public comment. Several comments were received
and responses to those comments are attached by MBI and the City’s traffic consultant.
The full ISMND can be found by opening the following link on the City’s webpage:
www.ci.rolling-hills-estates.ca.us/home/showpublisheddocument/20580/637902765510630000.
It can be noted that the majority of the public comments received for this project relate to
the potential for increased use of the facilities and whether or not there is adequate
parking on site and on the adjacent street of PVDE. Additional concerns were also raised
with respect to additional traffic in the nearby intersections and circulation to and from the
site’s redesigned parking lot.
From the ISMND, most of the items reviewed in the checklist for the Project have been
determined to have “No Impact” or to be “Less than Significant”. The items that are
checked “Less than Significant with Mitigation”, can be found under Biological Resources
(Fish & Wildlife); Cultural Resources; Geology & Soils (Paleontological Resources); and,
Tribal Cultural Resources (Native American Resources for the Gabrieleno Band of
Mission Indians-Kizh Nation). Of these four topic areas, there are 10 Mitigation Measures
as presented in the ISMND Document.
Project Description (ISMND)
The Project proposes the demolition of the existing George F Canyon Nature Center
facility and construction and operation of a new Nature Center facility, which would
include a single-level, 1,750 sq.ft. nature center/community room building with a 420 sq.ft.
viewing deck, a 1,000 sq.ft. outdoor classroom area with a photovoltaic (PV) shade
canopy, storage enclosures, boardwalk with a canyon overlook, privacy screen, fencing,
and associated parking and drop-off spaces. The Project would increase the total building
area of the existing nature center and associated facilities from 1,450 square feet to 3,290
square feet. The existing amphitheater would remain protected in place and would be
accessed by a new boardwalk ramp from a new central court located between the new
nature center and the covered outdoor classroom area. Similar to the current layout, the
parking lot would be located on the north side of the Project site (providing 22 parking
spaces) and would be accessed from Palos Verdes Drive East and Hitching Post Drive.
Pedestrian access to the site would be along Palos Verdes Drive North, at the northern
edge of the Project site. Additionally, the Project includes roadway improvements along
Palos Verdes Drive East to accommodate approximately 26 additional parking spaces,
provide a bicycle lane with a safety buffer, and install roadway safety designs including
red curbs, "no stopping any time" signs and improvements to the existing guardrail. The
roadway improvements would require minor realignment of the existing roadway edge
line within the existing road right-of-way. The improvement area is estimated to occur
along an approximately 1,800-foot-long by 12-foot-wide segment of Palos Verdes Drive
East from Palos Verdes Drive North to Harbor Sight Drive.
G-3
The proposed project would require approval of a Precise Plan of Design (PPD) from the
City of Rolling Hills Estates per Rolling Hills Estates Municipal Code Section
17.15.040(A).
Precise Plan of Design (PPD)
The City of Rolling Hills Estates Municipal Code (RHEMC) sets forth the following
parameters when considering a PPPD application.
17.58.010 - Purpose. In order to accomplish as nearly as possible a uniform policy for
controlled, orderly growth as required within the city's general plan, nonresidential
development shall be regulated by a precise plan of design. The precise plan of design
shall be utilized to afford each applicant enjoyment of his property rights as afforded him
by the zoning on the subject property while at the same time imposing a uniformity of
regulations and conditions to protect the use and enjoyment of surrounding properties.
17.58.030 - Determination. The planning commission shall approve, approve with
conditions, or reject the precise plan of design. If the proposed plan would substantially
depreciate property values in the vicinity or would unreasonably interfere with the use
and enjoyment of property in the vicinity, and the protection of the public peace, health,
safety and welfare, such plan shall be rejected or so conditioned to remove such
objections. In approving a precise plan of design, the commission shall include in its
consideration whether:
A. All provisions of the zoning ordinance are complied with;
B. The following are so designed and/or arranged that traffic congestion is avoided,
pedestrian and vehicular safety and welfare are provided and no adverse effect
on surrounding property will result:
1. Buildings, structures and improvements,
2. Vehicular ingress, egress and internal circulation,
3. Setbacks,
4. Height of buildings,
5. Location of services,
6. Walls and fences,
7. Landscaping,
8. Lighting, and
9. Signing
C. The project has been designed to meet all the development standards of the city
and would be consistent with the city's general plan.
The architect, including the landscape architect, civil engineer, traffic engineer,
environmental consultants, City staff, including the PVP Land Conservancy staff, all have
been working diligently on this project for over three years to propose a nature center
replacement project that best meets the needs of the community. In the attached plans
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for the development, staff feels that the project meets the needs of the community and
the requirements as summarized above for approval of a PPD application.
The Open Space Recreation District (OS-R) (Chapter 17.15) of the RHEMC sets forth the
permitted uses and standards for development of properties located within the OS-R
District. While replacement facilities (nature centers, which are a permitted use) do not
require Planning Commission review, staff elected to have this project reviewed by the
Commission, given that the existing uses are being completely demolished and
reconfigured on the site. Further the environmental document (ISMND) prepared for the
Project and discussed above, should be reviewed by the Commission along with the
Project. Given that this is a City facility, the City Council will have the final review and
approving authority on this Project with a recommendation from the Commission.
While the OS-R District does not prescribe specific setbacks or parking requirements for
a proposed structure, it does limit buildings to be one-story and no more than 16’ in height.
Further, the development must be compatible with the site and surrounding areas and no
development is permitted on slopes steeper than 35%, which would alter the site through
significant grading activities. As shown in the attached proposed plans for the site
(Including the proposed color and materials board attached), the site improvements have
been thoughtfully designed to respect the rural character of the City, and the site itself,
by developing on the relatively flat portion of the site, and the proposed parking lot with
22 parking spaces to support the proposed uses as discussed herein. The proposed
rustic, yet modern building and outdoor decks, and landscaping proposed for the site are
compatible with the City and will complement the City’s scenic corridors of PVDN and
PVDE as specified in the General Plan.
Parking
While the OS-R District does not prescribe parking requirements for proposed uses, staff
consulted with the Project architect, the City’s contract traffic engineer (Willdan
Engineering) and MBI, who prepared the ISMND, to further study the Project’s parking
needs. Staff also consulted with the Land Conservancy to understand their needs for
parking as the primary user of the facility. As summarized in the Traffic Engineer’s
memorandum attached, a conservative estimate was used, with a maximum capacity of
60 people in attendance, and 1.5 people per vehicle, which yields a parking requirement
of 40 parking spaces. While the use proposes 22 parking spaces in the reconfigured
parking lot, including two handicapped spaces (replacing the existing parking lot of 15
parking spaces), there are conceptual plans to add on-street parallel parking space on
PVDE, located south of the Nature Center. It is anticipated that 14 on-street parking
spaces could be provided on PVDE along with 8 parking spaces at the trailhead and 32
spaces in the trail parking area. This is a total of 76 parking spaces. The conceptual plans
also provide for an optional 10 more spaces on PVDE near the trailhead and trail parking
area, for a total maximum of 86 parking spaces.
With the newly configured parking lot, vehicular access to the site will only permitted from
Hitching post Drive and PVDE, with the driveway on PVDN being eliminated. This will
maximize the available parking on site at 22 parking spaces and improve traffic ingress
G-5
and egress to and from the site. The intent of providing additional parallel parking on
PVDE is also to not allow parking on Hitching Post Drive, to respect the desires of the
residents as expressed during various public meetings held during the initial review
process held for this Project.
The proposed uses of this facility, as further discussed below, are essentially the same
as it operates today, with school busses arriving to the site for school field trips during the
week. Typical daytime use is for field trips and general public use is typically on the
weekends. Since the building combines the use for a nature center and a community
room, the community room aspect of the use would be mostly in the evenings and on
weekends when parking would have the highest demand. As summarized above, the
use is expected to have a maximum demand of 40 parking spaces, with 22 spaces
provided on site; however, in the event that there is a greater demand, the on-street
parking proposed on PVDE and shared parking at the trailhead, provide a combined
maximum total of 86 parking spaces. Lastly, since the City will be regulating the use of
this facility, a shuttle service could also be required to shuttle people from a nearby
parking lot, such as the Rolling Hills Covenant Church properties, located on PVDN.
Proposed Uses
The proposed use for this new Nature Center Replacement Project are essentially the
same as it operates today by the PVP Land Conservancy, as further discussed below.
The new and expanded building from 450 sq.ft. to 1,750 sq.ft. will provide more space for
exhibits and classes to meet inside all at once, rather than in small groups. The new
outdoor deck is essentially the same size as what exists today (1,000 sq.ft.) and will
continue to provide an outdoor classroom setting for field trips. The new building will also
have the ability to provide space for community meetings, which replaces the previously
demolished 600 sq.ft. building on the site. Community room events will NOT have the
ability to take place while the Nature Center is being operated. Community room events,
managed by the City, would be typically held on weeknights and on weekends, as also
further described below.
Programming at George F Canyon Nature Center (PVPLC)
Student Naturalist Field Trips
Description: We run field trips for approximately 600 3rd Grade Students through our
Student Naturalist Program each year. These field trips take place on the trail and in the
nature center and are led by PVPLC Staff who are assisted by PVPLC Docents and
parent volunteers from the school groups.
Days and Times: Tues-Fri 8am-1:30pm October-June (usually 0-2 field trips per
week)
Average #of Students: 65
Average # of Parent Volunteers: 15
Average # of PVPLC Volunteers: 5
Average # cars: 20
Average # of buses: 1
G-6
Wilderness Discovery Field Trips
Description: These staff and docent-led field trips are provided for local schools as a
day experience in nature with a strong emphasis on stewardship.
Days and Times: Tues-Fri 8am-1:30pm October-June (0-2 field trips per week)
Average #of Students: 65
Average # of PVPLC Volunteers: 4
Average # cars: 10
Average # of buses: 1
Scout Programs
Description: PVPLC Staff and Docents lead fee-based guided Scout Badge Programs in
the nature center and on the trail for a variety of ages of girl and boy scouts.
Days and Times: Variable
Approx # of Participants: 15
Approx # of Cars: 10-15
Bird Walks
Description: We partner with Wild Birds Unlimited to provide free monthly bird walks
along the canyon trail.
Days and Times: 8:30am on a weekday 1x per month
Approx # of Participants: 5-15
Approx # of Cars: 10-15
Nature Walks
Description: PVPLC Staff and Docents lead free monthly nature walks along the canyon
trail.
Days and Times: Saturdays and Sundays 9am-10am 1x monthly
Approx # of Participants: 15
Approx # of Cars: 10-15
Full Moon Hikes
Description: During June-September we provide monthly fee-based night hikes.
Days and Times: Friday and Saturday Evenings - Time varies starting after
twilight and lasting 2 hours.
Maximum # of Participants: 20
Approx # of Cars: 15-22
Plant Sales
Description: We hold monthly plant sales to provide a source of local native plants to the
community. These are drop in periods for purchase spread over half or full nature center
shifts.
Days and Times: Saturdays and Sundays - drop-in between 10am-4pm one to 2
days a month
Average # of Participants: 20
Approximate # of Cars: 15
G-7
Family Nature Club
Description: We provide free monthly family events at the nature center and on the trail
which encourage families with young children to get out in nature together.
Days and Times: Monthly on Saturdays or Sundays between 9am-11:30am
Average # of Participants: 25
Approximate # of Cars: 15-18
City Community Room Use
The proposed new building, when not being used by the PVPLC, will have the ability to
host small community events. Note that the floor area of the building for community
events is limited to about 600 sq.ft. and that the details of the exhibit space for the nature
center use is still being developed such that this meeting space could be even smaller
when the plans are finalized. The building also houses two restrooms, storage areas and
office space, such that the maximum occupancy of this space has been estimated at 60
people, which could be less depending on the final design of the space. The building
does not provide a kitchen, but it has been discussed that it should provide a small counter
area, sink and refrigerator primarily for staff use. The outdoor decks proposed on the site
totaling 1,420 sq.ft., would also provide outdoor meeting space, with favorable weather
conditions, for community events.
City staff will coordinate and supervise the community use of this site, which would
primarily be used for Homeowners Association meetings, student clubs, small
recreational events, community expos, etc. The City is not planning on renting this space
for weddings and private events as has been suggested in the past, noting that the
facilities do not provide for a kitchen or catering area use. Lastly, hours of use would be
limited largely to daytime use, with evening events ending by 10 pm. Smoking is
prohibited, as well as amplified music or any type of loud noises.
Next Steps
Once the Planning Commission reviews and recommends approval of this Nature Center
Replacement Project to the City Council for their final review and approval of the Project,
including the ISMND, the architect and landscape architect will finalize their construction
documents, which are about 70% complete. Once finalized, the project will be reviewed
by Building & Safety (Plan Checked) and all permits will be issued. Bid documents will
be prepared and the project will be competitively bid. The City is in the process of
obtaining grants to build the project, which is estimated to cost about two million dollars.
Park Land Dedication Fees can also be used for construction of the Project. It is
anticipated that the Project will be bid next year and construction could begin in the
summer or fall of 2023.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission review the ISMND prepared for the
Project and the Precise Plan of Design application and recommend City Council approval
of both as presented herein.
G-8
Attachments:
A.ISMND Document
B.Response to ISMND Comments
C.Project Plans
D.Traffic Engineer’s Parking Analysis Memo
E.Color & Materials Board
G-9
City Council Staff Report – August 23, 2022 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
1
STAFF REPORT
DATE: AUGUST 23, 2022
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: DAVID WAHBA, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PUBLIC WORKS
DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: PLANNING APPLICATION NO. PA-220255. A PRECISE PLAN OF
DESIGN (PPD) FOR GEORGE F CANYON NATURE CENTER
REPLACEMENT PROJECT (CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2523) &
INITIAL STUDY WITH PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION (ISMND) UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA) (CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 2522).
LOCATION: SOUTHWEST CORNER OF PALOS VERDES DRIVE
NORTH & PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST (27305 PALOS VERDES
DRIVE EAST). APPLICANT: CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES.
OVERVIEW
The following is a request for the City Council to consider approval of a Precise Plan of
Design (PPD) application (City Council Resolution No. 2523) for the George F Canyon
Nature Center replacement Project, and an Initial Study (IS) with a proposed Mitigated
Negative Declaration (MND or ISMND) (City Council Resolution No. 2522), finding that
the Project will not have a significant impact on the environment with the adoption of
mitigation measures, all as set forth under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). The Project and the ISMND were reviewed by the Planning Commission on July
11, 2022 and both are recommended for City Council approval.
BACKGROUND
The following timeline outlines the steps taken to bring this project forward to the City
Council for Project adoption:
City Council Approves Task Order with MBI to prepare an Initial Study: 7/27/2021
Application Deemed Complete: 7/27/2021
Notice to Prepare an Initial Study: 8/9/2021
Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration Completed: 6/1/2022
Public Review Period of Initial Study Posted on City’s Website: 6/7 - 6/27/2022
Public Notices Mailed and Emailed to Interested Parties: 6/7, 6/27 & 8/12/2022
CC AGENDA
AUGUST 23, 2022
ITEM NO. 7A
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City Council Staff Report – August 23, 2022 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
2
Public Notice Published in the PVPN: 6/16 & 8/11/2022
Planning Commission Public Hearing: 7/11/2022
Prior to this Nature Center Project coming before the Planning Commission and City
Council, the City has had several meetings to engage the nearby neighborhoods around
the project (i.e., Hitching Post Dr., Harbor Sight, Spinning Wheel Ln. and Larga Vista).
The Project has also been reviewed several times (and revised) by the Parks & Activities
Commission, The PVP Land Conservancy, and the City Council (including a City Council
subcommittee), to gain an understanding of what type of a project would be acceptable
to the community. Initial discussions for a new Nature Center replacement project,
including possible grant funding opportunities, extends back to about the 2004 timeframe.
In 2018, the City solicited Request for Proposals (RFP) to obtain the services of an
architect (including a landscape architect) to assist the City in designing a new nature
center project that would also include a new community room, to replace the aged existing
450 sq.ft. nature center building, 1,000 sq.ft outdoor classroom deck and 600 sq.ft.
community room (demolished in 2016), all to be located in the same approximate location
as the existing site improvements. The firm of Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects, Inc.
was awarded the RFP and the first community meeting was held on 2/28/2019, in which
the City has been engaging the community since this time.
The first conceptual drawings for this approximately 24,000 sq.ft. site in 2019 involved a
proposal for two separate buildings—one for a split-level 2,800 sq.ft. nature center and a
second for a one-story 1,500 sq.ft. community room, for a total building area of 4,300
sq.ft. A 1,200 sq.ft. outdoor deck was also proposed, for a grand total of about 5,500 sq.ft.
of gathering space. 20 parking spaces were provided in a surface parking lot with two
driveway entrances/exits-one on Hitching Post Dr. and one on PVDE, very similar to what
exists today. Given the relatively small building pad of the site, the buildings were
proposed to extend out partially over the canyon, with outdoor viewing decks proposed
on the back of the buildings to overlook the canyon.
After meeting with the various neighborhood groups, the Park & Activities Commission
and City Council, it was determined that the two buildings and decks initially proposed for
the site would be too large for the site given the number of parking spaces proposed
(noting that it may not be enough for the intended uses) and the cost of the project that
could be too costly to construct. At that time, the City Council then appointed
a subcommittee of Mayor Zerunyan and Council Member Zuckerman to work with
the architect and staff to reduce the size of the project. To this end, the project was
revised several times to ultimately propose one 1,750 sq.ft. single-story building that
would combine both the use of a nature center and community room. A 1,000 sq.ft.
outdoor deck, plus a 120 sq.ft. storage shed, is also proposed for outdoor classroom
activities. Further, a 420 sq.ft. viewing deck, located off of the back of the building, is
proposed for a grand total of 3,290 sq.ft. of facility space, which is 2,200 sq.ft. smaller
than the first design for the project and 850 sq.ft. larger than the existing facilities to be
demolished (noting that the community room was already demolished several years
ago). Finally, the surface parking lot now provides 22 parking spaces instead of 20.
H-2
City Council Staff Report – August 23, 2022 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
3
DISCUSSION
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Applicability
On 7/27/2021, the City Council approved a Task Order under Michael Baker
International’s (MBI) Professional Services Agreement (PSA) to prepare an Initial Study
(IS) for the Nature Center Replacement Project. On June 7, 2022, a proposed Mitigated
Negative Declaration (MND) was prepared, finding that the Project, with mitigation, would
not have a significant effect on the environment. A Notice of Intent (NOI) to adopt an MND
and the full ISMND was posted on the City’s website and circulated to all interested parties
and published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula Newspaper for a period of 20 days, ending
on June 27, in which to obtain public comment. Several comments were received and
responses to those comments are attached by MBI and the City’s traffic consultant. The
full ISMND can be found by opening the following link on the City’s webpage:
http://www.ci.rolling-hills-estates.ca.us/index.aspx?page=129
It can be noted that the majority of the public comments received for this project relate to
the potential for increased use of the facilities and whether or not there is adequate
parking on site and on the adjacent street of PVDE. Additional concerns were also raised
with respect to additional traffic in the nearby intersections and circulation to and from the
site’s redesigned parking lot.
From the ISMND, most of the items reviewed in the checklist for the Project have been
determined to have “No Impact” or to be “Less than Significant”. The items that are
checked “Less than Significant with Mitigation”, can be found under Biological Resources
(Fish & Wildlife); Cultural Resources; Geology & Soils (Paleontological Resources); and,
Tribal Cultural Resources (Native American Resources for the Gabrieleno Band of
Mission Indians-Kizh Nation). Of these four topic areas, there are 10 Mitigation Measures
as presented in the ISMND Document.
Project Description (ISMND)
The Project proposes the demolition of the existing George F Canyon Nature Center
facility and construction and operation of a new Nature Center facility, which would
include a single-level, 1,750 sq.ft. nature center/community room building with a 420 sq.ft.
viewing deck, a 1,000 sq.ft. outdoor classroom area with a photovoltaic (PV) shade
canopy, storage enclosures, boardwalk with a canyon overlook, privacy screen, fencing,
and associated parking and drop-off spaces. The Project would increase the total building
area of the existing nature center and associated facilities from 1,450 square feet to 3,290
square feet. The existing amphitheater would remain protected in place and would be
accessed by a new boardwalk ramp from a new central court located between the new
nature center and the covered outdoor classroom area. Similar to the current layout, the
parking lot would be located on the north side of the Project site (providing 22 parking
spaces) and would be accessed from Palos Verdes Drive East and Hitching Post Drive.
Pedestrian access to the site would be along Palos Verdes Drive North, at the northern
edge of the Project site. Additionally, the Project includes roadway improvements along
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City Council Staff Report – August 23, 2022 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
4
Palos Verdes Drive East to accommodate approximately 26 additional parking spaces,
provide a bicycle lane with a safety buffer, and install roadway safety designs including
red curbs, "no stopping any time" signs and improvements to the existing guardrail. The
roadway improvements would require minor realignment of the existing roadway edge
line within the existing road right-of-way. The improvement area is estimated to occur
along an approximately 1,800-foot-long by 12-foot-wide segment of Palos Verdes Drive
East from Palos Verdes Drive North to Harbor Sight Drive.
The proposed project would require approval of a Precise Plan of Design (PPD) from the
City of Rolling Hills Estates per Rolling Hills Estates Municipal Code Section
17.15.040(A).
Precise Plan of Design (PPD)
The City of Rolling Hills Estates Municipal Code (RHEMC) sets forth the following
parameters when considering a PPPD application.
17.58.010 - Purpose. In order to accomplish as nearly as possible a uniform policy for
controlled, orderly growth as required within the city's general plan, nonresidential
development shall be regulated by a precise plan of design. The precise plan of design
shall be utilized to afford each applicant enjoyment of his property rights as afforded him
by the zoning on the subject property while at the same time imposing a uniformity of
regulations and conditions to protect the use and enjoyment of surrounding properties.
17.58.030 - Determination. The planning commission shall approve, approve with
conditions, or reject the precise plan of design. If the proposed plan would substantially
depreciate property values in the vicinity or would unreasonably interfere with the use
and enjoyment of property in the vicinity, and the protection of the public peace, health,
safety and welfare, such plan shall be rejected or so conditioned to remove such
objections. In approving a precise plan of design, the commission shall include in its
consideration whether:
A.All provisions of the zoning ordinance are complied with;
B.The following are so designed and/or arranged that traffic congestion is avoided,
pedestrian and vehicular safety and welfare are provided and no adverse effect
on surrounding property will result:
1.Buildings, structures and improvements,
2.Vehicular ingress, egress and internal circulation,
3.Setbacks,
4.Height of buildings,
5.Location of services,
6.Walls and fences,
7. Landscaping,
8. Lighting, and
9.Signing
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City Council Staff Report – August 23, 2022 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
5
C. The project has been designed to meet all the development standards of the city
and would be consistent with the city's general plan.
D. The architect, including the landscape architect, civil engineer, traffic engineer,
environmental consultants, City staff, including the PVP Land Conservancy staff,
all have been working diligently on this project for over three years to propose a
nature center replacement project that best meets the needs of the community. In
the attached plans for the development, staff feels that the project meets the needs
of the community and the requirements as summarized above for approval of a
PPD application.
The Open Space Recreation District (OS-R) (Chapter 17.15) of the RHEMC sets forth the
permitted uses and standards for development of properties located within the OS-R
District. While replacement facilities (nature centers, which are a permitted use) do not
require Planning Commission review, staff elected to have this project reviewed by the
Commission, given that the existing uses are being completely demolished and
reconfigured on the site. Further the environmental document (ISMND) prepared for the
Project and discussed above, should be reviewed by the Commission along with the
Project. Given that this is a City facility, the City Council has the final review and
approving authority on this Project with a recommendation from the Commission.
While the OS-R District does not prescribe specific setbacks or parking requirements for
a proposed structure, it does limit buildings to be one-story and no more than 16’ in height.
Further, the development must be compatible with the site and surrounding areas and no
development is permitted on slopes steeper than 35%, which would alter the site through
significant grading activities. As shown in the attached proposed plans for the site
(Including the proposed color and materials board attached), the site improvements have
been thoughtfully designed to respect the rural character of the City, and the site itself,
by developing on the relatively flat portion of the site, and the proposed parking lot with
22 parking spaces to support the proposed uses as discussed herein. The proposed
rustic, yet modern building and outdoor decks, and landscaping proposed for the site are
compatible with the City and will complement the City’s scenic corridors of PVDN and
PVDE as specified in the General Plan.
Parking
While the OS-R District does not prescribe parking requirements for proposed uses, staff
consulted with the Project architect, the City’s contract traffic engineer (Willdan
Engineering) and MBI, who prepared the ISMND, to further study the Project’s parking
needs. Staff also consulted with the Land Conservancy to understand their needs for
parking as the primary user of the facility. As summarized in the Traffic engineer’s
memorandum attached, a conservative estimate was used, with a maximum capacity of
60 people in attendance, and 1.5 people per vehicle, which yields a parking requirement
of 40 parking spaces. While the use proposes 22 parking spaces in the reconfigured
parking lot, including two handicapped spaces (replacing the existing parking lot of 15
parking spaces), there are conceptual plans to add on-street parallel parking space on
H-5
City Council Staff Report – August 23, 2022 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
6
PVDE, located south of the Nature Center. It is anticipated that 14 on-street parking
spaces could be provided on PVDE along with 8 parking spaces at the trailhead and 32
spaces in the trail parking area. This is a total of 76 parking spaces. The conceptual plans
also provide for an optional 10 more spaces on PVDE near the trailhead and trail parking
area, for a total maximum of 86 parking spaces.
With the newly configured parking lot, vehicular access to the site will only permitted from
Hitching post Drive and PVDE, with the driveway on PVDN being eliminated. This will
maximize the available parking on site at 22 parking spaces and improve traffic ingress
and egress to and from the site. The intent of providing additional parallel parking on
PVDE is also to not allow parking on Hitching Post Drive, to respect the desires of the
residents as expressed during various public meetings held during the initial review
process held for this Project.
The proposed uses of this facility, as further discussed below, are essentially the same
as it operates today, with school busses arriving to the site for school field trips during the
week. Typical daytime use is for field trips and general public use is typically on the
weekends. Since the building combines the use for a nature center and a community
room, the community room aspect of the use would be mostly in the evenings and on
weekends when parking would have the highest demand. As summarized above, the
use is expected to have a maximum demand of 40 parking spaces, with 22 spaces
provided on site; however, in the event that there is a greater demand, the on-street
parking proposed on PVDE and shared parking at the trailhead, provide a combined
maximum total of 86 parking spaces. Lastly, since the City will be regulating the use of
this facility, a shuttle service could also be required to shuttle people from a nearby
parking lot, such as the Rolling Hills Covenant Church properties, located on PVDN.
Proposed Uses
The proposed use for this new Nature Center Replacement Project are essentially the
same as it operates today by the PVP Land Conservancy, as further discussed below.
The new and expanded building from 450 sq.ft. to 1,750 sq.ft. will provide more space for
exhibits and classes to meet inside all at once, rather than in small groups. The new
outdoor deck is essentially the same size as what exists today (1,000 sq.ft.) and will
continue to provide an outdoor classroom setting for field trips. The new building will also
have the ability to provide space for community meetings, which replaces the previously
demolished 600 sq.ft. building on the site. Community room events will NOT have the
ability to take place while the Nature Center is being operated. Community room events,
managed by the City, would be typically held on weeknights and on weekends, as also
further described below.
Programming at George F Canyon Nature Center (PVPLC)
Student Naturalist Field Trips
Description: We run field trips for approximately 600 3rd Grade Students through our
Student Naturalist Program each year. These field trips take place on the trail and in the
H-6
City Council Staff Report – August 23, 2022 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
7
nature center and are led by PVPLC Staff who are assisted by PVPLC Docents and
parent volunteers from the school groups.
Days and Times: Tues-Fri 8am-1:30pm October-June (usually 0-2 field trips per
week)
Average #of Students: 65
Average # of Parent Volunteers: 15
Average # of PVPLC Volunteers: 5
Average # cars: 20
Average # of buses: 1
Wilderness Discovery Field Trips
Description: These staff and docent-led field trips are provided for local schools as a
day experience in nature with a strong emphasis on stewardship.
Days and Times: Tues-Fri 8am-1:30pm October-June (0-2 field trips per week)
Average #of Students: 65
Average # of PVPLC Volunteers: 4
Average # cars: 10
Average # of buses: 1
Scout Programs
Description: PVPLC Staff and Docents lead fee-based guided Scout Badge Programs in
the nature center and on the trail for a variety of ages of girl and boy scouts.
Days and Times: Variable
Approx # of Participants: 15
Approx # of Cars: 10-15
Bird Walks
Description: We partner with Wild Birds Unlimited to provide free monthly bird walks
along the canyon trail.
Days and Times: 8:30am on a weekday 1x per month
Approx # of Participants: 5-15
Approx # of Cars: 10-15
Nature Walks
Description: PVPLC Staff and Docents lead free monthly nature walks along the canyon
trail.
Days and Times: Saturdays and Sundays 9am-10am 1x monthly
Approx # of Participants: 15
Approx # of Cars: 10-15
Full Moon Hikes
Description: During June-September we provide monthly fee-based night hikes.
Days and Times: Friday and Saturday Evenings - Time varies starting after
twilight and lasting 2 hours.
Maximum # of Participants: 20
Approx # of Cars: 15-22
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City Council Staff Report – August 23, 2022 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
8
Plant Sales
Description: We hold monthly plant sales to provide a source of local native plants to the
community. These are drop in periods for purchase spread over half or full nature center
shifts.
Days and Times: Saturdays and Sundays - drop-in between 10am-4pm one to 2
days a month
Average # of Participants: 20
Approximate # of Cars: 15
Family Nature Club
Description: We provide free monthly family events at the nature center and on the trail
which encourage families with young children to get out in nature together.
Days and Times: Monthly on Saturdays or Sundays between 9am-11:30am
Average # of Participants: 25
Approximate # of Cars: 15-18
City Community Room Use
The proposed new building, when not being used by the PVPLC, will have the ability to
host small community events. Note that the floor area of the building for community
events is limited to about 600 sq.ft. and that the details of the exhibit space for the nature
center use is still being developed such that this meeting space could be even smaller
when the plans are finalized. The building also houses two restrooms, storage areas and
office space, such that the maximum occupancy of this space has been estimated at 60
people, which could be less depending on the final design of the space. The building
does not provide a kitchen, but it has been discussed that it should provide a small counter
area, sink and refrigerator primarily for staff use. The outdoor decks proposed on the site
totaling 1,420 sq.ft., would also provide outdoor meeting space, with favorable weather
conditions, for community events.
City staff will coordinate and supervise the community use of this site, which would
primarily be used for Homeowners Association meetings, student clubs, small
recreational events, community expos, etc. The City is not planning on renting this space
for weddings and private events as has been suggested in the past, noting that the
facilities do not provide for a kitchen or catering area use. Lastly, hours of use would be
limited largely to daytime use, with evening events ending by 10 pm. Smoking is
prohibited, as well as amplified music or any type of loud noises.
Summary of Planning Commission Hearing
From the Planning Commission Hearing of July 11, 2022, the Commission was in favor
of the project as presented, including the ISMND prepared for the project as presented
by MBI. There was one member of the public that spoke with respect to clarification on
the number of overflow shared parking lot by the trail head, which was answered (32
parking spaces estimated as it is located on gravel). The Commission also requested
that the proposed Project signs be further reviewed by Council (with preference to the
City’s white and green lettering monument signs), prior to their installation, and that the
project use white three rail fencing along the public rights-of-way in as much as possible.
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City Council Staff Report – August 23, 2022 City of Rolling Hills Estates –
George F Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project
9
It was also noted that the security fencing and lighting for the project be further reviewed
to be both effective and compatible with the rural nature of the project. Lastly, there was
a suggestion that the project’s overflow parking area(s) be reviewed for ADA parking
compliance (note that this will be reviewed during Plan Check review).
Next Steps
Once the City Council reviews and approves the Nature Center Replacement Project,
including the ISMND, the architect and landscape architect will finalize their construction
documents, which are about 80% complete. Once finalized, the project will be reviewed
by Building & Safety (Plan Checked) and all permits will be issued. Bid documents will
be prepared and the project will be competitively bid. The City is in the process of
obtaining grants to build the project, which is estimated to cost about two million dollars.
Park Land Dedication Fees can also be used for construction of the Project. It is
anticipated that the Project will be bid next year (2023) and construction could begin in
the summer or fall of 2023.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council;
1.Open the Public Hearing;
2.Take Public Testimony;
3.Discuss the Project;
4.Close the Public Hearing; and
5.Approve the Project by Adopting Resolution Nos. 2522 (ISMND) and 2523 (PPD).
Attachments:
A.ISMND Document http://www.ci.rolling-hills-estates.ca.us/index.aspx?page=129
B.Resolution No. 2522 (ISMND)
C.Resolution No. 2523 (PPD)
D.Planning Commission Minutes from 7/11/2022
H-9
Resolution No. 2522
August 23, 2022
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
RESOLUTION NO. 2522
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES,
ADOPTING AN INITIAL STUDY / MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND A
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) FOR THE GEORGE F. CANYON NATURE
CENTER REPLACEMENT PROJECT (PA-220255). APPLICANT: CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
ESTATES; LOCATION: 27305 PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST.
The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills Estates resolves as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings. The City Council finds as follows:
A.The City of Rolling Hills Estates filed a self-application (PA-220255) for a Precise
Plan of Design (PPD) for the construction of a new replacement City-owned Nature Center
facility (George F Canyon Nature Center) (“Project”). The Project consists of a new building and
associated facilities that will increase the size of the Center from 1,450 square feet to 3,290
square feet, and will provide 22 parking spaces in a newly configured parking lot.
B.Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA
Guidelines, an Initial Study (“IS”) was prepared by the City to assess the potential environmental
impacts of the Project. The IS indicated that the proposed Project would not have a significant
impact on the environment with proper mitigation. As such, a Mitigated Negative Declaration
(“MND”) was prepared.
C.Pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 52, and Public Resources Code sections 21080.3.1
and 21080.3.2, the City provided formal notification on February 1, 2022, of the proposed Project,
to initiate early consultation, with the Gabrileño Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation and the
Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, as both Tribes had previously requested such notification;
D.The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians deferred formal consultation to the
Gabrileño Band of Mission Indians – Kizh Nation, as they are in closer proximity to the City of
Rolling Hills Estates and the subject Project site.
E.The City conducted formal consultation with the Gabrileño Band of Mission
Indians – Kizh Nation on tMarch 16, 2022, and incorporated recommended Mitigation Measures
into the Mitigation Monitoring Program prepared for the Project.
F.A Notice of Intent to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration was filed with the Los
Angeles County Clerk and issued on June 7, 2022.
G. In accordance with Section 65033 of the Government Code, the public, abutting
cities, affected agencies and districts were notified of the availability of the IS/MND and were
given an opportunity to review and provide written comments.
H. The Community Development Department has responded in writing to the written
comments received on the IS/MNSD, which responses are part of the final document.
I. The Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing for the Project,
including the IS/MND, on July 11, 2022. All interested parties were given full opportunity to be
heard and to present evidence.
J. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Project, including
adoption of the IS/MND and Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program as attached to this
Resolution No. 2522, to the City Council at its meeting on July 11, 2022.
K. The City Council conducted a duly noticed Public Hearing for the Project on August
23, 2022. All interested parties were given full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence.
ATTACHMENT B - PAGE 1 OF 7
H-10
Resolution No. 2522
August 23, 2022
L.The City Council has reviewed the IS/MND for compliance with CEQA and the
State CEQA Guidelines. After such review, the City Council exercises its independent judgment
and finds that the IS/MND has been completed in compliance with CEQA, and that with the
incorporation of the proposed mitigation measures there is no substantial evidence before the City
Council that the Project will have a significant effect on the environment.
SECTION 2. Adoption of the IS/MND. The City Council adopts the IS/MND for the
Project and the accompanying Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (Exhibit B). City staff
is authorized and directed to cause a Notice of Determination concerning the adoption of the
IS/MND for the Project to be filed in the office of the Los Angeles County Clerk in accordance with
CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines.
SECTION 3. Records of Proceedings. The City Clerk is directed to certify the adoption
of this Resolution and to keep a copy of the same with such other documents and records of
proceedings as may be designated by the City Manager.
ADOPTED this 23rd day of August, 2022.
____________________________________
FRANK V. ZERUNYAN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
____________________________________
LAUREN PETTIT, CITY CLERK
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution No. 2522 was adopted by the City Council of
the City of Rolling Hills Estates at a regular meeting held thereof on the 23rd day of August, 2022,
by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
____________________________________
LAUREN PETTIT, CITY CLERK
ATTACHMENT B - PAGE 2 OF 7
H-11
LIST OF MITIGATION MEASURES –GEORGE F CANYON NATURE CENTER
PROJECT; EXHIBIT A.
Mitigation Measure
Timeframe of
Mitigation
Monitoring, Enforcement,
and Reporting
Responsibility
BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure BIO-1: Preconstruction Botanical Clearance Surveys,
Avoidance, and Mitigation. Within ten (10) days prior to the start of any vegetation
removal during the Project construction, a qualified biologist shall conduct a botanical
clearance survey for special-status plant species, including lemonade berry shrub in the
areas where direct vegetation disturbance would occur. If special-status plant species are
detected, the biologist shall work with the construction contractor to identify a means to
avoid disturbing the plant(s). In the case of the lemonade berry shrub on the Project site,
the qualified biologist shall work with the construction contractor to identify the extent of
impacts to sensitive lemonade berry shrub habitat under the Project acres and oversee
installation of construction fencing to protect lemonade berry shrub habitat that would not
be removed under the biologist. The biologist will then work with the construction contractor
and Preserve staff to identify a suitable location within the Preserve where lemonade berry
shrubs that require removal can be replanted. Transplanted lemonade berry shrubs would
be maintained and monitored as needed by Preserve staff to support long-term
establishment of transplanted lemonade berry shrubs.
Mitigation Measure BIO-2: Workers Environmental Awareness Program
(WEAP) Training. Prior to initiating Project activities, a qualified biologist shall prepare
and present a WEAP training for all contractors, subcontractors, and workers expected to
be on-site throughout the entire construction period. The WEAP shall include a brief review
of any special-status species and vegetation communities (e.g., Cooper’s hawk, Coulter's
matilija poppy, lemonade berry scrub), including habitat requirements and where they might
be found, and other sensitive biological resources that could occur in and adjacent to the
survey area. The WEAP shall also include a summary of the biological mitigation measures
listed in the Project’s approved Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, as well as
applicable conditions and provisions of any associated environmental permits, including but
not limited to preconstruction biological surveys, installation of perimeter sediment and
erosion control best management practices, and any recurrent nesting bird surveys (as
needed).
Mitigation Measure BIO-3: Preconstruction Nesting Bird and Coastal California
Gnatcatcher (CAGN) Surveys. If Project-related activities are to be initiated during the
nesting season (January 1 to September 15), a preconstruction nesting bird clearance
survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist within seven (7) days prior to the start of
any vegetation removal or ground-disturbing activities in a buffer up to 500 feet from the
nature center site, subject to the discretion of the surveying biologist. To ensure the greatest
protection to CAGN in the event that CAGN occur on-site in the future, the survey should
be conducted by a qualified biologist with demonstrable experience identifying CAGN
nesting behavior and finding their nests, and who has been approved by the US Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) to conduct a CAGN nesting survey. The qualified biologist shall
survey all suitable nesting habitat within the Project impact area, and areas within a
biologically defensible buffer zone surrounding the Project impact area. If an active CAGN
nest is found during the survey, no Project-related construction will be allowed within 500
feet of an active CAGN nest, or within an alternative safe distance as determined by the
qualified biologist based on topography, visual shielding, nest progress, and the type of
construction and associated disturbance, until the active nest has been determined by the
ATTACHMENT B - PAGE 3 OF 7
H-12
Mitigation Measure
Timeframe of
Mitigation
Monitoring, Enforcement, and Reporting
Responsibility
qualified biologist to have failed or the young have successfully fledged and are no longer
reliant on the nest. For other species, if an active bird nest is found, the species shall be
identified, and a “no-disturbance” buffer shall be established around the active nest. The
size of the “no-disturbance” buffer shall be increased or decreased based on the judgement
of the qualified biologist and level of activity and sensitivity of the species. The qualified
biologist shall periodically monitor any active bird nests to determine if project-related
activities occurring outside the “no-disturbance” buffer disturb the birds and if the buffer
shall be increased. Once the young have fledged and left the nest, or the nest otherwise
becomes inactive under natural conditions, project activities within the “no-disturbance”
buffer may occur following an additional survey by the qualified biologist to search for any
new bird nests in the restricted area. If no active bird nests are detected during the
clearance survey, Project activities may begin, and no additional avoidance and
minimization measures shall be required.
Results of the nesting bird survey shall be compiled in a report and submitted to the City
and to the USFWS for the project record.
CULTURAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure CUL-1: Inadvertent Discovery of Archaeological Resources.
In the event that any subsurface cultural resources are encountered during earth-moving
activities, it is recommended that all work within 50 feet be halted until a qualified
archaeologist evaluates the findings and makes recommendations. Prehistoric materials
can include flaked-stone tools (e.g., projectile points, knives, choppers) or obsidian, chert,
or quartzite toolmaking debris; culturally darkened soil (i.e., midden soil often containing
heat-affected rock, ash, and charcoal, shellfish remains, and cultural materials); and stone
milling equipment (e.g., mortars, pestles, handstones). Historical materials might include
wood, stone, or concrete footings, walls, and other structural remains; debris-filled wells or
privies; and deposits of wood, metal, glass, ceramics, and other refuse. The archaeologist
may evaluate the find in accordance with State and local guidelines, including those set
forth in the California Public Resources Code Section 21083.2, to assess the significance
of the find and identify avoidance or other measures as appropriate. If suspected prehistoric
or historical archaeological deposits are discovered during construction, all work within the
immediate area of the discovery shall be redirected and the find shall be evaluated by a
qualified archaeologist meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications
Standards for archaeology.
If the archaeologist determines that the resource is prehistoric or otherwise Native
American in origin or potential significance, then consulting Native American tribes will be
contacted to obtain their input as to the significance and treatment of the find. Based on the
recommendations of the qualified archaeologist and the results of consultation with Native
American governments, the City of Rolling Hills Estates shall make a determination, in its
discretion and supported by substantial evidence, whether the find is significant pursuant
to criteria set forth in subdivision (c) of Public Resources Code Section 5024.1 and therefore
constitutes a tribal cultural resource. If the City determines the resource is significant, then
a plan of treatment shall be prepared and implemented by the qualified archaeologist as
informed by the City’s consultation with interested Native American tribal governments.
ATTACHMENT B - PAGE 4 OF 7
H-13
Mitigation Measure
Timeframe of
Mitigation
Monitoring, Enforcement, and Reporting
Responsibility
GEOLOGY AND SOILS
Mitigation Measure GEO-1: Paleontological Resources Monitoring. The Project
shall be monitored by a qualified professional paleontologist during excavation into the
Valmonte diatomite or native Pleistocene-age materials. In the event that paleontological
resources are encountered during earth-disturbing activities, all construction activities in
the area of the find shall be temporarily halted and a qualified paleontologist shall evaluate
the find to determine the appropriate treatment in accordance with Society for Vertebrate
Paleontology guidelines for identification, evaluation, disclosure, avoidance, recovery,
and/or curation, as appropriate. Any fossils recovered during mitigation shall be deposited
to an accredited and permanent scientific institution. A qualified professional paleontologist
is a professional with a graduate degree in paleontology, geology, or related field, with
demonstrated experience in the vertebrate, invertebrate, or botanical paleontology of
California, as well as at least one year of full-time professional experience, or equivalent
specialized training in paleontological research (i.e., the identification of fossil deposits,
application of paleontological field and laboratory procedures and techniques, and curation
of fossil specimens), and at least four months of supervised field and analytic experience
in general North American paleontology.
TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
Mitigation Measure TCR-1: Retain a Native American Monitor Prior to
Commencement of Ground-Disturbing Activities. The Project applicant/lead agency
shall retain a Native American monitor from (or approved by) the Gabrieleño Band of
Mission Indians—Kizh Nation (the “Kizh” or the “Tribe”)—the direct lineal descendants of
the Project location. The monitor shall be retained prior to the commencement of any
“ground-disturbing activity” for the subject Project, at all Project locations (i.e., both on-site
and any off-site locations that are included in the Project description/definition and/or
required in connection with the Project, such as public improvement work). “Ground-
disturbing activity” includes, but is not limited to, pavement removal, potholing, auguring,
grubbing, tree removal, boring, grading, excavation, drilling, and trenching.
A copy of the executed monitoring agreement shall be provided to the lead agency prior to
any ground-disturbing activity for the Project, or the issuance of any permit necessary to
commence a ground-disturbing activity. The Project applicant shall provide the Tribe with a
minimum of 30 days advance written notice of the commencement of any Project ground-
disturbing activity so that the Tribe has sufficient time to secure and schedule a monitor for
the Project.
The Project applicant shall hold at least one preconstruction sensitivity/educational meeting
prior to the commencement of any ground-disturbing activities, where a senior member of
the Tribe will inform and educate the Project’s construction and managerial crew and staff
members (including any Project subcontractors and consultants) about the tribal cultural
resource (TCR) mitigation measures and compliance obligations, as well as places of
significance located on the Project site (if any), the appearance of potential TCRs, and other
informational and operational guidance to aid in the Project’s compliance with the TCR
mitigation measures.
The monitor will complete daily monitoring logs that will provide descriptions of the relevant
ground-disturbing activities, the type of construction activities performed, locations of
ground-disturbing activities, soil types, cultural-related materials, and any other facts,
conditions, materials, or discoveries of significance to the Tribe. Monitor logs will identify
and describe any discovered TCRs, including but not limited to Native American cultural
and historical artifacts, remains, places of significance, etc., as well as any discovered
ATTACHMENT B - PAGE 5 OF 7
H-14
Mitigation Measure
Timeframe of
Mitigation
Monitoring, Enforcement, and Reporting
Responsibility
Native American (ancestral) human remains and burial goods. Copies of monitor logs will
be provided to the Project applicant/lead agency upon written request.
Native American monitoring for the Project shall conclude upon the following: (1) written
confirmation from a designated Project point of contact to the Tribe that all ground-
disturbing activities and all phases that may involve ground-disturbing activities on the
Project site and at any off-site Project location are complete; or (2) written notice by the
Tribe to the Project applicant/lead agency that no future, planned construction activity
and/or development/construction phase (known by the Tribe at that time) at the Project site
possesses the potential to impact TCRs.
Mitigation Measure TCR-2: Discovery of TCRs, Human Remains, and/or Grave
Goods. Upon the discovery of a TCR, all construction activities in the immediate vicinity of
the discovery (i.e., not less than the surrounding 50 feet) shall cease. The Tribe shall be
immediately informed of the discovery, and a Kizh monitor and/or Kizh archaeologist will
promptly report to the location of the discovery to evaluate the TCR and advise the Project
manager regarding the matter, protocol, and any mitigating requirements. No Project
construction activities shall resume in the surrounding 50 feet of the discovered TCR unless
and until the Tribe has completed its assessment/evaluation/recovery of the discovered
TCR and surveyed the surrounding area.
The Tribe will recover and retain all discovered TCRs in the form and/or manner the Tribe
deems appropriate in its sole discretion, and for any purpose the Tribe deems appropriate,
including but not limited to educational, cultural, and historical purposes. If Native American
human remains and/or grave goods are discovered or recognized on the Project site or at
any off-site Project location, then all construction activities shall immediately cease. Native
American “human remains” are defined to include “an inhumation or cremation, and in any
state of decomposition or skeletal completeness” (Public Resources Code Section 5097.98
[d][1]). Funerary objects, referred to as “associated grave goods,” shall be treated in the
same manner and with the same dignity and respect as human remains (Public Resources
Code Section 5097.98 [a], [d][1] and [2]).
Any discoveries of human skeletal material or human remains shall be immediately reported
to the County coroner (Health & Safety Code Section 7050.5[c]; 14 California Code of
Regulations Section 15064.5[e][1][B]), and all Project ground-disturbing activities on site,
and in any other area where the presence of human remains and/or grave goods are
suspected to be present, shall immediately halt and remain halted until the coroner has
determined the nature of the remains (14 California Code of Regulations Section
15064.5[e]). If the coroner recognizes the human remains to be those of a Native American
or has reason to believe they are Native American, he or she shall contact, within 24 hours,
the Native American Heritage Commission, and Public Resources Code Section 5097.98
shall be followed.
Thereafter, construction activities may resume in other parts of the Project site at a
minimum of 50 feet away from discovered human remains and/or grave goods, if the Tribe
determines in its sole discretion that resuming construction activities at that distance is
acceptable and provides the Project manager express consent of that determination (along
with any other mitigation measures the Tribal monitor and/or archaeologist deems
necessary) (14 California Code of Regulations Section 15064.5[f]). Preservation in place
(i.e., avoidance) is the preferred manner of treatment for discovered human remains and/or
grave goods. Any historic archaeological material that is not Native American in origin (non-
TCRs) shall be curated at a public, nonprofit institution with a research interest in the
materials, such as the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County or the Fowler
Museum, if such an institution agrees to accept the material. If no institution accepts the
archaeological material, it shall be offered to a local school or historical society in the area
ATTACHMENT B - PAGE 6 OF 7
H-15
Mitigation Measure
Timeframe of
Mitigation
Monitoring, Enforcement, and Reporting
Responsibility
for educational purposes. Any discovery of human remains and/or grave goods discovered
and/or recovered shall be kept confidential to prevent further disturbance.
Mitigation Measure TCR-3: Procedures for Burials, Funerary Remains, and
Grave Goods. As the Most Likely Descendant (“MLD”), the Koo-nas-gna Burial Policy shall
be implemented for all discovered Native American human remains and/or grave goods.
Tribal traditions include, but are not limited to, the preparation of the soil for burial, the burial
of funerary objects and/or the deceased, and the ceremonial burning of human remains. If
the discovery of human remains includes four or more burials, the discovery location shall
be treated as a cemetery and a separate treatment plan shall be created. The prepared soil
and cremation soils are to be treated in the same manner as bone fragments that remain
intact. Associated “grave goods” (aka, burial goods or funerary objects) are objects that, as
part of the death rite or ceremony of a culture, are reasonably believed to have been placed
with individual human remains either at the time of death or later, as well as other items
made exclusively for burial purposes or to contain human remains. Cremations will either
be removed in bulk or by means necessary to ensure complete recovery of all sacred
materials.
In the case that discovered human remains cannot be fully recovered (and documented)
on the same day, the remains will be covered with muslin cloth and a steel plate that can
be moved by heavy equipment placed over the excavation opening to protect the remains.
If this type of steel plate is not available, a 24-hour guard should be posted outside of
working hours. The Tribe will make every effort to divert the Project while keeping the
remains in situ and protected. If the Project cannot be diverted, it may be determined that
burials will be removed. In the event that preservation in place is not possible despite good
faith efforts by the Project applicant and/or landowner, before ground-disturbing activities
may resume on the Project site, the landowner shall arrange a designated site location
within the footprint of the Project for the respectful reburial of the human remains and/or
ceremonial objects. The site of reburial/repatriation shall be agreed upon by the Tribe and
the landowner, and shall be protected in perpetuity.
Each occurrence of human remains and associated grave goods will be stored using
opaque cloth bags. All human remains, grave goods, funerary objects, sacred objects, and
objects of cultural patrimony will be removed to a secure container on-site if possible. These
items will be retained and shall be reburied within six months of recovery. The Tribe will
work closely with the Project’s qualified archaeologist to ensure that the excavation is
treated carefully, ethically, and respectfully. If data recovery is approved by the Tribe,
documentation shall be prepared and shall include (at a minimum) detailed descriptive
notes and sketches. All data recovery-related forms of documentation shall be approved in
advance by the Tribe. If any data recovery is performed, once complete, a final report shall
be submitted to the Tribe and the NAHC. The Tribe does NOT authorize any scientific study
or the utilization of any invasive and/or destructive diagnostics on human remains.
ATTACHMENT B - PAGE 7 OF 7
H-16
Resolution No. 2523
August 23, 2022 1
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
RESOLUTION NO. 2523
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ESTATES,
APPROVING A PRECISE PLAN OF DESIGN (PPD) (PA-220255) FOR THE DEMOLITION OF
THE EXISTING GEORGE F CANYON NATURE CENTER FACILITY AND CONSTRUCTION
AND OPERATION OF A NEW NATURE CENTER FACILITY. APPLICANT: CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES; LOCATION: 27305 PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST.
The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills Estates resolves as follows:
SECTION 1. General Findings. The City Council finds as follows:
A. The City of Rolling Hills Estates filed a self-application (PA-220255) for a Precise
Plan of Design (PPD) for the construction of a new replacement city-owned Nature Center
facility (George F Canyon Nature Center) (“Project”). The Project consists of a new building and
associated facilities that will increase the size of the Center from 1,450 square feet to 3,290
square feet, and will provide 22 parking spaces in a newly configured parking lot.
B. An Initial Study (“IS”) was prepared by the City in conformance with the
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and the State CEQA
Guidelines. The IS indicated that the Project would not have a significant impact on the
environment with proper mitigation. As such, a Mitigated Negative Declaration (“MND”) was
prepared.
C. The Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the Project
on July 11, 2022. All interested parties were given full opportunity to be heard and to present
evidence.
D. At its meeting on July 11, 2022, the Planning Commission recommended adoption
of the IS/MND and approval of the Project to the City Council.
E. The City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the IS/MND and the
Project August 23, 2022. All interested parties were given full opportunity to be heard and to
present evidence.
F. The City Council has approved Resolution No. 2522, which adopted the IS/MND
and a Mitigating Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Project.
SECTION 2. Precise Plan of Design Findings. The City Council finds with respect to the
Precise Plan of Design application as follows:
A. The granting of this application will not be materially detrimental to the public
welfare or injurious to property and improvements in the zoning district (Open Space Recreation
(OS-R)) and neighborhood in which the property is located because the proposed improvements
will be regulated via a Precise Plan of Design (Rolling Hills Estates Municipal Code (“RHEMC”)
section 17.15.040 (A)), to mitigate Project impacts.
B. The granting of this application will not be contrary to the objectives of the General
Plan because the development is consistent with the General Plan’s Goals and Policies and the
OS-R District.
C. The granting of this application is consistent with the municipal code because a
nature center facility is a permitted use under RHEMC Chapter 17.15.
SECTION 3. Approval of a Precise Plan of Design. The foregoing findings constitute
sufficient grounds for approval of a Precise Plan of Design for the demolition and replacement of
an existing city-owned nature center facility.
This approval is granted subject to the following conditions, which the city will strive to meet at all
times. The City Council may modify these conditions from time to time and/or provide direction to
ATTACHMENT C - PAGE 1 OF 16
H-17
Resolution No. 2523
August 23, 2022 2
the City Manager to address any concerns that may produce negative impacts to the surrounding
neighborhood(s) from this use.
General Conditions
1. That all improvements hereafter constructed or installed on land which is the subject of
this approval must be located substantially as shown on Exhibit A and constructed of
materials indicated on the plans and materials and color board. Minor modifications may
be approved by the City Manager. Major modifications must be approved by the City
Council.
2. The new nature center facility will continue to provide an interpretive center, including an
outdoor classroom deck, and offer the same or similar activities as presently hosted by
the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (Conservancy). The list of general uses
and hours of operation are attached as Exhibit B.
3. The new nature center building will have the ability to host community center events in a
shared fashion with the Conservancy. It is estimated that the attendance for community
events will not exceed 60 people, including the use of the outdoor decks. The community
use of this facility will be managed by city staff, and the City Manager is authorized to
adopt use rules and regulations for the facility consistent with this approval. Hours of
use will generally be limited to daytime use, with any evening events ending by 10 pm.
Smoking at the facility is prohibited, as well as amplified music and any type of events
that would produce noise in excess of city noise regulations for a prolonged period.
4. Parking for the facility will be provided off-street in a new parking lot providing 22 parking
spaces, including two handicapped spaces. Fourteen (14) new parallel parking spaces
will be provided on Palos Verdes Drive East, just south of the facility. At the city’s
discretion, an additional 10 parking spaces may also be provided on Palos Verdes Drive
East, further to the south of the 14 on-street parking spaces. Additional parking will also
be available in a shared fashion with the unimproved gravel parking areas located at the
trail head, providing an additional 40 parking spaces. Total potential parking for the use
is established at 86 spaces. In the rare event that more parking is needed, city staff will
coordinate the use of a shuttle service, with off-site parking being provided nearby. No
nature center and/or community room parking is intended to occur on Hitching Post
Drive. The city may place “No Nature Center Parking” signs on Hitching Post Drive,
specifically at the street’s entrance from Palos Verdes Drive North, and may enforce
such parking restrictions through the Los Angles County Sherriff’s Department.
5. The final landscaping plan must meet the city’s water efficiency requirements as set forth
in Chapter 17.59 of the RHEMC. The intent of the site’s landscaping is to retain as
much existing landscaping as feasible and to use drought tolerant native plants where
additional landscaping is necessary or desired. Lastly, the site is intended to retain
rainwater runoff on-site through approved Low Impact Development (LID) design and
building code requirements.
6. The signage plan for the facility must be reviewed and approved by the City Manager. It
is recommended that the city’s standard white and green lettering monument signs be
used along the public right-of-way in addition to the building’s proposed signage. It is
also recommended that white three-rail fencing be used around the site’s public right-of-
way.
7. The facility’s security lighting plan and security fencing/gates between the building and
outdoor classroom must be reviewed and approved by the City Manager. Lighting must
be kept to a minimum and shieled and directed down onto the site in accordance with
RHEMC Chapter 17.42.
8. The city will cause to maintain the buildings and site in a neat, safe, and healthful
condition at all times. The city will coordinate for waste and recycling services and
provide for the location of receptacles in the appropriate areas for public use. Larger
containers/dumpsters must be stored and screened from public view and kept clean and
free of odors at all times.
9. Any roof-mounted equipment must be screened from view to the satisfaction of the City
Manager.
10. All deliveries of goods and supplies, trash pick-up (including the use of parking lot trash
sweepers), and the operation of machinery or mechanical equipment that emits noise
ATTACHMENT C - PAGE 2 OF 16
H-18
Resolution No. 2523
August 23, 2022 3
levels in excess of 65dBA, is only allowed between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM
daily.
SECTION 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause,
phrase, or portion of this resolution is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the
decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision will not affect the validity of the
remainder of this resolution. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this
resolution, and each and every section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or
portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions,
sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof is declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 5. Record of Proceedings. The City Clerk is directed to certify to the adoption
of this Resolution and to keep a copy of same along with such other documents and records of
proceedings as may be designated by the City Manager.
ADOPTED this 23rd day of August, 2022.
____________________________________
FRANK V. ZERUNYAN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
________________________________
LAUREN PETTIT, CITY CLERK
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution No. 2523 was adopted by the City Council of
the City of Rolling Hills Estates at a regular meeting held thereof on the 23rd day of August, 2022,
by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
____________________________________
LAUREN PETTIT, CITY CLERK
ATTACHMENT C - PAGE 3 OF 16
H-19
HITCHING POST DRIVE'
'PALOS VERDES DRIVE EASTP A L O S V E R D E S D R IV E N O R T H
16 16 32
16 Bolton Engineering Corp.Civil Engineering and Surveying25834 Narbonne Avenue Suite 210Lomita, Ca. 90717Ph: 310-325-5580 Fax: 310-325-55811
Legend
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.
5
30% CD-4/20/22 ENGINEERING CORP.C i v i l E n g i n e e r i n g & S u r v e y i n g2 5 8 3 4 N a r b o n n e A v e n u e S t e . 2 1 0L o m i t a C a l i f o r n i a 9 0 7 1 7P h o n e ( 3 1 0 ) 3 2 5 - 5 5 8 0C3GRADING and DRAINAGE PLAN1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
3
15
16
3
3
3
3
3
1
2
9
9
9
94
4
4
4
4
5
16
16
16
2
2
2
13
13
13
6
6
7
8
2
4
4
4
4
15
17
17
17
17
17
17
16
12
12
4
4
4
4
1
1
14
14
14
14
10
10
5
2
18
18
13
13
18
10
11
11
11
18
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
14
15
20
TYP
20
TYP
20
TYP
20
TYP
20
18
EXHIBIT A ATTACHMENT C - PAGE 5 OF 16
H-21
VANRoesling NakamuraTerada ArchitectsSheet NameDateDrawn byChecked bySheet Number363 Fifth AcenueSan Diego, CaliforniaP: 619.233.1023F: 619.233.0016www.RNTarchitects.comRNT Job No.RevisionsAll ideas, design arrangements, and plans indicated or represented by this drawing are owned by, and the property of Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects, Inc. and were created, evolved, and developed for use on and in connection with this project. None of such ideas, arrangements, or plans shall be used by or disclosed to any person, firm, or corporation for any purpose whatsoever without the written permission of Roesling Nakamura Tarada Architects, Inc. Filing of these drawings or specifications with any public agency is not a publication of same. No reproduction is therefore permissable without the written consent of RNT.RHE PROJECTNUMBER:CONSULTANT LOGOCONSULTANT STAMP ARCHITECT STAMP3/18/2022 12:38:43 PM842GEORGE FCANYONNATURECENTERCITY OF ROLLINGHILLS ESTATESDESIGNDEVELOPMENTPALOS VERDESPENINSULA LANDCONSERVANCY2500 PALOS VERDESDRIVE N. ROLLINGHILLS ESTATES, CA90274No. Description DateHARDSCAPEPLANL1.01NH A R D S C A P E L E G E N DHARDSCAPEDETAILROCK MULCH / BOULDERSWALLS / CURBS / EDGINGFENCES / STAIRSFURNISHINGSMISCELLANEOUSBY OTHERSEXISTING TO REMAINOTHERREFER TO L1.02 FOR FULL HARDSCAPE LEGENDLIMIT OF WORKLIMIT OF WORK
LIMIT OF WORKEXHIBIT AATTACHMENT C - PAGE 6 OF 16H-22
VANOTHERNOTERoesling NakamuraTerada ArchitectsSheet NameDateDrawn byChecked bySheet Number363 Fifth AcenueSan Diego, CaliforniaP: 619.233.1023F: 619.233.0016www.RNTarchitects.comRNT Job No.RevisionsAll ideas, design arrangements, and plans indicated or represented by this drawing are owned by, and the property of Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects, Inc. and were created, evolved, and developed for use on and in connection with this project. None of such ideas, arrangements, or plans shall be used by or disclosed to any person, firm, or corporation for any purpose whatsoever without the written permission of Roesling Nakamura Tarada Architects, Inc. Filing of these drawings or specifications with any public agency is not a publication of same. No reproduction is therefore permissable without the written consent of RNT.RHE PROJECTNUMBER:CONSULTANT LOGOCONSULTANT STAMP ARCHITECT STAMP3/18/2022 12:38:43 PM842GEORGE FCANYONNATURECENTERCITY OF ROLLINGHILLS ESTATESDESIGNDEVELOPMENTPALOS VERDESPENINSULA LANDCONSERVANCY2500 PALOS VERDESDRIVE N. ROLLINGHILLS ESTATES, CA90274No.Description DatePLANTINGPLANL3.01NP L A N T L E G E N DEXHIBIT AATTACHMENT C - PAGE 7 OF 16H-23
375375375375375375370
370370370370365D
YH D
YH
WV
WV VAN1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
DN
DN
-
-
GEORGE F
CANYON
NATURE
CENTER
OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM
PARKING LOT
(22 SPACES)
P A L O S V E R D E S D R IV E N O R T H
PALOS VERDES DRIVE EASTHI
TCHI
NG POST DRI
VELIMIT OF WORK
L IM IT O F W O R K
MWD R.O.W.MWD R.O.W.
P A
P A
P A
P A
P A
ENTRY
COURT
EXISTING
AMPHITHEATRE
HITCHING
POST
BIKE
RACK
321216A
321313A
323913A
321726A
321713A
321600A
033000L
LEGEND
EXISTING BUILDING OUTLINE
PROPOSED BUILDINGS
LIMIT OF WORK
PROPERTY LINE
ASSUMED PROPERTY LINE
(E) FIRE ACCESS LANE
CONCRETE PAVING,
REFER TO LANDSCAPE AND
CIVIL DRAWINGS
DECOMPOSED GRANITE
REFER TO LANDSCAPE
EXPANSION JOINT, REFER TO
20/AS-6.0
SAW CUT SCORE JOINT, REFER
TO 20/AS-6.0
PLANTER AREA
REFER TO LANDSCAPE
DRAWINGS
ASPHALTIC CONCRETE PAVING,
REFER TO 16/AS-6.0
TREE, REFER TO LANDSCAPE
PLANTING PLAN
PA
EJ
1. REFER TO SHEET T -2 FOR GENERAL NOTES AND STANDARDS.
2. REFER TO SHEET T -3 FOR ARCHITECTURAL SYMBOLS AND
ABBREVIATIONS AND DIMENSIONING STANDARDS.
3. REFER TO SHEETS T-4 & T-5 FOR ADDITIONAL CODE RELATED
INFORMATION INCLUDING OCCUPANCY LOADS, CODE REQUIRED
EXITS, PATH OF EGRESS AND WALL RATINGS.
4. REFER TO SHEET T-4 FOR ADDITIONAL SITE ACCESS RELATED
INFORMATION INCLUDING PATH OF TRAVEL AND DISTANCE
REQUIREMENTS.
5. REFER TO LC-1 & LC-2 FOR EXTENT OF ALTERNATES
6. SOLAR READY PER CBEES 110.10 TO BE PROVIDED BY OWNER AT
COVERED PARKING WITHIN 250’-0”OF BUILDING.
7. A MINIMUM OF 65 PERCENT OF NONHAZARDOUS CONSTRUCTION
AND DEMOLITION WASTE SHALL BE DIVERTED FROM DISPOSAL BY
EFFICIENT USAGE, RECYCLING, REUSE ON THE PROJECT, OR
SALVAGE FOR FUTURE USE OR SALE.
8. UNLESS VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTATION FROM A WASTE
MANAGEMENT COMPANY IS PROVIDED DEMONSTRATING A
MINIMUM 65 PERCENT OF CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
WASTE HAS BEEN DIVERTED FROM LANDFILLS, A CONSTRUCTION
WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN SHALL BE MAINTAINED ON SITE AND
SHALL IDENTIFY THE WASTE MATERIALS TO BE DIVERTED FROM
DISPOSAL, DETERMINE IF WASTE MATERIALS WILL BE SORTED
ON-SITE OR BULK MIXED, IDENTIFY THE DIVERSION FACILITIES
WHERE MATERIALS COLLECTED WILL BE TAKEN, AND SPECIFIES
THE AMOUNT OF MATERIALS DIVERTED SHALL BE CALCULATED
BY WEIGHT OR VOLUME, BUT NOT BOTH
9. 100% OF TREES, STUMPS, ROCKS, AND ASSOCIATED VEGETATION
AND SOILS RESULTING PRIMARILY FROM LAND CLEARING SHALL
BE REUSED OR RECYCLED UNLESS SUCH MATERIAL IS
CONTAMINATED BY DISEASE OR PEST INFESTATION.
10. AT COVERED TRASH ENCLOSURE TRASH COLLECTION AREA(S)
WITH MINIMUM 50% OF THE AREA(S) DEDICATED TO RECYCLING.
(PRC 42911, PRC 42910-12)
11. REFER TO CIVIL DRAWINGS FOR HORIZONTAL CONTROL POINTS.
12. CONCTRACTOR TO ALLOW IN AND OUT ACCESS TO DPW
EQUIPMENT/STAFF DURING CONSTRUCTION FOR ROAD
MAINTENANCE/SNOW REMOVAL AND DELIVERIES TO FUEL
STATION
13. CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY POWER AND GAS TO THE
[E] EQUIPMENT STORAGE BUILDING DURING CONSTRUCTION
GENERAL NOTES
Roesling Nakamura
Terada Architects
Sheet Name
Date
Drawn by
Checked by
Sheet Number
363 Fifth Acenue
San Diego, California
P: 619.233.1023
F: 619.233.0016
www.RNTarchitects.com
RNT Job No.
Revisions
All ideas, design arrangements, and plans indicated or represented by this drawing are owned by, and the property of RoeslingNakamura Terada Architects, Inc. and were created, evolved, and developed for use on and in connection with this project. None of such ideas, arrangements, or plans shall be used by or disclosed to any person, firm, or corporation for any purpose whatsoever without the written permission of Roesling Nakamura Tarada Architects, Inc. Filing of these drawings or specifications with any public agency is not a publication of same. No reproduction is therefore permissable without the written consent of RNT.RHE PROJECT
NUMBER: CONSULTANT LOGOCONSULTANT STAMPARCHITECT STAMP4/22/2022 8:39:44 AM
AS-101
SITE PLAN
842
GEORGE F
CANYON
NATURE
CENTER
04/22/2022
MC
RE
DESIGN
DEVELOPMENT
Owner
2500 PALOS VERDES
DRIVE N. ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES, CA
90274
KEYNOTES No. Description Date
0 20 3010
1" = 10'-0"NORTH
033000L CONCRETE, 6" CURB
321216A ASPHALT, REFER TO CIVIL
321313A CONCRETE PAVING, REFER TO CIVIL
321600A DRIVEWAY CURB CUT - FIRE TRUCK
ACCESSIBLE
321713A PARKING BUMPER
321726A TACTILE WARNING PAVERS, REFER TO 5/L1.3
323913A BOLLARDS FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL
EXHIBIT A ATTACHMENT C - PAGE 8 OF 16
H-24
2
DN
DN
WV
2
DN
DN
A-3012
A-301
A-301
A-301
1
4
334' - 0"FDCBAE
1
3
2
17' - 0"17' - 0"10' - 0"10' - 0"10' - 0"9' - 6"11' - 2"
G
6
4
512' - 0"12' - 0"H23' - 8"
A-3016
A-301
5
A-301 8
A-301
7
1234 SF
GALLERY AND
LECTURE
101
116 SF
OFFICE
102
64 SF
TOILET ROOM
105
65 SF
TOILET ROOM
106
71 SF
STRG.
104
29 SF
STRG.
103
176 SF
STRG.
108
1
A-401
4
A-401
3
A-401
2
A-401
5
A-401
43' - 0 5/8"A-601
1
2
3
4
A-6018
5
6
7
A-601
11
9
12 10
A-601
15
13
16
14
10 SF
ELEC.
107
1' - 6"7' - 0"20' - 0"033000A
101B
101E101G101H 101I 101J 101K
102A
102B101A101F033000A
067300A
108B
108A
101A
102A103A
107A
104A
101B
724 SF
OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM
109
399 SF
GALLERY PATIO
110
134 SF
T.R. PATIO
111
105A
106A
126723A
FDCBAE
1
3
2
G
6
4
5
H
10' - 0"10' - 0"10' - 0"9' - 6"11' - 2"17' - 0"17' - 0"23' - 8"12' - 0"12' - 0"1
A-401
4
A-401
3
A-401
2
A-401
5
A-401
4" / 1'-0"4" / 1'-0"076113A
FUTURE SOLAR 0" / 1'-0"1/4" / 1'-0"GENERAL NOTES
1. REFER TO AD-101 FOR WALL ASSEMBLIES AND FIRE
RATED DESIGN INFORMATION.
2. REFER TO CODE SHEETS FOR ADDITIONAL CODE
RELATED INFORMATION INCLUDING OCCUPANCY LOADS,
CODE REQUIRED EXITS, PATH OF EGRESS AND WALL
RAITINGS.
3. REFER TO AD-111 FOR TREATMENT OF FIRE AND
ACOUSTICAL PENETRATION DETAILS.
4. ALL INTERIOR PARTITION WALLS TO BE ACOUSTICALLY
SEALED AND FULL HEIGHT TO UNDERSIDE OF DECK
UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE. FIRE RATED TREATMENT OF
HEAD, FLOOR AND AT PENETRATIONS IS ACCEPTABLE IN
LIEU OF ACOUSTIC TREATMENT.
5. FOR FLOORS SLOPING TO DRAIN PROVIDE 1.9% MAXIMUM
FLOOR SLOPE.
6. REFER TO "AS" SHEETS FOR ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS
OF SITE ELEMENTS, EXTERIOR STAIRS AND SITE DETAILS.
7. REFER TO S102 FOR LOCATION OF STRUCTURAL
COLUMNS AND SHEAR WALLS
LEGEND
6" WOOD STUD WALL
4" WOOD STUD WALL
LINE OF SOFFIT OR STRUCTURE ABOVE
WALL TYPE, REFER TO AD-101
SIGNAGE TYPE, REFER TO AD-701
FEC-1
101-A
0000A
2A
1t
DOOR, REFER TO DOOR SCHEDULE; A-701
WINDOW, REFER TO WINDOW SCHEDULE; A-702
FIRE EXTINGUISHER CABINET, REFER TO AD-111
FLOOR DRAIN, REFER TO PLUMBING DRAWINGS
1 HR FIRE RATING, REFER TO WALL TYPES AD-101
Roesling Nakamura
Terada Architects
Sheet Name
Date
Drawn by
Checked by
Sheet Number
363 Fifth Acenue
San Diego, California
P: 619.233.1023
F: 619.233.0016
www.RNTarchitects.com
RNT Job No.
Revisions
All ideas, design arrangements, and plans indicated or represented by this drawing are owned by, and the property of RoeslingNakamura Terada Architects, Inc. and were created, evolved, and developed for use on and in connection with this project. None of such ideas, arrangements, or plans shall be used by or disclosed to any person, firm, or corporation for any purpose whatsoever without the written permission of Roesling Nakamura Tarada Architects, Inc. Filing of these drawings or specifications with any public agency is not a publication of same. No reproduction is therefore permissable without the written consent of RNT.RHE PROJECT
NUMBER: CONSULTANT LOGOCONSULTANT STAMPARCHITECT STAMP5/19/2022 6:08:53 PM
A-101
FLOOR AND
ROOF PLAN
842
GEORGE F
CANYON
NATURE
CENTER
CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES
04/22/2022
MC
RE
DESIGN
DEVELOPMENT
PALOS VERDES
PENINSULA LAND
CONSERVANCY
2500 PALOS VERDES
DRIVE N. ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES, CA
90274
1/8" = 1'-0"1 Level 1
1/8" = 1'-0"2 Roof Plan
No. Description Date
0 16 248
1" = 8'-0"
NORTH
033000A CONCRETE, CAST IN PLACE SLAB, REFER
TO STRUCTURAL
067300A EXTERIOR COMPOSITE DECKING
076113A 12" STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF, REFER
TO AD-501
126723A BENCH, SEAT HEIGHT 17"-19" A.F.F., BOLT
TO FLOOR
KEYNOTES
EXHIBIT A ATTACHMENT C - PAGE 9 OF 16
H-25
A-3012
A-301
A-301
A-301
1
4
3
FDCBAE
1
3
2
G
6
4
5
H
A-3016
A-301
5
A-301 8
A-301
7
1
A-401
3
A-401
2
A-401
5
A-401
OFFICE
102STRG.
103
TOILET ROOM
105
TOILET ROOM
106
STRG.
104
ELEC.
107
GALLERY AND
LECTURE
101
STRG.
108
GENERAL NOTES
1. REFER TO AD-101 FOR WALL ASSEMBLIES AND FIRE RATED DESIGN
INFORMATION.
2. REFER TO AD-401 SHEETS FOR TREATMENT OF FIRE AND ACOUSTICAL
PENETRATION DETAILS.
3. ALL INTERIOR PARTITION WALLS TO BE ACOUSTICALLY SEALED AND
FULL HEIGHT TO UNDERSIDE OF DECK UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.
FIRE RATED TREATMENT OF HEAD, FLOOR AND AT PENETRATIONS IS
ACCEPTABLE IN LIEU OF ACOUSTIC TREATMENT.
4. INSTALL ALL REQUIRED BACKING FOR LIGHT FIXTURE SUPPORTS.
5. PAINT ALL EXPOSED STEEL, PIPE, CONDUIT, AND DUCTWORK.
6. DO NOT EXPOSE PIPES OR CONDUITS UNLESS SPECIFICALLY NOTED.
7. REFER TO MECH. & PLUMB, FIRE SPRINKLER DWGS FOR ADDITIONAL
ACCESS PANELS.
8. FOR ELECTRICAL FIXTURES REFER TO ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS
9. FOR MECHANICAL LEGEND SEE M001
10. STATION ALERTING SYSTEM UNDER SEPRATE CONTRACT. ALL
INTERIOR SPEAKER LOCATIONS ALSO INCLUDE STROBES.
LEGEND
GYP. BD. CEILING - PAINT
2'X2' SUSPENDED LAY-IN ACOUSTAL PANEL CEILING -REFER AD-400
EXPOSED 2X T+G WOOD DECKING
DOWN LIGHT -RECESSED LED CAN, REFER TO ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS
2X2 LAY IN LED LIGHT, REFER TO ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS
HIGH BAY LED LIGHT FIXTURE,REFER TO ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS
PENDANT MOUNTED LED LIGHT FIXTURE, REFER TO ELECTRICAL
DRAWINGS
SURFACE MOUNTED LED LIGHT FIXTURE,REFER TO ELECTRICAL
DRAWINGS
WALL MOUNTED LED LIGHT FIXTURE, REFER TO ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS
WALL MOUNTED LED SCONCE, REFER TO ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS
RETURN AIR GRILL, REFER TO MECHANICAL DRAWINGS
SUPPLY AIR DIFFUSER, REFER TO MECHANICAL DRAWINGS
EXHAUST FAN REGISTER, REFER TO MECHANICAL DRAWINGS
1 HOUR RATED WALL, OCCUPANCY SEPARATION
EXIT LIGHT -REFER TO ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS
SKYLIGHT REFER TO AD-501
THE FLOOR/CEILING ASSEMBLY IN THE AREA OF THE SLEEPING UNITS
SHALL HAVE A MINIMUM FIRE RATING OF ½ HOUR [420.3, 711.2.4.3]
NEW SPEAKER WITH LIGHT, NIC
STROBES, NIC
SMOKE DETECTOR, NIC
SP
STR
SD
Roesling Nakamura
Terada Architects
Sheet Name
Date
Drawn by
Checked by
Sheet Number
363 Fifth Acenue
San Diego, California
P: 619.233.1023
F: 619.233.0016
www.RNTarchitects.com
RNT Job No.
Revisions
All ideas, design arrangements, and plans indicated or represented by this drawing are owned by, and the property of RoeslingNakamura Terada Architects, Inc. and were created, evolved, and developed for use on and in connection with this project. None of such ideas, arrangements, or plans shall be used by or disclosed to any person, firm, or corporation for any purpose whatsoever without the written permission of Roesling Nakamura Tarada Architects, Inc. Filing of these drawings or specifications with any public agency is not a publication of same. No reproduction is therefore permissable without the written consent of RNT.RHE PROJECT
NUMBER: CONSULTANT LOGOCONSULTANT STAMPARCHITECT STAMP5/19/2022 6:09:44 PM
A-201
REFLECTED
CEILING
PLAN
842
GEORGE F
CANYON
NATURE
CENTER
CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES
04/22/2022
Author
Checker
DESIGN
DEVELOPMENT
PALOS VERDES
PENINSULA LAND
CONSERVANCY
2500 PALOS VERDES
DRIVE N. ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES, CA
90274
No. Description Date
1/8" = 1'-0"1 Level 1
EXHIBIT A ATTACHMENT C - PAGE 10 OF 16
H-26
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
F D C B AE
Level 3
18' -0"
1
A-401
2
A-401
074626A
076113A
076413A
084113A
040200B
051200A
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
Level 3
18' -0"
1324
A-401
076413A
040200A
081120A
074626A
084113A
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
FDCBAE
Level 3
18' -0"
1
A-401
2
A-401
055213C
076113A
051519A
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
Level 3
18' -0"
1 32
4
A-401
074626A
084113A
067300A
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
Level 3
18' -0"
GH
5
A-401
040200B
051200A
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
Level 3
18' -0"
6 45
3
A-401
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
Level 3
18' -0"
G H
5
A-401
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
Level 3
18' -0"
645
3
A-401
GENERAL NOTES
1. REFER TO SHEET T-1.2 FOR GENERAL NOTES AND STANDARDS.
2. REFER TO SHEET T-1.1 FOR ARCHITECTURAL SYMBOLS, ABBREVIATIONS AND DIMENSIONING STANDARDS.
3. REFER TO ROOF PLAN FOR ROOF ASSEMBLY INFORMATION
4. LOCATE CONTROL AND CONSTRUCTION JOINTS IN ALL FINISH ASSEMBLIES AS NOTES ON ELEVATIONS AND AS REQUIRED BY SPECIFICATIONS.
5. REFER TO SHEET A-702 FOR WINDOW SCHEDULE
6. REFER TO SHEET A-701 FOR DOOR SCHEDULE
7. PROVIDE RATED ASSEMBLIES AS NOTED ON PLANS.
8. COMPLY WITH COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE PLAN REVIEW LIST
A. VENT OPENINGS IN EXTERIOR WALLS AND EXTERIOR DOORS SHALL BE LISTED TO ASTM E 2886.
Roesling Nakamura
Terada Architects
Sheet Name
Date
Drawn by
Checked by
Sheet Number
363 Fifth Acenue
San Diego, California
P: 619.233.1023
F: 619.233.0016
www.RNTarchitects.com
RNT Job No.
Revisions
All ideas, design arrangements, and plans indicated or represented by this drawing are owned by, and the property of RoeslingNakamura Terada Architects, Inc. and were created, evolved, and developed for use on and in connection with this project. None of such ideas, arrangements, or plans shall be used by or disclosed to any person, firm, or corporation for any purpose whatsoever without the written permission of Roesling Nakamura Tarada Architects, Inc. Filing of these drawings or specifications with any public agency is not a publication of same. No reproduction is therefore permissable without the written consent of RNT.RHE PROJECT
NUMBER: CONSULTANT LOGOCONSULTANT STAMPARCHITECT STAMP5/18/2022 1:56:03 PM
A-301
BUILDING
ELEVATIONS
842
GEORGE F
CANYON
NATURE
CENTER
CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES
04/22/2022
Author
Checker
DESIGN
DEVELOPMENT
PALOS VERDES
PENINSULA LAND
CONSERVANCY
2500 PALOS VERDES
DRIVE N. ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES, CA
90274
No. Description Date
1/8" = 1'-0"1 GALLERY-NORTH
1/8" = 1'-0"2 GALLERY-EAST
1/8" = 1'-0"3 GALLERY-SOUTH
1/8" = 1'-0"4 GALLERY-WEST
1/8" = 1'-0"5 OUTDOOR CLASSROOM - NORTH
1/8" = 1'-0"6 OUTDOOR CLASSROOM - EAST
1/8" = 1'-0"7 OUTDOOR CLASSROOM - SOUTH
1/8" = 1'-0"8 OUTDOOR CLASSROOM - WEST
067300A EXTERIOR COMPOSITE DECKING
074626A FIBER CEMENT SIDING, REFER TO WALL TYPES
076113A 12" STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF, REFER TO AD-501
076413A VERTICAL CORRUGATED ALUMINUM PANEL, GALV.
081120A ALUMINUM STOREFRONT DOOR, REFER TO DOOR
SCHEDULE
084113A ALUMINUM-FRAMED STOREFRONT WINDOW
040200A CMU RETAINING WALL
040200B PALOS VERDES STONE VENEER OVER CMU WALL
051200A EXPOSED STRUCTURAL STEEL FRAMING, GALV.
PAINT
051519A CABLE RAILING STAINLESS STEEL, REFER TO
14/AD-901
055213C POST MOUNTED GUARDRAIL/HANDRAIL, REFER TO
13/AD-901
KEYNOTES
EXHIBIT A ATTACHMENT C - PAGE 11 OF 16
H-27
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
Level 3
18' -0"
1 32
4
A-401
061753A
074626A
089119A
084100A
033000A
067300A7' - 11"Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
Level 3
18' -0"
1 324
A-401
22' - 1 1/4"GH
5
A-401
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
F D C B AE
Level 3
18' -0"
1
A-401
2
A-401
089119A 076113A
084113A
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
6453
A-401
OUTDOOR
CLASSROOM
12' - 0"12' - 0"
074626A040200B
051200A
LEGEND
WALL PER PLAN, REFER TO WALL TYPES
FIRE RATED WALL PER WALL TYPES
GENERAL NOTES
1. REFER TO A-103 FOR ROOF ASSEMBLY INFORMATION.
2. REFER TO A-103 FOR ROOF SLOPE INFORMATION.
3. REFER TO AD-101 & AD-102 FOR WALL ASSEMBLIES AND FIRE RATED
DESIGN INFORMATION.
4. PROVIDE RATED ASSEMBLIES AS NOTED ON FLOOR PLANS.
5. REFER TO AD-101 & AD-102 SHEETS FOR TREATMENT OF FIRE AND
ACOUSTICAL PENETRATION DETAILS.
6. ALL INTERIOR PARTITION WALLS TO BE ACOUSTICALLY SEALED AND
FULL HEIGHT TO UNDERSIDE OF DECK UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.
FIRE RATED TREATMENT OF HEAD, FLOOR AND AT PENETRATIONS IS
ACCEPTABLE IN LIEU OF ACOUSTIC TREATMENT.
7. HANDRAIL EXTENSIONS NOT REQUIRED TOP AND BOTTOM OF
STAIRS[1014.6 EXCEPTION 2]
8.PAPER FACED INSULATION IS NOT PERMITTED IN ATTICS OR
VENTILATED SPACES DUE TO THE POTENTIAL OF EMBERS IGNITING
THE PAPER. FOIL-BACKED OR UN-FACED FIBERGLASS BATTS AND
BLANKETS ARE BETTER SUITED TO CONDITIONS OF POTENTIAL FIRE
HAZARDS. USE FOIL-BACKED INSULATION IN AREAS WHERE A VAPOR
BARRIER IS REQUIRED.
Roesling Nakamura
Terada Architects
Sheet Name
Date
Drawn by
Checked by
Sheet Number
363 Fifth Acenue
San Diego, California
P: 619.233.1023
F: 619.233.0016
www.RNTarchitects.com
RNT Job No.
Revisions
All ideas, design arrangements, and plans indicated or represented by this drawing are owned by, and the property of RoeslingNakamura Terada Architects, Inc. and were created, evolved, and developed for use on and in connection with this project. None of such ideas, arrangements, or plans shall be used by or disclosed to any person, firm, or corporation for any purpose whatsoever without the written permission of Roesling Nakamura Tarada Architects, Inc. Filing of these drawings or specifications with any public agency is not a publication of same. No reproduction is therefore permissable without the written consent of RNT.RHE PROJECT
NUMBER: CONSULTANT LOGOCONSULTANT STAMPARCHITECT STAMP5/19/2022 6:17:38 PM
A-401
BUILDING
SECTIONS
842
GEORGE F
CANYON
NATURE
CENTER
CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES
04/22/2022
Author
Checker
DESIGN
DEVELOPMENT
PALOS VERDES
PENINSULA LAND
CONSERVANCY
2500 PALOS VERDES
DRIVE N. ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES, CA
90274
1/8" = 1'-0"1 Section 1
1/8" = 1'-0"2 Section 2
1/8" = 1'-0"3 Section 3
1/8" = 1'-0"5 Section 5
No. Description Date
033000A CONCRETE, CAST IN PLACE SLAB, REFER TO
STRUCTURAL
040200B PALOS VERDES STONE VENEER OVER CMU WALL
051200A EXPOSED STRUCTURAL STEEL FRAMING, GALV.
PAINT
061753A WOOD AND STEEL ROOF TRUSSES
067300A EXTERIOR COMPOSITE DECKING
074626A FIBER CEMENT SIDING, REFER TO WALL TYPES
076113A 12" STANDING SEAM METAL ROOF, REFER TO AD-501
084100A ALUMINUM FRAMED FOLDING GLASS WALL
084113A ALUMINUM-FRAMED STOREFRONT WINDOW
089119A FIXED LOUVER, REFER TO 7,12 & 17/AD-301
KEYNOTES
EXHIBIT A ATTACHMENT C - PAGE 12 OF 16
H-28
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
074626A123216B
123216A
224200H
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
092900A
081416A
6' - 0"Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
074626A
224713A 084100A
084113A
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
084113A
115200F
061753A
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 2
10' -0"
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 1
0' -0"
093013B
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 1
0' -0"
Level 1
0' -0"
GENERAL NOTES
1. REFER TO SHEET A-703 FOR FINISH SCHEDULES AND MATERIAL
LEGEND.
2. REFER TO AD-801 FOR TYPICAL WALL MOUNTED FIXTURE HEIGHTS.
3. REFER TO INTERIOR WALL DETAILS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ON CONTROL JOINTS AND THE INSTALLATION AND ANCHORAGE OF
WALL MOUNTED ITEMS.
4. REFER TO FIRE AND ACOUSTICAL DETAILS AD-111 FOR
INFORMATION ON FIRE AND ACOUTSICALLY RATED WALL
PENETRATION AND JOINTS.
5. REFER TO CASEWORK DETAILS FOR MORE INFORMATION.
6. ALL CASEWORK SHALL BE SOLID PHENOLIC WITH SOLID SURFACE
COUNTERTOPS AT KITCHEN, SOLID SURFACE COUNTEROPS AT
BATHROOMS AND SOLID PHENOLIC COUNTEROPS AT ALL OTHER
LOCATIONS.
KEYNOTES
Roesling Nakamura
Terada Architects
Sheet Name
Date
Drawn by
Checked by
Sheet Number
363 Fifth Acenue
San Diego, California
P: 619.233.1023
F: 619.233.0016
www.RNTarchitects.com
RNT Job No.
Revisions
All ideas, design arrangements, and plans indicated or represented by this drawing are owned by, and the property of RoeslingNakamura Terada Architects, Inc. and were created, evolved, and developed for use on and in connection with this project. None of such ideas, arrangements, or plans shall be used by or disclosed to any person, firm, or corporation for any purpose whatsoever without the written permission of Roesling Nakamura Tarada Architects, Inc. Filing of these drawings or specifications with any public agency is not a publication of same. No reproduction is therefore permissable without the written consent of RNT.RHE PROJECT
NUMBER: CONSULTANT LOGOCONSULTANT STAMPARCHITECT STAMP5/18/2022 2:04:04 PM
A-601
INTERIOR
ELEVATIONS
842
GEORGE F
CANYON
NATURE
CENTER
CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES
04/22/2022
Author
Checker
DESIGN
DEVELOPMENT
PALOS VERDES
PENINSULA LAND
CONSERVANCY
2500 PALOS VERDES
DRIVE N. ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES, CA
90274
No. Description Date
1/4" = 1'-0"2 101 - EAST
1/4" = 1'-0"1 101 - NORTH
1/4" = 1'-0"3 101 - SOUTH
1/4" = 1'-0"4 101 - WEST
1/4" = 1'-0"5 102 - NORTH
1/4" = 1'-0"6 102 - EAST
1/4" = 1'-0"7 102 - SOUTH
1/4" = 1'-0"8 102 - WEST
1/4" = 1'-0"9 105 - NORTH
1/4" = 1'-0"10 105 - EAST
1/4" = 1'-0"11 105 - SOUTH
1/4" = 1'-0"12 105 - WEST
1/4" = 1'-0"13 107 - NORTH
1/4" = 1'-0"14 107 - EAST
1/4" = 1'-0"15 107 - SOUTH
1/4" = 1'-0"16 107 - WEST
061753A WOOD AND STEEL ROOF TRUSSES
074626A FIBER CEMENT SIDING, REFER TO WALL TYPES
081416A DOOR, WOOD, REFER TO DOOR SCHEDULE
084100A ALUMINUM FRAMED FOLDING GLASS WALL
084113A ALUMINUM-FRAMED STOREFRONT WINDOW
092900A GYPSUM BOARD TYPE X, PAINT
093013B 6"X12" PORCELAIN WALL TILE, REFER TO SPEC
115200F PROJECTOR SCREEN, CEILING MOUNTED,
REFER TO 3/AD-401
123216A CASEWORK - KITCHEN - BASE CABINET, REFER
TO AD-811
123216B CASEWORK - KITCHEN - UPPER CABINET,
REFER TO AD-811
224200H SINK, REFER TO PLUMBING DRAWINGS
224713A DRINKING FOUNTAIN, WALL MOUNTED, DUAL
HEIGHT, WATER BOTTLE REFILLING STATION,
ACCESSIBLE, REFER TO 1/AD-801
KEYNOTES
EXHIBIT A ATTACHMENT C - PAGE 13 OF 16
H-29
Roesling Nakamura
Terada Architects
Sheet Name
Date
Drawn by
Checked by
Sheet Number
363 Fifth Acenue
San Diego, California
P: 619.233.1023
F: 619.233.0016
www.RNTarchitects.com
RNT Job No.
Revisions
All ideas, design arrangements, and plans indicated or represented by this drawing are owned by, and the property of RoeslingNakamura Terada Architects, Inc. and were created, evolved, and developed for use on and in connection with this project. None of such ideas, arrangements, or plans shall be used by or disclosed to any person, firm, or corporation for any purpose whatsoever without the written permission of Roesling Nakamura Tarada Architects, Inc. Filing of these drawings or specifications with any public agency is not a publication of same. No reproduction is therefore permissable without the written consent of RNT.RHE PROJECT
NUMBER: CONSULTANT LOGOCONSULTANT STAMPARCHITECT STAMP4/21/2022 6:05:02 PM
A-801
3D VIEWS
842
GEORGE F
CANYON
NATURE
CENTER
CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES
04/22/2022
Author
Checker
DESIGN
DEVELOPMENT
PALOS VERDES
PENINSULA LAND
CONSERVANCY
2500 PALOS VERDES
DRIVE N. ROLLING
HILLS ESTATES, CA
90274
No. Description Date
PERSPECTIVE VIEW
NORTH COLORED ELEVATION EAST COLORED ELEVATION
WEST COLORED ELEVATION
EXHIBIT A ATTACHMENT C - PAGE 14 OF 16
H-30
EXHIBIT B
Page 1 | 2
Programming at George F Canyon Nature Center (PVPLC)
Student Naturalist Field Trips
Description: We run field trips for approximately 600 3rd Grade Students through our
Student Naturalist Program each year. These field trips take place on the trail and in the
nature center and are led by PVPLC Staff who are assisted by PVPLC Docents and
parent volunteers from the school groups.
Days and Times: Tues-Fri 8am-1:30pm October-June (usually 0-2 field trips per
week)
Average #of Students: 65
Average # of Parent Volunteers: 15
Average # of PVPLC Volunteers: 5
Average # cars: 20
Average # of buses: 1
Wilderness Discovery Field Trips
Description: These staff and docent-led field trips are provided for local schools as a
day experience in nature with a strong emphasis on stewardship.
Days and Times: Tues-Fri 8am-1:30pm October-June (0-2 field trips per week)
Average #of Students: 65
Average # of PVPLC Volunteers: 4
Average # cars: 10
Average # of buses: 1
Scout Programs
Description: PVPLC Staff and Docents lead fee-based guided Scout Badge Programs in
the nature center and on the trail for a variety of ages of girl and boy scouts.
Days and Times: Variable
Approx # of Participants: 15
Approx # of Cars: 10-15
Bird Walks
Description: We partner with Wild Birds Unlimited to provide free monthly bird walks
along the canyon trail.
Days and Times: 8:30am on a weekday 1x per month
Approx # of Participants: 5-15
Approx # of Cars: 10-15
Nature Walks
Description: PVPLC Staff and Docents lead free monthly nature walks along the canyon
trail.
Days and Times: Saturdays and Sundays 9am-10am 1x monthly
Approx # of Participants: 15
Approx # of Cars: 10-15
ATTACHMENT C - PAGE 15 OF 16
H-31
EXHIBIT B
Page 2 | 2
Full Moon Hikes
Description: During June-September we provide monthly fee-based night hikes.
Days and Times: Friday and Saturday Evenings - Time varies starting after
twilight and lasting 2 hours.
Maximum # of Participants: 20
Approx # of Cars: 15-22
Plant Sales
Description: We hold monthly plant sales to provide a source of local native plants to the
community. These are drop in periods for purchase spread over half or full nature center
shifts.
Days and Times: Saturdays and Sundays - drop-in between 10am-4pm one to 2
days a month
Average # of Participants: 20
Approximate # of Cars: 15
Family Nature Club
Description: We provide free monthly family events at the nature center and on the trail
which encourage families with young children to get out in nature together.
Days and Times: Monthly on Saturdays or Sundays between 9am-11:30am
Average # of Participants: 25
Approximate # of Cars: 15-18
ATTACHMENT C - PAGE 16 OF 16
H-32
ADJOURNED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
DRAFT MINUTES, JULY 11, 2022 1
EXCERPT OF DRAFT MINUTES
ADJOURNED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MONDAY, JULY 11, 2022
8.PUBLIC HEARINGS
B.PLANNING APPLICATION NO. PA-220255; LOCATION: SOUTHWEST CORNER OF
PALOS VERDES DRIVE NORTH & PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST (27305 PALOS
VERDES DRIVE EAST, ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, CA 90274) APPLICANT: CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES; A Precise Plan of Design (PPD-220256) for George F
Canyon Nature Center Replacement Project & Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated
Negative Declaration (ISMND) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Director Wahba provided a PowerPoint presentation on Planning Application No. PA-220255
summarizing the staff report.
Director Wahba stated that staff recommends that the Planning Commission review the ISMND
prepared for the project and the Precise Plan of Design application and recommend City Council
approve both as presented herein.
COMMISSIONER MEDAWAR stated that he was on the subcommittee for this project in the early
stages and a large community room was being proposed at the time; he asked why there was a
departure from the original project. Director Wahba stated that it was partly due to what the
community wanted at this location, from input provided at several community meetings, and due
to the higher anticipated cost.
COMMISSIONER CARMAN expressed her excitement for this project and thanked all who
worked on this project. She stated that she appreciates that it was kept small and more of a
community hub.
COMMISSIONER CARMAN commented that the railings and walkways are too contemporary.
Director Wahba stated that the horizontal cable system with a wood cap is what they are
proposing to use. The intent is to use a material that you can see through and beyond to the
canyon, but still provide a level of security and longevity of the materials given that this is a
commercial use.
COMMISSIONER CARMAN asked about signage and fencing. Director Wahba stated that the
white three-rail fence will remain along the street’s edge; and the signage has not been fully
developed.
In response to COMMISSIONER CARMAN, Director Wahba stated that there will only be drought
tolerant and native plants used for the landscaping for the site.
VICE CHAIR YOO asked about the outdoor classroom and asked if it will be secure while not
operational. Director Wahba stated that there will be a gate in between the storage and the
classroom, there will be an eight-foot wall that will provide security.
COMMISSIONER LOW commented that the project looks great and will be a nice improvement.
She also stated that the more prominent signage will help identify the building.
CHAIR SCHACHTER asked if the entry on Hitching Post is necessary. Director Wahba stated
that it is useful for buses getting in and out, traffic on Palos Verdes Drive East, and the driveway
flows more efficiently if there is more than one-way in and out.
CHAIR SCHACHTER asked if the area at the trailhead will be paved.
Director Wahba stated that the area will not be paved and will be used for overflow parking; paving
of a small area for ADA parking space(s) compliance could be considered.
Brad Brunskill, 7 Harbor Sight Drive, asked about the ten optional parking spaces. Director Wahba
stated that this area is existing parking; however, people do not typically park in this area since
they prefer to park closer to the trail.
COMMISSIONER EDLER made a motion, seconded by COMMISSIONER CARMAN to,
APPROVE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE PLANNING
APPLICATION NO. PA-220255, A PRECISE PLAN OF DESIGN (PPD-220256) FOR
GEORGE F CANYON NATURE CENTER REPLACEMENT PROJECT & INITIAL STUDY
ATTACHMENT D - PAGE 1 OF 2
H-33
ADJOURNED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
DRAFT MINUTES, JULY 11, 2022 2
WITH PROPOSED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (ISMND).
AYES: Schachter, Yoo, Medawar, Carman, Low, Olson, Edler
Director Wahba stated that this item will likely be presented to the City Council at its meeting of
August 23, 2022.
ATTACHMENT D - PAGE 2 OF 2
H-34