PC RES 2023-008 Y
P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES APPROVING, WITH
CONDITIONS, A MAJOR GRADING PERMIT, VARIANCE, SITE
PLAN REVIEW, AND ENCROACHMENT PERMIT TO
CONSTRUCT A NEW 4,813 FT2 (GARAGE INCLUDED), TWO-
STORY, SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE AND ANCILLARY SITE
IMPROVEMENTS WITH 1,298 YD3 OF ASSOCIATED GRADING
ON A VACANT LOT AT 28160 PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST
(CASE NO. PLGR2022-0032).
WHEREAS, on June 27, 2022, Applicant Luis De Morales, on behalf of property
owner David De Langis, collectively, "Applicant") submitted Height Variation, Major
Grading Permit, Variance, Site Plan Review, and Encroachment Permit applications
requesting approval to construct a new three-story residence and ancillary site
improvements with associated grading on a vacant lot at 28160 Palos Verdes Drive East;
and
WHEREAS, on March 28, 2023, the Planning Commission conducted a public
hearing on the proposed project and considered public testimony. The Planning
Commission continued the public hearing to a date uncertain to allow the Applicant the
opportunity to consider project revisions; and
WHEREAS, on June 7, 13, and 22, 2023, the Applicant submitted revised project
plans, which included modifications to the project design including a reduction in the overall
building height, a redesign of the access stairs to eliminate the supporting retaining walls,
construction of additional planter areas and associated retaining walls with 417 yd3 of
additional grading, and an increase the grading fill height and a decrease in the grading cut
depth; and,
WHEREAS, on May 25, 2023, a public notice was published in the Peninsula News
and mailed to all property owners within a 500-foot radius from the project site, providing a
30-day time period for the submittal of comments; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act,
Public Resources Sections 21000 et. seq. ("CEQA"), the State's CEQA Guidelines,
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et seq., the City's Local CEQA
Guidelines, the approved project has been found to be categorically exempt under
Section 15303(a)(New Construction) of the CEQA Guidelines. More specifically, the
project involves the construction of a single-family residence in the RS-2 zoning district,
which is a residential zone; and
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WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on June 27, 2023, at
which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and present
evidence.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION DOES HEREBY FIND,
DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS-:
Section 1: The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by
reference.
Section 2: The approved project involves the construction of a new 4,813 ft2 (garage
included), two-story, single-family residence and ancillary site improvements with 1,298 yd3
of associated grading on a vacant lot at 28160 Palos Verdes Drive East.
Section 3: The Planning Commission finds that the Variance for the construction of
the new 4,813 ft2 two-story residence, which exceeds the 16 foot by-right height limit is
warranted because of special circumstances applicable to the property, including size,
shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of the zoning ordinance
deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under
identical zoning classification. The Variance will not be materially detrimental to the public
welfare or injurious to property and improvements in the area and is consistent with the
City's General Plan and Costal Specific Plan.
Specifically, the slope drops away to the south rapidly from the edge of pavement,
and while the steepness of the property results in the average elevation of the front setback
line (RPVMC § 17.02.040.B.1.b) being located approximately 17 feet below the elevation of
the finished floor of the upper entrance level of the residence and the approved driveway
access bridge, the structure only appears to be approximately 13 feet in height as viewed
at the north elevation adjacent to PVDE. In addition, project design and associated building
height is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of the property, as the steepness of
the lot is not commonly present on other developed lots within the same zoning district,
which results in the height of the approved residence exceeding the 16 feet height limit at
30.75 feet.
The project site is not located in the Coastal Specific Plan and is not contrary to the
objectives of the City's General Plan and policies.
Furthermore, the project design and associated building height will not be materially
detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property and improvements because of
established compliance with Building Codes and related inspections as well as a
comprehensive geological review and consistency with the following:
A. The Applicant has complied with the early neighborhood consultation process
guidelines and procedures by obtaining 7 signatures (70%) from properties
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within 100 feet and 18 signatures (35%) within 500 feet of the project site,
where there is no active Homeowners'Association existing in the neighborhood
from which proof of notification is required.
B. The approved residence does not significantly impair a view from public
property (parks, major thoroughfares, bikeways, walkways or equestrian trails),
which has been identified in the City's General Plan, Conceptual Trails Plan,
Trails Network Plan, or Coastal Specific Plan. The project site is not located
within the City's Coastal Zone or any other City specific plan. While the
approved residence will be visible from the vehicular view corridor along Palos
Verdes Drive East and the C18 Upper Palos Verdes Drive East Trail Segment,
the location and vicinity of the project site is not a public viewing area or viewing
site, as defined by the General Plan. Hence, there will be no significant view
impairments from public property caused by the approved project.
C. The approved residence is not located on a ridge or promontory, nor located
on a prominent mass of land that overlooks or projects onto a lowland or body
of water on two sides.
D. The approved residence will not significantly impair a view from the viewing
area of another parcel due to the orientation and location of the lots and
topography of the area. Views from the residences located along Palos Verdes
Drive East are oriented in the southwesterly or southeasterly direction towards
either the harbor, ocean, or the pastoral environment of the nearby canyon
area, depending on which side of the curve they are located. The properties to
the east and west of the project site are at similar elevations with views of the
pastoral environment in their rear yards that will not be significantly impaired
as the approved residence will be in the far periphery of their view frames. In
addition, the properties to the south will not be impacted as they are located at
approximately 30 feet higher in elevation than the project site. The properties
to the north are located at least 20 feet higher in elevation and at a minimum
160 feet away from the project site. Therefore, the approved residence will
have no significant impact on views from neighboring parcels.
E. There is no significant cumulative view impairment caused by granting the Height
Variation, becauseiven the unique development of residences on sloping lots
g p
at varying elevations and the existing topography in the area, if additional
structures adjacent to the subject property were built at a similar elevation, they
would appear single-story in height from the street level, and would not cause
significant view impacts in the neighborhood.
F. The approved structure complies with all other Code requirements including,
but not limited to, setbacks, lot coverage, and parking. The maximum allowable
wall height within and outside of the front yard setback and overall structure
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height deviations are granted through a Variance as noted in Section 5.
G. The approved residence is compatible with the character of the immediate
neighborhood in terms of the scale, architectural style, and setbacks. The
existing neighborhood is comprised of irregularly shaped lots that are improved
with custom designed homes that incorporate various design elements and
façade treatments from both modern and traditional architectural styles in terms
of the building design, materials, and colors. The approved residence
incorporates a number of similar architectural features commonly found within
the immediate neighborhood. Specifically, the exterior finishes to the residence
and ancillary site improvements include stucco façades with wood siding and
stone/tile veneer accents. In addition, the appearance of bulk and mass of the
approved residence will be minimized by the varied ridgeline elevations,
recessed upper floor areas, and inclusion of balconies and a roof deck that
serve as visual breaks. The approved project is surrounded by other two-story
residences and will appear single-story from the street as the lower level of the
residence is below the elevation of PVDE. The approved residence exceeds
the required minimum setbacks between adjacent properties that allow
sufficient air, light, and privacy between structures.
H. The approved residence that is above 16 feet in height does not result in an
unreasonable infringement of the privacy of the occupants of abutting
residences. Specifically, the approved balconies, roof deck, and windows
throughout the facades that are placed above 16 feet in height primarily face
the steep down-sloping canyon located to the rear of the property that is
improved with mature foliage on both side yards. There will be no unreasonable
infringement of privacy due to obstructions caused by the steep topography,
existing vegetation, and the layout of the adjacent homes to the east and west,
which have little to no useable outdoor space that can be seen from the
approved features exceeding 16 feet in height.
Section 4: The Planning Commission finds that the Major Grading Permit to conduct
1,298 yd3 of associated grading (130 yd3 of which is within the public right-of-way),
consisting of 26 yd3 of cut and 1,272 yd3 of fill with 1,272 yd3 of import, over an extreme
slope (i.e., slope steepness 35% or greater) with a maximum depth of cut and fill of 2.75 feet
and 21 feet, respectively, is warranted based on the following findings:
A. The approved grading does not exceed that which is necessary for the permitted
primary use of the lot. The approved project is in a RS-2 zoning district in which
the primary use of the lot is residential. The approved grading is to blend the
approved two-story residence into the existing extreme slope, and to construct
ancillary site improvements such as terraced retaining walls, usable private
outdoor area in the east side yard, an 8-foot wide equestrian trail, and a portion of
the approved two driveway approaches in the public right-of-way.
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B. The approved grading and/or related construction does not significantly adversely
affect the visual relationships with nor the views from the viewing area of
neighboring properties. The approved residence and ancillary site improvements
will descend down the slope and appear as a single-story residence from the street
level. Moreover, the approved grading results in a lower finished grade to
accommodate the residence rather than a conventional two-story structure.
C. The nature of the grading minimizes disturbances to the natural contours and
finished contours are reasonably natural. Minimum grading is approved
underneath the building footprint to preserve the natural contours through the
creation of crawl spaces instead of fill and the grading in the public right-of-way is
necessary to support the approved equestrian trail. In addition, the ancillary site
improvements along the east side of the approved residence are required to
provide for Fire Department access around the residence. The stairs at the west
side of the residence have been modified to eliminate the need for grading in this
area.
D. The grading takes into account the preservation of natural topographic features
and appearances by means of land sculpturing so as to blend any man-made or
manufactured slope into natural topography. Terraced retaining walls will be
constructed along the east side and rear yards that descend with the down-sloping
contours and will be improved with landscaping. In addition, the approved fill in the
public right-of-way to support the approved equestrian trail access into the
approved residence will be level with the existing street (Palos Verdes Drive East).
The remaining slopes beyond the approved project will be preserved and will not
be altered.
E. The grading and/or related construction is compatible with the immediate
neighborhood character as noted in Section 3.G above.
F. The grading would not cause excessive and unnecessary disturbance of the
natural landscape or wildlife habitat through removal of vegetation. A biology report
reviewed and approved by the City Biologist found that the approved grading area
does not contain natural landscape or wildlife habitat. In addition, avoidance
measures have been imposed as part of the Conditions of Approval to ensure
there are no significant impacts to sensitive nesting species in the project vicinity.
G. The grading conforms to the standards regarding the maximum finished slopes
and restricted grading areas. However, grading will occur over a slope greater than
35%, exceed the maximum depth of cut or fill, and exceed the retaining wall height
standards. The approved grading may deviate from the criteria as it is consistent
with the purposes of a Grading Permit set forth in RPVMC §17.76.040. The
purpose of the approved grading is to permit reasonable development of land,
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ensuring the maximum preservation of natural scenic character of the area
consistent with reasonable economic use of such property; and that such project
complies with all goals and polices of the General Plan, any specific plan and any
amendments. The approved grading will occur on an average 43% slope with
nearly half of the lot zoned Open Space Hazard (OH). However, no improvements
are approved in this OH area. Due to the steepness of the existing slope, the
maximum depth of grading will exceed 5 feet (approved: 2.75 feet of cut and 21
feet of fill for the residence and a maximum depth of 6.9 feet of fill in the public
right-of-way) to: accommodate the approved residence, create a two driveway
approaches, and support the approved equestrian trail. In addition, the existing
down-sloping lot configuration requires multiple retaining walls in and around the
project site that will exceed one 3.5-foot downslope retaining wall (approved: up to
20.75 feet). The approved grading deviations will not constitute a grant of special
privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity since
most of the properties south of Palos Verdes Drive East share comparable
topographical conditions that would also require similar deviations if they were not
already developed. Furthermore, the approved grading deviations will not be
detrimental to the public safety nor to other properties as compliance with the
Building Code, approval by the City's geologist, and a series of inspections will be
required throughout project construction. Lastly, a Notice of Decision will be
provided to interested parties and adjacent property owners.
Section 5: The Planning Commission finds that the Site Plan Review for the
approved ancillary site improvements, which include a pool/spa, trash enclosure,
planters, stairways, freestanding walls, combination walls and retaining walls up to 20.75
feet in height, and mechanical equipment are warranted as the improvements comply
with all applicable Code requirements, provided that the structure height deviation is
granted through a Variance as noted in Section No. 3.
Section 6: The Planning Commission finds that the Encroachment Permit for the
construction of a two driveway approaches (ingress allowed only at the westerly driveway,
and egress allowed from either the westerly or easterly driveway) that extend up to 26
feet from the front property line, retaining walls to accommodate fill up to 6.9 feet in height,
planters, and 24 inch light fixtures in the public right-of-way with 130 yd3 of associated
grading, is warranted based on the following findings:
A. The encroachment is not detrimental to the public health/safety: the Public
Works Director has made a written determination that the encroachment does
not pose a hazard to vehicular traffic, pedestrians, or equestrians; and
further that all other requirements for issuance of a Public Works Department
encroachment permit are met. The Traffic Safety Committee made
recommendations on the proposed encroachment at their April 26, 2021
meeting. Analyses related to traffic safety considerations were completed as
part of the Traffic Safety Committee's review of the initial proposal and found
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to be in compliance with the minimum stopping sight distance standards with
the application of traffic mitigation and safety measures. Public Works has
confirmed that the Encroachment Memo drafted for Planning, as well as the
previously recommended modifications to the two driveway approaches and
conditions of approval, apply to the approved project, including but not limited
to limiting ingress to the west driveway and delineating an 8-foot passageway
for trail purposes.
B. The encroaching structure cannot be reconfigured or relocated due to practical
difficulties as it will require the approved residence to be shifted at least 26 feet
to the rear of the property from its current location which would require overly
burdensome development costs. Not only would it require additional grading,
higher retaining walls, and intensify the bulk and mass of the residence by
increasing the overall height, it would also result in encroaching into the Open
Space Hazard Zone at the rear of the property, which is designated to prevent
unsafe development of hazardous areas that must be preserved or regulated
for public health and safety purposes.
C. The encroaching structure is not inconsistent with the general intent of the
Development Code. By allowing the approved improvements to encroach into
the public right-of-way, it will help define the ingress and egress of the two
driveway approaches. In addition, the approved encroachment will be
consistent with the general intent of the Municipal Code to promote the public
health, safety, and general welfare while accommodating reasonable
development and minimizing hazards.
D. Illuminating elements of the encroaching structure are configured in a manner
that minimizes impact to neighboring properties or vehicular traffic and
prevents direct or indirect illumination of a property other than the Applicant's,
as determined by the Director of Community Development. Specifically, the
approved low voltage light fixtures up to 24 inches in height in the public right-
of-way for landscaping purposes will be shielded.
E. The encroaching structure does not significantly impair a protected view from
any surrounding property. Due to the nature of the existing project site that
slopes down significantly from the edge of the paved street and topographic
conditions in the area, properties in the vicinity will not be impacted.
Section 7: Anyinterestedperson aggrieved bythis decision oranyportion of this
ggby
decision may appeal to the City Council. The appeal shall set forth in writing, the grounds
for appeal and any specific action being requested by the appellant. Any appeal letter must
be filed within 15 calendar days of the date of this decision, or by 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
July 12, 2023. A $3,100.00 appeal fee must accompany any appeal letter. If no appeal is
filed timely, the Planning Commission's decision will be final at 5:30 p.m. on July 12, 2023.
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Section 8: For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and findings
included in the Staff Report, Minutes and other records of proceedings, the Planning
Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby adopts P.C. Resolution No.
2023-08, approving the a Major Grading Permit, Variance, Site Plan Review, and
Encroachment Permit to construct a new 4,813 ft2 (garage included), two-story, single-
family residence and ancillary site improvements with 1,298 yd3 of associated grading on
a vacant lot, subject to the Conditions of Approval contained in the attached Exhibit "A".
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 27th day, of June 2023, by the following vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS BRACH, NELSON, NULMAN, PERESTAM, AND
SAADATNEJADI
NOES: VICE-CHAIR CHURA
ABSTENTIONS: NONE
RECUSALS: NONE
ABSENT: SANTAROSA
IP
CCL? "1 '
Da id Chub
Vice Chair
„(
Octavio Silva,
Interim Director of Community Development; and,
Secretaryof the PlanningCommission
01203 0005/901525 1 P C Resolution No 2023-08
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EXHIBIT 'A'
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
PLANNING CASE NO. PLGR2022-0032
(MAJOR GRADING PERMIT, VARIANCE, SITE PLAN REVIEW, AND
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT)
28160 PALOS VERDES DRIVE EAST
General Conditions:
1. Prior to the submittal of plans into Building and Safety plan check, the Applicant
shall submit to the City a statement, in writing, that they have read, understand,
and agree to all conditions of approval contained in this Exhibit "A". Failure to
provide said written statement within ninety (90) days following the date of this
approval shall render this approval null and void.
2. The Applicant shall indemnify, protect, defend, and hold harmless, the City, and/or
any of its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies, and
instrumentalities thereof, from any and all claims, demands, lawsuits, writs of
mandamus, and other actions and proceedings (whether legal, equitable,
declaratory, administrative or adjudicatory in nature), and alternative dispute
resolutions procedures (including, but not limited to arbitrations, mediations, and
other such procedures) (collectively "Actions"), brought against the City, and/or
any of its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies, and
instrumentalities thereof, that challenge, attack, or seek to modify, set aside, void,
or annul, the action of, or any permit or approval issued by, the City and/or any of
its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies, and
instrumentalities thereof (including actions approved by the voters of the City), for
or concerning the project.
3. Prior to conducting any work in the public right of way, such as for curb cuts,
dumpsters, temporary improvements and/or permanent improvements, the
Applicant shall obtain an encroachment permit from the Director of Public Works.
4. Approval of this permit shall not be construed as a waiver of applicable and
appropriate zoning regulations, or any Federal, State, County and/or City laws and
regulations. Unless otherwise expressly specified, all other requirements of the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code (RPVMC) shall apply.
5. Pursuant to RPVMC §17.78.040, the Director of Community Development is
authorized to make minor modifications to the approved plans and any of the
conditions of approval if such modifications will achieve substantially the same
results as would strict compliance with the approved plans and conditions.
Substantial changes to the project shall be considered a revision and require
approval by the final body that approved the original project, which may require
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new and separate environmental review and public notification.
6. The project development on the site shall conform to the specific standards
contained in these conditions of approval or, if not addressed herein, shall conform
to the residential development standards of the RPVMC, including but not limited
to height, setback and lot coverage standards.
7. Failure to comply with and adhere to all of these conditions of approval may be
cause to revoke the approval of the project pursuant to the revocation procedures
contained in RPVMC §17.86.060 or administrative citations as described in
RPVMC Chapter 1.16.
8. If the Applicant has not submitted an application for a building permit for the
approved project or not commenced the approved project as described in RPVMC
§17.86.070 within one year of the final effective date of this Notice of Decision,
approval of the project shall expire and be of no further effect unless, prior to
expiration, a written request for extension is filed with the Community Development
Department and approved by the Director.
9. In the event that any of these conditions conflict with the recommendations and/or
requirements of another permitting agency or City department, the stricter
standard shall apply.
10. Unless otherwise designated in these conditions, all construction shall be
completed in substantial conformance with the plans stamped approved by the
City with the effective date of this approval.
11. This approval is only for the items described within these conditions and identified
on the stamped approved plans and is not an approval of any existing illegal or
legal non-conforming structures on the property, unless the approval of such illegal
or legal non-conforming structure is specifically identified within these conditions
or on the stamped approved plans.
12. The construction site and adjacent public and private properties and streets shall
be kept free of all loose materials resembling trash and debris in excess of that
material used for immediate construction purposes. Such excess material may
include, but not be limited to: the accumulation of debris, garbage, lumber, scrap
metal, concrete asphalt, piles of earth, salvage materials, abandoned or discarded
furniture, appliances or other household fixtures.
13. All construction sites shall be maintained in a secure, safe, neat and orderly
manner, to the satisfaction of the City's Building Official. All construction waste and
debris resulting from a construction, alteration or repair project shall be removed
on a weekly basis by the contractor or property owner. Existing or temporary
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portable bathrooms shall be provided during construction. Portable bathrooms
shall be placed in a location that will minimize disturbance to the surrounding
property owners, to the satisfaction of the City's Building Official.
14. Construction projects that are accessible from a street right-of-way or an abutting
property and which remain in operation or expect to remain in operation for over
30 calendar days shall provide temporary construction fencing, as defined in
RPVMC §17.56.050(C). Unless required to protect against a safety hazard,
temporary construction fencing shall not be erected sooner than 15 days prior to
commencement of construction.
15. Permitted hours and days for construction activity are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday
through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, with no construction activity
permitted on Sundays or on the legal holidays specified in RPVMC §17.96.920.
During demolition, construction and/or grading operations, trucks shall not park,
queue and/or idle at the project site or in the adjoining street rights-of-way before
7:00 AM Monday through Friday and before 9:00 AM on Saturday, in accordance
with the permitted hours of construction stated in this condition. When feasible to
do so, the construction contractor shall provide staging areas on-site to minimize
off- site transportation of heavy construction equipment. These areas shall be
located to maximize the distance between staging activities and neighboring
properties, subject to approval by the Building Official.
16. Exterior residential lighting shall comply with the standards of RPVMC §17.56.030.
No outdoor lighting is permitted where the light source is directed toward or results
in direct illumination of a parcel of property or properties other than that upon which
such light source is physically located.
17. For all grading, landscaping and construction activities, the Applicant shall employ
effective dust control techniques, either through screening and/or watering.
18. The Applicant shall remove the project silhouette within 7 days after a final decision
has been rendered and the City's appeal process has been exhausted
Project Specific Conditions:
19. This approval shall allow for the following:
A. Construct a new 3,503 ft2 two-story residence with an attached 1,310 ft2 two-
story garage, resulting in a total structure size of 4,813 ft2;
B. Construct 911 ft2 of balcony areas along the east (side) and south (rear) façades
of the approved residence;
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C. Construct improvements in the public right-of-way to provide access to the
approved residence including, a new driveway, curb cuts, retaining walls, trail
and planters with an Encroachment Permit;
D. Construct ancillary site improvements including a pool, spa, trash enclosure,
planters, stairways and mechanical equipment;
E. Construct freestanding walls, combination walls and/or retaining walls up to
20.75 feet in height outside the front yard setback in support of the approved
improvements;
F. Conduct 1,168 yd3 of total grading for the private property consisting of 26yd3 of
cut and 1,142 yd3 of fill with a maximum cut depth and fill height of 2.75 feet and
21 feet, respectively;
G. Conduct 130 yd3 of total grading in the public right-of-way consisting of 130 yd3
of fill with a maximum fill height of 6.9 feet to accommodate the approved
improvements.
BUILDING AREA CERTIFICATION REQUIRED, to be provided by a licensed land
surveyor or civil engineer PRIOR TO THE FRAMING INSPECTION.
20. The height of the approved residence shall be as depicted on the stamped
APPROVED plans and in no case shall the height of the residence extend above a
height of 30.75 feet, as measured from the average elevation of the setback line
abutting the street access (elev. 632.75 feet)to the highest approved roof ridgeline
(elev. 663.50 feet); and an overall height of 28.75 feet, as measured from the
lowest finished grade adjacent to the structure (elev. 634.75 feet) to the highest
approved roof ridgeline (elev. 663.50 feet).
BUILDING HEIGHT CERTIFICATION REQUIRED, to be provided by a licensed
land surveyor or civil engineer PRIOR TO ROOF SHEATHING INSPECTION,
based on the above-mentioned instructions.
21. The approved residence shall maintain setbacks of 10-foot front, 12.92 feet west
side, 52.08 feet east side, and a 75.42 foot rear.
SETBACK CERTIFICATION REQUIRED, to be provided by a licensed land
surveyor or civil engineer PRIOR TO POURING FOUNDATIONS.
22. Unless modified by the approval of future planning applications, the approved
project within the RS-2 zoning district shall maintain a maximum of 29.84% lot
coverage.
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23. The project site shall maintain a minimum of three enclosed parking spaces and
three unenclosed parking spaces at all times. An enclosed parking space shall
have an unobstructed ground space of no less than 9 feet in width and 20 feet in
depth, with a minimum 7 foot vertical clearance. An unenclosed parking space
shall have an unobstructed ground space of no less than 9 feet in width by 20 feet
in depth.
24. Driveways, paved walkways and parking areas shall not cover more than 50% of
the required 10-foot front setback area. Any pervious or semi-pervious surface
which is part of or within a driveway or parking area shall not be considered to be
landscaping.
25. All colors and materials for the structure and roof shall be as shown in the stamped
APPROVED plans.
26. The color of the material used for the flat portion of the roof shall not be white and
shall be compatible with the color of the sloping portion of the roof as shown on the
approved plans, and as deemed acceptable by the Director of Community
Development.
27. The maintenance or operation of mechanical equipment, including but not limited
to air conditioning units or pool filters, generating noise levels in excess of 65 dBA
as measured from the closest property line shall constitute a public nuisance in
accordance to Chapter 8.24 of the RPVMC.
28. Any outdoor furnishings, accessories or plants located on the balcony and roof
deck shall not exceed a height of 8 feet or the bottom of the roof eave, whichever
is lower, as measured from the finished floor of the deck.
29. Any outdoor furnishings, accessories or plants located on the balcony and roof
deck which exceed the height limits established in RPVMC §17.02.040, shall not
significantly impair a view from surrounding properties.
30. The Applicant shall comply with the following conditions as part of the
Encroachment Permit reviewed by the Traffic Safety Committee on November 25,
2019, September 28, 2020, and April 26, 2021, and the Public Works Department:
A. Egress in either direction (left or right turn out) shall be allowed from either
driveway approach.
B. Ingress, including left turn in, shall be restricted to the westerly driveway only.
C. The easterly driveway shall be gated and opened for egress only. A sign on
the gate indicating "no entry" or "exit only" shall be installed and visible by
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drivers on Palos Verdes Drive East.
D. Shrubbery on the westbound side of Palos Verdes Drive East shall be
periodically trimmed or removed by the Applicant to allow for adequate
ingress/egress and site distance visibility as determined by the Public Works
Department.
E. Locate and verify all existing utilities to be shown on the Site Plan.
F. Construct the retaining wall (caisson) identified on sheet no. C-3 at least 1
foot south from the property line.
G. Construct an 8-foot wide trail in the driveway per Attachment B (Cross
Section of Approved Development) of the November 25, 2019 Traffic Safety
Committee Staff Report.
H. PRIOR TO BUILDING/GRADING PERMIT ISSUANCE, Applicant to provide
confirmation from all franchise utilities affected that there are no issues with
the approved development.
I. PRIOR TO BUILDING/GRADING PERMIT ISSUANCE, obtain Los Angeles
County Fire Department approval of the revised plans.
J. PRIOR TO BUILDING/GRADING PERMIT ISSUANCE, execute a Covenant
and Maintenance Agreement for the current and any future property owners,
successors in interest, etc., to assume responsibility regarding any required
inspections and reporting, patching and general maintenance of the approved
driveway bridge, public trail, retaining walls, and any other structures within the
public right-of-way. If the City or any franchised utility company is to remove all
or any portion of the driveway or trail, the replacement or repair for the
damaged/removed driveway will be with asphalt. The Applicant will make the
permanent repairs using concrete. In addition, shrubbery on the westbound
side of Palos Verdes Drive East shall be periodically trimmed or removed by
the Applicant as needed to allow for adequate ingress/egress and site distance
visibility as determined by the Public Works Department. The cost of these
requirements shall be borne by the Applicant. This Covenant and Agreement
will be prepared by the City Attorney's Office and will include the necessary
provisions regarding the items encroaching in the public right-of-way, as well
as signage. The cost associated with preparing and recording the Covenant
and Agreement shall be borne by the Applicant and run with the property.
K. PRIOR TO CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY, provide certification on backfill
with compaction, in the area of grading along the property line, and within the
public right-of-way.
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L. Construct a safety shoulder with mountable curb along the westbound side
of Palos Verdes Drive East across from the subject address as included in
the plans and approved by the City Engineer. The cost of designing and
constructing the safety shoulder and mountable curb along the westbound
side of Palos Verdes Drive East shall be borne by the Applicant.
M. Storage and/or placement of any materials, equipment or object of any kind
within 10 feet of the paved asphalt surface of the Palos Verdes Drive East
right-of-way shall be prohibited.
31. The Applicant shall comply with all avoidance measures from the approved biology
report dated May 3, 2019, and the updated assessment dated July 13, 2022, which
are imposed as follows:
A. WITHIN 3 DAYS PRIOR TO ANY VEGETATION CLEARING OR
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES PLANNED TO OCCUR DURING THE
NESTING BIRD SEASON (January 1 through September 15), a nesting bird
survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist to ensure that birds are
not engaged in active nesting within or immediately adjacent to the project
site. If construction activities using heavy equipment(i.e., graders, bulldozers,
and excavators, etc.) cease for longer than 5 days and then resume within
the nesting bird season, a follow-up survey is required. Each nesting bird
. survey shall include the work area and areas adjacent to the site (within 500
feet, as possible)that could potentially be affected by project related activities
including but not limited to noise, vibration, increased human activity, dust,
etc. For any active nest(s) identified, the qualified biologist shall establish an
appropriate buffer zone around the active nest(s). The appropriate buffer
shall be determined by the qualified biologist based on species, location, and
the nature of the approved activities. Project activities shall be avoided within
the buffer zone until the nest is deemed no longer active, as determined by
the qualified biologist.
B. If some vegetation within the riparian area is required by the Fire Department
to be trimmed at some future time, the Applicant shall contact the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFVV) with respect for the need for a
Streambed Alternation Agreement (SAA) for this Site.
PRIOR TO BUILDING PERMIT OR GRADING PERMITAN •
32. All applicable soils/geotechnical reports, if required by the Building and Safety
Division, shall be approved bythe City's Geologist.
pp Y g
33. A drainage plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Public Works Department.
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34. An earth hauling permit shall be approved by the Public Works Department.
35. The Applicant shall be responsible for all City costs incurred for the bird nesting
surveys as noted in Condition No. 31A, including submittal of an initial trust deposit
in the amount of$1000.
36. The Applicant shall submit complete Landscape Plans and a Trust Deposit of
$1,000 to the Planning Division for review and approval by the Director of
Community Development.
PRIOR TO CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY:
37. All utility lines installed to service the building shall be placed underground from
an existing power pole or other point of connection off-site.
38. All planting areas adjacent to retaining walls shall be landscaped and planted with
foliage that will grow to a sufficient height and/or will adequately screen the
majority of the tallest exposed retaining wall face, to the satisfaction of the Director
of Community Development.
39. The landscaping described in Condition No. 38 shall be maintained in good
condition in perpetuity.
40. The final approved landscaping shall be installed prior to issuance of a Certificate
of Occupancy for the residence. The landscape plans may be required to comply
with the State of California Water Efficient Landscape requirements, as determined
by the City's landscape consultant.
41. Upon completion of the installation of the landscaped areas or altered landscaped
area subject to RPVMC §15.34.100, the project Applicant shall submit a certificate
of completion, in the form provided by the City, for review and approval by the
Director of Community Development. The certificate of completion shall be
executed by either the licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor
or the certified irrigation designer that signed any of the documents submitted as
part of the landscape documentation package.
42. The Applicant shall comply with the following conditions per the Public Works
Department review regarding the driveway access bridge:
A. The driveway access bridge shall be ADA accessible.
1 B. The cost of maintenance of the bridge shall be at the Applicant's expense and
not at the City's expense.
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C. A covenant and maintenance agreement for the driveway access bridge shall be
signed, notarized, and recorded with Los Angeles County so that it runs with the
property. This Covenant and Agreement will be prepared by the City Attorney's
Office. The cost associated with preparing and recording the Covenant and
Agreement shall be borne by the Applicant.
D. A stamped set of engineered plans shall be reviewed and approved by the
Department of Public Works and shall include a maintenance manual and
schedule of maintenance. The cost associated with preparing and reviewing
these plans shall be borne by the Applicant.
E. The driveway access bridge shall be designed, such that, if the Encroachment
Permit is revoked, the encroaching portion of the driveway access bridge can
be removed and ingress and egress to garage will remain feasible.
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