CC SR 20240319 F - General Plan Annual Progress Report
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 03/19/2024
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Consent Calendar
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to submit the 2023 Annual General Plan Update Report
on implementing the Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan to the appropriate state
agencies.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Authorize Staff to forward the City’s Annual General Plan Progress Report on the
status of the implementation of the Rancho Palos Verdes General Plan during the
2023 calendar year to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and
the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
FISCAL IMPACT: Filing the City’s Annual General Plan Progress Report will not have
a fiscal impact. However, costs associated with the implementation of certain projects
supported by the goals and policies of the General Plan are addressed on a project -by-
project basis when considered by the City Council.
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Steven Giang, AICP, Associate Planner
REVIEWED BY: Brandy Forbes, AICP, Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. 2023 Annual General Plan Update Report on the Implementation of the Rancho
Palos Verdes General Plan (page A-1)
BACKGROUND:
The City’s General Plan has functioned and continues to function as a set of guidelines
geared toward future development within the City limits and beyond while ensuring that
the health, safety, and overall welfare of the general public will continue to be preserved.
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Many of the Goals and Policies stated within the City’s General Plan are implemented in
conjunction with the City’s Municipal Code. To assess the progress of implementing the
General Plan, §65400 of the California State Government Code requires a legislati ve
body to prepare a General Plan Annual Progress Report on the status of the General
Plan and progress toward implementing its Goals and Policies.
The City Council adopted the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element in August 2022, which has
not been deemed compliant by Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD). Staff continues to work with representatives from HCD on State -mandated
revisions to the adopted Housing Element. Staff anticipates completion and adoption of
a revised 6th Cycle Housing Element this spring.
DISCUSSION:
The attached 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report is the fourth report since the
City updated its General Plan in September 2018 and the second since the Council-
adoption of the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element in 2022. The Annual Progress Report
delineates the seven State-mandated elements of the General Plan and lists recent
developments, progress, and actions implemented by the City between January 1, 2023
and December 31, 2023. Each achievement or action is followed by a reference to the
appropriate General Plan Goal and/or Policy that is applied by the action. Staff is of the
opinion that the Goals and Policies of the City’s General Plan continue to be implemen ted
by actions taken by the City while balancing community needs, property rights, and the
health, safety, and welfare of the general public.
The 2023 General Plan Annual Progress Report on implementing the Rancho Palos
Verdes General Plan is being presented to the Planning Commission for review and
consideration at it March 12, 2024 meeting. Additional information or input provided by
the Planning Commission on the report will be incorporated for the City Council to
consider at its March 19, 2024 meeting as late correspondence. Upon acceptance by the
City Council, the General Plan Annual Progress Report will be delivered to the State
Office of Planning and Research and HCD by the April 1, 2024 submittal deadline.
Over the next year, in addition to finalizing the Housing Element to meet the requirements
outlined by HCD, the City’s Community Development Department will also be updating
the Safety Element of the City’s General Plan to comply with State Law. Additional
information including public outreach efforts related to the project will be shared once they
are available.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Planning Commission Review
On March 12, 2024, the Planning Commission is scheduled to review the 2023 Annual
General Plan Update Report on the implementation of the Rancho Palos Verdes General
Plan. Any additional information or feedback provided by the Planning Commission in
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response to their review of the report will be forwarded to the City Council as late
correspondence ahead of their consideration of the same topic at the March 19 City
Council Meeting.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council authorize forwarding the City’s 2023 Annual General
Plan Progress Report to the appropriate state agencies.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to Staff’s recommendation, the following alternative is available for the City
Council’s consideration:
1. Identify additional information to be included in the 2023 Annual General Plan
Update Report prior to consideration by the City Council.
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INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the General Plan Annual Progress Report (hereafter, Report) is to
comply with the requirements of §65400 of the California State Government Code,
which requires that an annual report on the status of the City’s General Plan be
submitted to the legislative body, the Office of Planning and Research , and the
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Report must
provide information regarding the City’s progress on the implementation of the Goals
and Policies of the City’s General Plan.
The General Plan is a comprehensive planning document intended to guide physical
development throughout the City. State law requires that each adopted General Plan
address a minimum of seven issues (i.e., “elements”). Each element covers a certain
aspect of the City’s growth and development and must be consistent with the other
elements. The seven mandatory elements include Land Use, Circulation, Housing,
Conservation, Open Space, Noise, and Safety (including Seismic Safety). Additional
optional elements may be included, as deemed appropriate by each city, depending
on the characteristics or unique environment of the jurisdiction. As part of the 2018
General Plan update, the City included a Fiscal Element, Social Services Element, and
a Visual Resources Element as optional elements. While the updated General Plan
introduced some new Goals and Policies, many of them remain consistent with those
originally adopted in the 1975 General Plan, which has guided the City since its
founding.
This Report provides a list of actions taken by the City to implement the Goals and
Policies of the City’s General Plan, as they relate to the seven required General Plan
Elements, between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023, followed by a reference
to the appropriate Goal and/or Policy that is implemented by the action.
STATUS OF THE GENERAL PLAN
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes was incorporated in 1973 in response to the high -
density development that was proposed along the scenic coastal bluffs that help define
the character of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Subsequently, the City’s first General
Plan was adopted on June 26, 1975. The adopted goals emphasized minimizing
density along the coastal bluff areas, maintaining the rural character of the community,
recognizing and managing unique resources, and identifying and protecting areas with
significant development constraints, such as sloped areas and areas of geologic
instability.
On September 18, 2018, the City Council adopted the updated 2018 General Plan. The
2018 General Plan maintains the majority of the original 1975 Goals and Policies and
was primarily updated to represent the current economic and demographic data as well
as current development patterns in the City. The 2018 General Plan also includes City
Council-approved land use decisions over the years, and incorporates Planning
Commission-directed edits, as well as text changes to address statutory requirements.
Many of the elements were retitled to be consistent with element titles required by the
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State. In summary, the update can be characterized more as a facelift than a rewrite of
the 1975 General Plan. A copy of the document is available on the City’s website by
visiting the following link, http://www.rpvca.gov/356/General-Plan-Update.
The City continues to implement the Goals and Policies that were central to the City’s
incorporation with decisions that balance community needs, property rights, and the
health and welfare of the general public. The City Council, Planning Commission,
advisory committees, and staff continue to adhere to a vision and quality of life for the
City that promotes a well-informed and educated public with regard to City issues,
problems, and services; a friendly responsive and competent City government; a safe
community in which to live and work; a community with a sound economic base; a sound
financial base to support and maintain vital City services; reductions to long -term public
infrastructure costs within the City; and, a well maintained, balanced, and aesthet ically
pleasing community.
ACTIONS TAKEN BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2023 AND DECEMBER 31, 2023, TO
IMPLEMENT THE GOALS AND POLICIES OF THE GENERAL PLAN
The following information is intended to specify and highlight each of the mandatory
elements in the City’s updated General Plan, with a brief definition and the actions taken
to implement its goals and policies. The applicable goal and/or policy number, as well
as page number where each goal and/or policy can be found in the 2018 General Plan
follows each action.
Within this reporting period, the following actions occurred:
I. Circulation Element
The primary role of the Circulation Element is to plan the transportation
system needed to serve proposed development as defined in the Land Use
Element. The Circulation Element also has a role in planning for the future
with regard to the provision of infrastructure that services the City. The
circulation system affects growth patterns, the environment, and the
quality of life of the City’s residents and workers. The system ranges from
sidewalks to roadways to trails, all providing for the safe, efficient, and
sometimes recreational movement of people through the City. The location
and nature of circulation system components derives from—and in turn,
affects—physical settlement patterns, air quality, plant and animal habitats,
noise, energy use, safety, visual appearance, social interaction, and
economic activity within the community.
Continued providing traffic flagger and crossing guard services for certain
schools. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5.
The seven-member Infrastructure Management Advisory Committee
continued to meet on a regular basis to discuss infrastructure projects and
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needs throughout the City. Circulation Element, Goal No. 1 & 2, pg. C-5.
Continued the design and peer review of the storm sewer system at Palos
Verdes Drive South and Peppertree Drive which helps minimizes erosion
and controlling discharge into the ocean. Circulation Element, Goal No. 4,
pg. C-5, and Policy No. 45-49, pg. C -8.
Continued the design and peer review of the Abalone Cove Sewer System
pipe replacement and force main system repair projects in the community
of Portuguese Bend. Circulation Element, Goal No. 4, pg. C -5, and Policy
No. 45-49, pg. C -8.
Continued the maintenance of Palos Verdes Drive South through the
Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex to repair damage caused by the
accelerated movement of the landslide complex. Circulation Element, Goal
No. 1 & 5, pg. C-5, and Policy No. 30-31.
Allocated Special Revenue Funds and Capital Infrastructure Program Fund
for public right-of-way improvements, including street slurry seal and street
sidewalk repair throughout the City. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2 & 5, pg.
C-5.
Continued maintaining traffic signs and signal equipment citywide. Circulation
Element, Goal No. 2, and Policy No. 3, pg. C-5.
Commenced implementing Ordinance No. 658 repealing and replacing
Chapter 8.20 (Solid Waste Collection and Disposal) of the Municipal Code,
which placed requirements on multiple entities, including the City of Rancho
Palos Verdes, residential households, commercial businesses, commercial
edible food generators, haulers, facility operators, self-haulers, food
recovery organizations, and food recovery services to support the
achievement of statewide organic waste disposal reduction targets in
compliance with Senate Bill No. 1383. Circulation Element, Goal No. 1,
Policy No. 42, pg. C-7.
Continued and expanded, by two units, the deployment of the City’s speed
radar trailer at various locations citywide to advise the motoring public of
posted speed limits. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5.
The Traffic Safety Committee continued to meet to review traffic -related
projects, concerns, and activities. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2 & 5, pg. C-
5, and Policy No. 19, C-6.
Continued requiring construction and demolition recycling as part of eligible
City/public projects. Circulation Element, Policy No. 42, pg. C-7.
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Continued various recycling and waste reduction initiatives such as weekly
residential green waste and mixed recycling collection programs; collection
of Christmas trees, used oil and oil filters, electronic waste, bulky waste items,
batteries, and paper shredding events. Circulation Element, Policy No. 42,
pg. C-7.
Continued to repair and maintain pedestrian and multiuse trails (facilitating
pedestrians, equestrians, and bicyclists, or a combination of these user
groups) throughout the City. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5, and
Policy No. 11, 16, 22, 25-27, pg. C-6 & 7.
Continued to update the Trails Network Plan that will provide trail
descriptions with graphics and detailed maps that illustrate trail routes and
uses in a clear and concise manner based on existing legal trails,
community input, and feasible trails. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-
5, and Policy No. 6, 13, 22, 24, 25, 27, pg. C-5-7, and Conservation and
Open Space Element, Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3.
Continued the installation and maintenance of improved signs, entry
monument signs, and informative signs at significant entrance points and
locations throughout the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve in conjunction with
the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (PVPLC). Circulation
Element, Policy No. 12-13, pg. C-5, and Conservation and Open Space
Element, Policy No. 35-36, pg. COS-6.
Continued efforts to manage access to the Portuguese Bend and Filiorum
Reserves through the Del Cerro area through implementation of the
ParkMobile Parking System, new parking enforcement personnel, and
continuing a traffic/parking study of the area. Circulation Element Goal No.
2, pg. C-5, Policy No. 14, 16 & 19, pg. C-5 & 6.
Continued the planning phase of the Western Avenue congestion mitigation
project. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, Policy No. 3, pg. C-5.
Completed repair of the Burma Road Trailhead Fence and Gate. The gate
was vandalized and became inoperable. Completed installation an entry
gate at the Rattlesnake Trailhead. Both gates help control afterhours
access. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5, and Conservation and
Open Space Element, Goal No. 1. Pg. COS-3.
Completed rehabilitation of Silver Spur Road south of Hawthorne Boulevard
to rehabilitate pavement, repair sidewalk, and curb, and upgrade curb ramps
throughout the corridor. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, Policy No. 1, pg.
C-5.
Completed installation new visually appealing City entrance and park
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identification significant City entrance points on major arterials and at park
locations. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5, Policy 13 & 15, pg. C-
5, and Conservation and Open Space Element Goal No. 1, pg. COS -3,
Policy 35 & 36 COS-6.
Repaired sinkholes at Hawthorne and Seamount efficient and
comprehensive system of roads. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2 pg. C-5.
Implemented traffic safety improvements on Hawthorne Blvd. between
Vallon and Ryan Park. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, Policy No. 1 -3, pg.
C-5.
Initiated the Western Avenue Beautification Project in collaboration with
Caltrans and the City of Los Angeles. Circulation Element, Goal No. 1 and
2, Policy No. 1-3, 5, 10, pg. C-5.
Landscaped the Ladera Linda tract entrance on Forrestal and Palos Verdes
Drive South. Arterial Walls and Fences Beautification project which involves
newly painted walls on Hawthorne Blvd., Western Avenue and
Montemalaga Drive. Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-5, Policy 13 &
15, pg. C-5, and Conservation and Open Space Element Goal No. 1, pg.
COS-3, Policy 35 & 36 COS-6.
II. Conservation and Open Space Element
The State of California requires both a Conservation Element and an Open
Space Element to be included in every local government General Plan.
These two elements are combined as many of the City’s Goals and
Policies for these two elements overlap.
Open space is one of the prominent features that defines the character of
Rancho Palos Verdes: it plays a large role in the City’s residents’ quality
of life and is a major draw to visitors. Conserving open space provides
opportunities for public outdoor recreation, viewshed protection, and
conservation of natural and biological resources, which in turn provide a
healthy ecosystem for vegetation and wildlife, flood and erosion control,
protection of the public health and safety, buffering between incompatible
land uses, and the enhancement of roads and public spaces.
Coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Conservation
Board and PVPLC to purchase the 96-acre Wildlife Corridor property in
lower Filiorum and enrolled the property into the Palos Verdes Nature
Preserve. The City was awarded $12.6 million from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service and $4.8 million from the Wildlife Conservation Board.
Additionally, PVPLC contributed $1.3 million and the Los Angeles County
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Regional Park and Open Space District contributed $1 million for this
momentous purchase. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No.
1, pg. COS-3, Policy No. 16, pg. COS-5.
Continued identifying updates to the Public Use Master Plan (PUMP) to
reflect the Council-adopted Natural Community Conservation Plan and
Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP) for consideration by the City
Council at a future meeting. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal
No. 1, pg. COS-3, Policy No.16, 22-23, pg. COS-5, and Land Use Element,
Policy No. 30, pg. L-9.
Coordinated continued parking and access to the Forrestal Reserve during
the construction of the adjacent Ladera Linda Community Park.
Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1, pg. COS -3, Policy
No.16, 22-23, pg. COS-5, and Land Use Element, Policy No. 30, pg. L-9.
Implemented bicycle and other non-motorized wheeled vehicles usage at
designated City parks. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1,
pg. COS-3, Policy No.16, 22-23, pg. COS-5, and Land Use Element, Policy
No. 30, pg. L-9.
Continue to implement the Rancho Palos Verdes NCCP/HCP along with the
City’s management partner, the PVPLC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation and
Open Space Element, Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3, Policy No.16, 22-23, pg.
COS-5, and Land Use Element, Policy No. 30, pg. L -9.
Coordinated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department
of Fish and Wildlife, and PVPLC to acquire the 96-acre Lower Filiorum
property on July 17, 2022, and enroll it into the Preserve. Conservation and
Open Space Element, Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3, Policy No.16, 22-23, pg.
COS-5, and Land Use Element, Policy No. 30, pg. L -9.
Continued offering exhibits, including ones focused on Gray Whales, birds,
navigation, and migration, to the public as part of a Phase II exhibit process
at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center funded by the Los Serenos de Point
Vicente docents. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 2, pg.
COS-3, and Policy No. 38, pg. COS-6, and Land Use Element, Goal No. 6,
pg. L-7.
Planned and installed a new sea urchin rock exhibit at the Point Vicente
Interpretative Center. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 2,
pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 38, pg. COS-6, and Land Use Element, Goal No.
6, pg. L-7.
Held multiple public forums and meetings regarding Preserve and Open
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Space management concerns. Conservation and Open Space Element
Policy No. 16, 21 & 22, pg. COS-5.
Conducted outreach to the United States Coast Guard regarding potential
acquisition or partnership on Coast Guard properties in the City , including
the Point Vicente Lighthouse and the Civic Center-adjacent Battery Barnes.
Conservation and Open Space Element. Goal No. 2, pg. COS-3, and Policy
No. 32, pg. COS-6.
Continued to implement the City’s interim Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat
Protection Ordinance. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1,
pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 22-23, pg. COS-5.
Continued construction of the Ladera Linda Community Park Project.
Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No. 35 -36 & 42, pg. COS-
6, and Land Use Element, Goal No. 6.
Continued to maintain improvements within Eastview Park, including
enhancement of amenities, trail and access improvements. Conservation
and Open Space Element, Policy No. 35-36, pg. COS-6, and Circulation
Element, Policy No. 16, pg. C-6.
Continued to implement the Management Agreement with the PVPLC to re-
vegetate, operate and maintain the City’s Palos Verdes Nature Preserve.
Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1 , pg. COS-3, and Policy
No. 21-27, pg. COS-5 & 6.
Continued to conduct view assessments for applicable development
applications to ensure the protection of views and conformance with City
decisions applicable to building and foliage height restrictions. Conservation
and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3, and Land Use Element,
Policy No. 7-9, 15, pg. L-8.
Continued to implement the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance by
processing Seven projects in 2023, totaling 71,119 sq. ft. of landscape area.
Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No. 10 & 14-15, pg. COS-4
& 5, and Land Use Element, Policy No. 6, pg. L-8.
Continued to maintain the Water Conservation Page on the City website to
promote ways to lower water consumption due to the California drought.
Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No. 10 & 14-15, pg. COS-4 &
5, and Land Use Element, Policy No. 6, pg. L-8.
Coordinated with other Peninsula Watershed Management Agencies to
continue the implementation of the Enhanced Water Management Program
(EWMP) and the Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Program (CIMP) to
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measure pollutant levels in storm water and urban runoff. Conservation and
Open Space Element, Goal No. 3, pg. COS-3.
Continued promoting various composting workshop events and providing
rebates on the purchase of compost bins. Conservation and Open Space
Element, Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 25, pg. COS-5.
Continued the bi-annual citywide free brush-clearing event. Conservation
and Open Space Element, Policy No. 25, pg. COS-5.
Completed the trimming or removal of view-impairing trees at various
locations to protect views from surrounding viewing areas. Conservation
and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3, and Land Use Element,
Policy No. 7-9, pg. L-8.
Continued to work on implementing the City Council-adopted Preserve
Trails Plan and implementing the Public Use Master Plan for the Palos
Verdes Nature Preserve. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No.
1, pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 18, 22-23, 27 & 35-38, pg. COS-5 & 6.
Continued to coordinate with the Los Serenos De Point Vicente docent
organization on a variety of public recreational and educational
opportunities, including public hikes and tours, the Docent 4th and 6th Grade
Programs, the Junior Docent Program, Whale of a World Program, and the
Docent Open House. Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No.
24-25, 35-37, pg. COS- 5 & 6.
Co-sponsored various nature walks and hikes conducted by the Los
Serenos de Point Vicente Docents and the PVPLC at various locations
throughout the City and conducted preserve open space related public
information events by Open Space Management staff. Conservation and
Open Space Element, Policy No. 24-25, 37, pg. COS-5 & 6.
Sponsored and co-sponsored a number of virtual and in-person special
events and programs including a month-long synthetic ice skating rink event
including a holiday tree lighting ceremony, as well as egg hunt, virtual Whale
of a Day, Kids to Parks Day, Meet the Goats, Shakespeare by the Sea,
Harvest Festival, Movies and Concerts in the Park, and a Fourth of July
Celebration including a first-time drone show. Conservation and Open
Space Element, Policy No. 35-37, pg. COS-6.
Planned and executed a number of events and enhanced existing events to
commemorate the City’s upcoming 50th Anniversary Conservation and
Open Space Element, Policy No. 35-37, pg. COS-6.
Planned and executed events that featured a drone light show on the 4th of
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July, 2023, and the 1st annual RPV’s Run for Myles 5k/10k run and walk
nonprofit, coinciding with the City's 50th-anniversary celebration.
Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No. 35-37, pg. COS-6.
Planned and hosted the City’s 50th anniversary City will host a dinner
banquet open to the community at Terranea Resort. Conservation and Open
Space Element, Policy No. 35-37, pg. COS-6.
Planned and executed cultural festivities celebrating the three-year
anniversary of the formation of the sister city partnership between Rancho
Palos Verdes and Sakura City, Japan. Conservation and Open Space
Element, Policy No. 35-37, pg. COS-6.
Continued to implement a Recreation and Parks Park Ranger program for
monitoring, managing and enforcing management of the City’s Palos
Verdes Nature Preserve. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No.
1 & 3, pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 24-27, pg. COS-5 & 6.
Continued to provide a program of Preserve Recreation staff (Open Space
Management) to patrol the Nature Preserve trails, close and open, and
monitor trails in conjunction with public health orders; interacted with the
public; and perform maintenance and clean-up related duties. Conducted
Staff patrols, educating the public, and enforcing open space regulations.
Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1 & 3, pg. COS-3, Policy
No. 24-27, pg. COS-5 & 6.
Continued to maintain various improvements within the City’s Preserve and
trail areas to enhance user experience. Conservation and Open Space
Element, Goal No. 1 & 3, pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 24-27, pg. COS-5 & 6,
and Circulation Element, Policy No. 12, pg. C-5.
Maintained staffing levels and park hours at multiple City parks to provide a
higher level of customer service, improve responsiveness to park visitor s’
complaints/concerns, and better maintain the conditions and operations of
City parks. Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No. 35-37, pg.
COS-6.
Maintained a robust volunteer program for both residents and non -residents
to be involved in community and civic volunteer activities such as park
cleaning and trash removal. Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy
No. 25, pg. COS-5.
Continued distribution of “Share the Trails” brochure for safe and
appropriate shared use of trails by hikers, cyclists and equestrians, which
was created with the involvement of multiple agencies. Conservation and
Open Space Element, Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3, and Circulation Element,
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Goal No. 2, pg. C-5.
Continued distribution of coastal access brochure providing information
about parking, fishing access and appropriate coastal access points and
marine protected areas. Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No.
1, pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 24, pg. COS-5.
Continued to administer the Gifts for Parks Program, which provides a
means by which interested individuals, organizations, and/or businesses
may contribute funds or merchandise for the enhancement of the City’s
Recreation facilities and programs. Conservation and Open Space Element,
Policy No. 40, pg. COS-6.
Continued implementation of the City’s Emissions Reduction Action Plan
(ERAP). Conservation and Open Space Element, Goal No. 1. pg. COS -3,
and Policy No. 25, pg. COS-5, Land Use Element, Policy No. 6, pg. L-8, and
Safety Element, Policy No. 28, pg. S-7.
Continued to monitor a Coastal Development Permit to allow 13 acres of
habitat restoration consisting of weed abatement and removal of non-native
vegetation, the installation of drip irrigation, and the planting of native habitat
in the Abalone Cove Reserve between January 2020 and May 2023 with
monitoring and reporting through May 2026. Conservation and Open Space
Element, Goal No. 1, pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 16-18, pg. COS-5.
Published the draft Environmental Impact Report and conducted a public
hearing for the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project, which
proposes to stabilize the existing landslide area through a series of
recommended mitigation measures. Conservation and Open Space
Element, Goal No. 3, pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 6, pg. COS-4.
Partnered with The LA County’s Environmental Defenders to bring virtual
environmental education assemblies to Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified
School District and Los Angeles Unified School District elementary schools.
Conservation and Open Space Element, Policy No. 25, pg. COS-5.
Hired a consultant to prepare a nomination for Hatano Farm for designation
as a California Point of Historical Interest and for listing on the California
Register of Historic Resources. Conservation and Open Space Element,
Goal No. 2, pg. COS-3, and Policy No. 28 and 33, pg. COS-6
Conducted annual review of public amenities for Trump National and the
Ocean Trails Reserve. Conservation and Open Space Element, COS-4,
Policy No. 8 and COS-6, Policy No.35 No.41
Approved a professional services agreement for the trapping and relocation
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of peafowl to conduct trapping and relocation services of peafowl.
Conservation and Open Space Element, pg. COS-3, Policy No. 22, pg. COS-
5.
III. Land Use Element
The Land Use Element must designate the proposed general distribution
and location and extent of the uses of the land for housing, business,
industry, and open space, including agriculture, natural resources,
recreation, enjoyment of scenic beauty, education, public buildings and
grounds, solid and liquid waste disposal facilities, and other categories
of public and private uses of land.
Continued implementation of the Municipal Code through the processing of
relevant development applications. Land Use Element, Goal No. 1 -10, and
Policy No. 4, pg. L-7.
Continued to expedite solar photovoltaic permitting for residential dwelling
units. Land Use Element, Policy No. 6, pg. L-8.
Continued to issue Building and Grading Permits for the construction of new
housing units throughout the City. Land Use Element, Policy No. 2-11, pg.
L-7 & 8.
Created and implemented a new standard detail to assist property owners
in the repair and replacement of street-facing retaining walls. Land Use
Element, Policy No. 4, pg. L-7
Continued utilizing a system which allows for fully online submittals and
review through the eTRAKIT Online Portal to assist in expediting building
permit review and issuance. Land Use Element, Policy No. 4, pg. L-7
Updated the City’s internal permit system to allow for efficient coordination
for Geology review between the Public Works Department and Building &
Safety Division. Land Use Element, Policy No. 4, pg. L-7.
Continued to enforce the City’s prohibition to advertise or operate a short -
term rental in the single-family and multi-family residential zoning districts.
Land Use Element, Goal No. 1 & 4. pg. L-7.
Completed the Civic Center Preliminary Master Plan (Step 1) and
commenced the Master Plan Design Development stage (Step 2) for City
Council consideration at a future date. Land Use Element, Goal No. 5, pg.
L-7, Policy No. 25, pg. L-9, and Safety Element, Policy No. 33, pg. S-8.
Continued construction of the new Ladera Linda Community Park. Land Use
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Element, Goal No. 5, pg. L-7, Policy No. 25, pg. L-9, and Safety Element,
Policy No. 33, pg. S-8.
Commenced the process of establishing a Mixed -Use Overlay District and
Residential Overlay District along commercial corridors and some
institutionally zoned parcels to accommodate the City’s 6th Cycle Regional
Housing Needs Assessment allocation. Activities included on-going
consultation with the State’s Housing and Community Development (HCD)
Department along with the City’s consultants Dudek and Environmental
Sciences Associates the development of an informational website. Land
Use Element. Goal No. 2, pg. L7, Policy No. 19 & 25.
Completed site surveys and maps of existing fences and walls that abut major
arterial streets within the City for the Arterial Fence and Wall Master Plan
project, which proposes to mitigate aesthetic impacts to surrounding uses and
enhance the visual character of arterial corridors through a set of design
guidelines. Land Use Element, Goal No. 1 pg. L-7 to 9, Policy No. 7, 14, & 25.
Continued the annual reviews of the Green Hills Memorial Park Master Plan.
Land Use Element, Goal No. 1 pg. L-7, Policy No. 13, pg. L-7 & 8.
Continued ongoing collaborative effort, our organization has been actively
engaging with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) to
address a variety of regional issues, with a special focus on climate action
planning. Land Use Element, Goal No. 1 and 2 pg. L-7, Policy No. 1, pg. L-7.
IV. Noise Element
The Noise Element is intended to identify existing and potential future
sources of noise within the community, and to identify strategies to limit
the exposure of the community to excessive noise levels.
Continued to attend LAX/Community Noise Roundtable meetings to monitor
passenger jet noise and provide updates related to the Federal Aviation
Administration airspace issues that potentially affect the City. Noise Element,
Goal No. 1, Policy No. 7, pg. N-2.
Reviewed and monitored Special Use Permits and Special Event Permits for
temporary events and required noise monitoring for the events that are likely
to create a noise impact on the surrounding residential neighborhoods (i.e.
Golden Cove Shopping Center). Noise Element, Goal No. 1, Policy No. 9-10,
pg. N-2.
Continued the implementation of Municipal Code regulations regarding hours
of construction and operation of mechanical equipment. Noise Element, Goal
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No. 1, Policy No. 9-12, pg. N-2.
V. Safety Element
The Safety Element first discusses the various hazards that may impact
the City, including wildfire hazards, flood hazards, geologic hazards, and
other hazards. This discussion is followed by emergency services
available to the City in addressing these hazards, including risk
assessment, leading to policies to help address these impacts.
Continued utilization of Everbridge, an emergency communication
notification system, with Alert SouthBay as a multi-jurisdictional coordinated
approach to emergency management with 12 other South Bay cities. Safety
Element, Goal No. 3, pg. S-6, and Policy No. 14 & 16, pg. S-7.
Provided property owners of multi-family residential properties with
information handouts encouraging them to enact smoke-free policies within
their apartment complexes. Safety Element, Goal No. 1, pg. S-6, Policy No.
1, pg. S-6.
Participated in the “Protecting Your City from Wildfire Conference” that
provided information on planning and preparing for wildfires to better equip
the City with the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure needs in dealing with
wildfires and public safety power shutoffs. Safety Element, Goal No. 2, pg.
S-6, and Policy No. 4, 6-9, 11 & 17, pg. S-6 & 7.
Conducted a community workshop on firewise landscaping with LACOFD
and West Basin Water District Safety Element, Goal No. 2, pg. S-6, and
Policy No. 1,4,16, pg. S-6 & 7.
Utilized the Peninsula Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) camera
system and the City’s (ALPR) camera system throughout the Palos Verdes
Peninsula and along Western Avenue corridor covering all entrances and
exits to the City. Safety Element, Goal No. 1 &2,, pg. S-6, Policy No.14, pg.
S-7.
Continued implementation of the Public Safety Reimbursement Program to
assist neighborhoods and individuals interested in purchasing security
cameras. Safety Element, Goal No. 2, pg. S-6.
Continued to implement the revised Public Safety Strategic Plan. Safety
Element, Goal No. 2, pg. S-6.
Conducted a community workshop on Firewise landscaping with LACOFD
and West Basin Water District. Safety Element, Goal No. 1 &2, pg. S-6,
Policy No.1,4,27
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Implement Public Safety Division Pilot program within Administration
Department to bring in house public safety services to augment law
enforcement services provided by Los Angeles Sheriff Department
agreement. Safety Element, Goal No 1, 2, 3, & 4, pg. S -5, Policy No. 1, 4,
6, 14, 16, & 27, pg. S-6-7.
Continued to work with the Peninsula Regional Contract Law Committee
and the Peninsula Public Safety Committee, comprised of four cities from
the Palos Verdes Peninsula, to coordinate and improve regional law
enforcement and emergency preparedness. Safety Element, Goal No. 1-4,
Policy No. 1, 6 & 12, pg. S-6 & 7.
Continued to work with the Peninsula Public Safety Committee to engage in
a regional emergency preparedness plan and exercises with all four
Peninsula cities. Safety Element, Goal No. 1-4, Policy No. 1, 6 & 12, pg. S-
6 & 7.
Continued implementing the City’s Coyote Management Plan through public
outreach and educational informational efforts. Safety Element, Goal No. 1,
Policy No. 20-22, pg. S-7.
Continued to contract with Coyote Wildlife & Pest Solutions to assist the City
with coyote management issues. Safety Element, Goal No. 1, Policy No. 20-
22, pg. S-7.
Continued contracting with the County of Los Angeles Animal Care & Control
to assist and service the City on animal related issues including coyote
management. Safety Element, Goal No. 1, Policy No. 20-22, pg. S-7.
Continued to enforce the City’s Zoning Code and the California Building
Code, which include detailed geologic review requirements for construction
projects. Safety Element, Goal 1 & 4, Policy No. 2, pg. S-6.
Performed required annual Fuel Modification for the Palos Verdes Nature
Preserve and other City-owned open space areas in coordination with the
Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Weed
Abatement District, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conse rvancy.
Safety Element, Policy No. 4, 9, 12 & 27, pg. S -6 & 7.
Continued to provide residents with empty sandbags and sand to protect
private property against runoff during the rainy season. Safety Element,
Goal No. 1, pg. S-6, and Policy No. 23, pg. S-7.
Implemented Public Safety Pop-Up Events program and coordinate
outreach events with Neighborhood Watch, Homeowner Associations,
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Residential organizations, and individuals to promote public safety
resources, hazard mitigation tools, and public safety awareness
campaigns. Safety Element, Goal No. 1 & 2, pg. S-6, Policy No. 1, 4, 16, &
27, pg. S-6 &7.
Participated in the Annual Prepared Peninsula Expo in an effort to educate
residents and the broader community on emergency preparedness. Safety
Element, Goal No. 1 & 3, Policy No. 1. pg. S-6, and Policy No. 6, 12, 14, 16
& 27, pg. S-6 & 7.
Coordinated to send information to residents expressing the City’s
commitment to risk reduction and measures residents can take to “harden”
their home against wildfires. Safety Element, Goal No. 2, Policy No. 1, pg.
S-6.
Participated in a series of wildfire preparedness webinars on wildfire
preparedness hosted by the League of California Cities, which provided
information on preparing and responding to wildfire disasters. Safety
Element, Goal No. 2, pg. S-6.
Participated in the worldwide Great Shake Out earthquake drill exercise to
promote earthquake preparedness. Safety Element, Goal No. 3, pg. S -6.
Participated in a regional Emergency Operations Center training hosted by
Cal Water to enhance regional coordination in a large-scale emergency or
disaster. Safety Element, Policy No. 7 & 16, pg. S-6 & 7.
Continued implementation of the Emergency Preparedness Committee ’s
(EPC) identified recommended action items to mitigate wildfire risk,
including enhanced emergency communication; emergency evacuation
plan/Peninsula-wide and school district emergency preparedness plan;
wildfire hardening; Public Safety Power Shutoff response; and Cal Fire risk
assessment and insurance rates.” Safety Element, Goal No. 1 & 3, and
Policy No. 1, 13, 19 & 26 pg. S-6 & 7.
Continued coordination with the Los Angeles County Fire Department to
ensure that newly enacted criteria for conducting brush clearance inspections
and defensible space requirements are actively implemented and enforced
on properties within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Safety
Element, Goal No. 1 pg. S-6, and Policy No. 4, 9 & 27, pg. S-6 & 7.
Installed a 24-hour early wildfire camera detection system that utilizes
artificial intelligence technology to detect, locate, confirm and communicate
wildfire ignitions in strategic locations identified as wildfire-prone areas
throughout the City and the surrounding three Palos Verdes Peninsula cities
and area. Goal No. 1 & 4, pg. S-6, and Policy No. 1, 6, 9 & 27, pg. S-6 & 7.
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Implementation of a Peninsula-wide of the evacuation zone management
platform, as well as continued promotion of the "Know Your Zone" evacuation
preparedness campaign. Goal No. 1, pg. S-6, and Policy No. 1 & 12.
Coordinated with the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management
for the Peninsula-wide implementation of the "Zonehaven" evacuation
management platform, as well as promotion of the "Know Your Zone"
evacuation preparedness campaign. Goal No. 1, pg. S-6, and Policy No. 1 &
12.
Selected for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building,
Resiliency, Infrastructure, and Community (BRIC) program to secure funding
for the Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation project in the amount of
$23.3 million that would significantly slow down the landslide. Goal No. 1, pg.
S-6, and Policy No. 12 pg. S-6.
Continued regular maintenance of streetlights throughout the City. Safety
Element, Goal No. 1, pg. S-6, and Circulation Element, Goal No. 2, pg. C-
5.
Closed 8 miles of trails in the Portuguese bend, Filiorum and Abalone Cove
Reserves in response to accelerated land movement and public safety
concerns. Goal No. 1 & 4, S-6, and Policy No. 1 & 2, pg. S-6
Coordinated the planning to remove 40 above-ground utility lines and poles
with Southern California Edison in response to the accelerated land
movement in the Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex. Goal No. 1 & 4, pg.
S-6, Policy No. 1 & 2, pg. S-6
Selected as recipient of FEMA’s BRIC grant in the amount of $23.3 million
for the Portuguese Landslide Remediation project. Goal No. 1 & 4, S -6,
Policy No. 1 & 2, pg. S-6,
Responded to accelerated land movement in the Portuguese Bend
Landslide complex by declaring a local emergency on October 4, 2023, by
the City Council. Goal No. 1,3, & 4, pg. S-6, and Policy No. 12 pg. S-6.
Conducted weekly Working Group Meetings with community stakeholders
in response to accelerated land movement. Goal No. 1,3, & 4, pg. S-6, and
Policy No. 1 pg. S-6.
Assisted the Klondike Canyon and Abalone Cove Landslide Abatement
Districts in their collective response to accelerated land movement within
their jurisdictional boundaries. Goal No. 1,3 & 4, pg. S-6, and Policy No. 1,
pg. S-6.
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Installation of Wildfire Cameras in the City for Public Health/Safety and
Preservation of Natural Resources. Safety Element, Goal No. 2 and 3, pg.
S-6, and Policy No 1,6,9, pg. S-6 & 7.
VI. Housing Element
The Housing Element is a comprehensive assessment of current and
projected housing needs for all segments of the community and all
economic groups. This element identifies and analyzes existing and
projected housing needs and contains a statement of goals, policies,
quantified objectives, and scheduled programs for the preservation,
improvement, and development of housing. In adopting this element,
issues such as economic, environmental and fiscal factors, as well as
community goals set forth in the General Plan, must be considered. In
2022, the Community Development Department submitted the City’s
adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element to the California Department of
Housing & Community Development (HCD) for compliance review. Staff
has revised its Housing Element, first adopted on August 11, 2022,
following feedback from the California Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD) received in a letter dated October 14,
2022. The updated document was submitted to HCD on January 30, 2024,
for a 60-day review period. If approved, it will be reviewed by the Planning
Commission and City Council in the upcoming months. The City is also
hosting a Virtual Open House through March 18, 2024, to discuss these
developments.
In accordance with the adopted Housing Element, staff continued to monitor
the development of accessory dwelling units (ADU) and issued building
permits for fourteen ADUs. Housing Element, Goal No. 1, pg. 206, and
Program Category No. 2, Policy No. 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7, pg. 3 -7.
Continued the City’s formal Code Enforcement program to ensure that
dwelling units are habitable and being maintained in accordance with the
California Building Code. Housing Element, Goal No. 4, Policy No. 18, pg.
209.
Continued discussions with the State’s Housing and Community
Development (HCD) Department on the preparation of revisions to the City’s
6th Cycle Housing Element to comply with State Housing Law. A revised 6th
Cycle Housing Element was submitted to HCD for informal review in
September 2023.
Continued to provide information for So Cal Home Financing Authority Down
Payment Assistance, aimed at making homeownership more accessible
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and supporting community development. Housing Element, Goal No. 2,
Policy No. 11-15, pg. 208.
Continued to provide information on the City’s website regarding programs
available for first-time home buyer assistance, such as County
Homeownership Program, County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, and
So Cal Home Financing Authority Down Payment Assistance Programs.
Housing Element, Goal No. 2, Policy No. 11-15, pg. 208.
SPECIFIC PLANS
A Specific Plan is a tool for implementation of the General Plan and contains
development goals and guidelines for specified areas and/or districts within the City.
To date, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes has adopted five Specific Plans, including
the Coastal Specific Plan, which addresses land use and development within the City’s
Coastal Zone (all land seaward of Palos Verdes Drive West and Palos Verdes Drive
South); a Specific Plan for the City’s Eastview Park, which is located on land leased
from the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts; as well as three Specific Plan
districts along the Western Avenue commercial corridor. In 2002, the three specific
plans that govern Western Avenue were combined into one user-friendly document.
By Specific Plan District, the following actions occurred between January 1, 2023 and
December 31, 2023:
COASTAL SPECIFIC PLAN DISTRICT
Certified in 1981, the Rancho Palos Verdes Coastal Specific Plan District provides
specific development guidelines and standards for all land located seaward of Palos
Verdes Drive West and Palos Verdes Drive South. The lands have been classified by
Subregions (1-8), with specific development criteria provided, based on the unique
character of each Subregion.
Continued monitoring and maintaining the City’s segment of the California
Coastal Trail located within the City’s Coastal Zone. Coastal Specific Plan,
Policy No. 1 & 2, Page U-28.
Continued maintaining the City’s trails within the Coastal Zone located within
the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve. Coastal Specific Plan, Policy No. 6,
Page U-67.
Continued maintaining the City’s public parks and open space areas within
the Coastal Zone. Coastal Specific Plan, Policy No. 4, Page U-28.
Monitored residential construction within the Coastal Zone to ensure
compliance with applicable development guidelines and overlay control
districts. Coastal Specific Plan, Policy No. 1, Page U-74.
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WESTERN AVENUE SPECIFIC PLAN
District I includes properties located at 28901 Western Avenue (southwest corner of
Caddington Drive and Western Avenue) – The Terraces Shopping Center. Western
Avenue Specific Plan District 1 was adopted in 1985 by the City Council.
District II includes properties located between 29505–29701 Western Avenue.
Western Avenue Specific Plan District 2 was adopted in 1986 by the City Council.
District III includes properties located between 29019 – 29421 Western Avenue.
Western Avenue Specific Plan District 3 was adopted in 1987 by the City Council.
Engaged with property owners and the development community to discuss
potential redevelopment projects along Western Avenue.
EASTVIEW PARK SPECIFIC PLAN DISTRICT
Certified in 1989, the Eastview Park Specific Plan District provides specific use and
development standards for the City park located at 1700 Westmont Drive, which was
annexed by the City in 1983. The 10-acre property is leased from the Los Angeles
County Sanitation Districts, which maintain underground equipment and sewer lines
on the property.
Continued maintaining improvements within Eastview Park including
enhancement of amenities, trail and access improvements, as well ask the
dog park.
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#####
2023 Annual Report (January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023)
Prepared by: Steven Giang, Associate Planner
Community Development
Department
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Submitted to:
Governor’s Office of
Planning and Research
And
Department of Housing and Community
Development State of California
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