CC SR 20240702 02 - Multiple Application and Sign Code Updates
PUBLIC HEARING
Date: July 2, 2024
Subject:
Consideration and possible action to amend Chapter 17.78 (Miscellaneous) and Chapter 17.75 (Sign
Code) in Title 17 (Zoning) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code to prohibit the submittal of
multiple applications for conflicting projects on the same property, and to allow for the remodeling
and/or reconstruction of existing legal non-conforming freestanding monument, directory and pole
signs (Case Nos. PLCA2024-0006 and PLCA2024-0005, respectively).
Recommendation:
(1) Introduce Ordinance No.___, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING §17.78.030 (CONSIDERATION OF MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS) OF
CHAPTER 17.78 (MISCELLANEOUS) IN TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT THE SUBMITTAL OF CONCURRENT OR SIMULTANEOUS
PRELIMINARY APPLICATIONS AND/OR DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS FOR MUTUALLY
EXCLUSIVE AND CONFLICTING PROJECTS AT THE SAME LOCATION, AND DETERMINE THE
CODE AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALIT Y ACT
(CASE NO. PLCA2024-0006)
(2) Introduce Ordinance No.___, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING §17.75.140.B (LEGAL NONCONFORMING SIGNS) OF CHAPTER
17.75 (SIGN CODE) IN TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ALLOW FOR THE REMODELING AND/OR RECONSTRUCTION OF EXISTING LEGAL
NON-CONFORMING FREESTANDING MONUMENT AND DIRECTORY SIGNS, AND POLE
SIGNS, AND DETERMINE THE CODE AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CASE NO. PLCA2024-0005).
1. Report of Notice Given: City Clerk
2. Declare Public Hearing Open: Mayor Cruikshank
3. Request for Staff Report: Mayor Cruikshank
4. Staff Report & Recommendation: Brandy Forbes, AICP, Director of Community Development
Amy Seeraty, Senior Planner
5. Council Questions of Staff (factual and without bias):
6. Testimony from members of the public:
The normal time limit for each speaker is three (3) minutes. The Presiding Officer may grant additional time to a representative speaking
for an entire group. The Mayor also may adjust the time limit for individual speakers depending upon the number of speakers who
intend to speak.
7. Declare Hearing Closed/or Continue the Public Hearing to a later date: Mayor Cruikshank
8. Council Deliberation:
The Council may ask staff to address questions raised by the testimony, or to clarify matters. Staff and/or Council may also answer
questions posed by speakers during their testimony. The Council will then debate and/or make motions on the matter.
9. Council Action:
The Council may: vote on the item; offer amendments or substitute motions to decide the matter; reopen the hearing for additional
testimony; continue the matter to a later date for a decision.
01203.0005/992407.1
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 07/02/2024
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Public Hearing
AGENDA TITLE:
Consideration and possible action to amend Chapter 17.78 (Miscellaneous) and Chapter
17.75 (Sign Code) in Title 17 (Zoning) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code to
prohibit the submittal of multiple applications for conflicting projects on the same property,
and to allow for the remodeling and/or reconstruction of existing legal non -conforming
freestanding monument, directory and pole signs (Case Nos. PLCA2024-0006 and
PLCA2024-0005, respectively).
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Introduce Ordinance No.___, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING §17.78.030 (CONSIDERATION OF
MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS) OF CHAPTER 17.78 (MISCELLANEOUS) IN TITLE
17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE TO
PROHIBIT THE SUBMITTAL OF CONCURRENT OR SIMULTANEOUS
PRELIMINARY APPLICATIONS AND/OR DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS FOR
MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE AND CONFLICTING PROJECTS AT THE SAME
LOCATION, AND DETERMINE THE CODE AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT FROM
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CASE NO. PLCA2024-
0006)
(2) Introduce Ordinance No.___, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING §17.75.140.B (LEGAL
NONCONFORMING SIGNS) OF CHAPTER 17.75 (SIGN CODE) IN TITLE 17
(ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW
FOR THE REMODELING AND/OR RECONSTRUCTION OF EXISTING LEGAL
NON-CONFORMING FREESTANDING MONUMENT AND DIRECTORY SIGNS,
AND POLE SIGNS, AND DETERMINE THE CODE AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CASE NO.
PLCA2024-0005).
FISCAL IMPACT: NONE
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Amy Seeraty, Senior Planner
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REVIEWED BY: Brandy Forbes, AICP, Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Draft Ordinance No. __ (Multiple Applications) (page A-1)
B. Draft Ordinance No. __ (Legal Nonconforming Signs) (page B-1)
C. P.C. Resolution No. 2024-19 (page C-1)
D. P.C. Resolution No. 2024-20 (page D-1)
E. June 11, 2024 Planning Commission Report
BACKGROUND:
From time-to-time, the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code (RPVMC) warrants code
amendments to reflect current conditions, trends or to correct loopholes and/or code
inconsistencies. Unlike other chapters in the RPVMC, code amendments proposed to the
City’s Zoning Code (Chapter 17) requires that the City Council first initiate the code
amendment proceedings followed by public hearings conducted by the Planning
Commission, which then forwards a recommendation to the City Council for consideration
at a duly noticed public hearing.
On May 21, 2024, the City Council initiated code amendment proceedings to update the
Zoning Code as it pertains to the submittal of multiple development applications on the
same property and the remodeling/reconstruction of existing legal nonconforming signs.
After the code amendment initiation, Staff worked with the Planning Commission’s Zoning
Code Subcommittee, which consists of Chair Chura, and Commissioners Nulman and
Saadatnejadi to develop a working draft of the section of the Sign Code regarding legal
nonconforming signs. Please note that Commissioner Saadatnejadi was not available to
participate in the subcommittee discussions regarding this code amendment. This draft
code was then presented to the entire Planning Commission on June 11, 2024, which
also included consideration of draft code for the amendments to Chapter 17.78 regarding
multiple development applications on the same property.
Accordingly, after considering all testimony, the Planning Commission adopted P.C.
Resolution No. 2024-19 (Attachment C), and P.C. Resolution No. 2024-20 (Attachment
D), recommending that the City Council adopt ordinances to amend Chapter 17.78
(Miscellaneous) to prohibit the submittal of concurrent or simultaneous preliminary
applications and/or development applications for mutually exclusive projects at the same
location, with staff to ensure specificity in the language to address the issue, and to amend
Chapter 17.75 (Sign Code) to allow for the remodeling and/or reconstruction of existing
legal non-conforming freestanding monument and directory signs, and pole signs,
respectively.
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On June 13, 2024, notice of the proposed update s to Chapters 17.78 and 17.75 of the
Zoning Code was published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News announcing Code
Amendment proceedings to be heard by the City Council on July 2, 2024. As of the date
of distribution of this report, no written comments have been received.
The City Council is now being asked to review the draft ordinance s and, if deemed
acceptable, introduce the ordinances (with or without modifications) this evening, with a
second reading adoption consideration at the July 16, 2024 City Council meeting as a
Consent Calendar item.
DISCUSSION:
Multiple Applications RPVMC §17.78.030
The RPVMC requires that when more than one permit or approval is necessary for a
single development project or use on the same site, the applications shall be submitted
simultaneously and processed concurrently. It has come Staff’s attention that there are no
clarifications for how to address multiple SB 330 preliminary applications and/or multiple
applications for the same type of entitlement for different projects on the same site at a
given time, when such applications are for projects that are mutually exclusive. For
example, an application for a single-family dwelling and a multi-family dwelling on the
same parcel where construction of one of the projects would physically conflict with the
construction of the other project.
Due to the tight review requirements of the State’s permit streamlining act in reviewing
land use approvals, if an applicant submits multiple applications for alternative projects
on the same site to be reviewed at the same time, this may cause confusion d uring the
reviews and burden the workload of Planning Division Staff in having to review multiple
proposals/projects for the same site with the expedited 30-day completeness review
deadline.
Certainly, there may be circumstances where an applicant may submit a proposal and
then subsequently revise the application based on discussions with Staff and logistics of
development. Due to the linear review of that application, that would be considered the
same project with revisions with the same application number. The RPVMC amendments
being considered would not apply in that circumstance. Rather the RPVMC amendments
would apply to multiple projects with different details (i.e., number of dwelling units, height,
massing, setbacks, parking) that physically conflict with each other, where each of those
projects would warrant its own separate application and review.
Specifically, RPVMC §17.78.030 Consideration of multiple applications currently reads
as follows:
A. When more than one permit, variance or other approval under title 16
(Subdivisions) and this title is necessary for a single development project or
use, the applicant shall submit all the applications simultaneously and the
applications shall be processed concurrently. Further, all the applications
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may be considered by a single officer or agency of the city pursuant to this
section.
In order to prevent unnecessary duplicative work, Staff presented the following proposed
Code Amendment to the Planning Commission that would add subsection “B” to this
section as follows:
B. Notwithstanding subsection A, above, an applicant shall not submit
concurrent or simultaneous preliminary applications, pursuant to
Government Code Section 65913.4, as may be amended, or concurrent or
simultaneous applications for development projects, for the same property
or portion of a property, which are mutually exclusive, where development of
one project pursuant to an application will foreclose development of another
project at the same or overlapping location pursuant to a separate
application.
At its June 11, 2024 meeting, the Planning Commission expressed that the code
amendment could be clarified to avoid the possible issue of one property owner with
multiple corporations submitting multiple applications as different applicants. The
Planning Commission directed Staff to add “or applicants” after “…an applicant…”, to
address this concern. Staff also worked with the City Attorney’s Office to further clarify
the proposed code amendments in accordance with the Planning Commission’s intent.
The updated version of the proposed code amendments is as follows, with the proposed
deletions shown as strikeout text and the new text shown as bolded and underlined text:
B. Notwithstanding subsection A, above, an applicant or applicants shall not
submit concurrent or simultaneous multiple preliminary applications, pursuant
to Government Code Section 65913.4, as may be amended, or concurrent or
simultaneous multiple applications, for development projects, for the same
property, or portion of a property, which are mutually exclusive, where
development of one project pursuant to an application will foreclose
development of another project conflict with one another, such that the
approval of one project would preclude the development of all or part of
the projects proposed in the other submitted preliminary applications or
applications.
It is important to address this issue, as there is an immediate need for this added
stipulation in the procedures of the RPVMC to ensure that there is not duplicative work
being completed when an applicant has not determined which project they want to pursue.
With the added deadline requirements instituted by the State, the proposed Code
Amendment will eliminate confusion and prevent Staff from being overburdened when
required to review several projects for the same site at the same time.
Sign Code – Legal Nonconforming Signs RPVMC §17.75.140.B
On November 16, 2021, the City Council approved a comprehensive update of the City’s
Sign Code (Chapter 17.75 of the RPVMC). This update included regulations for both
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commercial and noncommercial (residential) signs. These regulations were intended to
promote the public health, safety, and welfare and balance the City's interests in
aesthetics and traffic safety, with the interest of nonresidential uses and their patrons to
provide visible information relating to the services or goods provided.
On April 9, 2024, the Planning Commission approved a Sign Program for the shopping
center known as “Western Plaza” located at 29105 -29229 S. Western Avenue. This
project initially included a Variance request to allow three legal nonconforming freestanding
directory and monument signs and one legal nonconforming pole sign on the project site
to be remodeled. These freestanding and pole signs exceed the maximum allowed height
and/or square footage allowed for these types of signs, and also are located within the
required 5-foot setback from the public right-of-way. However, based on further review of
the project information, including jurisdictional and design considerations for these signs,
the proposal to remodel the freestanding and pole signs was not included in the approved
Sign Program. It was determined that the Variance section of the RPVMC cannot be
utilized to accommodate the remodeling of legal nonconforming signage because the
Sign Code is a stand-alone ordinance that is subject to the First Amendment. As such,
another method that was investigated by which to consider the remodeling of existing
legal nonconforming signs included code amendment proceedings.
In coordination with the City Attorney’s Office , Staff reviewed other signs along Western
Avenue in accordance with the City’s Sign Code and observed several other legal
nonconforming signs. As a result of this observation, Staff determined that it may be
difficult for businesses with legal nonconforming freestanding signs to remodel onsite
signs and still adhere to the current freestanding and pole sign requirements, both of
which include a maximum height of six feet and a maximum area of 40 ft 2. Staff believes
that the proposed Code Amendment is needed to allow comme rcial businesses in the
City, including those along the Western Avenue corridor, the ability to refurbish
dilapidated signs, which may not meet current sign code requirements related to
setbacks, height, length and width of various types of existing, legal nonconforming wall
signs, freestanding signs, and hanging signs, etc.
Specifically, RPVMC §17.75.140.B.3 currently states:
3. Reconstruction of a legal nonconforming sign where 30 percent or more of the
sign structure is replaced must be brought into full compliance with this chapter.
However, depending on the age and/or condition of the sign, it may be impossible for an
applicant to maintain more than 70% of the original sign structure. While the code
amendment was initiated because of the freestanding monument sign issue at Western
Plaza described above, an updated nonconforming Sign Code section could also be
helpful to property and business owners trying to update/modernize other types of signs,
such as wall signs and projecting signs. Given that the City wishes to facilitate the
enhancing the City’s aesthetics as well as its businesses, including the Western Avenue
commercial corridor, as mentioned above, Staff worked with both the Planning
Commission’s Zoning Code Update Subcommittee and the City Attorney’s Office to
develop a working draft of the nonconforming signs section of the Sign Code. These
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proposed changes to the above code section would allow the remodeling and/or
reconstruction of existing legal nonconforming signs, including, but not limited to,
freestanding monument signs, by amending subsection No. 3 listed above, and adding
subsection No. 4 with additional text noted as bolded and underlined, and deletions as
strikethrough:
3. Reconstruction of a legal nonconforming sign (other than a freestanding
monument or directory sign, or pole sign) where 30 percent or more of the sign
structure is replaced must be brought into full compliance with this chapter.
4. The remodel and/or reconstruction of an existing nonconforming
freestanding monument or directory sign, or pole sign may be permitted
provided that all of the following requirements are met:
a. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign and sign structure and
framework shall maintain the same type of sign structure and framework.
b. The sign structure and framework height shall not exceed the current
height.
c. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign structure and framework shall
be located in the same general location as the existing.
d. The dimensions and square footage of a remodeled and/or reconstructed
sign area shall not exceed that of the existing sign area.
e. The lowest portion of the sign area shall not be below the existing.
f. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign and sign structure do not
extend into the public right of way, from ground to sky.
g. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign and sign structure do not
create a public health and safety hazard with regards to sightlines for
driveways, intersections, etc. This shall be confirmed by consultation
with the Public Works Department.
At the June 11, 2024, Planning Commission meeting the Commission expressed
concerns that a reconstructed or remodeled freestanding monument or directory sign, or
pole sign could possibly utilize lighting that would adversely affect the adjacent residents
and/or anyone driving by on S. Western Avenue. To address this concern, the Planning
Commission recommended that an additional requirement be added to the proposed
code language, which Staff drafted as follows:
h. If the existing lighting on a legal nonconforming sign and/or sign
structure changes, that lighting shall comply with the illumination
regulations set forth in RPVMC §17.75.080(C).
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It should be noted that while the term legal nonconforming is used throughout this report
for illustrative purposes, the term “nonconforming” as defined in the Sign Code in RPVMC
§17.75.160 Definitions has the same meaning:
Nonconforming sign means any permanent or temporary sign, including its
physical structure and supporting elements, which was lawfully erected and
maintained in compliance with all applicable laws in effect at the time of
original installation, but which does not now comply with the provisions of
this chapter.
Each amended or proposed legal nonconforming sign requirement s is listed below in
bold, including specificity for clarification, with Staff’s explanation in regular text following
each requirement:
3. Reconstruction of a legal nonconforming sign (other than a freestanding
monument or directory sign, or pole sign) where 30 percent or more of the
sign structure is replaced must be brought into full compliance with this
chapter.
This section has been modified to make it clear that the nonconforming sign
requirements for other types of signs besides freestanding monument or directory
signs, or pole signs, are not being modified.
4. The remodel and/or reconstruction of an existing nonconforming
freestanding monument or directory sign, or pole sign may be permitted
provided that all of the following requirements are met:
Subsection No. 4 has been added as a heading for the following proposed
requirements for legal, nonconforming freestanding monument or directory signs,
or pole signs.
a. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign and sign structure and framework
shall maintain the same type of sign structure and framework.
This requirement will ensure that the silhouette of any remodeled or reconstructed
sign will remain substantially similar to the existing nonconforming sign. This will
prevent any new impacts to neighboring properties, as the refurbished or rebuilt
sign will appear to be substantially the same as the existing sign, albeit in a better
condition. As described in the Sign Code in RPVMC §17.75.160 Definitions,
freestanding signs are defined to be a sign fixed in an upright position on the
ground not attached to a structure other than a framework or device erected
primarily to support the sign. Pole signs are defined in the same Sign
Code section as an elevated freestanding sign, typically supported by one or two
poles or columns.
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b. The sign structure and framework height shall not exceed the existing non-
conforming sign’s current height.
This requirement will ensure that the silhouette of any remodeled or reconstructed
sign will remain substantially similar to the existing nonconforming sign. This
requirement is also intended to prevent any new impacts to neighboring properties,
as the refurbished or rebuilt sign will appear to be the same as the existing sign,
albeit in a better condition.
c. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign structure and framework shall be
located in the same general location as the existing non-conforming sign, as
determined by the Director.
This requirement will ensure that any remodeled or reconstructed sign remains in
approximately the same location as the existing sign. Staff is not proposing that
the remodeled or reconstructed sign remain in the exact same footprint as the
existing, as minor shifts to the location may be required in order for an existing
legal nonconforming sign that may extend into the public right -of-way, to be
relocated completely onto the private property. The Director shall determine what
is considered to be the “same general location” to ensure only minor shifts in
location.
d. The dimensions and square footage of a remodeled and/or reconstructed
sign area shall not exceed that of the existing non-conforming sign area.
This requirement will allow a property owner to repair, refurbish and/or even
replace a legal nonconforming dilapidated sign, while not allowing the existing
dimensions and square footage to change, other than being reduced in size. This
will prevent any new impacts to neighboring properties, as the refurbished or rebuilt
sign will appear to be the same or smaller as the existing sign, albeit in a better
condition.
e. The lowest portion of the sign area shall not be below the low point of the
existing non-conforming sign.
This requirement will also ensure that the silhouette of the remodeled or
reconstructed sign will remain substantially similar to the existing nonconforming
sign. This will prevent any new impacts to neighboring properties, as the
refurbished or rebuilt sign will appear to be substantially the same as the existing
sign, albeit in a better condition.
f. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign and sign structure do not extend
into the public right of way, from ground to sky.
Some existing nonconforming signage on commercial properties may currently
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extend into the public right-of-way, over the sidewalk. This requirement is proposed
so that if any existing signs that currently extend into the public right -of-way are
proposed to be remodeled or replaced, they will be required to be modified so that
they remain entirely within the private property on which they are located.
g. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign and sign structure do not create a
public health and safety hazard with regards to sightlines for driveways,
intersections, etc., as determined by the Public Works Director.
It is possible that when a legal, nonconforming freestanding or pole sign is
remodeled or refurbished, a more substantial foundation may be required to be
constructed due to structural issues. It is also possible that a dilapidated
freestanding or pole sign structure could be proposed to be reconstructed in a
different style for aesthetic reasons. However, if the existing legal, nonconforming
sign is close to an existing driveway, there could be potential impacts to the public
health and safety with regards to pedestrian and vehicular safety. Staff is
proposing this requirement, including the consultation with the Public Works
Department, to allow a sign to be improved and/or reconstructed with no impacts
to pedestrian and vehicular safety.
h. If the existing lighting on a legal nonconforming sign and/or sign structure
changes, that lighting shall comply with the illumination regulations set forth
in RPVMC §17.75.080(C).
As stated above, this requirement was added to ensure that any remodeled and/or
reconstructed legal nonconforming signs and sign structures are designed to
minimize light and glare on surrounding rights-of-way and properties, according to
several standards. These standards include, but are not limited to, requirements
that the sign illuminations shall not blink, flash, flutter, or change light intensity,
brightness, that neither the direct nor reflected light from primary light sources may
create hazards for pedestrians or operators of motor vehicles, and that the
approval of any illuminated sign shall not be final until 30 days after installation,
during which period the director may order the dimming of any illumination found
to be excessively brilliant.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Public Correspondence
No public correspondence was received in response to the June 13, 2024 public notice
that was published in the Peninsula News and issued for the proposed code amendment.
In the event Staff receives public comments after the transmittal of this report, all
correspondence will be forwarded to the City Council as late correspondence.
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Environmental Assessment
The Code Amendment related to the submittal of multiple preliminary applications and/or
multiple applications is exempt from CEQA because the code amendment is not a
“project” as that term is defined by California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”)
Guidelines as these ordinance constitute general policy and procedure making (14 CCR
§§ 15060 (c)(3), 15378 ); alternatively, the code amendments are exempt from CEQA’S
requirements because there is no possibility that these Ordinances or their
implementation would have a significant negative effect on the environment (14 CCR §
15061 (b)(3)).
The Code Amendment related to the remodeling of existing legal non -conforming
freestanding monument and directory signs and pole signs is categorically exempt from
the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, section
15301 as its regulates the alteration of existing structures and CEQA Guidelines, section
15311, placement of signage, and none of the exceptions to the use of a categorical
exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines, section 15300.2 apply to this code amendment
and specifically this code amendment does not present any unusual circumstances.
Next Steps
If the City Council accepts Staff’s recommendation, the proposed code amendments will
be presented to the City Council on July 16, 2024, as a consent calendar item, for second
reading and adoption consideration.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the Staff recommendation, the following alternatives are available for the
City Council’s consideration:
1. Direct Staff to modify the language of the Ordinance(s) recommended by the
Planning Commission and return to the City Council at a date certain future
meeting for a new first reading and introduction.
2. Identify issues or concerns with the draft ordinance and remand it back to the
Planning Commission for review.
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01203.0005/990404.1 Ordinance No. __
Page 1 of 4
ORDINANCE NO. ___
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
§17.78.030 (CONSIDERATION OF MULTIPLE
APPLICATIONS) OF CHAPTER 17.78 (MISCELLANEOUS)
IN TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES
MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT THE SUBMITTAL OF
CONCURRENT OR SIMULTANEOUS PRELIMINARY
APPLICATIONS AND/OR DEVELOPMENT
APPLICATIONS FOR MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE AND
CONFLICTING PROJECTS AT THE SAME LOCATION,
AND DETERMINE THE CODE AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT (CASE NO. PLCA2024-0006)
WHEREAS, permit streamlining regulations in the State of California have strict
review deadlines for deeming an application incomplete or complete and for taking action
on an application; and
WHEREAS, the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code Section 17.78.030
specifies the process for concurrent review and consideration for a project that requires
multiple entitlements for a single development project ; and
WHEREAS, the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code and State permitting
regulations are silent regarding submittal of applications for multiple mutually exclusive
and conflicting projects at the same location; and
WHEREAS, due to the tight review requirements of the State’s permit streamlining
act in reviewing land use approvals, if an applicant submits simultaneous or concurrent
preliminary applications and/or development applications projects on the same property
or portion of a property that are mutually exclusive and conflict with each other, this may
cause confusion during the reviews and overburden Planning Division staff in having to
review multiple proposals/projects for the same site within the strict timelines of the Permit
Streamlining Act, the Housing Accountability Act and other laws regulating the timing and
scope of reviews; and
WHEREAS, on April 16, 2024 the City Council adopted the Revised Final 2021 -
2029 Housing Element and implementation measures, including 31 potential housing
sites in the housing sites inventory to accommodate the City’s Regional Housing Needs
Allocation; and
WHEREAS, the rezoning to effectuate the Housing Element has been adopted so
that preliminary applications and/or applications for development projects may be
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01203.0005/990404.1 Ordinance No. __
Page 2 of 4
considered for these sites to develop housing and it is critical to ensure that the application
process is well-defined; and
WHEREAS, on May 21, 2024 the City Council initiated code amendment
proceedings to Chapter 17.78.030 (Consideration of Multiple Applications) of the Rancho
Palos Verdes Municipal Code to prohibit preliminary applications and/or applications for
mutually exclusive projects at the same location; and
WHEREAS, on May 23, 2024, a public notice was published in the Palos Verdes
Peninsula News informing the public of a public hearing by the Planning Commission to
consider recommendations to the City Council related to the adoption of code
amendments to Chapter 17.78.030 (Consideration of Multiple Applications) of Title 17
(Zoning) of the RPVMC; and
WHEREAS, on June 11, 2024, the Planning Commission conducted the public
hearing, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and
present evidence on the proposed code amendments; and
WHEREAS, on June 11, 2024, the Planning Commission adopted P.C. Resolution
No. 2024-19 recommending that the City Council amend the RPVMC to prohibit
concurrent or simultaneous preliminary applications and/or development applications for
mutually exclusive projects at the same location, providing very specific clarifying
language, and determine the amendment is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act; and
WHEREAS, on June 13, 2024, a public notice was published in the Palos Verdes
Peninsula News informing the public of a public hearing by the City Council to consider
introduction of code amendments to Chapter 17.78.030 (Consideration of Multiple
Applications) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the RPVMC; and
WHEREAS, on July 2, 2024, the City Council conducted the public hearing, at
which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and present
evidence on the proposed code amendments and introduced Ordinance No.__ that
included specific clarifying language as recommended by the Planning Commission.
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes does
hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. Recitals. The above recitals are incorporated herein by this
reference.
Section 2. CEQA Compliance. The code amendments described below are not
a “project” as that term is defined by California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”)
Guidelines as this ordinance constitutes general policy and procedure making (14 CCR
§§ 15060 (c)(3), 15378 ); alternatively, the code amendments are exempt from CEQA’S
A-2
01203.0005/990404.1 Ordinance No. __
Page 3 of 4
requirements because there is no possibility that this Ordinance or its implementation
would have a significant negative effect on the environment (14 CCR § 15061 (b)(3)).
Section 3. Amendment to the Code. Title 17 (Zoning) of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code Section 17.78.030 is hereby amended as follows (Note: Additions
are noted as underlined and renumbering the subsequent sections accordingly):
17.78.030 Consideration of multiple applications.
A. When more than one permit, variance or other approval under title 16
(Subdivisions) and this title is necessary for a single development project or
use, the applicant shall submit all the applications simultaneously and the
applications shall be processed concurrently. Further, all the applications
may be considered by a single officer or agency of the city pursuant to this
section.
B. Notwithstanding subsection A, above, an applicant or applicants shall not
submit multiple preliminary applications, pursuant to Government Code
Section 65913.4, as may be amended, or multiple applications for
development projects, for the same property, , which conflict with one another,
such that the approval of one project would preclude the development of all or
part of the projects proposed in the other submitted preliminary applications or
applications.
Section 4. The Code Amendment is consistent with the goals, policies, and
objectives of the General Plan because the Code Amendment is in the public interest
because it will eliminate confusion during reviews and reduce the burden on Planning
Division staff in having to review multiple and duplicative proposals/projects for the same
site with an expedited 30-day completeness review deadline.
Section 5. Severability. If any provision(s) of this Ordinance or the application
thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of
competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect any other
provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are declared to
be severable. The City Council hereby declares that they would have adopted this
ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, part or portion thereof,
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, clauses, phrases,
parts or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 6. Posting. The City Clerk shall certify the passage and adoption of this
Ordinance by the City Council and shall cause this ordinance to be published or posted
in accordance with Government Code section 36933 as required by law.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall go into effect at 12:01 AM on the
31st day after its passage.
A-3
01203.0005/990404.1 Ordinance No. __
Page 4 of 4
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, California on this 16th day of July, 2024.
John Cruikshank, Mayor
Attest:
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )ss
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
I, Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that
the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing
Ordinance No. was introduced by the City Council of said City at a regular meeting
thereof held on July 2, 2024, was duly and regularly adopted by City Council of said City
at a regular meeting thereof held on July 16, 2024, and that the same was passed and
adopted by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
A-4
01203.0005/990385.1 Ordinance No. __
Page 1 of 5
ORDINANCE NO. ___
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
§17.75.B (LEGAL NONCONFORMING SIGNS) OF
CHAPTER 17.75 (SIGN CODE) IN TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF
THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE TO
ALLOW FOR THE REMODELING AND/OR
RECONSTRUCTION OF EXISTING LEGAL, NON-
CONFORMING FREESTANDING MONUMENT AND
DIRECTORY SIGNS, AND POLE SIGNS, AND DETERMINE
THE CODE AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CASE
NO. PLCA2024-0005)
WHEREAS, on November 16, 2021, the City Council approved a comprehensive
update of the City’s Sign Code (Chapter 17.75 of the RPVMC), including regulations for
both commercial and non-commercial (residential) signs, intended to promote the public
health, safety, and welfare and balance the City's interests in aesthetics and traffic safety,
with the interest of residential uses and nonresidential uses to provide visible information
relating to the services or goods provided to existing and potential patrons; and
WHERAS, the current Sign Code offers very limited capabilities for commercial
sites to remodel existing legal Nonconforming signage, including freestanding directory
and monument signs, and pole signs, requiring reconstruction of a legal Nonconforming
sign where 30 percent or more of the sign and/or sign structure is to be replaced to be
brought into full compliance with the Sign Code standards; and
WHEREAS, depending on the age and/or condition of the existing Nonconforming
signs on the larger commercial sites, it may be impossible for an applicant to maintain
more than 70 percent of the original sign structure due to Building Code requirements;
and
WHEREAS, the Sign Code design standards are limited to a maximum height of
six feet and a maximum area of 40 square feet for larger commercial sites, limiting the
ability of commercial sites with multiple access points and multiple tenants to provide
effective informational directory signage, which may impact the commercial businesses
and cause confusion and conflicts for traffic trying to locate the businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Variance section of the RPVMC cannot be utilized for
nonconforming signage, and another method by which to allow remodeling of existing
legal, non-conforming signs would need to be added to the RPVMC in order to address
existing commercial properties; and
B-1
01203.0005/990385.1 Ordinance No. __
Page 2 of 5
WHEREAS, given that the City Council’s goals of maintaining and improving the
quality of life for Rancho Palos Verdes residents and supporting the viability and growth
of local businesses, including enhancing the aesthetics and businesses along the
Western Avenue commercial corridor, and many of these larger commercial sites in that
vicinity; and
WHEREAS, on May 21, 2024, the City Council initiated code amendment
proceedings to Chapter 17.75 (Sign Code) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code
to allow the remodeling and/or reconstruction of existing, legal, non -conforming
freestanding monument and directory signs subject to certain requirements; and
WHEREAS, on May 23, 2024, a public notice was published in the Palos Verdes
Peninsula News informing the public of a public hearing by the Planning Commission to
consider recommendations to the City Council related to the adoption of code
amendments to Chapter 17.75 (Sign Code) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the RPVMC; and
WHEREAS, on June 11, 2024, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing, considered the information provided by City staff, public testimony and other
evidence regarding the Project., and adopted Resolution No. P.C. 2024 -20, and its
findings, based upon the evidence presented to the Planning Commission at its hearing,
to recommend that the City Council amend §17.75.B.3 (Removal without compensation;
legal Nonconforming signs) of Chapter 17.75 (Sign Code) in Title 17 (Zoning) of the
RPVMC to allow for the remodeling and/or reconstruction of existing, legal,
Nonconforming freestanding monument and directory signs, and pole signs, and
determine the code amendment is exempt from CEQA requirements; and
WHEREAS, on June 13, 2024, a public notice was published in the Palos Verdes
Peninsula News informing the public of a public hearing by the City Council to consider
adoption of code amendments to Chapter 17.75 (Sign Code) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the
RPVMC; and
WHEREAS, on July 2, 2024, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing,
considered the information provided by City staff, the Planning Commission
recommendation, public testimony, and other evidence regarding the Project.
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes does
hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. Recitals. The facts set forth in the recitals of this Ordinance are true
and correct and incorporated herein by this reference as though set forth in full.
Section 2. CEQA Compliance. The City Council determines that the code
amendment described below is categorically exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, section 15301 as they regulate the
alteration of existing structures and CEQA Guidelines, section 15311, placement of
B-2
01203.0005/990385.1 Ordinance No. __
Page 3 of 5
signage and that none of the exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption set forth in
CEQA Guidelines, section 15300.2 apply to this code amendment and specifically this
code amendment does not present any unusual circumstances.
Section 3. Amendment to the Code. Title 17 (Zoning) of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Municipal Code Section 17.75.140.B (Legal nonconforming sign) of the Sign Code
is hereby amended as follows (Note: Additions are noted as bolded and underlined and
deletions as strikethrough):
17.75.140.B. Legal nonconforming signs.
3. Reconstruction of a legal nonconforming sign (other than a freestanding
monument sign or directory sign, or pole sign) where 30 percent or
more of the sign structure is replaced must be brought into full compliance
with this chapter.
4. The remodel and/or reconstruction of an existing nonconforming
freestanding monument or directory sign, or pole sign, may be
permitted provided that all of the following requirements are met:
a. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign and sign structure and
framework shall maintain the same type of sign structure and
framework.
b. The sign structure and framework height shall not exceed the
existing non-conforming sign’s current height.
c. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign structure and framework
shall be located in the same general location as the existing non-
conforming sign, as determined by the Director.
d. The dimensions and square footage of a remodeled and/or
reconstructed sign area shall not exceed that of the existing non-
conforming sign area.
e. The lowest portion of the sign area shall not be below the low point
of the existing non-conforming sign.
f. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign and sign structure do not
extend into the public right of way, from ground to sky.
g. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign and sign structure do not
create a public health and safety hazard with regards to sightlines
B-3
01203.0005/990385.1 Ordinance No. __
Page 4 of 5
for driveways, intersections, etc., as determined by the Public
Works Director.
h. If the existing lighting on a legal nonconforming sign and/or sign
structure changes, that lighting shall comply with the illumination
regulations set forth in RPVMC §17.75.080(C).
Section 4. The Code Amendment is consistent with the goals, policies, and
objectives of the General Plan because the Code Amendment is in the public interest in
that it will allow existing dilapidated freestanding monument and directory signs, and pole
signs to be remodeled and improve the aesthetics of the City. Specifically, the Code
Amendment is consistent with the following Goals and Policies of the City’s General Plan:
1. Land Use Element Policy No. 15: “Require that scenic view preservation by
commercial and institutional activities be taken into account not only in the
physical design of structures and signs, but also in night lighting of exterior
grounds.” Land Use Element, pg. L-8.
2. Visual Resources Element Policy No. 11: “Maintain strict sign standards to
ensure that signs are harmonious with the buildings, neighborhood, and
other signs in the area.” Visual Resources Element, pg. V-3.
Section 5. Severability. If any provision(s) of this Ordinance or the application
thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of
competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect any other
provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this ordinance are declared to
be severable. The City Council hereby declares that they would have adopted this
ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, part or portion ther eof,
irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, clauses, phrases,
parts or portions thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 6. Posting. The City Clerk shall certify the passage and adoption of this
Ordinance by the City Council and shall cause this ordinance to be published or posted
in accordance with Government Code section 36933 as required by law.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall go into effect at 12:01 AM on the
31st day after its passage.
B-4
01203.0005/990385.1 Ordinance No. __
Page 5 of 5
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED on this 16th day of July, 2024.
John Cruikshank, Mayor
Attest:
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )ss
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES )
I, Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that
the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; that the foregoing
Ordinance No. was introduced by the City Council of said City at a regular meeting
thereof held on July 2, 2024, was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of said
City at a regular meeting thereof held on July 16, 2024, and that the same was passed
and adopted by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________
Teresa Takaoka, City Clerk
B-5
P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-19
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL AMEND THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL
CODE TITLE 17 (ZONING) TO PROHIBIT CONCURRENT OR
SIMULTANEOUS PRELIMINARY APPLICATIONS AND/OR
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS FOR MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE
PROJECTS AT THE SAME LOCATION, AND DETERMINE THE
AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, permit streamlining regulations in the State of California have strict review
deadlines for deeming an application incomplete or complete and for taking action on an
application; and
WHEREAS, the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code Section 17.78.030 specifies the
process for concurrent review and consideration for a project where multiple applications for a
single development project are submitted; and
WHEREAS, the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code and State permitting regulations are
silent regarding submittal of applications for multiple mutually exclusive projects at the same
location; and
WHEREAS, due to the tight review requirements of the State's permit streamlining act in
reviewing land use approvals, if an applicant submits simultaneous or concurrent preliminary
applications and/or development applications projects on the same property or portion of a property
that are mutually exclusive, this may cause confusion during the reviews and overburden Planning
Division staff in having to review multiple proposals/projects for the same site within the strict
timelines of the Permit Streamlining Act; and
WHEREAS, on April 16, 2024 the City Council adopted the Revised Final 2021-2029
Housing Element and implementation measures, including 31 potential housing sites in the housing
sites inventory to accommodate the City's Regional Housing Needs Allocation; and
WHEREAS, the rezoning to effectuate the Housing Element has been adopted so that
preliminary applications and/or applications for development projects may be considered for these
sites to develop housing and it is critical to ensure that the application process is well-defined; and
WHEREAS, on May 21, 2024 the City Council initiated code amendment proceedings to
Chapter 17.78.030 (Consideration of Multiple Applications) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal
Code to prohibit preliminary applications and/or applications for mutually exclusive projects at the
same location; and
WHEREAS, on May 23, 2024, a public notice was published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula
P.C. Resolution No. 2024-19
Page 1 of 3C-1
News informing the public of a public hearing by the Planning Commission to consider
recommendations to the City Council related to the adoption of code amendments to Chapter
17.78.030 (Consideration of Multiple Applications) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the RPVMC; and
WHEREAS, on June 11, 2024, the Planning Commission conducted the public hearing, at
which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and present evidence on
the proposed code amendments.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
PALOS VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: Recitals. The Planning Commission finds the above recitals are true and
correct and are incorporated herein by reference.
Section 2: CEQA Compliance. The Planning Commission finds that the code
amendments described below are not a "project" as that term is defined by California
Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines as this ordinance constitutes general policy and
procedure making (14 CCR §§ 15060 (c)(3), 15378 ); alternatively, the code amendments are
exempt from CEQA'S requirements because there is no possibility that this Ordinance or its
implementation would have a significant negative effect on the environment (14 CCR § 15061
b)(3)).
Section 3: The Planning Commission recommends the City Council adopt the
amendments to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code Section
17.78.030(A) as follows (Note: Additions are noted as underlined):
17.78.030 Consideration of multiple applications.
A. When more than one permit, variance or other approval under title 16 (Subdivisions)
and this title is necessary for a single development project or use, the applicant shall
submit all the applications simultaneously and the applications shall be processed
concurrently. Further, all the applications may be considered by a single officer or
agency of the city pursuant to this section.
B. Notwithstanding subsection A, above, an applicant or applicants shall not submit
concurrent or simultaneous preliminary applications, pursuant to Government Code
Section 65913.4, as may be amended, or concurrent or simultaneous applications for
development projects, for the same property or portion of a property, which are mutually
exclusive, where development of one project pursuant to an application will foreclose
development of another project at the same or overlapping location pursuant to a
separate application.
Section 4: The Code Amendment is consistent with the goals, policies, and objectives of
the General Plan because the Code Amendment is in the public interest because it will eliminate
confusion during reviews and reduce the burden on Planning Division staff in having to review
P.C. Resolution No. 2024-19
Page 2 of 3C-2
multiple and duplicative proposals/projects for the same site with an expedited 30 day
completeness review deadline.
FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission forward a copy of this resolution to
the City Council so the Council will be informed of the action and recommendations of the
Planning Commission.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 11 'day of June, 2024 by the following vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS BRACH, NELSON, NULMAN, PERESTAM, SAADATNEJADI, VICE-
CHAIR SANTAROSA, & CHAIR CHURA
NOES: NONE
ABSTENTIONS: NONE
RECUSALS: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Prrf ,
on Santarosa,
Vice-Chair
Bra y)Wbes,
Director if Community Development; and,
Secretary of the Planning Commission
P.C. Resolution No. 2024-19
Page 3 of 3C-3
P.C. RESOLUTION 2024-20
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF RANCHO PAWS VERDES RECOMMENDING THAT
THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND §17.75.B.3 (REMOVAL
WITHOUT COMPENSATION; LEGAL NONCONFORMING
SIGNS) OF CHAPTER 17.75 (SIGN CODE) IN TITLE 17
ZONING) OF THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ALLOW FOR THE REMODELING AND/OR
RECONSTRUCTION OF EXISTING, LEGAL, NON-
CONFORMING FREESTANDING MONUMENT AND
DIRECTORY SIGNS, AND POLE SIGNS, AND DETERMINE
THE CODE AMENDMENT IS EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
REQUIREMENTS (CASE NO. PLCA2024-0005).
WHEREAS, on November 16, 2021, the City Council approved a comprehensive
update of the City's Sign Code (Chapter 17.75 of the RPVMC), including regulations for
both commercial and non-commercial (residential) signs, intended to promote the public
health, safety, and welfare and balance the City's interests in aesthetics and traffic safety,
with the interest of nonresidential uses and their patrons to provide visible information
relating to the services or goods provided; and
WHEREAS, the current Sign Code offers very limited capabilities for commercial
sites to remodel existing legal Nonconforming onsite signage, including freestanding
directory and monument signs, and pole signs, requiring reconstruction of a legal
Nonconforming sign where 30 percent or more of the sign and/or sign structure is to be
replaced to be brought into full compliance with the Sign Code standards; and
WHEREAS, depending on the age and/or condition of the existing Nonconforming
signs on the larger commercial sites, it may be impossible for an applicant to maintain
more than 70 percent of the original sign structure due to Building Code requirements;
and
WHEREAS, the Sign Code design standards are limited to a maximum height of
six feet and a maximum area of 40 square feet for larger commercial sites, limiting
commercial sites with multiple access points and multiple tenants to provide effective
informational directory signage, which may impact the commercial businesses and cause
confusion and conflicts for traffic trying to locate the businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Variance section of the RPVMC cannot be applied to
Nonconforming signage, and another method by which to allow remodeling of existing
legal, non-conforming signs would need to be added to the RPVMC in order to address
existing commercial properties; and
01203 0005/990234 1 6/12/2024 P.C. Resolution No. 2024-20
Page 1 of 4D-1
WHEREAS, given that the City Council's goal for maintaining and improving the
quality of life for Rancho Palos Verdes residents intends to support local businesses and
grow businesses, including enhancing the Western Avenue commercial corridor, and
many of these commercial sites are in that vicinity; and
WHEREAS, on May 21, 2024, the City Council initiated code amendment
proceedings to Chapter 17.75 (Sign Code) of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code
to allow the remodeling and/or reconstruction of existing legal, non-conforming
freestanding monument and directory signs subject to certain requirements; and
WHEREAS, on May 23, 2024, a public notice was published in the Palos Verdes
Peninsula News informing the public of a public hearing by the Planning Commission to
consider recommendations to the City Council related to the adoption of code
amendments to Chapter 17.75 (Sign Code) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the RPVMC; and
WHEREAS, on June 11, 2024, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
public hearing, considered the information provided by City staff, public testimony and
other evidence regarding the Project. This Resolution, and its findings, are based upon
the evidence presented to the Planning Commission at its hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, HEREBY FINDS, DETERMINES AND RESOLVES AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The facts set forth in the recitals of this Resolution are true and
correct and incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full.
Section 2: CEQA Compliance. The Planning Commission finds that the code
amendments described below are not a "project" as that term is defined by California
Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") Guidelines as this ordinance constitutes general
policy and procedure making (14 CCR §§ 15060 (c)(3), 15378 ); alternatively, the code
amendments are exempt from CEQA'S requirements because there is no possibility that
this Ordinance or its implementation would have a significant negative effect on the
environment (14 CCR § 15061 (b)(3)).
Section 3: The Planning Commission has reviewed and considered
recommending to the City Council that an ordinance be adopted to amend §17.75.B.3
Removal without compensation; legal Nonconforming signs) of Title 17 (Zoning) Of The
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, to allow the remodeling and/or reconstruction of
existing, legal, Nonconforming freestanding monument and director signs, and determine
the amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as follows (Note:
Additions are noted as bolded and underlined and deletions as
01203 0005/990234 1 6/12/2024 P.C. Resolution No. 2024-20
Page 2 of 4D-2
17.75.140.B - Legal nonconforming signs.
3.Reconstruction of a legal nonconforming sign (other than a freestanding
monument sign or directory sign, or pole sign) where 30 percent or more of
the sign structure is replaced must be brought into full compliance with this chapter.
4. The remodel and/or reconstruction of an existing nonconforming
freestanding monument or directory sign, or pole sign, may be permitted
provided that all of the following requirements are met:
a. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign and sign structure and
framework shall maintain the same type of sign structure and framework.
b. The sign structure and framework height shall not exceed the current
height.
c. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign structure and framework shall
be located in the same general location as existing, as determined by the
Director.
d. The dimensions and square footage of a remodeled and/or reconstructed
sign area shall not exceed that of the existing sign area.
e. The lowest portion of the sign area shall not be below the existing.
f. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign and sign structure do not
extend into the public right of way, from ground to sky.
g. The remodeled and/or reconstructed sign and sign structure do not
create a public health and safety hazard with regards to sightlines for
driveways, intersections, etc. This shall be confirmed by consultation
with the Public Works Department.
h. If the existing lighting on a legal nonconforming sign and/or sign
structure changes, that lighting shall comply with the illumination
regulations set forth in RPVMC §17.75.0801C).
Section 4: The Code Amendment is consistent with the goals, policies, and
objectives of the General Plan because the Code Amendment is in the public interest in
that it will allow existing dilapidated freestanding monument and directory signs, and pole
signs to be remodeled and improve the aesthetics of the City. Specifically, the Code
Amendment is consistent with the following Goals and Policies of the City's General Plan:
1. Land Use Element Policy No. 15: "Require that scenic view preservation by
commercial and institutional activities be taken into account not only in the
01203 0005/990234 1 6/12/2024 P.C. Resolution No. 2024-20
Page 3 of 4D-3
physical design of structures and signs, but also in night lighting of exterior
grounds." Land Use Element, pg. L-8.
2. Visual Resources Element Policy No. 11: "Maintain strict sign standards to
ensure that signs are harmonious with the buildings, neighborhood, and
other signs in the area." Visual Resources Element, pg. V-3.
FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission forward a copy of this
resolution to the City Council so the Council will be informed of the action and
recommendations of the Planning Commission
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 11 th day of June 2024, by the following
vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS NELSON, PERESTAM, SAADATNEJADI, VICE-CHAIR
SANTAROSA, & CHAIR CHURA
NOES: COMMISSIONERS BRACH & NULMAN
ABSTENTIONS: NONE
RECUSALS: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
00-)
on Santarosa,
Vice-Chair
A,
Br.' orbe, IC'
Direct. of Community Development; and,
Secretary of the Planning Commission
01203 0005/990234 1 6/12/2024 P.C. Resolution No. 2024-20
Page 4 of 4D-4