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PC RES 2026-009 P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2026-09 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES THEREBY APPROVING, WITH CONDITIONS, A HEIGHT VARIATION PERMIT AND SITE PLAN REVIEW TO CONSTRUCT A 32 FT2 SECOND-STORY COVERED BALCONY ALONG WITH A 25 FT2 FIRST-FLOOR ADDITION FOR A TOTAL STRUCTURE SIZE OF 2,569 FT2(GARAGE INCLUDED)AND ANCILLARY IMPROVEMENTS ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4004 VIA VICO (CASE NO. PLHV2025-0007). WHEREAS, on June 23 2025, the Applicant submitted the requested application for a Height Variation Permit and Site Plan Review; and WHEREAS, on July 22, 2025, Staff completed an initial review of the application, at which time the application was deemed incomplete for processing due to missing information; and WHEREAS, on April 23, 2026 Staff deemed the application complete for processing after the Applicant resubmitted revised plans and additional information on various occasions; and WHEREAS, on April 23, 2026, a public notice announcing the proposed project was mailed to all property owners within a 500-foot radius of the project site and published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Sections 21000 et. seq. ("CEQA"), the State's CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et seq., the City's Local CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project has been found to be categorically exempt under Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Guidelines for Implementation of CEQA. Specifically, the project includes an addition to an existing structure that is less than 10,000 ft2; is located where existing public services and facilities are available; is not in an environmentally sensitive. NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE, AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: The proposed project involves the construction of a 32 ft2 second story covered balcony on the west facing façade as well as the construction of a 25 ft2 first floor addition along the rear façade of the existing residence and new total structure size of 2,569 ft2 (garage included), along with ancillary improvements on the property. P C Resolution No 2026-09 Page 1 of 9 Section 2: The Planning Commission finds and determines the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to 14 CCR 15301 (Existing Facilities) as the project includes an addition to an existing structure that is less than 10,000 ft2; is located where existing public services and facilities are available; and is not in an environmentally sensitive area. Section 3: The Planning Commission finds and determines that the Height Variation Permit and Site Plan Review for the construction of 32 ft2 second story covered balcony and 25 ft2 first story addition to an existing 2,544 ft2 two-story residence (garage included) for a new total structure size of 2,569 ft2 (garage included) measuring 20.73 feet in height, which exceeds the 16 feet/30 feet `by-right' building height envelope, is warranted based on the following findings: A. The Applicant has complied with the early neighborhood consultation process guidelines and procedures by obtaining 11 signatures (84.6%) from properties within 100 feet and 25 signatures (28%) from properties within 500 feet of the project site. B. There are no viewing points or viewing sites that will be significantly impaired or impacted as a result of the proposed project. Additionally, the project site is not located within the City's Coastal Zone. C. The proposed project is not located on a ridge or promontory, nor located on a prominent mass of land that overlooks or projects onto a lowland or body of water on two sides. D. Views in the area are primarily oriented to the north consisting of the Los Angeles Basin and east consisting of the ocean and harbor areas. The proposed project over 16 foot/30 foot `by-right' building height envelope limit would not significantly impair views due to the topographic conditions in the area and orientation of other homes; where residences located to the north, south, and east observe views in the opposite direction of the project site, residences to the west observe views towards the direction of the project site with a two-story residence, which currently impairs views, however the proposed balcony will be below the highest roof ridgeline and does not project into any existing view beyond the existing two-story structure, so the proposed project will not significantly impair views. E. There will be no significant cumulative view impairment by portions of the structure which exceed 16 feet in height. The property to the north of the project site at 4061 Miraleste Drive and 6520 Via Lorenzo, located to the south of the project site, respectively, are currently improved with two-story residences, where no further view impairments would be created if a structure were sited similarly. F The proposed structures comply with all other code requirements, including but not p p py a � limited to, setbacks, parking, and maximum allowable lot coverage P C Resolution No 2026-09 Page 2 of 9 G. The proposed project is compatible with the character of the immediate neighborhood in terms of scale, architectural style, and setbacks. The size of the proposed second story covered balcony (32 ft2) and first story addition (25 ft2) will result in the project residence to be below the average structure size of the immediate neighborhood as well as below the largest home in the area. The scale of the project will continue to be compatible with the immediate neighborhood as a result of the various architectural elements and features that will create interest and soften the appearance of bulk and mass, articulated façade, and finished materials. Additionally, the project will maintain the existing streetscape, whereby other homes inside the immediate neighborhood also have second-story structures which are constructed along street facing facades. The proposed second story covered balcony will create more visual interest at the entrance along the street side façade, and the rear addition to the project residence will be constructed along an existing roofline on the first floor and will continue to create articulation throughout the project site. The proposed project will incorporate finishes such as stucco and a roof design consistent with both the existing project residence and other homes in the neighborhood. H. The proposed project will not result in an unreasonable infringement of privacy The second story covered balcony is designed to observe views of the public right-of-way and front yards of adjacent properties where there is no exception to privacy. Section 4: Any interested person aggrieved by this decision or by any portion of this decision may appeal to the City Council. The appeal set forth in writing, the grounds for appeal and any specific action being requested by the appellant. Any appeal letter must be filed within 15 calendar days of the date of this decision, or by 5:30 P.M. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. A $3,193 appeal fee must accompany any appeal letter. If no appeal is filed in a timely manner, the Planning Commission's decision will be final at 5:30 P.M. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Section 5: For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and findings included in the Staff Report, Minutes and other records of proceedings, the Planning Commission of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes herby adopts P.C. Resolution No. 2026-09 approving, with conditions, a Height Variation Permit and Site Plan Review to construct a 32 ft2 second-story covered balcony along with a 25 ft2 first-floor addition for a total structure size of 2,569 ft2 (garage included) and ancillary improvements on the property located at 4004 Via Vico (case no. PLHV2025-0007). P C Resolution No 2026-09 Page 3 of 9 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 26th day of May 2026 by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS CHRISTEN, CHURA, GEORGE, O'CONNOR, SANTAROSA, VICE CHAIR BRACH & CHAIR NULMAN NOES: NONE ABSTENTIONS: NONE RECUSALS: NONE ABSENT: NONE ' r Eric Nulman Chair Bran y F bes, Al Director of Community Development; and, Secretary of the Planning Commission P C Resolution No 2026-09 Page 4 of 9 EXHIBIT "A" CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL CASE NO. PLHV2025-0007 HEIGHT VARIATION PERMIT AND SITE PLAN REVIEW 4004 VIA VICO General Conditions: 1. Prior to the submittal of plans into Building and Safety plan check, the Applicant and/or the property owner shall submit to the City a statement, in writing, that they have read, understand, and agree to all conditions of approval contained in this Exhibit "A". Failure to provide said written statement within ninety (90) days following the date of this approval shall render this approval null and void. 2. The Applicant shall indemnify, protect, defend, and hold harmless, the City, and/or any of its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies, and instrumentalities thereof, from any and all claims, demands, lawsuits, writs of mandamus, and other actions and proceedings (whether legal, equitable, declaratory, administrative or adjudicatory in nature), and alternative dispute resolutions procedures (including, but not limited to arbitrations, mediations, and other such procedures) (collectively "Actions"), brought against the City, and/or any of its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies, and instrumentalities thereof, that challenge, attack, or seek to modify, set aside, void, or annul, the action of, or any permit or approval issued by, the City and/or any of its officials, officers, employees, agents, departments, agencies, and instrumentalities thereof (including actions approved by the voters of the City), for or concerning the project. 3. Prior to conducting any work in the public right of way, such as for curb cuts, dumpsters, temporary improvements and/or permanent improvements, the Applicant shall obtain an encroachment permit from the Director of Public Works. 4. Approval of this permit shall not be construed as a waiver of applicable and appropriate zoning regulations, or any Federal, State, County and/or City laws and regulations. Unless otherwise expressly specified, all other requirements of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code (RPVMC) shall apply. 5. Pursuant to RPVMC §17.78.040, the Director of Community Development is authorized to make minor modifications to the approved plans and any of the conditions of approval if such modifications will achieve substantially the same results as would strict compliance with the approved plans and conditions. Substantial changes to the project shall be considered a revision and require approval by the final body that approved the original project, which may require new and separate environmental review and public notification. P C Resolution No 2026-09 Page 5 of 9 6. The project development on the site shall conform to the specific standards contained in these conditions of approval or, if not addressed herein, shall conform to the residential development standards of the RPVMC, including but not limited to height, setback and lot coverage standards. 7. Failure to comply with and adhere to all of these conditions of approval may be cause to revoke the approval of the project pursuant to the revocation procedures contained in RPVMC §17.86.060 or administrative citations as described in RPVMC §1.16. 8. If the Applicant has not submitted an application for a building permit for the approved project or not commenced the approved project as described in RPVMC §17.86.070 within 180 days of the final effective date of this Notice of Decision, approval of the project shall expire and be of no further effect unless, prior to expiration, a written request for extension is filed with the Community Development Department and approved by the Director. 9. In the event that any of these conditions conflict with the recommendations and/or requirements of another permitting agency or City department, the stricter standard shall apply. 10. Unless otherwise designated in these conditions, all construction shall be completed in substantial conformance with the plans stamped APPROVED by the City with the effective date of this approval. 11. This approval is only for the items described within these conditions and identified on the stamped APPROVED plans and is not an approval of any existing illegal or legal non-conforming structures on the property, unless the approval of such illegal or legal non-conforming structure is specifically identified within these conditions or on the stamped APPROVED plans. p 12. The construction site and adjacent public and private properties and streets shall be kept free of all loose materials resembling trash and debris in excess of that material used for immediate construction purposes. Such excess material may include, but not be limited to: the accumulation of debris, garbage, lumber, scrap metal, concrete asphalt, piles of earth, salvage materials, abandoned or discarded furniture, appliances or other household fixtures. 13. All construction sites shall be maintained in a secure, safe, neat and orderly manner, to the satisfaction of the City's Building Official All construction waste and debris resulting from a construction, alteration or repair project shall be removed on a weekly basis by the contractor or property owner. Existing or temporary portable bathrooms shall be provided during construction. Portable bathrooms shall be placed in a location that will minimize disturbance to the surrounding property owners, to the satisfaction of the City's Building Official. P C Resolution No 2026-09 Page 6 of 9 r 14. Construction projects that are accessible from a street right-of-way or an abutting property and which remain in operation or expect to remain in operation for over 30 calendar days shall provide temporary construction fencing, as defined in RPVMC §17.56.050(C). Unless required to protect against a safety hazard, temporary construction fencing shall not be erected sooner than 15 days prior to commencement of construction. 15. Permitted hours and days for construction activity are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 5:00PM on Saturday, with no construction activity permitted on Sundays or on the legal holidays specified in RPVMC §17.96.920. During demolition, construction and/or grading operations, trucks shall not park, queue and/or idle at the project site or in the adjoining street rights-of-way before 7:00 AM Monday through Friday and before 9:00 AM on Saturday, in accordance with the permitted hours of construction stated in this condition. When feasible to do so, the construction contractor shall provide staging areas on-site to minimize off-site transportation of heavy construction equipment. These areas shall be located to maximize the distance between staging activities and neighboring properties, subject to approval by the Building Official. 16. Exterior residential lighting shall comply with the standards of RPVMC §17.56.030. All exterior lighting shall be so arranged and shielded as to prevent direct illumination of abutting properties and of vehicles passing on the public right-of-way. Luminaries shall be of a low-level indirect and diffused type. All fluorescent bulbs or other lighting under canopies or on the building shall be covered with diffusing lenses and shielded. 17. For all grading, landscaping and construction activities, the Applicant shall employ effective dust control techniques, either through screening and/or watering. q � g g 18. PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF ANY GRADING AND/OR BUILDING PERMIT, whichever occurs first, an earth hauling permit shall be approved by the Public Works Department. 19. The Applicant shall remove the project silhouette within seven (7) days after a final decision has been rendered and the City's appeal process has been exhausted. Project Specific Conditions: 20. The proposed project consists of the following improvements: • Construct a 32 ft2 second-story covered balcony on the west facing façade; • Construct a 25 ft2 first-floor addition along the rear façade of the existing residence for a new total structure size of 2,569 ft2 (garage included); and • Construct ancillary improvements including a rear patio of the project residence. P C Resolution No 2026-09 Page 7 of 9 BUILDING AREA CERTIFICATION REQUIRED, to be provided by a licensed land surveyor or civil engineer prior to the framing inspection. • The proposed project will measure 26.14 feet, as measured from the lowest finished grade covered by structure (elev. 195.40 feet) to the proposed roof ridgeline (elev. 221.54 feet); and a height of 20.73 feet as measured from the highest elevation of the existing grade covered by the structure (elev. 200.81 feet) to the proposed roof ridgeline (elev. 221.54 feet). BUILDING HEIGHT CERTIFICATION REQUIRED, to be provided by a licensed land surveyor or civil engineer prior to roof sheathing inspection, based on the above- mentioned instructions. 21. The proposed project shall maintain setbacks as follows: Front (south) 35.00 feet Street Side (west) 10.00 feet Interior Side (east) 10.00 feet Rear (north) 70.08 feet BUILDING SETBACK CERTIFICATION REQUIRED, to be provided by a licensed land surveyor or civil engineer prior to foundation forms inspection. 22. Unless modified by the approval of future planning applications, the approved project shall maintain a maximum of 45% lot coverage. 23. The project site shall maintain a minimum of two enclosed parking spaces at all times. An enclosed parking space shall have an unobstructed ground space of no less than 9 feet in width and 20 feet in depth, with a minimum 7 feet vertical clearance. An unenclosed parking space shall have an unobstructed ground space of no less than 9 feet in width by 20 feet in depth. 24. Roof eaves shall not project into the required setback more than 6 inches for each foot of the required setback, provided that there are no vertical supports within the required setback areas. 25 All colors and materials for the structure and roof shall be as shown in the stamped APPROVED plans. 26. No more than 50% of any existing interior and exterior walls or existing square footage may be removed or demolished. Residential buildings that are remodeled or P C Resolution No 2026-09 Page 8 of 9 renovated such that 50% or greater of any existing interior or exterior walls or existing square footage is demolished or removed within a two-year period shall be considered a new residence and shall then conform to all current development standards for that zoning district and the most recently adopted version of the California Building Code. 27. Any outdoor furnishing, accessories, or plants located on the balcony shall not exceed a height of 8 feet or the bottom of the roof eave, whichever is lower, as measured from the finished floor of the balcony. PRIOR TO BUILDING AND/OR GRADING PERMIT ISSUANCE: 28. PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF BUILDING AND/OR GRADING PERMITS, all applicable soils/geotechnical reports, if required by the Building and Safety Division, shall be approved by the City's Geologist. 29. PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF BUILDING AND/OR GRADING PERMITS, a drainage plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Public Works Department. P C Resolution No 2026-09 Page 9 of 9