(1) CODE RESTRICTIONS
The Municipal Code for Rancho Palos Verdes allows for fences if they
are constructed according to the following code restrictions. (NB
There may be other codes applicable. Check with the Planning Office.)
The height restrictions for Intersection Visibility must be observed
in this instance. The grade also must be taken into account, as well
as the setbacks. Some installations do not require permits, but even
when a permit is required the process appears to favor the granting of
permits when at all possible.
Rancho Palos Verdes City Government
30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
From the Official Web Site for the City of RANCHO PALOS VERDES
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CODES
Departments, Programs and Services
http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/departments/
Palos Verdes Department of Planning, Building, & Code Enforcement
http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/planning/index.cfm
PLANNING CONTACT
http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/contact/index.cfm#PLANNING
"Planning/Code Enforcement
phone: (310) 544-5228
fax: (310) 544-5293
E-mail: planning@rpv.com
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
Friday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Saturday + Sunday: Closed
Appointments with planners and code enforcement officers are available
uponrequest.
Direct Line: (310) 544-5228
Joel Rojas, Director of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement"
Municipal Code
http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/cityclerk/munidatabase/index.cfm
Building Code
http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/cityclerk/munidatabase/search.cfm?jump_menu=1&title=15&chapter=04
Title # 15 Chapter # 04 Section # 010
- Building Code adopted. -
"Except as hereinafter provided, the California Building Code, 1998
Edition (Part 2 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations),
which incorporates and amends the Uniform Building Code, 1997 Edition,
Volumes 1, 2 and 3 published by the International Conference of
Building Officials, including the generic fire-resistive assemblies
listed in the Fire-Resistance Design Manual, Fourteenth Edition, dated
April 1994, published by the Gypsum Association as referenced in
Tables 7-A, 7-B and 7-C and Appendix Chapter 12, Division II of such
Uniform Building Code, including Appendix Chapters 3, Divisions I, II
and IV; 4, Divisions I and II; 9; 10; 11, Divisions I and II; 12,
Divisions I and II; 13; 15; 16; 18; 23; 29; 30, including ASME/ANSI
A17.1-1987, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, including
Supplements A17.1a-1988 and A17.1b-1989, published by the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers, and ASME/ANSI A17.3-1986, Safety
Code for Existing Elevators and Escalators, including Supplement
A17.3a-1989, published by the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers; 31, Divisions I, II and III; 33 and 34, Divisions I, II and
III, and including Structural Welding Code-Reinforcing Steel, AWS
D1.4-92 (UBC Standard 19-1); Load and Resistance Factor Design
Specifications for Structural Steel Buildings, December 1, 1993
(Chapter 22, Division II); Specification for Structural Steel
Buildings Allowable Stress Design and Plastic Design, June 1, 1989
(Chapter 22, Division III); Load and Resistance Factor Design
Specification for Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, March 16, 1991
(Chapter 22, Division VI); Specification for Design of Cold-Formed
Steel Structural Members, 1986 with December 1989 addendum (Chapter
22, Division VII); Standard Specification for Steel Joists, K-Series,
LH-Series, DLH-Series and Joist Girders, 1994 (Chapter 22, Division
IX); Structural Applications of Steel Cables for Buildings, ASCE 17-95
(Chapter 22, Division XI); and National Design Specification for Wood
Construction, Revised 1991 Edition (Chapter 23, Division III, Part I),
is adopted by reference as the Building Code of the city of Rancho
Palos Verdes. A copy of the Building Code of the city shall be
maintained in the office of the city clerk, and shall be made
available for public inspection while the code is in force. (Ord. 349U
§ 2 (part), 1999)"
LOTS, SETBACKS, OPEN SPACE AREA AND BUILDING HEIGHT
http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/cityclerk/munidatabase/search.cfm?jump_menu=1&title=17&chapter=48
"Title # 17 Chapter # 48 Section # 060
- Extreme slope. -
No development or construction of any structure shall be allowed on
any extreme slope (grade of thirty-five percent or greater), except as
follows:
A. Trash enclosures, enclosed mechanical equipment or
pool equipment located within an area of less than fifty square feet;
provided, that the structures and/or equipment are not located more
than six feet from the top or toe of the slope and are adequately
screened from view from adjacent properties and the public
right-of-way to the satisfaction of the director;
B. Structures and improvements allowed pursuant to
Section 17.76.060 (Extreme slope permit);
C. Satellite dish antennas allowed pursuant to Section
17.76.020 (Antennas and satellite dishes);
D. Grading and retaining walls allowed pursuant to
Section 17.76.040 (Grading permit);
E. Fences, walls and hedges allowed pursuant to Section
17.76.030 (Fences, walls and hedges); and
F. At grade steps or stairs less than six inches in
height, as measured from adjacent existing grade. (Ord. 320 § 7
(part), 1997: Ord. 226 § 10, 1988: Ord. 194 § 9 (part), 1985)"
INTERSECTION VISIBILITY
http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/cityclerk/munidatabase/detail.cfm?this_title=17&this_chapter=48&this_section=070&jump_menu=1&title=17&chapter=48
"Title:17 Chapter:48 Section:070
On corner lots located at the intersection of two or more highways,
streets or common driveways or combinations thereof, in all districts,
no fence, wall, hedge, sign, structure, shrubbery, mound of earth or
other visual obstruction over thirty inches in height, as measured
from the adjacent street curb elevation, shall be erected, placed,
planted or allowed to grow within the triangular space referred to as
the "intersection visibility triangle." The intersection visibility
triangle shall be the area formed by the intersection of extended
curblines and a line joining points on the curb sixty feet (measured
along the curblines) from the point of intersection of the curbline
extensions.
A. In districts where the required front or
street-side setbacks allow a building to be constructed within the
intersection visibility triangle, fences, walls, structures or
shrubbery may be allowed to exceed the prescribed height limit, if
they are setback from the property line a distance equal to the
setback of the allowed building.
B. Trees located within the intersection visibility
triangle which are trimmed to the trunk up to a minimum branch height
of six feet above the adjacent street curb elevation are exempt from
these regulations.
C. The intersection visibility triangle shall be shown
on all landscaping plans, grading plans and tentative tract maps for
related intersections when required by the director. In cases where an
intersection is located on a vertical curve, a profile of the sight
line may also be required by the director. Any landscape plan
submitted shall show the common name, locations and mature dimensions
plotted to scale of all proposed trees, shrubs and plants within the
intersection visibility triangle.
D. Proposed improvements or structures which exceed the
thirty inch height limit may be permitted in the intersection
visibility triangle by the planning commission through a site plan
review application, upon determination by the director of public works
that the location and/or height of the existing or proposed structure
within the intersection visibility triangle allows for the safe view
of on-coming traffic by a driver approaching an intersection, and thus
no intersection visibility impacts would result. Upon approval by the
planning commission of any such structure or improvement, the director
shall provide written notice of the planning commission's decision
pursuant to Section 17.80.040 (Hearing Notice and Appeal Procedures)
of this title. Notice of denial shall be given to the applicant. Any
interested person may appeal the planning commission's decision to the
city council pursuant to Chapter 17.80 (Hearing Notice and Appeal
Procedures) of this title. (Amended during 11-97 supplement; Ord. 320
§ 7 (part), 1997: Ord. 175 § 18, 1983: Ord. 132 § 3
(part), 1980)."
Title # 17 Chapter # 76 - MISCELLANEOUS PERMITS AND STANDARDS -
http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/cityclerk/munidatabase/search.cfm?jump_menu=1&title=17&chapter=76
FENCES, WWALLS, HEDGES
http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/cityclerk/munidatabase/detail.cfm?this_title=17&this_chapter=76&this_section=030&jump_menu=1&title=17&chapter=76
"Title # 17 Chapter # 76 Section # 030
- Fences, walls and hedges. -
< < All of title 17 chapter 76
< < New Search
A. Purpose. These standards provide for the construction
of fences, walls and hedges as required for privacy and for protection
against hazardous conditions, dangerous visual obstruction at street
intersections and unnecessary impairment of views.
B. Fence, Wall and Hedge Permit.
1. Permit Required. A fence, wall and hedge permit shall
be required for any fence, wall or hedge placed within the rear yard
setback adjacent to a rear property line or for any wall or hedge
placed within the side yard setback adjacent to an interior side
property line of any contiguous or abutting parcel (as determined by
the director), except as specified below:
a. Fences, walls or hedges located where the grade
differential between the building pads of adjacent lots, measured
perpendicular to the boundary between the two properties contiguous to
or abutting the fence, wall or hedge, is two feet or less in
elevation; or
b. Fences, walls or hedges where the subject lot is
located upslope of any property contiguous to or abutting the location
of the fence, wall or hedge; or
c. Fences, walls or hedges when the top of the fence,
wall or hedge is at a lower elevation than that of the pad of the
upslope lot.
2. Findings. A fence, wall and hedge permit may be
approved only if the director finds as follows:
a. That the fence, wall or hedge would not significantly
impair a view from the viewing area, as defined in Chapter 17.02
(Single-Family Residential Districts), of another property or a view
from public property which has been identified in the city’s general
plan or coastal specific plan, as a city-designated viewing area.
Views shall be taken from a standing position, unless the primary
viewing area is more suitable to viewing in a seated position;
b. That all foliage on the applicant’s lot which exceeds
sixteen feet or the ridgeline of the primary structure, whichever is
lower, and impairs a view from the viewing area of another parcel, as
defined in Chapter 17.02 (Single-Family Residential Districts) or a
view from public property which has been identified in the city’s
general plan or coastal specific plan, as a city-designated viewing
area, shall be removed prior to permit approval. This requirement
shall not apply where removal of the foliage would constitute an
unreasonable invasion of the privacy of the occupants of the property
on which the foliage exists and there is no method by which the
property owner can create such privacy through some other means
permitted by this title that does not impair a view from viewing area
of another property;
c. That placement or construction of the fence, wall or
hedge shall comply with all applicable standards and requirements of
the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code and general plan;
d. Notwithstanding finding (2)(a) (subsection (B)(2)(a)
of this section), the applicant’s request shall be approved if the
director determines that findings (2)(b) and (2)(c) (subsections
(B)(2)(b) and (B)(2)(c) of this section) listed above can be made and
either:
i. Denial would constitute an unreasonable invasion of
the privacy of the occupants of the applicant’s property and there is
no method by which the property owner can create such privacy through
some other means permitted by this title that would not significantly
impair a view from a viewing area of another property, or
ii. Denial would prevent compliance with the swimming
pool fencing requirements contained in subsection E of this section
and there is no reasonable method to comply with subsection E of this
section that would not significantly impair a view from a viewing area
of another property.
3. Notice of Decision. The notice of decision of a
fence, wall and hedge permit shall be given to the applicant and to
all owners of property adjacent to the subject property. Notice of
denial shall be given only to the applicant. Any interested person may
appeal the director's decision to the planning commission pursuant to
Section 17.80.050 (Hearing Notice and Appeal Procedures) of this
title.
4. The decision of the planning commission may be
appealed to the city council pursuant to Section 17.80.070 (Hearing
Notice and Appeal Procedures) of this title.
5. The director, the planning commission and city
council may impose such conditions on the approval of a permit as are
necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare and to
carry out the purpose and intent of this section.
6. In the case of conflict between the provisions of
this section and other provisions of the development code or the
building code, the most restrictive provisions apply.
C. Fences, Walls and Hedges Allowed Without a Permit.
Unless restricted by conditions imposed through a fence, wall and
hedge permit pursuant to subsection B of this section, fences, walls
and hedges which meet the following requirements shall be allowed
without a permit:
1. Residential Zoning Districts.
a. Fences, walls and hedges located between the front
property line and the exterior facade of the existing single-family
residence closest to the front property line or between the street
side property line and the existing single-family residence closest to
the street side property line shall meet the following standards:
i. Up to forty-two inches in height shall be permitted,
except as restricted by the intersection visibility requirements of
Section 17.48.070 (Lots, Setbacks, Open Space Areas and Building
Height) of this title;
ii. When combined with a retaining wall, the total
height may not exceed forty-two inches, except as restricted by the
intersection visibility requirements of Section 17.48.070 (Lots,
Setbacks, Open Space Areas and Building Height) of this title; and
iii. When located within the front yard of a flag lot
and the front property line of the flag lot abuts the rear or interior
side property line of an adjacent lot, up to six feet in height shall
be permitted.
b. Fences, walls and hedges not subject to subsection
(C)(1)(a) of this section shall meet the following standards:
i. Fences and walls up to six feet in height shall be
permitted on any part of a lot not subject to subsection (C)(1)(a),
except as restricted by Section 17.48.070 (Intersection visibility) of
this title;
ii. Hedges up to sixteen feet in height shall be
permitted on any part of a lot not subject to subsection (C)(1)(a),
except as restricted by the view preservation and restoration
provisions which apply to foliage, as described in Chapter 17.02
(Single-family Residential Districts);
iii. When combined with a fence, freestanding wall or
retaining wall, the total height may not exceed eight feet, as
measured from grade on the lower side, and may not exceed six feet, as
measured from grade on the higher side;
iv. When combined with a fence, freestanding wall,
retaining wall or hedge, the total height may not exceed sixteen feet,
as measured from grade on the higher side and may not exceed eighteen
feet, as measured from grade on the lower side; provided, the height
of each individual fence, freestanding wall and/or retaining wall does
not exceed the height limitations prescribed by this title.
c. Temporary construction fences, as defined in Chapter
17.96 (Definitions), up to six feet in height may be located within
front or street side setback areas, pursuant to the temporary
construction fencing provisions of Section 17.56.020(C) (Environmental
Protection) of this title.
2. Nonresidential Zoning Districts.
A. Fences, walls and hedges located between the front
property line and the exterior facade of the existing single within
front and street-side setbacks shall meet the following standards:
i. Up to forty-two inches in height shall be permitted
within the front or street-side setback areas, except as restricted by
the intersection visibility requirements of Section 17.48.070 (Lots,
Setbacks, Open Space Area and Building Height) of this title.
ii. When combined with a retaining wall, the total
height may not exceed forty-two inches in the front or street-side
setback areas, except as restricted by
the intersection visibility requirements of Section
17.48.070 (Lots, Setbacks, Open Space Area and Building Height) of
this title.
b. Fences, walls and hedges located behind front and
street-side setbacks shall meet the following standards:
i. Up to six feet in height shall be permitted on any
part of a lot behind the front or street-side setback areas, except as
restricted by the intersection visibility requirements of Section
17.48.070 (Lots, Setbacks, Open Space Area and Building Height) of
this title.
ii. When combined with a retaining wall, the total
height may not exceed eight feet as measured from grade on the lower
side and may not exceed six feet as measured from grade on the higher
side.
c. Temporary construction fences, as defined in Chapter
17.96 (Definitions), up to six feet in height may be located within
front or street side setback areas, pursuant to the temporary
construction fencing provisions of Section 17.56.020 (Environmental
Protection) of this title.
D. Fences, Walls and Hedges--Permitted With a Minor
Exception Permit.
1. The following fences, walls and hedges shall be
permitted subject to the approval of a minor exception permit pursuant
to Chapter 17.66 (Minor Exception Permits):
a. Fences, as defined in Chapter 17.96 (Definitions),
higher than forty-two inches and up to six feet in height located in
the front and street-side setback areas; provided, the area between
the street and any such fence is landscaped, per a plan approved by
the director of planning;
b. A fence, wall or hedge, or any combination thereof,
located outside of a front or street-side setback area which does not
exceed eleven and one-half feet in height as measured from grade on
the lower side and six feet in height as measured from grade on the
higher side;
c. Fences higher than six feet and up to ten feet in
height and not within the required setback areas or a combination of a
three and one-half foot retaining wall and recreational fencing of ten
feet in height for downslope and side yard fencing for tennis courts
or similar recreational facilities. The fence above the six-foot
height shall be constructed of wire mesh, or similar material, capable
of admitting at least eighty percent light as measured on a reputable
light meter.
2. In addition to the review criteria listed in Chapter
17.66 (Minor Exception Permits), the director of planning shall use
but not be limited to the following criteria in assessing such an
application:
a. The height of the fence, wall or hedge will not be
detrimental to the public safety and welfare;
b. The line of sight over or through the fence is
adequate for safety and does not significantly impair a view from the
viewing area of an adjacent parcel as defined in Section 17.02.040
(Single-Family Residential Districts) of this title;
c. On corner lots, intersection visibility as identified
in Section 17.48.070 (Lots, Setbacks, Open Space Area and Building
Height) of this title is not obstructed; and
d. The height of the retaining wall portion does not
exceed the grading limits set forth in Section 17.76.040 (Grading
permit) of this title.
E. General Regulations.
1. Fences, walls and hedges shall be measured as a
single unit if built or planted within three feet of each other, as
measured from their closest points, unless at least one of the fences,
walls or hedges is located on an adjoining lot held under separate
ownership. Perpendicular returns connecting two or more parallel walls
or fences shall not be considered portions of the wall or fence for
purposes of determining whether or not the fences or walls are a
single unit.
2. Retaining walls may exceed the height limits of this
section; provided, a grading permit is approved pursuant to Section
17.76.040 (Grading permit) of this title.
3. Fences or Walls--Required. All pools, spas and
standing bodies of water twenty-four inches or more in depth shall be
enclosed by a structure and/or a fence or wall not less than five feet
in height measured from the outside ground level at a point twelve
inches horizontal from the base of the fence or wall. Any gate or door
to the outside shall be equipped with a self-closing device and a
self-latching device located not less than four feet above the ground.
Such fences, walls and gates shall meet city specifications and shall
be constructed to the satisfaction of the city's building official.
4. The use of barbed wire is prohibited unless required
by any law or regulation of the state or federal government or any
agency thereof. Electrified fencing may only be allowed for the
keeping of animals pursuant to Chapter 17.46 (Equestrian Overlay
District) of this title. All electrified fences shall contain a
warning sign, posted in a visible location, warning that an
electrified fence is in use.
5. Chain link, chicken wire and fiberglass fences are
prohibited in front yards between the front property line and the
exterior facade of the existing single-family residence closest to the
front property line; in side yards between the street side property
line and the exterior facade of the existing single-family residence
closest to the street side property line; and within a rear yard
setback which abuts the following arterial streets identified in the
city's general plan:
a. Crenshaw Boulevard;
b. Crest Road;
c. Hawthorne Boulevard;
d. Highridge Road;
e. Miraleste Drive;
f. Palos Verdes Drive East;
g. Palos Verdes Drive North;
h. Palos Verdes Drive South; and
i. Silver Spur Road. (Amended during 11-97 supplement;
Ord. 320 § 7 (part), 1997: Ord. 254 §§ 2--4, 1990; Ord. 194 § 10
(part), 1985; Ord. 175 §§ 14--18, 1983; Ord. 150 §§ 15, 16, 1982; Ord.
132 § 3 (part), 1980; Ord. 90 § 5 (part), 1977; Ord. 75 (part), 1975)"
GRADING PERMITS
http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/cityclerk/munidatabase/detail.cfm?this_title=17&this_chapter=76&this_section=040&jump_menu=1&title=17&chapter=76
"Title:17 Chapter:76 Section:040
A. Purpose. The city finds and declares that it is
necessary to adopt this section to promote the public health, safety
and general welfare. Where this section is in conflict with other city
ordinances, the stricter shall apply. Specifically, this section
provides for:
1. Permitting reasonable development of land and
minimizing fire hazards, ensuring the maximum retention of groundcover
to aid in protection against flooding, erosion, earth movement,
siltation and other similar hazards;
2. Ensuring the maximum preservation of the natural
scenic character of the area consistent with reasonable economic use
of such property;
3. Ensuring that the development of each parcel of
land, as well as watercourses, streets and other public lands and
places, occurs in a manner harmonious with adjacent lands so as to
minimize problems of flooding, drainage, erosion, earth movement and
similar hazards, and to maintain the visual continuity of hill and
valley without unsightly continuous benching of buildable sites; and
4. Ensuring that each project complies with all goals
and policies of the general plan, any specific plan and any
amendments.
B. Grading Allowed. The following grading may be
allowed with a minor grading permit, a major grading permit or a
remedial grading permit. Each parcel of land involved requires
separate approval:
1. A minor grading permit shall be used for those
projects which meet all of the following criteria:
a. An excavation, fill or combination thereof, in
excess of twenty cubic yards, but less than fifty cubic yards, in any
two-year period, on a slope of less than thirty-five percent, or
b. An excavation three feet or more, but less than five
feet, below natural grade or a fill three feet or more, but less than
five feet, above natural grade on a slope of less than thirty-five
percent;
2. A major grading permit shall be used for those
projects which result in any of the following:
a. An excavation, fill or combination thereof, in
excess of fifty cubic yards in any two-year period,
b. An excavation five feet or more below natural grade
or a fill five feet or more above natural grade,
c. Notwithstanding exemptions (C)(1) and (C)(2) of this
section, any excavation or fill which encroaches on or alters a
natural drainage channel or watercourse, and
d. Unless otherwise exempted by subsection C of this
section, an excavation or fill on an extreme slope (thirty-five
percent or more);
3. A remedial grading permit shall be used for
excavations, fill or any redistribution of earth materials for the
purpose of enhancing soil stability and reducing geotechnical hazards
due to natural land movement or the presence of natural hazards.
C. Grading Exempt. The following grading shall be
exempt from this section:
1. An excavation, fill or combination thereof, less
than twenty cubic yards in any two-year period;
2. An excavation less than three feet below natural
grade, or a fill less than three feet above natural grade;
3. Grading pursuant to a permit for excavation in
public streets;
4. Grading in connection with a public improvement or
other public works project for which inspection is provided by the
city or another public agency, as approved by the city engineer;
5. Grading in private easements by a public utility,
cable franchisee or a mutual water company;
6. An excavation or fill on private property made by an
individual to repair or replace a sewer line, water line or other
underground utility line;
7. An excavation less than ten feet below existing
grade for the foundation or footings of a structure or a swimming pool
located on a slope less than thirty-five percent and not involving a
caisson foundation. Caisson foundations or any excavation for a
footing or foundation ten feet or more below existing grade shall
require the approval of a minor grading permit. This exemption shall
not affect the applicability of this section to, nor the requirement
of a grading approval for, any fill made with the material from such
excavation; and
8. Tilling of the soil for agricultural and
horticultural purposes; and discing the soil for fire hazard abatement
purposes.
For purposes of this section, grading shall be
calculated in cubic yards and shall represent the total earth movement
on a lot or parcel. The total earth movement shall be the total amount
of excavation plus the total amount of fill, regardless of whether
there is a net balance of cut and fill quantities on a site.
D. Application.
1. To obtain the approval required by this section, an
applicant shall file a completed minor grading, major grading or
remedial grading application on a form furnished by the city. The
application shall be signed by the owner of the property where the
work is to be performed, or by his duly authorized agent. An agent's
authority must be shown in writing. The director may require
additional information as necessary to carry out the purposes of this
section.
2. Unless waived by the director, the application shall
be accompanied by scaled plans or drawings, prepared and signed, as
appropriate, by a registered civil engineer, architect or landscape
architect which show the following:
a. A plot plan identifying property lines, easements,
existing and proposed structures, accurate contours of existing
topographic conditions and finished contours of all proposed grading.
One-foot contour intervals are required. Five-foot contour intervals
may be accepted if deemed appropriate by the director;
b. The location of any existing structure within
fifteen feet of the proposed grading, whether or not that structure is
located on the lot to be graded;
c. Typical and highest/greatest point cross-sections of
retaining walls, cut slopes and fill slopes;
d. Any additional plans, drawings or calculations
deemed necessary by the director to demonstrate that the proposed
grading complies with the provisions of the development code;
e. The plot plan shall establish the elevation of some
permanent benchmark or other reference point on or adjacent to the
subject property. The reference point shall not be altered in
elevation or location. Any grading depths and heights of future
structures on this property shall be referenced to this point;
f. The plans shall label the areas of cut and fill with
different markings for each, and each area labeled shall designate the
amount of cut or fill in cubic yards.
g. Applications involving vacant property shall
indicate the average percent slope of each parcel and shall
demonstrate the method used in calculating the average percent slope.
Applications involving developed property shall indicate slope
averaging calculations using the formulas and methods described in the
diagrams contained in Exhibit "76-A" of this section titled: "Slope
Calculation" and "Average Cross Slope Calculation," at various
locations on the subject building site, as determined by the director.
3. Applications for a remedial grading permit shall be
accompanied by geological and/or soils reports which justify the need
for the remedial grading and indicate that the grading will not
aggravate the existing soils and/or geologic conditions. Unless waived
by the director, applications for a minor grading or grading permit
shall be accompanied by geological and/or soils reports which indicate
that the grading will not aggravate the existing soils and/or geologic
condition.
4. Applications Referred to Planning Commission. When a
major grading application proposes earth movement involving one
thousand or more cubic yards of earth or when a remedial grading
application proposes earth movement involving five thousand or more
cubic yards of earth, the application shall be referred to the
planning commission for consideration under the criteria set forth in
this section. However, grading for construction of a basement, cellar
or other structure located below grade and not visible from any
surrounding public right-of-way, shall not be referred to the planning
commission regardless of the total cubic yards of earth movement;
provided, that no exportation of fill off of the grading site results
from the grading. An application referred to the planning commission
shall be noticed to a newspaper of general circulation and given to
owners of property within five hundred feet of the project, all
persons requesting notice, to any affected homeowner associations and
the applicant pursuant to Section 17.80.090 (Hearing Notice and Appeal
Procedures) of this title.
5. Fees.
a. Each application shall be accompanied by a fee, as
established by resolution of the city council.
b. Any revision to an approved application must be
approved by the review body of the city which gave final approval to
the original application and a fee shall be paid, as established by
resolution of the city council.
c. In addition to the application fees, the applicant
shall pay building permit and plan check fees as specified by Chapter
3 of the Uniform Building Code.
6. Deposits. If excavated material in excess of twenty
cubic yards is to be deposited off the grading site, the applicant
shall deposit with the city a deposit fee established by resolution of
the city council in the form of cash, check or money order as security
for the proper removal of the excavated material before being granted
a minor grading, grading or remedial grading permit allowing such
excavation, by the city's building official. Such excavated material
shall be disposed of in the manner set forth and at the location
indicated on the city's "Notice to Contractors and Property
Owners--Requirements for Removal of Excavated Materials." Upon
submission to the building official of dump receipts which
substantiate the proper removal of all excavated material from the
building site as shown on the notice, the deposit shall be returned.
Failure to present valid receipts to the city within one hundred
eighty days of final approval, cancellation or expiration of the minor
grading, grading or remedial grading permit shall result in forfeiture
of the security deposit. Forfeited deposits shall be placed in the
general fund of the city and used to cover the cost of removing
illegally dumped material.
7. Final Approval. Upon approval of the application by
the director or planning commission, the applicant must still conform
to all conditions imposed by Chapter 70 of the Uniform Building Code,
including all required fees, and approval by the director is not final
until approval has been granted by the city engineer.
E. Criteria for Evaluation of Minor Grading and Major
Grading Applications. A minor grading or major grading application
shall be assessed in light of the following criteria:
1. The grading does not exceed that which is necessary
for the permitted primary use of the lot, as defined in Chapter 17.96
(Definitions) of this title;
2. The grading and/or related construction does not
significantly adversely affect the visual relationships with, nor the
views from, neighboring properties;
3. The nature of the grading minimizes disturbance to
the natural contours and finished contours are reasonably natural;
4. The grading takes into account the preservation of
natural topographic features and appearances by means of land
sculpturing so as to blend any man-made or manufactured slope into the
natural topography;
5. For new single-family residences, the grading and/or
related construction is compatible with the immediate neighborhood
character, as defined in Chapter 17.02 (Single-family Residential
Districts);
6. In new residential tracts, the grading includes
provisions for the preservation and introduction of plant materials so
as to protect slopes from soil erosion and slippage and minimize the
visual effects of grading and construction on hillside areas;
7. The grading utilizes street designs and improvements
which serve to minimize grading alternatives and harmonize with the
natural contours and character of the hillside;
8. The grading would not cause excessive and
unnecessary disturbance of the natural landscape or wildlife habitat
through removal of vegetation;
9. The grading conforms to the following standards:
a. Grading on slopes equal to or exceeding thirty-five
percent shall be allowed on recorded and legally subdivided lots
existing as of November 25, 1975 or if within Eastview, existing as of
January 5, 1983, which are not currently zoned open space/hazard, if
the director or planning commission finds that such grading, as
conditioned, will not threaten the public health, safety and welfare.
b. No finished slopes greater than thirty-five percent
shall be created, except at the point of vehicular access adjacent to
driveways, as per subsection (E)(9)(f) of this section.
c. Except for the excavation of a basement or cellar, a
fill or cut shall not exceed a depth of five feet at any point except
where the director or the planning commission determines that unusual
topography, soil conditions, previous grading or other circumstances
make such grading reasonable and necessary.
d. No fill or cut shall be permitted on a slope
exceeding fifty percent gradient, unless the grading is on a
sixty-seven percent slope, allowed pursuant to subsection (E)(9)(f) of
this section.
e. Retaining Walls.
i. Unless located within the required front or street
side setback, one upslope retaining wall not to exceed eight feet in
height may be used. Retaining walls located in the required front or
streetside setback shall not exceed three and one-half feet in height;
ii. One downslope retaining wall not to exceed three
and one-half feet in height may be used;
iii. On lots sloping with the street and other
configurations not discussed above, one retaining wall not to exceed
three and one-half feet may be used on each side of the lot;
iv. Retaining walls may be allowed up to five feet in
height, adjacent to driveways, only if required for access or slope
stabilization. There shall be no more than one upslope or one
downslope retaining wall adjacent to driveways;
v. Retaining walls which are an integral part of a
structure may exceed eight feet, within the building footprint;
f. Driveways.
i. Driveways which exceed twenty percent slope shall
not be permitted except that one length, not at the point of access,
of not more than ten linear feet may have a slope of up to twenty-two
percent;
ii. Slopes not greater than sixty-seven percent may be
permitted adjacent to driveways;
10. The director may grant a grading permit for
development in excess of that permissible under subsection (E)(9) of
this section upon finding that:
a. The criteria of subsections (E)(1) through (E)(8) of
this section are satisfied;
b. The approval is consistent with the purposes set
forth in subsection A of this section;
c. Departure from the standards in subsection (E)(9) of
this section will not constitute a grant of special privileges
inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the
vicinity; and
d. Departure from the standards of subsection (E)(9) of
this section will not be detrimental to the public safety nor to other
property;
e. Notice of such decision shall be given to the
applicant and to all owners of property adjacent to the subject
property. Notice of denial shall be given to only the applicant. Any
interested person may appeal the director's decision to the planning
commission and the planning commission decision to the city council
pursuant to Chapter 17.80 (Hearing Notice and Appeal Procedures) of
this title.
F. Criteria for Evaluation of Remedial Grading
Applications. A remedial grading application shall be assessed in
light of the following criteria:
1. The maximum vertical height of cut or fill should
not exceed that which is necessary to enhance soil stability and
reduce geotechnical hazards due to natural land movement or the
presence of natural hazards, except that fissures of any depth may be
filled to the level of the adjacent ground surface. Such grading
should be designed to reduce the local topographic relief and in no
case should fill be placed on a slope steeper than thirty-five percent
such that it might cause a soil slip or mud-flow.
2. Where remedial grading on a residential lot involves
importation of fill material from a source outside of the lot, no more
than that which is necessary to enhance soil stability and reduce
geotechnical hazards due to natural land movement or the presence of
natural hazards should be permitted.
3. Remedial grading along private roads should be
restricted to maintaining the roads in a safe and usable condition and
to improving surface drainage so that runoff water does not flow into
closed depressions or fissures. In areas adjacent to scarps, the
crests of the scarps should be periodically lowered so as to reduce
the volume of imported fill needed to maintain the proper road grade
on the down-thrown sides of the scarps. In no event shall remedial
grading bring the road surface higher than the original grade. Such
remedial grading should be the responsibility of the appropriate
homeowners association or the adjacent property owners.
4. Stockpiling will be allowed for road repair and
remedial grading; providing, the stockpiles in any given area do not
exceed two hundred cubic yards, are not in yard areas visible from any
right-of-way and are not stockpiled for more than six months.
5. Remedial grading shall be designed to improve
surface drainage and in no case cause ponding or surface runoff so as
to increase the likelihood of surface water infiltration.
6. The nature of the grading shall minimize disturbance
to the natural contours and finished contours should remain reasonably
natural.
7. The grading shall take into account the preservation
of natural topographic features and appearances by means of land
sculpturing so as to blend any man-made or manufactured slope into the
natural topography.
8. The grading shall avoid or minimize disturbance to
coastal sage scrub habitat. If disturbances or impacts to coastal sage
scrub are unavoidable, all impacts shall be mitigated to the
satisfaction of the city.
9. Where appropriate, the grading shall include
provisions for the preservation and introduction of plant materials so
as to protect slopes from soil erosion and slippage and minimize the
visual effects of grading and construction on hillside areas.
10. Where appropriate, the grading should utilize
street designs and improvements which serve to minimize grading
alternatives and harmonize with the natural contours and character of
the hillside.
11. The grading should not cause excessive and
unnecessary scarring of the natural landscape through removal of
vegetation.
G. Conditions Upon Issuance. In granting any approval
under this chapter, the director or the planning commission may impose
such conditions as may be reasonably necessary to prevent danger to
public or private property, to prevent conduct likely to create a
nuisance or to preserve the intent of any goal or policy of the
general plan. No person shall violate any conditions imposed by the
director or planning commission. Such conditions may include, but
shall not be limited to:
1. Limitations on the days and hours of operation in
which work may be performed;
2. Designation of routes and means of access to the
site;
3. Designation of the place and manner of disposal of
excavated materials and of the acquisition of fill;
4. Requirements as to the mitigation of dust and dirt,
the prevention of noise and other results offensive or injurious to
the neighborhood, the general public or any portion thereof, including
due consideration, care and respect for the property rights,
convenience and reasonable desires and needs of neighbors;
5. Designation of maximum or minimum slopes;
6. Regulations as to the use of public streets and
places;
7. Landscaping, in addition to the minimum required by
Chapter 70 of the Uniform Building Code; and
8. The submittal of a performance bond or trust deposit
to ensure that grading, landscaping or other conditions imposed under
this section are performed.
H. Appeal. Any interested person may appeal any
decision of the director to the planning commission and any decision
of the planning commission to the city council pursuant to Chapter
17.80 (Hearing Notice and Appeal Procedures) of this title.
I. Prohibited Deposits of Earth, Rock or Excavated
Material. No person shall dump, move or place any earth, sand, gravel,
rock, stone or other excavated material or debris so as to cause the
same to be deposited upon or to roll, blow, flow or wash upon or over
any public place or right-of-way or upon or over the premises of
another, without the express written consent of the owner of such
premises so affected. No person shall, when hauling any earth, sand,
gravel, rock, stone or other excavated material or debris over any
public street, alley or other public place, allow such material to
blow or spill over and upon such street, alley or place, or adjacent
private property. If there is a violation of this subsection whereby
any earth, sand, gravel, rock, stone or other excavated material is
caused to be deposited upon or to roll, flow or wash upon any public
place or private property, the person responsible shall cause the same
to be removed from such public place or private property within
thirty-six hours, or immediately after notification by the city, if a
hazardous condition is caused. In the event it is not so removed, the
director of public works shall cause such removal and the cost of such
removal shall be paid to the city by the person who failed to so
remove the material. (Ord. 340 § 8 (part), 1998; amended during
11-97 supplement; Ord. 320 § 7 (part), 1997: Ord. 194 § 12
(part), 1985; Ord. 150 §§ 3--5, 1982; Ord. 89 § 1
(part), 1977; Ord. 87 § 1, 1977; Ord. 86 § 1, 1977; Ord. 78
(part), 1975)"
(2) FENCING MATERIALS - NOISE ABATEMENT
Noise abatement/reduction materials are generally of the "sandwich"
design, with a sound absorbing layer between layers of surface finish
material such as wood, concrete, or vinyl.
(Check with Planning Office for acceptability. Inclusion does not
imply endorsement.)
Reference
Concrete:
Smith Midland Sierra Wall
http://www.smithmid.com/sierra.shtml
Wood:
Hoover Treated Wood Products
Plywall
http://www.frtw.com/products/noise/pw.html
The best source of information would be the local building supplies
stores such as:
Home Depot
http://www.homedepot.com
Lowes
http://www.lowes.com
(3) FENCING CONTRACTORS
(Check with licensing authorities for properly licensed contractors.)
No special skills are needed to install noise reducing fencing.
Again, the local building supplies companies would be able to
recommend installers or arrange for installation, or see:
Handyman Online (sponsored link)
http://www.handymanonline.com/category/Fences_10346.html
http://www.handymanonline.com/task/Wood_Fence_Install_40058.html
or
Superpages Directory
http://www.superpages.com
or the local Yellow Pages directory.
Search terms:
Rancho Palos Verdes
fence materials noise abatement residential
fence contractors Rancho Palos Verdes
All Google disclaimers apply. Check personally with local authorities
to confirm the above information and to obtain the necessary permits,
if any.
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