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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-06-22 - RESOLUTIONS - 22431 CIRCLEJ RANCH ROAD (2)RESOLUTION NO. 10-54 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING MASTER CASE 10-003, HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 10-001, RIDGELINE ALTERATION PERMIT 10-001 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE LOCATED ON A VACANT LOT AT 22431 CIRCLE J RANCH ROAD WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita General Plan requires the implementation of the City of Santa Clarita Unified Development Code (UDC) to be in compliance with the Government Code of the State of California; and WHEREAS, the applicant, Norris Whitmore, is proposing to construct a 7,000 square - foot, single -story residence located on top of a hillside of a significant ridgeline at 22431 Circle J Ranch Road; and WHEREAS, the applicant has submitted an application for Hillside Development Review 10-001 and Ridgeline Alteration Permit 10-001 (Master Case 10-003) to allow for the construction of a new single-family residence; and WHEREAS, Hillside Development Review 10-001 and Ridgeline Alteration Permit 10-001 attached as Exhibit "A" (the project); and WHEREAS, the proposed project is consistent with and further implement the Goals and Policies of the City of Santa Clarita General Plan; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the project on May 18, 2010, at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, CA 91.355. Notice of the time, place, and purpose of the aforementioned meeting was duly noticed in accordance with Government Code 6090. At this meeting, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution P10-15, recommending that the City Council adopt the associated Negative Declaration and approve Master Case 10-003, consisting of Hillside Development Review 10-001 and Ridgeline Alteration Permit 10-001; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the project on June 22, 2010, at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. Notice of the time, place, and purpose of the aforementioned meeting was duly noticed in accordance. with Government Code 65090. At the June 22, 2010 Council meeting, the City Council considered the staff report, staff presentation, and public testimony on the proposed project. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The proposed project to construct a new single-family residence is consistent with the City of Santa Clarita General Plan. SECTION 2. The proposed project's conditions of approval, Exhibit "A", are hereby adopted. SECTION 3. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings in the Initial Study prepared for the project, the City Council further finds, approves, and determines as follows: a. An Initial Study and a Negative Declaration have been prepared for this project in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). b. The Initial Study has been circulated for review and comment by affected governmental agencies and the public and all comments received, if any, have been considered. The document was posted and advertised on March 30, 2010, in accordance with CEQA. The public review period was open from March 30, 2010, through April 20, 2010. c. Staff found that there were no impacts created as a result of the proposed project and a Negative Declaration has been prepared for the project in accordance with the CEQA. The Negative Declaration reflects the independent judgment of the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita. d. The location of the documents and other material which constitutes the record of proceedings upon which the decision of the City Council is based is the Master Case 10-003 project file within the Community Development Department and is in the custody of the Director of Community Development. SECTION 4. HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW FINDINGS. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings for Hillside Development Review Permit 10-001, the City Council hereby determines as follows: a. That the natural topographic features and appearances are conserved by means of landform grading so as to blend any manufactured slopes or required drainage benches into the natural topography; The subject site is currently vacant, however was previously graded with: 1) a dirt driveway that serves as access from a flag strip off of Circle J Ranch Road, and 2) flat building pad located on the top of a significant ridgeline. The project has minimal grading activity of approximately 4,000 cubic yards of over excavation and recompaction for the building pad preparation. The project site's slopes will not be altered or modified. All of the dirt quantities will be balanced on site with no export. In addition, the site will be landscaped per Los Angeles County Fire Department's Fuel Modification standards. b. That natural, topographic prominent features are retained to the maximum extent possible; No significant topographic features on the subject site will be disturbed with the project. A ridgeline identified in the City's General Plan as a Significant Ridgeline 2 terminates on the western portion of the subject site. However, no grading activities associated with this project will impact the Ridgeline as the building pad has already been created under previous approvals. In addition, the project is designed to be single story and blend into the existing character of the community and hillside. Further, many homes in the community have been built along the same ridgeline at higher elevations. Therefore, the project will be consistent with the character of the community and will retain the existing look of the subject ridgeline. c. That clustered sites and buildings are utilized where such techniques can be demonstrated to substantially reduce grading alterations of the terrain and to contribute to the preservations of trees, other natural vegetation and prominent landmark features and are compatible with existing neighborhoods; The project is for one (1) single story single family residence. The structure will have a maximum height of 23 feet and has been designed to blend into the existing hillside and community's character. The project is utilizing an existing building pad location on the 15 -acre site. The project will not alter any of the existing slopes or terrain, and preserves all existing vegetation and trees. d. That building setbacks, building heights and compatible structures and building forms that would serve to blend buildings and structures with the terrain are utilized; The structure is single story with a maximum height of 23 feet. The residence has been designed where the taller more prominent architectural features are concentrated on the more interior portions of the building pad. The residence will be low profile, and has visibility from the existing community as it has been designed to blend into the existing topography. In addition, the project landscaping further blends the structure into the existing hillside, malting it fit with the existing character of the community. e. That plant materials are conserved and introduced so as to protect slopes from slippage and soil erosion and to minimize visual effects of grading and construction on hillside areas, including the consideration of the preservation of prominent trees and, to the extent possible, reduce the maintenance cost to public and private property owners; The grading is limited to 4,000 cubic yards for building pad and access road/driveway preparation. All the undisturbed areas will remain. Grading activities will be limited to developed portions of the project site and will leave the remaining project site in a natural state. f. That curvilinear street design and improvements that serve to minimize grading alterations and emulate the natural contours and character of the hillsides are utilized; This project does not propose the construction of any public or private streets. Existing dirt private driveways will be improved and used to access the previously graded building pad. 3 g. That grading designs that serve to avoid disruption to adjacent properties utilized; . All grading will be contained on-site. The grading of approximately 4,000 cubic yards is for the building pad preparation. All earth quantities will be balanced on-site with no export. In addition, all grading activities will occur on previously disturbed areas of the project site. h. That site design and grading that provide the minimum disruption of view corridors and scenic vistas from and around and proposed development are utilized; The project would not damage any visual resources as identified in the City's General Plan. The residence is located on an existing building pad location on a significant ridgeline. The residence has been designed to be low profile and blend with the existing hillside and community character. While the residence is constructed on a ridgeline it will blend into the existing vista with the other homes that have been built along the same ridge. SECTION 5. RIDGELINE ALTERATION PERMIT FINDINGS. Based upon the foregoing facts and findings for the Ridgeline Alteration Permit 10-001, the City Council determines as follows: a. The proposed use is in conformance and Policies of the General Plan. b.. The use or development will not be materially detrimental to the visual character of the neighborhood or community, nor will it endanger the public health, safety or general welfare. c. The appearance of the use or development will not be different than the appearance of adjoining ridgeline areas so as to cause depreciation of the ridgeline appearance in the vicinity. d. The establishment of the proposed use or development will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property, nor encourage encroachments to the ridgeline area. The proposed use or development will not violate the visual integrity of the ridgeline area as has been demonstrated through precise illustration and depiction as required in UDC Section 17.80.030. f. The use or development maintains the appearance of natural ridgelines with uses and development consistent with the density requirements established. in UDC Section 17.80.035. g. The use or development utilizes or creates minimal invasive grading techniques, creates visual interest in the project site design and/or spacing of development that significantly exceeds the minimum standards identified in the City of Santa Clarita's Hillside Ordinance. 2 h. The use or development is designed to mimic the existing topography to the greatest extent possible through the use of landform contour grading. i. The use or development demonstrates creative and imaginative site design resulting in a project that will complement the community character and provide direct benefit to current and future community residents of not only the proposed use or development, but the residents of the City of Santa Clarita as a whole. j. The proposed use or development does not alter natural landmarks and prominent natural features of the ridgeline. k. The provisions and implantation of this section do not create an. undue economic hardship or deny minimal use of the land. The subject property is a vacant, residentially zoned, and previously graded lot in the existing Circle J Ranch community. It is the only remaining vacant lot, and 'is located on an existing General Plan designated Significant Ridgeline. The subject parcel is approximately 15 acres, with 1.8 acres that have been previously disturbed which will serve as the project area. The project will utilize the existing building pad location and private driveway for the residence with grading activity limited to approximately 4,000 cubic yards for over excavation and recompaction required for building pad and access driveway preparation and will stay away from undisturbed areas. The Significant Ridgeline runs through the project site from the east and terminates on the property's westernmost property line. The Significant Ridgeline on the project site is at an approximate elevation of 1,350 feet. The Significant Ridgeline continues through the community to the east reaching an approximate elevation of 1,410 feet. Existing homes in the community have been built along this ridge at a higher elevation than proposed residence. Therefore, the project will maintain the existing appearance of the community and ridgeline areas. The project site is currently designated as RL (Residential Low) within the City of Santa Clarita's General Plan. The project will add one (1) new dwelling unit on a 15 -acre property and will be used only for residential purposes. The project is infill as the subject property is the last remaining vacant, buildable lot in the subdivision. The project has been designed to maintain a low -profile focusing the maximum height of 23 feet for the single story residence towards the interior of the building pad. In addition, the disturbed areas will be re -vegetated and landscaped to meet the requirements of the City and Los Angeles County Fire Department. The design and use of the residence is in keeping with the existing aesthetic quality of the community and the ridgeline, in addition to the Goal 2 of the Open Space and Conservation Element, Goal 5 of the Community Design Element, and Goal 3 of the Land Use Element of the General Plan. SECTION 6. That if any portion of this Resolution is held to be invalid, that portion shall be stricken and severed, and the remaining portions shall be unaffected and remain in full force and effect. 5 SECTION 7. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Resolution and shall cause the same to be published as required by law. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 22nd day of June, 2010. ATTEST: CITY CLERK- STATE OF CtLIF(?RNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, Sarah P. Gorman, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 22nd day of June, 2010, by the following vote: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS RECUSED: COUNCILMEMBERS ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS m Ferry, Ender, Kellar, Weste None McLean None 1 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) I, CERTIFICATION OF CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of the original Resolution No. 10-54, adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, California on June 22, 2010, which is now on file in My office. Witness my hand and seal of the City of Santa Clarita, California, this _ day of 2010. City Clerk By Deputy City Clerk 1 CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL MASTER CASE 10-003 : HILLSIDE REVIEW 10-00.1 4p, RIDGELIKE ALTERATION PERMIT 10-001 CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL GENERAL CONDITIONS GCL Unless appropriate permits and entitlements are activated, the approval of this Hillside Development Review and Ridgeline Alteration Permit shall expire two years from the date of conditional approval. GC2. The applicant may file for an extension of the Hillside Development Review and Ridgeline Alteration permits prior to the date of expiration for .a period of time not to exceed one year. If such an extension is requested, it must be filed no later than 60 days prior to expiration. GC3. The applicant shall be responsible for notifying the Director of Community Development in writing of any change in ownership, within 30 days of said change. GC4. Unless otherwise apparent from the context, the term "applicant" shall include the applicant and any other persons, corporation; or other entity making use of this grant. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Santa Clarita, its agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding against the City or its agents, officers, or employees to attack, set aside, void, or annul this approval. by the City. In the event the City becomes aware of any such claim, action, or proceeding, the City shall promptly notify the applicant, or if the City fails to cooperate fully in the defense, the applicant shall not thereafter be responsible to defend, indemnify, or hold harmless the City. Nothing contained in this condition prohibits the City from participating in the defense of any claim, action, or proceeding, if both the following occur: 1) The City bears its own attorney's fees and costs; and, 2) the City defends the action in good faith. The applicant shall not be required to pay or perform any settlement unless the settlement is approved by the applicant. GC5. Details shown on the site plan and entitlement application are not necessarily approved. Any details which are inconsistent with the requirements of ordinances, conditions of approval or City policies must be specifically approved in writing. GC6. It is further declared and made a condition of this permit that if any condition here of is violated, or if any law, statute or ordinance is violated, the City may commence proceedings to revolve this approval. 1 Conditions of Approval Page 2 of 6 GC7. The applicant agrees to develop the property in conformance with the City Code and other appropriate ordinances, including but not limited to the Building Code, Plumbing Code, Grading Ordinance, Highway Permit Ordinance, Mechanical Code, Unified Development Code, Undergrounding of Utilities Ordinance, Sanitary Sewer and Industrial Waste Ordinance, Electrical Code, and Fire Code. Improvements and other requirements may be imposed pursuant to such codes and ordinances in accordance with vested rights as provided for in the Government Code. PLANNING DIVISION PLI. The applicant shall be granted approval to construct a new 7,000 square foot single family residence on an approximately 15 -acre parcel on a City of Santa Clarita identified Significant Ridgeline at 22431 Circle J Ranch Road. The proposed single family house shall be limited to one-story and shall not exceed a maximum height of 23 feet. The applicant shall construct the new residence in accordance with the approved site plan, and elevations on file with the Planning Division. PL2. If any modifications are made to the approved site plan, the Director of Community Development shall be notified. Changes or modifications made to the project may be subject to additional review in accordance with the Unified Development Code. PL3. The applicant shall be required to plant the slopes in accordance with the landscape plans or, file with the City of Santa Clarita City. In addition the applicant shall adhere to the City - of Santa Clarita planting and Los Angeles County Fire Department Fuel Modification requirements. PL4. The applicant shall adhere to the City of Santa Clarita Residential Development Standards, including but not limited to, setbacks, building materials, height of structures, etc. PLS. The applicant shall sign, and have notarized, the attached "Acceptance Form." This form shall be returned to the City's Planning Division, PL6. The applicant shall be aware that no agency approvals shall supersede the others. ENGINEERING DIVISION Grading. Drainage & Geology Requirements EN 1. Prior to issuance of grading permit, the applicant shall submit a grading plan consistent with the approved site plan, oak tree report (if applicable) and conditions of approval. The grading plan shall be based on a detailed engineering geotechnical report specifically approved by the geologist and/or soils engineer that addresses all submitted recommendations. Conditions of Approval Page 3 of 6 EN2. This project is a development planning priority project under the City's NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit as a single-family residence located on a graded hillside, The following provisions shall be addressed and included on the grading plan: 1 . Conserve natural areas; 2. Protect slopes and channels; 3. provide storm drain system stenciling and signage (if applicable); 4. Divert roof runoff to vegetated areas before discharge unless the diversion would result in slope instability; and 5. Divert surface flow to vegetated areas before discharge unless the diversion would result in slope instability. EN3. This project will disturb one acre or more of land. Therefore, the applicant must obtain coverage under a statewide General Construction Activities Stormwater Permit (General Permit). In accordance with the General Permit, the applicant shall file with the State a Notice of Intent (NOI) for the proposed project. Prior to issuance of grading permit by the City, the applicant shall have approved by the City Engineer a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP shall include a copy of the. NOI and shall reference the corresponding Waste Discharge Identification (WDID) number issued by the State upon receipt of the NOI. Street improvement Requirements EN4. Prior to any construction (including, but not 'limited to, drive approaches; sidewalks, curb and gutter, etc,), trenching or grading within public or private street right-of-way, the applicant .shall submit a street improvement. plain consistent with the approved site plan, oak tree report and conditions of approval and obtain encroachment permits from the Engineering Division. ENS. Prior to issuance to building permits, the applicant shall dedicate additional street right- of-way for a total of 64 feet from centerline on Via Princessa fronting the project site, as directed by the City Engineer. EN6. Prior to building final, the applicant shall repair any broken or damaged curb, gutter and sidewalk, and refurbish pavement on streets within or abutting the project, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. Sewer Improvement Requirements ENT Prior to issuance of building permits, the proposed residence shall be connected to the existing sewer main in Circle J Ranch Road (10" sewer in accordance with PC9701). Prior to issuance of building permits, the applicant shall coordinate with the. Building and Safety Division regarding payment of additional annexation fees, if required, to annex the property into the Los Angeles County Sanitation District. Bonds. Fees, and Miscellaneous Requirements Conditions of Approval Paae 4 of 6 EN8. - Prior -to `issuance of building permit, the applicant shall pay the applicable Bridge and Thoroughfare (B&T) District Fee to implement the Circulation Element of the General Plan as a means of mitigating the traffic impact of this project. URBAN FORESTRY DIVISION UFL The applicant shall be required to submit a full set of plans prior to grading (grading, construction and landscaping) that show all existing oak trees and the precautionary protection fencing on plans. UF2. The applicant shall obtain Urban Forestry approval on all required sets of site plans that are submitted with this application. UF3. The applicant shall provide an oak tree protection and preservation plan that shows the location of all protective fencing along the proposed driveway and where required by Urban Forestry. UF4. The applicant is encouraged to incorporate native oak species within the overall final landscape plan. The applicant is reminded that Oak Tree Ordinance 05-4 Section 3 applies to any oak tree planted on site by the property owner. UF5. Prior to the start of any construction, the applicant shall contact the City Oak Tree Specialist for preconstruction site inspection of all required protective fencing. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIVISION ESI. All new development projects valuated greater than $500,000 must comply with the City's Construction and Demolition Materials (C&D) Recycling Ordinance. If the project is valuated above $500,000 the applicant shall: • A Construction and Demolition Materials Management Plan (C&DMMP) must be prepared and approved by the Environmental Service Division prior to obtaining .any grading or building permits. • .. A minimum of 50% of the entire project's inert (dirt, rock, bricks, etc.) waste and 50% of the remaining C&D was must be diverted from landfills. • A deposit of 3% of the estimated total project cost or $50,000, whichever is less, is required. The deposit will be returned to the applicant upon proving that 50% of the inert and remaining C&D waste was diverted. ES2. All projects within the City that are not self -hauling their waste materials must use one of the City's nine franchised haulers for temporary and roll -off bin collection services. Please contact Environmental Services staff for a complete list of franchised haulers in the City. Conditions of Approval Page 5 of 6 ES3. All single-family residence dwellings shall be designed with space provided for three (3) I 90 -gallon trash bins. BliILDING AND SAFETY DIVISION BSI. All structures shall comply with the detailed requirements of the 2007 California Building, Mechanical, Plumbing Codes, Electrical Code, and California Energy Code, and the 2008 City of Santa Clarita amendments to the California codes. A copy of the City amendments is available at the Building and Safety public counter and on our website at www.santa-clarita.com. BS2. Two complete sets of plans prepared by a licensed Architect or Engineer shall be submitted to Building and Safety for a building permit(s;. The submitted plans shall include architectural and structural plans, structural and energy calculations; soil/geology report, truss drawings and calcs, etc. BS3. A complete soils and geology report will be required for the project. The report shall be formally submitted to the Engineering Division for review and approval. BS4. Prior to issuance of building permits: rough grading and/or recompaction must be completed; a final compaction report and rough grading or pad certification shall be submitted to and approved by the Engineering Division. BSS. The property is located within 1000 feet of a natural hillside brush area and shall comply with the City's Fire Hazard Zone Ordinance. BS6. The building requires connection to a public sewer. The applicant shall be required to connect to the sewer line on Circle J Ranch Road. The applicant shall be required to obtain an encroachment permit from the Development Services Division. BST DWV and on-site sewer lines and laterals shall have a minimum 2% slope per CPC. The applicant shall be advised that building pad shall be set accordingly to meet this requirement. BSB. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall be required to obtain clearances from following agencies: a. William S. Hart School District and appropriate elementary school district, b. Castaic Lake Water Agency, c. L. A. County Sanitation District, d. L. A. County Health Services, Water & Sewerage Control (for on-site sewers). An agency referral list is available at the Building and Safety public. counter. BS9. The Building and Safety Division is scanning plans for permanent storage. To facilitate Conditions of'Approval Page 6 of 6 ,.this-effort,.please incorporate the following information into the plans: a. The Permit Number, Sheet Title; and the Sheet Number shall be located in the lower right hand corner of each sheet of the drawings. b. A copy of the Planning Conditions. c.' The Truss drawings. d. ICBG, UL and other outside agency reports for products or materials, when those reports contain information required by the contractor for construction or installation. e. The Recommendation Section of the Soils Report. SPECIAL DISTRICTS DIVISION SD 1. No on=site private property landscaping shall be maintained by the Landscape Maintenance District (LMD). SD 2. Prior to building permit issuance, the applicant shall annex the property into the LMD for the maintenance and improvement of landscaped medians and streetscapes. Applicant shall agree to an LMD assessment pursuant to the LMD benefit received by the property. A minimum of 90- 120 days is required for annexation processing, SD 3. The applicant shall annex the property into the City's Streetlight Maintenance District (SMD) for the operations and maintenance of streetlighting and traffic signals. A minimum of 120 days is required to process the annexation, which must be completed prior to final map approval or building permit issuance, whichever occurs first. - 1