HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution 25-06 - 325 HopkinsDE
CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH
RESOLUTION NO. 25-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CONVEX SLOPE
TERMINATION TO UTILIZE ALTERNATE SPOT ELEVATIONS RATHER THAN
PROPERTY CORNER ELEVATION ALONG PROPERTY LINES FOR THE
PURPOSE OF DETERMING BUILDING HEIGHT AT 325 HOPKINS AVENUE
LOCATED IN THE LIMITED MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-28) ZONE,
AND DETERMINE THAT THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
The Planning Commission of the City of Hermosa Beach does hereby resolve, and
order as follows:
WHEREAS, on December 13, 2024, an appllcation was filed by the
applicant, seeking determination that the property is a convex sloping lot and
may use alternate spot elevations along the northern and southern property lines
for the purposes of calculating building height; and
WHEREAS, Hermosa Beach Municipal Code lHBMC) sections 17.04.040 and
17.46.015 provide the definitions of "building height" and "grade" and establish
the "by-right/straight line interpolation" method for calculating building height.
The grade used for heigh measurements is based on surveyed elevation points at
the property corners; and
WHEREAS, City Code allows the consideration of alternate spot elevation
points along the property lines for lots with "convex" contours (where the grade
level arches upward a!ong the property line). In these situations, the grade of a
lot may be based on a detailed topographical survey along the property lines
with spot elevations called out at a minimum of two-foot intervals in addition to
property corner points. A determination that a convex slope exists allows use of
alternate spot elevation points for calculating building height, if the evidence
supports that grades at the top of the convex slope represent natural or unaltered
grades, as determined by the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission at its public meeting of April 15. 2025
considered all testimony and evidence, both oral and written, that was presented
to the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, The proposed project is Categorically Exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act as defined in Section 15378(a), As a convex sloping lot
determination will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical
change on the environment. Additionally, it was determined that the project
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would not result in a significant cumulative 1 impact of successive projects of the
same type int eh same place over time ·or have a significant effect on the
environment due to unusual circumstances or damage a scenic highway or
scenic resources within a state scenic highway. environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Based on the testimony and evidence received at its April 15,
2025, Planning Commission meeting, the Planning Commission hereby determines
that the topographic survey and soils report provide evidence that the rolling hill
slope is a natural occurrence, and a convex condition exists on the subject
property. Due to the points of convexity on the subject lot being near man-made
structures such as the building foundation, the natural grades along the east and
west property lines are best represented by the surveyed alternate points
excluding fill soils.
SECTION 2. Based on the evidence received at the public meeting, the
Planning Commission herby further finds, determines, and declares that the
project is consistency with the City General Plan (PLAN Hermosa) as follows:
General Plan Consistency
Goals & Policies Findings
Land Use Element
Goal 5: Quality and authenticity in
architecture and site design in all
construction and renovation of
buildings
Policy 5.1 Scale and Massing.
Consider the scale of new
development within its urban
context to avoid abrupt changes in
scale and massing.
Policy 5.3 Locally appropriate
materials. Require architectural
designs, building materials and
landscape design to respect and
relate to the local climate,
topography, history, and building
practices
The convex slope determination will
help to adequately determine
height compliance which will aid in
the cohesiveness of the scale and
massing of the proposed dwelling
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SECTION 3. Based on the foregoing, the Planning Commission hereby
approves the subject Convex Slope Determination CSD24-0l allowing the
utilization of alternate points along the northern and southern property lines,
excluding fill soil, to be used for purposes of measuring building height.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6, any
legal challenge to the decision of the Planning Commission, after a formal appeal
to the City Council. must be made within 90 days after the final decision by the
City Council.
VOTE: A YES: 5-Chair Hirsh, Vice Chair lzant, Commissioner Hoffman,
Commissioner Flaherty, and Commissioner McNally
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT :
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution PC 25-06 is a true and complete record
of the action taken by the Planning Commission of the City of Hermosa Beach,
California, at its regular meeting of April 15, 2025.
Date
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