Development Standards OKd

The Palos Verdes Estates City Council has approved a resolution adopting development standards for commercial and multifamily residential zones.

The relatively small zones are in Malaga Cove, near the Malaga Cove Plaza and City Hall, and along Palos Verdes Drive West in Lunada Bay. The city has few vacant lots, so the proposed regulations would apply largely to rebuilding on lots.

The council Tuesday established a 35-foot height limit in residential zones, rebuffing a last-ditch effort by several residents who favored a more restrictive measure that would have limited new buildings to the height of structures they replace. Residents told the council they feared that multifamily residences well below the permitted height could be replaced by 35-foot structures, which would block their views.

Mayor Ruth Gralow said she didn’t want to “rape” the owners of these units.

The only exception is that buildings taller than 35 feet can be rebuilt to their original height if they’ve been damaged by natural causes.

Height restrictions in the commercial zone are similar to those permitted in the multifamily zones, except that rebuilding of commercial structures within 45 feet of private residences are limited to their existing height or 35 feet, whichever is less.

Developers in the two zones also face a site review process, similar to an existing one for homes, to ensure that developments are compatible with their neighbors.

To limit density, the council also required lots to have 1,750 square feet per unit in the multifamily zone.

In the commercial zone, it required developers to pay a $7,500 fee per parking spot, if they are unable to provide the required parking for employees and patrons. The money will go to develop off-site parking.

The council also decided that a moratorium on building in the commercial zone will remain in effect until December, when zoning ordinances are expected to be brought into conformance with the new plan.