“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself”
8. Neighborhood Compatibility:
Background: The City has adopted Neighborhood Compatibility ordinances to try to assure that new or remodeled structures are compatible with the neighborhood where they are located. Among other things, the City is required to consider impacts on privacy, neighbors ’existing views and neighborhood character in terms of size and massing of the project. In some cases, projects can be quite contentious.
Questions:
How good a job do you think the City is doing in balancing neighborhood compatibility and owner’s development rights?
Do you have any ideas for how the municipal code or neighborhood compatibility process might be improved?
Responses:
Derek Lazzaro
“DEREK LAZZARO:
”Having served for 8 years on the Planning Commission, 2 years as Chair, I believe the Neighborhood Compatibility process works well and is a critical component in preserving PVE’s unique residential character.
Having visited thousands of homes in PVE, I have been amazed to see the unique senic views, unique landscapes and flora, and unique site challenges (fire risks, hillsides, cliffsides, narrow streets, etc) within our special city.
At times, the process could work better for some individuals.
I have always supported a pragmatic approach where the Planning Commission is open to creative ideas proposed during the public hearing process – move a balcony a few feet, remove a window, drop a roof ridge a couple feet. Following this dynamic approach, the Planning Commission has approved hundreds of homes during my tenure – many after a single meeting.
I believe the city and the Art Jury should coordinate more closely and more often. I would like to revisit advice from the city attorney that there must be almost total separation and non-coordination with the Art Jury. I believe this strict separation harms residents by making the homebuilding process more confusing and contradictory.””
Desiree “Dez” Myers
“DESIREE ‘“DEZ” MYERS:
”Neighbors have been surprised to find applicants made substantive changes to their project after the Planning Commission approval affecting their views and privacy. This occurs when the applicant gets over-the-counter approval for a change.
Alignment of procedures to policies with fair consistent practices is essential.””
Craig Quinn
“CRAIG QUINN:
”As a Resident, my view, when speaking with neighbors is that the end result accomplishes the overall goal to keep the look and feel of Palos Verdes Estates.
However, the process takes too long, with multiple changes, delaying projects and driving up costs.
The HOA and Planning Committee need to be more closely aligned to speed up the process. Turnover at these positions has a negative effect on the process.
Another key issue is maintaining views within reason for residents impacted by the projects. Generally, the process is fair, but time consuming.
Balancing views with trees preservation is a delicate task for all involved.
Improving communication between and among all stakeholders is paramount. Identifying PVE best in class architects, designers and contractors can help improve the efficiency of all construction projects.
Regarding the Municipal Building Codes, a good recent practice is to develop pre-approved standards for ADU’s. It would help to expand that to other project categories. “”