City Council Selects Sites to Rezone for Low-Income Density Housing

On Feb 7, 2024 the Council completed their density rezoning selection for this cycle. PVE will be required to rezone for more in the next cycle in a few years.

—-

Maximum Density

Maximum density amounts were not discussed at the Feb 7th meeting.

The Developers can build the maximum and, if they add a greater percentage of low-income, they can build out to the Density Bonus. For the sake of transparency, below are the totals from the city. The Church was since reduced by 20%.

—-

Objective Standards for Density Projects

Objective Standards provide important protection from the impacts of density projects.

WE ARE VULNERABLE:

Density projects have by-right authority which means they bypass Planning commission review and are rubber stamped at the counter. Requirements bypassed includes design, safety, environmental, view or privacy impacts to the community and environment, unless the city implements Objective Standards.

SCOPE:

The city attorney confirmed Objective Standards are not limited to just design standards, but also includes other standards such as safety criteria. The City is responsible for all Objective Standards.

STATUS:

Until Objective Standards are implemented, Density Projects can utilize cheap and unsightly designs, inadequate safety requirements, ignore neighbor impacts to views and privacy, demand waivers and city taxpayer subsidies. The Council approved future efforts to pursue, without scope or a timeline. PVHA stated they will write design standards LINK.

PreservePVE 8/25/23 letter recommending Council implement Objective Standards LINK

Resident requests for views LINK and trees/environment protections LINK using Objective Standards.

To date: Council has not defined the scope of the Objective Standards or a timeline.

—-

The Housing Element is just the Beginning of Forced Density

The Housing Element is just one of over 100+ density laws passed, many of which became active Jan 1st.  We have not even begun to learn of the enormous impact these laws will have on our lives.  Recent density laws: LINK

Prop 1 on the March ballot includes 50+ pages to change the CA Constitution to build taxpayer funded density units throughout neighborhoods LINK. Prop 1 estimates 10% of CA residents will qualify for this free housing.

Our Neighborhood Voices LINK is pursuing a future proposition that, if passed, restores local control.  This is years away, and is not a given.  We need to work together to mitigate the destruction of the environment and our communities by unplanned arbitrary development being forced in CA. One mitigation is Objective Standards.

—-

The PVE Land Preservation Act

PVE has various protections from high density development:

• Deed restrictions (CC&Rs) - The Homes Association has the duty to uphold the deeds if violated. Residents can also sue to enforce.

• Various contracts and grants with conditions

• The PVE Land Preservation Act

• City Zoning

The Preservation Act was passed by residents with Council support in 2022. The Preservation Act added another layer of protection on Open Space, requiring resident approval to rezone Open Space.    

The Act gives us, the residents, a voice, and a choice, to decide for ourselves.  Large density projects are the most profitable.   PVE does not have large lots unless Open Space is used, which provides a natural barrier.   If a future Council seeks to rezone Open Space, they can make the case to the residents to determine if it has support.  The Land Preservation Act upholds the will of the people to make the choice that is best for us.

The intent of the PVE Land Preservation Act is based on the belief that the wisdom of the residents is required for such a significant decision. 

—-

Q1: What does the Builder’s Remedy project look like in RPV?

Each building is 85 feet tall, with four stories of underground parking.

This is a disaster for our RPV neighbors. Imagine this in PVE?

Objective Standards are needed ASAP.

—-

We are residents preserving and supporting our beautiful city.

Newsletter subscription requests: Link

Comments: email Info@PreservePVE.org

Palos Verdes Estates’ unique charm is reflected in its magnificent trees, ocean vistas, architecture, dedicated open space, protected coastal habitats, and scenic roadways. The PreservePVE Newsletters focus on land, good governance practices, safety and community.

Prior Newsletter Editions: LINK

Legal Disclaimer: LINK

PVE Community Newsletter - Copyright (C) 2023 PreservePVE