Rancho P. V. : House Protest Rejected

The City Council unanimously rejected an attempt by the El Prado Estates Homeowners Assn. to block construction of a single-family residence at 30520 Palos Verdes Drive East.

Citing potential drainage, geology, view and traffic problems in connection with the large, modern structure proposed on sloping canyon property, neighbors urged the council to deny a variance granted by the Planning Commission that will allow the home to be 45 feet high, 15 feet above the residential limit. Because of the steeply sloping lot, the home, despite its height, will be only one foot higher than the floor levels of neighboring residences. The planning staff said the variance is justified because the house will block no views.

The council told residents it cannot restrict building on the lot if the structure meets the building code, including a geological review ensuring land stability. That review is being done but will not be completed before construction begins. If there is a stability problem, work will be halted, the city said.

“We have no recourse,” said Councilwoman Jacki Bachrach in moving for denial of the association’s appeal. Testimony by the neighbors “really did not have anything to do with the variance but with whether there should be a building at all,” she said.

“We have to allow the building if the geology is right,” Councilman Robert Ryan added. “It’s not as discretionary as it may sound sitting out in the audience.”