Rancho Palos Verdes

Where a structural alteration is proposed to be made to any legal nonconforming building, accessory structure or garage, no building permit for a new structure or an addition to an existing structure which adds 50 percent or more to the existing floor area shall be issued, unless plans to bring any nonconforming building into compliance with the standards of this title or as near to compliance as is practically feasible, are approved by the director.

When the underlying zoning designation changes on a parcel, the property shall be brought into compliance with the parking standards of the new zoning designation, at such time that a change of use of the property, as defined by chapter 17.96 (Definitions) of this Code, occurs.

All structures, including main buildings, accessory buildings, walls, fences and any other structures, which do not meet the height or setback standards, or which result in open space less than required, or for which the number of parking spaces provided is less than required, are deemed to be nonconforming structures. No physical change, enlargement, extension or reduction which increases the degree or extent of a nonconforming structure or building shall be made.

Residential buildings and any attached or detached accessory structures located in any zoning district which are damaged or destroyed by a geologic hazard may be replaced, repaired or restored to original condition, provided that such construction shall be limited to the same square footage, maximum height and general location on the property; and said construction shall not aggravate any hazardous geologic condition if a hazardous geologic condition remains.

Residential buildings and any attached or detached accessory structures located in any zoning district which are damaged or destroyed due to an involuntary act, or due to a voluntary act against the structures which is not the fault of the property owner may be replaced, repaired or restored to original condition, provided that such construction is limited to the same maximum height, square footage, number of pre-existing and legally permitted dwelling units and detached accessory structures, and are located in the same general location on the property.

Any nonconforming structure which requires a building permit and which has deteriorated or is damaged, may be restored to original condition, in accordance with the most recently adopted version of the California Building Code, provided that the cost of such restoration does not exceed 50 percent of the replacement value of the structure, as determined by the director.

The director shall be notified in writing prior to the restoration or replacement of any nonconforming structure. With the exception of nonconforming walls, fences and the minor structures and mechanical equipment listed in section 17.48.030(E)(3) (Lots, Setbacks, Open Space Area and Building Height) of this title, the replacement and/or restoration of nonconforming structures shall be approved by the director through a site plan review application, provided the proposed replacement and/or restoration conforms to the provisions of this chapter.

Within each district, any use not specifically listed as permitted shall be prohibited unless the planning commission finds such use to be similar to and no more intensive than permitted uses in that district.

Within each district, any use not specifically listed as permitted shall be prohibited unless the planning commission finds such use to be similar to and no more intensive than permitted uses in that district.

The city shall not accept for processing or grant: 1. Any application for a development, use or other permit or entitlement on any lot or parcel on which the director has verified that a violation of this code exists; or 2. A view restoration or a view preservation application submitted by the owner of a lot or parcel on which the director has verified that a violation of this code exists.

The officer or body taking final action granting any permit pursuant to the provision of this title may, after following the same procedures utilized for approving such a permit, revoke or suspend the permit if: A. The permit was issued erroneously; B. The permit was issued on the basis of incorrect or fraudulent information supplied by the applicant; C. The permit was issued contrary to the provisions of this Code; or D. The permit is being or recently has been, exercised contrary to the terms or conditions of such permit.

No permit shall be revoked prior to providing a ten calendar day written notice to the holder of the permit and an opportunity to be heard before the officer or body considering revocation or suspension of the permit.

Any development permit application initially approved by the director or their designee pursuant to this title, or any permit or approval granted by the planning commission or city council on appeal, shall be valid for 180 calendar days from the date of final action on the permit or approval.

Any development permit application initially approved by the director or their designee pursuant to this title, or any permit or approval granted by the planning commission or city council on appeal, shall be valid for 180 calendar days from the date of final action on the permit or approval.

With the exception of permits or approvals approved in conjunction with a parcel map or tract map, any development permit application initially approved by the planning commission or city council pursuant to this title, including approvals granted by the city council on appeal, shall be valid for one year from the date of final action on the permit or approval.

Any permit or approval granted under this title shall become null and void unless the applicant commences upon the permitted use within the time permitted by subsection (B) of this section, unless another provision of this title or a provision of the approval or permit itself provides a different period for the permit or approval in issue.

Upon a showing of substantial hardship, delays beyond the control of the applicant, or other good cause, the final approving body of the original permit or approval may extend this period one time for up to an additional 180 calendar days.

Upon a showing of substantial hardship, delays beyond the control of the applicant or other good cause, the planning commission or city council may extend this period one time for up to one additional year.

Any development permit application deemed null and void by this section may be reissued by the director provided the following occurs: 1. No changes have been made or will be made to the originally approved plans; 2. The development permit application has not been null and void for more than one year; and 3. A fee of one-half the original application fee is paid by the applicant.

The fees and charges made pursuant to title 16 (Subdivisions) and this title and other policies of the city shall be doubled, when work requiring a permit has been started or carried on prior to obtaining said permit