REQUEST FOR A CONCRETE SWALE AT 520 - 24TH PLACE
FOR STREET IMPROVEMENTS

 

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the City Council approve the Public Works Commission decision to support the request for a concrete swale at the edge of pavement at 520 - 24th Place for street improvements.

Summary:

On June 27, 2001, Staff denied a request from Mr. Larry Peha of Peha Associates that he be allowed to construct a swale or rolled curb instead of the standard curb and gutter street improvements at the development project at 520 - 24th Place. Staff informed Mr. Peha that the width of 24th Place has been established at the two existing storm drain catch basins located on the north and south sides of the street east of 520. For this reason, all new street improvements must align with the prolongation of the curb lines of the catch basins.

This matter was heard by the Public Works Commission on August 8, 2001, at which time the Commission voted to support the request.

Background:

Mr. Peha has submitted the attached petition signed by 16 of his neighbors stating the following:

"I am a current neighbor of the Peha’s. After reviewing cities [sic] proposed option (requiring a standard curb and placing it approximately 3½ feet in from the current edge of pavement) or Peha’s proposed option (a rolled curb at the current established edge of pavement) I am strongly in favor of Peha’s proposed option. We feel that the proposed city option will destroy the current esthetic and feel of the street. This is precisely why we petitioned against sidewalks years ago."

Analysis:

The existing roadway of 24th Place between Park Avenue and Valley Drive is approximately 24 feet wide, in a 50-foot right-of-way, with parking permitted on both sides and traffic going in both directions. The curb and gutter are missing except at the location of the two storm drain catch basins where the roadway is 30 feet wide curb-to-curb. This street is also one of the walk streets that is exempt from sidewalks only.

Section 12.08.010, General Requirement of Chapter 12.08 STREET, SIDEWALK CURB AND GUTTER CONSTRUCTION, of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code states in part, "… any structure, or addition thereto, exceeding 400 square feet in floor area shall also provide for the construction of concrete curbs, gutters and sidewalks and street pavement between gutter and center line of the street."

Alternatives:

1. Approve Staff’s recommendations.
2. Approve the request of the residents.
3. Take no action.