912, Outdoor seating area, trellis,, Staff ReportsTO:
FROM:
Ra fle:09
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX (310) 377-7288
Agenda Item No.: 7A
Mtg. Date: 12-20-16
HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
YOLANTA SCHWARTZ, PLANNING DIRECTOR
APPLICATION NO.
SITE LOCATION:
ZONING/ LOT SIZE:
APPLICANT:
REPRESENTATIVE:
PUBLISHED:
ZONING CASE NO. 912
3 CHUCKWAGON RD. (LOT 40-EF)
RA-S-1 / 2.3 ACRES (GROSS)
MR. AND MRS. STEPHEN LIU
COMPASS LANDSCAPING INC.
NOVEMBER 3, 2016
REQUEST AND RECOMMENDATION
1. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Liu, owners of 3 Chuckwagon Road request a Site Plan
Review for construction of a 228 square foot covered patio / deck that is to be 2.5-feet
maximum above grade. The structure is proposed to be located on a slope to the rear of
the home and will be accessed by new on grade stairway that will be between the upper
and lower slopes. An existing pathway also provides access to the deck area. Minimal
grading of 18 cubic yards will be required to construct the patio and two terraced 2.5-
foot tall retaining walls, with planter in between, to screen the out of grade condition of
the patio.
New irrigation and plants will be installed on the slope between the house and patio.
2. The Planning Commission held public hearings on November 15, 2016, in the
field and later that same day in Council Chambers and following the review and
discussion of the project, directed staff to prepare a Resolution of approval.
3. It is recommended that the Planning Commission review and consider the
attached Resolution No. 2016-26 for adoption. Other than the standard conditions of
ZC NO. 912
3 Chuckwagon Rd.
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approval, the Planning Commission did not require any other conditions specific to this
case be included.
The previous approval for the property requires that the graded slopes be landscaped
and that the pool and deck be screened. These conditions will be reviewed and
inspected upon completion of the previously approved project (currently under
construction).
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RESOLUTION NO. 2016-26
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW
TO CONSTRUCT A TRELLIS, A PORTION OF WHICH IS 2.5-FEET
MAXIMUM OUT OF GRADE AND A 2.5' HIGH WALL ON A
PROPERTY WITH A RESTRICTED DEVELOPMENT CONDITION
IMPOSED THROUGH A PRIOR PROJECT IN ZONING CASE NO. 912
AT 3 CHUCKWAGON ROAD. (LOT 40-EF) ROLLING HILLS, CA, (LIU).
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES HEREBY
FIND, RESOLVE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. An application was duly filed by Mr. and Mrs. Stephan Liu
requesting approval of a Site Plan Review to construct an 8-foot tall trellis above a 228
square foot out of grade deck and maximum 2.5-foot tall walls around the deck
perimeter on the property at 3 Chuckwagon Road. A majority of the deck floor area
will be between 12"and 2.5' above adjacent grade. Two wooden staircases and an on -
grade footpath providing access to the proposed trellis are also proposed.
Section 2. The Planning Commission conducted duly noticed public hearings
to consider the application on November 15, 2016 at a field trip and at an evening
meeting on the same day. The applicants were notified of the public hearings in writing
by first class mail. Evidence was heard and presented from all persons interested in
affecting said proposal and from members of the City staff and the 'Planning
Commission having reviewed, analyzed and studied said proposal. The applicants and
their representative were in attendance at the public hearings. At the public hearing
the Planning Commission directed staff to prepare a Resolution of approval for
consideration at the December 20, 2016 Planning Commission meeting.
Section 3. The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, Section 15303, Class 3 exemptions in that it
is a small structure accessory to the existing residence.
Section 4. The property is zoned RAS-1 and has a gross lot area of 2.3 acres.
The net lot larea for development purposes is 85,412 square feet, or 1.96 acres. The
property is located along a bend on Chuckwagon Road and has a frontage of
approximately 500 feet. The property is irregular in shape in that it is long and narrow.
Other that the existing building pad, the property is steep, sloping downward from
front to rear. Building permits show that the residence with attached garage and decks
were built in 1977.
Section 5. In May 2013, the applicant was approved for a Site Plan Review
permitting construction of a swimming pool, new above grade deck and reconstruction
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3 Chuckwagon Rd.
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of an existing deck, including future construction of a stable, corral and access, in
Zoning Case No. 838 (Resolution No. 2013-07). The project is approved for a future
construction of a stable, corral and access per Resolution 2013-07. Condition Q..of
Resolution 2013-07 requires that any future modification of the project or additional
development require Planning Commission review and approval.
Notwithstanding the restricted development restriction imposed on the site, Municipal
Code Section 17.46.020 requires a development plan to be submitted for Site Plan
Review for decks with an out -of -grade condition of more than 12".
Section 6. With respect to the Site Plan Review application for the 228 square
foot deck, the majority of which will be above ground more than 12"and no more than
2.5', the Planning Commission makes the following findings of fact pursuant to RHMC
17.46.010:
A. The proposed development is compatible with the General Plan and
surrounding uses because the proposed project complies with the requirement of low
profile, low -density residential development with sufficient open space between
surrounding structures. The trellis and deck/patio will be located to the rear of the
residence and, other than in a small area where retaining walls require minimum
grading to create a flat patio/deck surface, the property slopes will maintain their
natural terrain. The maximum 2.5' tall walls will blend with the adjacent slope due to
planting of native and water -wise vegetation (e.g. Catalina cherry) around the
perimeter of the deck. In addition, the deck flagstone surface will be planted in between
joints with a groundcover and a flowering vine will be attached to the trellis. The
proposed trellis and seating area are relatively small in terms of area and height and
these improvements amid the natural environment, are a common amenity enjoyed by
property owners throughout the City.
B. The nature, condition, and development of adjacent uses, buildings, and
structures and the topography of the lot have been considered, and the construction
will not adversely affect or be materially detrimental to the adjacent uses, buildings, or
structures because the proposed improvements will be constructed on a portion of the
lot which is least intrusive to surrounding properties, will be screened and landscaped
with plants and shrubs, is of sufficient distance from nearby residences so that the
proposed project will not impact the view or privacy of surrounding neighbors. More
specifically, the plan substantially preserves the natural and undeveloped state of the
lot in that the new trellis and deck/patio will be located to the rear of the residence
between native vegetation (toyon and lemonberry trees) and the terraced wall finish
material will have a natural appearance also that blends with the native rocks on the
site. In addition, the improvements being relatively small scale (228 square feet and
.267% of the net lot area, will not cause the lot to look overdeveloped and significant
portions of the lot will be left undeveloped so as to maintain open space and the natural
rolling hill terrain.
Reso. 2016-26
3 Chuckwagon Rd.
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C. The proposed development, as conditioned, is harmonious in scale and
mass with the site, the natural terrain and surrounding residences. The proposed
project is consistent with the scale of the neighborhood, as it is on a large (2.3 acre) lot.
The proposed trellis will be 70-feet from the nearest (rear/north) property line. The lot
coverage maximums set forth in the Zoning Code will not be exceeded.
D. Natural drainage courses will not be affected by the project. Grading will
be minimum (18 cubic yards) and will not modify existing drainage channels nor
redirect drainage flow. The project is not located in a canyon or on existing slopes that
exceed 25%.
E. The project preserves much of the existing vegetation elsewhere on the lot
and will introduce drought -tolerant native landscaping, which is compatible with and
enhances the rural character of the community, and the landscaping will provide a
buffer or transition area between private and public areas. A landscaping plan will be
filed with the City.
F. The proposed development is sensitive and not detrimental to the
convenience and safety of circulation for pedestrians and vehicles because the proposed
development will utilize the existing driveway and will not interfere with community
trails.
Section 7. Based upon the foregoing findings, the Planning Commission
hereby approves the Site Plan Review in Zoning Case No. 912 for a new 228 square foot
seating patio almost entirely all of which will have a floor elevation more than 12-inches
but not exceeding 2.5-feet in height above grade, and overhead trellis attached to the
patio, subject to the following conditions:
A. The Site Plan Review approval shall expire within two years from the
effective date of approval if construction pursuant to this approval has not commenced
within that time period, as required by Section 17.46.080 of the Rolling Hills Municipal
Code, or the approval granted is otherwise extended pursuant to the requirements of
these sections.
B. If any condition of this resolution is violated, the entitlement granted by
this resolution shall be suspended and the privileges granted hereunder shall lapse and
upon receipt of written notice from the City, all construction work being performed on
the subject property shall immediately cease, other than work determined by the City
Manager or his/her designee required to cure the violation. The suspension and stop
work order will be lifted once the Applicant cures the violation to the satisfaction of the
City Manager or his/her designee. In the event that the Applicant disputes the City
Manager or his/her designee's determination that a violation exists or disputes how the
violation must be cured, the Applicant may request a hearing before the City
Council. The hearing shall be scheduled at the next regular meeting of the City Council
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3 Chuckwagon Rd.
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for which the agenda has not yet been posted, the Applicant shall be provided written
notice of the hearing. The stop work order shall remain in effect during the pendency
of the hearing. The City Council shall make a determination as to whether a violation
of this Resolution has occurred. If the Council determines that a violation has not
occurred or has been cured by the time of the hearing, the Council will lift the
suspension and the stop work order. If the Council determines that a violation has
occurred and has not yet been cured, the Council shall provide the Applicant with a
deadline to cure the violation; no construction work shall be performed on the property
until and unless the violation is cured by the deadline, other than work designated by
the Council to accomplish the cure. If the violation is not cured by the deadline, the
Council may either extend the deadline at the Applicant's request or schedule a hearing
for the revocation of the entitlements granted by this Resolution pursuant to Chapter
17.58 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code (RHMC).
C. All requirements of the Building and Construction Ordinance, the Zoning
Ordinance, LA County Building Code and of the zone in which the subject property is
located must be complied with unless otherwise set forth in the Permit, or shown
otherwise on an approved plan.
D. The conditions of approval specified herein shall be printed on the
construction plans submitted to the building department for plan check and permitting
and shall be available at all time at the construction site.
E. The lot shall be developed and maintained in substantial conformance
with the site plan on file dated October 28, 2016, except as otherwise provided in these
conditions. The working drawings submitted to the Department of Building and Safety
for plan check review shall conform to the approved development plan. All conditions
of the Site Plan Review and Variance approvals shall be incorporated into the building
permit working drawings and where applicable complied with prior to issuance of a
grading or building permit.
F. Prior to submittal of final working drawings to the Building and Safety
Department for issuance of permits, the plans for the project shall be submitted to
City staff for verification that the final plans are in compliance with the plans
approved by the Planning Commission.
G. Prior to obtaining a building permit a landscaping plan shall be submitted
to the Planning Department that will provide screening of the trellis and the supporting
retaining walls, so that the structure blends with the slope.
H. If landscaping of 5,000 square foot area or greater is introduced or
redeveloped, the landscaping shall be subject to the requirements of the City's Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Any plants introduced for this project shall not grow
into a hedge but be offset. The landscaping plan shall utilize to the maximum extent
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3 Chuckwagon Rd.
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feasible, plants that are native to the area and are consistent with the rural character of
the community.
I. A licensed professional preparing construction plans for this project for
Building Department review shall execute a Certificate affirming that the plans conform
in all respects with this Resolution approving this project and including conformance
with all of the conditions set forth therein and the City's Building Code and Zoning
Ordinance. Further, the person obtaining a building permit for this project shall execute
a Certificate of Construction stating that the project will be constructed according to this
Resolution and any plans approved therewith.
J. A drainage plan, if required, shall be prepared and submitted to the City's
Building Department for review and approval, and the project shall comply with their
requirements. The applicants, at all times, shall maintain the drainage devices in good
working condition and free of debris and vegetation.
K. There shall be no grading for this project, however excavation for
footings (18 cubic yards) is allowed.
L. Structural lot coverage shall not exceed 11,423 square feet, or 13.4% of
the net lot area. Total lot coverage shall not exceed 19.9% or 16,965 square feet, as
approved by this Site Plan Review. Building Pad coverage on the proposed 300 square
foot pad created for the proposed deck/trellis shall not exceed 76%.
M. Disturbance for structures, both existing and proposed including the
future stable, corral and access shall not exceed 39.44%
N. The applicant shall comply with all requirements of the Lighting
Ordinance of the City of Rolling Hills, pertaining to outdoor lighting on said property,
as well as all requirements pertaining to roofing and construction materials that are
applicable to properties in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
O. During construction, the project shall conform to and implement all
applicable requirements of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Los
Angeles County and local ordinances and engineering practices so that people or
property are not exposed to undue vehicle trips, noise, dust, and objectionable odors.
P. During construction, all parking shall take place on the project site and,
if necessary, any overflow parking shall take place within nearby unimproved roadway
easement adjacent to subject site. There shall be no blocking of adjacent driveways or of
the roadway easement for passage of pedestrians and equestrians. During construction
a flagmen shall be present to direct traffic when it is anticipated that a lane may be
impeded. During construction, to the maximum extent feasible, employees of the
contractor shall be encouraged to car-pool to and from the City.
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Q. During construction, the property owners shall be required to schedule
and regulate construction and related traffic noise throughout the day between the
hours of 7 AM and 6 PM, Monday through Saturday only, when construction and
mechanical equipment noise is permitted, so as not to interfere with the quiet
residential environment of the City of Rolling Hills.
R. The property owners shall be required to conform with the Regional
Water Quality Control Board and County Public Works Department Best Management
Practices (BMP's) requirements related to solid waste, drainage and storm water
management.
S. A minimum of 50% of the construction material spoils shall be recycled
and diverted. The waste hauler shall provide appropriate documentation to the City for
removal of construction material spoils.
T. Perimeter easements and trails, if any, shall remain free and clear of any
improvements including, but not be limited to fences -including construction fences, any
hardscape, driveways, landscaping, irrigation and drainage devices, except as
otherwise approved by the RHCA.
U. The contractor shall not use tools that could produce a spark, including
for clearing and grubbing, during red flag warning conditions. Weather conditions can
be found at: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox/main.vhp?suite=safety&page=hazard_definitions#FIRE.
It is the sole responsibility of the property owner and/or his/her contractor to monitor
the red flag warning conditions. Should a red flag warning be declared and if work is to
be conducted on the property, the contractor shall have readily available fire
distinguisher.
V. Until the applicants execute an Affidavit of Acceptance of all conditions
of this approval, the approvals shall not be effective. Such affidavit shall be recorded
together with the resolution.
W. The property on which the project is located shall contain an area of
minimum of 1,000 square feet to provide an area meeting all standards for a stable (450
square feet) and corral (550 square feet) with access thereto.
X. Notwithstanding Sections 17.46.020 and 17.46.070 of the Rolling Hills
Municipal Code, any modification to this project, including change in elevation of
the proposed decks or additional development or grading on the property, shall
require the filing of a new application for approval by the Planning Commission,
except as permitted in Section 17.46.040C.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 20th DAY OF December 2016.
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BRAD CHELF, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
HEIDI LUCE, CITY CLERK
Any action challenging the final decision of the City made as a result of the
public hearing on this application must be filed within the time limits set forth in
section 17.54.070 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code and Code of Civil
Procedure Section 1094.6.
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3 Chuckwagon Rd.
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §§
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS)
I certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2016-26 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW . TO
CONSTRUCT A TRELLIS, A PORTION OF WHICH IS 2.5-FEET MAXIMUM
OUT OF GRADE AND A 2.5' HIGH WALL ON A PROPERTY WITH A
RESTRICTED DEVELOPMENT CONDITION IMPOSED THROUGH A PRIOR
PROJECT IN ZONING CASE NO. 912 AT 3 CHUCKWAGON ROAD. (LOT 40-
EF) ROLLING HILLS, CA, (LIU).
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission on
December 20, 2016 by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices.
CITY CLERK
Reso. 2016-26
3 Chuckwagon Rd.