5B10) Rr"i
MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
JANUARY 20, 2015
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Agenda Item No. 5-11
Meeting Date: 02-17-15
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by
Chairman Chelf at 6:39 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 in the City Council Chamber, at City Hall, 2
Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Gray, Kirkpatrick, Mirsch* and Chairman Chelf.
Commissioners Absent: Smith (excused).
Others Present: Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director.
Raymond R. Cruz, City Manager.
Shahiedah Coates, Assistant City Attorney.
Heidi Luce, City Clerk.
Russ Barto, Architect.
Charlie Raine, 4 Pinto Road.
John Mackenbach, 56 Portuguese Bend Road.
Dan Bolton, Bolton Engineering.
Roger North, Architect.
Bruce Bornemann, IWS Surveying.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MINUTES AND ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 16, 2014 Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
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*arrived at 6:45 p.m.
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Commissioner Gray moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the adjourned regular
meeting of the Planning Commission held on December 16, 2014 as presented. Commissioner
Kirkpatrick seconded the motion, which carried without objection.
December 16, 2014 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Gray moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the regular meeting of
the Planning Commission held on December 16, 2014 as presented. Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded
the motion, which carried without objection.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-01. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF ABOVE GRADE DECKS, PLANTER WALLS AND A GARAGE
ADDITION TO THE RESIDENCE; AND REQUEST FOR VARIANCES FOR PLANTER
WALLS TO EXCEED ON THE AVERAGE 2.5 FEET IN HEIGHT AND FOR AN OUT OF
GRADE CONDITION FOR THE GARAGE ADDITION IN ZONING CASE NO. 867, AT 1
PINE TREE LANE, ROLLING HILLS, CA, LOT 102-RH, (DELGADO). THE PROJECT
HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, (CEQA).
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staffs comments. Planning Director Schwartz stated
that at its last meeting, the Planning Commission asked staff to prepare a Resolution granting approval
of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 867 however, since that time, the applicant has slightly
revised the application twice. She reviewed the applicant's original request and stated that the first
revision was to add a 300 sq. ft. trellis. She stated that the trellis could normally be approved over-the-
counter so the Resolution that was prepared and distributed with the agenda packet included that
revision. She further stated that since that Resolution was prepared, the applicant came back with
additional revisions after the project was reviewed by the RHCA Architectural Committee. She stated
that based on those changes, a new staff report and Resolution have been prepared for the Planning
Commission's review and consideration. She stated that if the Planning Commission does not object to
the changed, the revised Resolution could be adopted tonight; alternatively, the Planning Commission
could continue the matter for further consideration and schedule a field trip to review the proposed
changes if necessary. She further reviewed the changes which include changing the detached garage
with a breezeway to an attached garage so the entire structure will now be attached. She stated that the
out of grade condition continues to exist but it is closer to the existing garage than it was before and the
service yard was moved. The revised Resolution would approve a 770 sq. ft. attached garage, a variance
for the out of grade construction, the planter walls behind the decks and the decks. She stated that with
these changes, the structural coverage changes to 10.4% from 10.5% and total lot coverage is 16.5%.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment.
Russ Barto, Architect addressed the Planning Commission to review the proposed changes. He stated
that the changes were made based on suggestions made by the Rolling Hills Community Association's
Architectural Committee.
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Following brief discussion, Commissioner Gray moved that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution
No. 2015-01 as amended, granting approval of the applicant's revised request in Zoning Case No. 867 at
1 Pine Tree Lane. Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded the motion which carried without objection.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
ZONING CASE NO. 869. SUBDIVISION NO. 94. VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL
MAP NO. 72775, a request to subdivide an existing lot totaling 7.05 acres gross into 2 parcels as
follows: Parcel 1: 3.70 gross acres, 3.0 net acres; Parcel 2: 3.34 gross acres, 2.67 net acres. The
property is currently vacant and is located on the south side of Crest Road East, between 17
Crest Road E. and 29 Crest Road E. (Lot 32 -A -MS), Parcel No.: 7567-011-020 in the RA -S-2
Zone, Residential Agricultural -Suburban 2 -Acre minimum net lot area, to be implemented by
Mr. Jim Hynes. It has been determined that this project with mitigation measures will not have a
significant effect on the environment. Accordingly, a DRAFT MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION has been prepared.
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz
reviewed the applicant's request for a two -lot subdivision of a vacant lot over 7 acres in size on Crest
Road East and stated that the Planning Commission visited the site earlier in the day. She stated that Lot
1 is proposed to be 3.7 acres gross and 3 acres net and Lot 2 is proposed to be 3.34 acres gross and 2.67
acres net. She further reviewed the proposed driveways including access to the stables and stated that the
Traffic Commission will review the proposed driveway aprons at their next meeting. She stated that the
application meet the requirements for design based on the City's subdivision ordinance except that they
are requesting modification for the parcels width to be less than the required 150ft. width at the bottom
of the lots in the area in the canyon furthest from the roadway. She stated that the applicant has done
geological, soils and percolation tests indicating that the two lots are feasible for development and those
tests have been submitted to the City Engineer for review. She further stated that he applicant was
required to complete a Biological Resources Assessment Study and that study will be submitted,
reviewed by staff and provided to the Planning Commission for review. She stated that letters were
received from residents in the are objecting to the sub -division over concern for density in the area and
effect on the appearance of the area. She stated that a report from the California Dept. of Fish and
Wildlife was also received and the applicant will be required to address the issues raised in the report.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment.
Dan Bolton, Bolton Engineering addressed the Planning Commission on behalf of the applicant to
address the concern raised regarding density. He syated that the proposed subdivision is not out of
character with the lots in the vicinity. He also addressed the concern raised regarding drainage stating
that those issues would be addressed when the properties are developed.
Charlie Raine, 4 Pinto Road addressed the Planning Commission to express concern regarding the
drainage given that both lots would feed into Little Klondike Canyon which is blocked off at the top of
the slide area and catastrophic rain events may result in mud flow.
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John Mackenbach, 56 Portuguese Bend Road also expressed concern regarding the drainage and
requested that at the time the properties are developed that the water coming down the canyon be
handled safely.
In response to Chairman Chelf, Planning Director Schwartz stated that with regard to subdivision, the
Planning Commission is an advisory body to the City Council and the subdivision ordinance requires the
Planning Commission to test the proposed subdivision against certain criteria specified in the ordinance.
She further stated that the Planning Commission can not reject an application unless any of the
following are found: the proposed map is not consistent with the applicable general and specific plans;
the site is not physically suitable for the type of development proposed; the site no physically suitable
for the proposed density; the design of the subdivision and proposed improvements is likely to cause
substantial environmental damage or substantially and unavoidably injure wildlife or their habitat; the
design of the subdivision and proposed improvements are likely to cause serious public health or safety
problems; the design of the subdivision or the type of improvements will conflict with easements. She
stated that the Planning Commission may place conditions on the subdivision to ensure any issues are
addressed. Assistant City Attorney Coates clarified that because the Planning Commission would be
recommending certain action, it could recommend that the City Council approve with certain conditions
or modifications to the subdivision ordinance requirements.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick suggested that the Planning Commission may want to recommend a
condition that would address the hydrology and drainage concerns.
Commissioner Gray also suggested that the Planning Commission consider recommending a condition
that deals with the expected water flow.
Commissioner Mirsch suggested that the drainage issues may need to be addressed during the
subdivision process rather than waiting until a development project is brought forward and expressed
concern that there may be an environmental and safety issue on the property.
Jim Hynes, applicant addressed the Planning Commission regarding the size of the lots stating that they
are comparable in size to the lots in the vicinity.
Following brief discussion, consideration of this case was continued to allow the Planning Commission
to review the reports that have been submitted and to allow the applicant to assess the hydrology and
drainage issues.
ZONING CASE NO. 852. SUBDIVISION NO. 93. VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL
MAP NO. 72232. a request to subdivide an existing lot totaling 7.051 acres gross into 2_parcels
as follows: Parcel 1: 2.40 acres gross, 1.96 acres net; Parcel 2: 4.64 acres gross, 3.71 acres net.
The property is currently vacant and is addressed as 80 Saddleback Road (Lot 67-RH), in the
RA -S-1 Zone, Residential Agricultural -Suburban 1 -Acre minimum net lot area, to be
implemented by Mr. Jerry Turpanjian. It has been determined that this project with mitigation
measures will not have a significant effect on the environment. Accordingly, a DRAFT
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION has been prepared.
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Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz briefly
reviewed the applicant's request for a 2 -lot subdivision at 80 Saddleback Road and stated that the
Planning Commission visited the site earlier in the day. She further reviewed the proposed driveways
including access to the stables and stated that the Traffic Engineer reviewed the proposed driveway and
did not express any objection and the Traffic Commission will review the proposed driveway aprons at
their next meeting. She stated that the proposed subdivision meets the criteria and design standards of
the subdivision ordinance. She briefly reviewed the results of the biological survey stating that there has
been some environmentally sensitive vegetation identified and further commented that the applicant has
abandoned the request for the access road to the future stable. She noted that the California Dept. of
Fish and Wildlife did not submit a response. She stated that based on the comments from the biologist
and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, a mitigation plan will be prepared and the initial study was
amended to include all the environmental comments that were submitted.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment.
Dan Bolton, Bolton Engineering addressed the Planning Commission on behalf of the applicant to offer
to answer any questions the Planning Commission may have.
Roger North, Architect addressed the Planning Commission on behalf of the applicant stating that the
issues regarding development of the property will be addressed when the lots are proposed for
development.
Following brief discussion, Commissioner Gray moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to
prepare a Resolution recommending approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 852,
Subdivision No. 93, Vesting Tentative Parcel Map No. 72232 to subdivide a vacant lot currently
addressed as 80 Saddleback Road with the standard findings of fact and conditions. Commissioner
Kirkpatrick seconded the motion which carried with out objection.
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
ZONING CASE NO. 870-871. Request for a Certificate of Compliance for Lot Line
Adjustments between four parcels of land located at 1 Buckboard Lane, 1 Georgeff Road,
vacant lot known as 3 Georgeff Road and 8 Crest Road East, Rolling Hills, CA; a Variance
for less than minimum required frontage of a parcel in Zoning Case No.870 and a request for a
Zoning Map Amendment and General Plan Amendment to change the zoning classification of
the adjusted area of the property at 1 Buckboard Lane from RAS -2 (Residential Agricultural
Suburban, two acre minimum lot size) to RAS -1 (Residential Agricultural Suburban, one acre
minimum lot size) zoning district, and the adjusted area of the vacant lot at 3 Georgeff Road
from RAS -1 to RAS -2 and to reclassify the land use categories of the adjusted areas in Zoning
Case No. 871, Zoning Map and General Plan Amendment 2015-01. (Robinson). The Project has
been determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, (CEQA) under
the Class 5 Exemption, Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations.
Commissioner Mirsch recused herself from consideration of this case due to the proximity of her
property to the subject property. Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff's comments.
Planning Director Schwartz reviewed the applicant's request for a lot line adjustment and Zoning Map
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and General Plan amendment. She stated that the applicant is proposing : lot iine adjustment between
four properties located at 1 Buckboard Lane, 3 Georgeff Road (vacant lot), 1 Georgeff Road and 8 Crest
Road East (Tu) and the proposed subdivision will result in the parcels each having their own access to a
fully dedicated street and will alleviate a non -conforming condition on one of the lots. She further
explained the reason for the need to change to the Zoning Map amendment and General Plan
amendment and stated that these changes will be amended by an Ordnance and will require a public
hearing before the City Council.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment.
Bruce Bornemann, IWS Surveying addressed the Planning Commission on behalf of the applicant to
offer to answer any questions the Planning Commission may have.
Following staff's presentation and public testimony, the members of the Planning Commission
determined that a site visit should be scheduled to provide the members of the Planning Commission
with further understanding of the applicant's request. The public hearing was continued. Commissioner
Mirsch returned to the dais.
SCHEDULE OF FIELD TRIPS
The Planning Commission scheduled field trips to the following properties to be conducted on Tuesday,
February 17, 2015 beginning at 7:30 a.m.
1 Buckboard, 1 & 3 Georgeff Road and 8 Crest Road East
5 Lower Blackwater Canyon Road
ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Commissioner Mirsch apologized to the Commissioners, public and staff for being late.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
Planning Director Schwartz informed the Planning Commission that the City Council took the cases at
40 Eastfield Drive and 38 Portuguese Bend Road under jurisdiction and scheduled a field trip to both
properties for February 9, 2015 at 7:30 a.m.
MATTER FOR THE COMMITTEE ON TREES AND VIEWS
Set a date for a public hearing for a view obstruction complaint case filed by Mr. and Mrs.
Nuccion, 18 Portuguese Bend Road, against trees located at 15 Portuguese Bend Road, Mr. and
Mrs. Hassoldt.
The Committee scheduled the public hearing date for Tuesday, February 17, 2015 beginning at 5:00
p.m. in the Council Chamber, Rolling Hills City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills,
California.
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Hearing no further business before the Commission, Chairman Chelf adjourned the meeting at 8:01 p.m.
to an adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2015
beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the purpose of conducting field trips 5 Lower Blackwater Canyon Road and
the properties involved in the lot line adjustment (1 Buckboard Lane, 1 Georgeff Road, vacant lot known
as 3 Georgeff Road and 8 Crest Road East.) The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is
scheduled to be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Rolling
Hills City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Respectfully submitted,
Heidi Luce
City Clerk
Approved,
Brad Chelf
Chairman
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