CL_AGN_241111_CC_AgendaPacket_F1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS
5. APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
This is the appropriate time for the Mayor or Councilmembers to approve the agenda as is or reorder.
6. BLUE FOLDER ITEMS (SUPPLEMENTAL)
Blue folder (supplemental) items are additional back up materials to administrative reports, changes to the posted
agenda packet, and/or public comments received after the printing and distribution of the agenda packet for receive and
file.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
This is the appropriate time for members of the public to make comments regarding items not listed on this agenda.
Pursuant to the Brown Act, no action will take place on any items not on the agenda.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Business items, except those formally noticed for public hearing, or those pulled for discussion are assigned to the
Consent Calendar. The Mayor or any Councilmember may request that any Consent Calendar item(s) be removed,
discussed, and acted upon separately. Items removed from the Consent Calendar will be taken up under the "Excluded
Consent Calendar" section below. Those items remaining on the Consent Calendar will be approved in one motion. The
Mayor will call on anyone wishing to address the City Council on any Consent Calendar item on the agenda, which has
not been pulled by Councilmembers for discussion.
8.A.APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 11, 2024
2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274
(310) 377-1521
AGENDA
Adjourned City Council Meeting
CITY COUNCIL
Monday, November 11, 2024
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
7:00 PM
The meeting agenda is available on the City’s website. The City Council meeting will be live-streamed on the City’s website.
Both the agenda and the live-streamed video can be found here:
https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/agenda/index.php
Members of the public may submit written comments in real-time by emailing the City Clerk’s office at cityclerk@cityofrh.net.
Your comments will become part of the official meeting record. You must provide your full name, but please do not provide
any other personal information that you do not want to be published.
Recordings to City Council meetings can be found here: https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/agenda/index.php
Next Resolution No. 1383 Next Ordinance No. 386
1
RECOMMENDATION: Approve.
8.B.APPROVE MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE FURTHER
READING OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE
AGENDA
RECOMMENDATION: Approve.
8.C.APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: OCTOBER 28, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
8.D.PAYMENT OF BILLS
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
10. COMMISSION ITEMS
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
11.A.CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 17.28 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO COMPLY WITH RECENT CHANGES IN
STATE LAW; AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE STATUTORILY EXEMPT
FROM CEQA UNDER SECTION 21080.17 OF THE PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE
RECOMMENDATION:
Open the public hearing, receive public testimony, close the public hearing,
and make the following actions:
Find that the adoption of the ordinances is statutorily exempt from
review under CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code Section
21080.17; and
Introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 385 regarding
ADUs and JADUs.
12. OLD BUSINESS
13. NEW BUSINESS
13.A.CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WILDLIFE SPECIALIST AND
CONSULTANT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL COYOTE EDUCATIONAL OR
CL_AGN_241111_CC_AffidavitofPosting.pdf
CL_MIN_241028_CC_F.pdf
CL_AGN_241111_CC_PaymentOfBills_E.pdf
Attachment 1: 385_ADU Ordinance_F.pdf
Attachment 2:
PL_SUB_ADU_2024_ADU_Ordinance_Amendment_241015_Comparison_Redline.pdf
Attachment 3: 2024-13_PC_Resolution_ADU_Ordinance_241015_F_E.pdf
Attachment 4: 381_ADU Ordinance_F_E.pdf
2
ABATEMENT SERVICES ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS FOR A NOT-TO-EXCEED
AMOUNT OF $15,000 FOR THE REMINDER OF FISCAL YEAR 24/25 ENDING
JUNE 30, 2025
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
14. MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
14.A.CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTING STAFF TO DRAFT A LEGISLATIVE AND
POLICY PLATFORM (MAYOR MIRSCH)
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file. Provide direction to staff.
15. MATTERS FROM STAFF
15.A.RECEIVE AND FILE A VERBAL UPDATE ON THE CITY HALL LANDSCAPE
DESIGN GRANT PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
15.B.RECEIVE AND FILE A VERBAL UPDATE ON THE OUTDOOR EMERGENCY
SIREN PROJECT AND CITYWIDE TESTING
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
16. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
16.A.EXISTING LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1)THE
CITY FINDS, BASED ON ADVICE FROM LEGAL COUNSEL, THAT DISCUSSION
IN OPEN SESSION WILL PREJUDICE THE POSITION OF THE CITY IN THE
LITIGATION. (1 CASE) a. NAME OF CASE: CONNIE ANDERSEN, ET AL. V.
CALIFORNIA WATER COMPANY, ET AL. (SEAVIEW CASE) CASE NO.:
24STCV20953
RECOMMENDATION: None.
16.B.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (TWO CASES) CPUC COMPLAINTS
AGAINST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON AND SOCAL GAS
RECOMMENDATION: None.
17. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
18. ADJOURNMENT
Next regular meeting: Monday, November 25, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council
Chamber, Rolling Hills City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California,
90274.
Attachment A - CA_AGR_241111_WS&C_Amendment01_F.pdf
Attachment B - CA_AGR_240221_WildlifeSpecialist&Consultant_E.pdf
Attachment C - CL_AGN_240212_CC_Item13A.pdf
Attachment D - CA_AGR_240424_LAC_ACWM_PestControl_No779_E.pdf
CL_AGN_241111_CC_Item14A_RPV_LegPlatform2021.pdf
CL_AGN_241111_CC_Item14A_RPV_LegPlatform2023.pdf
Notice:
3
Public Comment is welcome on any item prior to City Council action on the item.
Documents pertaining to an agenda item received after the posting of the agenda are available for review in
the City Clerk's office or at the meeting at which the item will be considered.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in
this meeting due to your disability, please contact the City Clerk at (310) 377-1521 at least 48 hours prior to the
meeting to enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility and accommodation for
your review of this agenda and attendance at this meeting
4
Agenda Item No.: 8.A
Mtg. Date: 11/11/2024
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 11, 2024
DATE:November 11, 2024
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_AGN_241111_CC_AffidavitofPosting.pdf
5
Administrative Report
8.A., File # 2527 Meeting Date: 11/11/202 4
To: MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
From: Christian Horvath, City Clerk
TITLE
APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF
NOVEMBER 11, 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS )
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
In compliance with the Brown Act, the following materials have been posted at the locations below.
Legislative Body City Council
Posting Type Adjourned Regular Meeting Agenda
Posting Location 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA 90274
City Hall Window
City Website: https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/agenda/index.php
https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/city_council/city_council_archive_agendas/index.php
Meeting Date & Time NOVEMBER 11, 2024 7:00pm Open Session
As City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills, I declare under penalty of perjury, the document noted above was
posted at the date displayed below.
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
Date: November 8, 2024
6
Agenda Item No.: 8.B
Mtg. Date: 11/11/2024
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVE MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE FURTHER
READING OF ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE
AGENDA
DATE:November 11, 2024
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve.
ATTACHMENTS:
7
Agenda Item No.: 8.C
Mtg. Date: 11/11/2024
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: OCTOBER 28,
2024 REGULAR MEETING
DATE:November 11, 2024
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_MIN_241028_CC_F.pdf
8
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, October 28, 2024
Page 1
Minutes
Rolling Hills City Council
Monday, Octo ber 28 , 202 4
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The City Council of the City of Rolling Hills met in person on the above date at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Mirsch
presiding.
2. ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Dieringer, Wilson, Black, Pieper, Mayor Mirsch
Councilmembers Absent: None
Staff Present: Karina Bañales, City Manager
Christian Horvath, City Clerk / Executive Assistant to the City Manager
John Signo, Planning & Community Services Director
Samantha Crew, Management Analyst
Pat Donegan, City Attorney
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Pro Tem Pieper
4. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS / ANNOUNCEMENTS – NONE
5. APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Pieper, seconded by Councilmember Wilson to approve the order of the agenda.
Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Dieringer, Wilson, Black, Pieper, Mayor Mirsch
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
6. BLUE FOLDER ITEMS (SUPPLEMENTAL)
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Pieper, seconded by Councilmember Dieringer to receive and file Blue Folder
Items 11A and 13A. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Dieringer, Wilson, Black, Pieper, Mayor Mirsch
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
7. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comment: Alfred Visco
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
8.A. APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF
OCTOBER 28, 2024
9
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, October 28, 2024
Page 2
8.B. APPROVE MOTION TO READ BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE FURTHER READING OF ALL
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS LISTED ON THE AGENDA
8.C. APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: OCTOBER 14, 2024 REGULAR
MEETING
8.D. PAYMENT OF BILLS
8.E. REPUBLIC SERVICES RECYCLING TONNAGE AND COMPLAINT REPORTS FOR SEPTEMBER
2024
Motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Councilmember Dieringer to approve the Consent Calendar.
Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Dieringer, Wilson, Black, Pieper, Mayor Mirsch
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
9. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS – NONE
10. COMMISSION ITEMS
10.A. ZONING CASE 24-063: REQUEST FOR APPROVAL FOR A VARIANCE TO CONSTRUCT
SOLAR BATTERIES AND RELATED EQUIPMENT IN THE SIDE YARD SETBACK FOR A
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 18 EASTFIELD DRIVE, AND FINDING THE PROJECT
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
(CEQA) PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 (LOT 69-A-EF) (RICH)
Presentation by Planning & Community Services Director John Signo
Motion by Councilmember Wilson, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pieper to receive and file. Motion carried
unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, Mayor Mirsch
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
.
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
11.A. ZONING CASE NO. 23-070: SITE PLAN REVIEW TO DEVELOP A VACANT LOT INCLUDING
NON-EXEMPT GRADING AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE
WITH ACCESSORY STRUCTURES FOR A PROPERTY LOCATED AT 23 CREST ROAD EAST,
AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES
SECTION 15303 (LOT 132A-MS) (OGASAWARA)
Presentation by Planning & Community Services Director John Signo
Public Comment: Abas Goodarzi, Charlie Raine, Alfred Visco, Kathleen Hughes, Dustin McNabb,
Justin Carlson (speaking through Charlie Raine), Melissa McNabb
Applicant presentations: Frank Escher, Principal, Escher GuneWardena Architecture
Yuki Ogasawara, Applicant
10
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, October 28, 2024
Page 3
Allan Rigg, Engineer, Rigg Consulting
LA County Building & Safety: Yoshiya Morisaku, Regional Drainage and Grading Engineer
Karin Burger, Supervising Engineering Geologist II
Michael Dorta, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer
Anthony Wong, P.E., Associate Civil Engineer
Mayor Mirsch called for a 5-minute recess at 9:02 p.m. to allow the Council time to read late public comments
included with the Blue Folder Items.
Mayor Mirsch resumed the meeting at 9:07 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Dieringer to approve with the following added
conditions:
1. The applicant shall install and maintain all landscaping in accordance with all current and applicable
City requirements.
2. The applicant shall process the project’s post entitlement permits such as building permits and any
other required permits through Los Angeles County only as opposed to any qualified private
consultant under contract with the City.
3. The approved grading plans shall be updated to include the 8 cubic yards of cut and 9 cubic yards of
fill in the "sunset terrace" covered patio located downslope from the main residence.
4. The underground cisterns for the Project shall be designed to store excess runoff from a 100-year
storm.
5. The decks attached/adjacent to the main residence shall not be cantilevered in excess of 12’ above
grade.
6. No trees shall be planted on the berm.
7. Condition AR is changed to read as follows:
“The applicant, irrespective of any approval, direction or other information from the County of Los
Angeles or other relevant permitting agency, shall not modify any part or portion of the Project that
impacts, deals with or is related to the drainage on the Property, including the size and scope of the
proposed cisterns on the Property, without prior City Council approval.”
Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Black, Dieringer, Pieper, Mayor Mirsch
NOES: Wilson
ABSENT: None
12. OLD BUSINESS
12.A. UPDATE ON THE CITY HALL ADA IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND PACIFIC ARCHITECTURE
AND ENGINEERING'S INC. (PAE) REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL BUDGET TO COMPLETE
RESPONSES TO PLAN REVIEW COMMENTS; ADOPT BY RESOLUTION NO. 1379
AUTHORIZING A FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 BUDGET MODIFICATION TO APPROPRIATE
$4,000.00 IN THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND FUNDED FROM A TRANSFER FROM GENERAL
FUND RESERVES AND APPROVE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH PAE COVERING ADDITIONAL SERVICES FOR THE CITY HALL ADA
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Presentation by City Clerk / Executive Assistant to the City Manager Christian Horvath
Motion by Pro Tem Pieper, seconded by Councilmember Dieringer to approve as presented. Motion carried
with the following vote:
11
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, October 28, 2024
Page 4
AYES: Dieringer, Pieper, Mayor Mirsch
NOES: Wilson, Black
ABSENT: None
13. NEW BUSINESS
13.A. APPROVE FIFTH AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
WILLDAN ENGINEERING TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES FOR THE
CITY ON AN ON-CALL BASIS
Presentation by City Manager Karina Bañales
Motion by Councilmember Dieringer, seconded by Councilmember Wilson to approve as presented. Motion
carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, Mayor Mirsch
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
13.B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 1382 AUTHORIZING A FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 BUDGET
MODIFICATION TO INCREASE APPROPRIATIONS BY $23,485.40 IN THE GENERAL FUND
REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE ACCOUNT FUNDED FROM AVAILABLE GENERAL FUND
RESERVES FOR EMERGENCY PLUMBING REPAIRS RELATED TO EXTERIOR WATER MAIN
LEAKS ON THE CITY HALL CAMPUS
Presentation by City Clerk / Executive Assistant to the City Manager Christian Horvath
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Pieper, seconded by Councilmember Dieringer to approve as presented. Motion
carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, Mayor Mirsch
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
14. MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Pro Tem Pieper asked if now would be an appropriate time to discuss when the next City Council
meeting should be held due to scheduling conflicts and brief discussion ensued regarding individual
member’s availability.
With staff input, consensus was found around scheduling the meeting for Monday, November 11, 2024
despite the federal Veterans Day holiday.
15. MATTERS FROM STAFF
15.A. RECEIVE AND FILE FIRE FUEL ABATEMENT AND CODE ENFORCEMENT QUARTERLY
REPORT FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2024 (JULY 1 TO SEPTEMBER 30)
Presentation by Planning & Community Services Director John Signo
Public Comment: Alfred Visco
12
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, October 28, 2024
Page 5
Motion by Councilmember Dieringer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pieper to receive and file. Motion carried
unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, Mayor Mirsch
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
15.B. RECEIVE AND FILE A PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS UPDATE
Presentation by City Manager Karina Bañales
Management Analyst Samantha Crew
City Clerk / Executive Assistant to the City Manager Christian Horvath
Public Comment: Alfred Visco
Motion by Councilmember Dieringer, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Pieper to receive and file. Motion carried
unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, Mayor Mirsch
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
15.C. RECEIVE AND FILE A REPORT ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND TRAFFIC
COMMISSION TERMS EXPIRING ON JANUARY 1, 2025
Presentation by City Clerk / Executive Assistant to the City Manager Christian Horvath
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Pieper, seconded by Councilmember Wilson to receive and file. Motion carried
unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Wilson, Black, Dieringer, Pieper, Mayor Mirsch
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
16. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION – 11:15 P.M.
The City Council continued the following items to the next meeting.
16.A. EXISTING LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1) THE CITY FINDS,
BASED ON ADVICE FROM LEGAL COUNSEL, THAT DISCUSSION IN OPEN SESSION WILL
PREJUDICE THE POSITION OF THE CITY IN THE LITIGATION. (1 CASE) a. NAME OF CASE:
CONNIE ANDERSEN, ET AL. V. CALIFORNIA WATER COMPANY, ET AL. (SEAVIEW CASE)
CASE NO.: 24STCV20953
16.B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54956.9 (2 CASES) CPUC COMPLAINTS AGAINST SOTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON
AND SOCAL GAS
16.C. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54957 (B)(1) TITLE: CITY MANAGER
17. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION – 12:02 A.M. ON OCTOBER 29, 2024
13
MINUTES – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, October 28, 2024
Page 6
18. ADJOURNMENT : 12:02 A.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:02 a.m. on October 29, 2024. The next regular meeting of the City Council
is scheduled to be held on Monday, November 11, 2024 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber
at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California. It will also be available via City’s website link
at: https://www.rolling-hills.org/government/agenda/index.php
All written comments submitted are included in the record and available for public review on the City website.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
Approved,
____________________________________
Leah Mirsch, Mayor
14
Agenda Item No.: 8.D
Mtg. Date: 11/11/2024
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: PAYMENT OF BILLS
DATE:November 11, 2024
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_AGN_241111_CC_PaymentOfBills_E.pdf
15
16
17
From:Bookkeeper
To:Christian Horvath
Subject:GL RECONCILIATION - FY23-24
Date:Thursday, November 7, 2024 10:09:59 AM
Attachments:image001.png
Good morning,
The following ACH payments are from the previous fiscal year that were discovered while conducting the
reconciliation for the year. These were payments that were charged to the bank on the dates noted but were not
accounted for in Abila, the accounting system. This process is now correcting the Accounts Payables as well as the
General Ledger.
These charges are not being deducted from the bank account. It is just for record keeping purposes.
Please let me know if you need any further clarification.
Respectfully,
Anna Rodriguez
18
Agenda Item No.: 11.A
Mtg. Date: 11/11/2024
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:JOHN SIGNO, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & COMMUNITY SERVICES
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 17.28 OF
THE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO COMPLY WITH
RECENT CHANGES IN STATE LAW; AND FINDING THE ACTION TO
BE STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM CEQA UNDER SECTION 21080.17
OF THE PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE
DATE:November 11, 2024
BACKGROUND:
On October 15, 2024, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted, 4-0 (Vice
Chair Kirkpatrick absent), to adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2024-13 to
recommend that the City Council adopt the ADU Ordinance and find the action to be exempt
from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Attachment 3).
The proposed Ordinance included as Attachment 1 will amend Chapter 17.28 of the Rolling
Hills Municipal Code (RHMC) to comply with recent changes to state law that impose new
limits on local authority to regulate Accessory Dwelling Units (“ADUs”) and Junior Accessory
Dwelling Units (“JADUs”). Changes to Chapter 17.28 are redlined in Attachment 2.
Chapter 17.28 of the RHMC was last amended by City Council on January 9, 2023, with
adoption of Ordinance No. 381 (Attachment 4).
DISCUSSION:
In recent years, the California Legislature has approved, and the Governor has signed into
law, a number of bills that, among other things, amended various sections of the Government
Code to impose new limits on local authority to regulate ADUs and JADUs. In 2024, the
California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed into law, two new bills — AB 2533
and SB 1211 — that further amend state ADU law as summarized below.
AB 2533 – Unpermitted ADUs and JADUs
19
Subject to limited exceptions, existing state law prohibits a city from denying a permit to
legalize an unpermitted ADU that was constructed before January 1, 2018, if the denial is
based on the ADU not complying with applicable building, state, or local ADU standards. One
exception allows a city to deny a permit to legalize if the city makes a written finding that
correcting the violation is necessary to protect the health and safety of the public or the
occupants of the structure.
AB 2533 changes this by: (1) expanding the above prohibition to also include JADUs;
(2) moving the construction-cutoff date from January 1, 2018, to January 1, 2020; and
(3) replacing the above exception with a requirement that local agencies find that correcting
the violation is necessary to comply with the standards specified in Health and Safety Code
section 17920.3 (Substandard Buildings). (See amended Gov. Code, § 66332(a)–(f).)
SB 1211 – Replacement Parking Requirements; Multifamily ADUs
Replacement Parking
Existing state law prohibits the City from requiring off-street parking spaces to be replaced
when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the
construction of, or conversion to, an ADU.
SB 1211 amends this prohibition to now also prohibit a city from requiring replacement parking
when an uncovered parking space is demolished for or replaced with an ADU. (See amended
Gov. Code, § 66314(d)(11).)
Multifamily ADUs
SB 1211 further defines livable space in connection with converted ADUs inside a multifamily
dwelling structure. Existing state law requires the City to ministerially approve qualifying
building-permit applications for ADUs within “portions of existing multifamily dwelling
structures that are not used as livable space, including, but not limited to, storage rooms,
boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages ….” The term “livable space” is not
defined by existing state ADU law.
SB 1211 changes this by adding a new definition: “‘Livable space’ means a space in a
dwelling intended for human habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or
sanitation.” (See amended Gov. Code, § 66313(e).)
SB 1211 also increases the number of detached ADUs that lots with an existing multifamily
dwelling can have. Existing state law allows a lot with an existing or proposed multifamily
dwelling to have up to two detached ADUs.
Under SB 1211, a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling can have up to eight detached
ADUs, or as many detached ADUs as there are primary dwelling units on the lot, whichever is
less. (See amended Gov. Code, § 66323(a)(4)(A)(ii).) SB 1211 does not alter the number of
ADUs that a lot with a proposed multifamily dwelling can have — the limit remains at two.
(See amended Gov. Code, § 66323(a)(4).)
Landscaping Requirements
Other than addressing the items affected by AB 2533 and SB 1211, the Ordinance remains
20
largely unchanged with exception to the landscape section which has been deleted. The
section requires an abundant amount of vegetation to be planted around an ADU, which may
be in conflict with recent changes to Fire Department requirements to keep buildings away
from fire fuel. Additionally, new trees could cause view preservation concerns with neighboring
properties. Deleting the section does not preclude owners from planting vegetation around an
ADU so long as Fire Department requirements are met and neighboring views are protected.
Other Changes
"Livable space": Added definition.
Fees: Clarification that the City may charge a fee, including "the costs of adopting or
amending the city’s ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing fee is determined by
the director of community development and approved by the city council by resolution."
Septic System : "If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite wastewater-treatment
system, the owner must include with the application a percolation test completed within
the last five years or, if the percolation test has been recertified, within the last 10 years."
Owner Occupancy : No longer required if an ADU meets the Ordinance and was created
on or after January 1, 2020.
Rent Reporting: Applicants must provide the City with an estimate of the projected
annualized rents. This is required within 90 days after January 1 following the issuance
of a building permit.
Setbacks: Changed to be consistent with the setback of an existing structure, if existing
structure is nonconforming. If no existing structure, then the setback remains 4 feet for
side and rear, and 30 feet for front yard setback.
This section was deleted but should be considered: "If the front yard setback is the
only location on the lot where an ADU may be lawfully constructed, then the ADU
may encroach into the required front yard setback as necessary to enable the
construction of an eight hundred square foot unit."
Windows and Doors: Cannot have direct line of sight to an adjoining residential property.
Allowed Stories: One story allowed, however, if the ADU is attached to a primary
residence with more than one story (e.g., basement), then it may also have a basement.
Utilities: Clarification that utilities may need to be separate from main residence and
subject to connection and fee requirements of the utility provider.
Formatting Changes: Minor formatting changes were made throughout as provided in
the redlined version (Attachment 2).
Next Steps & Recommendation
Both AB 2533 and SB 1211 take effect January 1, 2025. To remain valid, the City’s ADU
ordinance must comply with requirements imposed by AB 2533 and SB 1211. Adopting the
proposed Ordinance No. 385 ensures that the City’s ADU ordinance will be valid under AB
2533 and SB 1211. For these reasons, staff is recommending that the City Council adopt the
attached Ordinance No. 385 (Attachment 1).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Under California Public Resources Code section 21080.17, CEQA does not apply to the
adoption of an ordinance by a city or county implementing the provisions of Article 2 of
Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government Code, which is California’s ADU law and
which also regulates JADUs, as defined by section 66313. Therefore, the adoption of the
21
proposed ordinance is statutorily exempt from CEQA in that it implements state ADU law.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The ordinance amendment brings the Municipal Code into compliance with State law which
protects the City from legal challenges.
RECOMMENDATION:
Open the public hearing, receive public testimony, close the public hearing, and make the
following actions:
Find that the adoption of the ordinances is statutorily exempt from review under CEQA
pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.17; and
Introduce for first reading by title only Ordinance No. 385 regarding ADUs and JADUs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: 385_ADU Ordinance_F.pdf
Attachment 2:
PL_SUB_ADU_2024_ADU_Ordinance_Amendment_241015_Comparison_Redline.pdf
Attachment 3: 2024-13_PC_Resolution_ADU_Ordinance_241015_F_E.pdf
Attachment 4: 381_ADU Ordinance_F_E.pdf
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Page 1 of 5
ORDINANCE NO. 385
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS AMENDING CHAPTER 17.28 OF THE
ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND DETERMINING THE
ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA
WHEREAS, the City of Rolling Hills, California (“City”) is a municipal corporation,
duly organized under the California Constitution and laws of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Law authorizes local agencies to act by
ordinance to provide for the creation and regulation of accessory dwelling units (“ADUs”)
and junior accessory dwelling units (“JADUs”); and
WHEREAS, in 2019, the California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed
into law a number of bills (“2019 ADU Laws”) that, among other things, amended
Government Code section 65852.2 and 65852.22 to impose new limits on local authority
to regulate ADUs and JADUs; and
WHEREAS, in February 2020, the City Council adopted Ordinance Nos. 364U and
364, which updated the City’s ADU and JADU regulations (contained in Chapter 17.28 of
the Rolling Hills Municipal Code) to comply with the 2019 ADU Laws; and
WHEREAS, in August 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 376, which
further amended the City’s ADU and JADU regulations to comply with state law, including
Assembly Bills 345 and 3182; and
WHEREAS, in September 2022, the Legislature approved, and the Governor
signed into law, Senate Bill 897 (“SB 897”), which imposed further restrictions on local
authority to regulate ADUs and JADUs, including with respect to height limits, setbacks,
application review and denial procedures, unpermitted structures, and JADU
configurations; and
WHEREAS, in December 2022 and January 2023, the City Council adopted
Ordinance Nos. 381U and 381, respectively, which updated the City’s ADU and JADU
regulations (contained in Chapter 17.28 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code) to comply
with SB 897; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, the California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed
into law, two new bills — AB 2533 and SB 1211 — that further amend state ADU law with
respect to an unpermitted ADU and JADU, replacement parking, and multifamily ADU
requirements.
WHEREAS, this ordinance (“Ordinance”) amends the City’s ADU and JADU
regulations to comply with AB 2533 and SB 1211; and
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Page 2 of 5
WHEREAS, on October 15, 2024, the Planning Commission conducted a duly
noticed public hearing to consider the Ordinance, wherein it considered the staff report,
supporting documents, public testimony, and all appropriate information submitted with
the Ordinance.
WHEREAS, on November 11, 2024, the City Council conducted a duly noticed
public hearing to Consider the Ordinance, wherein it considered the staff report and
supporting documents, Planning Commission’s recommendation, public testimony, and
all appropriate information submitted with the Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites to the adoption of the Ordinance have occurred.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills does ordain as
follows:
SECTION 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals above are each incorporated
by reference and adopted as findings by the City Council.
SECTION 2. CEQA. Under California Public Resources Code section 21080.17,
the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) does not apply to the adoption of an
ordinance by a city or county implementing the provisions of section 65852.2 of the
Government Code, which is California’s ADU law and which also regulates JADUs, as
defined by section 65852.22. Therefore, the Ordinance is statutorily exempt from CEQA
in that the proposed ordinance implements the State’s ADU law.
SECTION 3. General Plan. This Ordinance is, as a matter of law, consistent with
the City’s General Plan pursuant to Government Code Section 65852.2(a)(1)(C).
SECTION 4. Code Amendments. Chapter 17.28 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code
is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as provided in Exhibit “A,” attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 5. Submittal to HCD. The City Clerk shall submit a copy of this
Ordinance to the Department of Housing and Community Development within 60 days
after adoption.
SECTION 6. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or its application to any
person or circumstance is held to be invalid, such invalidity has no effect on the other
provisions or applications of the Ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid
provision or application, and to this extent, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance irrespective of the
invalidity of any portion thereof.
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Page 3 of 5
SECTION 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance takes effect 30 days following its
adoption.
SECTION 8. Certification. The City Clerk is hereby directed to certify to the
passage and adoption of this Ordinance; cause the same, or a summary thereof, to be
published or posted in the manner required by law.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 11th day of November, 2024.
____________________________
Leah Mirsch, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
Patrick Donegan, City Attorney
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Page 4 of 5
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §§
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS )
I, Christian Horvath, City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills, California, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Ordinance No. 385 was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Rolling Hills held on the 11th day of November, 2024, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Christian Horvath
City Clerk
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Page 5 of 5
EXHIBIT A
Amended ADU Regulations
(Follows this page)
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ADU REGULATIONS THAT COMPLY WITH SB 1211 & AB 2553 (2024)
Chapter 17.28 – ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS
17.28.010 – Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with Chapter 13 of Division 1
of Title 7 of the California Government Code.
17.28.020 – Effect of Conforming.
An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section will not be:
A. Deemed to be inconsistent with the City’s General Plan and Zoning
designation for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.
B. Deemed to exceed the allowable density for the lot on which the ADU or
JADU is located.
C. Considered in the application of any local ordinance, policy, or program to
limit residential growth.
D. Required to correct a nonconforming zoning condition, as defined in
subsection H below. This does not prevent the City from enforcing
compliance with applicable building standards in accordance with Health
and Safety Code section 17980.12.
17.28.030 – Definitions.
As used in this section, terms are defined as follows:
A. “Accessory dwelling unit” or “ADU” means an attached or a detached
residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities
for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing
primary residence. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
1. An efficiency unit, as defined by section 17958.1 of the California
Health and Safety Code; and
2. A manufactured home, as defined by section 18007 of the
California Health and Safety Code.
B. “Accessory structure” means a structure that is accessory and incidental
to a dwelling located on the same lot.
EXHIBIT A
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2
C. “Complete independent living facilities” means permanent provisions for
living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the
single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated.
D. “Efficiency kitchen” means a kitchen that includes all of the following:
1. A cooking facility with appliances.
2. A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of a
reasonable size in relation to the size of the JADU.
E. “Junior accessory dwelling unit” or “JADU” means a residential unit that
satisfies all of the following:
1. It is no more than 500 square feet in size.
2. It is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure. An enclosed use within the residence, such as an
attached garage, is considered to be a part of and contained within
the single-family structure.
3. It includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure.
4. If the unit does not include its own separate bathroom, then it
contains an interior entrance to the main living area of the existing
or proposed single-family structure in addition to an exterior
entrance that is separate from the main entrance to the primary
dwelling.
5. It includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined in subsection D above.
F. “Livable space” means a space in a dwelling intended for human
habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation.
G. “Living area” means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including
basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
H. “Nonconforming zoning condition” means a physical improvement on a
property that does not conform with current zoning standards.
I. “Passageway” means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and
extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.
J. “Proposed dwelling” means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit
application and that meets the requirements for permitting.
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3
K. “Public transit” means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or
train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and
other forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes,
and are available to the public.
L. “Tandem parking” means that two or more automobiles are parked on a
driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.
17.28.040 – Approvals.
The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs under this section:
A. Building-Permit Only. If an ADU or JADU complies with each of the
general requirements in subsection 0 below, it is allowed with only a
building permit in the following scenarios:
1. Converted on Single-family Lot: One ADU as described in this
subsectionA.1 and one JADU on a lot with a proposed or existing
single-family dwelling on it, where the ADU or JADU:
(a) Is either: within the space of a proposed single-family
dwelling; within the existing space of an existing single-
family dwelling; or (in the case of an ADU only) within the
existing space of an accessory structure, plus up to 150
additional square feet if the expansion is limited to
accommodating ingress and egress; and
(b) Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-
family dwelling; and
(c) Has side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and safety, as
dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
(d) The JADU complies with the requirements of Government
Code sections 66333 through 66339.
2. Limited Detached on Single-family Lot: One detached, new-
construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family
dwelling (in addition to any JADU that might otherwise be
established on the lot under subsection A.1 above), if the detached
ADU satisfies each of the following limitations:
(a) The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four feet.
(b) The total floor area is 800 square feet or smaller.
(c) The peak height above grade does not exceed the
applicable height limit in subsection Bbelow.
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4
3. Converted on Multifamily Lot: One or more ADUs within portions
of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not used as
livable space, including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler
rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each
converted ADU complies with state building standards for
dwellings. Under this subsection A.3, at least one converted ADU is
allowed within an existing multifamily dwelling, up to a quantity
equal to 25 percent of the existing multifamily dwelling units.
4. Limited Detached on Multifamily Lot: No more than two
detached ADUs on a lot with a proposed multifamily dwelling, or up
to eight detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multifamily
dwelling, if each detached ADU satisfies all of the following:
(a) The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four feet. If the
existing multifamily dwelling has a rear or side yard setback
of less than four feet, the City will not require any
modification to the multifamily dwelling as a condition of
approving the ADU.
(b) The peak height above grade does not exceed the
applicable height limit provided in subsection B below.
(c) If the lot has an existing multifamily dwelling, the quantity of
detached ADUs does not exceed the number of primary
dwelling units on the lot.
B. ADU Permit.
1. Except as allowed under subsection A above, no ADU may be
created without a building permit and an ADU permit in compliance
with the standards set forth in subsections 0 and 0 below.
2. The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in
processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or
amending the City’s ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing
fee is determined by the Director Of Community Development and
approved by the City Council by resolution.
C. Process and Timing.
1. An ADU permit is considered and approved ministerially, without
discretionary review or a hearing.
2. The City must approve or deny an application to create an ADU or
JADU within 60 days from the date that the City receives a
completed application. If the City has not approved or denied the
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5
completed application within 60 days, the application is deemed
approved unless either:
(a) The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day
time period is tolled for the period of the requested delay, or
(b) When an application to create an ADU or JADU is submitted
with a permit application to create a new single-family or
multifamily dwelling on the lot, the City may delay acting on
the permit application for the ADU or JADU until the City acts
on the permit application to create the new single-family or
multifamily dwelling, but the application to create the ADU or
JADU will still be considered ministerially without
discretionary review or a hearing.
3. If the City denies an application to create an ADU or JADU, the City
must provide the applicant with comments that include, among
other things, a list of all the defective or deficient items and a
description of how the application may be remedied by the
applicant. Notice of the denial and corresponding comments must
be provided to the applicant within the 60-day time period
established by subsection C.2 above.
4. A demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced
with an ADU is reviewed with the application for the ADU and
issued at the same time.
17.28.050 – General ADU and JADU Requirements.
The following requirements apply to all ADUs and JADUs that are approved under
subsections A or B above:
A. Zoning.
1. An ADU subject only to a building permit under subsection A above
may be created on a lot in a residential or mixed-use zone.
2. An ADU subject to an ADU permit under subsection B above may
be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family dwelling
residential use or multifamily dwelling residential use.
3. In accordance with Government Code section 66333(a), a JADU
may only be created on a lot zoned for single-family residences.
B. Height.
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1. Except as otherwise provided by subsections B.2 and B.3 below, a
detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed single
family or multifamily dwelling unit may not exceed 16 feet in height.
2. A detached ADU may be up to 18 feet in height if it is created on a
lot with an existing or proposed single family or multifamily dwelling
unit that is located within one-half mile walking distance of a major
transit stop or high quality transit corridor, as those terms are defined
in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, and the ADU may
be up to two additional feet in height (for a maximum of 20 feet) if
necessary to accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU that is aligned
with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
3. A detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed
multifamily dwelling that has more than one story above grade may
not exceed 18 feet in height.
4. An ADU that is attached to the primary dwelling may not exceed 25
feet in height or the height limitation imposed by the underlying
zone that applies to the primary dwelling, whichever is lower.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, ADUs subject to this subsection B.4
may not exceed two stories.
5. For purposes of this subsection B, height is measured from existing
legal grade or the level of the lowest floor, whichever is lower, to
the peak of the structure.
C. Fire Sprinklers.
1. Fire sprinklers are required in an ADU if sprinklers are required in
the primary residence.
2. The construction of an ADU does not trigger a requirement for fire
sprinklers to be installed in the existing primary dwelling.
D. Rental Term. No ADU or JADU may be rented for a term that is shorter
than 30 days. This prohibition applies regardless of when the ADU or
JADU was created.
E. No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but, except
as otherwise provided in Government Code section 66341, no ADU or
JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the
primary dwelling (in the case of a single-family lot) or from the lot and all of
the dwellings (in the case of a multifamily lot).
F. Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite wastewater-
treatment system, the owner must include with the application a
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7
percolation test completed within the last five years or, if the percolation
test has been recertified, within the last 10 years.
G. Owner Occupancy.
1. ADUs created under this section on or after January 1, 2020 are
not subject to an owner-occupancy requirement.
2. As required by state law, all JADUs are subject to an owner-
occupancy requirement. A natural person with legal or equitable
title to the property must reside on the property, in either the
primary dwelling or JADU, as the person’s legal domicile and
permanent residence. However, the owner-occupancy requirement
in this subsection G.2 does not apply if the property is entirely
owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing
organization.
H. Deed Restriction. Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for an
ADU or JADU, a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the
property in the County Recorder’s office and a copy filed with the Director.
The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all future owners. The
form of the deed restriction will be provided by the City and must provide
that:
1. Except as otherwise provided in Government Code section 66341,
the ADU or JADU may not be sold separately from the primary
dwelling.
2. The ADU or JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other
attributes allowed by this section.
3. The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced
against future property owners.
4. The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the
ADU or JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the
kitchen facilities. To remove the deed restriction, an owner may
make a written request of the Director, providing evidence that the
ADU or JADU has in fact been eliminated. The Director may then
determine whether the evidence supports the claim that the ADU or
JADU has been eliminated. Appeal may be taken from the
Director’s determination consistent with other provisions of this
Code. If the ADU or JADU is not entirely physically removed, but is
only eliminated by virtue of having a necessary component of an
ADU or JADU removed, the remaining structure and improvements
must otherwise comply with applicable provisions of this Code.
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5. The deed restriction is enforceable by the director or his or her
designee for the benefit of the City. Failure of the property owner to
comply with the deed restriction may result in legal action against
the property owner, and the City is authorized to obtain any remedy
available to it at law or equity, including, but not limited to, obtaining
an injunction enjoining the use of the ADU or JADU in violation of
the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.
I. Rent Reporting. In order to facilitate the City’s obligation to identify
adequate sites for housing in accordance with Government Code sections
65583.1 and 66330, the following requirements must be satisfied:
1. With the building-permit application, the applicant must provide the
City with an estimate of the projected annualized rent that will be
charged for the ADU or JADU.
2. Within 90 days after each January 1 following issuance of the
building permit, the owner must report the actual rent charged for
the ADU or JADU during the prior year. If the City does not receive
the report within the 90-day period, the owner is in violation of this
Code, and the City may send the owner a notice of violation and
allow the owner another 30 days to submit the report. If the owner
fails to submit the report within the 30-day period, the City may
enforce this provision in accordance with applicable law.
J. Building & Safety.
1. Must comply with building code. Subject to subsection J.2
below, all ADUs and JADUs must comply with all local building
code requirements.
2. No change of occupancy. Construction of an ADU does not
constitute a Group R occupancy change under the local building
code, as described in Section 310 of the California Building Code,
unless the Building Official or Code Enforcement Officer makes a
written finding based on substantial evidence in the record that the
construction of the ADU could have a specific, adverse impact on
public health and safety. Nothing in this subsection J.2 prevents the
City from changing the occupancy code of a space that was
uninhabitable space or that was only permitted for nonresidential
use and was subsequently converted for residential use in
accordance with this section.
17.28.060 – Specific ADU Requirements.
The following requirements apply only to ADUs that require an ADU permit under
subsection B above.
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A. Maximum Size.
1. The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this
Section 0 is 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and
1,000 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
2. An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary
dwelling is further limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the
existing primary dwelling.
3. Application of other development standards in this Section 0, such
as FAR or lot coverage, might further limit the size of the ADU, but
no application of the percent-based size limit in subsection A.2
above or of an FAR, front setback, lot coverage limit, or open-space
requirement may require the ADU to be less than 800 square feet.
B. Floor Area Ratio (FAR). No ADU subject to this Section 0 may cause the
total FAR of the lot to exceed 45 percent, subject to subsection A.3 above.
C. Setbacks.
1. ADUs that are subject to this Section 0 must conform to 4-foot side
and rear setbacks.
2. ADUs that are subject to this subsection 0 must conform to 30-foot
front setbacks, subject to subsection A.3 above.
3. No setback is required for an ADU that is subject to this Section 0 if
the ADU is constructed in the same location and to the same
dimensions as an existing structure.
D. Lot Coverage. No ADU subject to this Section 0 may cause the total lot
coverage of the lot to exceed 50 percent, subject to subsection A.3 above.
E. Minimum Open Space. No ADU subject to this Section 0 may cause the
total percentage of open space of the lot to fall below 50 percent, subject
to subsection A.3 above.
F. Passageway. No passageway, as defined by Section I above, is required
for an ADU.
G. Parking.
1. Generally. One off-street parking space is required for each ADU.
The parking space may be provided in setback areas or as tandem
parking, as defined by Section L above.
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2. Exceptions. No parking under Section G.1 is required in the
following situations:
(a) The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of
public transit, as defined in Section K above.
(b) The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically
significant historic district.
(c) The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary
residence or an accessory structure under Section A.1
above.
(d) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered
to the occupant of the ADU.
(e) When there is an established car share vehicle stop located
within one block of the ADU.
(f) When the permit application to create an ADU is submitted
with an application to create a new single-family or new
multifamily dwelling on the same lot, provided that the ADU or
the lot satisfies any other criteria listed in subsections G.2(a)
through (e) above.
3. No Replacement. When a garage, carport, covered parking
structure, or uncovered parking space is demolished in conjunction
with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, those off-
street parking spaces are not required to be replaced.
H. Architectural Requirements.
1. The materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, and windows
and doors must be the same as those of the primary dwelling.
2. The roof slope must match that of the dominant roof slope of the
primary dwelling. The dominant roof slope is the slope shared by
the largest portion of the roof.
3. The exterior lighting must be limited to down-lights or as otherwise
required by the building or fire code.
4. The ADU must have an independent exterior entrance, apart from
that of the primary dwelling.
5. The interior horizontal dimensions of an ADU must be at least 10
feet wide in every direction, with a minimum interior wall height of
seven feet.
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6. No window or door of the ADU may have a direct line of sight to an
adjoining residential property. Each window and door must either
be located where there is no direct line of sight or screened using
fencing, landscaping, or privacy glass to prevent a direct line of
sight.
7. All windows and doors in an ADU less than 30 feet from a property
line that is not a public right-of-way line must either be (for
windows) clerestory with the bottom of the glass at least six feet
above the finished floor, or (for windows and for doors) utilize
frosted or obscure glass.
I. Historical Protections. An ADU that is on or within 600 feet of real
property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Resources must
be located so as to not be visible from any public right-of-way.
J. Allowed Stories. No ADU subject to this Section 0 may have more than
one story, except that an ADU that is attached to the primary dwelling may
have the stories allowed under Section B.4.
17.28.070 – Fees.
The following requirements apply to all ADUs that are approved under Sections A or B
above.
A. Impact Fees.
1. No impact fee is required for an ADU that is less than 750 square
feet in size. For purposes of this Section A, “impact fee” means a
“fee” under the Mitigation Fee Act (Gov. Code § 66000(b)) and a
fee under the Quimby Act (Gov. Code § 66477). “Impact fee” here
does not include any connection fee or capacity charge for water or
sewer service.
2. Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that is 750 square feet
or larger in size must be charged proportionately in relation to the
square footage of the primary dwelling unit. (E.g., the floor area of
the ADU, divided by the floor area of the primary dwelling, times the
typical fee amount charged for a new dwelling.)
B. Utility Fees.
1. If an ADU is constructed with a new single-family home, a separate
utility connection directly between the ADU and the utility and
payment of the normal connection fee and capacity charge for a
new dwelling are required.
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2. Except as described in Section B.1, converted ADUs on a single-
family lot that are created under subsection A.1 above are not
required to have a new or separate utility connection directly
between the ADU and the utility. Nor is a connection fee or capacity
charge required.
3. Except as described in Section B.1, all ADUs that are not covered
by subsection B.2 require a new, separate utility connection directly
between the ADU and the utility for any utility that is provided by the
City. All utilities that are not provided by the City are subject to the
connection and fee requirements of the utility provider.
(a) The connection is subject to a connection fee or capacity
charge that is proportionate to the burden created by the
ADU based on either the floor area or the number of
drainage-fixture units (DFU) values, as defined by the
Uniform Plumbing Code, upon the water or sewer system.
(b) The portion of the fee or charge that is charged by the City
may not exceed the reasonable cost of providing this
service.
17.28.080 – Nonconforming Zoning Code Conditions, Building Code Violations,
and Unpermitted Structures.
A. Generally. The City will not deny an ADU or JADU application due to a
nonconforming zoning condition, building code violation, or unpermitted
structure on the lot that does not present a threat to the public health and
safety and that is not affected by the construction of the ADU or JADU.
B. Unpermitted ADUs and JADUs constructed before 2020.
1. Permit to Legalize. As required by state law, the City may not
deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU
that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if denial is based on
either of the following grounds:
(a) The ADU or JADU violates applicable building standards, or
(b) The ADU or JADU does not comply with state ADU or JADU
law or this ADU ordinance (Chapter 17.28).
2. Exceptions:
(a) Notwithstanding Section B.1 above, the City may deny a
permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU
that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if the City
makes a finding that correcting a violation is necessary to
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comply with the standards specified in California Health and
Safety Code section 17920.3.
(b) Section B.1 above does not apply to a building that is
deemed to be substandard in accordance with California
Health and Safety Code section 17920.3.
17.28.090 – Nonconforming ADUs and Discretionary Approval.
Any proposed ADU or JADU that would otherwise be allowed under this section but that
does not conform to the objective design or development standards set forth in Section
17.28.010 through 17.28.080 of this chapter may be allowed by the City with a
conditional use permit, in accordance with the other provisions of this title.
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ADU REGULATIONS THAT COMPLY WITH SB 1211 & AB 2553 (2024)
Chapter 17.28 – ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS
17.28.010 – Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with Chapter 13 of Division 1
of Title 7 of the California Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22. .
17.28.020 – Effect of conforming.Conforming.
An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section will not be:
A. Deemed to be inconsistent with the City’s General Plan and Zoning
designation for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.
B. Deemed to exceed the allowable density for the lot on which the ADU or
JADU is located.
C. Considered in the application of any local ordinance, policy, or program to
limit residential growth.
D. Required to correct a nonconforming zoning condition, as defined in H
below. This does not prevent the City from enforcing compliance with
applicable building standards in accordance with Health and Safety Code
Sectionsection 17980.12.
17.28.030 – Definitions.
As used in this section, terms are defined as follows:
A. "“Accessory dwelling unit"” or "“ADU"” means an attached or a detached
residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities
for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing
primary residence. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
1. An efficiency unit, as defined by Sectionsection 17958.1 of the
California Health and Safety Code; and
2. A manufactured home, as defined by Sectionsection 18007 of the
California Health and Safety Code.
B. "“Accessory structure"” means a structure that is accessory and incidental
to a dwelling located on the same lot.
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C. "“Complete independent living facilities"” means permanent provisions for
living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the
single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated.
D. "“Efficiency kitchen"” means a kitchen that includes all of the following:
1. A cooking facility with appliances.
2. A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of a
reasonable size in relation to the size of the JADU.
E. "“Junior accessory dwelling unit"” or "“JADU"” means a residential unit that
satisfies all of the following:
1. It is no more than five hundred500 square feet in size.
2. It is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
dwellingstructure. An enclosed use within the residence, such as an
attached garage, is considered to be a part of and contained within
the single-family dwelling. structure.
3. It includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family
dwellingstructure.
4. If the unit does not include its own separate bathroom, then it
contains an interior entrance to the main living area of the existing
or proposed single-family dwellingstructure in addition to an exterior
entrance that is separate from the main entrance to the primary
dwelling.
5. It includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined in subsection (D)
above. D above.
F. "“Livable space” means a space in a dwelling intended for human
habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation.
F.G. “Living area"” means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit,
including basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any
accessory structure.
G.H. "“Nonconforming zoning condition"” means a physical improvement on a
property that does not conform with current zoning standards.
H.I. "“Passageway"” means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky
and extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.
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I.J. "“Proposed dwelling"” means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit
application and that meets the requirements for permitting.
J.K. "“Public transit"” means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop
or train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and
other forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes,
and are available to the public.
K.L. "“Tandem parking"” means that two or more automobiles are parked on a
driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.
17.28.040 – Approvals.
The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs under this section:
A. Building-permitPermit Only. If an ADU or JADU complies with each of
the general requirements in Section 17.28.050 below,subsection 0 below,
it is allowed with only a building permit in the following scenarios:
1. Converted on Single-family Lot: One ADU as described in this
subsectionA.1 and one JADU on a lot with a proposed or existing
single-family dwelling on it, where the ADU or JADU:
(a) Is either: within the space of a proposed single-family
dwelling; within the existing space of an existing single-
family dwelling; or (in the case of an ADU only) within the
existing space of an accessory structure, plus up to one
hundred fifty150 additional square feet if the expansion is
limited to accommodating ingress and egress; and
(b) Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-
family dwelling; and
(c) Has side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and safety, as
dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
(d) The JADU complies with the requirements of Government
Code sections 66333 through 66339.
2. Limited Detached on Single-family Lot: One detached, new -
construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family
dwelling (in addition to any JADU that might otherwise be
established on the lot under subsectionA.1 above), if the detached
ADU satisfies each of the following limitations:
(a) The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four feet.
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(b) The total floor area is eight hundred800 square feet or
smaller.
(c) The peak height above grade does not exceed the
applicable height limit provided in section 17.28.050(B). in
subsection Bbelow.
3. Converted on Multifamily Lot: One or more ADUs within portions
of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not used as
livable space, including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler
rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each
converted ADU complies with state building standards for
dwellings. Under this subsectionA.3, at least one converted ADU is
allowed within an existing multifamily dwelling, up to a quantity
equal to twenty-five25 percent of the existing multifamily dwelling
units.
4. Limited Detached on Multifamily Lot: No more than two
detached ADUs on a lot that has an existing or with a proposed
multifamily dwelling, or up to eight detached ADUs on a lot with an
existing multifamily dwelling, if each detached ADU satisfies bothall
of the following limitations: :
(a) The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four feet. If the
existing multifamily dwelling has a rear or side yard setback
of less than four feet, the City will not require any
modification to the multifamily dwelling as a condition of
approving the ADU.
(b) The peak height above grade does not exceed the
applicable height limit provided in section 17.28.050(B).
subsection B below.
(c) If the lot has an existing multifamily dwelling, the quantity of
detached ADUs does not exceed the number of primary
dwelling units on the lot.
B. ADU Permit.
1. Except as allowed under subsection (A) above,A above, no ADU
may be created without a building permit and an ADU permit in
compliance with the standards set forth in Section 17.28.050 and
Section 17.28.060.subsections 0 and 0 below.
2. The City may charge an applicationa fee, adopted by resolution of
the City Council, to reimburse it for costs incurred in processing
ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or amending the City’s
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ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing fee is determined by
the Director Of Community Development and approved by the City
Council by resolution.
C. Process and Timing.
1. An ADU permit is considered and approved ministerially, without
discretionary review or a hearing.
2. The City must approve or deny an application to create an ADU or
JADU within sixty60 days from the date that the City receives a
completed application. If the City has not approved or denied the
completed application within sixty60 days, the application is
deemed approved unless either:
(a) The applicant requests a delay, in which case the sixty60-
day time period is tolled for the period of the requested
delay, or
(b) When an application to create an ADU or JADU is submitted
with a permit application to create a new single-family or
multifamily dwelling on the lot, the City may delay acting on
the permit application for the ADU or JADU until the City acts
on the permit application to create the new single-family or
multifamily dwelling, but the application to create the ADU or
JADU will still be considered ministerially without
discretionary review or a hearing.
3. If the City denies an application to create an ADU or JADU, the City
must provide the applicant with comments that include, among
other things, a list of all the defective or deficient items and a
description of how the application may be remedied by the
applicant. Notice of the denial and corresponding comments must
be provided to the applicant within the sixty 60-day time period
established by subsection (C.2) above.
4. A demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced
with an ADU is reviewed with the application for the ADU and
issued at the same time.
17.28.050 – General ADU and JADU requirements.Requirements.
The following requirements apply to all ADUs and JADUs that are approved under
Section 17.28.040(A)subsections A or (B):B above:
A. Zoning.
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1. An ADU or JADU subject only to a building permit under Section
17.28.040(A)subsection A above may be created on a lot in a
residential or mixed-use zone.
2. An ADU or JADU subject to an ADU permit under Section
17.28.040(B)subsection B above may be created on a lot that is
zoned to allow single-family dwelling residential use or multifamily
dwelling residential use.
3. In accordance with Government Code section 66333(a), a JADU
may only be created on a lot zoned for single-family residences.
B. Height.
1. Except as otherwise provided by subsections B.2 and B.3 below, a
detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed single
family or multifamily dwelling unit may not exceed sixteen16 feet in
height.
2. A detached ADU may be up to eighteen18 feet in height if it is created
on a lot with an existing or proposed single family or multifamily
dwelling unit that is located within one-half mile walking distance of
a major transit stop or a high quality transit corridor, as those terms
are defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, and the
ADU may be up to two additional feet in height (for a maximum of
twenty20 feet) if necessary to accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU
that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
3. A detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed
multifamily dwelling that has more than one story above grade may
not exceed eighteen18 feet in height.
4. An ADU that is attached to the primary dwelling may not exceed
twenty five25 feet in height or the height limitation imposed by the
underlying zone that applies to the primary dwelling, whichever is
lower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ADUs subject to this
subsection B.4 may not exceed two stories.
5. For purposes of this subsection B, height is measured abovefrom
existing legal grade or the level of the lowest floor, whichever is
lower, to the peak of the structure.
C. Fire Sprinklers.
1. Fire sprinklers are required in an ADU if sprinklers are required in
the primary residence.
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2. The construction of an ADU does not trigger a requirement for fire
sprinklers to be installed in the existing primary dwelling.
D. Rental Term. No ADU or JADU may be rented for a term that is shorter
than thirty30 days. This prohibition applies regardless of when the ADU or
JADU was created.
E. No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but, except
as otherwise provided in Government Code Section 65852.26section
66341, no ADU or JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately
from the lot and the primary dwelling (in the case of a single-family lot) or
from the lot and all of the dwellings (in the case of a multifamily lot).
F. Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite wastewater-
treatment system, the owner must include with the application a
percolation test completed within the last five years or, if the percolation
test has been recertified, within the last 10 years.
F.G. Owner Occupancy.
1. An ADU that is permitted after January 1, 2020, but before January 1, 2025,
is not subject to any owner-occupancy requirement.
2.1. Unless applicable law requires otherwise, all ADUs that are
permittedcreated under this section on or after January 1,
2025,2020 are not subject to an owner-occupancy requirement. A
natural person with legal or equitable title to the property must
reside on the property as the person's legal domicile and
permanent residence.
3.2. As required by state law, all JADUs are subject to an owner-
occupancy requirement. A natural person with legal or equitable
title to the property must reside on the property, in either the
primary dwelling or JADU, as the person’s legal domicile and
permanent residence. However, the owner-occupancy requirement
ofin this paragraphsubsection G.2 does not apply if the property is
entirely owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or
housing organization.
G.H. Deed Restriction. Prior to issuance of a building permitcertificate of
occupancy for an ADU or JADU, a deed restriction must be recorded
against the title of the property in the County Recorder’s office and a copy
filed with the Director. The deed restriction must run with the land and bind
all future owners. The form of the deed restriction will be provided by the
City and must provide that:
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1. Except as otherwise provided in Government Code Section
65852.26section 66341, the ADU or JADU may not be sold
separately from the primary dwelling.
2. The ADU or JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other
attributes allowed by this chapter. section.
3. The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced
against future property owners.
4. The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the
ADU or JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the
kitchen facilities. To remove the deed restriction, an owner may
make a written request of the Director, providing evidence that the
ADU or JADU has in fact been eliminated. The Director may then
determine whether the evidence supports the claim that the ADU or
JADU has been eliminated. Appeal may be taken from the
Director’s determination consistent with other provisions of this
Code. If the ADU or JADU is not entirely physically removed, but is
only eliminated by virtue of having a necessary component of an
ADU or JADU removed, the remaining structure and improvements
must otherwise comply with applicable provisions of this Code.
5. The deed restriction is enforceable by the Directordirector or his or
her designee for the benefit of the City. Failure of the property
owner to comply with the deed restriction may result in legal action
against the property owner, and the City is authorized to obtain any
remedy available to it at law or equity, including, but not limited to,
obtaining an injunction enjoining the use of the ADU or JADU in
violation of the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.
I. Rent Reporting. In order to facilitate the City’s obligation to identify
adequate sites for housing in accordance with Government Code sections
65583.1 and 66330, the following requirements must be satisfied:
1. With the building-permit application, the applicant must provide the
City with an estimate of the projected annualized rent that will be
charged for the ADU or JADU.
2. Within 90 days after each January 1 following issuance of the
building permit, the owner must report the actual rent charged for
the ADU or JADU during the prior year. If the City does not receive
the report within the 90-day period, the owner is in violation of this
Code, and the City may send the owner a notice of violation and
allow the owner another 30 days to submit the report. If the owner
fails to submit the report within the 30-day period, the City may
enforce this provision in accordance with applicable law.
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H.J. Building and& Safety.
1. Must comply with building code. Subject to subsection (H)(2)A.1
below, all ADUs and JADUs must comply with all local building
code requirements.
2. No change inof occupancy. Construction of an ADU does not constitute a Group R occupancy
change under the local building code, as described in Section 310 of the California Building Code,
unless the building officialBuilding Official or Code Enforcement Division officerOfficer
makes a written finding based on substantial evidence in the record that the construction of the
ADU could have a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety. Nothing in this subsection
(H)(2)A.1 prevents the City from changing the occupancy code of a space that was uninhabitable
space or that was only permitted for nonresidential use and was subsequently converted for
residential use in accordance with this section.
2.
17.28.060 – Specific ADU requirements.Requirements.
The following requirements apply only to ADUs that require an ADU permit under
Section 17.28.040(B).subsection B above.
A. Maximum Size.
1. The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this
Section 0 is eight hundred fifty850 square feet for a studio or one-
bedroom unit and one thousand1,000 square feet for a unit with two
or more bedrooms.
2. An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary
dwelling is further limited to fifty50 percent of the floor area of the
existing primary dwelling, subject to subsection (A)(3) below.
3. Application of other development standards in this Section 0, such
as FAR or lot coverage, might further limit the size of the ADU, but
no application of the percentagepercent-based size limit in
subsection A.2 above or of an FAR, front setback, lot coverage
limit, or open-space requirement may require the ADU to be
smallerless than eight hundred800 square feet.
B. Floor Area Ratio (FAR). No ADU subject to this Section 0 may cause the
total FAR of the lot to exceed forty-five45 percent, subject to Section
17.28.060(A)(3) above.subsection A.3 above.
C. Setbacks.
1. Front Yard.
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(a) Subject to subsection (C)(1)(b) below, no part of any ADU subject to
this Section 17.28.060 may be located within thirty feet of the front
property line.
(b) If the front yard setback is the only location on the lot where an ADU
may be lawfully constructed, then the ADU may encroach into the
required front yard setback as necessary to enable the construction
of an eight hundred square foot unit.
2. No part of any ADU subject to this Section 17.28.060 may be located within
four feet of a side or rear property line.
1. ADUs that are subject to this Section 0 must conform to 4-foot side
and rear setbacks.
2. ADUs that are subject to this subsection 0 must conform to 30-foot
front setbacks, subject to subsection A.3 above.
3. No setback is required for an ADU that is subject to this Section 0 if
the ADU is constructed in the same location and to the same
dimensions as an existing structure.
D. Lot Coverage. No ADU subject to this Section 0 may cause the total lot
coverage of the lot to exceed fifty50 percent, subject to Section
17.28.060(A)(3) above.subsection A.3 above.
E. Minimum Open Space. No ADU subject to this Section 0 may cause the
total percentage of open space of the lot to fall below fifty50 percent,
subject to subsection Section 17.28.060(A)(3) above.A.3 above.
F. Passageway. No passageway, as defined by Section 17.28.030(H)
above,I above, is required for an ADU.
G. Parking.
1. Generally. One off-street parking space is required for each ADU.
The parking space may be provided in setback areas or as tandem
parking, as defined by Section 17.28.030(K) above.L above.
2. Exceptions. No parking under Section G.1 is required in the
following situations:
(a) The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of
public transit, as defined in subsection Section 17.28.030(J)
above. Section K above.
(b) The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically
significant historic district.
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(c) The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary
residence or an accessory structure under Section A.1
above.
(d) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered
to the occupant of the ADU.
(e) When there is an established car share vehicle stop located
within one block of the ADU.
(f) When the permit application to create an ADU is submitted
with an application to create a new single-family or new
multifamily dwelling on the same lot, provided that the ADU or
the lot satisfies any other criteria listed in subsections G.2(a)
through (G)(2)(e) above.(e) above.
3. No Replacement. When a garage, carport, or covered parking
structure, or uncovered parking space is demolished in conjunction
with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, those off-
street parking spaces are not required to be replaced.
H. Architectural Requirements.
1. The materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, and windows
and doors must match the appearance and architectural design
ofbe the same as those of the primary dwelling.
2. The roof slope must match that of the dominant roof slope of the
primary dwelling. The dominant roof slope is the slope shared by
the largest portion of the roof.
3. The exterior lighting must be limited to down-lights or as otherwise
required by the building or fire code.
4. The ADU must have an independent exterior entrance, apart from
that of the primary dwelling.
5. The interior horizontal dimensions of an ADU must be at least
ten10 feet wide in every direction, with a minimum interior wall
height of seven feet.
6. FencingNo window or door of the ADU may have a direct line of
sight to an adjoining residential property. Each window and door
must either be located where there is no direct line of sight or
screened using fencing, landscaping, or privacy glass may be used
to provide screening and to prevent a direct line of sight to
contiguous residential property.
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7. The architectural treatment of All windows and doors in an ADU to be constructed
on less than 30 feet from a lotproperty line that has an identified historical resource
listed on is not a public right-of-way line must either be (for windows) clerestory with the
California Registerbottom of Historic Resources must comply with all
applicable ministerial requirements imposed by the Secretary of Interior.
I. Landscape Requirements.
1. Evergreen landscape screening must be planted and maintained between
the ADU and adjacent parcels as follows:
(a) At least one, fifteen-gallon size plant shall be provided for every five
linear feet of exterior wall. Alternatively,glass at least one, twenty-four-
inch box size plant shall be provided for every ten linear feet of
exterior wall.
(b) Plant specimens six feet above the finished floor, or (for windows and for
screening must be at least eight feet tall when installed. As an
alternative, a solid fence of at least eight feet in height may be
installed.
2. All landscaping must be drought-tolerant.
3.7. All landscaping must be from the City's approved plant listdoors)
utilize frosted or obscure glass.
J. Historical Protections. An ADU that is subject to this Section 17.28.060 and that is on or within
six hundred600 feet of real property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Resources must
be located so as to not be visible from any public right-of-way.
I.
J. Allowed Stories. No ADU subject to this Section 0 may have more than
one story, except that an ADU that is attached to the primary dwelling may
have the stories allowed under Section B.4.
17.28.070 – Fees.
The following requirements apply to all ADUs and JADUs that are approved under
Sections A or Section 17.28.040(B).B above.
A. Impact Fees.
1. No impact fee is required for an ADU that is less than seven
hundred fifty750 square feet in size. For purposes of this Section A,
“impact fee"” means a "“fee"” under the Mitigation Fee Act (Gov.
Code § 66000(b)) and a fee under the Quimby Act (Gov. Code
§ 66477). "“Impact fee"” here does not include any connection fee
or capacity charge for water or sewer service.
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2. Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that is seven hundred
fifty750 square feet or larger in size must be charged
proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary
dwelling unit. (E.g., the floor area of the ADU, divided by the floor
area of the primary dwelling, times the typical fee amount charged
for a new dwelling.)
B. Utility Fees.
1. If an ADU is constructed with a new single-family home, a separate
utility connection directly between the ADU and the utility and
payment of the normal connection fee and capacity charge for a
new dwelling are required.
2. Except as described in subsection 17.28.070(B)(1),Section B.1,
converted ADUs on a single-family lot that are created under
Section 17.28.040(A)(1) abovesubsection A.1 above are not
required to have a new or separate utility connection directly
between the ADU and the utility. Nor is a connection fee or capacity
charge required.
3. Except as described in Section B.1, all ADUs that are not covered
by Section 17.28.070(B)(2) abovesubsection B.2 require a new,
separate utility connection directly between the ADU and the utility
for any utility that is provided by the City. All utilities that are not
provided by the City are subject to the connection and fee
requirements of the utility provider.
(a) The connection is subject to a connection fee or capacity
charge that is proportionate to the burden created by the
ADU based on either the floor area or the number of
drainage-fixture units (DFU) values, as defined by the
Uniform Plumbing Code, upon the water or sewer system.
(b) The portion of the fee or charge that is charged by the City
may not exceed the reasonable cost of providing this
service.
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17.28.080 – Nonconforming Zoning Code Conditions, Building Code Violations,
and Unpermitted Structures.
A. Generally. The City will not deny an ADU or JADU application due to a
nonconforming zoning condition, building code violation, or unpermitted
structure on the lot that does not present a threat to the public health and
safety and that is not affected by the construction of the ADU or JADU.
B. Unpermitted ADUs and JADUs constructed before 20182020.
1. Permit to Legalize. As required by state law, the City may not
deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU
that was constructed before January 1, 20182020, if denial is based
on either of the following grounds:
(a) The ADU or JADU violates applicable building standards;, or
(b) The ADU or JADU does not comply with state ADU or JADU
law (Government Code Section 65852.2) or this ADU
ordinance (Chapter 17.28).
2. Exceptions.:
(a) Notwithstanding subsection (B)(1) above,Section B.1 above,
the City may deny a permit to legalize an existing but
unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before
January 1, 20182020, if the City makes a finding that
correcting a violation is necessary to protectcomply with the
healthstandards specified in California Health and safety of
the public or of occupants of the structureSafety Code
section 17920.3.
(b) Subsection (B)(1) aboveSection B.1 above does not apply to
a building that is deemed to be substandard in accordance
with California Health and Safety Code section 17920.3.
17.28.090 – Nonconforming ADUs and discretionary approval.Discretionary
Approval.
Any proposed ADU or JADU that would otherwise be allowed under this section but that
does not conform to the objective design or development standards set forth in Section
17.28.010 through Section 17.28.080 of this chapter may be allowed by the City with a
conditional use permit, in accordance with the other provisions of this title.
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ORDINANCE NO. 385
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS AMENDING CHAPTER 17.28 OF THE
ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND DETERMINING THE
ORDINANCE TO BE EXEMPT FROM CEQA
WHEREAS, the City of Rolling Hills, California (“City”) is a municipal corporation,
duly organized under the California Constitution and laws of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Law authorizes local agencies to act by
ordinance to provide for the creation and regulation of accessory dwelling units (“ADUs”)
and junior accessory dwelling units (“JADUs”); and
WHEREAS, in 2019, the California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed
into law a number of bills (“2019 ADU Laws”) that, among other things, amended
Government Code section 65852.2 and 65852.22 to impose new limits on local authority
to regulate ADUs and JADUs; and
WHEREAS, in February 2020, the City Council adopted Ordinance Nos. 364U and
364, which updated the City’s ADU and JADU regulations (contained in Chapter 17.28 of
the Rolling Hills Municipal Code) to comply with the 2019 ADU Laws; and
WHEREAS, in August 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 376, which
further amended the City’s ADU and JADU regulations to comply with state law, including
Assembly Bills 345 and 3182; and
WHEREAS, in September 2022, the Legislature approved, and the Governor
signed into law, Senate Bill 897 (“SB 897”), which imposed further restrictions on local
authority to regulate ADUs and JADUs, including with respect to height limits, setbacks,
application review and denial procedures, unpermitted structures, and JADU
configurations; and
WHEREAS, in December 2022 and January 2023, the City Council adopted
Ordinance Nos. 381U and 381, respectively, which updated the City’s ADU and JADU
regulations (contained in Chapter 17.28 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code) to comply
with SB 897; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, the California Legislature approved, and the Governor signed
into law, two new bills — AB 2533 and SB 1211 — that further amend state ADU law with
respect to an unpermitted ADU and JADU, replacement parking, and multifamily ADU
requirements.
WHEREAS, this ordinance (“Ordinance”) amends the City’s ADU and JADU
regulations to comply with AB 2533 and SB 1211; and
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EXHIBIT "A" TO PC RESOLUTION NO. 2024-13
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WHEREAS, on October 15, 2024, the Planning Commission conducted a duly
noticed public hearing to consider the Ordinance, wherein it considered the staff report,
supporting documents, public testimony, and all appropriate information submitted with
the Ordinance.
WHEREAS, on __________, 20__, the City Council conducted a duly noticed
public hearing to Consider the Ordinance, wherein it considered the staff report and
supporting documents, Planning Commission’s recommendation, public testimony, and
all appropriate information submitted with the Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites to the adoption of the Ordinance have occurred.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills does ordain as
follows:
SECTION 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals above are each incorporated
by reference and adopted as findings by the City Council.
SECTION 2. CEQA. Under California Public Resources Code section 21080.17,
the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) does not apply to the adoption of an
ordinance by a city or county implementing the provisions of section 65852.2 of the
Government Code, which is California’s ADU law and which also regulates JADUs, as
defined by section 65852.22. Therefore, the Ordinance is statutorily exempt from CEQA
in that the proposed ordinance implements the State’s ADU law.
SECTION 3. General Plan. This Ordinance is, as a matter of law, consistent with
the City’s General Plan pursuant to Government Code Section 65852.2(a)(1)(C).
SECTION 4. Code Amendments. Chapter 17.28 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code
is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as provided in Exhibit “A,” attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 5. Submittal to HCD. The City Clerk shall submit a copy of this
Ordinance to the Department of Housing and Community Development within 60 days
after adoption.
SECTION 6. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or its application to any
person or circumstance is held to be invalid, such invalidity has no effect on the other
provisions or applications of the Ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid
provision or application, and to this extent, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance irrespective of the
invalidity of any portion thereof.
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SECTION 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance takes effect 30 days following its
adoption.
SECTION 8. Certification. The City Clerk is hereby directed to certify to the
passage and adoption of this Ordinance; cause the same, or a summary thereof, to be
published or posted in the manner required by law.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this ___ day of _________, 20__.
____________________________
Leah Mirsch, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
Patrick Donegan, City Attorney
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §§
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS )
I, Christian Horvath, City Clerk of the City of Rolling Hills, California, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Ordinance No. 385 was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Rolling Hills held on the ___ day of ___________, 20__, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Christian Horvath
City Clerk
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EXHIBIT A
Amended ADU Regulations
(Follows this page)
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ADU REGULATIONS THAT COMPLY WITH SB 1211 & AB 2553 (2024)
Chapter 17.28 – ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNITS
17.28.010 – Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in compliance with Chapter 13 of Division 1
of Title 7 of the California Government Code.
17.28.020 – Effect of Conforming.
An ADU or JADU that conforms to the standards in this section will not be:
A. Deemed to be inconsistent with the City’s General Plan and Zoning
designation for the lot on which the ADU or JADU is located.
B. Deemed to exceed the allowable density for the lot on which the ADU or
JADU is located.
C. Considered in the application of any local ordinance, policy, or program to
limit residential growth.
D. Required to correct a nonconforming zoning condition, as defined in
subsection H below. This does not prevent the City from enforcing
compliance with applicable building standards in accordance with Health
and Safety Code section 17980.12.
17.28.030 – Definitions.
As used in this section, terms are defined as follows:
A. “Accessory dwelling unit” or “ADU” means an attached or a detached
residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities
for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing
primary residence. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
1. An efficiency unit, as defined by section 17958.1 of the California
Health and Safety Code; and
2. A manufactured home, as defined by section 18007 of the
California Health and Safety Code.
B. “Accessory structure” means a structure that is accessory and incidental
to a dwelling located on the same lot.
EXHIBIT A
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C. “Complete independent living facilities” means permanent provisions for
living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the
single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated.
D. “Efficiency kitchen” means a kitchen that includes all of the following:
1. A cooking facility with appliances.
2. A food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of a
reasonable size in relation to the size of the JADU.
E. “Junior accessory dwelling unit” or “JADU” means a residential unit that
satisfies all of the following:
1. It is no more than 500 square feet in size.
2. It is contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family
structure. An enclosed use within the residence, such as an
attached garage, is considered to be a part of and contained within
the single-family structure.
3. It includes its own separate sanitation facilities or shares sanitation
facilities with the existing or proposed single-family structure.
4. If the unit does not include its own separate bathroom, then it
contains an interior entrance to the main living area of the existing
or proposed single-family structure in addition to an exterior
entrance that is separate from the main entrance to the primary
dwelling.
5. It includes an efficiency kitchen, as defined in subsection D above.
F. “Livable space” means a space in a dwelling intended for human
habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation.
G. “Living area” means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including
basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory
structure.
H. “Nonconforming zoning condition” means a physical improvement on a
property that does not conform with current zoning standards.
I. “Passageway” means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and
extends from a street to one entrance of the ADU or JADU.
J. “Proposed dwelling” means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit
application and that meets the requirements for permitting.
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K. “Public transit” means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or
train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and
other forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes,
and are available to the public.
L. “Tandem parking” means that two or more automobiles are parked on a
driveway or in any other location on a lot, lined up behind one another.
17.28.040 – Approvals.
The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs under this section:
A. Building-Permit Only. If an ADU or JADU complies with each of the
general requirements in subsection 0 below, it is allowed with only a
building permit in the following scenarios:
1. Converted on Single-family Lot: One ADU as described in this
subsectionA.1 and one JADU on a lot with a proposed or existing
single-family dwelling on it, where the ADU or JADU:
(a) Is either: within the space of a proposed single-family
dwelling; within the existing space of an existing single-
family dwelling; or (in the case of an ADU only) within the
existing space of an accessory structure, plus up to 150
additional square feet if the expansion is limited to
accommodating ingress and egress; and
(b) Has exterior access that is independent of that for the single-
family dwelling; and
(c) Has side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and safety, as
dictated by applicable building and fire codes.
(d) The JADU complies with the requirements of Government
Code sections 66333 through 66339.
2. Limited Detached on Single-family Lot: One detached, new-
construction ADU on a lot with a proposed or existing single-family
dwelling (in addition to any JADU that might otherwise be
established on the lot under subsection A.1 above), if the detached
ADU satisfies each of the following limitations:
(a) The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four feet.
(b) The total floor area is 800 square feet or smaller.
(c) The peak height above grade does not exceed the
applicable height limit in subsection Bbelow.
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3. Converted on Multifamily Lot: One or more ADUs within portions
of existing multifamily dwelling structures that are not used as
livable space, including but not limited to storage rooms, boiler
rooms, passageways, attics, basements, or garages, if each
converted ADU complies with state building standards for
dwellings. Under this subsection A.3, at least one converted ADU is
allowed within an existing multifamily dwelling, up to a quantity
equal to 25 percent of the existing multifamily dwelling units.
4. Limited Detached on Multifamily Lot: No more than two
detached ADUs on a lot with a proposed multifamily dwelling, or up
to eight detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multifamily
dwelling, if each detached ADU satisfies all of the following:
(a) The side- and rear-yard setbacks are at least four feet. If the
existing multifamily dwelling has a rear or side yard setback
of less than four feet, the City will not require any
modification to the multifamily dwelling as a condition of
approving the ADU.
(b) The peak height above grade does not exceed the
applicable height limit provided in subsection B below.
(c) If the lot has an existing multifamily dwelling, the quantity of
detached ADUs does not exceed the number of primary
dwelling units on the lot.
B. ADU Permit.
1. Except as allowed under subsection A above, no ADU may be
created without a building permit and an ADU permit in compliance
with the standards set forth in subsections 0 and 0 below.
2. The City may charge a fee to reimburse it for costs incurred in
processing ADU permits, including the costs of adopting or
amending the City’s ADU ordinance. The ADU-permit processing
fee is determined by the Director Of Community Development and
approved by the City Council by resolution.
C. Process and Timing.
1. An ADU permit is considered and approved ministerially, without
discretionary review or a hearing.
2. The City must approve or deny an application to create an ADU or
JADU within 60 days from the date that the City receives a
completed application. If the City has not approved or denied the
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completed application within 60 days, the application is deemed
approved unless either:
(a) The applicant requests a delay, in which case the 60-day
time period is tolled for the period of the requested delay, or
(b) When an application to create an ADU or JADU is submitted
with a permit application to create a new single-family or
multifamily dwelling on the lot, the City may delay acting on
the permit application for the ADU or JADU until the City acts
on the permit application to create the new single-family or
multifamily dwelling, but the application to create the ADU or
JADU will still be considered ministerially without
discretionary review or a hearing.
3. If the City denies an application to create an ADU or JADU, the City
must provide the applicant with comments that include, among
other things, a list of all the defective or deficient items and a
description of how the application may be remedied by the
applicant. Notice of the denial and corresponding comments must
be provided to the applicant within the 60-day time period
established by subsection C.2 above.
4. A demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced
with an ADU is reviewed with the application for the ADU and
issued at the same time.
17.28.050 – General ADU and JADU Requirements.
The following requirements apply to all ADUs and JADUs that are approved under
subsections A or B above:
A. Zoning.
1. An ADU subject only to a building permit under subsection A above
may be created on a lot in a residential or mixed-use zone.
2. An ADU subject to an ADU permit under subsection B above may
be created on a lot that is zoned to allow single-family dwelling
residential use or multifamily dwelling residential use.
3. In accordance with Government Code section 66333(a), a JADU
may only be created on a lot zoned for single-family residences.
B. Height.
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1. Except as otherwise provided by subsections B.2 and B.3 below, a
detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed single
family or multifamily dwelling unit may not exceed 16 feet in height.
2. A detached ADU may be up to 18 feet in height if it is created on a
lot with an existing or proposed single family or multifamily dwelling
unit that is located within one-half mile walking distance of a major
transit stop or high quality transit corridor, as those terms are defined
in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, and the ADU may
be up to two additional feet in height (for a maximum of 20 feet) if
necessary to accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU that is aligned
with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling unit.
3. A detached ADU created on a lot with an existing or proposed
multifamily dwelling that has more than one story above grade may
not exceed 18 feet in height.
4. An ADU that is attached to the primary dwelling may not exceed 25
feet in height or the height limitation imposed by the underlying
zone that applies to the primary dwelling, whichever is lower.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, ADUs subject to this subsection B.4
may not exceed two stories.
5. For purposes of this subsection B, height is measured from existing
legal grade or the level of the lowest floor, whichever is lower, to
the peak of the structure.
C. Fire Sprinklers.
1. Fire sprinklers are required in an ADU if sprinklers are required in
the primary residence.
2. The construction of an ADU does not trigger a requirement for fire
sprinklers to be installed in the existing primary dwelling.
D. Rental Term. No ADU or JADU may be rented for a term that is shorter
than 30 days. This prohibition applies regardless of when the ADU or
JADU was created.
E. No Separate Conveyance. An ADU or JADU may be rented, but, except
as otherwise provided in Government Code section 66341, no ADU or
JADU may be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the lot and the
primary dwelling (in the case of a single-family lot) or from the lot and all of
the dwellings (in the case of a multifamily lot).
F. Septic System. If the ADU or JADU will connect to an onsite wastewater-
treatment system, the owner must include with the application a
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percolation test completed within the last five years or, if the percolation
test has been recertified, within the last 10 years.
G. Owner Occupancy.
1. ADUs created under this section on or after January 1, 2020 are
not subject to an owner-occupancy requirement.
2. As required by state law, all JADUs are subject to an owner-
occupancy requirement. A natural person with legal or equitable
title to the property must reside on the property, in either the
primary dwelling or JADU, as the person’s legal domicile and
permanent residence. However, the owner-occupancy requirement
in this subsection G.2 does not apply if the property is entirely
owned by another governmental agency, land trust, or housing
organization.
H. Deed Restriction. Prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for an
ADU or JADU, a deed restriction must be recorded against the title of the
property in the County Recorder’s office and a copy filed with the Director.
The deed restriction must run with the land and bind all future owners. The
form of the deed restriction will be provided by the City and must provide
that:
1. Except as otherwise provided in Government Code section 66341,
the ADU or JADU may not be sold separately from the primary
dwelling.
2. The ADU or JADU is restricted to the approved size and to other
attributes allowed by this section.
3. The deed restriction runs with the land and may be enforced
against future property owners.
4. The deed restriction may be removed if the owner eliminates the
ADU or JADU, as evidenced by, for example, removal of the
kitchen facilities. To remove the deed restriction, an owner may
make a written request of the Director, providing evidence that the
ADU or JADU has in fact been eliminated. The Director may then
determine whether the evidence supports the claim that the ADU or
JADU has been eliminated. Appeal may be taken from the
Director’s determination consistent with other provisions of this
Code. If the ADU or JADU is not entirely physically removed, but is
only eliminated by virtue of having a necessary component of an
ADU or JADU removed, the remaining structure and improvements
must otherwise comply with applicable provisions of this Code.
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5. The deed restriction is enforceable by the director or his or her
designee for the benefit of the City. Failure of the property owner to
comply with the deed restriction may result in legal action against
the property owner, and the City is authorized to obtain any remedy
available to it at law or equity, including, but not limited to, obtaining
an injunction enjoining the use of the ADU or JADU in violation of
the recorded restrictions or abatement of the illegal unit.
I. Rent Reporting. In order to facilitate the City’s obligation to identify
adequate sites for housing in accordance with Government Code sections
65583.1 and 66330, the following requirements must be satisfied:
1. With the building-permit application, the applicant must provide the
City with an estimate of the projected annualized rent that will be
charged for the ADU or JADU.
2. Within 90 days after each January 1 following issuance of the
building permit, the owner must report the actual rent charged for
the ADU or JADU during the prior year. If the City does not receive
the report within the 90-day period, the owner is in violation of this
Code, and the City may send the owner a notice of violation and
allow the owner another 30 days to submit the report. If the owner
fails to submit the report within the 30-day period, the City may
enforce this provision in accordance with applicable law.
J. Building & Safety.
1. Must comply with building code. Subject to subsection J.2
below, all ADUs and JADUs must comply with all local building
code requirements.
2. No change of occupancy. Construction of an ADU does not
constitute a Group R occupancy change under the local building
code, as described in Section 310 of the California Building Code,
unless the Building Official or Code Enforcement Officer makes a
written finding based on substantial evidence in the record that the
construction of the ADU could have a specific, adverse impact on
public health and safety. Nothing in this subsection J.2 prevents the
City from changing the occupancy code of a space that was
uninhabitable space or that was only permitted for nonresidential
use and was subsequently converted for residential use in
accordance with this section.
17.28.060 – Specific ADU Requirements.
The following requirements apply only to ADUs that require an ADU permit under
subsection B above.
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A. Maximum Size.
1. The maximum size of a detached or attached ADU subject to this
Section 0 is 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and
1,000 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
2. An attached ADU that is created on a lot with an existing primary
dwelling is further limited to 50 percent of the floor area of the
existing primary dwelling.
3. Application of other development standards in this Section 0, such
as FAR or lot coverage, might further limit the size of the ADU, but
no application of the percent-based size limit in subsection A.2
above or of an FAR, front setback, lot coverage limit, or open-space
requirement may require the ADU to be less than 800 square feet.
B. Floor Area Ratio (FAR). No ADU subject to this Section 0 may cause the
total FAR of the lot to exceed 45 percent, subject to subsection A.3 above.
C. Setbacks.
1. ADUs that are subject to this Section 0 must conform to 4-foot side
and rear setbacks.
2. ADUs that are subject to this subsection 0 must conform to 30-foot
front setbacks, subject to subsection A.3 above.
3. No setback is required for an ADU that is subject to this Section 0 if
the ADU is constructed in the same location and to the same
dimensions as an existing structure.
D. Lot Coverage. No ADU subject to this Section 0 may cause the total lot
coverage of the lot to exceed 50 percent, subject to subsection A.3 above.
E. Minimum Open Space. No ADU subject to this Section 0 may cause the
total percentage of open space of the lot to fall below 50 percent, subject
to subsection A.3 above.
F. Passageway. No passageway, as defined by Section I above, is required
for an ADU.
G. Parking.
1. Generally. One off-street parking space is required for each ADU.
The parking space may be provided in setback areas or as tandem
parking, as defined by Section L above.
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2. Exceptions. No parking under Section G.1 is required in the
following situations:
(a) The ADU is located within one-half mile walking distance of
public transit, as defined in Section K above.
(b) The ADU is located within an architecturally and historically
significant historic district.
(c) The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary
residence or an accessory structure under Section A.1
above.
(d) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered
to the occupant of the ADU.
(e) When there is an established car share vehicle stop located
within one block of the ADU.
(f) When the permit application to create an ADU is submitted
with an application to create a new single-family or new
multifamily dwelling on the same lot, provided that the ADU or
the lot satisfies any other criteria listed in subsections G.2(a)
through (e) above.
3. No Replacement. When a garage, carport, covered parking
structure, or uncovered parking space is demolished in conjunction
with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, those off-
street parking spaces are not required to be replaced.
H. Architectural Requirements.
1. The materials and colors of the exterior walls, roof, and windows
and doors must be the same as those of the primary dwelling.
2. The roof slope must match that of the dominant roof slope of the
primary dwelling. The dominant roof slope is the slope shared by
the largest portion of the roof.
3. The exterior lighting must be limited to down-lights or as otherwise
required by the building or fire code.
4. The ADU must have an independent exterior entrance, apart from
that of the primary dwelling.
5. The interior horizontal dimensions of an ADU must be at least 10
feet wide in every direction, with a minimum interior wall height of
seven feet.
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6. No window or door of the ADU may have a direct line of sight to an
adjoining residential property. Each window and door must either
be located where there is no direct line of sight or screened using
fencing, landscaping, or privacy glass to prevent a direct line of
sight.
7. All windows and doors in an ADU less than 30 feet from a property
line that is not a public right-of-way line must either be (for
windows) clerestory with the bottom of the glass at least six feet
above the finished floor, or (for windows and for doors) utilize
frosted or obscure glass.
I. Historical Protections. An ADU that is on or within 600 feet of real
property that is listed in the California Register of Historic Resources must
be located so as to not be visible from any public right-of-way.
J. Allowed Stories. No ADU subject to this Section 0 may have more than
one story, except that an ADU that is attached to the primary dwelling may
have the stories allowed under Section B.4.
17.28.070 – Fees.
The following requirements apply to all ADUs that are approved under Sections A or B
above.
A. Impact Fees.
1. No impact fee is required for an ADU that is less than 750 square
feet in size. For purposes of this Section A, “impact fee” means a
“fee” under the Mitigation Fee Act (Gov. Code § 66000(b)) and a
fee under the Quimby Act (Gov. Code § 66477). “Impact fee” here
does not include any connection fee or capacity charge for water or
sewer service.
2. Any impact fee that is required for an ADU that is 750 square feet
or larger in size must be charged proportionately in relation to the
square footage of the primary dwelling unit. (E.g., the floor area of
the ADU, divided by the floor area of the primary dwelling, times the
typical fee amount charged for a new dwelling.)
B. Utility Fees.
1. If an ADU is constructed with a new single-family home, a separate
utility connection directly between the ADU and the utility and
payment of the normal connection fee and capacity charge for a
new dwelling are required.
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2. Except as described in Section B.1, converted ADUs on a single-
family lot that are created under subsection A.1 above are not
required to have a new or separate utility connection directly
between the ADU and the utility. Nor is a connection fee or capacity
charge required.
3. Except as described in Section B.1, all ADUs that are not covered
by subsection B.2 require a new, separate utility connection directly
between the ADU and the utility for any utility that is provided by the
City. All utilities that are not provided by the City are subject to the
connection and fee requirements of the utility provider.
(a) The connection is subject to a connection fee or capacity
charge that is proportionate to the burden created by the
ADU based on either the floor area or the number of
drainage-fixture units (DFU) values, as defined by the
Uniform Plumbing Code, upon the water or sewer system.
(b) The portion of the fee or charge that is charged by the City
may not exceed the reasonable cost of providing this
service.
17.28.080 – Nonconforming Zoning Code Conditions, Building Code Violations,
and Unpermitted Structures.
A. Generally. The City will not deny an ADU or JADU application due to a
nonconforming zoning condition, building code violation, or unpermitted
structure on the lot that does not present a threat to the public health and
safety and that is not affected by the construction of the ADU or JADU.
B. Unpermitted ADUs and JADUs constructed before 2020.
1. Permit to Legalize. As required by state law, the City may not
deny a permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU
that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if denial is based on
either of the following grounds:
(a) The ADU or JADU violates applicable building standards, or
(b) The ADU or JADU does not comply with state ADU or JADU
law or this ADU ordinance (Chapter 17.28).
2. Exceptions:
(a) Notwithstanding Section B.1 above, the City may deny a
permit to legalize an existing but unpermitted ADU or JADU
that was constructed before January 1, 2020, if the City
makes a finding that correcting a violation is necessary to
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13
comply with the standards specified in California Health and
Safety Code section 17920.3.
(b) Section B.1 above does not apply to a building that is
deemed to be substandard in accordance with California
Health and Safety Code section 17920.3.
17.28.090 – Nonconforming ADUs and Discretionary Approval.
Any proposed ADU or JADU that would otherwise be allowed under this section but that
does not conform to the objective design or development standards set forth in Section
17.28.010 through 17.28.080 of this chapter may be allowed by the City with a
conditional use permit, in accordance with the other provisions of this title.
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Agenda Item No.: 13.A
Mtg. Date: 11/11/2024
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WILDLIFE
SPECIALIST AND CONSULTANT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL COYOTE
EDUCATIONAL OR ABATEMENT SERVICES ON AN EMERGENCY
BASIS FOR A NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $15,000 FOR THE
REMINDER OF FISCAL YEAR 24/25 ENDING JUNE 30, 2025
DATE:November 11, 2024
BACKGROUND:
On February 12, 2024, the City Council approved a six-month trial contract with Fernando
Barrera of Wildlife Specialist and Consultant (WSC) for coyote abatement services, with a
budget not to exceed $12,500 (Attachment C). The agreement (Attachment B) was signed on
February 21, 2024, with services scheduled to conclude on August 21, 2024. During this
period, WSC provided valuable services to Rolling Hills residents, including site visits and
education on effective techniques to deter coyotes from entering their property. Both staff and
residents expressed appreciation for his efforts.
As the initial agreement expired on August 21, 2024, staff are seeking City Council
authorization to approve a first amendment extending WSC's services for an additional seven-
month trial, through June 2025 (Attachment A). It is important to note that WSC's services
have not yet been provided during this fiscal year.
DISCUSSION:
During the fall and early winter months, coyote pups begin to separate from their pack to
establish their own territories. This period often results in increased coyote sightings around
residential areas, potentially posing risks to small pets and children, and the elderly
community.
92
During this period, staff will continue to utilize the services of the Los Angeles County
Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures (LACWM). When a resident express
concerns about coyotes, LACWM is notified first. At no additional cost to the City, LACWM
inspectors will visit the property, conduct an onsite inspection, speak with the residents, and
provide an analysis on how to address the concerns. If the coyote issues persist, staff will
consult with WSC on the next steps.
Between February and August, City Hall received 18 coyote-related calls, all of which were
responded to by LACWM. WSC services were provided to four properties. During FY 2023-24,
the City utilized $2,100 of the $12,500 allocated for WSC services.
Although the volume of resident requests for assistance has been relatively low, staff believe
there is significant value in continuing support services with WSC. This low volume may be
due to some residents contracting directly with Mr. Barrera for coyote abatement services or
LACWM addressing concerns through onsite visits before the City engaged WSC.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The decision to direct staff to prepare and execute a first amendment to the contract for the
temporary supplemental wildlife management activities is exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), the
award of a contract for wildlife management related to dangerous or threatening coyotes can
be seen with certainty that it will not have a significant effect on the environment due to the
limited and direct scope of the activities. Further, CEQA Guidelines section 15304 exempts
minor temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effect on the environment. The
limited temporal nature of the agreement is only temporary at this time. Next, CEQA
Guidelines section 15307 exempt action taken by the City to assure the maintenance . . . of a
natural resource where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the
environment. Targeting menacing or dangerous predators will protect other natural resources
and even human life.
Finally, CEQA Guidelines section 15269 (c) exempts specific actions necessary to prevent or
mitigate an emergency. The increased threat of dangerous coyotes to the quiet enjoyment of
the City’s residents has risen to such a level that action must be taken to mitigate this dire
situation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Coyote Management Plan
Staff is currently developing a comprehensive coyote management plan with a clear strategy
for addressing coyote activity in the city, which will be presented to the City Council for
consideration at an upcoming meeting.
93
Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights & Measures
The City of Rolling Hills has an agreement between LACWM for pest control services
(Attachment D). The agreement is for an amount not to exceed $25,000 paid under the
General Fund. The agreement is a pay-as-you-go arrangement where the LACWM only
charges the City for services incurred as a result of a city request to come to provide pest
control services in the City. As previously mentioned, there is no additional cost for
Agricultural/Weights & Measures Inspectors to visit the property. City staff assigned a not to
exceed amount of $5,000 for use of potential LACWM services and has the full amount
remaining in the general fund at this time.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Cities
Currently, the Cities of Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes
are contracting with WSC. Similarly, with the exception of Palos Verdes Estates, the peninsula
cities also contract with LACWM.
LACWM visits the Peninsula, including Rolling Hills, twice weekly to provide ongoing coyote
education, evaluation, and/or more robust coyote abatement services depending on the
situation and City staff's input per the coyote response workflow.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The first amendment, with a not-to-exceed amount of $15,000, is budgeted in the FY 2024-25
General Fund (01-25-837). To date, no funds have been expended.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - CA_AGR_241111_WS&C_Amendment01_F.pdf
Attachment B - CA_AGR_240221_WildlifeSpecialist&Consultant_E.pdf
Attachment C - CL_AGN_240212_CC_Item13A.pdf
Attachment D - CA_AGR_240424_LAC_ACWM_PestControl_No779_E.pdf
94
FIRST AMENDMENT TO CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
(“First Amendment”) is made and entered into this 11th day of November, 2024 between
the City of Rolling Hills, a municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as "CITY'' and
Wildlife Specialist and Consultant, LLC, a California limited liability company
(“CONSULTANT.”)
1. RECITALS:
A. On February 21, 2024, the CITY entered into a Professional Services
Agreement with CONSULTANT (“Agreement”) to provide supplemental services related
to the coyote management (education, consultation, abatement, etc.) for the CITY; and
B. CITY and CONSULTANT now desire to amend the Agreement for the first
time (the “First Amendment”) to extend the term and increase the not to exceed amount
so that CONSULTANT may temporarily continue to provide services for the CITY while
the City explores a more thorough and robust coyote management plan.
Now, therefore, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions
herein contained, CITY hereby engages CONSULTANT and CONSULTANT agrees to
perform the services set forth in this First Amendment.
2. Paragraph 3 (COST) of the Agreement is amended to read as follows:
The CITY agrees to pay CONSULTANT for the services required by this First
Amendment as well as the services provided under the original agreement a total
amount not to exceed $15,000 for the continuation of the scope of services
identified by the Agreement. The hourly rate and cost for specific services is more
particularly described in Exhibit A. This fee includes all expenses, consisting of all
local travel, attendance at meetings, printing and submission of any documents or
reports required by the Scope of Work. Any increase in contract amount or scope
shall be approved by expressed written amendment executed by the CITY and
CONSULTANT
3. Paragraph 11 (TERM OF CONTRACT) of the Agreement is amended to read as
follows:
The term of this Agreement shall be from the effective date of this Agreement to
June 30, 2025 unless earlier terminated as provided herein. The Parties may, by
mutual, written consent, extend the term of this Agreement if necessary.
Consultant shall perform its services in a prompt and timely manner within the term
of this Agreement and shall commence performance upon notice from the City.
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4. All terms and conditions of the Agreement not amended by this First Amendment
shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this First Amendment on the
date and year first above written.
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS CONSULTANT
CITY MANAGER
______ _____ ________
Karina Bañales Fernando Barrera
DATE:___________ DATE:_____________
ATTEST:
______ _____
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______ _____
PATRICK DONEGAN, CITY ATTORNEY
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Attachment 1
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Wildlife Specialist and Consultant LLC
coyotespecialist@gmail.com
Wildlife Specialist Fernando Barrera
State Licensed Trapper - ID #65387
(424) 247-6373
Expert coyote management services available in your community.
o Education for safe coexistence with urban wildlife
o Preventative home assessment to minimize wildlife issues
o Aggressive coyote and/or wildlife assessment
o Control, abatement, and removal of deemed aggressive wildlife
Fernando Barrera, is a State Licensed Trapper and former Wildlife Specialist for Los Angeles
County, with over thirty years of service working for County of Los Angeles Agricultural
Commissioner/Weights and Measure Department - Integrated Pest Management program and
Pest Detection program. He has serviced the LA County area for coyote prevention, education,
control, and trapping including four years of service as a Wildlife Specialist for the Palos Verdes
Peninsula; cities of Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, and Palos Verdes
Estates. Specialist Fernando Barrera is knowledgeable of the Palos Verdes Peninsula area
terrain, coyote issues, and the pest management needs of the Palos Verde Peninsula
communities.
As Wildlife Specialist, Fernando Barrera participated in the University of California Agriculture
and Natural Resources (UCANR) Hazing Study, in which 20 coyotes were trapped and controlled,
while doctors equipped them with GPS collars. The coyotes where then released for UC
research on their roaming behaviors. Fernando Barrera also participated in training Orange
County and Los Angeles cities and state government agencies in wildlife trapping. Through these
varied experiences in wildlife and pest management, he has developed a deep understanding of
the coyote conflict and need for successful coexistence. Wildlife Specialist and Consultant brings
expert services and balance to your residential and urban areas.
Coyotes are here to stay and therefore an ongoing concern for cities and their residents. With
pets nearby and the increasing supplies of food, water, and shelter available; the coyote
populations are consistently increasing in urban areas. This reality requires an ongoing need for
education, and coyote management programs throughout urban areas, in order to safely coexist
with urban wildlife.
Wildlife Specialist and Consultation LLC (WSC) offers a broad scale program to address
education, prevention, control, and removal of coyote and other wildlife issues. For successful
coexistence, WSC believes that responsible homeowners and residential edu cation is an integral
part of the coyote management plan. With the increasing numbers of coyotes aggressive and/or
unfearful of humans, trapping and abatement of those and other aggressive wildlife, are
needed for the protection of human life and safety.
106
WSC offers consultations for residential properties and urban areas. Consultations evaluate if
there are any potential risk, property hazards attracting wildlife to correct, and/or residential
behavior contributing to the wildlife issues. Consultations will also determine if there is an
aggressive animal situation in the area, resulting in the need for immediate trapping.
WSC provides professional trapping, abatement and removal services for aggressive wildlife and
wildlife issues. Traps are set at or near occurrences, in safe locations. WSC uses humane live
traps. These traps are monitored and checked daily, in ordinance with the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife. All materials are provided, maintained, and removed by WSC.
All labor is provided through WSC.
Our mission is protecting your neighborhoods and providing education for coexistence with
urban wildlife.
Fees for services provided are as follow:
o Consultation $150.00/hour (assessment for coyote disturbances at residence)
o Educational $200.00/hour (community meetings at city hall, school, or homeowner
association etc.)
o Trapping 1 week (5 days) $1000.00
o Trapping 2 week (10 days) $2000.00
o Long term trapping schedules available per request if necessary.
We look forward to providing our services in your community.
Thank you,
Wildlife Specialist and Consultant LLC
Fernando Barrera
(424) 247-6373
107
Wildlife Specialist and Consultant LLC
coyotespecialist@gmail.com
Specialist Fernando Barrera
State Licensed Trapper - ID #65387
(424) 247-6373
Professional Service Proposal for November 2023
Between: Wildlife Specialist and Consultant (WSC) and the City of Rolling Hills.
Coyote Management through preventative coexistence, trapping, abatement, and removal.
Consultation and Educational Service Fees:
o Consultation $150.00 (per hour)
o Assessment for coyote disturbances at residence
o Consultation fee (within 15 days is included in trapping costs when trapping at
that location is needed)
o Educational $200.00 (per hour)
o Community meetings at city hall, school, or homeowner association etc.
Trapping Services Fees:
o Trapping 1 week (5 days) $1000.00
o Trapping 2 week (10 days) $2000.00
o Long term trapping schedules available per request if necessary
WSC uses humane live traps that are monitored and checked daily, in ordinance with the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. All materials are provided, maintained, and removed
by WSC. All labor is provided by WSC. Traps are placed safely in locations at or near occurrences
and other tactical locations. Trapping outcomes are not guaranteed per each trapping session.
However, our specialist is highly successful in trapping of problem and aggressive coyotes.
Consultations, educational meetings, trapping services are billed each month for services
contracted and provided. Checks payable to Wildlife Specialist and Consultant LLC.
City of Rolling Hills
Name_______________________________ Title: ____________________
Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________________
Wildlife Specialist and Consultant LLC
Name_______________________________ Title: ____________________
Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________________
Administration office: 3362 W. 152nd Street, Gardena, CA 90249
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Agenda Item No.: 13.A
Mtg. Date: 02/12/2024
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH WILDLIFE SPECIALIST AND CONSULTANT TO PROVIDE
ADDITIONAL COYOTE EDUCATIONAL OR ABATEMENT SERVICES
ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS FOR A NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF
$10,000 COVERING A TRIAL PERIOD OF UP TO SIX-MONTHS
DATE:February 12, 2024
BACKGROUND:
On June 23, 2023, an agreement between the Los Angeles County Agricultural
Commissioner/Weights & Measures (LACWM) and the City of Rolling Hills was renewed for
pest control services from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. The agreement is for an amount not
to exceed $25,000 paid under the General Fund. This agreement is a pay-as-you-go
arrangement where the LACWM only charges the City for services incurred as a result of a
city request to come to provide pest control services in the City. As of this meeting, there is
$18,487.94 left on this contract for fiscal year 2023-2024.
On July 24, 2023, staff presented an item regarding the LACWM contract, additional funds
from LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn for dedicated Peninsula wildlife education, and
coyote management based on complaints from a resident and subsequent referral to staff by
Councilmember Black.
On September 13, 2023, City staff participated in a virtual meeting with LACWM's Integrated
Pest Management Division, organized and attended by Supervisor Hahn's team, to gain a
better understanding of the special Supervisorial funding parameters as well as the LACWM
contract and how it related to Coyote management, education, and potential abatement. The
meeting provided a variety of facts and a deeper understanding that would allow staff to better
communicate with resident calls for service. They included:
the Supervisorial supplemental funding intended to provide increased response times for
public information and education to three of the four Peninsula city's residents. It was
also only intended to be a short-term plan;
1109
Calls for service should come to the City first for evaluation prior to engaging LACWM;
City staff should establish if the resident wants to report a sighting, requires
information/education/LACWM site visit, or if their concern rises to the level of a public
safety issue;
A Public Safety issue ONLY relates to a situation where a coyote has displayed
aggressive behavior towards a human being;
LACWM responds to requests for evaluation or yard audits/surveillance/resident
education for free;
LACWM only charges against the contracted amount for public safety calls require
trapping and/or abatement (see attached invoice sample);
LACWM could also offer training to staff regarding coyotes;
LACWM provides written materials that are shared with residents to help them better
understand Coyote's behaviors, proper hazing techniques and guidelines that can be
utilized to discourage coyotes from coming onto a property or engaging with humans,
and general information on preventing conflict with coyotes.
Residents are advised to only call for abatement services in the event of a coyote attack or
aggressive behavior.
During the fall/early winter months, coyote pups begin to separate from their pack in an
attempt to establish their territories. As a result, staff began to receive more phone calls from
members of the public concerned with the proliferation of coyotes in the community.
On January 22, 2024, City staff presented to the City Council the potential of hiring a third-
party vendor to assist in Coyote abatement services. Representatives from LACWM were
present to provide further information and perspective. The City Council unanimously directed
staff to approach responsible vendors regarding a potential six-month temporary program for
additional coyote abatement measures in the City.
DISCUSSION:
Currently, the Cities of Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates (RHE), and Rancho Palos Verdes
(RPV) are contracting with LACWM. LACWM visits the Peninsula, including Rolling Hills, twice
weekly to provide ongoing coyote education, evaluation, and/or more robust coyote abatement
services depending on the situation and City staff's input per the coyote response workflow.
Based on the January 22, 2024, City Council direction, and pursuant to Rolling Hillis Municipal
Code Chapter 3.04 (Purchasing System), City staff solicited proposals from three private
contractors who have historically serviced the Palos Verdes Peninsula (PVP) specific to
wildlife management:
1. Wildlife Specialist & Consultant (WSC) - Fernando Barrera provided coyote
management services on the PVP through his previous employer, LACWM, for a
number of years and recently retired. He has started his own privately-owned business.
Rolling Hills residents are familiar with Fernando and have hired him directly since his
retirement. RHE also recently entered into an agreement with Mr. Barrera for
supplemental and emergency services (if LACWM is unable to respond in a timely
manner, after hours, or if there is a coyote incident that requires additional services for
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public safety purposes). (Attachment A)
2. Coyote, Wildlife & Pest Solutions, Inc. (CWPS) - Jimmie Rizzo has spent 38 years
providing tracking and trapping experience to the Southern California region. Currently,
RPV contracts with Mr. Rizzo for supplemental and emergency services. (Attachment B)
3. Animal Pest Management Services (APMS) - specializes in vertebrate pest
management and has been servicing all of Southern California’s urban areas for 35
years, including Palos Verdes Estates. (Attachment C)
Fees for Service:
Contractor ConsultationEducational
Trapping
5 Day
Trapping
10 Day
Long-Term
Trapping
Fernando Barerra
(WSC)$150/hr $150/hr $1,000 $2,000
available
on request
Jimmie Rizzo
(CWPS)N/A N/A N/A $2,400
4 week,
6 month
and annual
available
APMS N/A N/A N/A $4,500
After evaluating all three contractors, staff recommends entering into a Professional Services
Agreement with WSC's Mr. Barrera for a 6-month trial period considering he has the most
experience within the Rolling Hills community, has demonstrated his competency and skillset
over the years in the services desired, and his competitive pricing.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The decision to direct staff to prepare and execute a contract for the temporary supplemental
wildlife management activities is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), the award of a contract for
wildlife management related to dangerous or threatening coyotes can be seen with certainty
that it will not have a significant effect on the environment due to the limited and direct scope
of the activities. Further, CEQA Guidelines section 15304 exempts minor temporary use of
land having negligible or no permanent effect on the environment. The limited temporal nature
of the agreement is only temporary at this time. Next, CEQA Guidelines section 15307 exempt
action taken by the City to assure the maintenance . . . of a natural resource where the
regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment. Targeting menacing
or dangerous predators will protect other natural resources and even human life. Finally,
CEQA Guidelines section 15269 (c) exempts specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate
an emergency. The increased threat of dangerous coyotes to the quiet enjoyment of the City’s
residents has risen to such a level that action must be taken to mitigate this dire situation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff recommends a not-to-exceed amount of $10,000 be transferred from the general fund
reserves to the general fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented. Direct the City Attorney to draft a Professional Services Agreement
and authorize the City Manager to sign; direct staff to return with a Budget Amendment
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Resolution.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. PS_COY_240126_WSC_Proposal.pdf
B. PS_COY_240129_CWPS_AbatementProgram&Services_Proposal.pdf
C. PS_COY_240130_APMS_Proposal_.pdf
4112
Wildlife Specialist and Consultant LLC
coyotespecialist@gmail.com
Wildlife Specialist Fernando Barrera
State Licensed Trapper - ID #65387
(424) 247-6373
Expert coyote management services available in your community.
o Education for safe coexistence with urban wildlife
o Preventative home assessment to minimize wildlife issues
o Aggressive coyote and/or wildlife assessment
o Control, abatement, and removal of deemed aggressive wildlife
Fernando Barrera, is a State Licensed Trapper and former Wildlife Specialist for Los Angeles
County, with over thirty years of service working for County of Los Angeles Agricultural
Commissioner/Weights and Measure Department - Integrated Pest Management program and
Pest Detection program. He has serviced the LA County area for coyote prevention, education,
control, and trapping including four years of service as a Wildlife Specialist for the Palos Verdes
Peninsula; cities of Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, and Palos Verdes
Estates. Specialist Fernando Barrera is knowledgeable of the Palos Verdes Peninsula area
terrain, coyote issues, and the pest management needs of the Palos Verde Peninsula
communities.
As Wildlife Specialist, Fernando Barrera participated in the University of California Agriculture
and Natural Resources (UCANR) Hazing Study, in which 20 coyotes were trapped and controlled,
while doctors equipped them with GPS collars. The coyotes where then released for UC
research on their roaming behaviors. Fernando Barrera also participated in training Orange
County and Los Angeles cities and state government agencies in wildlife trapping. Through these
varied experiences in wildlife and pest management, he has developed a deep understanding of
the coyote conflict and need for successful coexistence. Wildlife Specialist and Consultant brings
expert services and balance to your residential and urban areas.
Coyotes are here to stay and therefore an ongoing concern for cities and their residents. With
pets nearby and the increasing supplies of food, water, and shelter available; the coyote
populations are consistently increasing in urban areas. This reality requires an ongoing need for
education, and coyote management programs throughout urban areas, in order to safely coexist
with urban wildlife.
Wildlife Specialist and Consultation LLC (WSC) offers a broad scale program to address
education, prevention, control, and removal of coyote and other wildlife issues. For successful
coexistence, WSC believes that responsible homeowners and residential edu cation is an integral
part of the coyote management plan. With the increasing numbers of coyotes aggressive and/or
unfearful of humans, trapping and abatement of those and other aggressive wildlife, are
needed for the protection of human life and safety.
5113
WSC offers consultations for residential properties and urban areas. Consultations evaluate if
there are any potential risk, property hazards attracting wildlife to correct, and/or residential
behavior contributing to the wildlife issues. Consultations will also determine if there is an
aggressive animal situation in the area, resulting in the need for immediate trapping.
WSC provides professional trapping, abatement and removal services for aggressive wildlife and
wildlife issues. Traps are set at or near occurrences, in safe locations. WSC uses humane live
traps. These traps are monitored and checked daily, in ordinance with the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife. All materials are provided, maintained, and removed by WSC.
All labor is provided through WSC.
Our mission is protecting your neighborhoods and providing education for coexistence with
urban wildlife.
Fees for services provided are as follow:
o Consultation $150.00/hour (assessment for coyote disturbances at residence)
o Educational $200.00/hour (community meetings at city hall, school, or homeowner
association etc.)
o Trapping 1 week (5 days) $1000.00
o Trapping 2 week (10 days) $2000.00
o Long term trapping schedules available per request if necessary.
We look forward to providing our services in your community.
Thank you,
Wildlife Specialist and Consultant LLC
Fernando Barrera
(424) 247-6373
6114
Wildlife Specialist and Consultant LLC
coyotespecialist@gmail.com
Specialist Fernando Barrera
State Licensed Trapper - ID #65387
(424) 247-6373
Professional Service Proposal for November 2023
Between: Wildlife Specialist and Consultant (WSC) and the City of Rolling Hills.
Coyote Management through preventative coexistence, trapping, abatement, and removal.
Consultation and Educational Service Fees:
o Consultation $150.00 (per hour)
o Assessment for coyote disturbances at residence
o Consultation fee (within 15 days is included in trapping costs when trapping at
that location is needed)
o Educational $200.00 (per hour)
o Community meetings at city hall, school, or homeowner association etc.
Trapping Services Fees:
o Trapping 1 week (5 days) $1000.00
o Trapping 2 week (10 days) $2000.00
o Long term trapping schedules available per request if necessary
WSC uses humane live traps that are monitored and checked daily, in ordinance with the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. All materials are provided, maintained, and removed
by WSC. All labor is provided by WSC. Traps are placed safely in locations at or near occurrences
and other tactical locations. Trapping outcomes are not guaranteed per each trapping session.
However, our specialist is highly successful in trapping of problem and aggressive coyotes.
Consultations, educational meetings, trapping services are billed each month for services
contracted and provided. Checks payable to Wildlife Specialist and Consultant LLC.
City of Rolling Hills
Name_______________________________ Title: ____________________
Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________________
Wildlife Specialist and Consultant LLC
Name_______________________________ Title: ____________________
Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________________
Administration office: 3362 W. 152nd Street, Gardena, CA 90249
7115
Coyote, Wildlife & Pest Solutions, Inc.
Anaheim Hills, CA 92808
Email: coyotewildlifesolutions@gmail.com
Trapper ID# 7868
1/29/2024
RE: COYOTE CONTROL/ABATEMENT
Coyote Trapping Services
City of Rolling Hills, CA
To Whom It May Concern:
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to acquaint you with our services and
qualifications. In the event you need our services, we know you will be pleased to be
working with a company whose Capture Specialist has over 38 years of humane and
environmentally responsible, tracking and trapping experience.
Our coyote abatement program can be customized to accommodate any city’s needs for its
trapping period. The traps would be placed in strategic locations according to noted
activity and public consideration. According to state regulations, the traps would be
checked a minimum of once daily. All traps are approved by the Department of Fish and
Game. The cost for implementing the trapping program would be based upon contract
scope and terms of our contract. All labor and materials would be supplied by CWPS. There
are no additional fees for euthanizing or haul away. There are also no additional fees for
additional snares. Our pricing is all inclusive.
Coyote Wildlife and Pest Solutions, Inc. offers weekly, monthly, AND multi-month scenarios
for billable services. Those rates are as follows: two (2) weeks (10 business days) *$2400;
four (4) weeks/monthly (20 business days) *$4800; six (6) month program commitment,
$28,800; twelve (12) month commitment, not to exceed *$57,600.
Larger wildlife, especially coyotes, are becoming a common problem in many urban
communities around Southern California. They no longer fear humans which is why they are
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seen encroaching on neighborhoods, attempting to find food sources. This can lead to
attacks on pets, and in some cases, attacks on people.
Aggressive coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, etc…cannot be managed by precautionary
actions alone. Trapping is warranted in specific situations to manage the population and
remove animals that have lost their fear of humans. Traps are set strategically by our
experienced capture specialist. Typically, one to five animals are trapped during the
abatement program. Our abatement program has proven very effective in many cities
throughout Southern California.
An important part of a Coyote Abatement Program that would contribute significantly to
its success is encouraging residents to be aware of coyotes and take precautions around
their homes. For example, 1) Keep pets indoors at night and early morning. Always monitor
small pets outdoors and keep them on a leash. 2) Feed pets indoors or promptly remove
pet food/water after pets are finished eating. 3) NEVER leave small children unattended
in areas where coyotes may be frequenting.
Should you have any further questions or if you would be interested in having our Capture
Specialist, Jimmie Rizzo, speak with you or your City Council about your abatement
program, please call us.
We look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Coyote, Wildlife and Pest Solutions
Pamela VanDalsem
Director Contracts/Operations
(714)814-8378
Jimmie Rizzo
Capture Specialist
(714)943-4121
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Agenda Item No.: 14.A
Mtg. Date: 11/11/2024
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF DIRECTING STAFF TO DRAFT A LEGISLATIVE
AND POLICY PLATFORM (MAYOR MIRSCH)
DATE:November 11, 2024
BACKGROUND:
The City of Rolling Hills and Councilmembers at times monitor bills under consideration by the
state, and will take a position on a bill, depending on its potential impact to the City, Peninsula
or South Bay. Over recent legislative sessions, the City Council has taken positions of support
or opposition on matters including land use, local control, public safety, and retail theft. The
City Council has also advocated to the California Public Utilities Commission and the County
of Los Angeles on matters of concern.
Tonight, staff presents a discussion item, at the request of Mayor Mirsch, seeking direction as
to whether the City Council would want a specific legislative and policy platform that could
allow staff, in collaboration with the Mayor, to draft and send letters advocating in support or
opposition based on said platform.
DISCUSSION:
Many cities and organizations that frequently take positions on federal and state legislation
adopt an annual legislative platform. This platform outlines policy statements on legislative and
regulatory issues relevant to the organization and likely to arise during the legislative session.
A Legislative Platform for the City could include policies on topics such as:
Housing and Local Land Use
Public Safety
Community Services
Environmental Quality
Government Transparency and Effectiveness
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The platform would consolidate any positions the Council has taken on various bills, providing
guidance to City Staff and the City’s federal and/or state legislative delegation on legislative
and regulatory issues of interest. It would also inform advocacy organizations active in
Washington and Sacramento—such as the League of California Cities, California Contract
Cities Association, and the South Bay Cities Council of Governments—of the City Council’s
legislative priorities. Additionally, the platform would assist Staff in communicating on these
issues and enable prompt action if a matter directly impacting the City requires immediate
attention.
The primary purpose of a Legislative Platform would be to guide Staff in monitoring bills of
interest to the City. Staff intends to bring all relevant bills before the City Council for a formal
position. If a bill requires immediate action, the City Council would be notified, and the City
Manager would send a letter expressing the City’s proposed position. This bill would then be
presented to the City Council at its next scheduled meeting for formal adoption of a position,
reflected in a letter signed by the Mayor.
For reference, Staff has attached samples of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ legislative
platforms from 2021 and 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file. Provide direction to staff.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_AGN_241111_CC_Item14A_RPV_LegPlatform2021.pdf
CL_AGN_241111_CC_Item14A_RPV_LegPlatform2023.pdf
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CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
2022 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
DATE ADOPTED: Resolution No. 2021-__ on November 2, 2021.
PURPOSE
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ 2022 Legislative Platform (Platform) outlines the policy
positions of the City Council on current issues which directly or indirectly impact the City.
This Platform serves as a guideline to actively pursue pending legislation through
monitoring and communications activities and is primarily based upon positions
previously adopted by the City Council.
The City looks forward to working with regional, state, and federal partners to best serve
residents. The statements outlined in the Platform represent the City’s general position
on legislative and regulatory issues of interest and concern.
1. HOUSING AND LOCAL LAND USE
A. Oppose legislation that usurps local control and erodes the City’s authority to
control its own affairs. Support actions which further strengthen local democracy,
authority, and control. The City’s Housing and Local Land Use Legislative Platform
is incorporated herein by reference (see Appendix A).
B. Support policies or programs that allow city and state collaboration on housing
production, alongside sustainable transportation, broadband deployment, and
other key infrastructure areas to support our communities. Support state grants or
programs which provide funds to cities and/or developers to encourage affordable
housing development.
C. Oppose legislation that penalizes a city or local government if the units identified
in the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) are not constructed. Oppose
legislation that proposes to convert RHNA from a planning process to a production
standard.
D. Support legislation that preserves local authority to manage public rights -of-way
including the appearance and aesthetics of equipment placed within them.
E. Support legislation that preserves local authority to zone and plan for the
deployment of telecommunications infrastructure in public rights-of-way.
F. Oppose legislation that diminishes the authority of local jurisdictions to process
permits and enforce building codes or mandates the manner of enforcement.
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G. Oppose legislation that seeks to limit or eliminate municipal authority to regulate
street or sidewalk vendors.
H. Support legislation and administrative actions that protect the ability for a local
jurisdiction to preserve open space in and around a local government’s jurisdiction.
I. Support legislation and administrative actions that provide state and federal
funding for major public works projects such as the Portuguese Bend Landslide
Remediation Project.
2. PUBLIC SAFETY
A. Support legislation that enhances emergency preparedness, resiliency and public
safety.
B. Support legislation that strengthens and enforces legal protections for all
individuals who are victims of crimes.
C. Support measures that provide funding to local agencies for training, effective
disaster preparedness, sheriff’s station infrastructure, fire department
infrastructure, and emergency planning.
D. Support legislation, regulations, or administrative actions ensuring all cities,
including contract cities, have equal access to public safety funding.
E. Support legislation which maintains law enforcement’s ability to utilize automatic
license plate reading (ALPR) cameras as an investigatory tool.
F. Support legislation to accelerate the development and implementation of
enhanced electrical utility infrastructure, including undergrounding of utility
equipment that ensures reliable utility service and public safety and prevents the
use of public safety power shutoffs.
3. COMMUNITY SERVICES
A. Support legislation and local, state and federal programs that employ evidence-
based best practice strategies to reduce the number of people experiencing
homelessness by preventing homelessness for those at risk; providing emergency
and transitional housing; expanding permanent affordable housing ; and promoting
self-empowerment through counseling, job training, and other supportive services.
B. Support legislation and local, state, and federal programs that reduce the number
of people experiencing homelessness by promoting mental health and substanc e
abuse services; providing emergency and transitional housing; expanding
permanent affordable/supportive housing; and promoting self-empowerment
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through counseling, job training, and other supportive services for those who suffer
from mental health issues and/or substance abuse.
4. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
A. Support legislation, regulations, or administrative actions to remediate the harmful
effects of dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and other chemicals in coastal
waters, especially near Santa Catalina Island and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
B. Support legislation that provides rebate programs, tax credits, and other financial
incentives that encourage property owners to invest in water efficient systems and
landscaping and energy efficiency and renewable energy systems.
5. GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS
A. Support legislation that grants full cost reimbursement to local agencies by the
state and federal government for all mandated programs.
B. Support legislation that ensures the retention of existing local revenue sources,
including the City’s share of property taxes, sales and use taxes, transient
occupancy taxes, etc.
C. Support legislation that will enhance revenue for cities.
D. Support legislation that allows for the continued use of teleconferencing platforms
to continue holding hybrid public meetings outside of a declared state of
emergency. Hybrid meetings increase access to public meetings and encourage
greater transparency.
E. Support legislation or public health orders that consider regional factors when
determining public health needs within Los Angeles County.
F. Oppose legislation that would prohibit or limit local governments’ ability to contract
out for the provision of services.
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APPENDIX A:
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES HOUSING AND
LOCAL LAND USE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
DATE ADOPTED: Resolution No. 2021-31 on July 6, 2021.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In response to the housing crisis and recent legislation proposed by the California
Legislature:
• The City of Rancho Palos Verdes opposes proposed planning and zoning
legislation that usurps local control and imposes unfunded mandates.
• The City supports actions to further strengthen local democracy, authority, and
control.
• The City would support housing policies which include funded mandates or
create funded programs such as Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) and
Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) to assist local planning efforts.
• The City would support policies that provide incentives to cities such as
additional tax revenue or tax breaks and policies which grant concessions to
existing policies for adoption of pro-housing policies.
• The City would support policies or grants directed toward developers to
incentivize the creation of affordable housing.
• The City would support policies which expand programs such as Project
Homekey, which repurpose existing buildings into an affordable housing option.
• The City would support policies and programs which provide social services and
mental health services to help unhoused persons be eligible for, acquire, and
maintain affordable housing.
• The City would support policies or programs that allow city and state
collaboration on housing production, alongside sustainable transportation,
broadband deployment, and other key infrastructure areas to support our
communities.
BACKGROUND
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los
Angeles County, California, and incorporated in 1973. The City is primarily comprised of
residential zones and open space, is nearly entirely located within a Cal Fire-designated
Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), and is partially located in the state-
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designated coastal zone. Moreover, approximately 1,200 acres of the City is within the
Portuguese Bend Landslide complex, the largest and fastest moving landslide in North
America.
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes recognizes that California is in the middle of a housing
crisis. Housing stock cannot meet present demand and lack of affordable housing makes
existing stock cost prohibitive. The Legislature has an apparent focus on passing laws
which aim to mitigate the housing crisis through rescission of local land use authority and
oversight to streamline the process of constructing additional units. These laws create a
one-size-fits-all approach that fail to consider local authority and essential local oversight,
including constraints faced by local agencies such as infrastructure limitations.
The City is committed to maintaining and enhancing a high quality of life and safety for all
residents as reflected in its General Plan, updated as of 2018. Local land use authority is
essential to ensuring that all new developments are suitable and safe for our community,
and to allow the City and developers to work together to find the most mutually beneficial
arrangement for all residents in the City.
Development within the City faces a number of unique challenges. Despite this, the City
has a vibrant and well-planned mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses.
There are 8,274 acres of land within the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. The City has
determined that 1,710 acres (or 20%) of land are not suitable for development. These
include Natural Environment/Hazard Areas which are lands designated as “Hazard,”
“Open Space Hillside” and “Open Space Preserve” by the Land Use Element.
The areas designated “Hazard” possess extreme physical constraints, such as active
landslide1, sea cliff erosion hazard, and extreme slopes of 35 percent and greater.
The areas designated “Open Space Hillside” are subject to extreme physical constraints
and are maintained as open space, with very light -intensity uses permitted, such as
landscaping, agriculture, passive recreational activities, and very minor structures, for the
protection of the public health, safety, and welfare.
The areas designated “Open Space Preserve” encompass the City’s Palos Verdes Nature
Preserve, which is approximately 1,400 acres of permanent open space. The City’s
Preserve is enrolled in the State’s Natural Communities Conservation Plan and the
Federal Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP) and is encumbered with restrictions,
held in perpetuity, for the preservation and protection of natural resources and habitat.
1 The Portuguese Bend Landslide is one of the largest and most active landslides in the country and
encompasses over two of the City's roughly 14 square miles, moves at a rate between hundredths of an
inch per year and tens of feet per year. This movement is especially noticed by motorists, cyclists and
pedestrians who travel along Palos Verdes Drive South. The City continuously maintains a safe roadway
through the area at a cost of about a half million dollars per year. An above-ground sewer trunk line is in
jeopardy of failing with land movement that has the potential to cause a significant environmental
catastrophe due to its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
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Residential activities are the major land use in the City , with existing and proposed
residential uses encompassing approximately 5,500 acres (66.5% of the total land area).
The predominance of residential use and related density ranges is based on several
factors: the ability of residential activity to produce low environmental stress, the
geographic location of the community with no major transportation facilities, the geology
of the site, lack of market potential for any major commercial development, and need for
support facilities to meet the community’s demand.
As such, it is vital that local control be maintained to ensure public health and safety. One-
size-fits-all legislation with ministerial review requirements cannot take into account the
unique geographic, geologic, and infrastructure constraints required for a project to be
successful and to maintain or enhance public safety.
RECENT LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS
On August 4, 2020, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2020-46 expressing
opposition to proposed planning and zoning legislation that usurps local control and
imposes unfunded mandates and expressing support for actions to further strengthen
local democracy, authority, and control. It furthermore declares that, should the state
continue to pass legislation that attacks local municipal authority, control and revenue,
the City of Rancho Palos Verdes will support actions such as a ballot measure that would
limit the state’s ability to control local activities and strengthen local democracy and
authority.
The City has registered its strong opposition to the current practice of the Legislature of
proposing and passing multitudes of bills that directly impact and interfere with the ability
of cities to control their own destiny through use of zoning authority that has been granted
to them.
While the City appreciates the work of the Legislature to propose policies intended to
mitigate the housing crisis, sweeping and ministerial measures cannot properly assess
their impact on individual communities and their general plans. Streamlined ministerial
approval may be a preferred housing solution for the Legislature, but such development
may have significantly detrimental effects on public health and safety. The City is
concerned that increasing density by-right will not allow sufficient oversight of
infrastructure to ensure that capacities can meet increased residential populations.
In local land use planning and zoning, many factors must be considered. The City must
maintain its local land use authority to ensure that all developments meet all safety
standards and that related traffic changes do not have undue influence on egress paths
in the event of an evacuation, particularly within the VHFHSZ and the Portuguese Bend
Landslide complex, and with considerations for limitations on existing infrastructure.
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In general, the City has supported housing legislation which seeks to increase local
oversight and flexibility, such as Assemblymember Muratsuchi’s Assembly Constitutional
Amendment No. 7 which would amend the State Constitution to require certain local la nd
use controls and zoning regulations remain within incorporated communities when in
conflict with general laws.
The City has opposed legislation that erodes local land use authority, such as Senator
Atkins’ SB 9, which would require ministerial approval of lot splits and duplexes in single-
family residential zoned areas. The City is deeply concerned that bills such as SB 9, which
would potentially quadruple density in single-family zoning by-right would have
detrimental effects on the City’s infrastructure capacity, particularly in the event of an
emergency. Increasing density without the ability for the City to properly plan for it will
negatively impact public safety in a community like Rancho Palos Verdes, and its
residents’ quality of life.
One-size-fits all laws inherently fail to consider the needs of individual communities and
their general plans. Furthermore, the current practice of mandating streamlined local
processes does nothing to address encouraging actual affordable development of those
properties. The Legislature should consider bills that incentivize affordable developments
and provide local agencies the ability to zone for such developments. The tone of recent
bills, such as making it easier to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a property,
does not guarantee that it will be sold below market rate , thereby affordable. In fact, it
appears ADU’s are being rented above market rates throughout Los Angeles or being
used for other uses than housing (i.e. gyms, studios, pool cabanas, etc. because of State-
mandated relaxed zoning laws). Upzoning parcels is likely to increase the value of the
underlying land, which then makes new construction unnecessarily more expensive and
over time, raises the values and rents throughout the neighborhoods, making affordable
housing even less likely to be built.
The current legislative preference for by-right approvals in favor of increasing density,
fails to consider the nuances in individual communities, potentially risking public safety,
and does nothing to inherently promote affordable housing, which is vital to recover from
the housing crisis and is the purported aim of this approach.
POTENTIAL LEGISLATIVE SOLUTIONS
The City is supportive of legislation which seeks to preserve local land use authority and
flexibility, giving choices and incentives to cities. Ultimately, the City would support
legislation which would allow local governments to adopt proposed legislation if the
requirements are suitable in their individual jurisdictions. Local planning departments
have the knowledge and skills to prepare creative solutions to the housing crisis that best
serve their communities. By-right zoning legislation undermines their ability to exercise
the city’s local land use authority and problem-solve based on their city’s unique
geographic, geologic, and infrastructure constraints, but with state support, they have the
capacity to help alleviate the housing crisis.
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The City would additionally continue to support legislation that provides financial
assistance to implement new directives, or programs similar to Local Early Action
Planning (LEAP) and Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) that provide funding to help
cities accelerate housing production. The City would also support legislation that provides
incentives to cities, such as additional tax revenue or tax breaks. Unfunded mandates are
a financial burden to cities which make them difficult to implement successfully.
The Legislature may also consider adopting policies which grant concessions to cities
based on adoption of pro-housing policies. For example, if a city were to utilize their local
land use authority to upzone a certain amount of land in a commercial corridor, they could
be exempt from policies such as requiring ministerial app roval of ADUs. This will further
local land use flexibility and grants additional incentives to local governments to adopt
pro-housing policies. The City is supportive of legislation that increases land use flexibility
such as regional trust and/or trade policies, similar to Senator Allen’s SB 809.
The City would also support legislation aimed at developers to encourage sustainable,
cost-effective development of affordable housing in safe locations across the state .
Legislation which seeks to expand existing programs such as Project Homekey, or similar
programs that repurpose existing buildings or underutilized commercial property (i.e.
surface parking lots or single-story shopping centers) into affordable housing are also
viable solutions. Additionally, the Legislature should consider policies and programs
which provide social services and mental health resources to help unhoused persons be
eligible for, acquire, and maintain affordable housing.
Cities have the tools, knowledge, and policies in place to continue to plan and develop
innovative solutions to mitigate the housing crisis: solutions that best serve the city and
the residents. If, for example, a city observes that there seems to be a surplus of parking
spaces in shopping centers, they could re-zone the land to be mixed-use residential. The
city may also determine that they could lower their parking requirements in certain areas
due to traffic patterns and/or location of transit. When cities are allowed to keep their local
land use authority, they will continue to plan and develop new solutions that address their
specific constraints, and the state could reward cities for taking such actions with
additional tax revenue or tax breaks or policy concessions.
Regional housing needs and legislation increasing density must be balanced by local
capacity assessments including traffic conditions, sewer conditions, school district
capacity, ingress/egress capacity, and water supply, among others. Legislation should re-
focus efforts toward developing programs for cities and state collaboration on housing
production, alongside sustainable transportation, broadband deployment, and other key
infrastructure areas that can support our communities.
CONCLUSION
During recent legislative sessions, the City has opposed planning and zoning legislation
that usurps local control and imposes unfunded mandates. The City was founded to
protect local authority and to preserve the character of Rancho Palos Verdes. Local
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oversight of planning and zoning is essential to ensure that every development is suitable
and safe for the community, to protect the health and safety of all residents.
The City is supportive of policies which strengthen local democracy, authority, and
control. The City would additionally consider supporting policies which include funded
mandates, legislation aimed at developers to encourage creation of affordable housing,
the expansion of programs such as Project Homekey, and the creation of programs to
improve social and mental health services for unhoused persons.
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes looks forward to working with the Legislature to have
an open dialogue about viable solutions to the state’s housing crisis, while maintaining all
residents’ high quality of life.
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CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
20232 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
DATE ADOPTED: Resolution No. 20221-__ on November December 202, 20221.
PURPOSE
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ 20232 Legislative Platform (Platform) outlines the
policy positions of the City Council on current issues which directly or indirectly impact
the City. This Platform serves as a guideline to actively pursue pending legislation through
monitoring and communications activities, with City Council approval and is primarily
based upon positions previously adopted by the City Council.
The City looks forward to working with regional, state, and federal partners to best serve
residents. The statements outlined in the Platform represent the City’s general position
on legislative and regulatory issues of interest and concern.
PRIORITY CITY PROJECTS
Through the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), major projects are planned for a
period of five years. The list below includes important projects of regional significance
listed within the CIP that do not have sufficient funding. The City is supportive of
legislation, policies, programs, or administrative actions that would assist in funding these
projects.
A. Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project
Total Cost: $33 million
Status: Environmental analysis and documentation
Funds Committed: $2.3 million
The Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex (PBLC) is the largest active landslide in
the continental United States, encompassing two of the City’s roughly 14 square
miles, directly impacting Palos Verdes Drive South, a major arterial street providing
transportation for the wider region , including neighboring cities of Palos Verdes
Estates and the City of Los Angeles (San Pedro). Continued land movement poses
a catastrophic environmental threat to the California coastline due to an above-
ground sewer trunk line located adjacent to the Pacific Ocean at severe risk of
rupture. The project seeks to protect life, public health, safety, and the environment
through mitigation of land movement in the PBLC area.
1. HOUSING AND LOCAL LAND USE
A. Oppose legislation that usurps local control and erodes the City’s authority to
control its own affairs.
B. Support actions which further strengthen local democracy, authority, and control.
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C. Support policies or programs that allow city and state collaboration on housing
production, alongside sustainable transportation, broadband deployment, and
other key infrastructure areas to support our communities. Support state grants,
legislation, or programs which provide funds to cities and/or developers to
encourage sustainable and affordable housing development. Support policies or
grants which encourage the development of regional housing trusts.
D. Oppose legislation that penalizes a city or local government if the units identif ied
in the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) are not constructed. Oppose
legislation that proposes to convert RHNA from a planning process to a production
standard.
E. Support legislation that preserves local authority to manage public rights -of-way
including the appearance and aesthetics of equipment placed within them.
F. Support legislation that preserves local authority to zone and plan for the
deployment of telecommunications infrastructure in public rights-of-way.
G. Oppose legislation that diminishes the authority of local jurisdictions to process
permits and enforce building codes or mandates the manner of enforcement.
H. Oppose legislation that seeks to limit or eliminate municipal authority to regulate
street or sidewalk vendors.
I. Support legislation and administrative actions that protect the ability for a local
jurisdiction to preserve open space in and around a local government’s jurisdiction.
J. Support legislation and administrative actions that provide state and federal
funding for major public works projects such as the Portuguese Bend Landslide
Remediation Project.
o Potential Coalition Partners: League of California Cities (Cal Cities), South Bay
Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG), California Contract Cities Association
(CCCA), Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Palos Verdes
Peninsula Cities (PV Cities), Our Neighborhood Voices Initiative
2. PUBLIC SAFETY
A. Support legislation that enhances emergency preparedness, resiliency, and public
safety.
B. Support legislation that strengthens and enforces legal protections for all
individuals who are victims of crimes.
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C. Support measures that provide funding to local agencies for training, effective
disaster preparedness, sheriff’s station infrastructure, fire department
infrastructure, and emergency planning.
D. Support legislation, regulations, or administrative actions ensuring all cities,
including contract cities, have equal access to public safety funding.
E. Support legislation which maintains law enforcement’s ability to utilize automatic
license plate reading (ALPR) cameras as an investigatory tool.
F. Support legislation that provides tools to deter catalytic converter theft.
E.G. Support legislation that provides tools to deter organized and serial retail
theft.
H. Support legislation to accelerate the development and implementation of
enhanced electrical utility infrastructure, including undergrounding of utility
equipment that ensures reliable utility service and public safety and prevents the
use of public safety power shutoffs.
F.I. Support legislation that protects insurance coverage for properties within very high
fire zones.
O Potential Coalition Partners: Cal Cities, SBCCOG, CCCA, Los Angeles County
Sheriff’s Department (LASD), PV Cities
3. COMMUNITY SERVICES
A. Support legislation and local, state, and federal programs that employ evidence-
based best practice strategies to reduce the number of people experiencing
homelessness by preventing homelessness for those at risk; promoting mental
health and substance abuse services; providing emergency and transitional
housing; expanding permanent affordable housing; and promoting self -
empowerment through counseling, job training, and other supportive services.
B. Support legislation and local, state, and federal programs that reduce the number
of people experiencing homelessness by promoting mental health and substance
abuse services; providing emergency and transitional housing; expanding
permanent affordable/supportive housing; and promoting self-empowerment
through counseling, job training, and other supportive services for those who suffer
from mental health issues and/or substance abuse.
C.B. Support legislation and local, state, and federal programs which seek to
provide mental health services, including youth and young adult programs,
community resource centers, and education in accessing mental health care.
B-3 142
20232 Legislative Platform
Page A-4
o Potential Coalition Partners: Cal Cities, SBCCOG, CCCA, Los Angeles Homeless
Services Authority, PV Cities, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District
4. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
A. Support legislation, regulations, or administrative actions to remediate the harmful
effects of dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and other chemicals in coastal
waters, especially near Santa Catalina Island and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
B. Support legislation that provides rebate programs, tax credits, and other financial
incentives that encourage property owners to invest in water efficient systems and
landscaping and energy efficiency and renewable energy systems.
o Potential Coalition Partners: Cal Cities, SBCCOG, PV Cities, coastal cities
5. GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS
A. Support legislation that grants full cost reimbursement to local agencies by the
state and federal government for all mandated programs.
B. Support legislation that ensures the retention of existing local revenue sources,
including the City’s share of property taxes, sales and use taxes, transient
occupancy taxes, etc. Support legislation that will enhance revenue for cities.
C. Support legislation modernizing the methods by which a local agency may comply
with the Brown Act. Support legislation that allows for the continued use of
teleconferencing platforms to continue holding hybrid public meetings outside of a
declared state of emergency. Hybrid meetings increase access to public meetings
and encourage greater transparency.
D. Support legislation which allows for regional considerations or public health orders
that consider regional factors when determining public health needs within Los
Angeles County, particularly at the council of governments (COG) level, in
relationship to public health, homelessness, and sustainability, among other areas
of regional importance.
E. Oppose legislation that would prohibit or limit local governments’ ability to contract
out for the provision of services.
o Potential Coalition Partners: Cal Cities, SBCCOG, CCCA, PV Cities
B-4 143
2023 Legislative Platform
Page A-1
CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES
2023 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
DATE ADOPTED: Resolution No. 2022-__ on December 20, 2022.
PURPOSE
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes’ 2023 Legislative Platform (Platform) outlines the policy
positions of the City Council on current issues which directly or indirectly impact the City.
This Platform serves as a guideline to actively pursue pending legislation, with City
Council approval.
The City looks forward to working with regional, state, and federal partners to best serve
residents. The statements outlined in the Platform represent the City’s general position
on legislative and regulatory issues of interest and concern.
PRIORITY CITY PROJECTS
Through the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), major projects are planned for a
period of five years. The list below includes important projects of regional significance
listed within the CIP that do not have sufficient funding. The City is supportive of
legislation, policies, programs, or administrative actions that would assist in funding these
projects.
A. Portuguese Bend Landslide Remediation Project
Total Cost: $33 million
Status: Environmental analysis and documentation
Funds Committed: $2.3 million
The Portuguese Bend Landslide Complex (PBLC) is the largest active landslide in
the continental United States, encompassing two of the City’s roughly 14 square
miles, directly impacting Palos Verdes Drive South, a major arterial street providing
transportation for the wider region , including neighboring cities of Palos Verdes
Estates and the City of Los Angeles (San Pedro). Continued land movement poses
a catastrophic environmental threat to the California coastline due to an above -
ground sewer trunk line located adjacent to the Pacific Ocean at severe risk of
rupture. The project seeks to protect life, public health, safety, and the environment
through mitigation of land movement in the PBLC area.
1. HOUSING AND LOCAL LAND USE
A. Oppose legislation that usurps local control and erodes the City’s authority to
control its own affairs.
B. Support actions which further strengthen local democracy, authority, and control.
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2023 Legislative Platform
Page A-2
C. Support policies or programs that allow city and state collaboration on housing
production, alongside sustainable transportation, broadband deployment, and
other key infrastructure areas to support our communities. Support state grants,
legislation, or programs which encourage sustainable and affordable housing
development. Support policies or grants which encourage the development of
regional housing trusts.
D. Oppose legislation that penalizes a city or local government if the units identified
in the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) are not constructed. Oppose
legislation that proposes to convert RHNA from a planning process to a production
standard.
E. Support legislation that preserves local authority to manage public rights -of-way
including the appearance and aesthetics of equipment placed within them.
F. Support legislation that preserves local authority to zone and plan for the
deployment of telecommunications infrastructure in public rights-of-way.
G. Oppose legislation that diminishes the authority of local jurisdictions to process
permits and enforce building codes or mandates the manner of enforcement.
H. Oppose legislation that seeks to limit or eliminate municipal authority to regulate
street or sidewalk vendors.
I. Support legislation and administrative actions that protect the ability for a local
jurisdiction to preserve open space in and around a local government’s jurisdiction.
o Potential Coalition Partners: League of California Cities (Cal Cities), South Bay
Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG), California Contract Cities Association
(CCCA), Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Palos Verdes
Peninsula Cities (PV Cities), Our Neighborhood Voices Initiative
2. PUBLIC SAFETY
A. Support legislation that enhances emergency preparedness, resiliency, and public
safety.
B. Support legislation that strengthens and enforces legal protections for all
individuals who are victims of crimes.
C. Support measures that provide funding to local agencies for training, effective
disaster preparedness, sheriff’s station infrastructure, fire department
infrastructure, and emergency planning.
D. Support legislation, regulations, or administrative actions ensuring all cities,
including contract cities, have equal access to public safety funding.
C-2 145
2023 Legislative Platform
Page A-3
E. Support legislation which maintains law enforcement’s ability to utilize automatic
license plate reading (ALPR) cameras as an investigatory tool.
F. Support legislation that provides tools to deter catalytic converter theft.
G. Support legislation that provides tools to deter organized and serial retail theft.
H. Support legislation to accelerate the development and implementation of
enhanced electrical utility infrastructure, including undergrounding of utility
equipment that ensures reliable utility service and public safety and prevents the
use of public safety power shutoffs.
I. Support legislation that protects insurance coverage for properties within very high
fire zones.
O Potential Coalition Partners: Cal Cities, SBCCOG, CCCA, Los Angeles County
Sheriff’s Department (LASD), PV Cities
3. COMMUNITY SERVICES
A. Support legislation and local, state, and federal programs that employ evidence-
based best practice strategies to reduce the number of people experiencing
homelessness by preventing homelessness for those at risk; promoting mental
health and substance abuse services; providing emergency and transitional
housing; expanding permanent affordable housing; and promoting self -
empowerment through counseling, job training, and other supportive services.
B. Support legislation and local, state, and federal programs which seek to provide
mental health services, including youth and young adult programs, community
resource centers, and education in accessing mental health care.
o Potential Coalition Partners: Cal Cities, SBCCOG, CCCA, Los Angeles Homeless
Services Authority, PV Cities, Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District
4. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
A. Support legislation, regulations, or administrative actions to remediate the harmful
effects of dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and other chemicals in coastal
waters, especially near Santa Catalina Island and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
B. Support legislation that provides rebate programs, tax credits, and other financial
incentives that encourage property owners to invest in water efficient systems and
landscaping and energy efficiency and renewable energy systems.
o Potential Coalition Partners: Cal Cities, SBCCOG, PV Cities, coastal cities
C-3 146
2023 Legislative Platform
Page A-4
5. GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS
A. Support legislation that grants full cost reimbursement to local agencies by the
state and federal government for all mandated programs.
B. Support legislation that ensures the retention of existing local revenue sources,
including the City’s share of property taxes, sales and use taxes, transient
occupancy taxes, etc. Support legislation that will enhance revenue for cities.
C. Support legislation modernizing the methods by which a local agency may comply
with the Brown Act. Support legislation that allows for the continued use of
teleconferencing platforms to continue holding hybrid public meetings outside of a
declared state of emergency. Hybrid meetings increase access to public meetings
and encourage greater transparency.
D. Support legislation which allows for regional considerations within Los Angeles
County, particularly at the council of governments (COG) level, in relationship to
public health, homelessness, and sustainability, among other areas of regional
importance.
E. Oppose legislation that would prohibit or limit local governments’ ability to contract
out for the provision of services.
o Potential Coalition Partners: Cal Cities, SBCCOG, CCCA, PV Cities
C-4 147
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
NUMBER: 29
DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED: 08/01/95 (amended 02/19/02, 03/04/14,
and 04/20/21, and 12/20/22)
SUBJECT: City Council Position on Legislative Items
POLICY:
It shall be the policy of the City that staff shall monitor regional, County, State and
Federal legislative matters and initiatives, and consider the potential impact(s)
such legislative initiatives on the City or the region, in line with the City Council’s
annually adopted Legislative Platform. Thereafter, staff shall prepare and present
periodic updates on such legislative matters for the City Council to consider
whether to take a position(s) on the same and, if so, what position(s) to take.
The legislation monitored will include both those issues that the City Council
determines either to support or oppose and those that the City Council may choose
to identify as issues of concern, but not take a position on. The determination of
what position to take on pending legislation shall be solely that of the City Council.
Staff will periodically, at the request of a Council member or in accordance with the
Legislative Platform, place matters of pending legislation on the City Council
agenda for consideration. Staff will provide regular updates on the status of any
legislative action affecting any issues of concern to the City Council through the
Weekly Administrative Report.
If the majority of the Council votes to take a position on a certain legislation, staff
shall prepare the appropriate correspondence, for the Mayor’s signature, to the
relevant Federal, State, County and/or regional legislative representative(s)
expressing the position of the City, and copies provided to the City Council. Such
correspondence shall be posted on the City’s website under the Legislation Corner
homepage.
Individual Council members may wish to support or oppose a specific piece of
legislation irrespective of whether the City Council has or has not taken a position
on such legislation. Any legislative activity by an individual Council member,
including preparing legislative correspondence, may be conducted by any Council
member, who shall state that he or she is not acting on behalf of the City and is
representing his or her own personal views. However, staff shall not assist in any
legislative activity of an individual Council member, including the preparation of
legislative correspondence, unless the legislative item has appeared on a Council
agenda and has received a majority vote of the Council.
D-1 148
Summaries and updates on legislation that staff monitors and/or that the City
Council has taken a position on The League of California Cities’ “Legislative
Bulletin” and any appropriate publication that summarizes legislation shall be
provided as part of the City Manager’s Weekly Administrative Report to each
member of the Council for review.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council initially adopted a policy for Council involvement in Federal and
State legislative advocacy in 1995. Although the policy seems to have worked
adequately over the first seven years, by 2002 it was thought that it did not allow
the City to respond rapidly to requests to support or oppose legislation that may
be before a committee or on the floor or the Assembly or before Congress and
needs immediate action on the part of supporters or opponents. Therefore, the
policy was amended in 2002 to address these perceived deficiencies. In 2014, the
policy was amended again to revise the procedure for monitoring legislation, and
to explicitly include legislative issues at the County and regional level. In 2021,
the policy was amended to reflect updated Staff processes. In 2022, it was
amended to reflect the City’s adoption of an annual Legislative Platform.
The City Council’s revised legislative policy establishes an internal process for
identifying, tracking and advocating its position on pending legislation
synchronized to the fast-paced “legislation time clock.” Through this proactive
policy, the City Council hopes to have a stronger “voice” in the Peninsula/South
Bay region, Los Angeles County, Sacramento and Washington, DC.
D-2 149
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
NUMBER: 29
DATE ADOPTED/AMENDED: 08/01/95 (amended 02/19/02, 03/04/14 and
04/20/21)
SUBJECT: City Council Position on Legislative Items
POLICY:
It shall be the policy of the City that staff shall monitor regional, County, State and
Federal legislative matters and initiatives, and consider the potential impact(s)
such legislative initiatives on the City or the region. Thereafter, staff shall prepare
and present periodic updates on such legislative matters for the City Council to
consider whether to take a position(s) on the same and, if so, what position(s) to
take.
The legislation monitored will include both those issues that the City Council
determines either to support or oppose and those that the City Council may choose
to identify as issues of concern, but not take a position on. The determination of
what position to take on pending legislation shall be solely that of the City Council.
Staff will periodically, at the request of a Council member, place matters of pending
legislation on the City Council agenda for consideration. Staff will provide regular
updates on the status of any legislative action affecting any issues of concern to
the City Council through the Weekly Administrative Report.
If the majority of the Council votes to take a position on a certain legislation, staff
shall prepare the appropriate correspondence , for the Mayor’s signature, to the
relevant Federal, State, County and/or regional legislative representative(s)
expressing the position of the City, and copies provided to the City Council. Such
correspondence shall be posted on the City’s website under the Legislation Corner
homepage.
Individual Council members may wish to support or oppose a specific piece of
legislation irrespective of whether the City Council has or has not taken a position
on such legislation. Any legislative activity by an individual Council member,
including preparing legislative correspondence, may be conducted by a ny Council
member, who shall state that he or she is not acting on behalf of the City and is
representing his or her own personal views. However, staff shall not assist in any
legislative activity of an individual Council member, including the preparation of
legislative correspondence, unless the legislative item has appeared on a Council
agenda and has received a majority vote of the Council.
E-1 150
The League of California Cities’ “Legislative Bulletin” and any appropriate
publication that summarizes legislation shall be provided as part of the City
Manager’s Weekly Administrative Report to each member of the Council for
review.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council initially adopted a policy for Council involvement in Federal and
State legislative advocacy in 1995. Although the policy seems to have worked
adequately over the first seven years, by 2002 it was thought that it did not allow
the City to respond rapidly to requests to support or oppose legislation that may
be before a committee or on the floor or the Assembly or before Congress and
needs immediate action on the part of supporters or opponents. Therefore, the
policy was amended in 2002 to address these perceived deficiencies. In 2014, the
policy was amended again to revise the procedure for monitoring legislation, and
to explicitly include legislative issues at the County and regional level.
The City Council’s revised legislative policy establishes an internal process for
identifying, tracking and advocating its position on pending legislation
synchronized to the fast-paced “legislation time clock.” Through this proactive
policy, the City Council hopes to have a stronger “voice” in the Peninsula/South
Bay region, Los Angeles County, Sacramento and Washington, DC.
E-2 151
Agenda Item No.: 15.A
Mtg. Date: 11/11/2024
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: RECEIVE AND FILE A VERBAL UPDATE ON THE CITY HALL
LANDSCAPE DESIGN GRANT PROJECT
DATE:November 11, 2024
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
ATTACHMENTS:
152
Agenda Item No.: 15.B
Mtg. Date: 11/11/2024
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: RECEIVE AND FILE A VERBAL UPDATE ON THE OUTDOOR
EMERGENCY SIREN PROJECT AND CITYWIDE TESTING
DATE:November 11, 2024
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
ATTACHMENTS:
153
Agenda Item No.: 16.A
Mtg. Date: 11/11/2024
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: EXISTING LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D)(1)
THE CITY FINDS, BASED ON ADVICE FROM LEGAL COUNSEL, THAT
DISCUSSION IN OPEN SESSION WILL PREJUDICE THE POSITION OF
THE CITY IN THE LITIGATION. (1 CASE)
a. NAME OF CASE: CONNIE ANDERSEN, ET AL. V. CALIFORNIA
WATER COMPANY, ET AL. (SEAVIEW CASE) CASE NO.:
24STCV20953
DATE:November 11, 2024
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
154
Agenda Item No.: 16.B
Mtg. Date: 11/11/2024
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:KARINA BAÑALES, CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (TWO CASES) CPUC
COMPLAINTS AGAINST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON AND
SOCAL GAS
DATE:November 11, 2024
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
155