CL_AGN_231017_PC_AgendaPacket_F1.CALL TO ORDER
2.ROLL CALL
3.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
This is the appropriate time for the Chair or Commissioners to approve the agenda as is or reorder.
5.BLUE FOLDER ITEMS (SUPPLEMENTAL)
Blue folder items are additional back up material to administrative reports and/or public comments received after the
printing and distribution of the agenda packet for receive and file.
6.PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
This section is intended to provide members of the public with the opportunity to comment on any subject that does not
appear on this agenda for action. Each speaker will be permitted to speak only once. Written requests, if any, will be
considered first under this section.
7.CONSENT CALENDAR
Business items, except those formally noticed for public hearing, or those pulled for discussion are assigned to the
Consent Calendar. The Chair or any Commissioner 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
Chair will call on anyone wishing to address the Commission on any Consent Calendar item on the agenda, which has
not been pulled by Commission for discussion.
7.A.APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 2023
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
7.B.APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 12, 2023, PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETINGS
RECOMMENDATION: Approve as presented.
7.C.ZONING CASE NO. 23-003, MODIFICATION NO. 1: MINOR MODIFICATION TO
2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274
(310) 377-1521
AGENDA
Regular Planning Commission
Meeting
PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
6:30 PM
CL_AGN_231017_PC_AffidavitofPosting.pdf
CL_MIN_230912_PC_FT_F.pdf
CL_MIN_230912_PC_F.pdf
1
THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S DECISION APPROVING A SITE PLAN
REVIEW FOR NON-EXEMPT GRADING AND A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
MODIFY ONE 960-SQUARE-FOOT STABLE WITH 480-SQUARE-FOOT
COVERED PORCH TO TWO 384-SQUARE-FOOT STABLES (EACH) WITH NO
COVERED PORCHES LOCATED AT 74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD, (LOT 37-
FT) (WILSON), AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file.
8.EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
9.PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
9.A.ZONING CASE NO. 23-049: SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR A 1,957-SQUARE-FOOT
ADDITION TO AN EXISTING RESIDENCE, AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
TO ADD 244 SQUARE FEET TO AN EXISTING POOL HOUSE, LOCATED AT 19
PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD (LOT 80-RH) (HTJGDB/SIU)
RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2023-13 approving Zoning Case
No. 23-049 for a Site Plan Review for a 1,957-square-foot addition to an
existing residence, conditional use permit to add 244 square feet to an
existing pool house, and finding the project exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act for a property located at 19 Portuguese Bend
Road (LOT 80-RH) (HTJGDB/SIU).
9.B.AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING
VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING
TO WIRELESS FACILITIES; AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Open and conduct a public hearing;
2. Find that proposed Ordinance is exempt from the requirements of the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to State CEQA
Guidelines Section 15302 (replacement or reconstruction), State CEQA
Guidelines Section 15303 (new construction or conversion of small
structures), State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 (minor alterations to
land), or, in the alternative, Sections 15378 and 15061(b)(3); and
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-10 (Attachment 1), which recommends that
the City Council adopt the proposed Ordinance No. 384 (Exhibit "A" to
Attachment 1).
2023-01_PC RESOLUTION_74PortugueseBendRd_ZC23-003_Stable_Wilson_F_E.pdf
ApprovedDevelopmentPlans_230405_74PortugueseBendRd_ZC23-003.pdf
ModificationNo1_231002_74PortugueseBendRd_ZC23-003_2Barns
Attachment 1: Resolution No. 2023-13
ATTACHMENT1_2023-10_PCResolution_WCF_Ordinance_101723_F.pdf
ATTACHMENT2_384_WirelessOrdinance_Updated PC DRAFT 10-17-23-c1_redline.pdf
ATTACHMENT3_PL_WCF_OrdAmend2023_231002_Email_CrownCastle.pdf
ATTACHMENT4_PL_WCF_OrdAmend2023_231010_CrownCastlePresentation_2SlidesPerPage.pdf
ATTACHMENT5_CL_AGN_230912_PC_Item9B_RHCA_PublicComment.pdf
ATTACHMENT6_CL_AGN_230912_PC_Item9B_RHCA_CellAntennaMockUp.pdf
ATTACHMENT7_CL_AGN_230912_PC_Item9B_RHCA_CellSurveyResults2023.pdf
ATTACHMENT8_PL_WCF_230912_PC_StaffReport.pdf
2
10.NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
11.OLD BUSINESS
12.NEW BUSINESS
13.SCHEDULE FIELD TRIPS
14.ITEMS FROM STAFF
1. Term Expirations - Announcement to Community
15.ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
16.ADJOURNMENT
Next meeting: Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber,
Rolling Hills City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California, 90274.
Notice:
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.
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.
All of the above resolutions and zoning case items have been determined to be categorically exempt pursuant
to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines unless otherwise stated.
3
Agenda Item No.: 7.A
Mtg. Date: 10/17/2023
TO:HONORABLE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:DAVID H. READY
SUBJECT:APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE PLANNING
COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 2023
DATE:October 17, 2023
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_AGN_231017_PC_AffidavitofPosting.pdf
4
Administrative Report
7.A., File # 2046 Meeting Date: 10/17/202 3
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §§
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 Planning Commission
Posting Type 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 OCTOBER 17, 202 3 6:30pm
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: Octo ber 13, 2023
5
Agenda Item No.: 7.B
Mtg. Date: 10/17/2023
TO:HONORABLE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
FROM:CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO
CITY MANAGER
THRU:DAVID H. READY
SUBJECT:APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 12 , 2023, PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETINGS
DATE:October 17, 2023
BACKGROUND:
None.
DISCUSSION:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve as presented.
ATTACHMENTS:
CL_MIN_230912_PC_FT_F.pdf
CL_MIN_230912_PC_F.pdf
6
MINUTES – PLANNING COMMISSION FIELD TRIP MEETING
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Page 1
Minutes
Rolling Hills Planning Commission
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Field Trip Meeting 7:30 a.m.
12 Pine Tree Lane
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
The Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills met at 12 Pine Tree Lane on the above date and the
meeting was called to order at 7:32 a.m. Chair Brad Chelf presiding.
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Cardenas, Cooley, Douglass, Chair Chelf
Commissioners Absent: Vice Chair Kirkpatrick
Staff Present: John Signo, Planning & Community Services Director
Stephanie Grant, Assistant Planner
Public Present: Dave Brieholtz, Sue Brieholtz, Gary Wynn, Austin Su, Leah Mirsch
3. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA – NONE
4. FIELD TRIP
4.A. APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION FIELD TRIP MEETING
OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
Motion made by Chair Chelf and seconded by Commissioner Cardenas to approve Item 4.A. Motioned
passed unanimously, 4-0, via voice vote.
4.B. ZONING CASE NO 23 -077: SITE PLAN REVIEW AND LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT BETWEEN
THREE LOTS AT 10,12, AND 14 PINE TREE LANE TO CREATE TWO LARGER LOTS WITH A
COMBINED GROSS LOT AREA OF 7.84 ACRES (LOTS 85-1-RH, 85 -2-RH, 85-3-RH)
(HASSOLDT); RESOLUTION NO. 2023 -12
Presentation by Assistant Planner Grant
Public Comment: Gary Wynn, Dave Brieholtz, Sue Brieholtz
Commissioners and the public walked the site and asked questions. Mr. Wynn pointed out the stakes
depicting the existing and proposed property lines and the proposed easement.
Chair Chelf continued the meeting to 19 Portuguese Bend Road at 7:40 a.m., and the meeting resumed at
19 Portuguese Bend Road at 7:55 a.m.
4.C. ZONING CASE NO. 23-049: SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR A 1,957-SQUARE-FOOT ADDITION TO
AN EXISTING RESIDENCE, AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ADD 244 SQUARE FEET TO
AN EXISTING POOL HOUSE, LOCATED AT 19 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD IN ZONING CASE
NO. 23-049 (LOT 80-RH) (HTJGDB/SIU)
Public Present: Russ Barto, Dugal Bain, Leah Mirsch
Presentation by Assistant Planner Grant
7
MINUTES – PLANNING COMMISSION FIELD TRIP MEETING
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Page 2
Public Comment: Russ Barto, Dugal Bain
Commissioners and the public walked the site and asked questions. The group walked around the house to
the pool house in the rear to view the silhouette depicting the proposed additions. Mr. Barto explained the
proposed project and answered questions. Mr. Bain who lives next door at 17 Portuguese Bend Road
expressed concern about privacy and requested vegetation screening.
5. ADJOURNMENT : 8:07 A.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 a.m. to the regular meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled to
be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 , beginning at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
Approved,
____________________________________
Brad Chelf, Chair
8
MINUTES – PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Page 1
Minutes
Rolling Hills Planning Commission
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Regular Meeting 6:30 p.m.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
The Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills met in person on the above date at 6:30 p.m. Chair
Chelf presiding.
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Cardenas, Cooley, Douglass, Vice Chair Kirkpatrick, Chair Chelf
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff Present: John Signo, Planning & Community Services Director
Christian Horvath, City Clerk / Executive Assistant to the City Manager
Stephanie Grant, Assistant Planner
Scott Shapses, Assistant City Attorney
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director Signo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
Approved by Chair Chelf with no objections.
5. BLUE FOLDER ITEMS (SUPPLEMENTAL)
Motion by Chair Chelf, seconded by Commissioner Cardenas, to receive and file Blue Folder Items for 9A
and 9B. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Cardenas, Cooley, Douglass, Kirkpatrick, Chair Chelf
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS – NONE
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
7.A. APPROVE AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING FOR THE PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
7.B. APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR THE AUGUST 15, 2023, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Motion by Vice Chair Kirkpatrick, seconded by Commissioner Cardenas, to approve Consent Calendar.
Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Cardenas, Cooley, Douglass, Kirkpatrick, Chair Chelf
9
MINUTES – PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Page 2
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
8. EXCLUDED CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS – NONE
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
9.A. ZONING CASE NO. 22-51: SITE PLAN REVIEW TO CONSTRUCT A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE WITH A BASEMENT, ATTACHED GARAGE, FIVE-FOOT-HIGH RETAINING
WALLS, NON-EXEMPT GRADING, AND RELATED IMPROVEMENTS; VARIANCES TO
CONSTRUCT: (1) A SWIMMING POOL/SPA IN THE FRONT YARD, (2) RETAINING WALLS
EXCEEDING AN AVERAGE OF 2½ FEET IN HEIGHT, (3) RETAINING WALLS IN THE FRONT
YARD, AND (4) NON-EXEMPT GRADING EXPORT ON A PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4 POPPY
TRAIL, ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274 (LOT 17-A-PT) (ARVIDSON), AND FINDING THE PROJECT
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Presentation by Planning & Community Services Director John Signo,
Public Comment: Dan Bolton, Dave Long, Mark Minkes, Nikos Constant, Greg Becker
Motion by Chair Chelf, seconded by Commissioner Cardenas, to receive and file a public comment email
from Greg Becker. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Cardenas, Cooley, Douglass, Kirkpatrick, Chair Chelf
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion by Commissioner Cardenas, seconded by Commissioner Cooley, to approve Resolution No. 2023-
11. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Cardenas, Cooley, Douglass, Kirkpatrick, Chair Chelf
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
9.B. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING VARIOUS
SECTIONS OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO WIRELESS FACILITIES;
AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT
Presentation by Planning & Community Services Director John Signo,
Bennett Givens, Telecommunication Attorney, BB&K
Public Comment: Stephen Garcia (Crown Castle), Kristen Raig (RHCA), Jim Aichele
Motion by Vice Chair Kirkpatrick, seconded by Commissioner Douglass, to continue the item to the October
17, 2023 meeting. Motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Cardenas, Cooley, Douglass, Kirkpatrick, Chair Chelf
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
10
MINUTES – PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Page 3
10. NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
10.A. ZONING CASE NO 23 -077: SITE PLAN REVIEW AND LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT BETWEEN
THREE LOTS AT 10,12, AND 14 PINE TREE LANE TO CREATE TWO LARGER LOTS WITH A
COMBINED GROSS LOT AREA OF 7.84 ACRES (LOTS 85-1-RH, 85-2-RH, 85-3-RH)
(HASSOLDT); RESOLUTION NO. 2023-12
Presentation by Assistant Planner Stephanie Grant
Public Comment: Gary Wynn
Motion by Commissioner Cardenas, seconded by Commissioner Douglass, to approve Resolution No. 2023-
12. Motion carried with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Cardenas, Cooley, Douglass, Chair Chelf
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Kirkpatrick
ABSENT: None
10.B. ZONING CASE NO. 23-049: SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR A 1,957-SQUARE-FOOT ADDITION TO
AN EXISTING RESIDENCE, AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ADD 244 SQUARE FEET TO
AN EXISTING POOL HOUSE, LOCATED AT 19 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD IN ZONING CASE
NO. 23-049 (LOT 80-RH) (HTJGDB/SIU)
Commissioner Cardenas recused himself.
Presentation by Assistant Planner Stephanie Grant
Public Comment: Russ Barto
Motion by Chair Chelf, seconded by Commissioner Douglass, to bring back a resolution with additional
language regarding landscape screening. Motion carried with the following roll call vote:
AYES: Cooley, Douglass, Chair Chelf
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Kirkpatrick
ABSENT: None
11. OLD BUSINESS – NONE
12. NEW BUSINESS – NONE
13. SCHEDULED FIELD TRIPS – NONE
14. ITEMS FROM STAFF
Planning & Community Services Director Signo welcomed the Commission back to their first meeting in
person since the pandemic began in 2020. He also introduced Scott Shapses who was filling in for Assistant
City Attorney Stager this month, and Telecommunication Attorney Bennett Givens who was present earlier.
Director Signo also mentioned upcoming items regarding terms and chair assignments.
15. ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION – NONE
11
MINUTES – PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Page 4
16. ADJOURNMENT : 9:13 P.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p.m. to the Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, October 17,
2023, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________________
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
Approved,
____________________________________
Brad Chelf, Chair
12
Agenda Item No.: 7.C
Mtg. Date: 10/17/2023
TO:HONORABLE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
FROM:JOHN SIGNO, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & COMMUNITY SERVICES
THRU:DAVID H. READY
SUBJECT:
ZONING CASE NO. 23-003, MODIFICATION NO. 1: MINOR
MODIFICATION TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S DECISION
APPROVING A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR NON-EXEMPT GRADING
AND A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO MODIFY ONE 960-SQUARE-
FOOT STABLE WITH 480-SQUARE-FOOT COVERED PORCH TO TWO
384-SQUARE-FOOT STABLES (EACH) WITH NO COVERED PORCHES
LOCATED AT 74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD, (LOT 37-FT) (WILSON),
AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
DATE:October 17, 2023
BACKGROUND:
On February 21, 2023, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 2023-01 granting
approval for a site plan review for non-exempt grading and a conditional use permit for a
proposed 960-square-foot stable with 480-square-foot covered porch to exceed the allowable
200-square-foot maximum located at 74 Portuguese Bend Road. The property owner is Pat
Wilson represented by Bolton Engineering Corp.
Zoning, Location, and Lot Description
The lot is an irregularly shaped parcel zoned RAS-2 and the net lot area is 156,122 square
feet (3.58 acres). The lot is currently developed with a 2,531-square-foot single-family
residence, 510-square-foot attached garage, 469-square-foot above ground pool, 321-square-
foot chicken coop, 194-square-foot shed, and 7,518-square-foot corral. There is one main
building pad, and the subject property is developed for equestrian uses with existing
temporary structures and a fenced pipe corral area that will be demolished and replaced with
the proposed project.
13
The subject property is located at the end of Portuguese Bend Road within the Flying Triangle.
The property is accessible from Portuguese Bend Road by a long extended private driveway
that slopes down to the proposed stable and residence. The existing corral is located in the
northern portion of the property.
DISCUSSION:
In September 2023, the applicant approached staff about modifying the stable to make it two
smaller stables of 384 square feet each located on the same footprint with no change to
grading. The proposed covered porch will be eliminated. Since the property is located in the
Flying Triangle, the two smaller stables will require a less extensive review by Building and
Safety.
It is the intent of every approval that the project be developed in substantial compliance with
plans submitted and approved by the Planning Commission or City Council, on appeal.
However, modifications are sometimes necessary due to field conditions or other aspects of
the development. Condition F of Resolution No. 2023-003 allows staff to review a modification
and determine if it is major or minor. This is in accordance with Rolling Hills Municipal Code
(RHMC) Sections 17.46.070 and 17.42.065, which indicates the City Manager or designee has
the authority to review and act upon minor modifications, and the Planning Commission has
the authority to review and act upon major modifications. It is up to the City Manager to
establish criteria for determining whether a proposed modification is considered major or
minor. Minor modifications are approved administratively and do not require a public hearing
or notice. Major modifications are considered new projects and a public hearing and noticing
are required.
In this case, the applicant is proposing two smaller structures on the same footprint. The total
building size is reduced from 960 square feet to 768 square feet. The 480-square-foot covered
porch will be eliminated and the amount of grading (56 cubic yards) will not change. The
biggest difference is the number of buildings from one to two. Since the two buildings are
located on the same footprint as the approved building and are smaller in size, staff considers
this to be a minor modification. Changes are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1 - Project Comparison
APPROVED 2/21/23 MODIFICATION NO. 1
STABLE 960 SF 768 SF (Two 384 SF)
COVERED PORCH 480 SF 0 SF
TOTAL 1,440 SF 768 SF
GRADING 56 CY 56 CY (No Change)
Staff has approved the minor modification to convert the approved stable into to smaller
stables. The action is being reported to the Planning Commission as a "receive and file."
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
14
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
ATTACHMENTS:
2023-01_PC RESOLUTION_74PortugueseBendRd_ZC23-003_Stable_Wilson_F_E.pdf
ApprovedDevelopmentPlans_230405_74PortugueseBendRd_ZC23-003.pdf
ModificationNo1_231002_74PortugueseBendRd_ZC23-003_2Barns
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
SCALE: 1" = 40'EARTHWORK ESTIMATE INDEX OF SHEETS
OVERALL SITE PLAN 10 10 20
10
74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274
1st Submittal-Dec 27, 2022Bolton Engineering Corp.C i v i l E n g i n e e r i n g & S u r v e y i n g2 5 8 3 4 N a r b o n n e A v e n u e S t e . 2 1 0L o m i t a , C A 9 0 7 1 7P h o n e ( 3 1 0 ) 3 2 5 - 5 5 8 0 F a x ( 3 1 0 ) 3 2 5 - 5 5 8 1C1
74
74
2023-04-05 Prefabricated Stable
NO PLANTING IRRIGATION OR STRUCTURES PERMITTED IN RHCA EASEMENT
STABLE MUST BE PAINTED RHCA APPROVED WHITE
ROOFING MATERIAL MUST BE SELECTED FOR RHCA APPROVED LIST
GABLE END FILLER PANEL MUST MATCH SIDING
SUBMIT EXTERIOR IGHTING LOCATION & DESIGN FOR APPROVAL
26
SCALE: 1" = 20'
PARTIAL TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING 20 20 40
20
1st Submittal-Dec 27, 2022Bolton Engineering Corp.C i v i l E n g i n e e r i n g & S u r v e y i n g2 5 8 3 4 N a r b o n n e A v e n u e S t e . 2 1 0L o m i t a , C A 9 0 7 1 7P h o n e ( 3 1 0 ) 3 2 5 - 5 5 8 0 F a x ( 3 1 0 ) 3 2 5 - 5 5 8 120 20 40
20
Legend
Property Description
Basis Of Bearings
Benchmark
C2
27
SCALE: 1" = 10'
SITE PLAN 10 10 20
10
1st Submittal-Dec 27, 2022Bolton Engineering Corp.C i v i l E n g i n e e r i n g & S u r v e y i n g2 5 8 3 4 N a r b o n n e A v e n u e S t e . 2 1 0L o m i t a , C A 9 0 7 1 7P h o n e ( 3 1 0 ) 3 2 5 - 5 5 8 0 F a x ( 3 1 0 ) 3 2 5 - 5 5 8 1SCALE: 1" = 10'
SECTION A-A
SCALE: 1" = 10'
EARTHWORK EXHIBIT
C3
BARN FLOORPLAN AND ELEVATION
2023-04-05 Prefabricated Stable
NO PLANTING IRRIGATION OR STRUCTURES PERMITTED IN RHCA EASEMENT
STABLE MUST BE PAINTED RHCA APPROVED WHITE
ROOFING MATERIAL MUST BE SELECTED FOR RHCA APPROVED LIST
GABLE END FILLER PANEL MUST MATCH SIDING
SUBMIT EXTERIOR IGHTING LOCATION & DESIGN FOR APPROVAL
28
PEI JOB NO. S.2302089No. C 052696R
HCI
ULPA.DMRAPExp. 12-31-24CODE ANALYSISSHEET INDEXSHEET NO.STRUCTURAL DRAWINGS74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD,ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENT DATED:LOCATION:03/16//2023PATRICK WILSON5 STALL SHEDROWA PROJECT FOR:PLUMP ENGINEERING INC.914 E. KATELLA AVENUEANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA 92805(714) 385-1835, FAX (714) 385-1834CONSULTING ENGINEERS INCIVIL, SURVEYING, ARCHITECTURALAND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING3/20/23BUILDING CODE DATA:SEISMIC DESIGN PARAMETERS:2023-04-05 Prefabricated StableNO PLANTING IRRIGATION OR STRUCTURES PERMITTED IN RHCA EASEMENTSTABLE MUST BE PAINTED RHCA APPROVED WHITEROOFING MATERIAL MUST BE SELECTED FOR RHCA APPROVED LISTGABLE END FILLER PANEL MUST MATCH SIDINGSUBMIT EXTERIOR IGHTING LOCATION & DESIGN FOR APPROVAL29
CURB DETAILATHICKENED EDGEDCURB DETAILBTHICKENED EDGEECURB DETAILCTHICKENED EDGEFCOLUMN FOOTING1FTG. W/ANCHOR BOLT5COLUMN FOOTING2CONTAINMENT WALL/TIE BEAM/CURB (TYPICAL SOIL)3COLUMN FOOTING4FOUNDATION DETAILS
03/16/2023R. PLUMPPATRICK WILSON
5 STALL SHEDROW
74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274S.2302089SHEET NO:REVISIONSPLUMP ENGINEERING INC.
914 E. KATELLA AVENUE
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA 92805
(714) 385-1835, FAX (714) 385-1834
CIVIL, SURVEYING, ARCHITECTURAL
AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
CONSULTING ENGINEERS IN 3/20/23F1No. C 052696R
HCI
ULPA.DMRAPExp. 12-31-2430
ABC123DEFFOUNDATION PLANFOUNDATION PLAN
03/16/2023R. PLUMPPATRICK WILSON
5 STALL SHEDROW
74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274S.2302089SHEET NO:REVISIONSPLUMP ENGINEERING INC.
914 E. KATELLA AVENUE
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA 92805
(714) 385-1835, FAX (714) 385-1834
CIVIL, SURVEYING, ARCHITECTURAL
AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
CONSULTING ENGINEERS IN 3/20/23F1.1No. C 052696R
HCI
ULPA.DMRAPExp. 12-31-2431
FILLER PANEL ELEVATIONBFILLER PANEL ATTACHMENTCABCSECTION @ RIDGEAGENERAL NOTES & DETAILS
03/16/2023R. PLUMPPATRICK WILSON
5 STALL SHEDROW
74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274S.2302089SHEET NO:REVISIONSPLUMP ENGINEERING INC.
914 E. KATELLA AVENUE
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA 92805
(714) 385-1835, FAX (714) 385-1834
CIVIL, SURVEYING, ARCHITECTURAL
AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
CONSULTING ENGINEERS IN 3/20/23S1No. C 052696R
HCI
ULPA.DMRAPExp. 12-31-242023-04-05 Prefabricated StablenO PLANTING IRRIGATION OR STRUCTURES PERMITTED IN RHCA EASEMENTSTABLE MUST BE PAINTED RHCA APPROVED WHITEROOFING MATERIAL MUST BE SELECTED FOR RHCA APPROVED LISTGABLE END FILLER PANEL MUST MATCH SIDINGSUBMIT EXTERIOR IGHTING LOCATION & DESIGN FOR APPROVALe text here32
ABC123DEFBASE RAIL PLAN
03/16/2023R. PLUMPPATRICK WILSON
5 STALL SHEDROW
74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274S.2302089SHEET NO:REVISIONSPLUMP ENGINEERING INC.
914 E. KATELLA AVENUE
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA 92805
(714) 385-1835, FAX (714) 385-1834
CIVIL, SURVEYING, ARCHITECTURAL
AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
CONSULTING ENGINEERS IN 3/20/23S1.1BASE RAIL PLANNo. C 052696R
HCI
ULPA.DMRAPExp. 12-31-2433
ABC123DEFTOP RAIL PLAN
03/16/2023R. PLUMPPATRICK WILSON
5 STALL SHEDROW
74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274S.2302089SHEET NO:REVISIONSPLUMP ENGINEERING INC.
914 E. KATELLA AVENUE
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA 92805
(714) 385-1835, FAX (714) 385-1834
CIVIL, SURVEYING, ARCHITECTURAL
AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
CONSULTING ENGINEERS IN 3/20/23S1.2TOP RAIL PLANNo. C 052696R
HCI
ULPA.DMRAPExp. 12-31-2434
12312312303/16/2023R. PLUMPPATRICK WILSON
5 STALL SHEDROW
74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274S.2302089SHEET NO:REVISIONSPLUMP ENGINEERING INC.
914 E. KATELLA AVENUE
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA 92805
(714) 385-1835, FAX (714) 385-1834
CIVIL, SURVEYING, ARCHITECTURAL
AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
CONSULTING ENGINEERS IN 3/20/23No. C 052696R
HCI
ULPA.DMRAPExp. 12-31-24ELEVATION @ LINE B, C, D & EELEVATION @ LINE AELEVATION @ LINE FELEVATIONS
S22023-04-05 Prefabricated StablenO PLANTING IRRIGATION OR STRUCTURES PERMITTED IN RHCA EASEMENTSTABLE MUST BE PAINTED RHCA APPROVED WHITEROOFING MATERIAL MUST BE SELECTED FOR RHCA APPROVED LISTGABLE END FILLER PANEL MUST MATCH SIDINGSUBMIT EXTERIOR IGHTING LOCATION & DESIGN FOR APPROVALe text here35
BCADEFABCDEFCBDAEFELEVATIONS
03/16/2023R. PLUMPPATRICK WILSON
5 STALL SHEDROW
74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274S.2302089SHEET NO:REVISIONSPLUMP ENGINEERING INC.
914 E. KATELLA AVENUE
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA 92805
(714) 385-1835, FAX (714) 385-1834
CIVIL, SURVEYING, ARCHITECTURAL
AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
CONSULTING ENGINEERS IN 3/20/23S3No. C 052696R
HCI
ULPA.DMRAPExp. 12-31-24ELEVATION @ LINE 1ELEVATION @ LINE 2ELEVATION @ LINE 32023-04-05 Prefabricated StablenO PLANTING IRRIGATION OR STRUCTURES PERMITTED IN RHCA EASEMENTSTABLE MUST BE PAINTED RHCA APPROVED WHITEROOFING MATERIAL MUST BE SELECTED FOR RHCA APPROVED LISTGABLE END FILLER PANEL MUST MATCH SIDINGSUBMIT EXTERIOR IGHTING LOCATION & DESIGN FOR APPROVALe text here36
"E""C""F""D""G""A""B""H""J""K""L"SECTION A-ADETAILS
03/16/2023R. PLUMPPATRICK WILSON
5 STALL SHEDROW
74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274S.2302089SHEET NO:REVISIONSPLUMP ENGINEERING INC.
914 E. KATELLA AVENUE
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA 92805
(714) 385-1835, FAX (714) 385-1834
CIVIL, SURVEYING, ARCHITECTURAL
AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
CONSULTING ENGINEERS IN 3/20/23SD1OVERHANG DETAIL8ROOF ASSEMBLY EXTENSION @ GABLE ENDS9No. C 052696R
HCI
ULPA.DMRAPExp. 12-31-2437
DETAILS
03/16/2023R. PLUMPPATRICK WILSON
5 STALL SHEDROW
74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274S.2302089SHEET NO:REVISIONSPLUMP ENGINEERING INC.
914 E. KATELLA AVENUE
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA 92805
(714) 385-1835, FAX (714) 385-1834
CIVIL, SURVEYING, ARCHITECTURAL
AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
CONSULTING ENGINEERS IN 3/20/23SD2No. C 052696R
HCI
ULPA.DMRAPExp. 12-31-2438
SCALE: 1" = 40'EARTHWORK ESTIMATE INDEX OF SHEETS
OVERALL SITE PLAN 10 10 20
10
74 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274
Resubmittal-Oct 2, 2023 Bolton Engineering Corp.C i v i l E n g i n e e r i n g & S u r v e y i n g2 5 8 3 4 N a r b o n n e A v e n u e S t e . 2 1 0L o m i t a , C A 9 0 7 1 7P h o n e ( 3 1 0 ) 3 2 5 - 5 5 8 0 F a x ( 3 1 0 ) 3 2 5 - 5 5 8 1C1
74
74
39
SCALE: 1" = 20'
PARTIAL TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING 20 20 40
20
Resubmittal-Oct 2, 2023 Bolton Engineering Corp.C i v i l E n g i n e e r i n g & S u r v e y i n g2 5 8 3 4 N a r b o n n e A v e n u e S t e . 2 1 0L o m i t a , C A 9 0 7 1 7P h o n e ( 3 1 0 ) 3 2 5 - 5 5 8 0 F a x ( 3 1 0 ) 3 2 5 - 5 5 8 120 20 40
20
Legend
Property Description
Basis Of Bearings
Benchmark
C2
40
SCALE: 1" = 10'
SITE PLAN 10 10 20
10
Resubmittal-Oct 2, 2023 Bolton Engineering Corp.C i v i l E n g i n e e r i n g & S u r v e y i n g2 5 8 3 4 N a r b o n n e A v e n u e S t e . 2 1 0L o m i t a , C A 9 0 7 1 7P h o n e ( 3 1 0 ) 3 2 5 - 5 5 8 0 F a x ( 3 1 0 ) 3 2 5 - 5 5 8 1SCALE: 1" = 10'
SECTION A-A
SCALE: 1" = 10'
EARTHWORK EXHIBIT
C3
BARN FLOORPLAN AND ELEVATION
41
Agenda Item No.: 9.A
Mtg. Date: 10/17/2023
TO:HONORABLE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
FROM:JOHN SIGNO, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & COMMUNITY SERVICES
THRU:DAVID H. READY
SUBJECT:
ZONING CASE NO. 23-049: SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR A 1,957-
SQUARE-FOOT ADDITION TO AN EXISTING RESIDENCE, AND
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ADD 244 SQUARE FEET TO AN
EXISTING POOL HOUSE, LOCATED AT 19 PORTUGUESE BEND
ROAD (LOT 80-RH) (HTJGDB/SIU)
DATE:October 17, 2023
BACKGROUND:
On September 12, 2023, the Planning Commission held a morning field trip at 19 Portuguese
Bend Road and an evening meeting at City Hall. During the evening meeting, the Planning
Commission received staff's presentation, asked questions of staff, and opened the public
hearing for public discussion. Dugal Bain, resident at 17 Portuguese Bend Road which abuts
the subject property, attended the field trip and evening meeting, but left the latter early before
the item could be discussed. During the field trip, he presented concerns about privacy and
screening. The Commission considered his concerns and directed staff to draft a resolution of
approval with a condition addressing Mr. Bain’s concern. The Commission voted to approve
the project and directed staff to bring back a resolution with the additional language regarding
landscape screening. Commissioner Kirkpatrick abstained since he was not at the field trip.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed resolution addresses the required findings for a Site Plan Review and
Conditional Use Permit. A condition of approval is included to address screening and privacy
concerns raised at the September 12th meeting. The condition reads as follows:
Section 7, Condition of Approval II . The applicant is required to present a Landscape
Plan to the Planning Department for approval and implement the approved Landscape
Plan. The Landscape Plan shall include plantings, materials, and design that will provide
privacy for the adjacent property owners, and provide screening to minimize the
neighbors' views of the pool house. Landscaping shall be located along the northern
42
portion of the property line between 19 Portuguese Bend Road and 17 Portuguese Bend
Road. New hedges are prohibited in the City, and the applicant shall use drought tolerant
native plants, including trees, shrubs, bushes, or other plants or materials approved by
the Planning Department.
Site Plan Review
The Rolling Hills Municipal Code (RHMC) requires a Site Plan Review for the construction of
an addition which increases the size of the residence by more than 999 square feet pursuant
to RHMC Section 17.46.020(A). The applicant proposes a 1,957-square-foot addition to the
residence. The existing residence is 4,854 square feet and the proposed addition will bring the
total to 6,811 square feet.
Conditional Use permit
RHMC requires a Conditional Use Permit for a detached accessory structure that exceeds
200 square feet pursuant to RHMC Section 17.16.200(L). The Project proposes a 175-square-
foot addition to the existing guest house. The existing guest house is 545 square feet and the
proposed addition will add 244 square feet for a total of 789 square feet.
Environmental Review
The Project has been determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act,
(CEQA) pursuant to Section 15303, Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small
Structures), which exempts the construction and location of a limited number of new, small
facilities or structures, including single family residence and accessory structures, including
but not limited to garages, carports, patios, swimming pools and fences. Here, the Project is
for the construction of additions to the residence and pool house. Accordingly, the Project
qualifies for the exemption pursuant to Section 15303. Further, no exceptions to the exemption
apply; there is no reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the
environment due to unusual circumstances.
CRITERIA FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW
17.46.050 - Required Site Plan Review findings
1. The Commission shall be required to make findings in acting to approve, conditionally
approve, or deny a Site Plan Review application.
2. No project which requires Site Plan Review approval shall be approved by the
Commission, or by the City Council on appeal, unless the following findings can be made:
1. The project complies with and is consistent with the goals and policies of the general plan
and all requirements of the zoning ordinance;
2. The project substantially preserves the natural and undeveloped state of the lot by
minimizing building coverage. Lot coverage requirements are regarded as maximums, and the
actual amount of lot coverage permitted depends upon the existing buildable area of the lot;
3. The project is harmonious in scale and mass with the site, the natural terrain and
surrounding residences;
4. The project preserves and integrates into the site design, to the greatest extent possible,
existing topographic features of the site, including surrounding native vegetation, mature trees,
drainage courses and land forms (such as hillsides and knolls);
5. Grading has been designed to follow natural contours of the site and to minimize the
43
amount of grading required to create the building area;
6. Grading will not modify existing drainage channels nor redirect drainage flow, unless such
flow is redirected into an existing drainage course;
7. The project preserves surrounding native vegetation and mature trees and supplements
these elements with drought-tolerant landscaping which is compatible with and enhances the
rural character of the community, and landscaping provides a buffer or transition area between
private and public areas;
8. The project is sensitive and not detrimental to the convenient and safe movement of
pedestrians and vehicles; and
9. The project conforms to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.
If all of the above findings cannot be made with regard to the proposed project, or cannot be
made even with changes to the project through project conditions imposed by City staff and/or
the Planning Commission, the site plan review application shall be denied.
CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
17.42.050 Basis for approval or denial of Conditional Use Permit.
The Commission (and Council on appeal), in acting to approve a conditional use permit
application, may impose conditions as are reasonably necessary to ensure the project is
consistent with the General Plan, compatible with surrounding land use, and meets the
provisions and intent of this title. In making such a determination, the hearing body shall find
that the proposed use is in general accord with the following principles and standards:
A. That the proposed conditional use is consistent with the General Plan;
B. That the nature, condition and development of adjacent uses, buildings and structures
have been considered, and that the use will not adversely affect or be materially detrimental to
these adjacent uses, building or structures;
C. That the site for the proposed conditional use is of adequate size and shape to
accommodate the use and buildings proposed;
D. That the proposed conditional use complies with all applicable development standards of
the zone district;
E. That the proposed use is consistent with the portions of the Los Angeles County
Hazardous Waste Management Plan relating to siting and siting criteria for hazardous waste
facilities;
F. That the proposed conditional use observes the spirit and intent of this title.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 2023-13 approving Zoning Case No. 23-049 for a Site Plan Review for a
1,957-square-foot addition to an existing residence, conditional use permit to add 244 square
feet to an existing pool house, and finding the project exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act for a property located at 19 Portuguese Bend Road (LOT 80-RH)
(HTJGDB/SIU).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution No. 2023-13
44
Resolution No. 2023-13
19 Portuguese Bend Road (Siu/HTJGDB)
1
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF ZONING CASE NO. 23-049 FOR
A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR A 1,957-SQUARE-FOOT ADDITION TO AN
EXISTING RESIDENCE, AND A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ADD 244
SQUARE FEET TO AN EXISTING POOL HOUSE, LOCATED AT 19
PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD (LOT 80-RH) (HTJGDB/SIU), AND FINDING THE
PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES HEREBY FIND,
RESOLVE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. An application was duly filed by Maryann Siu (HTJGDB) with respect to real
property located at 19 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills (Lot 80-RH) requesting a Site Plan
Review for a 1,957 square foot addition to the existing main residence and Conditional Use
Permit for a 244 square-foot-addition to an existing pool house (Zoning Case No. 23-049). The
Project also includes a 4,000 square foot residential interior remodel that is not part of this
discretionary approval.
Section 2. The subject property is currently developed with a 4,854-square-foot single-
family residence, 1,512 detached garage, 800 square-foot swimming pool/spa, 30-square-foot
pool equipment, 545-square-foot pool house, 2,250-square-foot recreation court, 500-square
foot attached trellis, 120-square-foot shed, and 200-square-foot service yard. There are a total
of two building pads, the first building pad is developed for residential uses. The second building
pad is developed for recreational uses.
Section 3. The Planning Commission conducted duly noticed public hearings to
consider the application at a field trip meeting and regular meeting on September 2, 2023.
Neighbors within a 1,000-foot radius were notified of the public hearings and a notice was
published in the Daily Breeze on September 2, 2023. The applicant and agent were notified of
the public hearings in writing by first class mail and the agent was in attendance at the hearings.
Evidence was heard and presented from all persons interested in affecting said proposal. At the
September 12, 2023 regular meeting, the Planning Commission voted to continue the item to
the next October 17, 2023 meeting and directed staff to bring back a resolution for approval.
Section 4. The Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines pursuant to Section 15303, Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small
Structures), which exempts the construction and location of a limited number of new, small
facilities or structures, including single family residence and accessory structures, including but
not limited to garages, carports, patios, swimming pools and fences. Here, the Project includes
the construction of a new single-family residence and related improvements. Accordingly, the
Project qualifies for the exemption pursuant to Section 15303. Further, no exceptions to the
45
Resolution No. 2023-13
19 Portuguese Bend Road (Siu/HTJGDB)
2
exemption apply; there is no reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect
on the environment due to unusual circumstances. The site has already been graded and
existing structures are on site.
Section 5. Site Plan Review. Site Plan Review is required for construction of an
addition which increases the size of the residence by more than 999 square feet pursuant to
RHMC Section 17.46.020(A). The Project proposes a 1,957 square foot addition to the main the
residence. The existing main residence is 4,854 square feet and the proposed addition will add
1,957 square feet for a total of 6,811 square feet. With respect to the Site Plan Review for the
development, the Planning Commission hereby makes the following findings:
A. The Project complies with and is consistent with the goals and policies of
the General Plan and all requirements of the zoning ordinance.
The proposed development, which includes additions to an existing residence is
compatible with the General Plan and Zoning ordinance. The proposed structures comply with
the General Plan requirement of low profile, low-density residential development with sufficient
open space between surrounding structures. The additions will be built on the existing building
pad and connected to the main residence, which will reduce the visual impact from neighboring
properties and from Portuguese Bend Road.
The Project conforms to Zoning Code lot coverage requirements. The net lot area of the
lot is 3.6 acres per RHMC Section 17.16.060(A). The structural net lot coverage is proposed at
10,317 square feet or 6.6% (20% max. permitted) excluding exempt structures; and the total lot
coverage proposed, including flatwork, would be 26,842 square feet or 17.3% (35% max.
permitted). The disturbed area of the lot is proposed to be 42,000 square feet or 27% (40% max
permitted).
B. The project substantially preserves the natural and undeveloped state of the
lot by minimizing building coverage. Lot coverage requirements are regarded as
maximums, and the actual amount of lot coverage permitted depends upon the existing
buildable area of the lot.
The topography and the configuration of the lot have been considered, and the proposed
additions will not adversely affect or be materially detrimental to adjacent uses, buildings, or
structures; the additions will be on the existing building pad which enables proposed project
elements to be the least intrusive to surrounding properties. Further, the additions will be a
sufficient distance from nearby residences so views and privacy of surrounding neighbors will
not be impacted. The lot has an existing main building pad and recreational pad and 27% of the
lot is already disturbed with the remaining area either landscaped or left in a natural state.
C. The project is harmonious in scale and mass with the site, the natural terrain
and surrounding residences.
The proposed development, as conditioned, is harmonious in scale and mass with the
site, and is consistent with the scale of the neighborhood when compared to new residences in
46
Resolution No. 2023-13
19 Portuguese Bend Road (Siu/HTJGDB)
3
the vicinity of said lot. The development plan takes into consideration the visibility of the project
from Portuguese Bend Road. Significant portions of the lot will be left undeveloped or
landscaped.
D. The project preserves and integrates into the site design, to the greatest
extent possible, existing topographic features of the site, including surrounding native
vegetation, mature trees, drainage courses and land forms (such as hillsides and knolls).
There will be no changes to the overall drainage features on the lot. The proposed
residential and pool house additions are located on existing building pads. The natural site
design, native vegetation, and mature trees will not be affected.
E. Grading has been designed to follow natural contours of the site and to
minimize the amount of grading required to create the building area.
No grading is involved with the proposed project.
F. Grading will not modify existing drainage channels nor redirect drainage
flow, unless such flow is redirected into an existing drainage course.
No grading is involved with the proposed project. Existing drainage flow will not be
changed or redirected. Drainage will follow the natural drainage courses of the lot.
G. The project preserves surrounding native vegetation and mature trees and
supplements these elements with drought-tolerant landscaping which is compatible with
and enhances the rural character of the community, and landscaping provides a buffer
or transition area between private and public areas.
Surrounding native vegetation and mature trees will not be affected and new landscaping
will be considerate of the environment and will enhance the rural character of the community.
As such, the rural character of the community is maintained and privacy is maintained with
neighbors.
H. The project is sensitive and not detrimental to the convenience and safety of
circulation for pedestrians and vehicles.
There are no changes to the existing circulation for the pedestrians or vehicles.
I. The project conforms to the requirements of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA).
The Project is exempt from the CEQA Guidelines pursuant to Section 15303, Class 3
(New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), which exempts the construction and
location of a limited number of new, small facilities or structures, including single family residence
and accessory structures, including but not limited to garages, carports, patios, swimming pools
and fences. Here, the Project includes the construction of additions to an existing single-family
47
Resolution No. 2023-13
19 Portuguese Bend Road (Siu/HTJGDB)
4
residence. Accordingly, the Project qualifies for the exemption pursuant to Section 15303.
Further, no exceptions to the exemption apply; there is no reasonable possibility that the activity
will have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances.
Section 6. Conditional Use Permit Findings. RHMC Section 17.16.040(A)(3) requires a
Conditional Use Permit for a pool house that exceeds 200 square feet. The Applicant is
proposing a 244 square foot addition to an existing 545 square foot pool house, a total of 789
square feet (maximum 800). Given the foregoing, in accordance with RHMC Section 17.42.050,
the Planning Commission makes the following findings:
A. That the proposed conditional use is consistent with the General Plan.
The granting of a Conditional Use Permit for the 244 square foot addition to the existing pool
house is consistent with the purposes and objectives of the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan
because the use is consistent with similar uses in the community, and meets all the applicable
code development standards for such use. The Project is compatible with existing land uses as
other properties in the same zone have a pool house. With the addition of 244 square feet to the
existing pool house, the Project is still consistent with Open Space and Conservation Element
Goal 2, which aims for expanded opportunities for outdoor recreation.
B. That the nature, condition and development of adjacent uses, buildings and
structures have been considered, and that the use will not adversely affect or be
materially detrimental to these adjacent uses, building or structures.
The nature, condition, and development of adjacent structures have been considered, and the
Project will not adversely affect or be materially detrimental to these adjacent uses, buildings, or
structures because the proposed 244 square foot addition to the pool house is on the north
portion of the already existing pool house on the second building pad.
C. That the site for the proposed conditional use is of adequate size and shape
to accommodate the uses and buildings proposed.
The proposed conditional use complies with all applicable development standards in the
RAS-2 Zone. The net lot area is 155,320 square feet and is adequate to support the proposed
use. The 545 square foot pool house is already existing, and by adding 244 square feet will not
exceed the maximum allowable 800 square feet maximum.
D. That the proposed conditional use complies with all applicable development
standards of the zone district.
That the proposed conditional use complies with all applicable development standards of
the RAS-2 Zone, districts, including size, setbacks, and location.
That the proposed use is consistent with the portions of the Los Angeles County
Hazardous Waste Management Plan relating to siting and siting criteria for hazardous waste
facilities. That the proposed use is consistent with the portions of the Los Angeles County
48
Resolution No. 2023-13
19 Portuguese Bend Road (Siu/HTJGDB)
5
Hazardous Waste Management Plan relating to siting and siting criteria for hazardous waste
facilities because the Project site is not listed on the current State of California Hazardous Waste
and Substances Sites List.
E. That the proposed conditional use observes the spirit and intent of this title.
The 244 square foot addition to the existing pool house allows the Applicants the ability
to enjoy rights enjoyed by other residents in the City. The proposed use is consistent with the
residential character of the City.
Section 7. Approval Conditions. Based upon the foregoing findings, and the evidence
in the record, the Planning Commission hereby approves Zoning Case No. 23-049 subject to the
following conditions:
A. The Site Plan approval shall expire within two years from the effective date of
approval as defined in RHMC Sections 17.46.080 and 17.38.070 unless otherwise extended
pursuant to the requirements of these sections.
B. If any condition of this resolution is violated, the entitlements granted by this
resolution shall be suspended and the privileges granted hereunder shall lapse and upon receipt
of written notice from the City, all construction work being performed on the subject property
shall immediately cease, other than work determined by the City Manager or his/her designee
required to cure the violation. The suspension and stop work order will be lifted once the
Applicant cures the violation to the satisfaction of the City Manager or his/her designee. In the
event that the Applicant disputes the City Manager or his/her designee’s determination that a
violation exists or disputes how the violation must be cured, the Applicant may request a hearing
before the City Council. The hearing shall be scheduled at the next regular meeting of the City
Council for which the agenda has not yet been posted; the Applicant shall be provided written
notice of the hearing. The stop work order shall remain in effect during the pendency of the
hearing. The City Council shall make a determination as to whether a violation of this Resolution
has occurred. If the Council determines that a violation has not occurred or has been cured by
the time of the hearing, the Council will lift the suspension and the stop work order. If the Council
determines that a violation has occurred and has not yet been cured, the Council shall provide
the Applicant with a deadline to cure the violation; no construction work shall be performed on
the property until and unless the violation is cured by the deadline, other than work designated
by the Council to accomplish the cure. If the violation is not cured by the deadline, the Council
may either extend the deadline at the Applicant’s request or schedule a hearing for the
revocation of the entitlements granted by this Resolution pursuant to RHMC Chapter 17.58.
C. All requirements of the Building and Construction Ordinance, the Zoning
ordinance, and of the zone in which the subject property is located must be complied with unless
otherwise a variance to such requirement has been approved.
D. The lot shall be developed and maintained in substantial conformance with the site
plan on file at City Hall and approved by the Planning Commission on October 17, 2023, except
as otherwise provided in these conditions. The working drawings submitted to the Department
49
Resolution No. 2023-13
19 Portuguese Bend Road (Siu/HTJGDB)
6
of Building and Safety for plan check review shall conform to the approved development plan.
All conditions of the Site Plan Review and Variance approvals shall be incorporated into the
building permit working drawings, and where applicable complied with prior to issuance of a
grading or building permit from the building department.
The conditions of approval of this Resolution shall be printed onto a separate sheet and
included in the building plans submitted to the Building Department for review and shall be kept
on site at all times.
Any proposed modifications and/or changes to the approved project, including resulting
from field conditions, shall be discussed with staff so that staff can determine whether the
modification is minor or major in mature. Minor modifications are subject to approval by the City
Manager or his or her designee. Major modifications are subject to approval by the Planning
Commission after a public hearing. The applicant shall not implement modifications or changes
to the approved project without the appropriate approval from the City Manager or designee or
the Planning Commission, as required.
E. Prior to submittal of final working drawings to Building and Safety Department for
issuance of building and grading permits, the plans for the project shall be submitted to City staff
for verification that the final plans are in compliance with the plans approved by the Planning
Commission.
F. A licensed professional preparing construction plans for this project for Building
Department review shall execute a Certificate affirming that the plans conform in all respects to
this Resolution approving this project and all of the conditions set forth herein and the City’s
Building Code and Zoning Ordinance.
Further, the person obtaining a building and/or grading permit for this project shall execute
a Certificate of Construction stating that the project will be constructed according to this
Resolution and any plans approved therewith.
G. Structural lot coverage of the lot shall not exceed 10,317 square feet or 6.6% of
the net lot area, in conformance with structural lot coverage limitations (20% maximum). The
flatwork coverage shall not exceed 16,525 square feet or 10.6%, in conformance with the
flatwork coverage limitation (15% maximum).
The total lot coverage proposed, including structures and flatwork, shall not exceed
26,842 square feet or 17.3% of the net lot area, in conformance with lot coverage limitations
(35% maximum).
H. The disturbed area of the lot shall not exceed 27%, and the Project does not
propose any additional disturbance.
I. The existing Building Pad 1 coverage is 7,186 square feet or 34.4%, and the
Project proposes an additional 1,632 square feet or 7.8%, and shall not exceed coverage of
8,698 square feet or 41.6% with allowed deductions. This exceeds the guideline by 12.2%. The
50
Resolution No. 2023-13
19 Portuguese Bend Road (Siu/HTJGDB)
7
existing Building Pad 2 coverage is 3,625 square feet or 43.1%. the Project proposes an
additional 244 square feet or 2.9%, and shall not exceed coverage of 3,869 square feet or 46.0%
with allowed deductions. This exceeds the guideline by 16%.
J. A minimum of five-foot level path and/or walkway, which does not have to be
paved, shall be provided around the entire perimeter of all of the proposed structures, or as
otherwise required by the Fire Department.
K. A drainage plan, as required by the Building Department shall be prepared and
approved by City Staff prior to issuance of a construction permit. Such plan shall be subject to
LA County Code requirements.
L. The applicant shall comply with all requirements of the Lighting Ordinance of the
City of Rolling Hills (RHMC 17.16.190.E), pertaining to lighting on said property, roofing and
material requirements of properties in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and Low Impact
Development requirements for storm water management on site (RHMC Chapter 8.32).
M. All utility lines shall be undergrounded pursuant to Section 17.27.030.
N. Hydrology, soils, geology and other reports, as required by the Building and Public
Works Departments, and as may be required by the Building Official, shall be prepared.
O. Prior to issuance of building permit, the landscaping plan shall meet the
requirements of the City, shall be submitted to the City in conformance with Fire Department
Fuel Modification requirements, and shall be approved by the City’s landscape consultant.
P. A construction fence may be required. If needed, it shall be reviewed and approved
by the Planning Department for location, height, and screening material prior to installation.
Q. Perimeter easements, including roadway easements and trails, if any, shall remain
free and clear of any of improvements to advance equestrian use and emergency preparedness
for evacuation within the City. Where RHCA has demonstrated authority over the easement, the
City’s Planning Director may grant relief from this condition upon satisfactory proof of permission
from RHCA and a legitimate showing that there is no need for the condition to advance
equestrian uses and emergency preparedness.
R. Minimum of 65% of any construction materials must be recycled or diverted from
landfills. The hauler of the materials shall obtain City’s Construction and Demolition permits for
waste hauling prior to start of work and provide proper documentation to the City.
S. During construction, the site shall be maintained in a safe manner so as not to
threaten the health, safety, or general welfare of the public.
T. During construction, conformance with the Air Quality Management District
requirements, storm water pollution prevention practices, county and local ordinances and
51
Resolution No. 2023-13
19 Portuguese Bend Road (Siu/HTJGDB)
8
engineering practices so that people or property are not exposed to undue vehicle trips, noise,
dust, objectionable odors, landslides, mudflows, erosion, or land subsidence shall be required.
U. During construction, to the extent feasible, all parking shall take place on the
project site, on the new driveway and, if necessary, any overflow parking may take place within
the unimproved roadway easements along adjacent streets, and shall not obstruct neighboring
driveways, visibility at intersections or pedestrian and equestrian passage. During construction,
to the maximum extent feasible, employees of the contractor shall car-pool into the City. To the
extent feasible, a minimum of 4’ wide path, from the edge of the roadway pavement, for
pedestrian and equestrian passage shall be available and be clear of
vehicles, construction materials and equipment at all times.
V. During construction, the property owners shall be required to schedule and
regulate construction and relate traffic noise throughout the day between the hours of 7 AM and
6 PM, Monday through Saturday only, when construction and mechanical equipment noise is
permitted, so as not to interfere with the quiet residential environment of the City of Rolling Hills.
W. Prior to demolition of any existing structures, an investigation shall be conducted
for the presence of hazardous chemicals, lead-based paints or products, mercury and asbestos-
containing materials (ACMs). If hazardous chemicals, lead-based paints or products, mercury or
ACMs are identified, remediation shall be undertaken in compliance with California
environmental regulations and policies.
X. The property owner and/or his/her contractor/applicant shall be responsible for
compliance with the no-smoking provisions in the Municipal Code. The contractor shall not use
tools that could produce a spark, including for clearing and grubbing, during red flag warning
conditions. Weather conditions can be found at:
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox/main.php?suite=safety&page=hazard_definitions#FIRE. It is
the sole responsibility of the property owner and/or his/her contractor to monitor the red flag
warning conditions.
Y. Storm water shall drain in accordance with the approved grading and drainage
plan at the discretion of the Building Official. Drainage dissipaters shall be constructed outside
of any easements. The drainage system shall be approved by the Department of Building and
Safety if applicable. If an above ground swale and/or dissipater is required, it shall be designed
in such a manner as not to cross over any equestrian trails or discharge water onto a trail, shall
be stained in an earth tone color, and shall be screened from any trail, road and neighbors’ view
to the maximum extent practicable, without impairing the function of the drainage system.
Z. During construction, dust control measures shall be used to stabilize the soil from
wind erosion and reduce dust and objectionable odors generated by construction activities in
accordance with South Coast Air Quality Management District, Los Angeles County and local
ordinances and engineering practices.
52
Resolution No. 2023-13
19 Portuguese Bend Road (Siu/HTJGDB)
9
AA. During construction, an Erosion Control Plan containing the elements set forth in
Section 7010 of the 2023 County of Los Angeles Uniform Building Code shall be followed to
minimize erosion and to protect slopes and channels to control storm water pollution.
BB. The property owner shall be required to conform to the Regional Water Quality
Control Board and County Health Department requirements for the installation and maintenance
of storm water drainage facilities and septic tank.
CC. The applicant shall pay all of the applicable Building and Safety and Public Works
Department fees and Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District fees, if any.
DD. Prior to final inspection of the project, “as graded” and “as constructed” plans and
certifications shall be provided to the Planning Department and the Building Department to
ascertain that the completed project is in compliance with the Planning Commission approved
plans. In addition, any modifications made to the project during construction, shall be depicted
on the “as built/as graded” plan.
EE. This Resolution’s approvals shall not be effective until the applicants execute an
Affidavit of Acceptance of all conditions set forth herein.
FF. All conditions of this Resolution, when applicable, must be complied with prior to
the issuance of a grading or building permit from the Building and Safety Department.
GG. Any action challenging the final decision of the City made as a result of the public
hearing on this application must be filed within the time limits set forth in section 17.54.070 of
the Rolling Hills Municipal Code and Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.
HH. The project shall at all times comply with the conditions set forth in Section
17.16.210(A)(2) of the RHMC in that the pool house: 1) Shall not exceed eight hundred square
feet; 2) Shall not be located in the front yard or any setback; 3) A kitchenette and sanitary facility
consisting of a shower, sink and toilet shall be permitted; and 4) No sleeping quarters or renting
of the structure shall be permitted.
II. The applicant is required to present a Landscape Plan to the Planning Department
for approval and implement the approved Landscape Plan. The Landscape Plan shall include
plantings, materials, and design that will provide privacy for the adjacent property owners, and
provide screening to minimize the neighbors' views of the pool house. Landscaping shall be
located along the northern portion of the property line between 19 Portuguese Bend Road and
17 Portuguese Bend Road. New hedges are prohibited in the City, and the applicant shall use
drought tolerant native plants, including trees, shrubs, bushes, or other plants or materials
approved by the Planning Department.
53
Resolution No. 2023-13
19 Portuguese Bend Road (Siu/HTJGDB)
10
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 17th DAY OF OCTOBER, 2023.
BRAD CHELF, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
____________________________________
CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK
Any action challenging the final decision of the City made as a result of the public hearing on
this application must be filed within the time limits set forth in Section 17.54.070 of the Rolling
Hills Municipal Code and Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.
54
Resolution No. 2023-13
19 Portuguese Bend Road (Siu/HTJGDB)
11
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §§
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS )
I certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2023-13 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF ZONING CASE NO. 23-049 FOR
A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR A 1,957-SQUARE-FOOT ADDITION TO AN
EXISTING RESIDENCE, AND A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ADD 244
SQUARE FEET TO AN EXISTING POOL HOUSE, LOCATED AT 19
PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD (LOT 80-RH) (HTJGDB/SIU), AND FINDING THE
PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT)
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission on October 17,
2023, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices.
__________________________________
CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK
55
Agenda Item No.: 9.B
Mtg. Date: 10/17/2023
TO:HONORABLE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
FROM:JOHN SIGNO, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & COMMUNITY SERVICES
THRU:DAVID H. READY
SUBJECT:AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO WIRELESS FACILITIES; AND FINDING THE
ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
DATE:October 17, 2023
BACKGROUND:
This item was continued by the Planning Commission on August 15, 2023 and September 12,
2023.
At the August 15th meeting, the Planning Commission directed staff to require a conditional
use permit (CUP) for Type 3 facilities, which are new small wireless communication facilities
(“WCF”) on a new or replacement structure.
At the September 12th meeting, the Planning Commission had additional questions about
wireless service, existing coverage, and potentially new wireless locations. Staff and the city
attorney's office has discussed the issues and staff has reached out to Crown Castle and
RHCA about existing coverage. The proposed Ordinance has been further amended.
DISCUSSION:
August 15th Planning Commission Meeting
At the direction of the Planning Commission at the August 15th meeting, the following changes
were made to the Ordinance:
Ordinance No. 384, Section 4:
Section 17.27.040
A.2 (Permit Requirements): Type 3 was added to subsection 'a' and removed
from subsection 'b'.
D (Findings for Approval): Type 3 was added to subsection 1 and removed
from subsection 2.
56
September 12th Planning Commission Meeting
At the September 12th Planning Commission meeting, Stephen Garcia representing Crown
Castle, provided comments on the need for wireless communication facilities (WCFs). Crown
Castle has a right-of-way (ROW) agreement with the Rolling Hills Community Association
(RHCA) executed in 2012 and amended in 2013. Crown Castle is working with RHCA to find
new locations within the City and has provided a “mock up” facility on Portuguese Bend Road
just inside the guard gate to give the community an example of what these facilities could look
like.
RHCA Manager Kristen Raig commented on the community’s desire to have better wireless
coverage. Kristen provided a letter prior to the meeting requesting the Commission consider a
“Type 3A” facility which would be pre-approved by RHCA and subject to the City’s
administrative approval.
The Commission asked about its role in approving facilities. Staff explained the Ordinance has
not been updated since 2004 and new laws warrant the need for an update. The item was
continued to the October 17th meeting.
Revised Ordinance
Following the September 12th meeting, further revisions to the Ordinance were made:
1. Requires CUPs for Type 2, 3 and 4 applications (rather than just 3 & 4 as presented to
the Planning Commission on August 15th). This gives the PC review authority over
collocations onto existing structures (90 day shot clock), new small cells on new or
replacement structures (90 day shot clock) and other facilities (150 day shot clock).
2. Zoning Clearance review by the Director for small cells on existing structures (60 day
shot clock) and eligible facilities requests (60 day shot clock).
3. Slight modifications to clarify screening requirements in the design standards.
4. Addition of new location standards:
a. Outside the right-of-way (ROW) and roadway easements: No facilities on private
residential properties, except for collocations onto existing utility poles.
b. Inside ROW and roadway easements:
i. Preference to utilize existing poles and structures or replacement of existing
structures or poles.
ii. No facilities in the front façade of any residential primary building.
iii. No facilities within 10 feet of a driveway.
iv. Applicants must avoid new poles to the maximum extent technically feasible.
The revised Ordinance is included as Exhibit "A" to the proposed resolution. A redline version
is also included to identify recent changes.
Existing Facilities
In March 2023, the Rolling Hills Community Association (RHCA) provided a list of existing
Sprint and T-Mobile facilities in Rolling Hills. There are 20 facilities which are managed by
Infinigy. The City and RHCA were able to approve upgrades to 15 of the facilities, all of which
are located on existing utility poles.
57
At the September 12th Planning Commission meeting, the Planning Commission asked to see
the locations in Rolling Hills managed by Crown Castle. Crown Castle was able to provide a
map, which is attached, showing the location of its facilities. There are about 26 Crown Castle
facilities in the City with several others just outside the City's borders.
Due to conflicting obligations, Crown Castle is not able to be at the October 17th Planning
Commission meeting. As such, they are requesting this item be continued to the November
21st meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The proposed ordinance is not a “project” within the meaning of Section 15378 of the State
CEQA Guidelines, because it has no potential for resulting in direct or indirect physical change
in the environment. The ordinance does not authorize any specific development or installation
on any specific piece of property within the City’s boundaries. Moreover, when and if an
application for installation is submitted, the City will at that time conduct preliminary review of
the application in accordance with CEQA. Alternatively, even if the ordinance is a “project”
within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, the ordinance is exempt from
CEQA on multiple grounds. First, the ordinance is exempt CEQA because the City Council’s
adoption of the ordinance would covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to
projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. (State
CEQA Guidelines, § 15061(b)(3)). That is, approval of the ordinance will not result in the
actual installation of any facilities in the City. In order to install a facility in accordance with this
ordinance, the wireless provider would have to submit an application for installation of the
wireless facility. At that time, the City would have specific and definite information regarding
the facility to review in accordance with CEQA. And, in fact, the City would conduct
preliminary review under CEQA at that time. Moreover, in the event that the ordinance is
interpreted so as to permit installation of wireless facilities on a particular site, the installation
would be exempt from CEQA review in accordance with either State CEQA Guidelines Section
15302 (replacement or reconstruction), State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (new
construction or conversion of small structures), and/or State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304
(minor alterations to land).
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Open and conduct a public hearing;
2. Find that proposed Ordinance is exempt from the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15302
(replacement or reconstruction), State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (new
construction or conversion of small structures), State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304
(minor alterations to land), or, in the alternative, Sections 15378 and 15061(b)(3); and
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-10 (Attachment 1), which recommends that the City Council
adopt the proposed Ordinance No. 384 (Exhibit "A" to Attachment 1).
ATTACHMENTS:
ATTACHMENT1_2023-10_PCResolution_WCF_Ordinance_101723_F.pdf
ATTACHMENT2_384_WirelessOrdinance_Updated PC DRAFT 10-17-23-c1_redline.pdf
ATTACHMENT3_PL_WCF_OrdAmend2023_231002_Email_CrownCastle.pdf
ATTACHMENT4_PL_WCF_OrdAmend2023_231010_CrownCastlePresentation_2SlidesPerPage.pdf
58
ATTACHMENT5_CL_AGN_230912_PC_Item9B_RHCA_PublicComment.pdf
ATTACHMENT6_CL_AGN_230912_PC_Item9B_RHCA_CellAntennaMockUp.pdf
ATTACHMENT7_CL_AGN_230912_PC_Item9B_RHCA_CellSurveyResults2023.pdf
ATTACHMENT8_PL_WCF_230912_PC_StaffReport.pdf
59
65277.00023\41539302.1
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-10
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF ROLLING HILLS RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VARIOUS
SECTIONS OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE
REGARDING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES AND
FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
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 City’s zoning regulations are contained in Title 17 of the Rolling
Hills Municipal Code (“RHMC”). Among other things, Title 17 includes regulations
governing wireless communication facilities (“WCF”); and
WHEREAS, the City last updated the RHMC’s WCF regulations in 2004. Since
then, changes in federal and state law have placed significant procedural and substantive
limits on the City’s exercise of local control over matters involving WCFs; and
WHEREAS, the ordinance (“Ordinance”) attached as Exhibit “A” will amend the
RHMC’s RCF regulations to comply with changes in state and federal law governing the
same; and
WHEREAS, on August 15, 2023 and September 12, 2023, the Planning
Commission held a duly-noticed public hearing and considered the staff report,
recommendations by staff, and public testimony concerning this Ordinance. Thereafter,
the Planning Commission: (i) provided direction to staff regarding amendments to the
Ordinance; and (ii) continued the public hearing to its October 17, 2023 meeting. Staff
subsequently revised the Ordinance in accordance with the Planning Commission’s
instructions. The Planning Commission held a continued public hearing at its October 17,
2023 meeting.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills does
hereby resolve, determine, find, and order as follows:
Section 1. Recitals. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are
incorporated herein as substantive findings of this Resolution.
Section 2. CEQA. The Planning Commission finds that this Ordinance is not a
“project” within the meaning of Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines, because it
has no potential for resulting in direct or indirect physical change in the environment. The
Ordinance does not authorize any specific development or installation on any specific
piece of property within the City’s boundaries. Moreover, when and if an application for
installation is submitted, the City will at that time conduct preliminary review of the
application in accordance with CEQA. Alternatively, even if the Ordinance is a “project”
60
65277.00023\41539302.1
Page 2 of 4
within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, the Ordinance is exempt
from CEQA on multiple grounds. First, the Ordinance is exempt CEQA because the City
Council’s adoption of the Ordinance would covered by the general rule that CEQA applies
only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the
environment (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15061(b)(3)). That is, approval of the Ordinance
will not result in the actual installation of any facilities in the City. In order to install a facility
in accordance with this Ordinance, the wireless provider would have to submit an
application for installation of the wireless facility. At that time, the City would have specific
and definite information regarding the facility to review in accordance with CEQA. And, in
fact, the City would conduct preliminary review under CEQA at that time. Moreover, in the
event that the Ordinance is interpreted so as to permit installation of wireless facilities on
a particular site, the installation would be exempt from CEQA review in accordance with
either State CEQA Guidelines Section 15302 (replacement or reconstruction), State
CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (new construction or conversion of small structures),
and/or State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 (minor alterations to land).
Section 3. General Plan. This Ordinance’s amendments to RHMC Title 17 are
consistent with, and in further of, the City’s adopted General Plan. Specifically, General
Plan Safety Element Policy 5.10: Support the development and further implementation of
a peninsula-wide disaster plan; and Policy 5.14: Ensure the reliability of essential facilities
such as communications towers, electrical substations, water services, and first-response
buildings in the event of an emergency through promoting grid resilience and energy
independence. Work to implement on-site power generation through solar photovoltaic
systems and battery storage; and Policy 5.16: Increase access to essential resources
and facilitate effective communication in the community to accelerate recovery following
such a disaster; and Land Use Goal 2: Accommodate development which is compatible
with and complements existing land uses. This Ordinance furthers these goals, policies,
and actions by updating the City's regulations to achieve consistency with federal and
state law and making certain refinements to ensure that Title 17 is consistent and clear
and provides for streamlined approval processes for wireless communication facilities.
Therefore, the Ordinance is consistent with the General Plan.
Section 4. Recommendation. Based on the foregoing, the Planning
Commission hereby recommends that the City Council approve and adopt the Ordinance
attached as Exhibit “A” and incorporated herein by reference.
Section 5. Certification. The Planning Commission Chair shall sign and the
Secretary shall attest to the adoption of this Resolution.
Section 6. Effective Date. This Resolution takes effect immediately upon its
adoption.
61
65277.00023\41539302.1
Page 3 of 4
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 17th DAY OF OCTOBER 2023.
BRAD CHELF, CHAIRPERSON
ATTEST:
____________________________________
CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK
Any action challenging the final decision of the City made as a result of the public hearing
on this application must be filed within the time limits set forth in Section 17.54.070 of the
Rolling Hills Municipal Code and Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.
62
65277.00023\41539302.1
Page 4 of 4
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §§
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS )
I certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2023-10 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF ROLLING HILLS RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL APPROVE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING VARIOUS
SECTIONS OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE
REGARDING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES AND
FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission on October
17, 2023, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices.
__________________________________
CHRISTIAN HORVATH, CITY CLERK
63
65277.00023\41710989.1
-1-
ORDINANCE NO. 384
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO WIRELESS FACILITIES; AND FINDING THE
ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, California Government Code, section 65800 et seq., authorizes the
City of Rolling Hills (“City”) to adopt and administer zoning laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations as a means of implementing the General Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City’s zoning regulations are contained in Title 17 of the Rolling
Hills Municipal Code (“RHMC”). Among other things, Title 17 includes regulations
governing wireless communication facilities (“WCF”); and
WHEREAS, Title 17’s WCF regulations were most recently amended in 2004.
Since then, changes in federal and state law—including various court decisions and
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) orders and regulations—have placed
significant procedural and substantive limits on the City’s exercise of local control over
matters involving WCFs. This ordinance (“Ordinance”) amends Title 17 to comply with
these changes in the law; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code sections 65854 and 65856(a) require
the Planning Commission and the City Council, respectively, to conduct public hearings
on proposed amendments to Title 17 (i.e., zoning code amendments). The Planning
Commission’s action serves as a recommendation to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, on August 4, 2023, the City gave public notice of a Planning
Commission public hearing to consider this Ordinance by advertisement in a newspaper
of general circulation; and
WHEREAS, on August 15, 2023 and September 12, 2023, the Planning
Commission held a duly-noticed public hearing and considered the staff report,
recommendations by staff, and public testimony concerning this Ordinance. Thereafter,
the Planning Commission: (i) provided direction to staff regarding the amendments to the
Ordinance; and (ii) continued the public hearing to its October 17, 2023. Staff
subsequently revised the Ordinance in accordance with the Planning Commission’s
direction. The Planning Commission held a continued public hearing at its October 17,
2023 meeting and thereafter, recommended that the City Council adopt the Ordinance;
and
WHEREAS, on [DATE], the City gave public notice of a City Council public hearing
to be held to consider this Ordinance by advertisement in a newspaper of general
circulation; and
EXHIBIT “A”
64
65277.00023\41710989.1
-2-
WHEREAS, on [DATE], the City Council considered the staff report,
recommendations by staff, and public testimony regarding this Ordinance.
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. Recitals. The City Council hereby finds and determines that the
Recitals above are true and correct and are incorporated herein.
SECTION 2. California Environmental Quality Act. The City Council finds that
this Ordinance is not a “project” within the meaning of Section 15378 of the State CEQA
Guidelines, because it has no potential for resulting in direct or indirect physical change
in the environment. The Ordinance does not authorize any specific development or
installation on any specific piece of property within the City’s boundaries. Moreover, when
and if an application for installation is submitted, the City will at that time conduct
preliminary review of the application in accordance with CEQA. Alternatively, even if the
Ordinance is a “project” within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, the
Ordinance is exempt from CEQA on multiple grounds. First, the Ordinance is exempt
CEQA because the City Council’s adoption of the Ordinance would covered by the
general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a
significant effect on the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15061(b)(3)). That is,
approval of the Ordinance will not result in the actual installation of any facilities in the
City. In order to install a facility in accordance with this Ordinance, the wireless provider
would have to submit an application for installation of the wireless facility. At that time,
the City would have specific and definite information regarding the facility to review in
accordance with CEQA. And, in fact, the City would conduct preliminary review under
CEQA at that time. Moreover, in the event that the Ordinance is interpreted so as to permit
installation of wireless facilities on a particular site, the installation would be exempt from
CEQA review in accordance with either State CEQA Guidelines Section 15302
(replacement or reconstruction), State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (new
construction or conversion of small structures), and/or State CEQA Guidelines Section
15304 (minor alterations to land).
SECTION 3. General Plan. The City Council hereby finds that this Ordinance’s
amendments to RHMC Title 17 are consistent with, and in further of, the City’s adopted
General Plan. Specifically, General Plan Safety Element Policy 5.10: Support the
development and further implementation of a peninsula-wide disaster plan; and Policy
5.14: Ensure the reliability of essential facilities such as communications towers, electrical
substations, water services, and first-response buildings in the event of an emergency
through promoting grid resilience and energy independence. Work to implement on-site
power generation through solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage; and Policy
5.16: Increase access to essential resources and facilitate effective communication in the
community to accelerate recovery following such a disaster; and Land Use Goal 2:
Accommodate development which is compatible with and complements existing land
65
65277.00023\41710989.1
-3-
uses. This Ordinance furthers these goals, policies, and actions by updating the City's
regulations to achieve consistency with federal and state law and making certain
refinements to ensure that Title 17 is consistent and clear and provides for streamlined
approval processes for wireless communication facilities. Therefore, the Ordinance is
consistent with the General Plan.
SECTION 4. Code Amendment. Section 17.27.040 of the Rolling Hills Municipal
Code is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
“17.27.040 Wireless communication antennas and facilities.
A. General. This Section establishes standards and procedures for the
development and operation of wireless communications facilities, including, but not
limited to, personal wireless services facilities, non-exempt satellite antennas, and single
pole/tower amateur radio antennas. The requirements of this Section apply to all wireless
communication facilities on public and private property and within the right of way that
transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals, including, but not limited to, personal
wireless services, satellite, and radio and television broadcast facilities.
1. Application Types.
a. Type 1 – Collocation of a small wireless facility on an existing
structure. Type 1 applications shall be limited to applications wherein an applicant seeks
to place a new small wireless facility upon an existing structure and either (i) the structure
is not an existing tower or base station (as defined for Eligible facilities request purposes)
or (ii) the structure is an existing tower or base station (as defined for Eligible facilities
request purposes) but the proposed facility does not qualify as an Eligible facilities
request. If the completed facility would still meet the physical limits and requirements to
meet the definition of a small wireless facility after the installation of the new equipment,
then the application to install such new equipment is a Type 1 application.
b. Type 2 – Collocation on an existing structure which does not
qualify as a Type 1 small wireless facility collocation or a Type 5 eligible facilities request.
Type 2 applications shall be limited to applications wherein an applicant is seeking to
place a new personal wireless service facility upon an existing structure which does not
meet the definition of a small wireless facility or which will not meet the definition of a
small wireless facility if and when the proposed new personal wireless service equipment
is installed upon the existing facility and/or structure and either (i) the structure is not an
existing tower or base station (as defined for Eligible facilities request purposes) or (ii) the
structure is an existing tower or base station (as defined for Eligible facilities request
purposes) but the proposed facility does not qualify as an Eligible facilities request.
c. Type 3 – New small wireless facility on a new or replacement
structure. Type 3 applications shall be limited to applications seeking to install and/or
construct a new small wireless facility that involves placement of a new or replacement
structure.
66
65277.00023\41710989.1
-4-
d. Type 4 – New tower or any other wireless facility that is not a
Type 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 application. Type 4 applications shall include any applications for the
installation of a new personal wireless service facility which does not meet the criteria for
Type 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 applications.
e. Type 5 – Eligible facilities requests. Type 5 applications shall
include any applications that purport to meet the criteria for an eligible facilities request
under federal law and FCC regulations.
f. Type 6 – Temporary facilities. Type 6 applications shall
include any applications for a temporary facility to provide wireless services on a
temporary or emergency basis.
2. Permit Requirements. No wireless communication facility shall be
constructed, erected, placed, or modified anywhere within the City without first obtaining
a permit pursuant to the requirements of this Section and without obtaining all permits
required under any other applicable state, federal, or local laws or regulations.
a. Conditional Use Permit Required. A conditional use permit
shall be required for Type 2, 3 and 4 applications, which shall be reviewed and processed
in accordance with Chapter 17.42 of this Code and the requirements of this Section
17.27.040.
b. Zone Clearance Required. A zone clearance shall be
required for Type 1 and 5 applications, which shall be reviewed and processed in
accordance with Chapter 17.44 of this Code and the requirements of this Section
17.27.040.
c. Temporary Use Permit Required. A temporary use permit
shall be required for Type 6 applications, which shall be reviewed and processed in
accordance with Chapter 17.48 of this Code and the requirements of this Section
17.27.040.
3. Exempt Wireless Communication Facilities. The following wireless
communication facilities are exempt from the requirements of this Section:
a. Wireless facilities operated by the City for public purposes.
b. Hand-held mobile, marine, and portable radio transmitters
and/or receivers which are not affixed to land or a structure.
c. Traditional terrestrial radio and television mobile broadcast
facilities.
d. A single ground-mounted or building-mounted antenna not
exceeding the maximum height permitted by this Section, including any mast, subject to
the following restrictions: (1) Satellite Dish 39.37 inches (one meter) or Less. A satellite
dish antenna 39.37 inches (one meter) or less in diameter and (a) intended for the sole
67
65277.00023\41710989.1
-5-
use of a person occupying the same parcel to receive direct broadcast satellite service,
including direct-to-home satellite service, or to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals
via satellite or (b) a hub or relay antenna used to receive or transmit fixed wireless
services that are not classified as telecommunications services, is permitted anywhere
on a lot, provided it does not exceed the height of the ridgeline of the primary structure
on the same parcel. (2) Non-Satellite Dish 39.37 inches (one meter) or Less. A dish
antenna 39.37 inches (one meter) or less in diameter or diagonal measurement and (a)
intended for the sole use of a person occupying the same parcel to receive video
programming services via multipoint distribution services, including multichannel
multipoint distribution services, instructional television fixed services, and local multipoint
distribution services, or to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals other than via satellite
or (b) a hub or relay antenna used to receive or transmit fixed wireless services that are
not classified as telecommunications services, is permitted anywhere on a lot.
e. Amateur radio antennas meeting the following requirements:
(1) That are completely enclosed within a permitted building; or (2) That consist of a single
wire not exceeding one-fourth of an inch in diameter, and such wire antennas may be
located in setback areas, provided the antenna does not extend above the maximum
building height in the district; or (3) That consist of a single ground-mounted vertical pole
or whip antenna not exceeding 50 feet in height, measured from finish grade at the base
of the antenna, and not located in any required setback area. Support structures or masts
for pole or whip antennas shall conform to standards set out in the California Building
Standards Code. A building permit may be required for the support structure or mast.
B. Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter, certain words and terms are
hereby defined. Words used in the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and the
plural the singular; unless more specifically defined in this chapter, the word “building” is
interchangeable with the word “structure,” and the word “shall” is mandatory and not
discretionary. All equipment not specifically described herein shall be regulated in
conformity with that equipment described herein which is most substantially similar, from
a functionality standpoint. Reference to “facility” is interchangeable with “wireless
communications facility,” unless otherwise noted.
1. “Antenna” shall mean any system of wires, poles, rods, reflecting
discs, or similar devices used in wireless communications for the transmission or
reception of electromagnetic waves when such system is operated or operating from a
fixed location.
2. “Applicant” or “provider” shall mean the person or entity applying for
a permit to install wireless communications facilities.
3. “Base Station” shall have the same meaning as defined by 47 C.F.R.
Section 1.6100(b)(1), or any successor provision.
4. “Colocation,” “Co-location,” and “Collocation” shall mean the same
as defined by the FCC in 47 C.F.R. § 1.6002(g), which means (1) Mounting or installing
an antenna facility on a pre-existing structure; and/or (2) Modifying a structure for the
68
65277.00023\41710989.1
-6-
purpose of mounting or installing an antenna facility on that structure. For eligible facilities
requests (Type 5), “Colocation,” “Co-location,” and “Collocation” shall mean the same as
defined by the FCC in 47 C.F.R. § 1.6100(b)(2), which means the mounting or installation
of transmission equipment on an eligible support structure for the purpose of transmitting
and/or receiving radio frequency signals for communications purposes.
5. “Eligible Facilities Request” shall mean any request for modification
of a legally existing tower or base station that does not substantially change the physical
dimensions of such tower or base station as defined in 47 C.F.R. section 1.6100(b)(3), or
any successor provision.
6. “Monopole” shall mean a free-standing pole, like a slim line, flagpole,
or similar structure.
7. “Personal Wireless Services” shall mean those services as defined
in 47 U.S.C. section 332(c)(7)(C)(i), or any successor provision, current examples of
which include, but are not limited to, commercial mobile services, unlicensed wireless
services, and common carrier wireless exchange access services.
8. “Roof-mounted” shall mean any type of facility in which antennas are
mounted on the roof, parapet, or similar feature of a structure.
9. “Small Wireless Facility” shall mean the same as defined by the FCC
in 47 C.F.R. section 1.6002(l), or any successor provision.
10. “Support structure” shall mean any structure capable of supporting a
base station, as defined in 47 C.F.R. section 1.6002(m), or any successor provision.
11. “Temporary facility” shall mean any wireless communication facility
intended or used to provide wireless services on a temporary or emergency basis, such
as a large-scale special event in which more users than usual gather in a single location
or following a duly proclaimed local or state emergency, as defined in Government Code
section 8558, requiring additional service capabilities.
12. “Tower” shall mean the same as defined in 47 C.F.R. section
1.6100(b)(9), or any successor provision. This definition does not include Utility Poles.
13. “Utility pole” shall mean any structure designed to support electric,
telephone, and similar utility lines. A Tower is not a utility pole.
14. “Wireless communications facilities” and “facilities” shall mean any
transmitters, antenna structures, equipment cabinets, concealment, meters, switches,
cabling, and other types of facilities used for the provision of wireless services at a fixed
location, including, without limitation, any associated tower(s), support structure(s), and
base station(s).
C. Application Requirements. An applicant seeking to install, construct,
modify, replace, or place a wireless communications facility shall complete and submit an
69
65277.00023\41710989.1
-7-
application to the Planning and Community Services Department for review and
processing, upon the form published by the Director of the Planning and Community
Services Department, which may be updated from time to time. In addition to any
requirements specified by the application form, all applications shall, at minimum, require
submission of the following:
1. Name of applicant, contact information, location of proposed site,
description of the application type sought, and the name and contact information of the
user/ provider that will use the facility.
2. A brief narrative accompanied by written documentation and a site
plan or map together with photo simulations that explain the project.
3. A narrative and scaled map(s) that precisely disclose the geographic
area(s) within the City proposed to be serviced by the proposed facility.
4. A radiofrequency (RF) environmental evaluation report certifying that
the proposed wireless communications facility meets FCC regulations and standards for
construction, maintenance and operations.
D. Findings for Approval.
1. Findings for Approval of a Conditional Use Permit required by this
section (Types 2, 3 and 4). Approval of any Conditional Use Permit required by this
section is subject to the following findings:
a. All findings for approval required for Conditional Use Permits
as specified in Section 17.42.050; and
b. The facility complies with all applicable requirements of
Section 17.27.040, including all requirements for the requested permit; all application
requirements; and all applicable design, location, and development standards, or has a
waiver exception thereof; and
c. The facility meets applicable requirements and standards of
federal and state law, including all applicable general orders of the California Public
Utilities Commission; and
d. The project has received approval from the Rolling Hills
Community Association.
2. Findings for Approval of a Non-Eligible Facility Request Zone
Clearance required by this section (Type 1). Approval of any Non-Eligible Facility
Request Zone Clearance required by this section is subject to the following findings:
a. The proposed facility is consistent with the provisions of
Title 17; and
70
65277.00023\41710989.1
-8-
b. The facility complies with all applicable requirements of
Section 17.27.040, including all requirements for the requested permit; all application
requirements; and all applicable design, location, and development standards, or has a
waiver exception therefrom; and
c. The facility meets applicable requirements and standards of
federal and state law, including all applicable general orders of the California Public
Utilities Commission; and
d. The project has received approval from the Rolling Hills
Community Association.
3. Findings for Approval of a Zone Clearance for an Eligible Facilities
Request required by this section (Type 5). No zone clearance shall be approved for an
eligible facilities request unless, on the basis of the application and other materials or
evidence provided in review thereof, the following findings are made:
a. The proposed collocation or modification meets each and
every one of the applicable criteria for an eligible facilities request stated in 47 C.F.R.
sections 1.6100(b)(3)–(9), or any successor provisions, after application of the definitions
in 47 C.F.R. section 1.6100(b). The reviewing City authority shall make an express finding
for each criterion; and
b. The proposed facility complies with conditions associated with
the siting approval of the construction or modification of the eligible support structure or
base station equipment, except to the extent preempted by 47 C.F.R. sections
1.6100(b)(7)(i)–(iv), or any successor provisions; and
c. The proposed facility will comply with all generally applicable
laws.
4. Findings for Approval of a Temporary Use Permit required by this
section (Type 6). Approval of any Temporary Use Permit required by this Section is
subject to the following findings:
a. The proposed temporary use is allowed within the applicable
zoning district with the approval of a temporary use permit and complies with all other
applicable provisions of this Zoning Ordinance and the Municipal Code; and
b. The proposed temporary use would not unduly impair the
integrity and character of the zoning district in which it is located; and
c. Appropriate measures have been taken to protect the public
health, safety, and general welfare to minimize detrimental effects on adjacent properties;
and
d. The facility complies with all applicable requirements of
Section 17.27.040, including all requirements for the requested permit; all application
71
65277.00023\41710989.1
-9-
requirements; and all applicable design, location, and development standards, or has a
waiver exception thereof; and
e. The facility meets applicable requirements and standards of
federal and state law, including all applicable general orders of the California Public
Utilities Commission; and
f. The project has received approval from the Rolling Hills
Community Association.
E. Design, Location, and Development Standards.
1. This subsection E(1) establishes generally applicable design and
development standards for all wireless facilities, except Type 5 eligible facilities requests.
a. The facility shall be erected, located, operated, and
maintained at all times in compliance with this section and all applicable laws, regulations,
and requirements of the California Building Code, as modified by the City, and every other
code and regulation imposed or enforced by the City, the State of California, and the
United States Federal Government. Applicants are separately required to obtain all
applicable building and construction permits that may be required prior to erecting or
installing the facility.
b. State-of-the-art stealth design technology shall be utilized as
appropriate to the site and type of facility so that the proposed wireless facility will look
like something other than a wireless facility. Wireless communications facilities that are
mounted on buildings or structures shall be designed to match existing architectural
features, incorporated in building design elements, camouflaged, painted, or otherwise
screened to achieve a stealth design in a manner that is compatible with the architectural
design of the building or structure and compatible with the appearance and character of
the surrounding neighborhood. New standalone or replacement facilities shall use
designs that are compatible and blend in with the surrounding area. For example, faux
trees should be of the same type and size as nearby real trees. All finishes shall be non-
reflective.
c. The facility shall not bear any signs or advertising devices
other than certification, public safety, warning, or other legally required seals or signage.
d. Any and all accessory equipment, or other equipment
associated with the operation of the facility, including but not limited to transmission
cables and wires, shall be screened, located within an enclosure or underground vault in
a manner that, if aboveground, is visually compatible with the surrounding area and either
(1) shrouded by sufficient landscaping to screen the equipment from view, or (2) designed
to match the architecture of adjacent buildings and (3) shall not interfere with equestrian
activities or easements.
e. The facility exterior shall be comprised of non-reflective
material(s) and painted or camouflaged to blend with surrounding materials and colors.
72
65277.00023\41710989.1
-10-
All exterior surfaces shall be painted, colored, and/or wrapped in flat, muted, subdued,
non-reflective hues that match the underlying structure or otherwise blend in with the
surrounding environment. All exterior surfaces on wireless facilities shall be constructed
from, or coated with, graffiti-resistant materials. All finishes shall be subject to the
reviewing City authority’s prior approval.
f. All wireless facilities must be compliant with all applicable
noise regulations, which includes, without limitation, any noise regulations in this code.
The reviewing City authority may require the applicant to incorporate appropriate noise-
baffling materials and/or noise-mitigation strategies to avoid any ambient noise from
equipment reasonably likely to exceed the applicable noise regulations.
g. Wireless facilities may not include exterior lights other than as
may be required under Federal Aviation Administration, FCC, other applicable federal or
state governmental regulations. All exterior lights permitted or required to be installed
must be installed in locations and within enclosures that mitigates illumination impacts on
other properties to the maximum extent feasible. Any lights associated with the electronic
equipment shall be appropriately shielded from public view. Any light beacons or lightning
arresters shall be included in the overall height calculation.
h. To prevent unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, attractive
nuisance or other hazards, reasonable and appropriate security measures, such as
fences, walls and anti-climbing devices, may be approved. Security measures shall be
designed and implemented in a manner that enhances or contributes to the overall
stealth, and the reviewing City authority may condition approval on additional stealth
elements to mitigate any aesthetic impacts, which may include, without limitation,
additional landscape or hardscape features. Barbed wire, razor ribbon, electrified fences,
or any similar security measures are prohibited. Alarm systems shall not include any
audible sirens or other sounds.
i. All wireless facilities shall be designed by qualified, licensed
persons to provide the maximum protection that is technically feasible to prevent electrical
and fire hazards. All wireless facilities should be proactively monitored and maintained
to continue and, if possible, improve the safety design.
2. This subsection E(2) establishes additional design and development
standards for all wireless facilities, except Type 5 eligible facilities requests, proposed to
be located upon a rooftop or attached to an existing building.
a. Any screening used in connection with a wall-mounted and/or
roof-mounted facility, shall be compatible with the architecture, color, texture, and
materials of the building or other structure to which it is mounted.
b. The facility shall be placed to the centermost location of the
rooftop to screen it from view from the street and adjacent properties, or incorporate
façades to create a stealth facility that is designed to look like something other than a
wireless facility.
73
65277.00023\41710989.1
-11-
c. Wireless communication antennas and facilities shall not be
located on roofs or walls of any structures on private residential property, but may be
located on commercial buildings and properties, and on publicly owned properties or
buildings.
3. Temporary facilities shall be subject only to the following design and
development standards in this Section 17.27.040(E)(3). Temporary facilities include,
without limitation, cells on wheels (also referred to as COWs), sites on wheels (also
referred as SOWs), cells on light trucks (also referred to as COLTs), or other similar
wireless facilities:
a. That will be in place for no more than six months, or such other
longer time as the City may allow in light of the event or emergency;
b. For which required notice is provided to the FAA;
c. That do not require marking or lighting under FAA regulations;
d. That will not exceed fifty (50) feet in height; and
e. That will either involve no excavation or involve excavation
only as required to safely anchor the facility where the depth of previous disturbance
exceeds the proposed construction depth (excluding footings and other anchoring
mechanisms) by at least two (2) feet.
4. All wireless communications facilities, except Type 5 eligible facilities
requests, shall not be located on private residential property outside of the right-of-way
or outside a roadway easement, but may be located on existing utility poles.
5. This subsection E(5) establishes generally applicable location
standards for all wireless communications facilities, except Type 5 eligible facilities
requests, inside of the right-of-way or inside a roadway easement:
a. Wireless communications facilities shall utilize existing poles,
structures, street signs or utilize the replacement of existing structures, poles, and street
signs in the right-of-way or within a roadway easement to avoid the proliferation of new
poles and structures in the right-of-way and roadway easements;
b. Wireless communications facilities shall not be located in the
right-of-way or within a roadway easement in the front façade of any residential primary
building;
c. Wireless communications facilities shall not be located within
ten (10) feet of any driveway.
d. Applicants for wireless communications facilities shall avoid to
the maximum extent technically feasible the proposed use or installation of any new poles
in the right-of-way or within a roadway easement.
74
65277.00023\41710989.1
-12-
F. Infrastructure Controlled by City. The City, as a matter of policy, will
negotiate agreements for the use of City-owned property. The placement of wireless
facilities on those structures and property shall be subject to one or more negotiated
agreements. The agreements shall specify the compensation to the City for use of the
structures. The person seeking an agreement shall, in addition to any consideration paid,
reimburse the City for all costs the City incurs in connection with its review of and action
upon that person’s request for an agreement.
G. Standard Conditions of Approval. In addition to all other conditions
adopted by the applicable approval authority, all permits issued in accordance with this
section, whether approved by the approval authority or deemed approved by the
operation of law, shall be automatically subject to the conditions in this section. The
approval authority (or the appellate authority on appeal) shall have discretion to modify,
supplement, or amend these conditions on a case-by-case basis as may be necessary or
appropriate under the circumstances to protect public health and safety or allow for the
proper operation of the approved facility consistent with the goals of this section.
1. Permit Term. For any non-eligible facilities request, this permit will
automatically expire 10 years and one day from its date of issuance. Any other permits
or approvals issued in connection with an application subject to this section, which
includes without limitation any permits or other approvals deemed-granted or deemed-
approved under federal or state law, will not extend this term limit unless expressly
provided otherwise in such permit or approval or required under federal or state law.
2. Strict Compliance with Approved Plans. Permittee must incorporate
this permit, all conditions associated with this permit, and the approved photo simulations
into the project plans (the “approved plans”). The permittee must construct, install and
operate the wireless communication facility in strict compliance with the approved plans.
Any alterations, modifications or other changes to the approved plans, whether requested
by the permittee or required by other departments or public agencies with jurisdiction over
the wireless communication facility, must be submitted in a written request subject to the
Director of the Planning and Community Services Department’s prior review and
approval.
3. Permit Expiration. This permit will automatically expire if construction
or installation activities authorized herein do not commence within one (1) year from the
date of this permit’s issuance.
4. Maintenance Obligations – Vandalism. The permittee shall keep the
site, which includes without limitation any and all improvements, equipment, structures,
access routes, fences, and landscape features, in a neat, clean, and safe condition in
accordance with the approved plans and all conditions in this permit. The permittee shall
keep the site area free from all litter and debris at all times. The permittee, at no cost to
the City, shall remove and remediate any graffiti or other vandalism at the site within 48
hours after the permittee receives notice or otherwise becomes aware that such graffiti or
other vandalism occurred.
75
65277.00023\41710989.1
-13-
5. Property Maintenance. The permittee shall ensure that all equipment
and other improvements to be constructed and/or installed in connection with the
approved plans are maintained in a manner that is not detrimental or injurious to the public
health, safety, or general welfare, and that the aesthetic appearance is continuously
preserved and substantially the same as shown in the approved plans at all times relevant
to this permit. The permittee further acknowledges that failure to maintain compliance
with this condition may result in a code enforcement action.
6. Compliance with Laws. The permittee shall maintain compliance at
all times with all federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, orders, or other rules that
carry the force of law (“laws”) applicable to the permittee, the subject property, the
wireless facility, or any use or activities in connection with the use authorized by this
permit, which includes without limitation any laws applicable to human exposure to RF
emissions. The permittee expressly acknowledges and agrees that this obligation is
intended to be broadly construed and that no other specific requirements in these
conditions are intended to reduce, relieve, or otherwise lessen the permittee’s obligations
to maintain compliance with all laws. In the event that the City fails to timely notice,
prompt, or enforce compliance with any applicable provision in the Rolling Hills Municipal
Code, any permit, any permit condition, or any applicable law or regulation, the applicant
or permittee will not be relieved from its obligation to comply in all respects with all
applicable provisions in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, any permit, any permit condition,
or any applicable law or regulation.
7. Adverse Impacts on Other Properties. The permittee shall use all
reasonable efforts to avoid any and all undue or unnecessary adverse impacts on nearby
properties that may arise from the permittee’s or its authorized personnel’s construction,
installation, operation, modification, maintenance, repair, removal and/or other activities
at the site. Impacts of radio frequency emissions on the environment, to the extent that
such emissions are compliant with all applicable laws, are not “adverse impacts” for the
purposes of this condition. The permittee shall not perform or cause others to perform
any construction, installation, operation, modification, maintenance, repair, removal, or
other work that involves heavy equipment or machines, except during normal construction
hours as set forth in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code. The restricted work hours in this
condition will not prohibit any work required to prevent an actual, immediate harm to
property or persons, or any work during an emergency declared by the City. The Director
of Planning and Community Services, or the Director’s designee, may issue a stop work
order for any activities that violate this condition.
8. Inspections – Emergencies. The permittee expressly acknowledges
and agrees that the City’s officers, officials, staff, and other designees may enter onto the
site and inspect the improvements and equipment upon reasonable prior notice to the
permittee; provided, however, that the City’s officers, officials, staff, or other designees
may, but will not be obligated to, enter onto the site area without prior notice to support,
repair, disable, or remove any improvements or equipment in emergencies or when such
improvements or equipment threatens actual, imminent harm to property or persons. The
permittee will be permitted to supervise the City’s officers, officials, staff, and other
designees while any such inspection or emergency access occurs.
76
65277.00023\41710989.1
-14-
9. Permittee’s Contact Information. The permittee shall furnish the
Director of Planning and Community Services with accurate and up-to-date contact
information for a person responsible for the wireless facility, which includes without
limitation such person’s full name, title, direct telephone number, facsimile number,
mailing address, and email address. The permittee shall keep such contact information
up-to-date at all times and immediately provide the Director with updated contact
information in the event that either the responsible person or such person’s contact
information changes.
10. Indemnification. The permittee and, if applicable, the owner of the
property upon which the wireless facility is installed shall defend, indemnify, and hold
harmless the City, its agents, officers, officials, employees, and volunteers from and
against any and all (1) damages, liabilities, injuries, losses, costs, and expenses and from
any and all claims, demands, lawsuits, writs, and other actions or proceedings (“claims”)
brought against the City or its agents, officers, officials, employees, or volunteers to
challenge, attack, seek to modify, set aside, void, or annul the City’s approval of this
permit; and (2) other claims of any kind or form, whether for personal injury, death, or
property damage, that arise from or in connection with the permittee’s or its agents’,
directors’, officers’, employees’, contractors’, subcontractors’, licensees’, invitees’,
volunteers’, or customers’ acts or omissions in connection with this permit or the wireless
facility. In the event the City becomes aware of any third-party claims concerning this
permit, the City will use best efforts to promptly notify the permittee and the private
property owner and shall reasonably cooperate in the defense. The permittee expressly
acknowledges and agrees that the City shall have the right to approve, which approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld, the legal counsel providing the City’s defense, and
the property owner and/or permittee (as applicable) shall promptly reimburse City for any
costs and expenses directly and necessarily incurred by the City in the course of the
defense. The permittee expressly acknowledges and agrees that the permittee’s
indemnification obligations under this condition are a material consideration that
motivates the City to approve this permit, and that such indemnification obligations will
survive the expiration or revocation of this permit.
11. Performance Bond. Prior to the issuance of any construction permit
in connection with this permit, the permittee shall post a performance bond from a surety
and in a form acceptable to the director in an amount reasonably necessary to cover the
cost to remove the improvements and restore all affected areas based on a written
estimate from a qualified contractor with experience in wireless facilities removal. The
written estimate must include the cost to remove all equipment and other improvements,
which include, without limitation, all antennas, radios, batteries, generators, utilities,
cabinets, mounts, brackets, hardware, cables, wires, conduits, structures, shelters,
towers, poles, footings, and foundations, whether above ground or below ground,
constructed or installed, in connection with the wireless facility, plus the cost to completely
restore any areas affected by the removal work to a standard compliant with applicable
laws.
12. Recall to Approval Authority – Permit Revocation. The approval
authority may recall this permit for review at any time due to complaints about
77
65277.00023\41710989.1
-15-
noncompliance with applicable laws or any approval conditions attached to this permit.
At a duly noticed public hearing and in accordance with all applicable laws, the approval
authority may revoke this permit or amend these conditions as the approval authority
deems necessary or appropriate to correct any such noncompliance.
13. Record Retention. The permittee must maintain complete and
accurate copies of all permits and other regulatory approvals issued in connection with
the wireless facility, which include, without limitation, this approval, the approved plans
and photo simulations incorporated into this approval, all conditions associated with this
approval, and any ministerial permits or approvals issued in connection with this approval.
In the event that the permittee does not maintain such records as required in this
condition, any ambiguities or uncertainties that would be resolved through an inspection
of the missing records will be construed against the permittee. The permittee may keep
electronic records; provided, however, that hard copies kept in the city’s regular files will
control over any conflicts between such hard copies and the permittee’s electronic copies,
and complete originals will control over all other copies in any form.
14. Permit Renewal. Any application to renew this permit must be
tendered to the Director of Planning and Community Services within one (1) year prior to
the expiration of this permit, and shall be accompanied by all required application
materials, fees and deposits for a new application as then in effect. The approval authority
shall review an application for permit renewal in accordance with the standards for new
facilities as then in-effect. The Director of the Planning and Community Services
Department may, but is not obligated to, grant a written temporary extension on the permit
term to allow sufficient time to review a timely submitted permit renewal application.
15. Eligible facilities requests conditions of approval. In addition to
compliance with the requirements of this Section, all facilities shall be subject to each of
the following conditions of approval, as well as any modification of these conditions or
additional conditions of approval deemed necessary by the decision-making authority:
a. Permit subject to conditions of underlying permit. Any permit
granted in response to an application qualifying as an eligible facilities request shall be
subject to the terms and conditions of the underlying permit.
b. No permit term extension. The City’s grant or deemed grant
by operation of law of an eligible facilities request permit constitutes a federally-mandated
modification to the underlying permit or approval for the subject tower or base station.
Notwithstanding any permit duration established in another permit condition, the Town’s
grant or grant by operation of law of an eligible facilities request permit will not extend the
permit term for the underlying permit or any other underlying regulatory approval, and its
term shall be coterminous with the underlying permit or other regulatory approval for the
subject tower or base station.
H. Limited Exceptions for Personal Wireless Service Facilities.
1. The applicable review authority may grant waivers of the design and
78
65277.00023\41710989.1
-16-
location standards for wireless communications facilities subject to this section if it is
determined that the applicant has established that denial of an application or strict
adherence to the location and design standards would:
a. Prohibit, or effectively prohibit, the provision of personal
wireless services, within the meaning of federal law; or
b. Otherwise violate applicable laws or regulations; or
c. Require a technically infeasible location, design, or installation
of a wireless facility.
2. If that determination is made, said requirements may be waived, but
only to the minimum extent required to avoid the prohibition, violation, or technically
infeasible location, design, or installation.”
SECTION 5. Code Amendment. Section 17.44.020 of the Rolling Hills Municipal
Code is hereby amended to add a new subsection (G), which shall read in its entirety as
follows:
“17.44.020 Applicability.
. . .
G. The installation, construction, modification, replacement, or placement
certain wireless communications facilities requiring a zone clearance, as specified by
Section 17.27.040.”
SECTION 6. Code Amendment. Section 17.48.040 the of Rolling Hills Municipal
Code is hereby amended to add a new subsection (B)(4), which shall read in its entirety
as follows:
“17.48.040 Allowed Temporary Uses.
. . .
B. Temporary Structures for Non-Active Construction Sites and Time
Periods.
. . .
4. Temporary Wireless Facilities. The installation, construction,
modification, replacement, or placement certain temporary wireless communications
facilities requiring a temporary use permit, as specified by Section 17.27.040.”
SECTION 7. Code Amendment. Subsections “C” and “F” of Section 17.16.200 of
the Rolling Hills Municipal Code are hereby amended in their entirety to both state the
following: “Reserved”.
79
65277.00023\41710989.1
-17-
SECTION 8. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph,
sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance or any part hereof is for any reason held to
be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity
of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council of the
City of Rolling Hills hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection,
subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that
any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or
phrases be declared invalid.
SECTION 9. Effective Date. This Ordinance takes effect 30 days after its
adoption.
SECTION 10. Certification. The City Clerk is hereby directed to certify to the
passage of this Ordinance and 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 _______, 2023.
_________________________________
Patrick Wilson, Mayor
ATTEST:
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Patrick Donegan, City Attorney
80
65277.00023\41710989.1
-18-
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. _____ was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council
of the City of Rolling Hills held on the ___ day of __________, 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
81
65277.00023\41710989.1
-1-
ORDINANCE NO. 384
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO WIRELESS FACILITIES; AND FINDING THE
ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, California Government Code, section 65800 et seq., authorizes the
City of Rolling Hills (“City”) to adopt and administer zoning laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations as a means of implementing the General Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City’s zoning regulations are contained in Title 17 of the Rolling
Hills Municipal Code (“RHMC”). Among other things, Title 17 includes regulations
governing wireless communication facilities (“WCF”); and
WHEREAS, Title 17’s WCF regulations were most recently amended in 2004.
Since then, changes in federal and state law—including various court decisions and
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) orders and regulations—have placed
significant procedural and substantive limits on the City’s exercise of local control over
matters involving WCFs. This ordinance (“Ordinance”) amends Title 17 to comply with
these changes in the law; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code sections 65854 and 65856(a) require
the Planning Commission and the City Council, respectively, to conduct public hearings
on proposed amendments to Title 17 (i.e., zoning code amendments). The Planning
Commission’s action serves as a recommendation to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, on August 4, 2023, the City gave public notice of a Planning
Commission public hearing to consider this Ordinance by advertisement in a newspaper
of general circulation; and
WHEREAS, on August 15, 2023 and September 12, 2023, the Planning
Commission held a duly-noticed public hearing and considered the staff report,
recommendations by staff, and public testimony concerning this Ordinance. Following the
public hearingThereafter, the Planning Commission: (i) provided direction to staff
regarding the amendments to the Ordinance; and (ii) continued the public hearing to its
October 17, 2023. Staff subsequently revised the Ordinance in accordance with the
Planning Commission’s direction. The Planning Commission held a continued public
hearing at its October 17, 2023 meeting and thereafter, recommended that the City
Council adopt the Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, on [DATE], the City gave public notice of a City Council public hearing
to be held to consider this Ordinance by advertisement in a newspaper of general
circulation; and
EXHIBIT “A”
82
65277.00023\41710989.1
-2-
WHEREAS, on [DATE], the City Council considered the staff report,
recommendations by staff, and public testimony regarding this Ordinance.
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. Recitals. The City Council hereby finds and determines that the
Recitals above are true and correct and are incorporated herein.
SECTION 2. California Environmental Quality Act. The City Council finds that
this Ordinance is not a “project” within the meaning of Section 15378 of the State CEQA
Guidelines, because it has no potential for resulting in direct or indirect physical change
in the environment. The Ordinance does not authorize any specific development or
installation on any specific piece of property within the City’s boundaries. Moreover, when
and if an application for installation is submitted, the City will at that time conduct
preliminary review of the application in accordance with CEQA. Alternatively, even if the
Ordinance is a “project” within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, the
Ordinance is exempt from CEQA on multiple grounds. First, the Ordinance is exempt
CEQA because the City Council’s adoption of the Ordinance would covered by the
general rule that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a
significant effect on the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, § 15061(b)(3)). That is,
approval of the Ordinance will not result in the actual installation of any facilities in the
City. In order to install a facility in accordance with this Ordinance, the wireless provider
would have to submit an application for installation of the wireless facility. At that time,
the City would have specific and definite information regarding the facility to review in
accordance with CEQA. And, in fact, the City would conduct preliminary review under
CEQA at that time. Moreover, in the event that the Ordinance is interpreted so as to permit
installation of wireless facilities on a particular site, the installation would be exempt from
CEQA review in accordance with either State CEQA Guidelines Section 15302
(replacement or reconstruction), State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (new
construction or conversion of small structures), and/or State CEQA Guidelines Section
15304 (minor alterations to land).
SECTION 3. General Plan. The City Council hereby finds that this Ordinance’s
amendments to RHMC Title 17 are consistent with, and in further of, the City’s adopted
General Plan. Specifically, General Plan Safety Element Policy 5.10: Support the
development and further implementation of a peninsula-wide disaster plan; and Policy
5.14: Ensure the reliability of essential facilities such as communications towers, electrical
substations, water services, and first-response buildings in the event of an emergency
through promoting grid resilience and energy independence. Work to implement on-site
power generation through solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage; and Policy
5.16: Increase access to essential resources and facilitate effective communication in the
community to accelerate recovery following such a disaster; and Land Use Goal 2:
Accommodate development which is compatible with and complements existing land
83
65277.00023\41710989.1
-3-
uses. This Ordinance furthers these goals, policies, and actions by updating the City's
regulations to achieve consistency with federal and state law and making certain
refinements to ensure that Title 17 is consistent and clear and provides for streamlined
approval processes for wireless communication facilities. Therefore, the Ordinance is
consistent with the General Plan.
SECTION 4. Code Amendment. Section 17.27.040 of the Rolling Hills Municipal
Code is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
“17.27.040 Wireless communication antennas and facilities.
A. General. This Section establishes standards and procedures for the
development and operation of wireless communications facilities, including, but not
limited to, personal wireless services facilities, non-exempt satellite antennas, and single
pole/tower amateur radio antennas. The requirements of this Section apply to all wireless
communication facilities on public and private property and within the right of way that
transmit and/or receive electromagnetic signals, including, but not limited to, personal
wireless services, satellite, and radio and television broadcast facilities.
1. Application Types.
a. Type 1 – Collocation of a small wireless facility on an existing
structure. Type 1 applications shall be limited to applications wherein an applicant seeks
to place a new small wireless facility upon an existing structure and either (i) the structure
is not an existing tower or base station (as defined for Eligible facilities request purposes)
or (ii) the structure is an existing tower or base station (as defined for Eligible facilities
request purposes) but the proposed facility does not qualify as an Eligible facilities
request. If the completed facility would still meet the physical limits and requirements to
meet the definition of a small wireless facility after the installation of the new equipment,
then the application to install such new equipment is a Type 1 application.
b. Type 2 – Collocation on an existing structure which does not
qualify as a Type 1 small wireless facility collocation or a Type 5 eligible facilities request.
Type 2 applications shall be limited to applications wherein an applicant is seeking to
place a new personal wireless service facility upon an existing structure which does not
meet the definition of a small wireless facility or which will not meet the definition of a
small wireless facility if and when the proposed new personal wireless service equipment
is installed upon the existing facility and/or structure and either (i) the structure is not an
existing tower or base station (as defined for Eligible facilities request purposes) or (ii) the
structure is an existing tower or base station (as defined for Eligible facilities request
purposes) but the proposed facility does not qualify as an Eligible facilities request.
c. Type 3 – New small wireless facility on a new or replacement
structure. Type 3 applications shall be limited to applications seeking to install and/or
construct a new small wireless facility that involves placement of a new or replacement
structure.
84
65277.00023\41710989.1
-4-
d. Type 4 – New tower or any other wireless facility that is not a
Type 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 application. Type 4 applications shall include any applications for the
installation of a new personal wireless service facility which does not meet the criteria for
Type 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 applications.
e. Type 5 – Eligible facilities requests. Type 5 applications shall
include any applications that purport to meet the criteria for an eligible facilities request
under federal law and FCC regulations.
f. Type 6 – Temporary facilities. Type 6 applications shall
include any applications for a temporary facility to provide wireless services on a
temporary or emergency basis.
2. Permit Requirements. No wireless communication facility shall be
constructed, erected, placed, or modified anywhere within the City without first obtaining
a permit pursuant to the requirements of this Section and without obtaining all permits
required under any other applicable state, federal, or local laws or regulations.
a. Conditional Use Permit Required. A conditional use permit
shall be required for Type 2, 3 and 4 applications, which shall be reviewed and processed
in accordance with Chapter 17.42 of this Code and the requirements of this Section
17.27.040.
b. Zone Clearance Required. A zone clearance shall be
required for Type 1, 2, 3, and 5 applications, which shall be reviewed and processed in
accordance with Chapter 17.44 of this Code and the requirements of this Section
17.27.040.
c. Temporary Use Permit Required. A temporary use permit
shall be required for Type 6 applications, which shall be reviewed and processed in
accordance with Chapter 17.48 of this Code and the requirements of this Section
17.27.040.
3. Exempt Wireless Communication Facilities. The following wireless
communication facilities are exempt from the requirements of this Section:
a. Wireless facilities operated by the City for public purposes.
b. Hand-held mobile, marine, and portable radio transmitters
and/or receivers which are not affixed to land or a structure.
c. Traditional terrestrial radio and television mobile broadcast
facilities.
d. A single ground-mounted or building-mounted antenna not
exceeding the maximum height permitted by this Section, including any mast, subject to
the following restrictions: (1) Satellite Dish 39.37 inches (one meter) or Less. A satellite
dish antenna 39.37 inches (one meter) or less in diameter and (a) intended for the sole
85
65277.00023\41710989.1
-5-
use of a person occupying the same parcel to receive direct broadcast satellite service,
including direct-to-home satellite service, or to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals
via satellite or (b) a hub or relay antenna used to receive or transmit fixed wireless
services that are not classified as telecommunications services, is permitted anywhere
on a lot, provided it does not exceed the height of the ridgeline of the primary structure
on the same parcel. (2) Non-Satellite Dish 39.37 inches (one meter) or Less. A dish
antenna 39.37 inches (one meter) or less in diameter or diagonal measurement and (a)
intended for the sole use of a person occupying the same parcel to receive video
programming services via multipoint distribution services, including multichannel
multipoint distribution services, instructional television fixed services, and local multipoint
distribution services, or to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals other than via satellite
or (b) a hub or relay antenna used to receive or transmit fixed wireless services that are
not classified as telecommunications services, is permitted anywhere on a lot.
e. Amateur radio antennas meeting the following requirements:
(1) That are completely enclosed within a permitted building; or (2) That consist of a single
wire not exceeding one-fourth of an inch in diameter, and such wire antennas may be
located in setback areas, provided the antenna does not extend above the maximum
building height in the district; or (3) That consist of a single ground-mounted vertical pole
or whip antenna not exceeding 50 feet in height, measured from finish grade at the base
of the antenna, and not located in any required setback area. Support structures or masts
for pole or whip antennas shall conform to standards set out in the California Building
Standards Code. A building permit may be required for the support structure or mast.
B. Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter, certain words and terms are
hereby defined. Words used in the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and the
plural the singular; unless more specifically defined in this chapter, the word “building” is
interchangeable with the word “structure,” and the word “shall” is mandatory and not
discretionary. All equipment not specifically described herein shall be regulated in
conformity with that equipment described herein which is most substantially similar, from
a functionality standpoint. Reference to “facility” is interchangeable with “wireless
communications facility,” unless otherwise noted.
1. “Antenna” shall mean any system of wires, poles, rods, reflecting
discs, or similar devices used in wireless communications for the transmission or
reception of electromagnetic waves when such system is operated or operating from a
fixed location.
2. “Applicant” or “provider” shall mean the person or entity applying for
a permit to install wireless communications facilities.
3. “Base Station” shall have the same meaning as defined by 47 C.F.R.
Section 1.6100(b)(1), or any successor provision.
4. “Colocation,” “Co-location,” and “Collocation” shall mean the same
as defined by the FCC in 47 C.F.R. § 1.6002(g), which means (1) Mounting or installing
an antenna facility on a pre-existing structure; and/or (2) Modifying a structure for the
86
65277.00023\41710989.1
-6-
purpose of mounting or installing an antenna facility on that structure. For eligible facilities
requests (Type 5), “Colocation,” “Co-location,” and “Collocation” shall mean the same as
defined by the FCC in 47 C.F.R. § 1.6100(b)(2), which means the mounting or installation
of transmission equipment on an eligible support structure for the purpose of transmitting
and/or receiving radio frequency signals for communications purposes.
5. “Eligible Facilities Request” shall mean any request for modification
of a legally existing tower or base station that does not substantially change the physical
dimensions of such tower or base station as defined in 47 C.F.R. section 1.6100(b)(3), or
any successor provision.
6. “Monopole” shall mean a free-standing pole, like a slim line, flagpole,
or similar structure.
7. “Personal Wireless Services” shall mean those services as defined
in 47 U.S.C. section 332(c)(7)(C)(i), or any successor provision, current examples of
which include, but are not limited to, commercial mobile services, unlicensed wireless
services, and common carrier wireless exchange access services.
8. “Roof-mounted” shall mean any type of facility in which antennas are
mounted on the roof, parapet, or similar feature of a structure.
9. “Small Wireless Facility” shall mean the same as defined by the FCC
in 47 C.F.R. section 1.6002(l), or any successor provision.
10. “Support structure” shall mean any structure capable of supporting a
base station, as defined in 47 C.F.R. section 1.6002(m), or any successor provision.
11. “Temporary facility” shall mean any wireless communication facility
intended or used to provide wireless services on a temporary or emergency basis, such
as a large-scale special event in which more users than usual gather in a single location
or following a duly proclaimed local or state emergency, as defined in Government Code
section 8558, requiring additional service capabilities.
12. “Tower” shall mean the same as defined in 47 C.F.R. section
1.6100(b)(9), or any successor provision. This definition does not include Utility Poles.
13. “Utility pole” shall mean any structure designed to support electric,
telephone, and similar utility lines. A Tower is not a utility pole.
14. “Wireless communications facilities” and “facilities” shall mean any
transmitters, antenna structures, equipment cabinets, concealment, meters, switches,
cabling, and other types of facilities used for the provision of wireless services at a fixed
location, including, without limitation, any associated tower(s), support structure(s), and
base station(s).
C. Application Requirements. An applicant seeking to install, construct,
modify, replace, or place a wireless communications facility shall complete and submit an
87
65277.00023\41710989.1
-7-
application to the Planning and Community Services Department for review and
processing, upon the form published by the Director of the Planning and Community
Services Department, which may be updated from time to time. In addition to any
requirements specified by the application form, all applications shall, at minimum, require
submission of the following:
1. Name of applicant, contact information, location of proposed site,
description of the application type sought, and the name and contact information of the
user/ provider that will use the facility.
2. A brief narrative accompanied by written documentation and a site
plan or map together with photo simulations that explain the project.
3. A narrative and scaled map(s) that precisely disclose the geographic
area(s) within the City proposed to be serviced by the proposed facility.
4. A radiofrequency (RF) environmental evaluation report certifying that
the proposed wireless communications facility meets FCC regulations and standards for
construction, maintenance and operations.
D. Findings for Approval.
1. Findings for Approval of a Conditional Use Permit required by this
section (Types 2, 3 and 4). Approval of any Conditional Use Permit required by this
section is subject to the following findings:
a. All findings for approval required for Conditional Use Permits
as specified in Section 17.42.050; and
b. The facility complies with all applicable requirements of
Section 17.27.040, including all requirements for the requested permit; all application
requirements; and all applicable design, location, and development standards, or has a
waiver exception thereof; and
c. The facility meets applicable requirements and standards of
federal and state law, including all applicable general orders of the California Public
Utilities Commission; and
d. The project has received approval from the Rolling Hills
Community Association.
2. Findings for Approval of a Non-Eligible Facility Request Zone
Clearance required by this section (Types 1, 2, and 3). Approval of any Non-Eligible
Facility Request Zone Clearance required by this section is subject to the following
findings:
a. The proposed facility is consistent with the provisions of
Title 17; and
88
65277.00023\41710989.1
-8-
b. The facility complies with all applicable requirements of
Section 17.27.040, including all requirements for the requested permit; all application
requirements; and all applicable design, location, and development standards, or has a
waiver exception therefrom; and
c. The facility meets applicable requirements and standards of
federal and state law, including all applicable general orders of the California Public
Utilities Commission; and
d. The project has received approval from the Rolling Hills
Community Association.
3. Findings for Approval of a Zone Clearance for an Eligible Facilities
Request required by this section (Type 5). No zone clearance shall be approved for an
eligible facilities request unless, on the basis of the application and other materials or
evidence provided in review thereof, the following findings are made:
a. The proposed collocation or modification meets each and
every one of the applicable criteria for an eligible facilities request stated in 47 C.F.R.
sections 1.6100(b)(3)–(9), or any successor provisions, after application of the definitions
in 47 C.F.R. section 1.6100(b). The reviewing City authority shall make an express finding
for each criterion; and
b. The proposed facility complies with conditions associated with
the siting approval of the construction or modification of the eligible support structure or
base station equipment, except to the extent preempted by 47 C.F.R. sections
1.6100(b)(7)(i)–(iv), or any successor provisions; and
c. The proposed facility will comply with all generally applicable
laws.
4. Findings for Approval of a Temporary Use Permit required by this
section (Type 6). Approval of any Temporary Use Permit required by this Section is
subject to the following findings:
a. The proposed temporary use is allowed within the applicable
zoning district with the approval of a temporary use permit and complies with all other
applicable provisions of this Zoning Ordinance and the Municipal Code; and
b. The proposed temporary use would not unduly impair the
integrity and character of the zoning district in which it is located; and
c. Appropriate measures have been taken to protect the public
health, safety, and general welfare to minimize detrimental effects on adjacent properties;
and
d. The facility complies with all applicable requirements of
Section 17.27.040, including all requirements for the requested permit; all application
89
65277.00023\41710989.1
-9-
requirements; and all applicable design, location, and development standards, or has a
waiver exception thereof; and
e. The facility meets applicable requirements and standards of
federal and state law, including all applicable general orders of the California Public
Utilities Commission; and
f. The project has received approval from the Rolling Hills
Community Association.
E. Design, Location, and Development Standards.
1. This subsection E(1) establishes generally applicable design and
development standards for all wireless facilities, except Type 5 eligible facilities requests.
a. The facility shall be erected, located, operated, and
maintained at all times in compliance with this section and all applicable laws, regulations,
and requirements of the California Building Code, as modified by the City, and every other
code and regulation imposed or enforced by the City, the State of California, and the
United States Federal Government. Applicants are separately required to obtain all
applicable building and construction permits that may be required prior to erecting or
installing the facility.
b. State-of-the-art stealth design technology shall be utilized as
appropriate to the site and type of facility so that the proposed wireless facility will look
like something other than a wireless facility. Wireless communications facilities that are
mounted on buildings or structures shall be designed to match existing architectural
features, incorporated in building design elements, camouflaged, painted, or otherwise
screened to achieve a stealth design in a manner that is compatible with the architectural
design of the building or structure and compatible with the appearance and character of
the surrounding neighborhood. New standalone or replacement facilities shall use
designs that are compatible and blend in with the surrounding area. For example, faux
trees should be of the same type and size as nearby real trees. All finishes shall be non-
reflective.
c. The facility shall not bear any signs or advertising devices
other than certification, public safety, warning, or other legally required seals or signage.
d. Any and all accessory equipment, or other equipment
associated with the operation of the facility, including but not limited to transmission
cables and wires, shall be screened, located within an enclosure or underground vault in
a manner that, if aboveground, is visually compatible with the surrounding area and either
(1) shrouded by sufficient landscaping to screen the equipment from view, or (2) designed
to match the architecture of adjacent buildings and (3) shall not interfere with equestrian
activities or easements.
e. The facility exterior shall be comprised of non-reflective
material(s) and painted or camouflaged to blend with surrounding materials and colors.
90
65277.00023\41710989.1
-10-
All exterior surfaces shall be painted, colored, and/or wrapped in flat, muted, subdued,
non-reflective hues that match the underlying structure or otherwise blend in with the
surrounding environment. All exterior surfaces on wireless facilities shall be constructed
from, or coated with, graffiti-resistant materials. All finishes shall be subject to the
reviewing City authority’s prior approval.
f. All wireless facilities must be compliant with all applicable
noise regulations, which includes, without limitation, any noise regulations in this code.
The reviewing City authority may require the applicant to incorporate appropriate noise-
baffling materials and/or noise-mitigation strategies to avoid any ambient noise from
equipment reasonably likely to exceed the applicable noise regulations.
g. Wireless facilities may not include exterior lights other than as
may be required under Federal Aviation Administration, FCC, other applicable federal or
state governmental regulations. All exterior lights permitted or required to be installed
must be installed in locations and within enclosures that mitigates illumination impacts on
other properties to the maximum extent feasible. Any lights associated with the electronic
equipment shall be appropriately shielded from public view. Any light beacons or lightning
arresters shall be included in the overall height calculation.
h. To prevent unauthorized access, theft, vandalism, attractive
nuisance or other hazards, reasonable and appropriate security measures, such as
fences, walls and anti-climbing devices, may be approved. Security measures shall be
designed and implemented in a manner that enhances or contributes to the overall
stealth, and the reviewing City authority may condition approval on additional stealth
elements to mitigate any aesthetic impacts, which may include, without limitation,
additional landscape or hardscape features. Barbed wire, razor ribbon, electrified fences,
or any similar security measures are prohibited. Alarm systems shall not include any
audible sirens or other sounds.
i. All wireless facilities shall be designed by qualified, licensed
persons to provide the maximum protection that is technically feasible to prevent electrical
and fire hazards. All wireless facilities should be proactively monitored and maintained
to continue and, if possible, improve the safety design.
2. This subsection E(2) establishes additional design and development
standards for all wireless facilities, except Type 5 eligible facilities requests, proposed to
be located upon a rooftop or attached to an existing building.
a. Any screening used in connection with a wall-mounted and/or
roof-mounted facility, shall be compatible with the architecture, color, texture, and
materials of the building or other structure to which it is mounted.
b. The facility shall be placed to the centermost location of the
rooftop to screen it from view from the street and adjacent properties, or incorporate
façades to create a stealth facility that is designed to look like something other than a
wireless facility.
91
65277.00023\41710989.1
-11-
c. Wireless communication antennas and facilities shall not be
located on roofs or walls of any structures on private residential property, but may be
located on existing utility poles, commercial buildings and properties, and on publicly
owned properties or buildings.
3. Temporary facilities shall be subject only to the following design and
development standards in this Section 17.27.040(E)(3). Temporary facilities include,
without limitation, cells on wheels (also referred to as COWs), sites on wheels (also
referred as SOWs), cells on light trucks (also referred to as COLTs), or other similar
wireless facilities:
a. That will be in place for no more than six months, or such other
longer time as the City may allow in light of the event or emergency;
b. For which required notice is provided to the FAA;
c. That do not require marking or lighting under FAA regulations;
d. That will not exceed fifty (50) feet in height; and
e. That will either involve no excavation or involve excavation
only as required to safely anchor the facility where the depth of previous disturbance
exceeds the proposed construction depth (excluding footings and other anchoring
mechanisms) by at least two (2) feet.
4. All wireless communications facilities, except Type 5 eligible facilities
requests, shall not be located on private residential property outside of the right-of-way
or outside a roadway easement, but may be located on existing utility poles.
5. This subsection E(5) establishes generally applicable location
standards for all wireless communications facilities, except Type 5 eligible facilities
requests, inside of the right-of-way or inside a roadway easement:
a. Wireless communications facilities shall utilize existing poles,
structures, street signs or utilize the replacement of existing structures, poles, and street
signs in the right-of-way or within a roadway easement to avoid the proliferation of new
poles and structures in the right-of-way and roadway easements;
b. Wireless communications facilities shall not be located in the
right-of-way or within a roadway easement in the front façade of any residential primary
building;
c. Wireless communications facilities shall not be located within
ten (10) feet of any driveway.
d. Applicants for wireless communications facilities shall avoid to
the maximum extent technically feasible the proposed use or installation of any new poles
in the right-of-way or within a roadway easement.
92
65277.00023\41710989.1
-12-
F. Infrastructure Controlled by City. The City, as a matter of policy, will
negotiate agreements for the use of City-owned property. The placement of wireless
facilities on those structures and property shall be subject to one or more negotiated
agreements. The agreements shall specify the compensation to the City for use of the
structures. The person seeking an agreement shall, in addition to any consideration paid,
reimburse the City for all costs the City incurs in connection with its review of and action
upon that person’s request for an agreement.
G. Standard Conditions of Approval. In addition to all other conditions
adopted by the applicable approval authority, all permits issued in accordance with this
section, whether approved by the approval authority or deemed approved by the
operation of law, shall be automatically subject to the conditions in this section. The
approval authority (or the appellate authority on appeal) shall have discretion to modify,
supplement, or amend these conditions on a case-by-case basis as may be necessary or
appropriate under the circumstances to protect public health and safety or allow for the
proper operation of the approved facility consistent with the goals of this section.
1. Permit Term. For any non-eligible facilities request, this permit will
automatically expire 10 years and one day from its date of issuance. Any other permits
or approvals issued in connection with an application subject to this section, which
includes without limitation any permits or other approvals deemed-granted or deemed-
approved under federal or state law, will not extend this term limit unless expressly
provided otherwise in such permit or approval or required under federal or state law.
2. Strict Compliance with Approved Plans. Permittee must incorporate
this permit, all conditions associated with this permit, and the approved photo simulations
into the project plans (the “approved plans”). The permittee must construct, install and
operate the wireless communication facility in strict compliance with the approved plans.
Any alterations, modifications or other changes to the approved plans, whether requested
by the permittee or required by other departments or public agencies with jurisdiction over
the wireless communication facility, must be submitted in a written request subject to the
Director of the Planning and Community Services Department’s prior review and
approval.
3. Permit Expiration. This permit will automatically expire if construction
or installation activities authorized herein do not commence within one (1) year from the
date of this permit’s issuance.
4. Maintenance Obligations – Vandalism. The permittee shall keep the
site, which includes without limitation any and all improvements, equipment, structures,
access routes, fences, and landscape features, in a neat, clean, and safe condition in
accordance with the approved plans and all conditions in this permit. The permittee shall
keep the site area free from all litter and debris at all times. The permittee, at no cost to
the City, shall remove and remediate any graffiti or other vandalism at the site within 48
hours after the permittee receives notice or otherwise becomes aware that such graffiti or
93
65277.00023\41710989.1
-13-
other vandalism occurred.
5. Property Maintenance. The permittee shall ensure that all equipment
and other improvements to be constructed and/or installed in connection with the
approved plans are maintained in a manner that is not detrimental or injurious to the public
health, safety, or general welfare, and that the aesthetic appearance is continuously
preserved and substantially the same as shown in the approved plans at all times relevant
to this permit. The permittee further acknowledges that failure to maintain compliance
with this condition may result in a code enforcement action.
6. Compliance with Laws. The permittee shall maintain compliance at
all times with all federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, orders, or other rules that
carry the force of law (“laws”) applicable to the permittee, the subject property, the
wireless facility, or any use or activities in connection with the use authorized by this
permit, which includes without limitation any laws applicable to human exposure to RF
emissions. The permittee expressly acknowledges and agrees that this obligation is
intended to be broadly construed and that no other specific requirements in these
conditions are intended to reduce, relieve, or otherwise lessen the permittee’s obligations
to maintain compliance with all laws. In the event that the City fails to timely notice,
prompt, or enforce compliance with any applicable provision in the Rolling Hills Municipal
Code, any permit, any permit condition, or any applicable law or regulation, the applicant
or permittee will not be relieved from its obligation to comply in all respects with all
applicable provisions in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, any permit, any permit condition,
or any applicable law or regulation.
7. Adverse Impacts on Other Properties. The permittee shall use all
reasonable efforts to avoid any and all undue or unnecessary adverse impacts on nearby
properties that may arise from the permittee’s or its authorized personnel’s construction,
installation, operation, modification, maintenance, repair, removal and/or other activities
at the site. Impacts of radio frequency emissions on the environment, to the extent that
such emissions are compliant with all applicable laws, are not “adverse impacts” for the
purposes of this condition. The permittee shall not perform or cause others to perform
any construction, installation, operation, modification, maintenance, repair, removal, or
other work that involves heavy equipment or machines, except during normal construction
hours as set forth in the Rolling Hills Municipal Code. The restricted work hours in this
condition will not prohibit any work required to prevent an actual, immediate harm to
property or persons, or any work during an emergency declared by the City. The Director
of Planning and Community Services, or the Director’s designee, may issue a stop work
order for any activities that violate this condition.
8. Inspections – Emergencies. The permittee expressly acknowledges
and agrees that the City’s officers, officials, staff, and other designees may enter onto the
site and inspect the improvements and equipment upon reasonable prior notice to the
permittee; provided, however, that the City’s officers, officials, staff, or other designees
may, but will not be obligated to, enter onto the site area without prior notice to support,
repair, disable, or remove any improvements or equipment in emergencies or when such
improvements or equipment threatens actual, imminent harm to property or persons. The
94
65277.00023\41710989.1
-14-
permittee will be permitted to supervise the City’s officers, officials, staff, and other
designees while any such inspection or emergency access occurs.
9. Permittee’s Contact Information. The permittee shall furnish the
Director of Planning and Community Services with accurate and up-to-date contact
information for a person responsible for the wireless facility, which includes without
limitation such person’s full name, title, direct telephone number, facsimile number,
mailing address, and email address. The permittee shall keep such contact information
up-to-date at all times and immediately provide the Director with updated contact
information in the event that either the responsible person or such person’s contact
information changes.
10. Indemnification. The permittee and, if applicable, the owner of the
property upon which the wireless facility is installed shall defend, indemnify, and hold
harmless the City, its agents, officers, officials, employees, and volunteers from and
against any and all (1) damages, liabilities, injuries, losses, costs, and expenses and from
any and all claims, demands, lawsuits, writs, and other actions or proceedings (“claims”)
brought against the City or its agents, officers, officials, employees, or volunteers to
challenge, attack, seek to modify, set aside, void, or annul the City’s approval of this
permit; and (2) other claims of any kind or form, whether for personal injury, death, or
property damage, that arise from or in connection with the permittee’s or its agents’,
directors’, officers’, employees’, contractors’, subcontractors’, licensees’, invitees’,
volunteers’, or customers’ acts or omissions in connection with this permit or the wireless
facility. In the event the City becomes aware of any third-party claims concerning this
permit, the City will use best efforts to promptly notify the permittee and the private
property owner and shall reasonably cooperate in the defense. The permittee expressly
acknowledges and agrees that the City shall have the right to approve, which approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld, the legal counsel providing the City’s defense, and
the property owner and/or permittee (as applicable) shall promptly reimburse City for any
costs and expenses directly and necessarily incurred by the City in the course of the
defense. The permittee expressly acknowledges and agrees that the permittee’s
indemnification obligations under this condition are a material consideration that
motivates the City to approve this permit, and that such indemnification obligations will
survive the expiration or revocation of this permit.
11. Performance Bond. Prior to the issuance of any construction permit
in connection with this permit, the permittee shall post a performance bond from a surety
and in a form acceptable to the director in an amount reasonably necessary to cover the
cost to remove the improvements and restore all affected areas based on a written
estimate from a qualified contractor with experience in wireless facilities removal. The
written estimate must include the cost to remove all equipment and other improvements,
which include, without limitation, all antennas, radios, batteries, generators, utilities,
cabinets, mounts, brackets, hardware, cables, wires, conduits, structures, shelters,
towers, poles, footings, and foundations, whether above ground or below ground,
constructed or installed, in connection with the wireless facility, plus the cost to completely
restore any areas affected by the removal work to a standard compliant with applicable
laws.
95
65277.00023\41710989.1
-15-
12. Recall to Approval Authority – Permit Revocation. The approval
authority may recall this permit for review at any time due to complaints about
noncompliance with applicable laws or any approval conditions attached to this permit.
At a duly noticed public hearing and in accordance with all applicable laws, the approval
authority may revoke this permit or amend these conditions as the approval authority
deems necessary or appropriate to correct any such noncompliance.
13. Record Retention. The permittee must maintain complete and
accurate copies of all permits and other regulatory approvals issued in connection with
the wireless facility, which include, without limitation, this approval, the approved plans
and photo simulations incorporated into this approval, all conditions associated with this
approval, and any ministerial permits or approvals issued in connection with this approval.
In the event that the permittee does not maintain such records as required in this
condition, any ambiguities or uncertainties that would be resolved through an inspection
of the missing records will be construed against the permittee. The permittee may keep
electronic records; provided, however, that hard copies kept in the city’s regular files will
control over any conflicts between such hard copies and the permittee’s electronic copies,
and complete originals will control over all other copies in any form.
14. Permit Renewal. Any application to renew this permit must be
tendered to the Director of Planning and Community Services within one (1) year prior to
the expiration of this permit, and shall be accompanied by all required application
materials, fees and deposits for a new application as then in effect. The approval authority
shall review an application for permit renewal in accordance with the standards for new
facilities as then in-effect. The Director of the Planning and Community Services
Department may, but is not obligated to, grant a written temporary extension on the permit
term to allow sufficient time to review a timely submitted permit renewal application.
15. Eligible facilities requests conditions of approval. In addition to
compliance with the requirements of this Section, all facilities shall be subject to each of
the following conditions of approval, as well as any modification of these conditions or
additional conditions of approval deemed necessary by the decision-making authority:
a. Permit subject to conditions of underlying permit. Any permit
granted in response to an application qualifying as an eligible facilities request shall be
subject to the terms and conditions of the underlying permit.
b. No permit term extension. The City’s grant or deemed grant
by operation of law of an eligible facilities request permit constitutes a federally-mandated
modification to the underlying permit or approval for the subject tower or base station.
Notwithstanding any permit duration established in another permit condition, the Town’s
grant or grant by operation of law of an eligible facilities request permit will not extend the
permit term for the underlying permit or any other underlying regulatory approval, and its
term shall be coterminous with the underlying permit or other regulatory approval for the
subject tower or base station.
H. Limited Exceptions for Personal Wireless Service Facilities.
96
65277.00023\41710989.1
-16-
1. The applicable review authority may grant waivers of the design and
location standards for wireless communications facilities subject to this section if it is
determined that the applicant has established that denial of an application or strict
adherence to the location and design standards would:
a. Prohibit, or effectively prohibit, the provision of personal
wireless services, within the meaning of federal law; or
b. Otherwise violate applicable laws or regulations; or
c. Require a technically infeasible location, design, or installation
of a wireless facility.
2. If that determination is made, said requirements may be waived, but
only to the minimum extent required to avoid the prohibition, violation, or technically
infeasible location, design, or installation.”
SECTION 5. Code Amendment. Section 17.44.020 of the Rolling Hills Municipal
Code is hereby amended to add a new subsection (G), which shall read in its entirety as
follows:
“17.44.020 Applicability.
. . .
G. The installation, construction, modification, replacement, or placement
certain wireless communications facilities requiring a zone clearance, as specified by
Section 17.27.040.”
SECTION 6. Code Amendment. Section 17.48.040 the of Rolling Hills Municipal
Code is hereby amended to add a new subsection (B)(4), which shall read in its entirety
as follows:
“17.48.040 Allowed Temporary Uses.
. . .
B. Temporary Structures for Non-Active Construction Sites and Time
Periods.
. . .
4. Temporary Wireless Facilities. The installation, construction,
modification, replacement, or placement certain temporary wireless communications
facilities requiring a temporary use permit, as specified by Section 17.27.040.”
97
65277.00023\41710989.1
-17-
SECTION 7. Code Amendment. Subsections “C” and “F” of Section 17.16.200 of
the Rolling Hills Municipal Code are hereby amended in their entirety to both state the
following: “Reserved”.
SECTION 8. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph,
sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance or any part hereof is for any reason held to
be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity
of the remaining portions of this ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council of the
City of Rolling Hills hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection,
subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that
any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or
phrases be declared invalid.
SECTION 9. Effective Date. This Ordinance takes effect 30 days after its
adoption.
SECTION 10. Certification. The City Clerk is hereby directed to certify to the
passage of this Ordinance and 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 _______, 2023.
_________________________________
Patrick Wilson, Mayor
ATTEST:
Christian Horvath, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Patrick Donegan, City Attorney
98
65277.00023\41710989.1
-18-
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. _____ was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council
of the City of Rolling Hills held on the ___ day of __________, 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
99
1
John Signo
From:Garcia, Stephen <Stephen.Garcia@crowncastle.com>
Sent:Monday, October 2, 2023 8:19 AM
To:John Signo
Cc:Garcia, Stephen
Subject:RE: Planning Commission Agendas for Tuesday, March 21, 2023
External (stephen.garcia@crowncastle.com)
Report This Email FAQ Protection by INKY
Hi John, Re: Planning Commission – October 17th
I have corporate all hands meeting on the 17th in Austin, TX, so, I am asking if you can postpone the
hearing for the wireless matter until the 31st or the 1st hearing in November. I will have a slides to share
with you prior to the hearing and for your staff report, but let me know if you can reschedule it.
Thank you,
Stephen
Stephen Garcia
External Affairs Manager – Los Angeles County
949 676-4766 tel
CROWN CASTLE
www.CrownCastle.com
From: John Signo <jsigno@cityofrh.net>
Sent: Friday, September 8, 2023 1:47 PM
To: Garcia, Stephen <Stephen.Garcia@crowncastle.com>
Subject: RE: Planning Commission Agendas for Tuesday, March 21, 2023
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the
sender and know the content is safe.
We have an old ordinance that is in need of updating. This will be updating that ordinance.
John F. Signo, AICP
Director of Planning and Community Services
City of Rolling Hills
2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills CA 90274
310.377.1521
jsigno@cityofrh.net
100
2
From: Garcia, Stephen <Stephen.Garcia@crowncastle.com>
Sent: Friday, September 8, 2023 12:12 PM
To: John Signo <jsigno@cityofrh.net>
Cc: Garcia, Stephen <Stephen.Garcia@crowncastle.com>
Subject: RE: Planning Commission Agendas for Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Hi John,
I have a few questions, but my first question is simple. Is this the old Ordinance that the City intends to amend or is it a
new ordinance?
Stephen
Stephen Garcia
External Affairs Manager
Southern California
T: (562) 665-9421
CROWN CASTLE
200 Spectrum Center Drive, Suite 1700, Irvine, CA 92618
www.CrownCastle.com
From: John Signo <jsigno@cityofrh.net>
Sent: Thursday, September 7, 2023 4:36 PM
Subject: Planning Commission Agendas for Tuesday, March 21, 2023
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the
sender and know the content is safe.
Greetings! I am including you in this message since you have been involved in the City’s Wireless
Ordinance Update. Attached is the Planning Commission agenda for Tuesday, September 12, 2023.
The complete packet is on the City’s website: https://www.rolling-
hills.org/government/agenda/index.php
The evening meeting will be in-person at City Hall and starts at 6:30 p.m.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Regards,
John F. Signo, AICP
Director of Planning and Community Services
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS – CITY HALL
2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills CA 90274
O: 310.377.1521
You don't often get email from jsigno@cityofrh.net. Learn why this is important
101
3
This email may contain confidential or privileged material. Use or disclosure of it by anyone other than the recipient is
unauthorized. If you are not an intended recipient, please delete this email.
This email may contain confidential or privileged material. Use or disclosure of it by anyone other than the recipient is
unauthorized. If you are not an intended recipient, please delete this email.
102
PAGE
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIALThe pathway to possible.
Crown Castle
Rolling Hills
October 10,2023
PAGE 3
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
CC & RHCA -History
CrownCastle
founded
Small cell solutions
business established
RHCA and CC
execute 1st Amendment to
ROW agreement
RHCA request
Master Plan and
multi-carrierdesign
solution
RHCA’s advises CC and
fellow utilities about their
Rule 20 plans
RHCA andCC
execute ROW
agreement
'94 '02 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17
RHCA request
meeting with CC
to address
complaints about
aerial fiber
Applications for PV38 modifications &
new sites submitted to RHCA
RHCA approved 1 new site (ASP09) and modifications, but
rejects new PV80 sites, aerial fiber, meters and JPA sites due to
proximity of sites to homes. Residents question demand.
'18
RHCA and Crown Castle reviewed concepts
and locations for new sites at trail- heads.
Locations were not ideal, and no carrier
showed interest in the trailhead locations.
'23
RHCA considering street sign replacement poles in low coverage
areas. RHCA request mock-up and additional information.
Crown Castle is seeking level of interest by residents if RHCA
agrees on a design standard, pole height(s) and identifies
location(s) or streets for new sites.
103
PROPRIETARY & CONFIDENTIAL
| PAGENOVEMBER, 2021
5G
Who is Crown Castle?
PROPRIETARY & CONFIDENTIAL
| PAGENOVEMBER, 2021
5G
Why Crown Castle?
104
PAGE 12
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
Network Overview
PAGE 7
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
Crown Castle fiber in Rolling Hills and surroundings
Small Cell fiber
routes
Peninsula USD
fiber routes
LEGEND
105
PAGE 7
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
Existing small cells in Rolling Hills and surroundings
LEGEND
(E) Small Cell
Existing/proposed small cells in Rolling Hills and surroundings
LEGEND
(P) Small Cell
(E) Small Cell
106
PAGE 12
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
Network Service Levels
PAGE 13
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
Existing Service Levels
–95dbm or worse in polygons
Carrier 1
Legend: RSRP
Legend: data throughput speeds
107
PAGE 14
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
Existing Service Level
–95dbm or worse in polygons
Carrier 2
Legend: RSRP
Legend: Throughput
PAGE 15
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
Existing Service Levels
–95dbm or worse in polygons
Carrier 3
Legend: RSRP
Legend: data throughput speeds
108
PAGE 16
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
Existing Service Level
–95dbm or worse in polygons
All carriers
Legend: RSRP
Legend: data throughput speeds
Small Cell Design Examples
Street signs
Streetlights and traffic signals for urban settings
Pedestrian light pole
109
4G 4G
Small cells on replacement street signs
Palos Verdes EstatesLos Angeles
Small cells on wood utility pole
Rolling Hills
Palos Verdes Estates
4G
110
PAGE 19
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Replacement StreetSign
4G 4G
Small cells on replacement street sign
Palos Verdes Estates Palos Verdes Estates
Small cells on wood utility pole
Rolling Hills
4G
111
Small cells on wood utility pole
Rolling Hills
4G
Small cells on wood utility pole
Rolling Hills
4G
112
Small cells on wood utility pole
Rolling Hills
4G
Small cells on replacement light pole
Rolling Hills
4G
113
Small
Cells
23
5G5G
Small cells on replacement streetlights
Long Beach Los Angeles
Small
Cells
24
CCCCCeeeeeelllllllllllssss 5G4G
Small cells on existing traffic signals
Santa Monica Santa Monica
114
Small Cells
25
5G5G
Small cells on existing traffic signals
Santa Monica Santa Monica
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
4G & 5G
*Small cell on new pedestrian light
Park City, Utah
* Design inspiration for Rolling Hills
115
PAGE 6
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
4G/5G Technology
The evolution to 5G
1G delivered analog voice
2G introduced digital voice and text messaging
3G brought mobile data
4G ushered in the era of mobile internet
PAGE 7
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
116
5G versus 4G: speed, latency, connections.
Speeds that are as much
as 100x faster than 4G,
delivering data rates
as high as 1 gigabit
per second.
Speeds support a 10,000x
increase in traffic capacity and
network efficiency.
10x decrease in
end-to-end latency—as
low as 1 millisecond—
delivering more
instantaneous and
real-time access.
PAGE 8
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
••
••
••
More spectrum and small cells will create significantly more network capacity
117
PAGE 10
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
PAGE 11
PROPRIETARY &CONFIDENTIAL
118
For further information please contact:
33
Stephen Garcia
Stephen.Garcia@CrownCastle.com
949-676-4766 tel
CROWN CASTLE
200 Spectrum Center Dr, Suite 1700, Irvine, CA 92618
CrownCastle.com
Thank You
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
Page 1 of 24 pages
Rolling Hills Community Association- Public
Participation Survey About Cellular Services
Conducted at the direction of the
Board of Directors
of the
Rolling Hills Community Association
Survey Period:
January 4, 2023 – January 16, 2023
Responses:
292 total responses
266 unique responses
(26 responses from same Internet Protocol address)
132
Page 2 of 24 pages
Questions 1 and 2 not displayed; those two
questions focused on respondent locational issues
by street name and closest cross street.
(Balance of page intentionally left blank)
133
Page 3 of 24 pages
134
Page 4 of 24 pages
135
Page 5 of 24 pages
(Balance of page intentionally left blank)
136
Page 6 of 24 pages
(Balance of page intentionally left blank)
23
113
53 54
25
6 2 1 0 1
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Q6 How many working mobile or cell phones do you currently
use in your household?
Answered 284 Skipped 8
137
Page 7 of 24 pages
(Balance of page intentionally left blank)
138
Page 8 of 24 pages
(Balance of page intentionally left blank)
139
Page 9 of 24 pages
(Balance of page intentionally left blank)
140
Page 10 of 24 pages
(Balance of page intentionally left blank)
141
Page 11 of 24 pages
(Balance of page intentionally left blank)
142
Page 12 of 24 pages
(Balance of page intentionally left blank)
143
Page 13 of 24 pages
(Balance of page intentionally left blank)
144
Page 14 of 24 pages
WORD CLOUD OF RESPONSES TO QUESTION 14:
Answered: 136 Skipped: 156
(Balance of page intentionally left blank)
145
Page 15 of 24 pages
DE-IDENTIFIED, VERBATIM FULL RESPONSES TO QUESTION 14:
Answered: 136 Skipped: 156
Verbatim; de-identification indicated by brackets [ ]
Q14 If you would like to provide your Board of Directors with any
comments on this topic, please type them here. (Optional.)
Should small cells be installed they should be camouflaged and the residents should never be
charged for these cells.
Our public utility services in our community is unacceptable. Our landlines were out for 5 days
this week! Power outages have been unacceptably frequent, although they have improved
lately. It's time to get to work with the "authorities."
I have poor quality cell phone service inside my home because I only get Moble service
through cox internet boosters. If my internet gos off, I get NO cell NO house phone line and
NO way of contacting anyone.
With a 5G phone and T-Mobile I now get cell phone coverage at my home and on Crest Road
but not on Eastfield. Verizon told me they had coverage in RH but I never could get more than
1 or 2 bars thus no reception.
How about internet service?
Thanks for considering improving the service
We really desperately need better cell service.
Please improve cell service in our city. We don't get good signals within our property.
It's incredibly frustrating to not have adequate cell phone access. Is that the price we pay for
living in these amazing hills? Then maybe that's ok!? (Yet, it would be wonderful to be able
to rely on our cells phones!!!)
Given how much work we are doing remotely I feel it is absolutely imperative to improve cell
service in Rolling Hills. It is also a safety issue
Why you are not trying to have one company in the entire gate. May be AT&T. It’s so
ridiculous that from one street to other the carriers are changing
thank you for taking consideration in this much needed matter
Don't ruin this beautiful city. It feels calm here. Don't add static by introducing more towers.
Please improve cell service. It's dangerous to not have good coverage in many areas. The question re do you “support vs oppose” is so vague as to be unanswerable. What does
that mean, or entail?
146
Page 16 of 24 pages
It is a safety issue. If there is an emergency, one needs the ability of having a working cell
phone.
We would like to have cell service throughout the city. There are too many dead zones.
You are asking us if we oppose or support with no pro/con information. Is the only pro better
service, or is there another? Is the only con the appearance of towers, or is there cost
involved? Educate us a bit on the issues briefly in the blue newsletter, please.
We need better cell service in Rolling Hills. I need to stay with Verizon Wireless for work
reasons.
It is dangerous not to be able to have any means to contact outside in case of emergence
when power down or loss of internet
We have figured out how to navigate through the terrible cell coverage in RH. However
guests, family members, contractors and workers have tremendous issues with coverage and
safety is an issue for these people behind the gates
This is one of the most important issues in the city. From both a quality of life and a safety
issue on the trails while hiking and riding. Cell service is critical!!!!
Please help us. We have been suffering unnecessarily for years without proper cell phone
capability-ridiculous!
I have both T mobile and ATT. Got rid if Verizon. All three are near useless. Regarding 911,
would be safer to call with a smoke signal!
All cities in LA County have better daily cell coverage than RH. Poor coverage affects us
DAILY. The City's Emergency Notification is Alert Southbay. Everyone is the community is at
risk in the event of an emergency. We keep a landline, which is outdated and an additional
cost, to communicate daily and in the event of an emergency. But many folks do not. We have tried all sorts of signal booster products with minimal success. We DRIVE
somewhere when we have to count on a call not dropping.
This is a top priority for us. We have given up our landline and our cell service is very
unreliable. I do not feel safe knowing my phone might not work when we have an emergency.
Please proceed with any means to improve service.
I get virtually no cell service at my location. This is dangerous when there is an emergency
and makes completing necessary tasks very difficult. I would support cell towers in any
location that would help.
The cell coverage is beyond terrible throughout our City and certainly near our home on
Johns Canyon Rd. It's not just a question of convenience or business need but also safety,
security, visitors having a connection for GPS or communication, etc. Let's please get this
addressed
The members of my household are strongly opposed to additional cell sites and the
implementation of 5G in Rolling Hills. Thank you.
147
Page 17 of 24 pages
I strongly oppose additional cell sites and the implementation of 5G in Rolling Hills. Thanks
We need cell service improved particularly along main roads like Portuguese Bend Road from
Crest down to the gate.
It’s ridiculous that everyone has to pull over at Acacia because any further is a dead zone.
Same thing on Crest, there is only service by the fire station.
No cell towers please
No cell towers.
Thank you for your efforts to improve our cell service - hopefully the community will support
some additional, camouflaged sites to allow for improvements
We can barely have a conversation on our wireless home phones. The cell phone service
stinks and I need it for work!
Both TMobile and Verizon are offering 5G internet service for around $50 a month. Currently
my address is not covered but I assume that good 5G service will be needed to provide this
internet service. I am tired of having to pay over $300 a month to COX for internet service
(and cable).
At home we have cell service, but mostly use Wi-Fi if using cell phone at home. Plus, we also
have Land Lines at home.
At home we actually mostly use WIFI not the cellular connection which is a bit weak on our
property and in most of the house - except when during our rather frequent power outages -
need rely on the cellular network. TMOBILE has no coverage holes here and there inside the
gates - particularly the middle of Crest and most of PB. It would be nice to have solid 5G
coverage - then we'd have something other than Cox for internet connections. It's long overdue. Cell service is essentially to daily life. We can't function for 5 minutes
without a cell phone. We need to get cell service upgraded to first world country. Some
remote villages in Asia have better cell service when I'm there to call home than using cell
phone in Rolling Hills to call Asia. IT'S TIME. NO FURTHER DEBATE ON THIS MATTER.
IT'S THE NUMBER ONE COMPLAINT IN ROLLING HILLS.
One of the most important issue that needs to be improved in our city!
Need to enter 21st century and have cell phones service available at all times and places in
Rolling Hills
We keep loosing calls made with our cell phones.
Cell service is very spotty on different parts of my property. Using either T Mobile or ATT
there is no coverage in many areas. My children cannot get a hold of me on their cellular
device in case of emergency. This is a big problem.
Cell service at home is VERY POOR and when at home we use cell phone wi-fi calling (Cox
internet). Cell service is unreliable when out of wi-fi range.
148
Page 18 of 24 pages
The RHCA, should consider providing wi-fi throughout the city to avoid blind spots and also
accommodate the residents.
Wi-Fi access is more critical than more cell phone antennas. My assumption is that most of the residents in RH are working professionals. At least half the
people I interact with outside of RH solely use their mobile devices for primary source of
communication. Here we are in 2023 and I cannot make or receive a phone call via my
mobile device as if it were 1980. God forbid I find myself in a situation where a 911 call is
necessary while I am on my own property away from my desktop phone. I have been in the
middle of Montana in the middle of nowhere and had unrestricted cellular service. Lack of
cellular service in my neighborhood has become comical.
Although I'd love better service in RH, I'd be curious of any possible physical health dangers
of having multiple small cell sites along our roads, particularly anywhere near my home. I
have no idea if these devices emit harmful waves or if there's a negative, synergistic effect if
there are multiple units around a small area.
As strongly as we feel about improving cell service, we feel far stronger about improving
access to competitively priced high-speed internet in the neighborhood. This would include
bringing in FIOS as an option as well as competitors to Cox.
We need better cell service for the safety of our children and families.
I am highly sensitive to the EMF. It has caused me alot of Medical problems and have spent
alot of money trying to reduce the EMF in and around my home I dont. want anything near
my residence [ ]
making use of stop sign posts or other existing elements seems attractive; I don't like the idea
of introducing new towers that will impact the rural and natural atmosphere of our community;
I don't see why we would need to address cell service in my home when we have existing
choices with telephone and cable service
Cell service for Verizon is not available on large portions of Portuguese Bend Road and Crest
Road
Cell service coverage in our community parallels that which one might see in a Third World
country. I strongly support the efforts of the board to improve our cell service coverage. I
further encouraged the improvement of cell coverage using currently available aesthetically
pleasing options.
Cell phone service is generally fine in most places in the community. Each provider has
different coverage holes. The trails are particularly uncovered because of the steep hills, so
cell phones are often useless without moving to high ground in emergencies but not sure
there is a cost effective solution to cover all the trails. Recommend priority be to get
widespread 5G coverage enabling high speed wireless Internet acres for as much of the
community as possible. This will eliminate the Cox cable monopoly and should lead to
competition and better service for all.
This is a MUST for safety of our Residents, for the attractiveness of our community and the
livelihood of our residents. An absolute MUST!
149
Page 19 of 24 pages
Must not adversely impact aesthetics
When power/internet lines are down, we're isolated as it stands. Cell service would make us
feel safer and better prepared for emergencies.
I like the fact i cant be reached while i am out walking so in that case its nice but if i ever
needed help on some of the trails id have an issue. At home my coverage is fine but when i
visit friends in the neighborhood its spotty. So im sort of ambivalent on this whole topic.
I'm not sure what you are referring to when you say small cell sites so I can't make a decision
on that matter.
I believe I am with every other resident to say that I would like improved cell service but
refuse to have a cell tower near my house. I had adequate coverage and if the choice is
between current service or having a cell tower on my property, I would choice current service.
I will never support having a cell tower on or near my property.
I have had to maintain a land line since cell service is poor at my home. Also lower Eastfield
has poor cell service so calls cannot be made or are dropped
Thank you this is critical to us
We have good service in our home but the service is not good on the roads, specially on
Crest road. Please do not consider adding the cell sites in Rolling Hills as there are health
issues associated with such towers, specially 5G. Thank you. Aesthetics must be considered. I would not appreciate tall unsightly structures on our major
streets.
My cell phone stops working at least once in about one call out of
three. I have too redial. Sometimes redialing doesn't work.
I sometimes get the message No Service.Often get only one small bar.
I can only make calls and hear caller in two rooms of my home. At home both ATT and T mobile are USELESS! NO signal.
Once I drive out of the gates, signal.
Our family would feel much safer with cell service.
This is much needed and we have been waiting for it for a long time. Happy to see this is
prioritized at the beginning of the year!
With further reliance on cell phones only over land lines, it is extremely important to have
access to service. Wifi can only cover so much around the home. We also have potentially
hazardous roads and in the event of a crash, cell service is a necessity.
Our cell phones only work at our home if they are connected to wifi. Our phones don't work
when the wifi is down or power is out. It is a huge safety concern for us and our neighbors.
150
Page 20 of 24 pages
Really depends on what the cell sites look like and how they match the surroundings before I
can express a real opinion on this matter. Please show us what the new ones would look like
in our area.
Why was this not done 10-15 years ago?
would be really wonderful to have better cell reception. thanks for working on this.
small boosters should suffice. Should be agnostic like Crown Castle rather than just a single
provider
When our internet service provider junction box went down, we bought a booster for cell
service. The booster was of no use because we have zero to minimal cell service in our home
and only if we stand outside towards the canyon. "Landline" also does not work if there is no
internet (Frontier).
I believe access to reliable cell service is an expectation for safety and to accommodate
necessary work to be done effectively. The addition of small cell sites can also be done in a
very aesthetically pleasing manner.
Service at the Crest road entrance - near St. John Fisher is terrible. Any improvement in that
area would be much appreciated
Not only do our cell phones not work dependably in Rolling Hills but our land line also drops
frequently.
I canNOT continue a phone call while driving from my home to main gate, or while driving
from the main gate to my house without significant interruption and/or complete dropout.
We have ZERO cell service at our home with ATT and Verizon.
It is untenable, dangerous, and thoroughly baffling why this is the case.
Thank you for putting this survey together.
Cell phone service in RH is worse than any community I've visited or lived in even with
WIFIAsist. .
Thank you for addressing this!!
Both my wife and I work from home using our cell phones exclusively, and outside of using
wifi calling inside the home, we get almost no cell phone reception with either AT&T or Sprint.
We support improving cell service inside the gates.
We need good cell phone service within our city for everyday convenience and for all
emergency services - 911 and catastrophe notifications. It's time to provide residents with the
available technology that will help keep us safe.
Time to come to grips with the need to make tradeoffs if we want high tech lifestyle. But we
do not really need to go all the way to 5G if that requires much more and much taller poles.
Just better coverage throughout the city is what we want.
151
Page 21 of 24 pages
We would appreciate having uninterrupted cell service from the gates to our home. It is
difficult for medical professionals like doctors to be answering or returning calls that come in
during driving. Likewise, cell service is non existent at our home on Maverick Lane other than
wifi which can sometimes have issues.
We need better cell service inside gate and at our home.
Please address this quickly.Thank you.
we have kept a land line simply because we do not use the cell phones for an important call.
While wifi calling works well, when our internet goes down, we are truly on an island. Zero cell
service.
We are relying on our wifi for our mobile phone to work. Recent years, the landline also
becomes inoperable during power failure.
For medical emergency during an outage, we have no way to connect to outside for help.
We get service at our house but walking on Crest or driving through Rolling Hills we loose
service. When I'm at home, I use wifi (for calling, texting, internet) so cell service doesn't matter. It's
only on the roads that it's an issue. But seriously... I can be outside the gate within excellent
cell range within 5 minutes. To say we all need immediate/constant cell service is a bit
dramatic. I see this as a non-issue. Perhaps boosting self importance with the idea we need
to be constantly connected or available. I'm likely in the minority but cell service is a luxury...
not a necessity.
Cell service is more important that ever as land lines disappear. Also, Cell towers are a
source of income for the RHOA. The cell providers should be willing to pay monthly rents for
providing the cell towers. This could be a significant source of income opportunity. The right
to provide RH with towers should not be given for free. Towers, like the sirens, can be hidden,
and may be able to be placed on the SAME towers.
The current lack of cell service requires that we have multiple work-arounds that are less
secure and less robust to disruption (e.g., connecting calls from cell phones to routers and
internet service providers). More importantly, it is a significant safety concern every day -
whenever we leave the range of our routers, like when we are on roads or trails with no
reliable coverage.
We need better cell service!
Reliable & consistent cell phone service is an absolute necessity in our community for our
safety & sanity.
Cell service is non-existent at our home. We had to purchase an AT&T Cell booster that
works with Wifi, and it is spotty. All improvements in Cell Service would be welcome with one
caveat - I would not want a new Cell tower too close to my house. I would hope that it would
be placed in a location that provides enough cell service without dealing with the health
consequences that a cell tower in close proximity would create. Just make the cell towers look like trees so no one fusses
152
Page 22 of 24 pages
There is certain roadways that you know cell service will disappear. Choosing locations could
cause a tower to not be appreciated if in their view of a homeowner.
We also need better internet. Fiber optic is what we need for more robust internet.
taking too long to get this done
Compared to the eyesores of numerous large electrical posts, a few more phone towers is
trivial.
Very frustrating when calls kept on being dropped
The cell service at my home is completely unreliable and I need to keep a landline active to
support my business and life. People call on the cell and I tell them I will call you back on the
land line when we get disconnected
I recently did an extensive renovation of an old home, everything is new. Cell reception at the
home was terrible, my contractor installed a "cell phone booster", it works great, I paid extra to
make sure it would it is barely visible. If the decision is made to install a booster type system,
pay the extra money so it is not an eye sore. I don't mind contributing.
Cell service is essentially non existent driving around, and at our house. If wifi goes out, our
phones do not work, and we won't be able to emergency call 911. Also, we have to reset our
phones constantly to reconnect to a signal. It's terrible. Please fix.
Enough is enough, the BOARD should make the decision, this has been a issue for too long!
Good Cell Communications is more important than spending funds on Emergency Alert
System
When our power goes out we have no Wi-Fi which means no cell at all. Cannot call 911 if
power goes out! We have a land line because cell service is non existent in RH. When power
is out landline is also out. We have ATT and verizon and neither works!
Recently had a real world example of limited access to emergency service. [ ] we had trouble
calling 911 until someone in the group that stopped to help her was able to get a call through.
Service is terrible. Often completely unavailable. Zero bars or SOS status much of the time.
Calls initiated drop frequently.
It seems to have gotten worse since the start of summer.
I don't know about access to 911 as I haven't called 911 from my cell phone
We desperately need better cell service - not just for work from home, but also for safety, risk,
and security. We cannot even alert the city from our homes if incidental need to do so might
occur. This is a great attention and I thank you as a [ ] year resident for any improvement to
our ability to enjoy this community with safety and confidence. Thank you, so much.
Improve home and road cell service please
I use WiFi calling and get excellent reception. If you have internet service, there is no need
for more towers. Tower service will soon be obsolete and all that will be left is expense and
153
Page 23 of 24 pages
ugliness. If residences learned how to use the tools that are available to all, this debate
would be over
At my house I use a landline or enable Wifi calling to use my cellphone. When hiking or when
riding horses, or when my children are riding horses, we do not have cell services and it
safety concern of ours.
Thank you for helping cell coverage— we need it for safety
I have Verizon cell service and from [ ] Johns Canyon, I have no service until I reach PV Dr.
North and Portuguese Bend or until I reach Deep Valley Drive to the west. (With the exception
of about 300 feet by the fire station on Crest.)
I can be sitting right next to my phone, and get a message for a missed call. My calls drop all
the time, and some days it is impossible to make calls from my cell phone. WE absolutely
need something to be done immediately. reception at my house is spotty at best, and once I leave my driveway, I'm in a roughly 8
minute void before I have reception again. It's unacceptable from a safety standpoint.
I am so happy you are working on improving the cell service in RH. It is worse than the cell
service in a 3rd world country we recently visited. It's embarrassing to be on important work
calls and always lose cell service or an important dr call and lose touch and have to wait days
to hear back again, or to be on hold with an airline for an hour and then have cell service
dropped and need to start all over again, or need to leave for an appointment but have to
disconnect because you know you'll lose the connection driving, or not be able to get through
to 911 in an emergency, etc. For all of our safety and well being, much better cell service is
needed.
I feel like I live in a 3rd world country
I use Cox Communications for a land line, internet and TV. When that service goes out, I then
have no ability to use a mobile phone from my house in the case of an emergency because
can't get a good signal. It's scary to think about.
We need more towers.
I think that the need for improved cell service is the most important issue before the RHCA
and City. I witnessed a near accident caused by a truck without a flag person. I could not
report this dangerous and continuing danger because I had no cell service.
Cell phone service always drops after entering any gate in the RH. There are know areas
where residents or guests can pull over to finish a cell phone call. These areas are typically
near residents front yards which is surely frustrating for those property owners. In addition
delivery drivers and shuttle services would have better gps routing to residents homes.
Safety should be a concern and having improved cell service would be prudent! We have very little if any cell service at our home. If we need it we have to go down to the
office.
154
Page 24 of 24 pages
My main issue is the circumstance where internet goes down eliminating voice over IP calls.
In that event mobile is all I would have and the signal is very poor at my home. Let's get into the nineties!
Forget the fifties solution, air raid sirens.
By adding additional cell sites on roadways, does this have any effect to residents health ?
Please provide residents with pros and cons of the side effects of adding additional cell sites
along roadways! How does it affect us and our families personally based on proximity?
There are serious personal harms associated with 5G in particular. We would be better
served with fiber optic underground cabling.
If you’re going to add cell sites they need to be very hard to find/see. The large fake tree cell
sites are hideous.
oOo
155
Agenda Item No.: 9.B
Mtg. Date: 09/12/2023
TO:HONORABLE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
FROM:JOHN SIGNO, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & COMMUNITY SERVICES
THRU:DAVID H. READY
SUBJECT:AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO WIRELESS FACILITIES; AND FINDING THE
ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT
DATE:September 12, 2023
BACKGROUND:
This item was continued by the Planning Commission on August 15, 2023. At that meeting,
the Planning Commission directed staff to require a conditional use permit (CUP) for Type 3
facilities, which are new small wireless communication facilities (“WCF”) on a new or
replacement structure. The proposed Ordinance has been amended to incorporate the
Commission's direction.
The City Council last updated the RHMC’s WCF regulations in 2004. Numerous federal and
state laws and regulations have since taken effect, which (among other things) significantly
restricted local control over the permitting and placement of wireless communication facilities
(“WCF”). Noteworthy features of these regulations include the following:
1. Ban on Moratoria
On August 2, 2018, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) adopted a Third Report
& Order and Declaratory Ruling, 33 FCC Rcd. 7705 (rel. Aug. 3, 2018) (“Moratoria Order”),
that, among other things, contained a declaratory ruling prohibiting express and de facto
moratoria for all personal wireless services, telecommunications services and their related
facilities under 47 U.S.C. § 253(a) and directed the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and
Wireline Competition Bureau to hear and resolve all complaints on an expedited basis. The
declaratory ruling in the Moratoria Order was made effective upon release. This means that
there can be no pause in accepting or processing applications to allow a city to study and
address potential issues.
156
2. Shot Clocks and Enhanced Remedies
The FCC has adopted shot clocks (i.e., timelines) within which a local government must act on
WCF applications. The most recent shot clocks have focused on applications for small WCFs
and modifications to existing WCFs.
2009 Shot Clocks: In 2009, the FCC adopted a Declaratory Ruling, 24 FCC Rcd. 18994 (rel.
Nov. 18, 2009), to clarify existing federal law requiring local governments to act on WCF
applications within a reasonable period of time. In that Declaratory Ruling, the FCC
established two shot clocks for local action on wireless facilities applications:(1) a 60-day shot
clock for collocations; and (2) a 150-day shot clock for all other types of WCF applications.
The State of California later adopted AB 57 (Gov. Code 65964.1), which that took effect on
January 1, 2016, and created a “deemed granted” remedy (effective January 1, 2016 for
collocations and “other” applications; effective January 1, 2022 for small cells) if the local
government failed to act on an application during the time period allowed under the applicable
FCC shot-clocks. This “deemed granted” remedy is available for any application under these
shot clocks other than those proposed for placement on fire department facilities.
Eligible Facilities Requests: In 2012, Congress adopted a law (codified as 47 CFR Sec. 1455)
requiring that certain applications to modify or add to existing WCFs must be approved at the
local level. In 2014, the FCC adopted an implementing Order, including height and size criteria
and a 60-day shot clock to process these “eligible facilities requests” (29 FCC Rcd. 12865).
More recently, the FCC adopted clarifications and changes to its rules to further facilitate these
types of deployments. A failure to act within this FCC shot clock period can result in the
application being deemed approved under federal law.
Small Wireless Facilities Shot Clocks : On September 26, 2018, the FCC adopted a
Declaratory Ruling and Third Report and Order, 33 FCC Rcd. 9088 (rel. Sep. 27, 2018)
(“Small Cell Order”), which, among other things:
Created new shorter (60-day and 90-day) shot clocks for small WCFs (as defined in the
Small Cell Order);
Interpreted existing shot clock regulations to require local public agencies to issue all
relevant permits and authorizations within this period;
Established a national standard for an effective prohibition related to small WCFs that
replaced the existing “significant gap” test adopted by the United States Court of Appeals
for the Ninth Circuit; and
Provided that a failure to act within the applicable timeframe presumptively constitutes
an effective prohibition.
The Small Cell Order took effect went into effect in part on January 14, 2019, and in part on
April 15, 2019. On August 12, 2020, a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
upheld the Moratoria Order and significant portions of the Small Cell Order, including the
shorter shot clocks and remedies for failing to meet a shot clock. (City of Portland v. United
States, 969 F.3d 1020 (9th Cir. 2020) (“City of Portland”)). On October 22, 2020, the Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for en banc review of the above-referenced panel’s
decision.
In 2021, the California legislature enacted AB 537 (Gov. Code 65964.1), which further
expanded the reach of AB 57’s deemed granted remedy to apply to all WCF applications
157
subject to FCC shot clocks. Following AB 537, a deemed approved remedy is available for
each and every WCF application type—which is triggered when the local government fails to
render a final decision on a WCF application and issue all necessary approvals by the
applicable FCC shot clock deadline.
3. Limits on Design Standards
In addition to the foregoing, the Small Cell Order placed limits on aesthetic regulations for
small WCFs, including undergrounding. Under the Small Cell Order, local aesthetic
regulations are permissible so long as they are reasonable, no more burdensome than those
applied to other types of infrastructure deployments, objective, and published in advance (so
that applicants know the applicable WCF aesthetic requirements).
In City of Portland discussed above, the Court invalidated certain portions of the FCC’s Small
Cell Order that imposed new rules for aesthetic standards for small wireless facilities. Now, a
city’s aesthetic regulations for small wireless facilities will not be preempted if they are (1)
reasonable (technically feasible); and (2) published in advance.
4. Limits on Fees
The Small Cell Order declared that all WCF-related fees (including permit fees and rental fees
for use of government-owned infrastructure, such as streetlights) must be based on a
reasonable approximation of the local government’s costs, such that only objectively
reasonable costs are factored into those fees, and fees are no higher than the fees charged to
similarly situated competitors in similar situations. The FCC established presumptively
reasonable fee levels (called “safe harbors”) that include: non-recurring fees equal to $500 for
a single application for up to five collocations, plus $100 for each additional collocation, and
$1,000 for each new pole. Recurring fees for attachment to a local government’s poles are
presumed reasonable if equal to $270 per facility/per year, including the fee for attachment to
the infrastructure and use of the public right-of-way.
DISCUSSION:
At the direction of the Planning Commission at the August 15th meeting, the following changes
were made to the Ordinance:
Ordinance No. 384, Section 4:
Section 17.27.040
A.2 (Permit Requirements): Type 3 was added to subsection a and removed
from subsection b.
D (Findings for Approval): Type 3 was added to subsection 1 and removed
from subsection 2.
Additionally, a recital was amended in Resolution 2023-10 and Ordinance No. 384 to reflect
the Commission's action at the August 15th meeting. A redlined version of the Ordinance is
included as Attachment 2.
Wireless Ordinance
Staff and the City Attorney’s Office reviewed the RHMC’s processes and regulations
governing WCFs. From this review, it was determined that various amendments to the RHMC
are warranted in order to comply with the changes in federal and state law profiled above. The
attached ordinance so amends the RHMC.
158
A. Repealing and replacing Section 17.27.040, ““Wireless communication antennas and
facilities”:
a. Clarifies which facilities are exempt from the location, permit requirements, and
other provisions of Section 17.27.040;
b. Specifies that either a temporary use permit, zone clearance approval, or a
conditional use permit is required all wireless communications facilities subject to
Section 17.27.040 and establishes which types of facilities are subject to which
type of approval and the procedures for such review;
c. Establishes general standards for wireless communications facilities, such as
aesthetics, landscaping, setbacks and lighting;
d. Creates an application process with documentation requirements and a list of
standard conditions of approval; and
e. Provides for instances where the requirements provided for in Section 17.27040
may be waived or modified.
B. Amending Section 17.44.020, “Applicability,” to add a new subsection (G), requiring zone
clearance for the installation, construction, modification, replacement, or placement of
certain wireless communications facilities.
C. Amending Section 17.48.040, “Allowed Temporary Uses,” to add a new subsection (B)
(4) related to temporary wireless facilities via a temporary use permit.
Findings
Section 9-2.1601 of the RHMC provides that the City’s Zoning Chapter “may be amended to
reclassify zones, to alter the boundaries of districts, to impose regulations not heretofore
imposed, and to remove or modify any regulation heretofore imposed pursuant to provisions of
Title 7 of the Government Code of the State.” RHMC Section 9-2.1602 allows City staff to
initiate a Zoning Code amendment. Finally, state law provides that city zoning ordinances
must be consistent with the general plan of the city, pursuant to Government Code section
65860. Here, the proposed Zoning Code amendments are consistent with the City’s General
Plan as follows:
1. General Plan Safety Element Policy 5.10: Support the development and further
implementation of a peninsula-wide disaster plan;
2. General Plan Safety Element Policy 5.14: Ensure the reliability of essential facilities such
as communications towers, electrical substations, water services, and first-response
buildings in the event of an emergency through promoting grid resilience and energy
independence. Work to implement on-site power generation through solar photovoltaic
systems and battery storage;
3. General Plan Safety Element Policy 5.16: Increase access to essential resources and
facilitate effective communication in the community to accelerate recovery following such
a disaster; and
4. Land Use Goal 2: Accommodate development which is compatible with and
complements existing land uses.
Wireless Application
A draft Wireless Application is included as Attachment 3 and has been updated since the
August 15th meeting. No substantive changes were made; only formatting and spacing issues.
The Wireless Application includes a checklist of information needed to deem an application
complete. It is meant to guide applicants and ensure proposals meets the City's wireless
159
requirements. Section 17.27.040 (C) of the draft ordinance permits the Director of Planning
and Community Services to generate and update the form from time to time as necessary. No
action by the Planning Commission is required on the Wireless Application.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The proposed ordinance is not a “project” within the meaning of Section 15378 of the State
CEQA Guidelines, because it has no potential for resulting in direct or indirect physical change
in the environment. The ordinance does not authorize any specific development or installation
on any specific piece of property within the City’s boundaries. Moreover, when and if an
application for installation is submitted, the City will at that time conduct preliminary review of
the application in accordance with CEQA. Alternatively, even if the ordinance is a “project”
within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, the ordinance is exempt from
CEQA on multiple grounds. First, the ordinance is exempt CEQA because the City Council’s
adoption of the ordinance would covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to
projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. (State
CEQA Guidelines, § 15061(b)(3)). That is, approval of the ordinance will not result in the
actual installation of any facilities in the City. In order to install a facility in accordance with this
ordinance, the wireless provider would have to submit an application for installation of the
wireless facility. At that time, the City would have specific and definite information regarding
the facility to review in accordance with CEQA. And, in fact, the City would conduct
preliminary review under CEQA at that time. Moreover, in the event that the ordinance is
interpreted so as to permit installation of wireless facilities on a particular site, the installation
would be exempt from CEQA review in accordance with either State CEQA Guidelines Section
15302 (replacement or reconstruction), State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (new
construction or conversion of small structures), and/or State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304
(minor alterations to land).
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Open and conduct a public hearing;
2. Find that proposed Ordinance is exempt from the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15302
(replacement or reconstruction), State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (new
construction or conversion of small structures), State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304
(minor alterations to land), or, in the alternative, Sections 15378 and 15061(b)(3); and
3. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-10 (Attachment 1), which recommends that the City Council
adopt the proposed Ordinance No. 384 (Exhibit "A" to Attachment 1).
ATTACHMENTS:
ATTACHMENT1_2023-10_PCResolution_WCF_Ordinance_091223-c1_F2.pdf
ATTACHMENT2_384_WirelessOrdinance_D4_redline.pdf
ATTACHMENT3_PL_WCF_OrdAmend2023_WirelessApplicationDraft_8-29-23.pdf
160