Loading...
2026-13_PC_Resolution_29EastfieldDr_ZC26-55_F_EResolution No. 2026-13 29 Eastfield Drive (Aquino) 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-13 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR NON-EXEMPT GRADING RELATED TO ADDITIONS AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS; AND VARIANCE REQUESTS TO CONSTRUCT IN THE FRONT YARD SETBACK AND TO WAIVE THE REQUIREMENT FOR A STABLE AND CORRAL SET ASIDE AREA; AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM CEQA FOR 29 EASTFIELD DRIVE (LOT 45-EF) (AQUINO) THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES HEREBY FIND, RESOLVE, AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. On April 27, 2026, an application was duly filed by Brett Buchmann, agent with respect to real property located at 29 Eastfield Drive, Rolling Hills (Lot 45-EF) requesting a Site Plan Review for new construction, non-exempt grading, and retaining walls, and Variances for encroachment into the front yard setback and to waive the stable and corral set aside requirements. Section 2. The property is zoned RA-S-1 and has a gross lot area is 68,448 square feet (SF) and, for development purposes, a net lot area of 54,998 square feet. The irregularly- shaped property is located on the east side of Eastfield Drive, has a curved frontage that is approximately 89-feet in length. The lot has one building pad and topography that slopes down over 200 feet to the rear property line near the bottom of a canyon. The rear property line is approximately 306 feet in length and borders the Lower Willow Springs trail. There is a 30-foot- wide roadway easement along Eastfield Drive, a 15-foot-wide easement along the side property lines and a 25-foot-wide trail easement along the rear property line. The lot is developed with a single-family residence and attached garage that was originally constructed in 1957. The existing residence is a legal non-conforming structure that encroaches into the front setback. Section 3. The Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearings to consider the application at its field trip meeting and regular meeting on July 21, 2026. Neighbors within a 1,000-foot radius were notified of the public hearings and a notice was published in three public places on July 9, 2026. The applicants and their 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. Section 4. The Planning Commission finds that the project qualifies as a 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 accessory structures, including but not limited to garages, carports, patios, swimming pools and fences. Here, the proposed Project is the construction of an addition to a single-family residence, and is therefore categorically exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act. Further, no exceptions to the exemptions in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply. Resolution No. 2026-13 29 Eastfield Drive (Aquino) 2 Section 5. Site Plan Review Findings. Site Plan Review is required any new building or structure pursuant to Rolling Hills Municipal Code (RHMC) Section 17.46.020(A). The Project requires a Site Plan Review (SPR) due to the non-exempt grading associated with the proposed additions to the existing residence, associated grading and other improvements. With respect to the Site Plan Review for the development, the City Council 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 Project complies with and is consistent with the General Plan and zoning ordinance with the exception of the requested variances discussed in the Variance section below. The proposed addition is consistent with General Plan policies requiring low profile, low-density residential development with sufficient open space between surrounding structures. The existing residence and garage encroach into the front setback due to the shape and slope of the lot, and are therefore considered legal nonconforming in this regard. The Project otherwise conforms to the residential development standards in the zoning ordinance, including but not limited to height, lot coverage, side and rear setbacks and disturbed area. 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 Project conforms to the lot coverage requirements of the zoning ordinance. The property’s net lot area is 54,998 square feet (1.26 acres). The structural net lot coverage is proposed at 4,162 square feet or 7.6% (20% max. permitted) excluding exempt structures; and the total lot coverage proposed, including flatwork, will be 7,665 square feet or 13.9% (35% max. permitted). The Project will disturb 23.9% of the area of the lot (40% max permitted). 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 properties in the vicinity. The proposed additions to the residence and garage will be consistent with the pattern and style of development on surrounding properties, many of which are also irregularly-shaped, have steep slopes and have nonconforming front setbacks. 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). The topography and the configuration of the lot have been considered in the design of the additions. The Project will be a sufficient distance from nearby residences so views and privacy of surrounding neighbors will not be impacted. The development plan incorporates existing trees and native vegetation that is compatible with and enhances the rural character of Resolution No. 2026-13 29 Eastfield Drive (Aquino) 3 the community. The proposed additions will be constructed on the existing building pad and be screened and landscaped with trees and shrubs. The additions will meet side and rear setback requirements and are therefore a sufficient distance from nearby residences. 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. The Project substantially preserves the natural contours of the lot by locating the additions in areas that are already disturbed and by balancing all cut and fill of materials onsite. The total proposed grading for the Project is 30 cubic yards (15 CY of cut and 15 CY of fill). Excavated material from the site (cut) will be used for the on-site fill. F. Grading will not modify existing drainage channels nor redirect drainage flow, unless such flow is redirected into an existing drainage course. The minimal grading on site will support new additions located on the existing building pad at the top of a slope and will maintain drainage patterns on site. The proposed drainage plans will be reviewed by the County and the Applicant is required to obtain the necessary geotechnical approvals and permits to construct the project. 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 or will be replaced. New vegetation will be installed in accordance with an approved landscape plan that is required to comply with the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. H. The project is sensitive and not detrimental to the convenience and safety of circulation for pedestrians and vehicles. The Project will change the orientation of the garage from the east to the south elevation, but there are otherwise no changes to existing circulation for pedestrians and vehicles. I. The project conforms to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Project is categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15303, Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures). Section 6. Variance Findings. A Variance procedure is provided to grant relief from zoning provisions when, due to special circumstances applicable to a property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of the zoning code deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under identical zoning Resolution No. 2026-13 29 Eastfield Drive (Aquino) 4 classification. Variances are required for this project due to the following proposed project components: 1. Construction in the Front Yard (RHMC §17.16.110) 2. Stable and Corral Site Required (RHMC §17.16.170). Given the foregoing, in accordance with RHMC Section 17.38.050, the Planning Commission makes the following findings: A. That there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the property that do not apply generally to other properties in the same vicinity and zone. This finding can be made because the configuration and topography of the lot are conditions that do not apply generally to other properties in the RA-S-1 zone. The location of the building pad at the uppermost and narrowest portion of the lot, combined with the steep rear slope behind the residence, make the rear of the property unusable for development. Much of the existing building pad and residence is located within the front setback; the existing residence and garage encroach approximately 24 feet into the front setback. The proposed additions to the rear of the residence will be partially located in the front setback where they connect to the existing garage. However, they would not extend the beyond the front façade further into the setback and toward the street. Locating a stable and corral area on the rear slope would be extremely challenging and require a number of variances due to the size and topography of the lot. By granting this variance, the current or future property owners are not precluded from applying for approval to construct a stable and corral at a future date if a suitable location or construction plan is later identified. The property owner is merely relieved from the obligation to identify and set aside an area for a stable and corral. B. That such variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights possessed by other properties in the same vicinity and zone but which is denied the property in question. This finding can be made because the shape and topography of the lot constrain feasible locations for residential additions outside the front setback and no practical or feasible location for a stable and corral area. Relieving the applicant of the stable and corral set aside requirement will allow them to construct a residential addition, which is a substantial property right enjoyed by others properties in the vicinity and RA-S-1 zone. The Variance is necessary because the existing terrain on the lot creates a difficulty in placing the proposed addition to the residence and attached garage elsewhere on the property. C. That the granting of such variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity. This finding can be made because the Applicant is required to obtain all necessary geotechnical approvals and permits from Los Angeles County and other agencies, as Resolution No. 2026-13 29 Eastfield Drive (Aquino) 5 applicable, to construct the project. The proposed additions will be constructed on an existing building pad, and will thus not be an additional intrusion to surrounding properties, are of sufficient distance from nearby residences so that they will not impact the view or privacy of surrounding neighbors, and will permit the owners to enjoy their property without deleterious infringement on the rights of surrounding property owners. D. That in granting the variance, the spirit and intent of this title will be observed. This finding can be made because the requested Variances will allow the property to be improved with residential additions that are harmonious in scale and mass with the site, the natural environment and with adjacent residential development and will not give the property an over-built look. In granting the variance to waive the stable and corral set aside requirement, the current or future property owners are not precluded from applying for approval to construct a stable and corral at a future date if a suitable location or construction plan is later identified. The property owner is merely relieved from the obligation to identify and set aside an area for a stable and corral in the pursuit of residential improvements to their property. E. That the variance does not grant special privilege to the applicant. This finding can be made because the Project design will provide a reasonably sized residence, and will result in a common amenity enjoyed by many other properties throughout the City. Strict application of the zoning code would deny the Applicant the same rights as other nearby homes as the Applicant would have less space to build than the neighboring properties. The proposed additions are located on the same building pad as the existing residence. However, due to the configuration and topography of the lot, the existing residence and garage already encroach into the front yard setback. In granting the variance to waive the stable and corral set aside requirement, the property owner is merely relieved from the obligation to identify and set aside an area for a stable and corral in the pursuit of residential improvements to their property. F. That the variance is consistent with the portions of the County of Los Angeles Hazardous Waste Management Plan relating to siting and siting criteria for hazardous waste facilities. This finding can be made because the Project is consistent with the applicable portions of the Los Angeles County Hazardous Waste Management Plan related to siting criteria for hazardous waste facilities. The Project site is not listed on the current State of California Hazardous Waste and Substances Sites List, and the Project does not constitute a hazardous waste facility. G. That the variance request is consistent with the General Plan of the City of Rolling Hills. This finding can be made because the Project is consistent with the General Plan of the City of Rolling Hills goals to maintain the City’s rural residential character, accommodate development that is compatible with and complements existing land uses and is sensitive to the Resolution No. 2026-13 29 Eastfield Drive (Aquino) 6 natural environment and accounts for environmental hazards. The Project, together with the Variances, aligns with the goals, objectives and policies specified in the General Plan. Section 7. Based upon the foregoing findings, and the evidence in the record, the Planning Commission hereby approves Zoning Case No. 26-55 subject to the following conditions: A. The Site Plan and Variance approvals shall expire within two years from the effective date of approval as defined in RHMC Sections 17.46.080 and 17.38.070 of the Zoning Ordinance unless otherwise extended pursuant to the requirements of these sections. B. If any condition of this resolution is violated, the entitlement granted by this resolution shall be suspended and the privileges granted hereunder shall lapse and upon receipt of written notice from the City, all construction work being performed on the subject property shall immediately cease, other than work determined by the City Manager or his/her designee required to cure the violation. The suspension and stop work order will be lifted once the Applicant cures the violation to the satisfaction of the City Manager or his/her designee. In the event that the Applicant disputes the City Manager or his/her designee’s determination that a violation exists or disputes how the violation must be cured, the Applicant may request a hearing before the City Council. The hearing shall be scheduled at the next regular meeting of the City Council for which the agenda has not yet been posted; the Applicant shall be provided written notice of the hearing. The stop work order shall remain in effect during the pendency of the hearing. The City Council shall make a determination as to whether a violation of this Resolution has occurred. If the Council determines that a violation has not occurred or has been cured by the time of the hearing, the Council will lift the suspension and the stop work order. If the Council determines that a violation has occurred and has not yet been cured, the Council shall provide the Applicant with a deadline to cure the violation; no construction work shall be performed on the property until and unless the violation is cured by the deadline, other than work designated by the Council to accomplish the cure. If the violation is not cured by the deadline, the Council may either extend the deadline at the Applicant’s request or schedule a hearing for the revocation of the entitlements granted by this Resolution pursuant to Chapter 17.58 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code (RHMC). C. The applicants shall execute an Affidavit of Acceptance of all conditions of the Site Plan Review and Variance approvals, or the approval shall not be effective. D. 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. E. 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 July 21, 2026 except as otherwise provided in these conditions. The working drawings submitted to the Department of Building and Safety for plan check review shall conform to the approved development plan. All conditions of the Site Plan Review and Variance approvals shall be incorporated into the building permit working drawings, and where applicable complied with prior to issuance of a grading or building permit from the building department. Resolution No. 2026-13 29 Eastfield Drive (Aquino) 7 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 nature. Minor modifications are subject to approval by the City Manager or his or her designee. Major modifications are subject to approval by the Planning Commissioner after a public hearing. 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. F. 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. G. 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. 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. H. The total structural coverage on the building pad shall not exceed 4,162 square feet or 7.6%. I. Total lot coverage of structures and paved areas shall not exceed 7,665 square feet or 13.94%. J. The disturbance of the lot shall not exceed 13,131 square feet of surface area or 23.9% of the lot area. K. The Applicant shall secure all permits from the Department of Building and Safety prior to commencing any work, and pay all applicable Building and Safety and Public Works Department fees and Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District fees, if any. 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. Resolution No. 2026-13 29 Eastfield Drive (Aquino) 8 L. 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. M. The Applicant shall submit a detailed drainage plan to the City’s drainage engineer. This project shall meet the requirements of the City’s Low Impact Development portion of the Storm Water Management and Pollution Control ordinance, if applicable. The applicant shall comply with grading requirements relative to submittal of grading and construction reports as required by the Building Official. In order to prevent sediments and water run-off from reaching the canyon from the disturbed slopes and an erosion control plan shall be submitted to the Building Department and implemented, even if grading permits have not been issued by that time. N. Prior to issuance of a grading permit a detailed landscaping plan shall be submitted to City staff for review. The landscaping shall be subject to all current and applicable City standards, including the requirements of the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, (Chapter 13.18 of the RHMC). The landscaping plan shall utilize to the maximum extent feasible, plants that are native to the area, are water-wise and are consistent with the rural character of the community. A Certificate of Completion shall be submitted by the Project designer or contractor to the City prior to final landscape installation inspection. A final inspection shall not be granted unless the slopes are vegetated. O. The applicant shall comply with all requirements of the Low Impact Development requirements for storm water management on site (RHMC Chapter 8.32). M. The Applicant shall be required to conform to the City of Rolling Hills Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, Chapter 13.18 of the Municipal Code. Prior to any further grading activity, the Applicant shall inform the City and RHCA staff of the date and time of this activity. Workers shall implement Best Management Practices to assure that streets and adjacent properties are not impacted. P. The graded areas shall be landscaped and continually maintained in good condition. Any trees and shrubs used in the landscaping scheme for this project shall be planted in a way that will not result in a hedge like screening and will not impair views from neighboring properties. Pursuant to Chapter 8.30 of the RHMC, the property shall at all times be maintained free of dead trees and vegetation. Q. The City or the Building Department may require a construction fence for the duration of the grading for this project. Such fence shall not be located in any easement or cross over trails or natural drainage course and shall be removed immediately upon completion of the grading work. R. Any construction facility, such as a construction trailer/office or portable toilets, to a maximum extent practicable, shall be located in a manner not visible from the street, and be in a location satisfactory to City staff. S. There shall be no discarding of any debris, trash, soil and construction spoils or any other material into the canyon or deposited anywhere on the property, including easements. Resolution No. 2026-13 29 Eastfield Drive (Aquino) 9 No grading, planting, structures, drainage devices or hardscape, including driveways, or storage of any objects including building materials shall take place in the easements, unless approved by the RHCA. T. The property owners 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 onsite wastewater treatment system/septic system. U. 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. V. Prior to construction, an on-site inspection and site walk-through, including through all existing structures as needed, shall be scheduled with City Staff and the applicant. W. During construction, the property owners shall be required to schedule and regulate construction and related traffic noise throughout the day between the hours of 7 AM and 6 PM, Monday through Saturday only, when construction and mechanical equipment noise is permitted, so as not to interfere with the quiet residential environment of the City of Rolling Hills. X. Construction vehicles or equipment, employees’ vehicles, delivery trucks shall not impede any traffic lanes to maximum extend practical; if traffic must be blocked in order to aid in the construction, no more than a single lane may be blocked for a short period of time and flagmen utilized on both sides of the impeded area to direct traffic. Y. Prior to demolition of the 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. Z. 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. AA. 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. AB. 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 Resolution No. 2026-13 29 Eastfield Drive (Aquino) 10 accordance with South Coast Air Quality Management District, Los Angeles County and local ordinances and engineering practices. AC. During construction, an Erosion Control Plan containing the elements set forth in Section 7010 of the 2025 County of Los Angeles Uniform Building Code shall be followed to minimize erosion and to protect slopes and channels to control storm water pollution. AD. During construction, 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. It is the sole responsibility of the property owner and/or his/her contractor to monitor the red flag warning conditions. AE. During construction, conformance with the air quality management district requirements, storm water pollution prevention practices, county and local ordinances and 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. AF. Minimum of 65% of the construction material spoils shall be recycled and diverted from landfills. The hauler shall obtain a Construction and Demolition permit from the City and provide proof of recycling. AG. 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. AH. 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. AI. 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. AJ. To the extent permitted by law, Permittee shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City of Rolling Hills, its City Council, its officers, employees and agents (the “indemnified parties”) from and against any claim, action, or proceeding brought by a third party against the indemnified parties and the applicant to attack, set aside, or void any permit or approval for this project authorized by the City, including (without limitation) reimbursing the City its actual attorney’s fees and costs in defense of the litigation. The City may, in its sole discretion, elect to defend any such action with attorneys of its choice. The permittee shall reimburse the City for any court and attorney's fees which the City may be required to pay as a result of any claim or action brought against the City because of this permit. Although the permittee is the real party in interest in an action, the City may, at its sole discretion, participate at its own expense in the defense of the action, but such participation shall not relieve the permittee of any obligation under this condition.