none, Excessive noise complaints fro, Correspondence•City 0/ leotting
December 18, 1992
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Romig
12 Bowie Road
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(310) 377-1521
FAX: (310) 377-7288
SUBJECT: ILLEGAL USE OF STABLE
25 CABALLEROS ROAD, ROLLING HILLS, CA 90724
PROPERTY OWNERS CHARLES M. AND MARGARET L. STOKER
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Romig:
After assurances by your neighbors, the subject property owners,
that the use of the stable for drum practice had been abated and
the drums relocated to their residence, the City conducted an
inspection of the premises.
Mr. Rafael Bernal, Los Angeles County Senior Building Inspector and
I inspected the stable at 10 AM on December 16, 1992 and noted that
the offending drum set had been removed.
Thank you for your patience during the long months expended working
at resolving this case. Feel free to call on us if we can be of
any further assistance.
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
cc: Craig Nealis, City Manager
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney
John Bax, Deputy District Attorney
Peggy Minor, Rolling Hills Community Association Manager
Lata Thakar, District Engineer, County Building & Safety
Captain Bill Mangan, Sergeant Grandchamp, Lomita Sheriff
Station
Printed on Recycled Paper.
r.
1U'16
11;`�:
.V310 52 :.155 !I1T"1)✓L TOYS
•
1 Mattel Toys
Thomas P, Romig
Sear V.ce P•es•cent
ma•.ceting anc 0•e3(ve Services
FAX 310 52A 2175
Telephone 3•C 524 2740
October 12, 1992
Lola Unger
Principal Planner
City of Rolling Hills
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, Ca. 90274
Mattel, Inc.
333 Cc^oneriai Boutevarc
Et Seyunoo. CA 902,15.5012
Telephone 310 524 2000
TELEX 188155 or188170
Dear Ms. Unger:
As you will see from the attached, the Stokers want to continue
using the illegally converted stable, continuing to disturb the
peace.
The net from their letter is:
1) We continue to hear the noise;
2) We pay for plants:
My position has not changed. They should follow rules like every
other family in Rolling Hills.
Regards,
TR:mb
cc: Mike Stoker
September 28, 1992
Thomas Romig
#12 Bowie Lane
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Romig:
This is written in an attempt to resolve the ongoing dispute
regarding our son's playing drums in our tack room.
As you know, we have gone to great expense to sound proof our tack
room. But to reduce the sound level even further and minimize any
annoyance to you, as discussed with you last spring, we are again
proposing the following:
1. We identify practice times that are mutually agreeable and most
convenient for your schedules.
2. We continue to limit the practice times to no more than 30
minutes per day, (45 minutes on weekends).
3. We plant several fast growing acacia or myoporum bushes
between our properties to reduce the penetration of any sounds
from our barn and corral to your property. (As you know,
because of the property line, any planting must be done on your
land. If you purchase the plants, we would have them
installed and pay for the ongoing watering.)
We are getting one or more horses within the next few months.
Because the horse activities cannot be confined to the tack room,
except for item #3 above, there is nothing we can do reduce the
level of sound that will be coming from our corral area.
We do not want this ongoing dispute to continue or escalate after
we get horses. Please consider this letter as a means to amicably
resolve this problem forever. Please call my wife (during the
daytime) at 793-1545 or me (during the evening) at 541-7732 to
discuss this as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Sincerely
pf(G%1(�
ike Stoker
#25 Caballeros Rd.
c: Lola Ungar
r IgCoIIn
EliountiTtue
SEP 21 1992
Thomas P. Romig
Senior Vice President
Marketing and Creative Services.
FAX 310 524 2179
Telephone 310 524 2740
September 21,. 1992
Lola Ungar
Planning Department
City of Rolling Hills
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
By
-1). ti;21WP
2
SEP 2 1 1992
CITY. OF ROLLING HILLS
Re: Building Violation/Disturbing the Peace
Stoker Property - 25 Caballeros
Mattel, Inc.
333 Continental Boulevard
El Segundo, CA 90245-5012
Telephone 310 524 2000
TELEX 188155 or 188170
As we have discussed numerous times, the "non -permitted" conversion
of the stable on the Stoker property is causing a serious problem
for my family and me.
As you know, the stable was converted to a "rec" room in Spring of
this year. I alerted the town of the construction, nevertheless
the construction was done without permits. The stable building is
directly behind my home and since Spring it has been used by the
Stokers to practice playing drums. The sound comes directly into
my home - including my daughter's bedroom and family room and
kitchen.
Since Spring we called the Sheriffs Department for Disturbing the
Peace complaints scores of times, all of which have been documented
by the officers. The officers mentioned that other families have
also called. The deputies come out, but the noise continues; it
has been an ineffective solution, and a waste of our Sheriffs
resources.
The drumming can occur at any time, any day, and it is extremely
annoying and disruptive to me and my family. My daughter can't
study in her own room. I'm reluctant to entertain in my own home
for fear of the obnoxious noise from this stable. Needless to say
this situation has a negative impact on the value of my property.
It seems to me that the Stokers have blatantly violated the
construction statures of the town - with no penalty to them. My
family is paying the price. Given the cost our home and the taxes
we pay is seems like we should have peace and quiet.
Lola Unger
September 21, 1992
Please help stop the Stokers from disturbing the peace.
Sincerely,
Thomas P. Romig
Senior Vice President
Activity Toys Marketing
TPR:mb
• •
July 2, 1992
To whom it may concern:
I am aware that Michael Stoker, #25 Caballeros Road, is a drummer.
We could occasionally hear his practice when he played in his home
earlier this year; it was quite loud. However, in the last sixty
days, we have noted that his drumming is hardly audible, occurring
for only short periods of time (never over 30 minutes), and always
during daylight hours. As a result, we have not been bothered by
it.
Pqt: Dz 1
Y
• •
July 2, 1992
To whom it may concern:
I am aware that Michael Stoker, #25 Caballeros Road, plays the
drums. We could often he hiaractice when he played in his home
earlier this year; it was Pitct:`' However, in the last sixty days,
we have not heard his drumming.
• •
July 2, 1992
To whom it may concern:
I am aware that Michael Stoker, #25 Caballeros Road, plays the
drums. We could often hear his practice when he played in his home
earlier this year; it was loud. However, in the last sixty days,
we have not heard his •ummi
f7l a-
41, •
USE OF A SOUND PROOFED TACK ROOM FOR MUSIC PRACTICE
This is concerning the City of Rolling Hills interpretation of a
County Ordinance regarding use of animal structures for purposes
other than animal care. We understand that one neighbor has
repeatedly complained to the city regarding drumming noise coming
from the Stoker tack room. As a result of the compaints, the
city has informed the Stokers that their son Michael cannot
practice his drums for even S0 minutes per day without first
getting a permit for a variance that would allow "mixed use" of
their tack room.
WHEREAS,
1. Michael Stoker is a 17 year old musician who has been taking
music lessons for several years, expending thousands of
dollars on drum equipment and lessons.
2. Michael Stoker is in both his high school band and a local
band and needs to practice regularly.
3. Michael Stoker moved his practicing from his home to the
tack room (after sound -proofing the room at a cost of $700)
to reduce the sound as much as possible.
4. Michael Stoker has been practicing his drums on a daily
basis at the new and relatively sound -proofed location since
May without any neighbors, except one, even being able to
hear it.
5. Michael Stoker has never and agrees that he will never play
his d ms after dark, before 8am or for any period longer
than minutes per day.
6. The decibel readings of the sound level at the complaining
neighbor's home have been taken by the Lomita Sheriffs
Department and found to be within acceptable limits.
7. The Stokers have attempted to placate the complaining
neighbor by attempting to identify convenient practice
hours, etc. (see attachment 1) to no avail.
8. The permits required to request a variance to allow multiple
uses of a barn cost $2,700 and there is no refund in the
event that the permit is not granted.
9. To move the drums from the relatively sound proofed tack
room to the house for practice would increase the noise
level for the one complaining neighbor at least two -fold,
and cause dozens of neighbors to suddenly become aware (and
possibly bothered) by the drumming.
• •
10. It is impossible to create a sound proof room in the
Stoker's existing residence without making major
modifications to the external appearance of the home
(eliminating French doors, etc).
11. Michael Stoker is a senior in high school and will, most
likely, be going to school out-of-state next year.
THEREFORE, we the undersigned feel strongly that the City of
Rolling Hills should forego current attempts to enforce their
interpretation of the County code requiring a mixed use permit,
merely because the Stoker's son practices drums for 516 minutes a
day in their tack room.
C1iy o/ R0/f4 JUL
June 4, 1992
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Stoker
25 Caballeros Road
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
SUBJECT: ZONING CODE VIOLATIONS
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Stoker:
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX: (213) 377-7288
The City has received complaints that you have converted a portion
of your stable to a recreation room or mixed use structure. We
have also received complaints about loud drum noise coming from
this mixed use structure.
Section 17.16.012.K Conditional Use Permit uses of the Rolling
Hills Municipal Code states that a mixed use structure is permitted
provided a Conditional Use Permit has been granted (attached).
In addition, while a stable is permitted in the rear yard setback,
a mixed use is not. Therefore, under Section 17.28.022 Structures
Permitted in yards (attached) you must also apply for a Variance.
You are formally requested to stop any further use of the mixed use
structure and to contact this office and apply for a Variance and
a Conditional Use Permit within the next twenty days.
If we •do not receive\a written response from you within that
period, we have no alternative but to forward the case to the
District Attorney for, appropriate action.
You may call me at (213) 377-1521 if you have any questions and I
will be happy to meet with you to explain the application process
(forms enclosed).
Your cooperation is appreciated.
Sincerely,
67A
LOLA M. UNGAR
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
cc:
Craig Nealis, City Manager
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney
Peggy Minor, Rolling Hills Community Association Manager
John Bax, District Attorney's Office
Lata Thakar, District Engineer
•
City 0/ Rolling _WA
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX (213) 377.7288
May 6, 1992
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Michael Stoker
25 Caballeros Road
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
SUBJECT: SKATEBOARD RAMP AT 25 CABALLEROS ROAD
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Stoker:
We have been informed that the skateboard ramp in the rear yard
setback of your property was not dismantled in April in preparation
for the May clean-up, as you had stated in your letter of March 26,
1992 that you would do.
So, we are sending you this note to remind you that this year's
Spring Clean -Up sponsored by the City of Rolling Hills and
Browning -Ferris Industries is scheduled for this Saturday, Mav 9,
and Saturday. Mav 16. 1992. Extra large items should be placed out
adjacent to the street prior to 7:00 AM the morning of the 9th and
16th for free pick-up.
We urge you take care of this matter immediately.
Yours truly,
LOLA M. UNGAR
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
cc: Mr. John Bax, District Attorney's Office
City ol leoffing
March 11, 1992
Mr. John Bax
District Attorney's Office
Contract Cities Unit, Room 18-217
Criminal Courts Building
210 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX (213) 377-7288
SUBJECT: SKATEBOARD RAMP
25 CABALLEROS ROAD, ROLLING HILLS, CA 90724
PROPERTY OWNERS CHARLES M. AND MARGARET L. STOKER
Dear Mr. Bax:
During my last discussion with you regarding this case on Monday,
March 2, 1992, we tentatively decided to take a "wait and see
attitude" regarding the removal of the skateboard ramp at the
subject site by May, 1992.
Today, I spoke with Mr. Thomas Romig, the complainant and property
owner adjacent to the rear of the subject property. Mr. Romig
states that the skateboard ramp is still being used. He notes that
though he was away this past weekend, the skateboard ramp was used
on the weekend of Saturday, February 29, 1992 through Sunday, March
1, 1992.
Mr. Romig stated that there is usually a gathering of teenage young
men along with their "boom boxes" blaring loud music when the
skateboard ramp is being used. The adjacent stable is also being.
used by Mr. Stoker's son for drum practice. Mr. Romig said that
Mr. Stoker is not telling us the truth about the removal of the
skateboard ramp.
We still have not received a letter from Mr. Stoker about the
removal of the ramp that he had promised to send on February 5,
1992 (Letter to John Bax, 2/7/92).
PAGE 2
Under these circumstances, the City has no alternative but to
request that the prosecution procedure be continued. The City of
Rolling Hills requests that prosecution be persued against Mr. and
Mrs. Charles M. Stoker as soon as possible.
Sincgrely,
LOLA UNGAR
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
cc: Mr. Craig Nealis, City Manager
Mr. Michael Jenkins, City Attorney
Ms. Peggy Minor, Rolling Hills Community Association Manager
• •
- c
Cu y o/ R0M
oe-
s
February 7, 1992
Mr. John Bax
District Attorney's Office
Contract Cities Unit, Room 18-217
Criminal Courts Building
210 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX: (213) 377.7288
SUBJECT: SKATEBOARD RAMP
25 CABALLEROS ROAD, ROLLING HILLS, CA 90724
PROPERTY OWNERS CHARLES M. AND MARGARET L. STOKER
Dear Mr. Bax:
At the meeting on Friday, November 21, 1991 that you and I had with Mr. and
Mrs. Stoker, you had explained that the Stokers had until January 2, 1992 to
remove the skateboard ramp or apply for a Variance and a Conditional Use
Permit.
On Thursday, December 26, 1991, Mr. Stoker and his teenage son came to the
counter at 11:55 AM and asked for a copy of the violations that he had been
accused of violating and a copy of the Zoning Code.
A copy of the October 24, 1991 Violation letter listing the sections of the
municipal code violated to Mr. and Mrs. Stoker from John Bax, Deputy -in -charge
Contract Cities Section, was given to Mr. Stoker along with a copy of the current
Zoning Code.
While the subject file was in view, Mr. Stoker's son remarked that a booklet from
Thrasher Magazine titled, "Ramps, Ground -to -Grind Guidelines for Constructing
Skate Structures" that he noticed in the file was the same one he had used to
build his skateboard ramp.Mr. Stoker asked him if he was sure and he said that,
"Yes, that's the same one."
The City had ordered the booklet from the magazine to learn how a skateboard
ramp is constructed. The booklet refers to the legality of owning a skateboard
ramp (i.e., of meeting local construction ordinances; to avoid offending neighbors
with noise, hours, and litter; and the liability for injury on private property).
Then, on December 31, 1991, we received a letter from Mr. Stoker requesting a
30 day extension to consider alternatives regarding the skateboard ramp. On
January 7, 1992, the City responded with a letter to Mr. Stoker regarding our
confusion because up until that time he had refused to remove the ramp,
requested permission to make an on -site inspection to measure and photograph
the exact location of' the skateboard ramp on Tuesday, January 14, 1992 with the
assistance of a Los Angeles County Building Inspector, and urged Mr. Stoker to
apply for the permits or remove the ramp by January 31, 1992.
Page 2
We arranged with Mr. Stoker to conduct the on -site inspection, and on January
14, 1992, at 11:00 AM, Mr. Rafael Bernal, Senior Building Engineering Inspector
and I, inspected and measured the skateboard ramp and its distance from the
property lines. We found that the ramp is constructed in a U-Shape of layers
of plywood, with a masonite lining that is now warped and bubbled from the rain.
The ramp is set on concrete building blocks and varies in height from 8 to 12
feet because of its position on a hillside, and measures 16 feet by 34 feet in
area. The skateboard ramp is not in line with the side and rear property lines
but slightly askew so that the ramp is as close as 10 feet from the side property
line and and as close as 5 feet from the rear property line which is within the
20 foot side setback, 50 foot rear setback, and 25 foot rear easement and in
violation of Sections 17.16.070.B, 17.16.080, and 17.28.022 of the Rolling Hills
Municipal Code. These sections state that a side yard setback in the RAS-1 zone
shall not be less than 20 feet and that a rear yard setback in the RAS-1 zone
shall not be less than 50 feet and that only accessory buildings are permitted
in the rear yard. Also, that required yards shall be maintained unoccupied and
unobstructed from the ground up of any structures. A 50-foot distance of a
mown -grass covered slope separates the skateboard ramp from the complainant's
home which is at the base of the slope and at a lower level than the skateboard
ramp. While Mr. Bernal and I were viewing the ramp Mr. Stoker said that he
would be removing the ramp and build a bigger and better one. Then, he said
he would be removing the ramp. Again, during theinspection, it was determined
that the property owners were still in violation of' the above noted sections of
the Rolling Hills Municipal Code as well as, Section 17.16.012.I which requires a
Conditional Use Permit for Parks and playgrounds.
On February 5, 1992, Mr. Stoker came to the public counter. He asked when the
next city-wide large item pickup would take place and said that he would be
removing the ramp at that time. The city-wide large item pickup is not until
May, 1992. Mr. Stoker said that he would send me a letter stating that he will
remove the ramp. He also told me that his son will be practicing the drums up
until 10 PM daily inside the existing stable next to the skateboard ramp.
The City of Rolling Hills requests that prosecution be persued against Mr. and
Mrs. Charles M. Stoker as soon. as possible.
Sincerely,
LOLA UNGAR
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
cc: Mr. Michael Jenkins, City Attorney
Ms. Peggy Minor, Rolling Hills Community Association Manager
ATTACHMENTS: December 31, 1991 letter from Mr. Stoker to City
January 7, 1992 letter to Mr. Stoker from City
Map of site
4110
£l'i44I 0/ Ailing +_ iffo INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX: (213) 377-7288
January 7, 1992
Mr. Charles Michael Stoker
25 Caballeros Road
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
SUBJECT:, SKATEBOARD RAMP AT 25 CABALLEROS ROAD
Dear Mr. Stoker:
We received your letter of December 31, 1991 and we are sorry to
hear about your daughter's illness.
In your letter, you request a thirty (30) day extension to consider
alternatives regarding the skateboard ramp. We are confused
because in every conversation, to date, you reiterated that you did
not intend to remove the ramp nor have you applied for appropriate
permits.
We urge you to reconsider and initiate the Variance and Conditional
Use permit process as required by every property owner as described
in the Municipal Code by the end of this month. Because you have
not, as yet, taken action to comply with City Ordinances we will
continue to pursue prosecution with the District Attorney.
However, if you take action to apply under the permit process, we
will discontinue prosecution action.
Should prosecution become necessary, the City will file to recover
all costs of the subject case. Since August 20, 1991 when the
Planning Commission made its decision, the City Manager, the
Principal Planner, and other City staff have spent numerous hours
dealing with you and the complainant. We are also documenting fees
billed by the City Attorney, and the Deputy District Attorney.
Currently, the City has expended approximately S 1,000.00 on this
case.
Finally, we reauest that the City be allowed permission to make an
inspection to measure and photograDh the exact location of the
skateboard ramp with the assistance of the County Building
Inspector on Tuesday, January 14, 1992 at a pre -arranged time. If
you do not allow us to inspect, we will obtain an inspection
warrant. Again, you are urged to contact this office and apply for
the Conditional Use Permit and the Variance or remove the
skateboard ramp by January 31, 1992.
Feel free to call me at (213) 377-1521 if you have any questions
and I will be happy to meet with you and provide the required
application forms.
• a
PAGE 2
Your cooperation is appreciated.
Sincerely,
LOLA M. UNGAR
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
cc: Mr. Craig Nealis, City Manager
Mr. John Bax, Deputy -in -charge
Mr. Michael Jenkins, City Attorney
Ms. Peggy Minor, Rollina Hills Community Association Manager
December 31, 1991
Lola Ungar, Principal Planner
City of Rolling Hills
2 Portuguese Bend Rd.
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Dear Ms. Ungar:
JAN
- 6 1991
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
By...............M.........../...1(..J.w..�RYl�R
This is in follow-up to the conference held on November 22
with John Bax in the Torrance District Attorney's Office. As
you know, at the conclusion of that meeting, it was decided
that we would be given a few weeks (until January 2, 1992),
to consider the alternatives regarding our skateboard ramp.
This is a request for an extension of 30 days.
Between November 26 and December 12, my 11 year old daughter
had six physician visits/consultations. As a result of the
findings, on December 13 she underwent surgery at Kaiser
Sunset in Los Angeles. She was hospitalized in the Pediatric
Intensive Care Unit for five days before being discharged on
December 18 with a surgical drainage tube.
Though she has had the drainage tube removed and is doing
extremely well, she continues on medication and will require
frequent follow-up physician visits.
As a result of our concerns regarding our daughter's health,
we have not addressed the skateboard issue.
Please let me know your thoughts regarding this request at
your earliest convenience.
Michael Stoker
#25 Caballeros Rd.
• s
Cily afiedlin9 _uee
August 23, 1991
Mr. Michael Stoker
25 Caballeros Road
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
SUBJECT: SKATEBOARD RAMP
Dear Mr. Stoker:
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX: (213) 377-7288
On August 20, 1991, the Planning Commission determined that a
skateboard ramp is similar to a playground use requiring a
Conditional Use Permit (Section 17.16.012.I of the Rolling Hills
Muncipal Code). We understand that a skateboard ramp has been
constructed on your property.
If you obtain aConditional Use Permit, you may then be permitted
to maintain the structure in your yard. You would also have to
obtain a Variance to the rear yard setback requirement to maintain
the structure closer than 50 feet from the rear property line.
You are'. formally requested to contact this office and apply for the
Conditional Use Permit and the Variance or remove the skateboard
ramp within the next twenty days.
If we do not receive a written response from you within that
period, we have no alternative but.to forward the case to the
District Attorney for appropriate action.
You may call me at (213) 377-1521 if you have any questions and I
will be happy to meet with you and provide the required application
forms.
Your cooperation is appreciated.
Sincerely,
ore-e,
LOLA M. UNGAR
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
CC:
Craig Nealis, City Manager
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney
Peggy Minor, Rolling Hills Community Association Manager
i •
Ci1/� O Rotting ✓ ldt INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
Na 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377-1521
FAX (213) 377-7288
May 20, 1991
Mr. John Bax
District Attorney's Office
Contract Cities Unit, Room 18-217
Criminal Courts Building
210 W. Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
SUBJECT: Charles M. & Margaret L. Stoker
25 Caballeros Road, Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Dear Mr. Bax:
Thank you for your attention to our need for code enforcement
prosecution and the information you have given me regarding
procedure, requirements, and fees.
Craig Nealis, City Manager, has asked me to go ahead with
procedures and so I have prepared the following attached items for
your review for the subject case:
1. Code Sections Violated:
Section 17.08.230 Structure, wall, fence
Section 17.16.010 Permitted uses
Section 17.16.011 Accessory uses and structures
Section 17.16.012 Conditional Use permit uses
Section 17.16.080 Rear yard
Section 17.28.022 Structure permitted in yards
2. Penalty Section Municipal Code:
Section 15.04.150 Violations and Penalties
3. The Code Enforcement case file.
Feel free to call me at (213) 377-1521 if you have any
questions.
Sincerely,
Lola Ungar,"rincipal Planner
C44 `oiling Jh/h
April 19, 1991'
Mr. Michael Stoker
25 Caballeros Road
Rolling Hills, CA 9027.4
SUBJECT: SKATEBOARD RAMP
Dear Mr. Stoker:
1NCORPORATGD JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(213) 377.1521
FAX (213) 377.7288
In an effort to resolve the complaint we received regarding the
skateboard ramp installed on your property we requested that the
City Attorney research and determine whether the Rolling Hills
Municipal Code regulates the construction or operation of a
skateboard ramp on your property.
Rolling Hills Municipal Code Section 17.16.080 requires each lot
in a residential zone to have a minimum rear yard of 50 feet
measured from the rear property line. Section 17.28.022 provides
that required yards shall be maintained unoccupied and unobstructed
from the ground upward of any structure except boundary fences,
driveways and parking areas. Section 17.08.230 defines "structure"
as meaning "anything constructed or erected, the use of which
requires permanent location on the ground. Structure shall also
include fences, retaining walls, lattice work and garden walls."
Therefore, if a skateboard ramp is a "structure" it could not be
located in the rear yard setback without obtaining a variance to
Section 17.28.022 (required yards are to unobstructed).
A skateboard ramp is not listed as a permitted use or permitted
accessory use in Section 17.16.010 or 17.16.011 It is also not
listed as a conditionally permitted use in Section 17.16.012,
although it may be analogous to other listed conditionally
permitted uses such as tennis courts (paragraph (E)), detached
recreation rooms (paragraph (G)) and playgrounds (paragraph (I)).
If the Planning Commission makes a determination that a skateboard
ramp is similar to other conditionally permitted uses and should
be treated as such a use, rather than being an illegal use, then
you could be permitted to maintain the structure in your yard if
you obtain a conditional use permit. You would also have to obtain
a variance to the rear yard setback requirement to maintain the
structure closer than 50 feet from the rear property line.
2
Therefore, you must apply for a conditional use permit for the
skateboard ramp and variance to the rear yard setback requirement.
We would like to resolve this issue in a smooth and harmonious
manner and would appreciate a timely response from you.
You may call me at (213) 377-1521 if you have any questions and I
will be happy to provide you with all required application forms.
Sincerely,
Lola M. Ungar, Principal Planner
LU/bc
cc: Craig Nealis, City Manager
Michael Jenkins, City Attorney
Peggy Minor, Manager, Rolling Hills Association