548, Retore trail to its original c, Resolutions & Approval ConditionsRESOLUTION NO. 97-4
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF ROLLING HILLS APPROVING A REQUEST FOR
MODIFICATIONS TO AN APPROVED SITE PLAN REVIEW
APPLICATION TO ALLOW INCREASED GRADING FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT IN ZONING CASE NO. 548.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES HEREBY
FIND, RESOLVE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. An application was duly filed on December 5, 1996 by Mr. John
Z. Blazevich with respect to real property at 1 Buggy Whip Drive (Lot 176-A-MS and
a portion of Lot 176-MS) requesting a modification to an approved Site Plan Review
application to increase grading for a project that involves the construction of a
single family residence, garages, guest house, pool, tennis court, and stable. At the
same time, another application was duly filed requesting a modification to an
approved Conditional Use Permit to allow the relocation of a tennis court from a
specified location on the surface of the project site into a basement beneath garages
and storage areas. These applications were made after it came to light that a
basement to be used as a tennis court had been excavated without City and County
approvals.
Section 2. The Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public
hearing to consider the December 5, 1996 applications on December 17, 1996 and
February 11, 1997, and at a field trip visit on February 8, 1997.
Section 3. The applicant was notified of the public hearing in writing by
first class mail and through the City's newsletter. Evidence was heard and
presented from all persons interested in affecting said proposal, from all persons
protesting the same, and from members of the City staff and the Planning
Commission having reviewed, analyzed and studied said proposal. Concerns
expressed by Commissioners, residents and the applicant focused on the excavation
that took place without City and County approvals, the height of the building pad,
the height of the residence and the pitch of the roof, remediation of a drainage
course and the instability of a supporting "key" to the existing building pad which
was previously undetected, and the impairment of views caused by the premature
planting of large trees on the subject site. The Planning Commission approved the
application to allow the relocation of a tennis court from a specified location on the
surface of the project site into a basement beneath garages and storage areas
pursuant to Resolution No. 97-3.
Section 4. On February 14, .1995, the City Council approved the first site
plan for the property and a Conditional Use Permit for a tennis court by Resolution
No. 754 in Zoning Case No. 505A. This followed the Planning Commission's
RESOLUTION NO. 97-4
PAGE 1 OF 9
approval of that first project by Resolution No. 94-21 in Zoning Case No. 505A on
November 22, 1994.
Section 5. On October 17, 1995, the Planning Commission approved a
request for modifications to the approved Site Plan Review application by
Resolution No. 95-14 in Zoning Case No. 533 for the construction of a new single
family residence, tennis court and other improvements to replace an existing single
family residence and tennis court.
Section 6. On May 21, 1996, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution
No. 96-10 in Zoning Case No. 539 approving a Conditional Use Permit for the
construction of a guesthouse and approving the addition of the same guest house to
a previously approved Site Plan Review application for the construction of a new
single family residential development.
Section 7. The Los Angeles County Department of Building and Safety
notified the City that a revised grading plan submitted on October 26, 1996 had been
submitted by the applicant that showed substantial amounts of additional grading.
The Grading Plan Checker for the County reported that the original grading plan
had been checked and approved for both grading and drainage and that there was
now a disparity in grading volumes because of the addition of two substantial
basements; one beneath the residence and one beneath garages and storage areas. At
the construction site, the basement to be used as a tennis court had been excavated
without City and County approvals and the soil displaced therefrom had been used
to stabilize a "key" in a slope and to correct erosion in a drainage course.
Section 8. A mitigated Negative Declaration for the original project was
prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and adopted
by the Planning Commission on November 22, 1994. The Planning Commission
finds that the project as modified subsequently and as presented by this application
is within the scope of the previously adopted Negative Declaration. The Planning
Commission further finds that the project as modified will not have any new or
substantlally greater environmental impacts than considered in the original
Negative Declaration.
Section 9. Section 17.46.010 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code requires a
development plan to be submitted for site plan review and approval before any
building or structure may be constructed or any expansion, addition, alteration or
repair to existing buildings may be made which involve changes to grading or an
increase to the size of the building or structure by at least 1,000 square feet and has
the effect of increasing the size of the building or structure by more than twenty-five
percent (25%) in any thirty-six month period. In addition, a condition of Resolution
No. 96-10 required that any modifications to the project which would constitute
additional structural development requires the filing of a new application for Site
Plan Review approval by the Planning Commission. The applicant is requesting to
modify the approved Site Plan by relocating a tennis court to a basement beneath
RESOLUTION NO. 97-4
PAGE 2 OF 9
garages and storage areas and requesting to modify the approved Site Plan to
increase grading on the site to repair drainage facilities. The applicant's latest
proposal submitted on December 5, 1996, includes additional grading of 7,705 cubic
yards of cut soil and 7,705 cubic yards of fill soil for a total of 15,345 cubic yards of cut
soil and 15,345 cubic yards of fill soil. With respect to this request, the Planning
Commission makes the following findings of fact:
A. The development is compatible with the General Plan, the Zoning
Ordinance and surrounding uses because the proposed grading together with the
other improvements on the property complies with the General Plan requirement
of low profile, low density residential development with sufficient open space
between surrounding structures. The project as modified conforms to Zoning Code
setback and lot coverage requirements. The lot has a net square foot area of 277,844
square feet (7.43 acres). The residence (9,333 sq.ft.), attached garage (2,265 sq.ft.),
swimming pool (1,310 sq. ft.), tennis court (7,060 sq.ft.), stable (450 sq.ft.), service yard
(96 sq.ft.); and guest house (800 sq.ft.) will have 21,314 square feet which constitutes
7.67% of the lot which is within the maximum 20% structural lot coverage
requirement. The total lot coverage including paved areas and driveway will be
38,372 square feet which equals 13.81% of the lot, which is within the 35%
maximum overall lot coverage requirement. The proposed project is on a relatively
large lot with the proposed structures located away from the road so as to reduce the
visual impact of the development and is similar and compatible with several
neighboring developments. The building pad is 86,205 square feet and structural
coverage on the building pad is 24.73%.
B. The development, as modified, preserves and integrates into the site
design, to the maximum extent feasible, existing natural topographic features of the
lot including surrounding native vegetation, mature trees, drainage courses, and
land forms (such as hillsides and knolls). Portions of the grading will improve and
repair the condition of an eroded drainage course and help to stabilize a graded
"key" in the existing building pad.
C. The development plan follows natural contours of the site to
minimize grading and the natural drainage courses will continue to the eastern
canyon at the rear of the lot. The additional grading quantities do not cause
substantial modification to land forms because a portion of displaced soil will be
used to correct eroded drainage facilities and is offset by the fact that graded areas
will be compacted to a higher compaction level than existing soil conditions.
D. The development plan incorporates existing large trees and native
vegetation to the maximum extent feasible and, as reconditioned, supplements it
with landscaping that is compatible with and enhances the rural character of the
community.
E. The development plan substantially preserves the natural and
undeveloped state of the lot by minimizing building coverage because the new
RESOLUTION NO. 97-4
PAGE 3 OF 9
N N
structures will not cause the structural and total lot coverage to be exceeded.
Significant portions of the lot will be left undeveloped so as to minimize the impact
of development. Further, the proposed project will have a buildable pad coverage of
24.73%. Significant portions of the lot will be left undeveloped so as to maintain
scenic vistas across the northerly portions of the property.
F. The proposed development, as conditioned, is harmonious in scale
and mass with the site, the natural terrain and surrounding residences. As indicated
in Paragraph A, the lot coverage maximum will not be exceeded and the proposed
project is consistent with the scale of the neighborhood when compared to this very
large lot. Grading was done to repair eroded drainage facilities and to restore the
natural slope of the property and to stabilize a graded "key" in an existing previously
graded slope. The ratio of the proposed structure to lot size is similar to the ratio
found on several properties in the vicinity.
G. The proposed development is sensitive to and not detrimental to the
convenience and safety of circulation of pedestrians and vehicles because the
proposed project will utilize Buggy Whip Drive for access and has been conditioned
to provide adequate sight distance between the driveway and approaching vehicles
along Buggy Whip Drive.
H. The project will not have a significant effect on the environment and
the Planning Commission adopted a mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance
with the California Environmental Quality Act.
Section 10. Based upon the foregoing findings, the Planning Commission
hereby approves a modification to an approved Site Plan Review application to
allow the existing increased grading on the site for a single family residence, garages,
guest house, pool, tennis court, and stable. The modifications are shown on the
Development Plan and marked Exhibit A in Zoning Case No. 548. These approved
modifications are subject to the conditions contained in Section 10 of this
Resolution.
Section 11. The modification to permit the existing increased grading from
the amount previously approved in the Site Plan Review application, that is
approved in Section 9, as indicated on the Development Plan attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Exhibit A in Zoning Case No. 548, is subject to the following
list of conditions. These conditions include applicable conditions of approval
previously imposed on the Site Plan Review application by Resolution No. 96-10 on
May 21, 1996. To the extent these conditions duplicate prior conditions imposed on
this project, the conditions set forth herein shall be considered as continuations of
those prior requirements:
A. Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review approvals shall expire
within one year from the effective date of approval as defined in Sections
17.42.070(A) and 17.46.080(A).
RESOLUTION NO. 97-4
PAGE 4 OF 9
B. It is declared and made a condition of the Conditional Use Permit and
Site Plan Review approvals, that if any conditions thereof are violated, the Permit
shall be suspended and the privileges granted thereunder shall lapse; provided that
the applicant has been given written notice to cease such violation and has failed to
do so for a period of thirty (30) days.
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 approved by Variance.
D. The lot shall be developed and maintained in substantial conformance
with the site plan on file marked Exhibit A in Zoning Case No. 548 dated January 15,
1997, except as otherwise provided in these conditions.
E. The property on which the project is located shall contain an area of
sufficient size to also provide an area meeting all standards for a stable and corral
with vehicular access thereto.
F. Structural lot coverage shall not exceed 21,314 square feet or 7.67% and
total lot coverage of structures and paved areas shall not exceed 38,372 square feet or
13.81%.
G. Total grading for this project, including all other approvals for this
property, shall not exceed 15,345 cubic yards of cut soil and 15,345 cubic yards of fill
soil.
H. The tennis court that was previously approved shall not be constructed
above ground, the site plan for the project shall be revised to show its deletion from
the approved plan, and the former location shall be appropriately landscaped in
conformance with Conditions 0 and P.
I. The previously graded area planned for the above ground tennis court
shall be restored to its natural terrain.
J. Maximum disturbed area shall not exceed 39.8%.
K. The elevation of the previously graded residential building pad shall be
restored and shall not exceed 1,089 feet.
L. The roof pitch of the residence shall not exceed 3.5 to 1.
M. Prior to the submittal of an applicable final grading plan to the County
of Los Angeles for plan check, an Agreement between the applicant and the City of
Rolling Hills to prohibit tennis court use of the basement located beneath the
garages and storage areas shall be recorded, or the approval shall not be effective.
RESOLUTION NO. 97-4
PAGE 5 OF 9
N. Any grading shall preserve the existing topography, flora, and natural
features to the greatest extent possible.
O. A new landscape plan must be submitted for review by the Planning
Department and include native drought -resistant vegetation that will not disrupt
the impact of the views of neighboring properties prior to the issuance of any
building or grading permit. The landscaping plan submitted must comply with the
purpose and intent of the Site Plan Review Ordinance, shall incorporate existing
mature trees and native vegetation, and shall utilize to the maximum extent
feasible, plants that are native to the area and/or consistent with the rural character
of the community.
A bond in the amount of the cost estimate of the implementation of the landscaping
plan plus 15% shall be required to be posted prior to issuance of a grading and
building permit and shall be retained with the City for not less than two years after
landscape installation. The retained bond will be released by the City Manager after
the City Manager determines that the landscaping was installed pursuant to the
landscaping plan as approved, and that such landscaping is properly established and
in good condition.
P. Landscaping shall be designed so as not to obstruct views of
neighboring properties but, to obscure proposed structures.
Q•
point.
All retaining walls shall not be greater than five feet in height at any
R. Noise from tennis court use shall not create a nuisance to owners of
surrounding properties.
S. No kitchen or other cooking facilities shall be provided within the new
guest house.
T. No vehicular access or paved parking area shall be developed within 50
feet of the new guest house.
U. Occupancy of the new guest house shall be limited to persons
employed on the premises and their immediate family or by the temporary guest of
the occupants of the main residence. No guest may remain in occupancy for more
than 30 days in any six month period.
V. Renting of the new guest house is prohibited.
W . Building permits shall be obtained for each structure including
residence, attached garage, pool, stable, retaining walls, tennis court, and guest
house.
RESOLUTION NO. 97-4
PAGE 6 OF 9
X. There shall be only a single driveway access to Buggy Whip Drive
which shall be located so that its southerly edge is 43 feet north of the southerly
property line on Buggy Whip Drive.
Y. The driveway apron shall be 26 feet in width for at least 24 feet inward
from Buggy Whip Drive.
Z. The driveway shall not be less than 16 feet nor more than 20 feet in
width. The driveway leading from the roadway shall be revised to reflect the
driveway configuration within the front yard setback shown on the site plan dated
February 14, 1995.
AA. The trees within the driveway access area along Buggy Whip Drive
shall be trimmed and maintained to accommodate sight distance for ingress and
egress to the property.
BB. During the construction phase, the currently configured driveway
entrance near the southerly boundary may be utilized.
CC. The modifications to the driveway described in Conditions X, Y, Z, and
AA shall be implemented within six months of the approval of this resolution.
DD. Prior to the submittal of an applicable final grading plan to the County
of Los Angeles for plan check, a detailed grading and drainage plan with related
geology, soils and hydrology reports that conform to the development plan as
approved by the Planning Commission must be submitted to the Rolling Hills
Planning Department staff for their review. Cut and fill slopes must conform to the
City of Rolling Hills standard of 2 to 1 slope ratio.
EE. At the completion of grading for the project, an "as built" grading plan
stamped by a Certified Civil Engineer shall be prepared that conforms to the
development plan as approved by the Planning Commission that includes a
residential building pad height of 1,089 feet and shall be submitted to the Rolling
Hills Planning Department staff for their review.
FF. The project must be reviewed and approved by the Rolling Hills
Community Association Architectural Review Committee prior to the issuance of
any building or grading permit.
GG. The working drawings submitted to the County Department of
Building and Safety for plan check review must conform to the development plan
described in Condition A.
RESOLUTION NO. 97-4
PAGE 7 OF 9
N 011
HH. The applicant shall execute an Affidavit of Acceptance of all conditions
of this Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review, pursuant to Section 17.42.060,
or the approval shall not be effective.
II. In the event that subsurface material of an archaeological,
paleontological or other cultural resource is encountered during project grading or
development, all grading and construction shall cease in the immediate area, and
the find shall be left untouched until a qualified professional archaeologist or
paleontologist, whichever is appropriate, is contacted and called in to evaluate the
find and makes recommendations as to disposition, mitigation or salvage. The
developer shall incur the cost of such professional investigation. The developer
shall comply with the mitigation measures recommended and approved by the City
for the disposition, mitigation or salvage of such material.
JJ. Further subdivision of the property shall not be permitted.
KK During the construction phase, the existing guest house that
encroaches into the front yard setback may be used as a construction workroom.
However, the existing guest house along with the existing driveway that parallels
Buggy Whip Drive shall be demolished and all related debris removed prior to final
inspection of the newly constructed residential structure by the County Department
of Building and Safety and the Rolling Hills Planning Department.
LL. Notwithstanding Section 17.46.070 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code,
any modifications to the project which would constitute additional structural
development shall require the filing of a new application for Site Plan Review
approval by the Planning Commission.
MM. All conditions of these Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit
approvals must be complied with prior to the issuance of a building or grading
permit from the County of Los Angeles, except as otherwise indicated.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THE'11TH'QAX FEBRUARY, 1997.
ALLAN ROBERTS, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
Y� . K
MArRILYn�I�Qk:ERN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
RESOLUTION NO. 97-4
PAGE 8 OF 9
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
) §§
I certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 97-4 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF ROLLING HILLS APPROVING A REQUEST FOR
MODIFICATIONS TO AN APPROVED SITE PLAN REVIEW
APPLICATION TO, ALLOW INCREASED GRADING FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT IN ZONING CASE NO. 548.
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission on
February 11, 1997 by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioners Hankins, Margeta, Witte and Chairman
Roberts.
NOES: Commissioner Sommer.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None .
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices
MARILYN KE N, EPUTY CITY CLERK
RESOLUTION NO. 97-4
PAGE 9 OF 9
RESOLUTION NO. 97-3
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING A REQUEST FOR MODIFICATIONS
TO AN APPROVED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A SUBTERRANEAN TENNIS COURT IN
ZONING CASE NO. 548.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES HEREBY
FIND, RESOLVE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. An application was duly filed on December 5, 1996 by Mr. John
Z. Blazevich with respect to real property at 1 Buggy Whip Drive (Lot 176-A-MS and
a portion of Lot 176-MS) requesting a modification to an approved Conditional Use
Permit to allow the relocation of a tennis court from a specified location on the
surface of the project site into a basement beneath garages and storage areas. At the
same time, another application was duly filed requesting a modification to an
approved Site Plan Review application to increase grading for a project that
involves the construction of a single family residence, garages, guest house, pool,
tennis court, and stable. These applications were made after it came to light that a
basement to be used as a tennis court had been excavated without City and County
approvals.
Section 2. The Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public
hearing to consider the December 5, 1996 applications on December 17, 1996 and
February 11, 1997, and at a field trip visit on February 8, 1997.
Section 3. The applicant was notified of the public hearing in writing by
first class mail and through the City's newsletter. Evidence was heard and
presented from all persons interested in affecting said proposal, from all persons
protesting the same, and from members of the City staff and the Planning
Commission having reviewed, analyzed and studied said proposal. Concerns
expressed by Commissioners, residents and the applicant focused on the excavation
that took place without City and County approvals, the height of the building pad,
the height of the residence and the pitch of the roof, remediation of a drainage
course and the instability of a supporting "key" to the existing building pad which
was previously undetected, and the impairment of views caused by the premature
planting of large trees on the subject site.
Section 4. On February 14, 1995, the City Council approved the first site
plan for the property and a Conditional Use Permit for a tennis court by Resolution
No. 754 in Zoning Case No. 505A. This followed the Planning Commission's
approval of that first project by Resolution No. 94-21 in Zoning Case No. 505A on
November 22, 1994.
RESOLUTION NO. 97-3
PAGE 1 OF 5
•• N
Section 5. On October 17, 1995, the Planning Commission approved a
request for modifications to the approved Site Plan Review application by
Resolution No. 95-14 in Zoning Case No. 533 for the construction of a new single
family residence, tennis court and other improvements to replace an existing single
family residence and tennis court.
Section 6. On May 21, 1996, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution
No. 96-10 in Zoning Case No. 539 approving a Conditional Use Permit for the
construction of a guest house and approving the addition of the same guest house to
a previously approved Site Plan Review application for the construction of a new
single family residential development.
Section 7. The Los Angeles County Department of Building and Safety
notified the City that a revised grading plan submitted on October 26, 1996 had been
submitted by the applicant that showed substantial amounts of additional grading.
The Grading Plan Checker for the County reported that the original grading plan
had been checked and approved for both grading and drainage and that there was
now a disparity in grading volumes because of the addition of two substantial
basements; one beneath the residence and one beneath garages and storage areas. At
the construction site, the basement to be used as a tennis court had been excavated
without City and County approvals and the soil displaced therefrom had been used
to stabilize a "key" in a slope and to correct erosion in a drainage course.
Section 8. A mitigated Negative Declaration for the original project was
prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and adopted
by the Planning Commission on November 22, 1994. The Planning Commission
finds that the project as modified subsequently and as presented by this application
is within the scope of the previously adopted Negative Declaration. The Planning
Commission further finds that the project as modified will not have any new or
substantlally greater environmental impacts than considered in the original
Negative Declaration.
Section 9. With respect to the request to approve a modification to the
Conditional Use Permit for a tennis court to allow the tennis court to be relocated
from an approved at -grade location into a basement, the Planning Commission
makes the following findings:
A. The granting of the requested modification of a Conditional Use Permit
for a tennis court would be consistent with the purposes and objectives of the
Zoning Ordinance and General Plan and will be desirable for the public convenience
and welfare because the placement of recreational facilities underground is
consistent with similar recreational uses in the community and the court will be
located in an area of the property where such use will not be intrusive to
surrounding properties.
RESOLUTION NO. 97-3
PAGE 2 OF 5
B. The granting of the requested modification would be consistent with
the purposes and objectives of the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan because the
placement of recreational facilities underground will comply with the low profile
residential development pattern of the community and will be located on a 7.43 acre
parcel of property that is adequate in size, shape and topography to accommodate
such use.
C. The granting of the requested modification would be consistent with
the purposes and objectives of the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan because the
tennis court will not impact the view or the privacy of neighbors. The tennis court
will be underground and there will not be any issues related to noise, lights, or glare
that could intrude upon surrounding properties. The Planning Commission
further finds that the basement into which the tennis court will be located has
already been excavated, that the City's existing Code provisions do not preclude a
basement at that location or preclude the depth of the basement. Consequently, if
there is to be a basement of that size under the existing standards, the placement of
the tennis court underground rather than above ground would be the best use of
those existing conditions.
Section 10. Based upon the foregoing findings, the Planning Commission
hereby approves the request for a modification to a Conditional Use Permit in
Zoning Case No. 548 to allow the proposed 7,060 square foot tennis court to be
located within a basement, as shown on the Development Plan dated December 5,
1996 and marked Exhibit A, subject to the following conditions:
A. The Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review approvals shall
expire within one year from the effective date of approval as defined in Section
17.42.070(A).
B. It is declared and made a condition of the Conditional Use Permit
approval that if any conditions thereof are violated the Permit shall be suspended
and the privileges granted thereunder shall lapse; provided that the applicant has
been given written notice to cease such violation and has failed to do so for a period
of thirty (30) days.
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 approved by Variance.
D. The lot shall be developed and maintained in substantial conformance
with the site plan on file marked Exhibit A dated December 5, 1996 except as
otherwise provided in these conditions. The excavation for the underground tennis
court shall not exceed 3,000 cubic yards of soil and shall be limited in floor size to
7,800 square feet.
RESOLUTION NO. 97-3
PAGE 3 OF 5
E. The basement and underground tennis court shall have one standard
door opening not to exceed three feet by six feet, eight inches for ingress/egress to
the exterior. The accessway to the door opening shall not exceed four feet in width
and shall be incorporated into the overall design of the building but shall not have
any other exterior openings, sun lights or similar devices.
F. The tennis court that was previously approved shall not be constructed
above ground, the site plan for the project shall be revised to show its deletion from
the approved plan, and the former location shall be appropriately landscaped in
conformance with the conditions of the current Site Plan Review approval.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THE 11TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1997.
ALLAN ROBERTS, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
MARILYN K RN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
RESOLUTION NO. 97-3
PAGE 4 OF 5
N
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
) §§
I certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 97-3 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING A REQUEST FOR MODIFICATIONS
TO AN APPROVED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A SUBTERRANEAN TENNIS COURT IN
ZONING CASE NO. 548.
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission on
February 11, 1997 by the following roll call vote:
Commissioners Hankins, Margeta, Witte and Chairman
Roberts.
AYES:
NOES:
Commissioner Sommer.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices
MARILYN KERN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
RESOLUTION NO. 97-3
PAGE 5 OF 5
RESOLUTION NO. 809
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS GRANTING A REQUEST FOR MODIFICATIONS TO AN
APPROVED. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A SUBTERRANEAN TENNIS COURT AND
APPROVING A REQUEST FOR MODIFICATIONS TO A N
APPROVED SITE PLAN REVIEW APPLICATION TO ALLOW
INCREASED GRADING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN ZONING CASE
NO. 548.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES HEREBY
FIND, RESOLVE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Applications were duly filed on December 5, 1996 by Mr. John Z.
Blazevich with respect to real property at 1 Buggy Whip Drive (Lot 176-A-MS and a
portion of Lot 176-MS) requesting a modification to an approved Conditional Use
Permit to allow the relocation of a tennis court from a specified location on the
surface of the project site into a basement beneath garages and storage areas and
requesting a modification to an approved Site Plan Review application to increase
grading for a project that involves the construction of a single family residence,
garages, guest house, pool, tennis court, and stable. These applications were made
after it came to light that a basement to be used as a tennis court had been excavated
without City and County approvals.
Section 2. The Planning Commission approved the December 5, 1997
applications by Resolution Nos. 97-3 and 97-4 in Zoning Case No. 548 on February
11, 1997. Concerns expressed by Commissioners, residents and the applicant focused
on the excavation that took place without City and County approvals, the height of
the building pad, the height of the residence and the pitch of the roof, remediation
of a drainage course and the instability of a supporting "key" to the existing building
pad which was previously undetected, and the impairment of views caused by the
premature planting of large redwood trees on the subject site.
Section 3. The City Council took jurisdiction of the case at their meeting on
February 24, 1997 because of the size of the project. The Council conducted a duly
noticed public hearing to consider the December 5, 1996 applications on March 10,
1997, March 24, 1997, and April 14, 1997, and at a field trip visit on March 24, 1997.
Section 4. The applicant was notified of the public hearing in writing by
first class mail and through the City's newsletter. Evidence was heard and
presented from all persons interested in affecting said proposal, from all persons
protesting the same, and from members of the City staff and the City Council having
reviewed, analyzed and studied said proposal. Concerns expressed by
Councilmembers, residents and the applicant focused on the excavation that took
place without City and County approvals, the disruption to the property and the
neighbors, the height of the building pad, the height of the residence and the pitch
of the roof, remediation of a drainage course and the instability of a supporting
"key" to the existing building pad which was previously undetected, and the
impairment of views caused by the premature planting of large redwood trees on
the subject site.
Section 5. On February 14, 1995, the City Council approved the first site
plan for the property and a Conditional Use Permit for a tennis court by Resolution
No. 754 in Zoning Case No. 505A. This followed the Planning Commission's
approval of that first project by Resolution No. 94-21 in Zoning Case No. 505A on
November 22, 1994.
Section 6. On October 17, 1995, the Planning Commission approved a
request for modifications to the approved Site Plan Review application by
Resolution No. 95-14 in Zoning Case No. 533 for the construction of a new single
Resolution No. 809 -1-
family residence, tennis court and other improvements to replace an existing single
family residence and tennis court. The modified plan included above ground
garages that were formerly proposed as semisubterranean garage space.
Section 7. On May 21, 1996, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution
No. 96-10 in Zoning Case No. 539 approving a Conditional Use Permit for the
construction of a guest house and approving the addition of the same guest house to
a previously approved Site Plan Review application for the construction of a new
single family residential development.
Section 8. The Los Angeles County Department of Building and Safety
notified the City that a revised grading plan submitted on October 26, 1996 had been
submitted by the applicant that showed substantial amounts of additional grading.
The Grading Plan Checker for the County reported that the original grading plan
had been checked and approved for both grading and drainage and that there was
now a disparity in grading volumes because of the addition of two substantial
basements; one beneath the residence and one beneath garages and storage areas. At
the construction site, the basement to be used as a tennis court had been excavated
without City and County approvals and the soil displaced therefrom had been used
to stabilize a "key" in a slope and to correct erosion in a drainage course.
Section 9. A mitigated Negative Declaration for the original project was
prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and adopted
by the Planning Commission on November 22, 1994. The City Council concurs
with the Planning Commission's finding that the project as modified subsequently
and as presented by this application is within the scope of the previously adopted
Negative Declaration. The City Council further finds that the project as modified
will not have any new or substantially greater environmental impacts than
considered in the original Negative Declaration.
Section 10. With respect to the request to approve a modification to the
Conditional Use Permit for a tennis court to allow the tennis court to be relocated
from an approved at -grade location into a basement, the City Council makes the
following findings:
A. The granting of the requested modification of a Conditional Use Permit
for a tennis court would be consistent with the purposes and objectives of the
Zoning Ordinance and General Plan and will be desirable for the public convenience
and welfare because the placement of this recreational facility underground will
reduce the amount of structures covering the lot and will help to reduce the impacts
of a tennis court, in terms of noise and aesthetics on surrounding neighbors.
B. The granting of the requested modification would be consistent with
the purposes and objectives of the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan because the
placement of this recreational facility underground will comply with the low profile
residential development pattern of the community and will be located on a 7.43 acre
parcel of property that is adequate in size, shape and topography to accommodate
such use.
C. The granting of the requested modification would be consistent with
the purposes and objectives of the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan because the
tennis court will not impact the view or the privacy of neighbors. The tennis court
will be underground and there will not be any issues related to noise, lights, or glare
that could intrude upon surrounding properties. The Planning Commission
further finds that the basement into which the tennis court will be located has
already been excavated, that the City's existing Code provisions do not preclude a
basement at that location or preclude the depth of the basement. Consequently, if
there is to be a basement of that size under the existing standards, the placement of
the tennis court underground rather than above ground would be the best use of
those existing conditions.
P De n1llfl nn Nn R(1Q
Section 11. Based upon the foregoing findings, the City Council hereby
approves the request for a modification to a Conditional Use Permit in Zoning Case
No. 548 to allow the proposed 7,060 square foot tennis court to be located within a
basement, as shown on the Development. Plan dated December 5, 1996 and marked
Exhibit A. These approved modifications are subject to the conditions contained in
Section 14 of this Resolution.
Section 12. Section 17.46.010 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code requires a
development plan to be submitted for site plan review and approval before any
building or structure may be constructed or any expansion, addition, alteration or
repair to existing buildings may be made which involve changes to grading or an
increase to the size of the building or structure by at least 1,000 square feet and has
the effect of increasing the size of the building or structure by more than twenty-five
percent (25%) in any thirty-six month period. In addition, a condition of Resolution
No. 96-10 required that any modifications to the project which would constitute
additional structural development requires the filing of a new application for Site
Plan Review approval by the Planning Commission. The applicant is requesting to
modify the approved Site Plan by relocating a tennis court to a basement beneath
garages and storage areas and requesting to modify the approved Site Plan to
increase grading on the site to repair drainage facilities. The applicant's latest
proposal submitted on December 5, 1996, includes additional grading of 7,705 cubic
yards of cut soil and 7,705 cubic yards of fill soil for a total of 15,345 cubic yards of cut
soil and 15,345 cubic yards of fill soil. With respect to this request, the Planning
Commission makes the following findings of fact:
A. The development is compatible with the General Plan, the Zoning
Ordinance and surrounding uses because the proposed grading together with the
other improvements on the property complies with the General Plan requirement
of low profile, low density residential development with sufficient open space
between surrounding structures. The project as modified conforms to Zoning Code
setback and lot coverage requirements. The lot has a net square foot area of 277,844
square feet (7.43 acres). The residence (9,333 sq.ft.), attached garage (2,265 sq.ft.),
swimming pool (1,310 sq. ft.), subterranean tennis court (7,060 sq.ft.), stable (450
sq.ft.), service yard (96 sq.ft.); and guest house (800 sq.ft.) will have 21,314 square feet
which constitutes 7.67% of the lot which is within the maximum 20% structural lot
coverage requirement. The total lot coverage including paved areas and driveway
will be 38,372 square feet which equals 13.81% of the lot, which is within the 35%
maximum overall lot coverage requirement. The proposed project is on a relatively
large lot with the proposed structures located away from the road so as to reduce the
visual impact of the development and is similar and compatible with several
neighboring developments. The building pad is 86,205 square feet and structural
coverage on the building pad is 24.73%.
B. The development, as modified, preserves and integrates into the site
design, to the maximum extent feasible, existing natural topographic features of the
lot including surrounding native vegetation, mature trees, drainage courses, and
land forms (such as hillsides and knolls). Portions of the grading will improve and
repair the condition of an eroded drainage course and help to stabilize a graded
"key" in the existing building pad.
C. The development plan follows natural contours of the site to
minimize grading and the natural drainage courses will continue to the eastern
canyon at the rear of the lot. The additional grading quantities do not cause
substantial modification to land forms because a portion of displaced soil will be
used to correct eroded drainage facilities and is offset by the fact that graded areas
will be compacted to a higher compaction level than existing soil conditions.
D. The development plan incorporates existing large trees and native
vegetation to the maximum extent feasible and, as reconditioned, supplements it
with landscaping that is compatible with and enhances the rural character of the
community.
Resolution No. 809 -
E. The development plan substantially preserves the natural and
undeveloped state of the lot by minimizing building coverage because the new
structures will not cause the structural and total lot coverage to be exceeded.
Significant portions of the lot will be left undeveloped so as to minimize the impact
of development. Further, the proposed project will have a buildable pad coverage of
24.73%. Significant portions of the lot will be left undeveloped so as to maintain
scenic vistas across the northerly portions of the property.
F. The proposed development, as conditioned, is harmonious in scale
and mass with the site, the natural terrain and surrounding residences. As indicated
in Paragraph A, the lot coverage maximum will not be exceeded and the proposed
project is consistent with the scale of the neighborhood when compared to this very
large lot. Grading was done to repair eroded drainage facilities and to restore the
natural slope of the property and to stabilize a graded "key" in an existing previously
graded slope. The ratio of the proposed structure to lot size is similar to the ratio
found on several properties in the vicinity.
G. The proposed development is sensitive to and not detrimental to the
convenience and safety of circulation of pedestrians and vehicles because the
proposed project will utilize Buggy Whip Drive for access and has been conditioned
to provide adequate sight distance between the driveway and approaching vehicles
along Buggy Whip Drive.
H. The project will not have a significant effect on the environment and
the City previously adopted a mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance with the
California Environmental Quality Act.
Section 13. Based upon the foregoing findings, the Planning Commission
hereby approves a modification to an approved Site Plan Review application to
allow the relocation of a tennis court from a specified location on the surface of the
project site into a basement beneath garages and storage areas and to allow existing
increased grading on the site for a single family residence, garages, guest house, pool,
tennis court, and stable. The modifications are shown on the Development Plan
and marked Exhibit A in Zoning Case No. 548. These approved modifications are
subject to the conditions contained in Section 14 of this Resolution.
Section 14. The modification to an approved Conditional Use Permit in
Zoning Case No. 548 to allow the proposed 7,060 square foot tennis court to be
located within a basement and a modification to permit the existing increased
grading from the amount previously approved in the Site Plan Review application
that are approved in Sections 11 and 13, as indicated on the Development Plan
attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit A in Zoning Case No. 548, are
subject to the following list of conditions. These conditions include applicable
conditions of approval previously imposed on the Site Plan Review application by
Resolution No. 96-10 on May 21, 1996. To the extent these conditions duplicate prior
conditions imposed on this project, the conditions set forth herein shall be
considered as continuations of those prior requirements:
A. Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review approvals shall expire
within one year from the effective date of approval as defined in Sections
17.42.070(A) and 17.46.080(A).
B. It is declared and made a condition of the Conditional Use Permit and
Site Plan Review approvals, that if any conditions thereof are violated, the Permit
shall be suspended and the privileges granted thereunder shall lapse; provided that
the applicant has been given written notice to cease such violation and has failed to
do so for a period of thirty (30) days.
Resolution No. 809 -4-
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 approved, by Variance.
D. The lot shall be developed and maintained in substantial conformance
with the site plan on file marked Exhibit A in Zoning Case No. 548 dated January 15,
1997, except as otherwise provided in these conditions.
E. The property on which the project is located shall contain an area of
sufficient size to also provide an area meeting all standards for a stable and corral
with vehicular access thereto.
F. Structural lot coverage shall not exceed 21,314 square feet or 7.67% and
total lot coverage of structures and paved areas shall not exceed 38,372 square feet or
13.81%.
G. Total grading for this project, including all other approvals for this
property, shall not exceed 15,345 cubic yards of cut soil and 15,345 cubic yards of fill
soil.
H. Maximum disturbed area of the lot shall not exceed 39.8% of the net lot
area.
I. The tennis court that was previously approved shall not be constructed
above ground, the site plan for the project shall be revised to show its deletion from
the approved plan, and the former location shall be appropriately landscaped in
conformance with Conditions U, V, and W.
J. The previously graded area planned for the above ground tennis court
shall be restored to the natural terrain.
K. The excavation for the underground tennis court shall not exceed 3,000
cubic yards of soil and shall be limited in floor size to 7,800 square feet.
L. The basement and underground tennis court shall have one standard
door opening not to exceed three feet by six feet, eight inches for ingress/egress to
the exterior. The accessway to the door opening shall not exceed four feet in width
and shall be incorporated into the overall design of the building but shall not have
any other exterior openings, sun lights or similar devices. Two exits, one interior
and one exterior, shall be required for the basement and the tennis court facility as
required by County Building and Safety regulations.
M. The air exchange unit for the underground tennis court shall be located
within the tennis court facility to minimize noise.
N. The elevation of the previously graded residential building pad shall be
restored and shall not exceed 1,089 feet.
O. The applicant shall fund an independent engineering verification of
the pad height following the completion of grading if deemed necessary by the City
Manager.
P. The northwest corner of the residential building pad near Buggy Whip
Drive shall be scaled back so as to provide a clear view to the sky by a six foot tall
person standing at the edge of the paved roadway below the corner of the building
pad and shall not show the terraced or increased height of the building pad.
Q. The roof pitch of the residence shall not exceed 3 to 1.
R. The height of the residence shall not exceed 21. feet (1,110 foot
elevation).
Resolution No. 809
S. Prior to the submittal of an applicable final grading plan to the County
of Los Angeles for plan check, a detailed grading and drainage plan with related
geology, soils and hydrology reports that conform to the development plan as
approved by the Planning Commission must be submitted to the Rolling Hills
Planning Department staff for their review. Cut and fill slopes shall not exceed a
steepness of a 2 to 1 slope ratio.
T. Any grading shall preserve the existing topography, flora, and natural
features to the greatest extent possible.
U. All redwood trees planted by the property owner except for those
redwood trees that were on the premises prior to May 21, 1996 shall be removed by
the applicant within six (6) months of the date. of this resolution (by October 28,
1997). Failure to remove all redwood trees shall constitute grounds for issuance of a
stop work order and, ultimately, revocation of the building permit issued for the
construction pursuant to this approval.
V. A new landscape plan shall be submitted for review and approval by
the Planning Department that shall not include any redwood trees or any other
vegetation of a type or in a location that is likely to create a view obstruction. The
vegetation selected in the landscape plan and any other vegetation planted on the
property after the date of approval of this resolution shall consist of trees or shrubs
that at maturity do not exceed a maximum height of twenty-five (25) feet as
determined by staff (except for vegetation planted in an area in the canyon north of
the residence where it will not obstruct any neighbor's views). All vegetation
hereafter planted shall be maintained at a maximum height of twenty-five (25) feet
should the vegetation exceed that maximum height.
Nothing herein shall require the removal of trees existing on the property as
of the date of this resolution other than the redwoods required to be removed
pursuant to Condition U.
Should staff determine that vegetation planted after the date hereof exceeds
25 feet in height (except for vegetation planted in an area in the canyon north of the
residence where it will not obstruct any neighbor's views) and after notice to the
property owner and reasonable opportunity has been given for the trees to be
appropriately trimmed, the property owner hereby gives permission to the City to
enter upon the property to take appropriate action to lower the height of the trees or
otherwise trim the trees at the property owner's expense. Should the property
owner fail to make payment after receipt of an invoice for reimbursement to the
City of the cost of the work, the City is hereby authorized to place a lien on the
property for collection of the tree trimming fees.
W . The new landscape plan shall be designed so as not to obstruct views of
neighboring properties but, to obscure proposed structures.
X. The new landscape plan shall include native drought -resistant
vegetation that will not disrupt the impact of the views of neighboring properties
prior to and following the issuance of any building or grading permit. The
landscaping plan submitted must comply with the purpose and intent of the Site
Plan Review Ordinance, shall incorporate existing mature trees and native
vegetation, and shall utilize to the maximum extent feasible, plants that are native
to the area and/or consistent with the rural character of the community.
A bond in the amount of the cost estimate of the implementation of the
landscaping plan plus 15% shall be required to be posted prior to issuance of a
grading and building permit and shall be retained with the City for not less than two
years after landscape installation. The retained bond will be released by the City
Manager after the City Manager determines that the landscaping was installed
Resolution No. 809 -6-
pursuant. to the landscaping plan as approved, and that such landscaping is properly
established and in good condition.
Y. All retaining walls shall not be greater than five feet in height at any
point.
Z. Noise from tennis court use shall not create a nuisance to owners of.
surrounding properties.
AA. No kitchen or other cooking facilities shall be provided within the new
guest house.
BB. No vehicular access or paved parking area shall be developed within 50
feet of the new guest house.
CC. Occupancy of the new guest house shall be limited to persons
employed on the premises and their immediate family or by the temporary guest of
the occupants of the main residence. No guest may remain in occupancy for more
than 30 days in any six month period.
DD. Renting of the new guest house is prohibited.
EE. Building permits shall be obtained for each structure including
residence, attached garage, pool, stable, retaining walls, tennis court, and guest
house.
FF. There shall be only a single driveway access to Buggy Whip Drive
which shall be located so that its southerly edge is 43 feet north of the southerly
property line on Buggy Whip Drive.
GG. The driveway apron shall be 26 feet in width for at least 24 feet inward
from Buggy Whip Drive.
HH. The driveway shall not be less than 16 feet nor more than 20 feet in
width. The driveway leading from the roadway shall be revised to reflect the
driveway configuration within the front yard setback shown on the site plan dated
February 14,1995.
11. The trees within the driveway access area along Buggy Whip Drive
shall be trimmed and maintained to accommodate sight distance for ingress and
egress to the property.
JJ. During the construction phase, the currently configured driveway
entrance near the southerly boundary may be utilized.
KK. The modifications to the driveway described in Conditions X, Y, Z, and
AA shall be implemented within six months of the approval of this resolution.
LL. Prior to the submittal of an applicable final grading plan to the County
of Los Angeles for plan check, a detailed grading and drainage plan with related
geology, soils and hydrology reports that conform to the development plan as
approved by the Planning Commission must be submitted to the Rolling Hills
Planning Department staff for their review. Cut and fill slopes must conform to the
City of Rolling Hills standard of 2 to 1 slope ratio.
MM. At the completion of grading for the project, an "as built" grading plan
stamped by a Certified Civil Engineer shall be prepared that conforms to the
development plan as approved by the City Council that includes a residential
building pad height of 1,089 feet and shall be submitted to the Rolling Hills Planning
Department staff for their review.
Resolution No. 809 -7-
NN. The project must be reviewed and approved by the Rolling Hills
Community Association Architectural Review Committee prior to the issuance of
any building or grading permit.
00. The working drawings submitted to the County Department of
Building and Safety for plan check review must conform to the development plan
described in Condition A.
PP. The applicant shall execute an Affidavit of Acceptance of all conditions
of this Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review, pursuant to Section 17.42.060,
or the approval shall not be effective.
QQ. In the event that subsurface material of an archaeological,
paleontological or other cultural resource is encountered during project grading or
development, all grading and construction shall cease in the immediate area, and
the find shall be left untouched until a qualified professional archaeologist or
paleontologist, whichever is appropriate, is contacted and called in to evaluate the
find and makes recommendations as to disposition, mitigation or salvage. The
developer shall incur the cost of such professional investigation. The developer
shall comply with the mitigation measures recommended and approved by the City
for the disposition, mitigation or salvage of such material.
RR. Further subdivision of the property shall not be permitted.
SS. During the construction phase, the existing guest house that
encroaches into the front yard setback may be used as a construction workroom.
However, the existing guest house along with the existing driveway that parallels
Buggy Whip Drive shall be demolished and all related debris removed prior to final
inspection of the newly constructed residential structure by the County Department
of Building and Safety and the Rolling Hills Planning Department.
TT. Notwithstanding Section 17.46.070 of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code,
any modifications to the project which would constitute additional structural
development shall require the filing of a new application for Site Plan Review
approval by the Planning Commission.
UU. All conditions of these Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit
approvals must be complied with prior to the issuance of a building or grading
permit from the County of Los Angeles, except as otherwise indicated.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THE 28TH DAY APRIL, 1997.
ATTEST:
MARILYN 'KERN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
Resolution No. 809 -8-
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §§
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS )
I certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 809 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS GRANTING A REQUEST FOR MODIFICATIONS TO A N
APPROVED CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A SUBTERRANEAN TENNIS COURT AND
APPROVING A REQUEST FOR MODIFICATIONS TO A N
APPROVED SITE PLAN REVIEW APPLICATION TO ALLOW
INCREASED GRADING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN ZONING CASE
NO. 548.
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on April 28, 1997
by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Murdock, Pernell, Mayor Pro Tem Hill and Mayor
Lay.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: Heinsheimer.
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices
Sf' • P� .f
MAlat ERN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
Resolution No. 809 -9-